Here we go again—this one’s the bout for the title between two heavyweight juggernauts: Daikin vs Mitsubishi.
Daikin and Mitsubishi are synonymous with mini split ductless air conditioners and heat pumps. That said, both of these HVAC manufacturing giants also make equipment for ducted central air systems.
What sets them apart is their application flexibility—the ability to mix and match ducted and ductless air handlers. These hybrid systems make them ideal for many homes in Phoenix, Mesa, and the surrounding Arizona cities.
An Air Conditioning Contractor’s Disclaimer
To keep this brand comparison unbiased, you should know:
✅ My company, Magic Touch Mechanical, sells both Daikin & Mitsubishi.
✅ I don’t care which one you buy—as long as you buy it from us if you live in the Phoenix, AZ area.
✅ Magic Touch’s offices and fireplace showroom are cooled/heated by a Mitsubishi Multi-Zone system – but I chose a different mini split brand entirely for my own home. Read this article next for more info about both!
We’re an HVAC install and service company based in Mesa, Arizona, founded 28 years ago. Our product isn’t just the system—it’s the service we deliver.
As with all my product comparisons, I know some people will disagree. I have friends at just about every major HVAC manufacturer—some are close friends. But I call it like I see it. I don’t write for the manufacturer. I write for homeowners and small business owners like you.
Daikin vs Mitsubishi: Company Overview
🌎 Not Born in the USA
Both brands are Japanese in origin, but have formed key partnerships with American manufacturers.
Mitsubishi + Trane: A Joint Venture
- Mitsubishi has been the #1 selling ductless brand in the U.S. for years.
- Based on our data from installing mini splits in the Phoenix area for decades, they’ve also proven one of the most reliable.
Daikin Acquires Goodman
- Daikin purchased Goodman Manufacturing for $13.1 billion.
- Goodman was the largest central air manufacturer in the U.S., and Daikin was the largest globally.
- Now united, they form the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world, leapfrogging even Carrier.
Does Size Matter?
Yes and No.
YES – Daikin/Goodman’s global size gives them purchasing power, like Walmart.
NO – Mitsubishi isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. They’re more like Nordstrom’s—focusing on quality and experience over volume.
| Brand | Style | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Daikin | Walmart (not cheap – just large) | Volume |
| Mitsubishi | Nordstrom | Laser Focused |
So, does size matter? Not in this comparison. Daikin is much larger than Mitsubishi but both build great products.
Daikin vs Mitsubishi: Reliability & Durability
Let’s talk real-world performance, not brochure promises.
Here’s what we’ve seen from servicing and installing thousands of these units across the Valley:
- ✅ Mitsubishi: Proven to be very reliable long-term based on many, many installations we’ve completed.
- ✅ Daikin (and Goodman): Generally reliable, but higher failure rates than we’ve experienced with Mitsubishi
- ❌ Some other brands have failed us so badly, we stopped offering them altogether
🔧 At Magic Touch, we install all brands exactly to manufacturer specs. So if a unit fails early, it’s not an install issue—it’s the equipment.
Bottom line: Mitsubishi wins this round.
Daikin vs Mitsubishi: Price Comparison (Updated 2025)
Let’s update the scorecard.
- Previously, Daikin was typically the less expensive option.
- In 2025, their pricing is typically about the same with Mitsubishi being a few hundred dollars less expensive on several popular models.
💡 Pro Tip:
In many cases you can get a Mitsubishi system for less than a Daikin—this is especially true with several of their more popular models.
Here’s how they typically line up:
| Brand | Pricing Tier | Popular Models Often Compared |
|---|---|---|
| Daikin | Mid-to-High | Several hundred dollars more |
| Mitsubishi | Mid-to-High | Several hundred dollars less |
Get the quote before assuming anything. Most HVAC contractors (like us) offer free estimates—you’ve got nothing to lose.
System Options & Flexibility
Both Daikin and Mitsubishi offer impressive hybrid system configurations that allow:
- Ducted air handlers
- High-wall, low-wall, hidden ceiling cassettes, or ceiling-mounted ductless heads
- Recessed air handlers
- Multi-zone and single-zone systems
This mix-and-match flexibility is ideal for Arizona homes with additions, garages, casitas, or rooms with different temperature needs.
Thanks to their U.S. partnerships (Daikin/Goodman and Mitsubishi/Trane), you’ve got a wide variety of high-performance options to choose from.
Final Verdict: Daikin vs Mitsubishi in Phoenix
Look, you could do a lot worse than either of these brands. There’s some real junk on the market, and Daikin and Mitsubishi are definitely not that.
But this is a comparison article, so here’s my take:
- 💎 If you want the most reliable mini split or hybrid system—and your budget allows—go with Mitsubishi.
- If Mitsubishi doesn’t have the perfect fit for your application, you could do much worse than Daikin.
- If you’re budget isn’t high enough for either brand – consider Gree (I own one … as well as a Mitsubishi – see this article: Daikin vs Gree)
Custom Designed Comfort Systems for Arizona Homes
Unlike traditional central air systems (which are a bit easier to ballpark), ductless and hybrid systems must be custom-designed for your home. Here in the Phoenix metro area, where zoning, airflow, and sun exposure vary drastically, design matters.
Want an accurate quote and honest advice from the people who’ve installed more mini splits in Arizona than most companies combined?
📞 Call Magic Touch Mechanical in Mesa, AZ
📍 Serving the entire Phoenix metro area
📅 Or book a free estimate online below!
