The Best Heat Pumps of 2026: 8 Top Picks for Every Home and Budget

The best heat pump for most U.S. homes in 2026 is the Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating H2i: it delivers its full rated heat down to 5°F, runs very quietly, and comes in both ductless and ducted forms. If you already have ductwork and want a single whole-house system, the Carrier Infinity 24 (premium) and the Goodman GSZV9 (value) are the two we would shortlist first. Below are eight picks across price tiers and home types, chosen from manufacturer specifications, AHRI and ENERGY STAR listings, NEEP cold-climate performance data, and owner feedback rather than hands-on testing.

Our picks at a glance

Best overall: Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating H2i

Mitsubishi’s Hyper-Heating (H2i) platform covers wall-mounted ductless heads, ceiling cassettes, floor consoles, and the SVZ ducted air handler, all driven by the same cold-climate inverter outdoor units. That flexibility is why it tops this list: a single brand can serve a 900-square-foot condo or a 3,000-square-foot house with ducts.

Why we picked it

Mitsubishi rates H2i outdoor units to deliver 100 percent of their nominal heating capacity at 5°F and to keep operating down to -13°F, which is why so many models appear on the NEEP cold-climate list. Single-zone MSZ-FS wall units post SEER2 ratings from about 21 (18k) to over 30 (6k), with HSPF2 in the 10.7–11.9 range according to retailer listings. Outdoor sound is listed as low as roughly 49–51 dB(A), and indoor heads whisper at around 19–21 dB(A) on low fan. Registered installs through a Diamond Contractor carry a 12-year parts and compressor warranty. Read our full Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating review for size-by-size numbers.

Keep in mind

Mitsubishi is contractor-only and rarely the cheapest quote. Multi-zone systems lose some efficiency versus single-zone pairs, and the 12-year warranty depends on using a certified installer and registering the equipment. Current production has moved to R-454B, so confirm the refrigerant on your quote.

Best ducted premium: Carrier Infinity 24 with Greenspeed Intelligence

The Infinity 24 (model family 25VNA4, with the R-454B generation sold under the 27VNA prefix) is Carrier’s flagship variable-speed heat pump and one of the most efficient ducted systems you can buy.

Why we picked it

Carrier markets the Infinity 24 at up to 24 SEER2; distributor listings for specific sizes show roughly 20–23 SEER2 and 9.5–11 HSPF2, so treat the headline number as a best-case match. Greenspeed lets the compressor modulate down to around 25 percent capacity, which keeps temperatures within about half a degree and pulls far more humidity out of the air in summer. Published sound ratings start at 51 dB(A) on the 2-ton unit. Paired with the Infinity System Control, it offers zoning, humidity control, and dual-fuel management. See our Carrier Infinity 24 review and the Carrier vs. Trane comparison.

Keep in mind

You pay for the top tier: expect $14,000–$25,000 installed depending on size and whether ductwork needs work. The system is communicating, so it works best with a Carrier air handler or furnace and a Carrier control. Availability and pricing of the R-454B version varied through 2025.

Best value ducted: Goodman GSZV9

Goodman’s GSZV9 brings a variable-speed inverter compressor to a brand known for low prices and a straightforward warranty.

Why we picked it

Goodman lists the GSZV9 at a nominal 19.2 SEER2 and up to 22.5 SEER2 in the right matched system, with HSPF2 starting around 8.2. That is close to premium-brand efficiency at a price that often comes in $4,000–$8,000 lower installed. It uses a swing-type variable-speed compressor, a DC outdoor fan, and ComfortBridge communicating technology that works with a standard thermostat. Goodman’s registered limited warranty is typically 10 years on parts, and the brand’s distribution makes parts easy to find. Details are in our Goodman GSZV9 review.

Keep in mind

Listings we checked show the GSZV9 with R-410A; Goodman’s R-454B successor models use new prefixes, so ask which you are getting. Goodman does not publish a cold-climate capacity claim comparable to Mitsubishi’s, and outcomes depend heavily on the installer because the brand is sold through a very wide contractor base.

Best quiet ducted: Bosch IDS 2.0

Bosch’s Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) 2.0 is a variable-speed heat pump that runs unusually quietly and works with almost any standard thermostat.

Why we picked it

The IDS 2.0 is rated up to about 20 SEER2 depending on the match (Bosch’s older literature says 20.5 SEER), with HSPF2 ratings from around 10.5 in listings we reviewed. Its published outdoor sound level of about 56 dB(A) is among the lowest for a conventional top-discharge cabinet, and the inverter’s soft starts eliminate the compressor thump of single-stage units. Because it does not require a proprietary communicating thermostat, it is easier to fit into existing homes. Our Bosch IDS 2.0 review covers the newer IDS Premium Connected R-454B version too.

Keep in mind

Bosch does not publish full-capacity-at-5°F claims like the cold-climate specialists, so plan on backup heat in northern zones. The dealer network is smaller than Carrier’s or Trane’s, and the standard warranty is 10 years with registration.

Best premium comfort: Lennox SL25XPV

The SL25XPV is Lennox’s top variable-capacity heat pump and, paired with the Lennox S40 thermostat, one of the most tightly controlled comfort systems on the market.

Why we picked it

Lennox rates the SL25XPV at up to 24 SEER and 11.8 HSPF under the older test procedure; current SEER2 ratings vary by match, so ask for the AHRI certificate for your exact combination. The variable-capacity compressor spends most of its time at low speed, which is why Lennox lists sound as low as roughly 55–58 dB(A). What sets it apart is the whole ecosystem: precise humidity control, zoning, and remote diagnostics through the S40 control. Read the Lennox SL25XPV review before you commit.

Keep in mind

This is usually the most expensive system on this list, and Lennox parts and controls are proprietary, which can make repairs pricier and dealer choice narrower. Efficiency claims depend on Lennox-matched indoor equipment.

Best mini-split: Fujitsu Halcyon XLTH

Fujitsu’s XLTH (Extra Low Temperature Heating) series is the strongest rival to Mitsubishi for ductless cold-climate heating, and it is often quoted a little lower.

Why we picked it

XLTH outdoor units are rated to keep heating down to -15°F, with a base-pan heater included as standard to prevent ice buildup. Efficiency ranges roughly from 20 SEER2 on larger sizes to more than 30 SEER2 on the 9k wall unit, with HSPF2 around 11 or higher on the smallest models. Fujitsu offers wall-mounted, ceiling cassette, floor-mounted, and slim-duct indoor units, and registered installs through Elite Contractors extend the warranty to 12 years. Our Fujitsu Halcyon XLTH review has details.

Keep in mind

Fujitsu’s U.S. dealer network is thinner in some regions than Mitsubishi’s, and its app and controls are less polished. As with all mini-splits, the wall units are visible in every room they serve.

Best DIY: MRCOOL DIY 5th Gen

MRCOOL’s DIY line is the most established do-it-yourself mini-split in the U.S., sold with a pre-charged quick-connect line set that removes the need for vacuum pumps and refrigerant handling.

Why we picked it

The 5th Generation 12k unit is listed at 23.5 SEER2 and 10.2 HSPF2, and the 24k unit at 22.7 SEER2 and 9.5 HSPF2. Retail pricing sits around $1,900–$2,100 for the 12k system and $3,200–$3,500 for the 24k, with multi-zone kits available. The line set is pre-charged with R-454B, and the app control is better than most retail brands. Our MRCOOL DIY review explains what an install actually involves.

Keep in mind

You still need a dedicated circuit, a disconnect, and a mounting pad or bracket, so most people hire an electrician. The warranty (commonly cited as 5 years parts and 7 years compressor with registration) is shorter than pro-installed brands, and the pre-charged line sets come in fixed lengths.

Best budget mini-split: Senville AURA

Senville’s AURA series is a cold-climate-rated inverter mini-split that regularly sells for less than half the equipment cost of a Mitsubishi.

Why we picked it

The AURA 24k single-zone is listed at 21 SEER2, 13 EER2, and 13.5 HSPF2 (Region IV), with heating rated down to -22°F, and it is ENERGY STAR certified. Dual-zone AURA kits reach 25 SEER2. Current units ship pre-charged with R-454B, and the commonly cited warranty is 5 years on parts and 10 years on the compressor with registration. It needs a licensed installer for the refrigerant work, but total installed cost often lands between $3,000 and $6,000. See our Senville AURA review.

Keep in mind

Support runs through Senville rather than a local dealer, parts can take time, and the -22°F rating does not mean full capacity at that temperature. Many HVAC contractors will not install owner-supplied equipment, which limits your labor options.

How to choose

Start with your home, not the badge on the box. These are the criteria that matter most, in order.

1. Ducts or no ducts. Good existing ductwork points to a central system (Carrier, Lennox, Goodman, Bosch). No ducts, or ducts that leak badly, point to ductless or slim-duct equipment. Our ducted vs. ductless guide walks through the trade-offs.
2. Your winter design temperature. If your coldest typical nights are below about 15°F, prioritize models on the NEEP cold-climate list with published capacity at 5°F. See the best heat pumps for cold climates.
3. Correct sizing. Insist on a Manual J load calculation. Oversized heat pumps short-cycle and dehumidify poorly. Our sizing guide explains what to ask for.
4. Efficiency ratings in context. SEER2 measures cooling, HSPF2 measures heating. In a heating-dominated climate, HSPF2 and low-temperature capacity matter more than SEER2. Our SEER2, HSPF2 and COP explainer shows how to read the numbers.
5. Installer quality. A mid-tier unit installed well outperforms a flagship installed badly. Get three quotes, ask for AHRI certificates, and check for load calculations and refrigerant charge verification.

What it costs

Typical installed prices in 2026, before incentives, run about $6,500–$12,000 for a basic single-stage ducted heat pump, $9,000–$17,000 for a value inverter system such as the Goodman GSZV9 or Bosch IDS 2.0, and $14,000–$26,000 for premium communicating systems such as the Carrier Infinity 24 or Lennox SL25XPV. Single-zone pro-installed mini-splits cost $5,000–$9,500, while multi-zone ductless systems for a whole house range from $12,000 to $25,000 or more. DIY and retail mini-splits cost $1,300–$3,500 for equipment plus electrical and labor.

The federal 25C credit that covered 30 percent of cost up to $2,000 was terminated for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025, so do not count on it for a 2026 install. Check state and utility programs instead: Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) where your state has launched them, Mass Save, NYSERDA, TECH Clean California, and local utility rebates. Verify current status before signing, and use our heat pump cost calculator for a localized estimate. Our 2026 cost guide breaks down what drives the price.

Our recommendation

For most homeowners, especially anyone north of the Mason-Dixon line or without ductwork, the Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating H2i is the safest choice: proven cold-weather output, low noise, and the longest warranty in the category. Homes with good ducts and a budget for the top tier should choose between the Carrier Infinity 24 and the Lennox SL25XPV based on which brand has the stronger local dealer. If you want inverter comfort for the least money, the Goodman GSZV9 delivers most of the benefit at a much lower price. Handy homeowners with a single room or workshop should look at MRCOOL DIY, and anyone on a strict budget who can find a willing installer will get a lot of heat pump for the money with the Senville AURA. Whatever you pick, the installer’s load calculation and commissioning matter more than the last two points of SEER2.