What is the best heat pump brand in the UK?

The top heat pump brands in the UK include Daikin (best overall reliability), Mitsubishi Ecodan (best for cold climates), Vaillant aroTHERM plus (quietest operation), Samsung EHS Mono (best value), and Nibe F2120 (best premium option). The right brand depends on your property and priorities.

What COP rating should I look for?

Look for a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 3.5 or higher. This means for every 1kW of electricity used, the heat pump produces 3.5kW of heat. The best models achieve SCOP ratings of 4.0-5.0, especially ground source systems.

Are heat pumps noisy?

Modern heat pumps produce 38-48 decibels at 1 metre - similar to a quiet conversation or refrigerator. The quietest models (like Vaillant aroTHERM plus) operate at just 38dB. Planning rules require installation at least 1 metre from a neighbour boundary.

Updated March 2026

Best Heat Pumps UK 2026

Q: How much does a good heat pump cost?

A quality air source heat pump system costs GBP 8,000-14,000 installed before the GBP 7,500 BUS grant. After the grant, net costs are typically GBP 2,500-6,500. Ground source systems cost GBP 15,000-35,000 before grants.

We have compared the leading air source and ground source heat pump brands on efficiency, noise levels, reliability, and value for money. All models listed are eligible for the GBP 7,500 BUS grant.

Key Takeaways

Best overall: Daikin Altherma 3 - proven reliability, SCOP 4.56, widely available
Quietest: Vaillant aroTHERM plus - just 38dB, ideal for noise-sensitive locations
Best value: Samsung EHS Mono - excellent SCOP at the most competitive price point
All models eligible for the GBP 7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

Air Source Heat Pump Comparison

Brand & Model	SCOP	Noise (dB)	Capacity	Warranty	Price Range	Rating
Daikin Altherma 3 Best Overall	4.56	42dB	4-16kW	5 years	$$	9.3/10
Mitsubishi Ecodan Best for Cold	4.28	45dB	5-14kW	5 years	$$	9.1/10
Vaillant aroTHERM plus Quietest	4.65	38dB	3-15kW	7 years	$$$	9.2/10
Samsung EHS Mono Best Value	4.40	43dB	5-16kW	5 years	$	8.8/10
Nibe F2120 Highest SCOP	5.03	46dB	8-16kW	7 years	$$$$	9.4/10
Grant Aerona3 R32	4.21	40dB	6-17kW	5 years	$$	8.7/10

What to Consider When Choosing a Heat Pump

SCOP Rating

The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance measures real-world efficiency across the year. Higher SCOP = lower running costs. Look for 3.5+ minimum, 4.0+ is excellent.

Noise Level

Measured in decibels at 1 metre. Below 42dB is very quiet. Important if the unit is near bedrooms or neighbours. Planning rules require 42dB max at the nearest habitable room.

Sizing

Your installer will calculate the correct size based on heat loss surveys. Oversizing wastes money; undersizing means the system struggles in cold weather. A 10kW unit suits most 3-bed homes.

Refrigerant Type

R32 and R290 (propane) are the modern, lower-GWP refrigerants replacing older R410A. R290 has the lowest environmental impact and is becoming the industry standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daikin Altherma 3 is our top overall pick for reliability and availability. Vaillant aroTHERM plus is best for noise-sensitive locations. Samsung EHS Mono offers the best value. The right brand depends on your property and priorities.

A quality ASHP system costs GBP 8,000-14,000 installed before the GBP 7,500 BUS grant. After the grant, net costs are typically GBP 2,500-6,500.

Look for SCOP of 3.5+. The best models achieve 4.0-5.0. Higher SCOP means lower running costs - each 0.5 increase saves roughly GBP 100/year.

Modern heat pumps produce 38-48dB at 1 metre - similar to a quiet conversation. The quietest models operate at just 38dB.

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