Gree vs Samsung air conditioners: how to choose for your room

Start with the room, not the brand

People tend to shop for an air conditioner the way they shop for a phone. They compare names, read a few prices and pick the one that feels safe. That works badly here. An air conditioner that is too small never cools the room properly, and one that is too big wastes money and switches on and off all day. A great machine put up by a careless installer will still leak, rattle and break early.

So the order of questions matters. First, how big is the room, and how much sun does it get? Second, what do you need from the machine: cooling only, or heating in winter too? Third, who will install it, and who will fix it in three years? Only after that does it make sense to ask whether you want Gree or Samsung.

Gree is a Chinese company that is often described as the largest maker of air conditioners in the world by the number of units. Its products cover a very wide range, from basic wall units to units for large buildings, and it sells in many countries across Asia, the Middle East and beyond. Samsung is better known for phones and televisions, but it makes air conditioners too, and it markets them on comfort, quiet running and smart features.

We wrote this page from the makers' published product information and from what installers, owners and reviewers commonly say. We have not run our own measurements of cooling or noise, so no lab figures appear here. Model names and features change from year to year, so always check the exact model number on offer in your area.

The two brands side by side

Choosing the right cooling power

Cooling power is measured in kilowatts (kW) or in BTU per hour. One kilowatt is about 3,400 BTU. A simple rule of thumb is that a normal room with an average ceiling needs about one kilowatt of cooling for every ten square metres. That is only a starting point. Add some power if the room faces the sun, sits under a roof, has big windows, holds a lot of people or has hot equipment like a computer or kitchen appliances.

If a room falls between two sizes, which one should you pick? For a sunny room in a hot area, go up. For a shaded bedroom, go down or stay at the lower size. Do not assume that bigger is better. An oversized unit reaches the set temperature too fast, shuts off, and leaves the air damp and clammy. A unit that is a little too small just runs longer, which costs a bit more but keeps the air comfortable.

An installer who measures the room and asks about the sun and the windows is a good sign. One who quotes a size without looking is not. Both Gree and Samsung sell units in every standard size, so the size question is the same for both.

Inverter models and your power bill

An older, non-inverter air conditioner works like a light switch. The compressor runs at full power until the room is cold, then turns off, then turns on again when it warms up. Each start uses a burst of energy, and the temperature swings up and down.

An inverter model changes the compressor speed instead. It runs hard at first to cool the room, then slows to a gentle level to hold the temperature. This uses less electricity, keeps the room steadier and is quieter. Over a hot summer, the savings can be large, and they are the main reason to pay more for an inverter model. Almost all Samsung units are inverters. Gree sells both inverter and non-inverter models, so check the label if you want the more efficient one.

To compare running costs, look at the efficiency figure on the label. The common one is called SEER for cooling over a season, and a higher number means lower bills. Some markets use energy classes instead, like A, A+ and A++. Compare units using the same system, and ignore sales talk. Also check the exact model, since a brand can have efficient and plain versions in the same family.

For a rough idea of your cost, think about the power draw once the room is cool. A modern inverter unit of medium size often draws well under one kilowatt when it settles down, and more while it is pulling the temperature down at the start. Multiply the kilowatts by the hours of use and by your price per unit of electricity. The result will be higher on very hot days and lower on mild ones.

Comfort and noise

Noise is measured in decibels at the indoor unit. The number to look for is the lowest fan speed, since that is what you will hear at night. A figure around 20 dB is almost silent, like a quiet whisper. Around 30 dB is clearly audible in a silent room, and the figure at the highest speed can be much higher. Do not forget the outdoor unit, which makes noise too, especially if it hangs on the wall near your bedroom window.

Samsung puts a lot of its advertising into comfort. Some of its models use a panel with thousands of tiny holes, so cool air comes out as a gentle mist and not a direct jet. People who dislike cold air blowing on their skin, or who sleep with a unit pointed near the bed, often prefer this. In some designs the unit can cool the room without any air blowing straight at you. Owners tend to mention how calm the room feels, and how quiet the unit is at night.

Gree units are more traditional. They send air out through a flap, which you can aim and adjust. The airflow is stronger and can feel more direct, but the units cool quickly and do the job well. Several Gree models have quiet and sleep modes that lower the fan speed and the noise at night. If you are a light sleeper, check the quiet-mode noise figure on the exact model.

Neither is better in every home. A strong, direct breeze is nice in a hot living room on a summer afternoon, and it is annoying at 3 a.m. Think about where the unit will point and who will sit or sleep in its path.

Heating in winter

Most modern air conditioners are heat pumps, which means they can also warm a room in winter. They move heat from outside to inside, and use much less electricity than a plain electric heater. For mild winters, this is a cheap and efficient way to heat a room.

The catch is cold. As the outdoor temperature drops, a heat pump gets less efficient and heats less. Many models work well down to about minus 10 degrees and some are built to continue much lower, but the output falls as it gets colder. If your winters are harsh, check the minimum outdoor temperature in the specifications and look for a model rated for cold climates. Do not buy a unit for winter heating without reading that line.

Some Gree models are designed for low outdoor temperatures, and Samsung also sells heat pump versions. As always, the exact model matters more than the brand. Ask the seller for the rated heating output at low outdoor temperatures, not just the headline figure.

Also remember that in cold weather the outdoor unit builds up frost and runs a defrost cycle, which is normal. During it the indoor unit may blow cooler air for a few minutes. Make sure the outdoor unit is placed where melting water can drain away and not freeze into a block of ice on a path.

Very hot summers

In a region with extreme heat, the outside temperature can pass 40 degrees for weeks. Air conditioners lose power as the air around the outdoor unit gets hotter, and some models switch off to protect themselves. For hot climates, look for units that are rated for high outdoor temperatures. This is often described as a tropical climate rating. Ask the seller to confirm that the model keeps running when the outdoor air is very hot.

Placement of the outdoor unit makes a big difference too. A unit baking in direct afternoon sun, or boxed into a tight space where hot air circulates back into it, works harder and wears out sooner. Put it in the shade if you can, with plenty of open space around it. A simple shade board, fitted with a gap so the air still flows, can help.

Dust is another issue in dry climates. Dust clogs filters and the outdoor coil, so cleaning more often is part of owning an air conditioner in these places.

Controls, apps and extras

Almost every model comes with a remote control. Wi-Fi models add an app that lets you start the unit before you get home, change the temperature from your phone and set schedules. This is useful in summer, since you can cool the flat before you walk in. Samsung's app is part of its SmartThings system, which connects with its televisions, fridges and other devices, and it is a plus if you already use that. Gree has its own app, and works with the usual voice assistants on some models. App quality and language support vary, so check that it is available in a language you understand and that it works in your country.

Beyond the remote and the app, look at the features that you will use:

• Timer and sleep mode. Raises the temperature slowly at night so you are not cold at dawn.
• Dehumidifying mode. Takes moisture from the air without cooling much, which is nice on damp days.
• Self-cleaning. Dries the indoor coil after use to stop mould and smells.
• Air filters. Some models have finer filters that catch dust and pollen. They do not replace a real air purifier.
• Display light. Make sure you can turn off the bright light on the indoor unit if it faces your bed.

Do not pay extra for features you will never touch. A simple unit with a good compressor and a good installation is better than a loaded unit with a bad one.

Installation decides a lot

If we had to pick one thing that decides how well an air conditioner works for ten years, it would be the installation. The best installers do small things carefully: they use proper copper pipe, make clean flares, pull a vacuum on the system before releasing the refrigerant, check for leaks, slope the drain pipe so water flows out, and mount the indoor unit level and firm. Poor installers skip some of these steps, and the problems show up months later as leaks, poor cooling, noise or a failed compressor.

Before you agree to a quote, ask these questions:

• How long is the pipe run, and what is the maximum length allowed for this model?
• Will the installer pull a vacuum, or do they just purge the line?
• Where will the drain water go, and will it freeze in winter?
• Is a dedicated power line and breaker included, and what cable size will be used?
• Will the outdoor unit be on a proper bracket, and can it be reached for service?
• Does the warranty stay valid with this installer?

Many makers require installation by an authorised installer for the warranty to apply, so read the warranty terms before you hire someone cheap. Also check that the refrigerant in the unit matches what the installer knows how to handle. Most new units use a refrigerant called R32, which is more efficient and has a lower effect on the climate than the older R410A. It needs some care with handling, and a good technician will know it.

Cleaning and upkeep

An air conditioner needs a little care to keep working well. The most important job is cleaning the indoor filters. In a season of heavy use, wash them about once a month, more often in dusty places. A clogged filter cuts airflow, reduces cooling, raises your bill and can make the coil freeze. It takes five minutes: pull the filter out, rinse it with lukewarm water, let it dry and put it back.

Once a year, before the hot season, have the unit cleaned properly. A technician cleans the indoor coil, the drain and the outdoor coil and checks the gas pressure. This is a good time to find small problems before they turn expensive. Do not try to open the sealed parts yourself.

Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, plastic bags, packing and anything that blocks its airflow. Do not stack things on top of it. If you notice a bad smell, water dripping inside, ice on the pipes or a loud noise, switch the unit off and call for service.

Price, warranty and service

Gree is usually the less expensive of the two for the same cooling size. This does not mean it is poor quality, since the company makes huge numbers of units and runs on a large scale. What you pay less for is often the extra features, the finish and the brand name. Samsung usually costs more, and in return you get a quieter, more comfortable and more connected machine.

Warranty terms differ by country and dealer. A common pattern is a few years of warranty on the whole unit and a longer one on the compressor, but check the written terms. Look at what the warranty requires, such as professional installation and proof of purchase, and what it excludes, such as damage from voltage spikes or poor maintenance.

Service access is as important as the price. Ask who repairs the unit, where the service centre is, how quickly they come out, and whether spare parts are kept in stock. An inexpensive unit that sits broken for weeks in summer is not a bargain. In markets where Gree is common, finding a technician who knows the units is usually easy. Samsung has official service centres in many countries, though coverage varies by town. Ask neighbours and friends who have each brand which one had good service when something went wrong.

Finally, compare the whole cost of ownership: the unit, the installation, the electricity over several summers and any repairs. A cheaper machine with a poor efficiency rating can cost more over five years than a pricier efficient one.

Where Midea fits in

Midea is another large name that comes up in almost every shop alongside Gree and Samsung. It is a Chinese maker with a wide range of air conditioners, and it is also one of the largest appliance companies in the world. In terms of price and approach, Midea sits close to Gree: good value, lots of sizes, solid inverter models and a mix of simple and feature-rich units. Many of the points in this guide, such as choosing the right size, checking the cold-weather rating, and caring about the installation, apply to Midea in the same way.

If a shop shows you a Midea unit at a price between Gree and Samsung, treat it like the others. Compare the efficiency figure, the noise level at the lowest speed, the warranty and the service available in your town. The brand name is a starting point, and the details tell you whether the unit fits you.

Buying tips for smaller markets

Where air conditioners are sold through many small dealers, a few extra checks protect you.

• Check the model for your climate. Models sold for cooler regions may not be built for very hot summers. Look for the hot-weather and low-temperature ratings on the label.
• Check the voltage and plug. Make sure the unit is made for your mains voltage and frequency. A unit designed for a different supply can fail early.
• Think about voltage swings. If the power supply in your area is unstable, ask the installer about protection for the unit, such as a voltage guard. Inverter units have sensitive electronics, so this is worth discussing.
• Buy from a seller who gives paperwork. Keep the invoice, the warranty card and the serial number of both the indoor and outdoor units.
• Beware of very low prices. A price far below the market can mean a grey import, an old model, a refurbished unit or a copy. Ask where the stock comes from.
• Check both boxes. A split air conditioner has an indoor and an outdoor unit. Make sure the two match and that the box includes the remote, brackets and manuals.
• Plan the installation date. Spring and early summer are busy, and good installers book up. Buying in the off season often brings better prices and a more careful installation.

Who should pick which

Gree makes more sense if

• you want the most cooling for your money;
• you prefer a simple unit without a lot of extras;
• there are local technicians who know Gree well;
• you need a model rated for very hot or very cold weather at a fair price;
• you are cooling several rooms and need to keep the total cost down.

Samsung makes more sense if

• you want very quiet, gentle cooling in a bedroom;
• you dislike cold air blowing on you;
• you already use Samsung devices and like an app that connects them;
• you care about the look of the indoor unit in a living room;
• you are happy to pay more for comfort.

For most homes, a good rule is this. Use the money you save with a value brand to pay for a careful installer and a bit of extra cooling power. Use the extra money for a premium brand when comfort and quiet are the top priority, such as in a bedroom.

Questions people ask

Models, features and prices change from year to year and differ by country. Check the exact model number, warranty and service terms with the seller before you buy. Read how we build our pages on the methodology page.