Comparisons
The 10 best heat pumps in the UK (2026) — ranked & compared
Last updated 2026-09-28
Choosing an air source heat pump is one of the most important home energy decisions you will make this decade. Unlike replacing a conventional gas boiler — where brands perform relatively similarly — choosing the right heat pump brand directly influences your home's winter heating comfort, annual electricity bills, radiator requirements, and acoustic compliance with local council planning rules.
In 2026, the UK heat pump market has matured significantly. Advanced natural refrigerants like R290 (propane) have revolutionized performance, allowing heat pumps to produce water flow temperatures up to 70°C. This means many UK homeowners can now switch from gas, oil, or LPG boilers without replacing all their existing radiators.
In this guide, we rank the 10 best heat pumps in the UK for 2026, based on efficiency ratings (SCOP), noise levels, refrigerant technology, warranty periods, and realistic UK installation costs before and after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant.
The 10 best heat pumps at a glance
| # | Heat pump | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vaillant aroTHERM plus | Best all-rounder for UK homes |
| 2 | Mitsubishi Ecodan R290 | Best for reliability & hot water |
| 3 | Daikin Altherma 3 HT | Best for cold winters (works to -28°C) |
| 4 | Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet | Best value for money |
| 5 | Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 AWF | Best efficiency (SCOP 4.39 average) |
| 6 | Viessmann Vitocal 150A | Best for smaller homes (from 2.1kW) |
| 7 | Grant Aerona³ & R290 | Best for rural & off-grid homes |
| 8 | LG Therma V R32 | Best budget pick (widest size range) |
| 9 | MasterTherm BoxAir Inverter | Best for larger homes (up to 35kW) |
| 10 | Aira Heat Pump | Best warranty (15 years) |
Our verdict: the Vaillant aroTHERM plus is the best all-round heat pump for most UK homes — but the right model for you depends on your heat-loss survey, radiators, budget and garden space. Use the comparison below to shortlist two or three, then compare quotes.
How we ranked the UK's best heat pumps
We compared every major heat pump sold in the UK on the factors that actually affect your bills and comfort:
- Seasonal efficiency (SCOP) — average efficiency across a full UK heating season, not lab-ideal peaks.
- Maximum flow temperature — higher flow temps mean fewer radiator upgrades in older homes.
- Noise output — critical for Permitted Development compliance and neighbour relations.
- Warranty length and conditions — including whether an accredited installer is required for full cover.
- Cold-weather performance — how much output each unit retains in sub-zero conditions.
- Realistic installed cost — typical UK prices after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
- UK installer and parts network — availability of accredited engineers and spare parts.
One caveat: the "best" heat pump is the one correctly specified for your home. A brilliantly efficient unit that's the wrong size will underperform a mid-range unit sized from a proper room-by-room heat-loss survey. Always get at least two quotes from MCS-certified installers before deciding.
Quick Comparison: Top UK Heat Pump Brands (2026)
| Brand & Flagship Model | Max Efficiency (SCOP) | Max Flow Temp | Refrigerant | Noise Level (3m) | Warranty | Net Installed Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaillant aroTHERM plus | up to 5.03 | 75°C | R290 (Propane) | 35–39 dB(A) | Up to 7 years | £1,500 – £5,500 |
| Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan Ultra Quiet / R290 | up to 4.70 | 70°C | R32 / R290 | 40–44 dB(A) | Up to 7 years | £1,000 – £5,000 |
| Daikin Altherma 3 M / H HT | up to 4.85 | 70°C | R32 / R290 | 38–42 dB(A) | Up to 7 years | £1,500 – £5,500 |
| Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet / R290 | up to 5.00 | 70°C | R290 (Propane) | 35–40 dB(A) | Up to 7 years | £800 – £4,500 |
| Grant UK Aerona³ R32 / Aerona R290 | up to 4.62 | 65°C – 70°C | R32 / R290 | 42–46 dB(A) | Up to 7 years | £500 – £4,000 |
*Net installed cost reflects average total installation cost (£8,000–£13,000) minus the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for eligible UK homeowners.
1–5: The top five, in detail
1. Vaillant (aroTHERM plus) — Best Overall for UK Retrofits
German engineering combined with decades of UK heating dominance makes Vaillant the standout market leader in 2026. The aroTHERM plus monobloc heat pump range uses R290 (propane) refrigerant, making it eco-friendly with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3.
Why it stands out: The aroTHERM plus can deliver flow temperatures up to 75°C. While running it at 45°C–55°C is best for maximum seasonal efficiency (SCOP), the capability to output 65°C–70°C in the dead of winter means you rarely need to upsize existing radiators during a boiler conversion. It is also exceptionally quiet, achieving Quiet Mark accreditation and sound levels down to 35 dB(A) at 3 metres.
- Key Strengths: Exceptional high-temperature performance, whisper-quiet operation, robust UK engineer network, seamless integration with Vaillant vSMART and sensoCOMFORT controls.
- Drawbacks: Premium equipment pricing; high demand means installer lead times can occasionally be longer.
- Best For: Semi-detached and detached UK houses transitioning from mains gas or oil where quiet operation and radiator reuse are priorities.
2. Mitsubishi Electric (Ecodan) — The Proven UK Market Workhorse
Mitsubishi Electric manufactures its market-leading Ecodan heat pump range directly in Scotland (Livingston). Ecodan systems are by far the most widely installed heat pumps across UK residential properties, commercial sites, and social housing developments.
Why it stands out: Mitsubishi's Ultra Quiet PUZ series was specifically designed to meet strict UK Permitted Development sound planning regulations (MCS 020). Its advanced MELCLOUD app control lets homeowners monitor daily energy usage and efficiency in real time. The newer Ecodan R290 models deliver higher flow temperatures with standard-setting component longevity.
- Key Strengths: UK manufacturing base, unmatched availability of spare parts, extensive network of accredited installers, tried-and-tested reliability in cold British winters.
- Drawbacks: Slightly bulkier outdoor cabinet size compared to sleeker modern competitors.
- Best For: Homeowners who want a battle-tested brand with maximum installer availability and proven long-term UK reliability.
3. Daikin (Altherma 3 Series) — Best for Innovation & Smart Controls
Japanese giant Daikin is a global pioneer in HVAC innovation. The Daikin Altherma 3 M (monobloc) and Altherma 3 H HT (High Temperature) ranges are designed specifically for European climates and retrofit applications.
Why it stands out: Daikin heat pumps feature immaculate aesthetic design (with stylish dark front grilles that blend into modern gardens) and industry-leading inverter compressor technology. The High Temperature (H HT) model can reach 70°C water flow down to outdoor temperatures of -15°C without using supplementary electric backup heaters.
- Key Strengths: Sleek aesthetic design, industry-leading compressor technology, intuitive smartphone integration, excellent multi-zone heating controls.
- Drawbacks: Control system settings can have a steep learning curve for non-technical users.
- Best For: Technology-focused homeowners looking for high efficiency, sleek aesthetics, and smart home automation integration.
4. Samsung (EHS Mono HT Quiet / R290) — Best Value & Modern Styling
Samsung has disrupted the UK heat pump industry with its flagship EHS Mono HT Quiet and new EHS Mono R290 ranges. Featuring premium dark charcoal styling and acoustically optimized fan blades, Samsung heat pumps look and sound like high-end modern appliances.
Why it stands out: Operating as quietly as 35 dB(A) at 3 metres, Samsung's HT Quiet models combine a low sound footprint with high water temperature delivery (up to 70°C). Furthermore, Samsung offers extremely competitive pricing, making complete installed system costs lower than many European competitors while offering full SmartThings app control.
- Key Strengths: Outstanding price-to-performance ratio, premium aesthetic appearance, SmartThings smart home compatibility, low noise output.
- Drawbacks: Less historic heritage in UK wet heating systems compared to traditional boiler manufacturers like Vaillant or Grant.
- Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners who do not want to compromise on high flow temperatures, quiet performance, or modern visual styling.
5. Grant UK (Aerona³ & Aerona R290) — Best for Off-Grid & Rural Homes
Wiltshire-based Grant UK has spent decades building oil boilers for off-grid British homes. Their Aerona³ and newer Aerona R290 air source heat pumps are engineered specifically to meet the high thermal demands of rural properties, old farmhouses, and off-grid upgrades.
Why it stands out: Grant heat pumps feature compact footprints, straightforward mechanical reliability, and intuitive control packages. They excel in hybrid heating setups or straight oil-to-heat-pump replacements. Grant's installer training network across rural Britain is second to none.
- Key Strengths: Excellent rural installer coverage, compact monobloc footprints, simple user controls, strong customer support for off-gas properties.
- Drawbacks: Acoustic output is slightly higher than Vaillant or Samsung, requiring careful positioning during site survey.
- Best For: Rural and off-grid property owners replacing oil or LPG boilers who want simple, dependable heating performance.
6–10: Five more strong contenders
6. Worcester Bosch (Compress 2000 AWF) — Best Average Efficiency
The UK's best-known boiler brand has become a serious heat pump contender. The Compress 2000 AWF posted the highest average SCOP of any model we reviewed (4.39, with peaks above 6 in mild weather), runs at a hushed 44 dB(A), and comes with a 7-year warranty when installed by a Worcester Bosch accredited installer. Sizes run from 4kW to 30kW.
- Best For: Homeowners who already trust Worcester Bosch and want a big-brand heat pump with top-tier measured efficiency.
7. Viessmann (Vitocal 150A) — Best for Smaller Homes
The Vitocal 150A is a sleek monobloc that starts at just 2.1kW — one of the smallest outputs on the UK market — and scales up to 14.9kW. With an A+++ energy rating, average SCOP of 3.14, 70°C flow temperature and a compact footprint, it fits flats, terraces and small semis that bigger units would overwhelm.
- Best For: Smaller homes where a 5kW+ unit would short-cycle and waste energy.
8. LG (Therma V R32 Monobloc) — Best Budget Option
LG's Therma V R32 monobloc range spans 5kW to 16kW with a 7-year warranty and consistently competitive installed pricing — often the lowest fully-installed cost among major brands. Efficiency is mid-pack rather than class-leading, but the price-to-performance ratio is excellent and parts availability is strong thanks to LG's UK distribution network.
- Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a major-brand warranty and installer support.
9. MasterTherm (BoxAir Inverter) — Best for Larger Homes
Czech manufacturer MasterTherm is less of a household name in the UK, but the BoxAir Inverter covers outputs from 7kW up to 35kW — comfortably the widest range here — with a 7-year warranty and a reputation for durable, over-engineered heat exchangers. Popular with self-builders and larger properties.
- Best For: Bigger detached homes and small commercial conversions that need serious output.
10. Aira Heat Pump — Best Warranty
The new entrant shaking up the market. Swedish-backed Aira offers 6, 8 and 12kW units with an industry-leading 15-year warranty, sold direct with installation included and a subscription-style model. It's early days for long-term UK reliability data, but the warranty and pricing simplicity make it worth a quote.
- Best For: Homeowners who value the longest warranty cover and a one-company, end-to-end service.
Key Factors to Compare When Choosing a Brand
1. Refrigerant Type: R290 (Propane) vs R32
If you are installing a heat pump in 2026, pay close attention to the refrigerant type:
- R290 (Propane): The current gold standard. It has an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP = 3), delivers water flow temperatures up to 70°C–75°C efficiently, and maintains high seasonal COP even when outdoor temperatures plunge to sub-zero levels.
- R32: Synthetic fluorinated gas with a higher GWP (675). Still widely used and highly reliable, but typically caps flow temperatures around 60°C–65°C.
2. Sound Levels & Permitted Development (MCS 020)
In England and Wales, installing an air source heat pump without full planning permission requires meeting Permitted Development Rights under standard MCS 020. This rule dictates that sound levels measured at your nearest neighbor's window must not exceed 42 dB(A). Brands like Vaillant, Samsung, and Mitsubishi (Ultra Quiet) make compliance easy even in compact urban gardens.
3. Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)
Do not focus solely on peak COP. Look at the SCOP (Seasonal COP), which measures average efficiency across the entire UK winter and shoulder seasons. A brand with an SCOP of 4.5 generates 4.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed over the year — cutting your annual electric heating bill by up to 25% compared to a unit with an SCOP of 3.5.
How the £7,500 Grant Affects Brand Choice
Under the UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), all eligible property owners in England and Wales receive a direct £7,500 grant toward installation costs. Because the grant is a flat amount regardless of which brand you choose, it levels the playing field.
A premium system (such as a Vaillant aroTHERM plus or Daikin Altherma 3) with an installed cost of £10,500 will cost you just £3,000 net after the grant deduction — putting high-efficiency equipment within reach for virtually every homeowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 10 best heat pumps in the UK?
The 10 best air source heat pumps in the UK for 2026 are the Vaillant aroTHERM plus, Mitsubishi Ecodan R290, Daikin Altherma 3 HT, Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet, Worcester Bosch Compress 2000 AWF, Viessmann Vitocal 150A, Grant Aerona³, LG Therma V R32, MasterTherm BoxAir Inverter and the Aira Heat Pump. The right one for your home depends on your heat loss survey, radiators, budget and garden space.
Which heat pump brand is best in the UK for 2026?
Vaillant and Mitsubishi Electric lead the UK market overall due to reliability and installer networks. Vaillant's aroTHERM plus (R290) is ideal for higher temperature output with existing radiators, while Mitsubishi's Ecodan range is renowned for ultra-quiet performance and proven UK reliability.
Which heat pump brand is quietest?
Vaillant aroTHERM plus and Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet are among the quietest air source heat pumps available in the UK, operating as low as 35 dB(A) at 3 metres, which comfortably earns them Quiet Mark certification.
Can a heat pump reach 70°C without replacing radiators?
Yes. Modern high-temperature heat pumps using R290 (propane) refrigerant — such as the Vaillant aroTHERM plus and Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet — can deliver flow temperatures up to 70°C or even 75°C without needing auxiliary electrical heaters.
Does warranty cover heat pump installations under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Yes, but to qualify for extended warranties (often 5 to 10 years depending on the brand), the system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer who is accredited by the manufacturer and serviced annually.
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