The best DIY mini-splits at a checked price under $1,500.
Prices were last checked October 21, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Best 9,000 BTU DIY Mini-Splits
- Della Optima Pro CloudAir 9,000 BTU 230V#1 of 9Full review
The best value for heating through a cold winter, if you can pull a vacuum yourself or pay someone to. It holds its full rated heat at 5 °F for far less than a quick-connect unit that does the same.
Amazon $1,049.96 Della $1,049.96$1,049.969,10010.5Flare$115 - Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 9,000 BTU 230V#2 of 9Full review
Full rated heat in deep cold at a fair price, for a self-installer comfortable with a vacuum pump. Della’s Optima Pro has near-identical certified ratings for a little less.
Amazon $1,311 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,318$1,3119,50010.5Flare$138 - Della Optima CloudAir 9,000 BTU 230V#3 of 9Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $879.96 Della $879.96$879.967,1009.5Flare$124 - Della Optima CloudAir 9,000 BTU 115V#4 of 9Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $899.96 Della $899.96$899.967,1009.5Flare$127 - Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 9,000 BTU 115V#5 of 9Full review
The best-value quick-connect line: the same certified system as Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra, close to Della’s Optima, without the vacuum pump, for the same price or a few hundred dollars more.
Amazon $1,099$1,0997,5009.5Quick-connect$147 - Pioneer Quantum Ultra 9,000 BTU 115V#6 of 9Full review
A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Amazon $1,088 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,088$1,0887,5009.5Flare$145 - Pioneer Quantum Ultra 9,000 BTU 230V#7 of 9Full review
A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Amazon $1,058 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,058$1,0587,1009.5Flare$149 - MrCool DIY Easy Pro 9,000 BTU 115V#8 of 9Full review
A middle step between MrCool’s Select and DIY 5th Gen: quick-connect and a fair warranty, but it loses much of its heat in a cold snap. Best for mild winters.
MRCOOL DIY Direct $1,487$1,4876,2009.2Quick-connect$240 - MrCool DIY Select 9,000 BTU 115V#9 of 9Full review
For mild climates and occasional use, where a low price for a quick-connect unit matters most. The short warranty and weak cold-weather output make it a poor main heat source.
Amazon $1,249 MRCOOL DIY Direct $1,249$1,2496,0008.8Quick-connect$208
Best 12,000 BTU DIY Mini-Splits
- Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V#1 of 9Full review
The best value for heating through a cold winter, if you can pull a vacuum yourself or pay someone to. It holds its full rated heat at 5 °F for far less than a quick-connect unit that does the same.
Amazon $1,249.96 Della $1,249.96$1,249.9612,00010.5Flare$104 - Pioneer Quantum Hyperformance 12,000 BTU 230V#2 of 9Full review
Full rated heat in deep cold at a fair price, for a self-installer comfortable with a vacuum pump. Della’s Optima Pro has near-identical certified ratings for a little less.
Amazon $1,398 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,398$1,39812,00010.5Flare$116 - Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU 230V#3 of 9Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $949.96 Della $949.96$949.969,10010Flare$104 - Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU 115V#4 of 9Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $969.96 Della $969.96$969.968,90010Flare$109 - Pioneer Quantum Ultra 12,000 BTU 230V#5 of 9Full review
A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Amazon Pioneer Mini Split store $1,148$1,1489,10010Flare$126 - Pioneer Quantum Ultra 12,000 BTU 115V#6 of 9Full review
A low price for a self-installer who owns or will rent a vacuum pump. The Klimaire DIY is the same certified system with quick-connect lines, and Della’s Optima has near-identical ratings for less.
Amazon $1,168 Pioneer Mini Split store $1,168$1,1688,90010Flare$131 - Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 115V#7 of 9Full review
The best-value quick-connect line: the same certified system as Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra, close to Della’s Optima, without the vacuum pump, for the same price or a few hundred dollars more.
Amazon $1,369$1,3698,90010Quick-connect$154 - Klimaire KIWQ-KOIQ DIY 5th Gen 12,000 BTU 230V#8 of 9Full review
The best-value quick-connect line: the same certified system as Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra, close to Della’s Optima, without the vacuum pump, for the same price or a few hundred dollars more.
Amazon $1,459$1,4599,10010Quick-connect$160 - MrCool DIY Select 12,000 BTU 115V#9 of 9Full review
For mild climates and occasional use, where a low price for a quick-connect unit matters most. The short warranty and weak cold-weather output make it a poor main heat source.
Amazon $1,549 MRCOOL DIY Direct $1,399$1,3996,2009Quick-connect$226
Best 18,000 BTU DIY Mini-Splits
- Della Optima CloudAir 18,000 BTU 230V#1 of 1Full review
The cheapest way into a certified, cold-capable heat pump, for a self-installer with a vacuum pump. Pioneer’s Quantum Ultra and the quick-connect Klimaire DIY have near-identical certified ratings.
Amazon $1,319.96 Della $1,499.96$1,319.9613,60010Flare$97
