Gree Mini Split Review And Comparison With Top Competitors 2025

Gree is a large international producer of ductless mini split heat pump systems, which provides American homeowners with an efficient and flexible option to the traditional HVAC.

Although not as well known to some U.S. consumers, Gree in fact manufactures approximately one in every three air conditioners in the world.

This detailed analysis examines the mini split product line of Gree – their features, performance, advantages and disadvantages, and prices – and compares Gree with the best competitors such as Mitsubishi, Daikin, and MrCool.

The following is the overview of important Gree mini split models and specifications:

Model Series	Capacity Range (BTU)	Max Efficiency (SEER/HSPF)	Key Features
Gree Livo+	9,000–36,000	Up To 16 SEER / 9 HSPF	Basic Inverter, Optional Wi-Fi, Affordable Entry-Level
Gree Vireo GEN3	9,000–24,000	Up To 25 SEER / 11 HSPF	Energy Star Certified, Built-In Wi-Fi, Cold-Climate (-22°F) Heating
Gree Sapphire	9,000–24,000	Up To 38 SEER / 15 HSPF	Ultra-High Efficiency, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Quiet, Heats To -22°F

Overview Of Gree Mini Split Systems

Gree Electric Appliances is a Chinese company that was established in 1991 and has become one of the leading 3 manufacturers of HVAC in the world.

The tagline of Gree is 1 In 3 Is Made By Gree which shows their enormous size they even OEM Trane and Lennox under the hood. Gree markets its mini split heat pump systems in the U.S. market under its name and aims at providing efficient, cost-effective cooling and heating systems.

The ductless mini split lineup of Gree is very extensive. Their systems are available in both single-zone, (one indoor air handler and one outdoor condenser) and multi-zone, (multiple rooms) systems.

Single-zone Gree systems range in size to about 9,000 BTU (0.75 ton) to cover small rooms to 36,000 BTU (3 ton) to cover large spaces, whereas multi-zone condensers can be used to connect 2-5 indoor units to cover the entire home. The majority of the Gree mini splits are the wall-mounted type, but the company also provides such alternatives as ceiling cassettes and slim ducted units to provide more flexibility in installation.

Generally, Gree mini splits are reputed to be high efficiency and good performance at a reduced cost.

Even the low-end models in the Gree line are inverter-equipped and decently efficient, and the high-end models compete or beat high-end competitors on specs. This scope is what makes Gree a flexible option to most American homeowners, regardless of whether you are looking to equip a single room with a cheap unit or an extreme climate with a hyper-efficient heat pump, Gree probably has a model that suits.

Features And Technology

Gree installs its mini split systems with a variety of modern HVAC technologies that are aimed at the maximum comfort and convenience.

The heart of all Gree mini splits is the G10 inverter compressor technology of the company that constantly adjusts the speed of the compressor to the cooling or heating requirement. This makes the temperature response faster and comfort more even with no rough on/off cycling. Efficiency and noise are also improved by the inverter-driven compressor, as well as brushless DC fan motors.

The other hallmark is the Gree I-Feel Function that allows the handheld remote to use the temperature sensor to adjust room comfort.

With I-Feel mode, the system will control the airflow according to the temperature at the location of the remote (where you are), not just at the indoor unit, so that the cooling or heating is more evenly distributed in the space. This assists in getting rid of hot or cold spots and maintaining the place where people actually sit at the desired comfort level.

Every existing Gree model is equipped with a full-function wireless remote control, and most of them are integrated with built-in Wi-Fi to support smart home.

When Wi-Fi is turned on, it is possible to control the mini split through the Gree app or voice assistants such as Alexa/Google. As an example, Wi-Fi is already built-in to the Vireo Gen3 and Sapphire series, so you can easily schedule, change temperature, and monitor through a smartphone. This is a commendable feature because some of the competitors have optional add-on modules to Wi-Fi.

Gree mini splits also have several fan speeds (usually 4-7 speeds with an auto mode) to allow you to adjust airflow and noise level.

These units are so quiet that they are nearly silent on the lowest fan speed- the indoor unit of a Sapphire can run at about 22 dB, which is almost as quiet as rustling leaves. The outdoor compressors are also made to produce low noise and vibration damping. Most users say that they hardly realize that the system is in use except the increased comfort.

Other high-end features are an intelligent defrost cycle, pre-heating (to avoid blowing cold air upon start-up in heat mode), sleep mode (which automatically reduces cooling/heating at night to save energy), and self-diagnosis with error codes to help in troubleshooting.

To make its outdoor coils durable, Gree coats its outdoor coils with anti-corrosion coating and in the indoor unit, Gree uses washable polymeric air filters to enhance the indoor air quality by capturing dust. All in all, Gree has crammed these ductless systems with features that focus on efficiency, user comfort and dependability in any conditions.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

The high energy efficiency of Gree mini split systems is one of the greatest selling points of the company.

Gree has models of a wide efficiency range: their single-zone units begin at about 16 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) in the most inexpensive Livo+ line, and go all the way to 38 SEER in the top-of-the-line Sapphire line. On heating performance, Seasonal Heat Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings are between 9.0 on entry level models to about 15.0 on the highest models. Such figures are a sign of excellent efficiency, even the middle-range systems Gree offers in the low-20s SEER are far beyond the minimum requirements and average central AC efficiency.

To put it into perspective, the higher the SEER, the less electricity is consumed by the air conditioner or the heat pump to achieve the same cooling.

The Sapphire 9,000 BTU unit has a mind boggling 38 SEER rating, which makes it one of the most efficient mini splits available. Practically, this efficiency can be converted into your actual savings on the electric bill in the long run, particularly in cooling-intensive climates. Most of the Gree models are ENERGY STAR ® certified as they are very efficient. Even their best selling 12,000 BTU (1 ton) heat pump, which is rated at about 2530 SEER (depending on the series), blows the SEER ratings of older HVAC systems out of the water. Homeowners find the operating costs to be very low with one estimate indicating that a 12k BTU unit with ~20 SEER may only cost approximately 0.15-0.20 per hour to operate under average electricity rates when cooling.

On the heating side, Gree has high HSPF ratings, which means that it has efficient electric heating through heat pump.

Remarkably, Gree engineers most of its systems to be actual cold-climate heat pumps. Such models as Vireo Gen3 Ultra Heat and Sapphire retain good heating performance even at sub-freezing temperatures. As a matter of fact, the flagship Gree Sapphire is capable of providing ~90 percent of its heating capacity even at -22 oF outside. This is indicated by its high HSPF and this makes it a good choice as a main source of heat in cold climates. This is compared to the typical heat pumps that usually fail at temperatures below 20-30F. On the whole, Gree offers the consumer a choice of high efficiency, you can purchase a model that focuses on low initial price with good efficiency, or you can purchase a high end Gree product that will provide one of the best efficiency ratings in any mini split, period.

Pros And Cons

Pros

• Outstanding efficiency on high-end models up to 38 SEER cooling and 15 HSPF heating, which outperforms many of the competitors. Even the basic Gree units are quite efficient.
• Excellent cold-climate performance – Gree offers models with high cold-climate performance (the so-called Ultra Heat) that can be used in extreme cold (down to -22°F) and still deliver a significant amount of heating power, which makes Gree a good winter heating solution.
• Low noise level – the indoor and outdoor units are low noise. It is common to hear users say that the indoor air handler is almost silent on low fan, which makes it more comfortable.
• High feature content at lower prices, has inverter technology, I-Feel remote sensing, multiple fan speeds, and frequently has built-in Wi-Fi and smart controls that competitors will charge an extra fee to add.
• Low prices on the performance – Gree systems are usually cheaper than similar models of Mitsubishi, Daikin or Fujitsu, which makes them a great bargain.

Cons

• rand recognition and support Gree is not as recognized in the U.S. and has fewer authorized dealers than Mitsubishi/Daikin. Depending on your area, fewer HVAC technicians might be up close and personal with Gree.
• Not DIY-friendly – Gree mini splits are not intended to be installed by the homeowner (as is the case with some of the competitor products, e.g. MrCool). DIY may cancel the warranty.
• Warranty enforcement The warranty (up to 10 years) coverage by Gree is only valid when installed by a licensed contractor and in many cases only when bought through authorized channels, so homeowners are at the mercy of dealer support in case of problems.
• Mixed support experiences. Other reviews state that warranty claims are cumbersome unless one is using an official installer.
• Poor ultra-high capacity – Single-zone Gree wall units are now limited to about 2-3 tons. Bigger houses that need >36,000 BTU may have to install multi-zoned systems or a unit of a different brand with a higher capacity.

Pricing And Value

Gree mini splits are commonly marketed as a high-value option in the U.S. offering similar or better performance to the best brands at a lower price.

Model-to-model, Gree units tend to be cheaper than all their key competitors of the same size/capacity. This cheaper price is among the reasons why Gree has experienced increasing demand among price sensitive customers. The sheer size of the company probably enables them to buy the materials at a lower price and transfer the savings to the customer but the effect is low prices.

As an example, a single-zone 12,000 BTU Gree heat pump system may sell at retail at 1,500-2,000 dollars of equipment (outdoor + indoor unit with remote), compared to 2,000-2,500 or more dollars of an equivalent Mitsubishi or Daikin.

One industry source estimates that average prices of Gree single-zone systems are about $1,700 to $3,000 based on BTU and features. Comparatively, Daikin systems could cost between $1,800 and 4,500 and even the DIY-oriented MrCool costs between $1,500 and 3,000 of the same size. Remember these are the prices of equipment only.

Another cost to Gree (as with any non-DIY mini split) will be installation labor.

Professional installation can range greatly depending on difficulty and local prices, a simple single-zone install may cost an additional ~$1,0001,500, and a more complex or multi-zone installation may cost an additional $2,0003,000+. After installation cost is factored in, the total cost of Gree is still significantly lower than the premium brands in the eyes of many homeowners. And when you compare it to ductwork extension or a central HVAC, ductless systems such as Gree can be economical when it comes to additions or retrofit applications.

Value is not only the initial cost, but it is also saving in the long run.

The value proposition is also enhanced by the fact that Gree is very efficient and therefore operating costs are reduced year after year. Money can also be saved by the high cold-weather performance of such models as the Sapphire, which requires less auxiliary heating (such as resistance heaters or fossil fuel furnaces during winter). All these make Gree mini split a good investment in terms of ROI.

Regarding warranty, Gree provides up to a 10-year warranty on parts and compressor on systems that are installed by a few certified dealers.

The warranty on parts and compressor is about 5 years and 7 years respectively on other brands which is comparable to most leading brands. This warranty coverage indicates that Gree believes in its products and another value point is that you can obtain a longer warranty by using an authorized installer. All in all, given purchase price, installation cost, operating efficiency and warranty protection, Gree mini splits offer a strong value proposition in the ductless market.

Installation Considerations

Most of the time, the installation of a Gree mini split is a professional task.

Gree systems are pre-charged with refrigerant (R410A in the latest models) to a standard line length, but the refrigerant lines have to be run correctly, evacuated and connected by a person with the appropriate tools and knowledge. The manufacturer clearly advises that the system should be installed by a professional to guarantee proper installation of the system and to keep the warranty. Trying to do the installation of a Gree unit without HVAC training may result in errors such as leaking refrigerant or vacuum problems and as the policy of Gree states, they will not honor the warranty unless the unit was installed by a licensed contractor.

When you contract an HVAC professional to install a Gree mini split, he or she will take care of such crucial procedures as: – Choosing a good place to install the indoor air handler (high on a wall to ensure good air distribution) and fixing it firmly.- Mounting the outdoor condenser on a firm pad or on a wall bracket with adequate clearances.- Drill a small hole (approximately 3”) through the wall to pass the line set bundle (refrigerant lines, condensate drain, and control cable) and then run those connections.- Flare between the copper refrigerant tubing and drawing a deep vacuum to evacuate the moisture/air out of the lines and then releasing the factory charge of refrigerant.- Connecting the unit to a special electrical circuit (most Gree mini splits are 208/230V, but some smaller models can be 115V) and connecting the control wiring between the indoor and outdoor units.

Where possible, it is prudent to use a Gree authorized installer since he/she will know the product and you will be guaranteed of the full warranty.

Also, professional installation will assist in making sure that the system is running at its maximum efficiency and silence. Gree units, as well as all mini splits, need to be evacuated and charged properly, a pro will have the vacuum pump, gauges and knowledge to do it correctly.

The other factor is that Gree does not have a pre-charged DIY line-set kit as MrCool does.

Therefore, in case you had been looking forward to plug-and-play yourself, this is not the case here, prepare the installer. The advantage though is slightly more freedom of installation; the installer can cut/flair custom lengths of line to what is required, rather than being limited to pre-set lengths of hose.

A Gree mini split is relatively easy to maintain once it has been installed.

The homeowner is advised to wash the air filters of the indoor unit (which slide out) and clear the outdoor condenser of debris on a periodic basis. It is also advisable to take a technician to do annual or bi-annual check-up, they will clean coils, test the level of refrigerant and make sure that everything is working fine. A Gree mini split with proper installation and basic maintenance should last many years of efficient service.

User Reviews And Experiences

The actual customer reviews of Gree mini splits are rather high.

Most of the home owners and small business owners who have installed Gree units have reported that they work very well- they keep the spaces comfortable, and they have low noise and low energy consumption. As an example, users often comment on how quiet and efficient the cooling is, and often remark that the unit “cools the room in minutes” and then adjusts to maintain the temperature without loud on and off cycling. The fact that the indoor units are sleek and modern is also an advantage to many since it can fit in most decor.

Notably, even though Gree is cheaper, it does not have a stream of quality complaints.

Indeed, the feedback gathered by one of the long-time HVAC installers revealed no negative feedbacks of the clients who had Gree systems over a certain period of time, the satisfaction was rather positive and comparable to such brands as Mitsubishi and Fujitsu. This implies that Gree is as reliable as the Japanese brands, which are well established in the field, at least when the units are put in place correctly. A lot of owners like to receive comparable comfort and efficiency of the big names, but at a lower price.

With that said, there is no such thing as a perfect product.

Some users have posted not so positive experiences – in many cases these are situations such as several units in a large installation developing problems, or dissatisfaction with warranty service. As an example, there are online reviews of problems with getting support or replacement parts directly with Gree as a homeowner, which is why it is important to use your installing contractor to get service. Isolated component failures (a blower motor or control board problem) have occurred in the first year. But these seem to be the exception and not the rule and in a lot of cases it is hard to tell whether the installation factors were involved.

On the whole, it appears that both users and HVAC professionals agree on the idea that Gree is a reliable brand in the mini split market.

The units are as good as their word on quiet, efficient comfort. Customers who have decided to go with Gree usually remark that they are surprised at how well the performance is compared to the price they paid. Like any HVAC equipment, the most important thing is to have a good installer and support, but once that is in place, Gree owners are mostly very satisfied with their systems after years of use.

Comparison With Competitors

Gree Vs. Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric is usually the standard of ductless mini splits with excellent quality, reliability, and performance.

Comparing Gree with Mitsubishi, some major differences can be outlined. To begin with, efficiency: the best models of Gree are actually better than those of Mitsubishi. As an example, the high-end 12,000 BTU models of Mitsubishi have approximately 26 SEER efficiency, but the Gree Sapphire of the same capacity is rated at more than 30 SEER (and up to 38 SEER in smaller sizes). Gree also beats Mitsubishi in extreme temperature performance – Gree mini splits can be used in ambient heat up to ~129°F and cold down to -22°F, compared to about 115°F and -13°F with Mitsubishi standard spec. This implies that in an abnormally hot weather or extremely cold weather, Gree may be comfortable where a Mitsubishi would require additional actions.

The area where Mitsubishi excels is its history and support system.

Mitsubishi has decades of experience in the U.S. ductless market, with a huge base of installers and parts distributors. They are very reliable and most installers will tell you that Mitsubishi is the gold standard and they support it with up to 12 years on compressors and parts (when installed by approved contractors). Gree is a more recent brand in the U.S. under its own name, and it has fewer (but expanding) dealers. Gree has a warranty of up to 10 years, which is good, but not the best in Mitsubishi.

In terms of performance, the two brands are quiet and efficient in cooling and heating.

A Mitsubishi is difficult to top in sheer refinement, the indoor units are very quiet (down to ~19 dB) and the systems are very responsive to load. Gree is not that far either; users and tests indicate that Gree units are also whisper-quiet and extremely comfortable. The features are also similar: newer Mitsubishi systems are controllable through the Kumo Cloud app (Wi-Fi adapter is often optional), and Gree offers Wi-Fi on most of their models as standard. They both have progressed controls, timers and multi-fan speeds. Mitsubishi is strong in one area: in capacity modulation range: their units can ramp output way down or up, and some Mitsubishi models can deliver more heating BTUs at mid-temperatures than their nominal size. The heating capacity of Gree is more in line with its cooling capacity, however, performs extremely well in the cold, only falling off at the very low end.

Cost comparison favors Gree very much.

In simple terms, Mitsubishi mini splits are one of the costly ones. You are paying a premium on the brand name and the backing. Gree is much cheaper on the same specifications, as mentioned above, model-to-model Gree units can be much cheaper. Gree is a very attractive alternative to Mitsubishi to a homeowner on a budget who does not want to compromise on efficiency and performance. Mitsubishi is a good choice, too, provided money is no object or you like the brand with the longest U.S. pedigree. In short, Gree is able to compete with Mitsubishi in most technical terms (and even beat it in efficiency ratings), but Mitsubishi has long-term reputation and support. Gree is regarded by many experts as a value competitor to Mitsubishi, you will get 90+ percent of the performance at maybe 70 percent of the cost, a trade off many are willing to make.

Gree Vs. Daikin

Daikin is another international HVAC powerhouse, which is based in Japan, and operates in the ductless mini split market.

Interestingly, Daikin and Gree are direct competitors on the global arena, as they are two of the biggest HVAC manufacturers in the world. Comparing their mini splits, a lot of similarities in terms of technology exist. Both Gree and Daikin use inverter compressors, have high SEER models and are focused on reliability and advanced features. The single-zone mini splits sold by Daikin usually max out at the low-to-mid 20s SEER (Daikin Aurora series, which is popular and is designed to work in cold climates, is around 20 SEER). Gree Sapphire is able to surpass that in equivalent sizes with 30+ SEER, so Gree has an advantage in raw efficiency ratings. Daikin cold-climate units heat down to -13F (some with an optional drain pan heater to ensure they can run that low), which is excellent but still not as good as Gree at -22F.

Both the brands are associated with innovation.

Daikin tends to use state-of-the-art features – they have had models with built-in air purifiers or humidifiers, and they combine controls between their commercial and residential products. Gree is also fast to embrace new technology – they were among the first to introduce Wi-Fi standard and have come up with the so-called intelligent eye remote sensor feature (I-Feel) to enhance comfort. When it comes to real-life application, a consumer may not find a significant difference between a top-end Daikin and a top-end Gree in the comfort department – they will both do the job of making you comfortable effectively. One difference: Daikin owns such brands as Goodman/Amana and operates through those channels in North America, so when you buy a ductless system through a Daikin HVAC dealer, you have access to a big service network. The dealer network of Gree, as stated, is smaller because they are yet to develop their own brand dealerships in the U.S. This may influence the convenience of acquiring service or parts in future.

Daikin is also price-wise in the same premium category as Mitsubishi.

Gree will tend to be cheaper of similar capacity. As an example, a 18,000 BTU Daikin mini split may be thousands of dollars more than an 18k BTU Gree with similar specifications. Gree has an upper hand in case of budget. Daikin (it is a very old company, and the first in air conditioning) may provide more comfort to some buyers, in case they care about the brand legacy. The warranties of both companies are strong (Daikin usually 12 years, Gree up to 10 years). It should be mentioned that Daikin, similar to Gree, also produces a broad line, Daikin even has a line of DIY-oriented units and others, but their main products are pro-installed as Gree.

Gree Vs. MrCool

MrCool is a relatively new company that has established itself by selling mini split systems that are easy to install to consumers.

The comparison between Gree and MrCool is basically the comparison between professionally-installed solution and do-it-yourself solution. The largest distinction is installation method: MrCool sells kits that are shipped with pre-charged quick-connect lines such that an average homeowner can install the system without special tools or refrigerant handling. This is quite attractive to the do-it-yourself homeowners who want to cut down on the installation expenses. Gree, on the other hand, does not sell such kits, their systems are professional installation. Therefore, in case you want to install it yourself, specifically, then MrCool would be the choice, not Gree.

MrCool and Gree share some features.

MrCool units are inverter-driven as well and most of them have Wi-Fi and smartphone app control. The new DIY units of MrCool have an efficiency of about 20 SEER, which is not bad yet one notch lower than the best Gree has to offer. To give an example, MrCool DIY 12k BTU heat pump is approximately 22 SEER, whereas Gree Sapphire 12k is ~30 SEER. Therefore, efficiency and performance tip in Gree favor, Gree has a higher SEER/higher HSPF and in general, a more robust compressor, whereas some MrCool models may not perform well in very cold weather. The benefit of MrCool is that it is easy and cheap to install, and the benefit of Gree is that it is more efficient in harsh climate conditions and potentially longer-lasting parts.

MrCool is still new when it comes to reliability and support.

A lot of DIYers have successfully installed MrCool units and claim they are great. But should something go wrong, the homeowner may need to troubleshoot and even replace parts themselves, MrCool does ship replacement parts under warranty, but you are probably doing the work or paying someone to do it. When you have Gree, since it is professionally installed, you would contact your installer/HVAC company to do any warranty repairs. There have been reports in the industry that some MrCool products are in fact produced by mainstream OEMs, and thus the quality of the hardware may not be much different. Nevertheless, MrCool as a brand is aimed at the DIY segment, and that implies that such aspects as customer service and support are oriented towards the end-user installer. Gree, however, takes care of its dealer and installer network who in turn takes care of the customer.

Cost comparison: If you are comfortable installing it yourself, a MrCool mini split can be significantly cheaper in total cost because you eliminate labor.

A 12k BTU MrCool DIY kit might be $1,600 and you install it for free (aside from your time and maybe some electrical work), whereas a 12k Gree might be $1,500 + $1,200 install = $2,700 total, for example. That’s a big difference. However, not everyone is up for doing their own HVAC install – drilling through walls, running ele