Choosing the best aircon brand in Australia comes down to more than just price. With rising energy costs and hotter summers, Aussie households need units that balance performance, efficiency, and comfort. At Bi-Rite, we’ve reviewed the top brands and models for 2025 so you can find the right fit for your home.
How We Chose the Best Air Conditioner Brands
Our picks are based on four key factors:
- Performance – cooling and heating matched to Australian conditions
- Energy efficiency – SEER ratings and running costs
- Noise levels – indoor and outdoor sound (dB)
- Warranty and support – reliable coverage and servicing options
Best Aircon Brand in Australia for Overall Value
Panasonic AKR models are a safe, high-value bet in 2025. You get nanoe X air purification that can run even when not actively heating or cooling, built-in Wi-Fi, AEROWINGS airflow, and inverter efficiency. Owners and experts consistently point to quiet operation and lower running costs over time, especially in bedrooms and living areas.
These units are quiet, reliable, and designed for comfort in Australian homes.
Tip: Browse our full range of air conditioners to compare models.
Best Air Conditioners for Different Room Sizes
Choosing the right capacity ensures comfort without wasted energy.
|
Room Size (m²) |
Recommended Capacity (kW) |
|
Up to 20 m² |
2.0–2.5 kW |
|
20–40 m² |
3.5–5.0 kW |
|
40–60 m² |
5.0–7.0 kW |
|
60+ m² |
7.0+ kW |
Read our guide to choosing the right air conditioner for your room size here.
Top Picks by Size
- Small rooms: Panasonic CS/CU-Z25AKR, TCL TAC-10CHSD/VEIH
- Medium rooms: Panasonic CS/CU-Z35AKR or Z50AKR, Westinghouse WSD36HWA/WSD51HWA, Panasonic Z60AKR/Z71AKR, Hisense HAWU18KR
- Large spaces: Hisense HAWU24KR/HAWU28KR, Westinghouse WSD73HWA/WSD91HWA
Check out our split system air conditioners for the full range.
Best Reverse Cycle Units for Year-Round Comfort
Reverse cycle air conditioners are ideal for Australia, keeping homes cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Panasonic AKR-Series: nanoe X runs independently, so you get cleaner air even without heating or cooling.
- Hisense Q Series (HAWU) split systems: purpose-built for Australian climates, with corrosion-resistant coils, sealed outdoor electrics to keep pests and moisture out, and Hi-Nano Pro air purification. Users note fast heating response and strong airflow even in regional heat.
- Westinghouse: models continue Kelvinator’s reliable reverse-cycle legacy, adding modern touches like Follow-Me temperature sensing, 3D airflow, ion + bio filters, and demand response compatibility. Owners highlight day-to-day ease and reliable warmth on cold mornings.
Best Portable Air Conditioners for Renters
If you can’t install a permanent unit, portable air conditioners are a flexible solution. Brands like Olimpia Splendid, TCL, Dimplex, Omega Altise and Teco deliver effective cooling for single rooms without the need for installation.
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Olimpia Splendid ELITE 12 Shop now |
Powerful 3.5 kW cooling, quiet performance and sleek Italian design |
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TCL 3.4 kW Portable Air Conditioner Shop now |
Compact, efficient, and easy to move between rooms |
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Dimplex 3.2 kW Portable Air Conditioner Shop now |
Multi-directional airflow with built-in dehumidifier |
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Omega Altise 3.5 kW Portable Air Conditioner Shop now |
Simple digital controls and quick setup |
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Teco 2.0 kW Portable Air Conditioner Shop now |
Lightweight and affordable option for smaller spaces |
Browse our portable air conditioners.
Energy Efficiency & Running Cost Comparison
Energy efficiency has a direct impact on bills. Here’s how leading brands compare:
|
Brand / Series |
Avg SEER Rating* |
Noise Level (Indoor, typical) |
Price Range (AUD, approximate) |
Warranty (parts + labour) |
|
Panasonic AKR (Z / U series) |
~17-20+ (varies by size) |
Around 19–47 dB(A) indoor (low to high capacity) |
~$1,300 – $3,500+ depending on capacity and features |
5 years parts & labour |
|
Hisense Q / Air Q (HAWU series) |
“Top-ranked energy efficiency” claims; likely in mid-teens to low twenties SEER equivalent |
Indoor noise as low as 19 dB(A) in “Super Quiet / Sleep” mode, up to ~39 dB typical |
Mid-range: ~$1,200 – $3,000+ depending on capacity and extras |
5 years parts & labour |
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Westinghouse Shop now |
Typically in the ~14-17 range |
Indoor noise ~ 25-45 dB(A) depending on model |
~$1,000 – $2,500+ (for sizes from ~2.7 kW up to 9+ kW) |
5 years |
|
TCL BreezeIN Shop now |
In the value / mid segment; likely ~14-17 SEER equivalent |
Indoor noise in comfort mode ~ 25-40 dB(A) |
~$900 – $2,200+ |
5 years |
Bi-Rite’s Top Picks by Category
|
Best For |
Brand & Model |
Noise Level (Indoor) |
Standout Feature |
Why It Made the Cut |
|
Overall Best |
Panasonic CS/CU-Z50AKR |
22–46 dB(A) |
nanoe X air purification, AEROWINGS airflow, Wi-Fi control |
Excellent balance of efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality — great for Aussie family homes. |
|
Quietest |
Hisense HAWU12KR (Q Series) |
As low as 19 dB(A) |
Hi-Nano Pro purification, voice assist, corrosion-resistant outdoor design |
Designed for Australian heat and coastal air, combining quiet operation with advanced smart features. |
|
Best Budget |
TCL TAC-18CHSDVEIH (BreezeIN Series) |
25–40 dB(A) |
Gentle Breeze comfort mode, Wi-Fi smart control |
Budget-friendly split system with modern features that outperform its price point. |
|
Mid Range Value |
Westinghouse WSD51HWA |
26–45 dB(A) |
Follow-Me sensing, ion + bio filters, demand-response ready |
Reliable mid-tier pick offering strong heating and cooling for Aussie conditions. |
|
Portable |
Olimpia Splendid ELITE 12 |
~48–52 dB(A) |
3.5 kW portable cooling, dual-hose design |
Ideal renter-friendly air conditioner – powerful, portable, and stylish. |
FAQs: Choosing the Right Air Conditioner in Australia
Which aircon brand lasts the longest?
Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu are known for durability, often lasting 15+ years with proper servicing.
Is Mitsubishi better than Fujitsu in Australian conditions?
Both perform well. Mitsubishi is often praised as “the quietest air conditioner I’ve ever owned” by Australian users, while Fujitsu balances price and performance.
What’s the quietest air conditioner for bedrooms?
Mitsubishi Electric AP Series split systems, running from just 19 dB, are the quietest option.
How often should I service my air conditioner?
At least once a year. Regular servicing keeps performance high and extends lifespan.
