Heat Pump Brand Comparisons: Head-to-Head Guides
Stuck between two brands on your quotes? These guides put the main UK heat pump ranges side by side using manufacturer data: efficiency, noise, sizes, hot water, apps and warranty.
- Manufacturer datasheets checked 25 October 2026
- Published data, not paid placement
- Independent UK research
Quick answer: does the brand matter?
Less than most people expect. The leading brands now all make R290 heat pumps that can run radiators at high temperatures and cope with UK winters. Correct sizing, good design and a well-set-up system usually make more difference to your bills and comfort than the badge on the outdoor unit.
Brand still matters for a few things: the sizes on offer, noise, indoor unit options, the app, and how long the warranty is with the installers near you. The guides below compare those, using published data.
Head-to-head heat pump comparisons
Each guide compares the closest model sizes from each brand.
Panasonic vs MitsubishiAquarea M Series vs Ecodan R290
Panasonic vs DaikinAquarea M Series vs Altherma 4 H
Daikin vs MitsubishiAltherma vs Ecodan
Samsung vs MitsubishiEHS Mono R290 vs Ecodan R290
Samsung vs DaikinEHS Mono R290 vs Altherma 4 H
Vaillant vs DaikinaroTHERM plus vs Altherma 4 H
Viessmann vs VaillantVitocal 150-A vs aroTHERM plus
The main brands at a glance
A summary of the R290 ranges covered in our best air source heat pumps guide. Warranty terms are in our warranties guide.
| Brand and range | Known for | App |
|---|---|---|
| Daikin Altherma 4 H | High-temperature retrofit, low noise at smaller sizes | Onecta |
| Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan R290 | Made in Scotland; sizes from 5kW; runs to -25°C | MELCloud Home |
| Panasonic Aquarea M Series | All-in-One indoor unit; runs to -28°C; 9kW and up | Comfort Cloud |
| Vaillant aroTHERM plus | Up to 75°C; uniTOWER indoor unit | myVAILLANT |
| Viessmann Vitocal 150-A | Designed for replacing boilers in existing homes | ViCare |
| Samsung EHS Mono R290 | 5 to 16kW; ClimateHub integrated indoor unit | SmartThings |
| LG THERMA V R290 | Monobloc range with smart home links | ThinQ |
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How we compare heat pumps
- We compare the closest sizes each brand makes, usually around 8–9kW, and name the exact model.
- Efficiency figures are the seasonal SCOP from manufacturer technical data, at 35°C and 55°C flow temperatures, for an average climate.
- Noise is compared as sound power, the figure manufacturers publish for the unit itself.
- Warranty terms come from each manufacturer’s UK pages, as summarised in our warranties guide.
- We do not test heat pumps ourselves and do not take payment from manufacturers to feature them.
If two installers quote different brands, ask each for the SCOP at the flow temperature they are designing for and the warranty they will register. Our guide to comparing heat pump quotes has a full checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Which heat pump brand is best in the UK?
There is no single best brand. Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Vaillant, Viessmann, Samsung and LG all make capable R290 heat pumps. The best choice depends on the size your home needs, noise constraints, indoor space and which brands local installers are accredited to fit.
Should I choose my installer or my heat pump brand first?
Usually the installer. A good MCS-certified installer will size and design the system properly, and their accreditation often decides how long your manufacturer warranty is.
Why do SCOP figures differ between sizes of the same range?
Each model size is tested separately, so efficiency varies across a range. That is why our comparisons name the exact model and size.
Sources and further reading
All sources checked on 25 October 2026. Specifications can change between model updates, so ask your installer for the datasheet of the exact model they quote.