Which Heat Pump Brand Should You Choose?
The five most widely installed air source heat pump brands in the UK are Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan, Vaillant Arotherm Plus, Daikin Altherma 3, Samsung EHS Gen7, and Grant Aerona3. Between them, they account for over 80% of all domestic installations. Each has strengths suited to different homes and priorities: Mitsubishi for proven reliability, Vaillant for peak efficiency (SCOP up to 4.0), Daikin for heating and cooling combined, Samsung for the lowest upfront cost, and Grant for the longest warranty (7 years) and UK-climate optimisation.
This guide gives you an honest comparison from an installer’s perspective — not a manufacturer’s brochure.
Related reading: How much does a heat pump cost in 2026? | Is your home suitable for a heat pump?
The Big Five: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Mitsubishi Ecodan | Vaillant Arotherm Plus | Daikin Altherma 3 | Samsung EHS Gen7 | Grant Aerona3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Germany | Japan | South Korea | Ireland |
| Type | Monobloc + Split | Monobloc | Split | Monobloc | Monobloc |
| Sizes available | 5–14 kW | 3.5–15 kW | 4–16 kW | 5–16 kW | 6–17 kW |
| SCOP (seasonal efficiency) | 3.0–3.8 | 3.2–4.0 | 3.0–3.5 | 3.0–3.6 | 3.0–3.5 |
| Noise level (dB at 1m) | 45–50 dB | 42–48 dB | 46–52 dB | 43–48 dB | 46–52 dB |
| Refrigerant | R32 | R290 (propane) | R32 | R32 | R32 |
| Smart controls | MELCloud app | VRC 720 / sensoAPP | Onecta app | SmartThings | Remote panel |
| Warranty | 5 years (7 via installer) | 5–7 years | 5 years | 5 years | 7 years |
| Price range (unit only) | £4,000–7,000 | £5,000–8,000 | £4,500–7,500 | £3,500–6,000 | £4,000–6,500 |
| UK market share | ~30% (largest) | ~20% | ~15% | ~12% | ~8% |
| Our rating | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
1. Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan — The UK Market Leader
Why it is popular
Mitsubishi Ecodan has the largest installed base of any heat pump in the UK. There is a reason for that: it is reliable, well-supported, and widely available through the installer network.
Strengths
- Proven track record — hundreds of thousands installed in the UK since 2007
- Excellent installer training — Mitsubishi runs free courses at their academy in Hatfield
- MELCloud app — monitor and control your heat pump remotely
- Wide range — models from 5 kW to 14 kW covering everything from flats to large detached homes
- Parts availability — as the market leader, parts and support are never far away
- Compatible with most cylinders — works well with standard unvented cylinders
Weaknesses
- Not the most efficient on paper (SCOP slightly lower than Vaillant)
- Noise levels are average (not the quietest)
- R32 refrigerant (good but not as future-proof as R290 natural refrigerant)
Best for
Homeowners who want a safe, proven choice with excellent long-term support. Ideal for most standard installations.
2. Vaillant Arotherm Plus — The Efficiency Champion
Why it stands out
The Vaillant Arotherm Plus consistently tops efficiency charts. It uses R290 (propane), a natural refrigerant with very low global warming potential, making it the greenest option available.
Strengths
- Highest SCOP in the market (up to 4.0 seasonal) — lowest running costs
- R290 natural refrigerant — future-proof, ultra-low environmental impact
- Very quiet operation — one of the quietest units available (42 dB)
- German engineering — build quality is excellent
- Great controls — VRC 720 controller and sensoAPP for smart scheduling
- Weather compensation built in — automatically adjusts to outdoor temperature
Weaknesses
- Higher purchase price — typically £1,000–2,000 more than competitors
- R290 requires specific installer training (fewer qualified installers)
- Slightly larger unit footprint than some competitors
- Fewer size options at the smaller end
Best for
Homeowners who prioritise maximum efficiency and lowest running costs. Also the best environmental choice due to R290 refrigerant. Worth the premium if you plan to stay in your home long-term.
3. Daikin Altherma 3 — The Global Giant
Why it is trusted
Daikin is the world’s largest manufacturer of heating and cooling systems. Their Altherma 3 heat pump brings decades of air conditioning expertise to the domestic heating market.
Strengths
- Split system option — indoor and outdoor unit connected by refrigerant lines, offering flexible installation
- Cooling function — can reverse to provide air conditioning in summer (unique at this price point)
- Onecta app — modern smart controls with energy monitoring
- Strong commercial heritage — Daikin builds systems for hospitals, offices, and data centres
- Compact outdoor unit for some models
Weaknesses
- Split system installation is more complex (requires F-gas qualified engineer)
- Slightly noisier than Vaillant
- App and controls can have a learning curve
- Some models require Daikin-specific cylinders
Best for
Homes that want heating and cooling from one system. Particularly good for south-facing properties that overheat in summer. Also good where installation flexibility is needed (split system allows indoor unit placement away from outdoor unit).
4. Samsung EHS Gen7 — Best Value
Why it deserves attention
Samsung is the newest serious player in the UK heat pump market, and they are competing aggressively on price. The EHS Gen7 (Eco Heating System) offers solid performance at a lower price point.
Strengths
- Lowest price of the major brands — excellent value for money
- SmartThings integration — if you already use Samsung smart home devices
- Quiet operation — competitive with Vaillant
- Compact design — smallest footprint of the five brands
- Good warranty — 5 years parts and labour
Weaknesses
- Smaller installer network in the UK (growing fast)
- Less of a track record (newer to UK market)
- Limited long-term performance data compared to Mitsubishi/Daikin
- Parts availability not yet at Mitsubishi levels
Best for
Budget-conscious homeowners who want a quality heat pump at the lowest price. Samsung is especially popular in new-build developments where volume pricing matters.
5. Grant Aerona3 — The UK-Climate Specialist
Why it is worth considering
Grant is an Irish manufacturer with deep expertise in off-grid heating. Their Aerona3 heat pump was designed specifically for the UK and Irish climate, and it shows.
Strengths
- Designed for UK/Irish climate — optimised for damp, mild winters
- 7-year warranty as standard — longest in the market
- Simple controls — straightforward to use
- Robust build — designed for exposed, coastal, and rural sites
- Good at low temperatures — performs well even in cold winters
Weaknesses
- Less well-known brand (lower awareness among homeowners)
- Fewer smart features compared to Mitsubishi/Vaillant
- Smaller range of sizes
- Not as widely available in London (more popular in rural areas)
Best for
Homeowners in exposed or rural locations who want a tough, reliable unit with the best warranty in the market. Also good for people who prefer simple controls over smartphone apps.
How to Choose the Right Brand for Your Home
Decision matrix
| Your Priority | Best Brand |
|---|---|
| Proven reliability, biggest support network | Mitsubishi Ecodan |
| Lowest running costs, best efficiency | Vaillant Arotherm Plus |
| Heating AND cooling (air conditioning) | Daikin Altherma 3 |
| Lowest upfront price | Samsung EHS Gen7 |
| Longest warranty, UK-climate optimised | Grant Aerona3 |
| Environmental credentials (natural refrigerant) | Vaillant Arotherm Plus |
| Smart home integration | Samsung (SmartThings) or Mitsubishi (MELCloud) |
What we recommend at Electromatic
We do not push one brand. During your free home survey, our surveyor designs the system based on your home’s heat loss calculation, your hot water needs, your space constraints, and your budget. The right brand follows naturally from that assessment.
For most standard three- to four-bedroom homes in the Richmond, Kingston, and Hampton area, we find that Mitsubishi Ecodan and Vaillant Arotherm Plus cover around 80% of installations perfectly.
What About Other Brands?
| Brand | Our View |
|---|---|
| Worcester Bosch | New to heat pumps. Decent product but limited track record. |
| LG Therma V | Good option from South Korea, growing in the UK. Worth watching. |
| NIBE | Swedish. Excellent but expensive. More popular in Scandinavia. |
| Panasonic Aquarea | Solid performer, good value. Less installer support than the big five. |
| Midea/Carrier | Budget option. We source from City Plumbing for price-sensitive projects. |
How Electromatic Can Help
Electromatic M&E Ltd offers free home surveys across London and Surrey (TW, KT, SW postcodes). We handle BUS Grant applications (subject to eligibility), install ASHP and solar PV from a single contractor, and deliver within 2–4 weeks of survey confirmation. All work is carried out under MCS certification via our accredited umbrella partner. We will recommend the right brand for your home — not the one with the highest margin.
Call us: 07718 059 284 | Email: admin@electromatic.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Which heat pump brand is the most reliable in the UK?
Mitsubishi Ecodan has the longest track record in the UK with the lowest reported callback rates. Vaillant Arotherm Plus is also highly reliable. Both brands have established service networks across the country and have been operating in the UK heat pump market for over a decade.
Which heat pump is the quietest?
Vaillant Arotherm Plus at 42 dB is the quietest mainstream brand, followed by Samsung at 43 dB. For context, 42 dB is roughly equivalent to a quiet library. All modern heat pumps are significantly quieter than older models and most pass the MCS 020 noise standard in typical suburban gardens. Read more: how loud is a heat pump?
Does the brand affect the BUS Grant eligibility?
No. Any heat pump installed by an MCS-certified installer qualifies for the BUS Grant (subject to eligibility criteria set by Ofgem), regardless of manufacturer. You may qualify for the £7,500 grant with any of the brands listed above.
How long do heat pumps last?
All five brands we recommend have an expected lifespan of 20–25 years, compared to 12–15 years for a gas boiler. With annual servicing, many heat pumps continue operating well beyond 25 years. This longer lifespan is a significant part of the financial case for heat pumps over gas boilers.
Can I choose my own brand, or does the installer decide?
You always have the final say. A good installer will recommend the best brand for your specific situation but should be willing to install your preferred brand if it is technically suitable. At Electromatic M&E Ltd, we discuss brand options openly during the survey and explain the reasoning behind our recommendation.
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or technical advice. Brand specifications are correct as of April 2026 and are subject to change by manufacturers. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 is subject to eligibility criteria set by Ofgem — not all properties qualify. Electromatic M&E Ltd operates under MCS certification via our accredited umbrella partner. All installations comply with Building Regulations Part L and MCS standards. E&OE.
Written by Electromatic M&E Ltd — ASHP & Solar installer, London & Surrey (electromatic.uk)
Last updated: April 2026 | Electromatic M&E Ltd, Company No. 13837345
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