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What brand has the best heat pumps?

There isn’t a single “best” heat pump brand because performance depends more on system design and installation quality than the badge on the casing. In the UK you’ll see strong options from Vaillant, Mitsubishi, Samsung and others, each with different strengths around controls, efficiency or installer support.

Take a look on heatpumpmonitor.org to see performance figures from different unit.

I run a Vaillant aroTHERM plus and it runs brilliantly for us. My performance pages show real COP figures across different weather conditions, which is far more useful than marketing claims.

When comparing brands, look at modulation range, refrigerant type, noise data and how easily installers can access performance information. A well-installed mid-range unit will usually outperform a premium model that’s oversized or poorly configured.

Living with a Vaillant aroTHERM: real-world experience

I’ve had a Vaillant aroTHERM heat pump on my own house since 2022 and it’s been great. It’s quiet, reliable, and consistently delivers the efficiencies I expected in real world use. I’ve monitored seasonal performance and tracked flow temperatures and seasonal COP. Over time the unit has proven to be robust and straightforward to live with. That direct experience gives me confidence when I recommend them, but it also makes me clear about one thing: performance is as much about system design and controls as it is about the heat pump itself.

If you want a deep dive into how Vaillant aroTHERM units actually perform and how to get the most from them, my Vaillant aroTHERM heat pump guide goes through model differences, installation practices, commissioning tips, controls and real world performance notes from field data. It’s a practical manual rather than a sales sheet, with focus on what matters in day-to-day use.

For a broader picture of heat pumps in general, the Heat Pumps Explained hub on the site is a good starting point. That page breaks down the core technology, common system types, how they interact with your radiator or underfloor circuits, what size you likely need, how flow temps affect performance, and how to think about seasonal efficiency. It links out to key articles that help you understand costs, savings, electrification decisions and how to avoid common mistakes. It’s designed to answer the questions most people ask before they commit to a renewable heating upgrade.

Referral information and free credit offer

If you find Energy Stats UK useful, there are a couple of easy ways to support the site and help cover hosting and server costs.

Thinking about switching energy suppliers?

Homeowners who join Octopus Energy using my referral link get £50 free credit after signing up.  Business users get £100 free credit, and if you’re looking at solar or a heat pump, there’s also a £100 gift card through Octopus Tech.

Finally, a £25 gift card can be claimed when having an EV charger installed through Octopus.

“Existing Octopus customer? Find out how you can benefit too. T&Cs apply (only one switching offer per household)”

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If you are thinking about a heat pump, check out my Trusted Heat Pump Installers page along with my guide How to Choose a Heat Pump Installer.

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Note: The current and past performance of energy pricing is not necessarily a guide to the future.

Mick Wall

Mick Wall runs Energy Stats UK, where he shares independent data and real-world insights from his own Sheffield home. By tracking solar, battery storage, and heat pump performance, Mick helps cut through the myths and highlight what really works in the UK’s shift to low-carbon heating.