Brand Reviews
We test, compare, and rate the top brands on the market to help you find the best DIY mini split air conditioner for your home — whether you're replacing central air or adding a ductless mini split heat pump to a single room.
At a Glance
| Rank | Brand | Best For | BTU Range | Pre-Charged | Wi-Fi | SEER2 | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zone Air | Highest Efficiency DIY | 9k–18k | Yes | Yes | Up to 24 | $1,899–$3,499 | 4.8/5 |
| 2 | MrCool DIY | Most Established DIY | 12k–36k | Yes | Yes | Up to 22 | $1,500–$3,200 | 4.7/5 |
| 3 | Pioneer WYS | Budget | 9k–36k | No | Optional | Up to 19 | $800–$2,000 | 4.3/5 |
| 4 | Senville LETO | Quiet Operation | 9k–36k | No | Yes | Up to 20 | $900–$2,200 | 4.2/5 |
| 5 | Cooper & Hunter | Cold Climates | 9k–36k | No | Yes | Up to 22.5 | $1,000–$2,500 | 4.1/5 |
| 6 | DELLA | Heating Focus | 12k–24k | No | Optional | Up to 20 | $900–$1,800 | 4.0/5 |
Our Rankings
Ordered by overall score. Note: only Zone Air and MrCool offer true pre-charged DIY systems — the rest require HVAC tools.
Next-gen DIY with R454b and high efficiency
Zone Air is one of only two brands (alongside MrCool) offering true pre-charged DIY mini split systems — no vacuum pump, no flaring, no EPA certification needed. What sets Zone Air apart is the use of R454b refrigerant (a lower-GWP alternative to R410A), SEER2 ratings up to 24, and impressively quiet 28 dB indoor operation. Units are assembled in Salt Lake City, and the lineup includes wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, and concealed ducted options — giving more installation flexibility than most DIY brands. Available in 9k, 12k, and 18k BTU single-zone configurations, plus multi-zone bundles up to 27k BTU.
The most popular DIY mini split on the market
MrCool's DIY line set the standard for the entire category. The pre-charged quick-connect refrigerant lines mean zero vacuum pumps, zero flaring, and zero EPA certification needed. Just connect, seal, and go. Wi-Fi is built in, so you can control everything from your phone via the SmartHVAC app. Available in 12k, 18k, 24k, and 36k BTU options covering most residential needs. The biggest online community of any DIY brand makes troubleshooting easy.
Best bang for your buck
Pioneer has been a reliable name in ductless HVAC for years. The WYS series uses traditional flare connections, so you'll need a flaring tool and vacuum pump — but those can be rented cheaply. In return, you get a seriously capable system at a fraction of the price. Multi-zone options are available for whole-home setups. Not a true DIY system like Zone Air or MrCool, but very doable for handy homeowners.
Whisper-quiet operation
If noise is your top concern, Senville's LETO series is hard to beat. Indoor noise levels as low as 25 dB make it ideal for bedrooms, offices, and nurseries. The sleek indoor unit design blends well in modern spaces. Wi-Fi comes standard, and SEER ratings up to 20 keep operating costs low. Like most non-DIY brands, you'll need flaring tools and a vacuum pump for installation.
Built for cold climate performance
Cooper & Hunter's Sophia series stands out with its cold-climate heat pump technology, rated to heat effectively down to -22°F. For homeowners in northern states, this is a serious contender. SEER2 ratings up to 22.5 make it one of the most efficient options available. Wi-Fi included, solid build quality, and a generous warranty round out the package. Requires traditional HVAC tools — not a true DIY system like Zone Air or MrCool.
Solid heating performance at a low price
DELLA has carved out a niche as an affordable heat pump option. Their units perform well in heating mode down to fairly low outdoor temperatures, making them a decent pick for garages, workshops, and supplemental heating. Cooling works fine too, though it's not as refined as the competition. Great entry-level price point for budget-conscious buyers. Like Pioneer, this requires traditional HVAC tools for installation.
DIY Mini Split Buyer's Guide
Not every ductless mini split on the market is a true DIY system. Here's what separates real DIY mini split brands from the rest.
A true DIY mini split system comes with pre charged line sets — copper refrigerant lines already filled with refrigerant at the factory. This means you don't need a vacuum pump, flaring tools, or an HVAC technician to install the air conditioner. You simply connect the pre charged refrigerant line from the wall mounted air handler (indoor unit) to the outdoor condenser unit, and the system is ready to go.
Currently, only two mini split brands on the market offer pre charged DIY systems: Zone Air and Mr Cool. Every other brand — including Pioneer, Senville, DELLA, Cooper & Hunter, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu systems — requires traditional HVAC installation with flaring tools and a vacuum pump. That doesn't mean you can't install them yourself, but you'll either need to rent the tools or hire an HVAC technician for the refrigerant line connections.
For a first-time DIY installation, we strongly recommend starting with a pre charged system. The installation costs are lower, the risk of refrigerant leaks is minimal, and the system can be installed correctly in a single afternoon with basic hand tools.
Sizing Guide
Whether you're replacing central HVAC or adding a new system, you need to size your mini split correctly to get optimal performance.
Choosing the right BTU size to properly size a mini split system depends on square footage, ceiling height, insulation, and climate. Here's a quick guide.
The general rule is 20 BTU per square foot of coverage area. A 500 square footage room needs about a 12k BTU mini split air conditioner. Rooms with high ceilings, poor insulation, or direct sun exposure may need a larger BTU size. Use the coverage area estimates in our comparison table above to size mini split output to your room, or check each mini split brand's sizing calculator.
A single-zone DIY mini split system uses one outdoor unit connected to one wall mounted air handler — ideal for heating and cooling one room or open space. For whole-house coverage, multi-zone mini split systems connect one outdoor condenser to multiple indoor units (2–5 air handlers), each with independent control. Multi-zone ductless mini split systems cost more upfront but save money compared to installing separate AC units for each room.
Every mini split is a heat pump, meaning it provides both efficient cooling and heating from one system. The cooling capacity is measured in BTU — make sure your mini split air conditioner matches your room's square footage for optimal energy efficiency. An oversized unit short-cycles and wastes energy, while an undersized AC unit runs constantly without reaching the target temperature. When installed correctly, even a budget ductless mini split system delivers better energy efficiency than central air conditioning.
Air Handler Styles
Mini splits offer several air handler styles to fit different rooms and spaces in your house.
The most popular mini split air handler style. A wall mounted indoor unit installs high on the wall near the ceiling, distributing air across the room. Wall mounted mini split systems are the easiest to install — especially DIY models with pre charged line sets. Most DIY mini split brands including Zone Air and Mr Cool offer wall mounted units as their primary option. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and any space with available wall area.
A ceiling cassette mini split air handler mounts flush with a drop ceiling, providing 360-degree air distribution across the room. Ceiling cassette mini split systems are popular in offices, commercial spaces, and larger rooms where wall space is limited. Zone Air offers ceiling cassette indoor units in their DIY mini split lineup. The install is more involved than wall mounted units, but the result is a clean, professional look with superior air circulation throughout the space.
Floor mounted mini split air handlers sit near the floor, similar to a baseboard heater. They're a great option for rooms with low ceilings, large windows, or limited wall space. Floor units heat rooms faster since warm air rises naturally from the floor level. Some ductless mini split brands like Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu systems offer floor mounted options, though they're less common among DIY mini split brands on the market.
Other Brands
Premium ductless mini split brands like Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu make excellent systems — but they're not designed for DIY installation.
Mitsubishi Electric is widely considered the gold standard in ductless mini split systems. A Mitsubishi mini split system delivers exceptional long term performance, whisper-quiet operation, and industry-leading energy efficiency. Consumer reports consistently rate Mitsubishi systems among the most reliable air conditioners on the market.
However, Mitsubishi mini split systems require professional installation by a certified HVAC technician — they do not come with pre charged line sets, and Mitsubishi systems void the warranty coverage if not installed by a licensed professional. The installation costs for a Mitsubishi mini split system typically run $3,000–$5,000 on top of the regular price of the unit itself.
For homeowners who want Mitsubishi-level quality at DIY prices, brands like Zone Air and Mr Cool offer comparable energy efficiency and cooling capacity with the added benefit of diy installation. You'll save thousands on installation costs and still get a high-performance heat pump system that can cool and heat your space effectively.
Fujitsu systems are another premium mini split brand known for reliable ductless mini split heat pump systems with strong heating performance. Like Mitsubishi systems, Fujitsu systems require an HVAC technician for professional installation and do not offer pre charged diy models.
Other brands on the market like LG, Daikin, and Samsung also make excellent ductless systems, but none offer true DIY mini split installation with pre charged line sets. If you're set on one of these brands, budget for professional installation costs — typically $2,000–$5,000 depending on the mini split system, the number of indoor units, and your local market.
The bottom line: if you want to save money with a diy installation and avoid hiring an HVAC technician, the best diy mini split brands are Zone Air and Mr Cool. Every other mini split brand requires professional installation to be installed correctly and maintain warranty coverage.
Cost Breakdown
See how much money you can save with a diy mini split installation compared to hiring an HVAC technician for professional installation.
| Cost Category | DIY Mini Split Install | Professional Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Mini split system (regular price) | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Installation costs (labor) | $0 (your time) | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Additional materials | $100–$300 | Included |
| Electrical (if hiring electrician) | $200–$500 | Included |
| Total cost | $1,800–$4,300 | $3,500–$9,000 |
| You save | $1,700–$4,700 with DIY installation | |
Prices reflect the regular price of single-zone wall mounted mini split systems from top brands on the market. Multi-zone systems with multiple indoor units will cost more. Installation costs vary by region and HVAC technician rates. DIY mini split installation costs assume a pre charged system like Zone Air or Mr Cool where no special tools are needed. Even if you hire an HVAC technician for just the electrical work, you'll still save significant money on installation costs compared to full professional installation of a central air system or a non-DIY ductless mini split.
Expert Guidance
Consumer reports and independent testing organizations consistently rate ductless mini split heat pump systems as more energy efficient than central air conditioning. According to consumer reports, mini split systems deliver the best combination of efficient cooling, quiet operation, and long term performance of any residential air conditioner type. Consumer reports also notes that diy mini split systems can save homeowners thousands in installation costs while delivering the same cooling capacity and energy efficiency as professionally installed units — provided the system is installed correctly.
HVAC experts recommend that first-time installers start with a single-zone wall mounted mini split air conditioner using pre charged line sets. This eliminates the risk of refrigerant leaks, avoids the need for an HVAC technician, and ensures the system is installed correctly every time. For expert guidance on choosing the right BTU size, coverage area, and mini split brand for your house, check our installation guides. We cover everything from square footage calculations to wall mounted air handler placement to outdoor condenser positioning.
The best DIY mini split brands offer fast shipping direct to your door. Zone Air provides free 3-day shipping on all mini split systems, while Mr Cool and other brands typically ship within a week. When comparing warranty coverage across mini split brands, look for at least a 5-year parts warranty and 7-year compressor warranty. Zone Air and Mr Cool both offer competitive warranty coverage on their DIY systems, while Mitsubishi Electric offers up to 12 years — but only if the system is installed by a certified HVAC technician. Always register your mini split air conditioner after diy installation to activate full warranty coverage.
Efficiency
A ductless mini split is one of the most energy efficient ways to heat and cool your house. Unlike central air conditioning, which pushes air through leaky ductwork, a mini split air conditioner delivers conditioned air directly to each room through its own air handler. There's no energy lost in ducts — which is why mini splits offer 20–40% better energy efficiency than central air systems.
Modern mini split systems use inverter-driven compressors that adjust cooling capacity to match the room's needs, rather than cycling on and off like a traditional AC unit. This means more consistent temperatures, lower energy bills, and longer system life. The best diy mini split brands on the market — including Zone Air (24 SEER2) and Mr Cool (22 SEER2) — exceed federal energy efficiency minimums by a wide margin.
For example, replacing a 10 SEER central air system with a 24 SEER2 mini split heat pump can cut your air conditioning costs by more than half. In a typical house, that's $500–$1,000 per year in savings — and the diy mini split pays for itself within 2–4 years. Each wall mounted air handler operates independently, so you only heat or cool the rooms you're actually using. That's money you save every single month.
When shopping for an energy efficient mini split system, compare SEER2 ratings across the top brands. Higher SEER2 means lower operating costs. Also check for ENERGY STAR certification — all of the diy mini split brands in our rankings above are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the EPA.
Check out our buying guide for expert guidance, or reach out — we're happy to help you find the best diy mini split for your space.