If you’ve narrowed your choice to Mitsubishi Electric or Daikin, you’re already choosing between two of the best-known names in air conditioning. Both make reliable inverter heat pumps, both have wall units quiet enough for bedrooms and both have strong commercial ranges. You won’t make a bad choice between them if the system is sized and installed well.
So this comparison focuses on what actually differs: the shape of each UK range, the published figures, refrigerant choices, the apps and the warranty you’ll get. We install both brands and aren’t tied to either.
The UK wall-mounted ranges side by side
| Mitsubishi Electric (M Series) | Daikin | |
|---|---|---|
| Design-led | MSZ-LN (red, natural white, pearl white, black) | Emura (black, silver, white) |
| Premium performance | MSZ-RZ (R290) | Perfera; Ururu Sarara (adds dehumidification, air purification and fresh air) |
| Mid-range | MSZ-AY / MSZ-AP | Stylish; Comfora |
| Compact / minimalist | MSZ-EF Zen | Sensira |
| Value | MSZ-HR Classic | Sensira |
Sources: Mitsubishi Electric wall-mounted range, Daikin air conditioner range. The groupings are ours, to help you compare like with like. Mitsubishi Electric says its MSZ-HR costs about 20% less than the equivalent MSZ-AP.
Efficiency and noise
Both brands reach the top energy class with their best units, but they publish figures differently. Mitsubishi Electric gives detailed figures on the MSZ-RZ page: SEER up to 11.7, SCOP up to 5.3 (A+++) and 19 dB(A) indoors in both heating and cooling. Daikin’s pages give energy labels and quietest sound pressure:
| Model | Energy class (heat / cool) | Quietest stated |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-RZ | A+++ heating (SCOP up to 5.3); SEER up to 11.7 | 19 dB(A) |
| Daikin Perfera wall-mounted | Up to A+++ / up to A+++ | 19 dB(A) |
| Daikin Emura | Up to A+++ / up to A+++ | 19 dB(A) |
| Daikin Sensira | Up to A+ heating; cooling listed as up to A+ and up to A++ on the same page | 20 dB(A) |
In plain terms: at the premium end there’s little to separate them on noise, and the MSZ-RZ’s published SEER is exceptional. Lower down, check the figures for your exact model and size, because both brands’ value units give up some efficiency. For what these numbers mean on your bill, read /air-conditioning-energy-efficiency-scop-seer-epc/.
Refrigerant: R32 and R290
Most of both ranges use R32, which has a GWP of 675 (Regulation 517/2014, Annex I). Mitsubishi Electric’s MSZ-RZ uses R290 (propane), which the company gives a GWP of 0.02, and it has an integrated refrigerant sensor for early leak detection. R290 is a natural refrigerant with a very low climate impact. It’s also flammable, so installation rules and engineer training matter even more. Our /r32-vs-r410a-refrigerant-guide/ explains the background.
Features and apps
- Mitsubishi Electric. The MSZ-LN has built-in Wi-Fi with Alexa compatibility, an i-see sensor and a Plasma Quad Connect filter. The MSZ-RZ adds a 3D i-see sensor and the Plasma Quad-Plus filter, with control through the MELCloud app.
- Daikin. Perfera and Emura have Flash Streamer air purification, with Daikin’s Onecta app and Alexa or Google Home voice control. The Perfera has a motion sensor and 3D airflow; the Emura uses Coanda airflow. On the Sensira, Onecta control is listed as optional.
Both apps cover the basics well: on/off, mode, temperature and schedules. See /smart-air-conditioning-apps-home-automation/ and Daikin’s Onecta connection guide.
Want it done properly? AirCon Doctor installs, repairs and services air conditioning and heat pumps across London and the South East, from our base in East Grinstead. We’re an F-Gas certified company and NICEIC approved. Get a fixed-price quote.
Warranty: the biggest practical difference
This is where the brands really differ, and where installer status matters.
- Daikin. The standard warranty on split air conditioning is 2 years. Daikin’s 5 to 7 year extensions apply to air-to-water (Altherma) heat pumps only, not to split air conditioning (Daikin warranty).
- Mitsubishi Electric. The warranty length depends on the installer’s tier in Mitsubishi Electric’s partner programme: up to 5 years for an Accredited Installer, up to 7 years for a Business Solutions Partner and up to 10 years for a Diamond Quality Partner (Mitsubishi Electric partner programme).
We’re not a Mitsubishi Electric partner or a Daikin-accredited installer, and we don’t add a warranty of our own. You get the manufacturer’s terms that apply to our installation, which we set out on your quote. If a longer manufacturer warranty is your top priority, ask any installer to show their tier in writing. See /air-conditioning-warranty-guide/.
Commercial systems
For offices and larger buildings, both brands offer VRF: Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi and Daikin’s VRV. Both are capable, long-established platforms. The choice usually comes down to the building, the controls you need and who will maintain the system. See /vrf-air-conditioning/ and /commercial-air-conditioning/.
Our recommendation by situation
| Your priority | Worth a close look |
|---|---|
| Highest published efficiency in a bedroom or living room | Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-RZ |
| A unit that looks like a design object | Daikin Emura or Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN |
| Air purification and draught control | Daikin Perfera |
| Dehumidification and fresh air | Daikin Ururu Sarara |
| Best value per room on a multi-room job | Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-HR or Daikin Sensira |
| Longest manufacturer warranty | Depends on the installer’s Mitsubishi Electric tier; Daikin split is 2 years |
What we’d check at a site survey
- Load and sizing for each room, which matters more than the brand.
- Heating use. If you’ll heat all winter, we compare SCOP for your exact sizes.
- Where the outdoor unit can go, and how many indoor units it needs to serve. See /where-to-put-air-conditioning-outdoor-unit/.
- Your warranty priorities, so we can explain the terms that apply before you choose.
- Controls: app, wired controller or both.
Our prices: single room split £1,200 to £2,200 + VAT; 2-room multi-split £2,800 to £4,500 + VAT; 3 to 5 rooms £4,500 to £8,500 + VAT. All include supply, installation, commissioning and F-Gas documentation.
Quick answers
Is Mitsubishi Electric better than Daikin?
Neither is better across the board. At the premium end both reach A+++ with 19 dB(A) indoor units. Mitsubishi Electric’s MSZ-RZ publishes exceptional efficiency figures; Daikin’s Emura and Perfera stand out for design and purification.
Which has the longer warranty, Mitsubishi Electric or Daikin?
Daikin’s standard warranty on split air conditioning is 2 years. Mitsubishi Electric’s depends on the installer’s partner tier, from up to 5 years to up to 10 years.
Are Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries the same?
No. They are separate companies with separate air conditioning ranges. See our Mitsubishi Heavy Industries page for that brand.
Do both brands use R32?
Most current wall units from both brands use R32. Mitsubishi Electric’s MSZ-RZ uses R290, a natural refrigerant with a GWP the company gives as 0.02.
Related services
- Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning
- Daikin air conditioning
- Air conditioning installation
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioning
More advice
- Best Air Conditioning Units for UK Homes 2026: Buyer’s Guide
- Air Conditioning Warranty: What Is and Isn’t Covered
- Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Error Codes: Complete Guide
- Daikin Air Conditioning Error Codes: Complete Guide
- All advice
This guide is general information, checked against the sources linked on 30 October 2026. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, grants and product ranges change, so check the current position before you rely on it.