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Daikin Vs Panasonic AC – Which is better in 2026? Data Driven Comparison

Dilip Roy

February 4, 2026

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Best Overall

ISSER

Cooling Capacity (100%)

Cooling Capacity (50%)

Cooling Capacity Expandable

Maximum Air throw

Manual Tonnage Convertible

Air flow direction

Noise Level

Coil Auto Clean

Filter Type

Control Method

Cools Up to

Annual Energy Consumption

Customized Sleep profile

AQI Indication

Wattage

Country of Origin

Warranty

Daikin
ATKM50UV16VA

1.5 Ton 5 Star

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9.6

5.20

5280 W

2640 W

No

16 M

No (Auto)

4 Way

48 to 30 dB

Yes

PM 1.0 filter

Remote

54°C

785.99 Units

No (Econo Mode available)

No

1360 Watt

Japan

1 Year

Panasonic CS/CU-NU18AKY5WX

1.5 Ton 5 Star

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9.4

5.15

5060 W

2530 W

110%

13.7 M

Yes (Auto + Manual)

4 Way

47 to 34 dB

yes

PM 0.1

Remote + IoT (Alexa and Google Home)

55°C

759.55 Units

Yes

Yes

1270 Watt

Japan

5 Year Comprehensive

Our Verdict

Daikin and Panasonic share numerous differences, yet, there are several brand overlaps. The two companies are providing premium inverter split ACs with copper condensers, although Panasonic has an advantage with smart connectivity functionality, and Daikon concentrates on core cooling performance and reliability. Daikin on the other hand is more economical and cheaper when it comes to the similar capacity models.

Panasonic has a capacity of ACs ranging between 1 Ton and 2 Ton. Daikin, however, has a somewhat broader selection 1 Ton to 2.2 Ton. Both brands offer many models in the middle 1.5 Ton category, which is appropriate to the majority of Indian families.

The mean cost of a Panasonic AC is 43, 220 rupees and the mean cost of a Daikin AC is 42, 230 rupees. Daikin is cheaper, whereas Panasonic is more concerned with the high-end smart features of tech-savvy users.

The brand has a total average performance score of 9.02 of the 4 Daikin ACs that we have analysed so far. The overall performance of Panasonic is averagely the same, 8.76, but with more advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control.

Daikin could be a better choice in case you need to be sure of good cooling with proven Japanese technology at a good price, whereas Panasonic could be the ideal choice in case you are interested in smart home integration and advanced air purification.

Which AC Should You Buy?

The ACs that receive the best overall title by each brand are the ones with the best overall performance. The overall performance is calculated based on the results of 8 categories such as cooling efficiency, energy consumption, noise levels, air purification, smart features, durability, service support, and value of money.

Air throw distance and convertible modes are also considered, however, they are not direct scoring factors.

Daikin and Panasonic are the two best suggestions between Daikin and Panasonic, which are Daikin MTKM50U and Panasonic CS/CU-HU18AKYF.

9.6

Best Daikin

Daikin ATKM50UV16VA (1.5 Ton 5 Star)

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The Daikin ATKM50UV16VA is a 1.5 tonne 5 star inverter split AC that has an outstanding energy efficiency (ISEER 5.2). It has Dew Clean Technology, triple display, and PM 2.5 filtration. The AC provides high cooling capacity of 593 CFM airflow and 16m air throw distance. The ATKM50UV16VA is suitable in medium-sized rooms up to 180 sq ft and can work effectively even in the ambient temperature of 52 o C. The Daikin MTKM50U is a great value product should you need the reliability of a cooling product with great energy efficiency and minimum maintenance needs.

9.2

Best Panasonic

CS/CU-NU18AKY5WX (1.5 Tonne 5 Star Wi-Fi).

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Panasonic CS/CU-HU18BKYFM is a 5 star Wi-Fi enabled smart ac with a nanoe X air purification system. It has 7-in-1 convertible features with True AI that automatically regulates cooling according to room temperature. This AC is compatible with voice control (Alexa and Google Assistant) and the MirAie app to be used as a remote control. The CS/CU-HU18BKYFM scored the highest in smart features and air purification in our analysis. The Panasonic CS/CU-HU18BKYFM is a great option in case you are concerned with smart home integration, high-quality air purification, and adjustable cooling settings.

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The best AC of the two brands would be the Daikin MTKM50U and the Panasonic CS/CU-HU18AKYF. The two are both high-performance, in the top 10 percent of all ACs in the market, though technically the Panasonic has more smart capabilities and Daikin has a higher score on value.

The cooling capacity of both ACs is similar as they are both characterised by strong airflow and effective control of temperature. The Panasonic has however developed nanoe X technology which is definitely not the same as the standard PM 2.5 philtre in the Daikin.

The operation interface of Daikin is easier than that of Panasonic, whereas Panasonic has more customization options than Daikin. The scores of both ACs are above average in all categories.

Best AC by Category

We will first do justice to some particular ACs before we sink into the details. The ACs discussed below were quite outstanding in terms of each of the categories enumerated.

Compare the ACs

The table below indicates the total performance score of each AC we have analysed of each brand. A total of 8 ACs were compared in this experiment.

The average score of the brand after the comparison of 4 Daikin ACs is 9.02. The average of the brands is 8.76 after comparing 4 Panasonic ACs.

Daikin has a little more overall performance than Panasonic, although Panasonic has more advanced features. The average cost of a Daikin AC is 42, 230 and the average cost of a Panasonic AC is 43, 220 (1.5 tonne models).

Now we shall discuss particular types of performance. Individual ACs can be elevated above others depending on what factors are most important to you. The table below will examine 10 testing categories and identify the highest performing ACs in that specific test.

Capacity & Coverage

In all the available ACs that we have analysed, Daikin has a capacity of 1 Tonne to 1.8 Tonne and Panasonic has a capacity of 1 Tonne to 2 Tonne.

The details of each AC are checked in the table below.

You do not know what capacity you require? The size of a room and ambient conditions are two key factors that determine your optimal AC capacity. Your room will be cooled without undue use of energy with the appropriate capacity.

Smaller rooms or those that are not well exposed to the sun are likely to require lower capacity. Comparatively, bigger rooms or rooms that receive direct sunlight would require greater capacity and more powerful cooling.

Performance Tests

It is a deep-dive comparison of 4 popular ACs of both brands 2 Daikin ACs and 2 Panasonic ACs.

The table below presents the overall scores and the scores of the individual testing category.

In this second table, the data of each test we analyse is presented. We utilise this information to make comparisons between each AC to others within the brand and also between the brand and other brands in the market.

Cooling Test

In the cooling performance, the Daikin MTKM50U comes out the winner in this 4-way race, however, to be just, the Panasonic HU18AKYF is not that far behind. All these ACs have above average cooling efficiency.

The mean cooling rating of all the ACs that have been tested so far is 8.6.

Daikin MTKM50U is an inverter with Power Chill operation that cools 20 percent quicker than the normal mode. The 3D Airflow provides even cooling of the room.

The Panasonic models have 4-way swing with independent motors and dual flaps which offer concentrated airflow that diffuses rapidly throughout the room.

Energy Efficiency Test

With regard to energy efficiency, Daikin and Panasonic have both good 5 Star models with ISEER rating of more than 5.0.

The mean ISEER of all the ACs that have been tested so far is 4.2.

The 5 Star models use less than 800 kWh of electricity per year, which amounts to considerable savings on electricity. The consumption of the Panasonic HU18AKYF is slightly less than that of Daikin, which is 774.19 kWh versus 785.67 kWh.

As a rule, 5 Star models are suitable in case of heavy use (8+ hours per day), and 3 Star models are appropriate in case of moderate use (4-6 hours per day).

Noise Level Test

The noise of all 4 of the ACs in this comparison is competitive, and Daikin models tend to be quieter at lower speeds.

See the table below to compare the noise levels of each AC.

The mean noise level of all the ACs that have been tested so far is 40 dB.

Daikin MTKL50U is very quiet in bedrooms with a low speed of 30 dB. The next closest is the MTKM50U at 32 dB.

The Panasonic models are a bit noisier at low speeds (35-38 dB), but are consistent at high speed (46 dB), whereas Daikin has a range of 44-48 dB.

To give an idea, 30 dB can be compared to a whisper, and 45 dB can be compared to a quiet library.

Air Purification Test

To purify air, Panasonic leads in terms of high-tech filtration, but Daikin also provides effective PM 2.5 filtration.

The following table shows the comparison of each AC in terms of air purification.

The mean score of air purification of all the ACs that are tested so far is 8.4.

Panasonic HU18AKYF has the highest rating with nanoe X technology, which generates hydroxyl radicals that prevent bacteria, viruses, pollen, and odours.

The Panasonic SU18AKY3W has a PM 0.1 philtre, which traps particles that are 25 times smaller than the PM 2.5 philtres.

Both Daikin models have PM 2.5 filters with a 2.5-micron width, which traps particles and Dew Clean Technology to self-clean evaporator coils.

Smart Features Test

In the smart features, Panasonic leads in this category with Wi-Fi connexion and voice control.

Look at the table below to compare how each of the ACs performs in terms of smart features.

The mean of the smart features score of all the ACs tested so far is 7.8.

Panasonic HU18AKYF has full smart home functionality and can be connected to Wi-Fi, controlled by the MirAie app, and is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

The Panasonic SU18AKY3W goes even further and supports Matter protocols, allowing cross-platform integration of the smart home.

Daikin models have Triple Display with the percentage of power consumption, set temperature, and error codes, but no Wi-Fi.

Special Features Test

Passing over to special features, both brands have exclusive technologies that improve the user experience.

Look at the table below to compare how each AC fares in terms of special features.

The overall average score of special features of all ACs that have been tested so far is 8.2.

First in the list is the Panasonic HU18AKYF which has the True AI mode that automatically changes the cooling depending on the conditions in the room.

Panasonic models have 7-in-1 convertible modes, with manual capacity adjustment between 45% and 110, whereas Daikin has automatic capacity adjustment depending on the room conditions.

The operation of Daikin Power Chill offers 20 percent faster cooling, which is suitable in the fast relief of heat.

In Daikin models, the Stabiliser Inside feature can deal with the voltage variation between 130 V-285 V, whereas Panasonic has a broader range of protection (100 V-290 V in certain models).

Service & Support

On a company-wide comparison of Daikin vs. Panasonic, the two brands have a superb service network throughout India.

The company factors that constitute the company score are the warranty coverage, service network, availability of spare parts, and customer support.

To determine the comparison of each brand in terms of company policies, cheque out the table below.

In comparison with the two, the two brands have the same warranty on compressors and coverage of PCB.

According to the feedback of users, Daikin has slightly higher response times to service in the tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Both the companies have large stocks of spare parts and also have annual maintenance contracts (AMC) as long-term care.

Daikin Vs Panasonic AC Testing Data