India’s Top 10 Air Conditioner Brands – A Buyer’s Guide

By Rosie Fryer On Jul 4, 2024

Air conditioners have become essential in many parts of India due to the hot and humid climate during summer. The air conditioner market in India is experiencing steady growth, with projections indicating it will exceed $5 billion by 2025. Given the vast array of brands and models available, selecting the right air conditioner can be challenging. This article lists the top 10 AC brands in India, considering factors such as market share, product range, technology, energy efficiency, pricing, after-sales service, and brand reputation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Conditioner Brand

Budget: ACs range from affordable models under Rs 25,000 to premium models over Rs 60,000.
Capacity: Match the AC capacity to the room size, typically ranging from 0.8 tons to 2 tons for residential spaces.
Energy Efficiency: Higher star ratings and EER/ISEER ratings translate to lower electricity bills, with inverter ACs being the most efficient.
Features: Consider needs like adjustable cooling, WiFi controls, air purification filters, dust filters, and dehumidification.
Type: Choose between window, split, or portable ACs, with split ACs being more popular for effective cooling.
Brand Reputation: Established brands are often known for better quality and service.
Warranties and Service: Longer warranties and a wide service network are important for durability.

Top 10 Air Conditioner Brands in India

1. Voltas

Founder: Tata Group
Founded: 1954
Headquarters: Mumbai
Market Share: Over 23%
Product Range: Split, Window, and Inverter ACs
Key Features: High EER, adjustable cooling modes, dehumidification, dust filters
Price Range: Mid to Premium
Why Buy: Excellent brand reputation and after-sales service across India

Voltas dominates the AC market with the highest market share in India. Known for energy-efficient products and innovative features like Adjustable Cooling, Voltas ACs offer reliable performance and low operating costs.

2. LG

Founders: Koo In-Hwoi, In-Keun Kim
Founded: 1958
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Market Share: 14%
Product Range: Split, Window, Portable, and Inverter ACs
Key Features: DUAL Inverter Compressor, Ocean Black Protection, Low Gas Detection
Price Range: Mid to Premium
Why Buy: Pioneered Inverter AC technology in India, high-quality products

LG offers a wide range of ACs with advanced features like the DUAL Inverter Compressor, which saves power and provides efficient cooling. Their models include India-specific features and stylish designs.

3. Samsung

Founder: Lee Byung-Chul
Founded: 1938
Headquarters: Suwon, South Korea
Market Share: 10%
Product Range: Split, Window, Wind-Free, and Inverter ACs
Key Features: Digital Inverter, Triple Protector Plus, PM 2.5 Filter
Price Range: Mid to Premium
Why Buy: Cutting-edge design and premium build quality

Samsung ACs are known for their modern aesthetics and advanced features, such as digital inverters and PM 2.5 filters. Their Wind-Free ACs provide comfortable cooling without direct airflow, ideal for sensitive users.

4. Daikin

Founder: Akira Yamada
Founded: 1924
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Market Share: 8%
Product Range: Split and Inverter ACs
Key Features: Neo Swing Inverter, Econo Mode, PM 2.5 Filter
Price Range: Premium
Why Buy: Japanese technology, top-class energy efficiency, quick cooling

Daikin is known for its superior Japanese engineering and high energy efficiency. Their ACs offer excellent performance and long-term savings on energy bills.

5. Hitachi

Founder: Namihei Odaira
Founded: 1910
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Market Share: 7%
Product Range: Split and Inverter ACs
Key Features: Expandable Inverter, Flexismart Inverter, Aerowings Swing
Price Range: Mid to Premium
Why Buy: Excellent AC with modern design and long-term reliability

Hitachi ACs feature innovative power-saving technology and reliable performance. Their products are known for durability and efficient cooling.

6. Whirlpool

Founders: Emory Upton, Louis Upton
Founded: 1911
Headquarters: Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA
Market Share: 7%
Product Range: Split and Inverter ACs
Key Features: 6TH Sense Ultra Inverter, IntelliSense Inverter, PM 2.5 Filter
Price Range: Mid
Why Buy: Feature-rich ACs at reasonable pricing

Whirlpool offers affordable ACs with modern features, making them a great option for price-sensitive consumers.

7. Godrej

Founders: Ardeshir Godrej, Pirojsha Godrej
Founded: 1897
Headquarters: Mumbai
Market Share: 5%
Product Range: Split, Window, and Inverter ACs
Key Features: Arctic Cool Technology, Anti-dust filter, Aqua Air shower
Price Range: Mid
Why Buy: Feature-packed, reliable and affordable ACs

Godrej ACs offer economical and low-maintenance options with useful features for the Indian market.

8. Blue Star

Founder: Mohan T Advani
Founded: 1943
Headquarters: Mumbai
Market Share: 5%
Product Range: Split, Window, Cassette, Tower, and Inverter ACs
Key Features: HybridJet Inverter, Anti-corrosive Blue Fin coating, Silver ion filter
Price Range: Mid to Premium
Why Buy: Wide range including cassette and tower ACs, suited for commercial installations

Blue Star offers a diverse range of ACs, including specialized models for commercial spaces. Their products are known for cooling efficiency and low-noise operations.

9. Lloyd

Founder: Havells India Limited
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: Delhi NCR
Market Share: 3%
Product Range: Split, Window, and Inverter ACs
Key Features: Windus Inverter, Hyperbttm Cooling, 4D Airflow
Price Range: Mid
Why Buy: Feature-rich ACs at reasonable pricing

Lloyd ACs are known for their contemporary styling and modern cooling technology. They offer energy-efficient units at reasonable price points.

10. Carrier Midea

Founders: Carrier Corporation, Midea Group
Founded: 2020
Headquarters: Gurgaon
Market Share: 3%
Product Range: Split and Inverter ACs
Key Features: Flexismart Inverter, Easy Clean filter, Grooved copper condenser
Price Range: Mid
Why Buy: A joint venture brand offers reliable, affordable ACs

Carrier Midea combines the expertise of Carrier and Midea, offering reliable and efficient ACs at competitive prices.

Conclusion

These top 10 AC brands cover 80-85% of the market share in the residential and commercial air conditioning industry in India. With options ranging from budget-friendly to premium models, consumers can find reliable and efficient air conditioners to meet their specific needs. When choosing an AC brand and model, consider factors such as capacity, energy ratings, size, price, features, and after-sales service.