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.