Gree vs. Mitsubishi Air Conditioners: Which Brand is Better?
You would think that the choice between a Mitsubishi brand air conditioner and a Gree brand AC would be pretty cut and dry. But have you ever compared models between these two brands? If you have then you probably already know that the choice is anything but cut and dry.
Even though Gree is a smaller brand it matches up very well against the more established Mitsubishi brand in terms of home AC systems. Both offer single room and multi-room AC options. Both make mini-split AC systems. Both brands even make hybrid heat pump AC systems. So how do you decide? It helps to quantify (as much as possible) some key performance metrics as well as features. And we did just that…
Gree vs. Mitsubishi Price Comparison
It’s helpful to take a look at some low-capacity models from each brand and some high-capacity models to get an accurate price range gauge. So let’s take a look at the Gree 12,000 BTU Livo Gen 3 ductless mini-split system which has built-in WiFi, a 650 square foot cooling capacity, operates as a heat pump, and can run as low as 19 decibels. The Livo Gen 3 costs around $1,300.
Now compare that with the Mitsubishi 12,000 BTU MY-GL12NA mini-split system which, has a cooling capacity of up to 600 square feet, can be mounted on an exterior wall, and is operated via remote. This model costs $1,600.
Onto higher-capacity models. The Gree Multi 21+ Quad zone mini-split system can cool up to 4 different rooms, is operated via Wi-Fi and remote control, works as a dehumidifier, and operates at 30,000 BTUs. It costs about $3,000.
On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Tri Zone mini-split system which can cool 3 rooms at once, operates as a heat pump, is controlled by remote, and has a cooling capacity of 27,000 BTUs, costs $4,500.
Gree vs. Mitsubishi AC Ranges
Next, we’re going to take a look at the types of AC systems that both of these brands offer. This is a helpful comparison because you may be able to eliminate one brand from consideration based on the types of systems they offer – and which they don’t.
The thing we really like about both of these brands is that they both have multi-room mini-split ductless systems. This would be a great option if you want to cool your whole house but it doesn’t have ductwork.
Gree has ductless and ducted options for residential cooling. They also make central air systems. Their Livo+ wall-mounted units are also very popular. In terms of residential AC systems, Mitsubishi mainly focuses on mini-split ductless systems. However, they also make ducted central units. In the end, Gree has slightly more cooling options as they also make portable units.
Gree vs. Mitsubishi Cooling Power
For this comparison, we stuck with ductless mini-split systems since that’s the bread and butter for both of these companies. We pitted the 12,000 BTU Gree Vireo+ mini-split system against the Mitsubishi MY-GL12NA 12,000 BTU mini-split system in a room of about 900 square feet.
The Mitsubishi MY-GL12NA worked to cool the room quicker and didn’t leave any warm pockets but based on output and our energy bills, it performed less efficiently. The Gree Vireo+ took longer to cool the entire room but was more energy-efficient in the end. It was also quieter than the Mitsubishi MY-GL12NA. One major design flaw of the Mitsubishi MY-GL12NA is that if the unit is installed outside, small animals can get into it and damage it.
Gree vs. Mitsubishi Usability
The cool thing about the latest Mitsubishi AC models is that they can be integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart systems. This allows for remote control from your phone, anywhere in your house. Some Gree systems can also be controlled via Amazon Alexa and many of them have onboard Wi-Fi for smartphone control.
Gree has some nice quality of life features as well. For example, the 10,000 BTU Gree portable air conditioner has a self-evaporating function which means you won’t have to be emptying buckets of condenser water every couple of hours. Mitsubishi keeps things simpler for the most part. Most of their mini-split AC models have the same kind of remote that allows for only the simplest controls: on/off and temperature control.
Gree Warranty vs. Mitsubishi Warranty
Gree and Mitsubishi have similar warranty models. Both manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty on parts and labor for most of their AC products. Of course, this can vary depending on the specific type and model you buy. In either case, you will have to register your product in order to be eligible for any warranty.
Final thoughts
We appreciate the fact that Mitsubishi has more Smart Home compatibility options and that their mini-split systems work faster to cool rooms. In the end, though, the inferior efficiency and typically higher prices of Mitsubishi models ultimately made them less appealing.
There were also some problems with the design of some of the Mitsubishi mini-split systems and customer service wasn’t great. For these reasons, we crown Gree the better brand for home ACs.
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Frank is the chief editor and director at Specialty Air, where he oversees testing, research, and editing for all air quality-related articles. Frank is an expert in the air quality space with extensive experience testing, researching, and reviewing air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, air fresheners, fans, and more. He also has over 4 years of experience with issues surrounding mold remediation, radon mitigation, moisture management, air duct systems, HVAC, and insulation.