Best Heat Pump Brands in the UK, 2026
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All five brands below qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Schemegrant of up to £7,500. The best choice for your home depends on your budget, your property's heat demand, and which MCS-certified installers are active in your area. Use this comparison to shortlist two or three, then get competing quotes.
Quick Comparison Table
| Brand | SCOP | Noise (dB) | Warranty | Cost After BUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikin | 3.5–4.5 | 45–52 | 5 yrs | £5,000–£9,500 |
| Nibe | 3.8–5.0 | 42–50 | 7 yrs | £6,500–£10,000 |
| Vaillant | 3.4–4.3 | 46–54 | 5–7 yrs | £5,500–£9,000 |
| Samsung | 3.5–4.6 | 40–48 | 5 yrs | £4,000–£8,000 |
| Mitsubishi | 3.5–4.4 | 45–55 | 5 yrs | £5,000–£9,500 |
SCOP = Seasonal Coefficient of Performance at 35 °C flow temperature. Costs are typical for a 3-bed semi after the £7,500 BUS grant and include installation. Figures are indicative. Get at least three quotes.
1. Daikin
Daikin is the world's largest heat pump manufacturer and one of the most commonly installed brands in the UK. The Altherma 3 range covers outputs from 4 kW to 16 kW, suitable for everything from a small flat to a large detached house. SCOP ratings sit between 3.5 and 4.5 at a 35 °C flow temperature, translating to roughly £3.50 of heat for every £1 of electricity. Pros: huge installer network, reliable parts supply, integrated cylinder options. Cons: outdoor units can be bulkier than rivals. Standard warranty is five years.
2. Nibe
Swedish manufacturer Nibe is the premium pick for homeowners who want best-in-class efficiency. The F2120 monobloc achieves SCOP values above 5.0 in ideal conditions, the highest of any mainstream brand. Nibe also offers ground source models (the S-series) that pair well with borehole or horizontal loop systems. Pros: industry-leading efficiency, seven-year warranty as standard, excellent cold-climate performance down to −25 °C. Cons: higher upfront cost. Smaller UK installer network than Daikin or Mitsubishi.
3. Vaillant
Vaillant is a household name in UK heating thanks to decades of boiler manufacturing. The aroTHERM plus range uses the natural refrigerant R290 (propane), which has a global warming potential of just 3, far lower than synthetic refrigerants used by some competitors. SCOP ratings range from 3.4 to 4.3. Pros:R290 refrigerant is future-proof against F-gas regulations, integrates with Vaillant's controls ecosystem. Cons: noise levels are slightly higher than Samsung or Nibe. The outdoor unit requires minimum clearance from boundaries due to propane.
4. Samsung
Samsung's EHS Mono HT Quiet lives up to its name. At 40 dB(A) it is the quietest mainstream unit on the UK market. It also delivers strong efficiency with SCOP values up to 4.6. Samsung is often the most affordable option after the BUS grant, with typical installed costs starting around £4,000 for a smaller property. Pros: lowest noise levels, competitive pricing, compact outdoor unit. Cons: smaller UK installer network. The brand is less established in heating despite its electronics pedigree.
5. Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric's Ecodan range has been a staple of the UK heat pump market for over a decade. The latest R32 models offer SCOP values between 3.5 and 4.4, and the brand has one of the largest MCS-certified installer networks in the country. Mitsubishi also provides a dedicated homeowner support line, a rarity in the industry. Pros: proven UK track record, extensive service network, MELCloud app for remote monitoring. Cons: outdoor units can be noisier than Samsung. Premium models sit at the higher end of the price range.
How to Choose the Right Brand
Your choice should be guided by three factors: your property's heat demand, your budget after the BUS grant, and the availability of qualified installers in your area. A higher SCOP means lower running costs, but the difference between brands is often smaller than the difference between a well-designed and a poorly-designed installation. Always prioritise a competent, MCS-certified installer over a specific brand.
It is also worth checking your property's EPC rating before committing. While the insulation requirement for the BUS grant has been removed, a well-insulated home will get far more out of any heat pump, regardless of brand.
Funding Your Heat Pump
All five brands above are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides up to £7,500 off the installed cost. The grant is applied automatically by your MCS-certified installer. Depending on your household income, you may also qualify for support through the Warm Homes Plan or the ECO4 scheme.
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Check your eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- Which heat pump brand is best for UK homes?
- There is no single best brand. It depends on your property. Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are the most widely installed and have the broadest installer network. Nibe is the premium choice for cold climates, while Samsung offers strong value for money. Vaillant suits homeowners who want a single-brand heating ecosystem.
- How much does a heat pump cost after the BUS grant in 2026?
- After the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, most air source heat pump installations cost between £4,000 and £10,000 depending on brand, property size and installation complexity. Ground source systems cost more, typically £12,000 to £28,000 after the grant.
- Are heat pumps noisy?
- Modern heat pumps are significantly quieter than older models. Most units operate between 40 and 55 dB(A) at one metre, comparable to a fridge or quiet conversation. Samsung and Daikin models are among the quietest. Permitted development rules require outdoor units to meet a 42 dB(A) limit at the nearest neighbour boundary.
- Do I need to upgrade my radiators for a heat pump?
- Not always. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than boilers, so some radiators may need upsizing. A good installer will perform a room-by-room heat loss calculation and advise which radiators, if any, need replacing. Underfloor heating works particularly well with heat pumps.