Best AC Brand 2026: Which air conditioners should you buy?

When buying an air conditioner, the brand matters more than most people realise. Different manufacturers focus on different things, and those choices become clear once you start comparing models side by side.

Brands like Samsung often add more smart features, such as AI-based cooling, whereas others like Daikin and Blue Star fine-tune airflow to provide consistent cooling across the room. With so many different design philosophies on the market, choosing the right AC brand is not always easy. To help you narrow down your options, here are the best AC brands of 2026.

Best AC Brand 2026: Which Air Conditioner Brand Should You Buy?

Here are the best air conditioner brands of 2026:

– O General
– Samsung
– LG
– Lloyd
– Hitachi

O General

O General has long been seen as a high-end air conditioning brand, thanks to its history of strong, dependable cooling. O General ACs are best known for their steady cooling, long-lasting components, and efficiency that holds up during long, harsh summers.

ALSO READ: All you need to know about ACs and their role in maintaining indoor air quality

The brand has spent decades designing systems for areas with intense heat and harsh operating conditions. According to the company, its ACs are built to run reliably even in extreme heat, making them a solid fit for India’s hottest regions.

O General AC recommendations:

i. O GENERAL Advanced Hyper Tropical 2.5 Ton Inverter Split AC

ii. O GENERAL Advanced Hyper Tropical 2 Ton Inverter Split AC

Samsung

Samsung needs no introduction in Indian homes. Its ACs are designed to deliver comfortable cooling, with features like WindFree technology that spreads air through thousands of tiny holes to create a gentle, even airflow across the room. This helps keep noise levels down while maintaining a steady indoor temperature during longer cooling cycles.

Samsung also offers AI Energy Mode, which monitors usage patterns along with ambient temperature and humidity, then automatically adjusts cooling to help manage power consumption. With inverter technology, smart controls, and a wide range of models, Samsung’s AC lineup is built around everyday comfort, efficiency, and convenience.

Samsung AC recommendations:

i. Samsung CY 5 in 1 Convertible 2 Ton Inverter Split Smart AC

ii. Samsung WindFree 5 in 1 Convertible 1.5 Ton Inverter Split Smart AC

LG

LG has been making home appliances for decades, and air conditioners remain a big part of its lineup. LG ACs are generally built around steady, dependable cooling, with features that feel practical rather than flashy.

Dual Inverter technology continues to be the brand’s most appealing feature, helping deliver faster cooling, quieter operation, and better energy efficiency during long hours of use. The brand offers everything from basic split ACs to smart models with app control and convertible cooling modes, making it easy to find something that fits different room sizes and budgets.

LG AC recommendations:

i. LG 6 in 1 Convertible 2 Ton Dual Inverter Split AC

ii. LG 6 in 1 Convertible 1.5 Ton Dual Inverter Split AC

Lloyd

Lloyd is widely seen as a value-focused AC brand in India, known for offering feature-heavy models at affordable prices. Since its acquisition by Havells India in 2017, the brand has benefited from improved manufacturing, greater service coverage, and improved after-sales support.

Lloyd’s AC range includes both window and split models, with inverter technology now standard across much of the range. You’ll also find features like convertible cooling modes, built-in dehumidifiers designed for Indian conditions, and app control via the Havells Sync platform and select models also come with ambient and mood lighting that changes based on indoor air quality.

Lloyd AC recommendations:

i. Lloyd Stellar Art 6 in 1 Convertible Inverter Split Smart AC

ii. Lloyd Grande Heavy Duty 5 in 1 Convertible Inverter Split Smart AC

Hitachi

Hitachi has been in the cooling business for over 90 years, and that long history carries through to how its air conditioners are made. In India, the brand has earned a reputation for durable, high-performance ACs that can withstand extreme heat and heavy use.

Its split and inverter ACs offer steady cooling, energy efficiency, and air quality, powered by powerful compressors, advanced filtration, and smart temperature control. Backed by local manufacturing, R&D in Ahmedabad, and a wide service network across the country, Hitachi’s ACs are built specifically for Indian heat and long hours of everyday use.

Hitachi AC recommendations:

i. Hitachi iZen 3400SXL 2 Ton Inverter Split AC

ii. Hitachi Yoshi 5500STXL 1.5 Ton Inverter Split AC

And that’s our roundup of the best air conditioner brands to consider if you’re buying a new AC in India. If you’re still unsure, drop by your nearest Croma store and feel free to talk things through with the staff to figure out what works best for your space and usage.