10 Best Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) In India

Objectively speaking, split ACs aren’t any better than window ACs. After all, it isn’t just the design or configuration of an AC that is important. Other variables such as technology and energy efficiency matter more.

What this means is that a window AC can be better than a split AC if:

• It is an inverter AC when the split AC is non-inverter
• It has a higher ISEER value (the BEE star rating) than the split AC.

Of course, if all other variables are the same, a split AC will always be a better choice than a window AC. In this guide here, we’re reviewing the best split ACs (1.5 ton + 5 star) in India.

We chose 1.5-ton variants because they’re the most in-demand in a country like India. And, we chose 5-starred ACs because, when it comes to saving money, you cannot get much better than that.

However, if you’re looking for a different configuration, we have a comprehensive guide on the best split ACs in India for you too.

Since we’re looking at the best ACs with this configuration, it invariably means that we ended up with inverter technology. Inverter ACs will always be better than non-inverter ACs. Why? Well…

• They last longer.
• They consume less power.
• They are more silent.
• They require less maintenance.
• They look prettier.

So, what we have here is a guide aimed at helping you find the best 1.5-ton split ACs in the Indian market with a 5-star rating. We’ve analyzed all the qualifying split ACs currently available and then reproduced our findings in easy-to-read reviews for your consumption.

The objective, of course, is for us to do the heavy lifting of researching and make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. Here’s a clickable navigation panel that you can use to move around this guide.

• 10 Best Inverter Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) in India: At a Glance
• 4 Best Inverter Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) in India (Budget Segment): Detailed Reviews
• 4 Best (5 Star + 1.5 Ton) Inverter Split ACs in India (Affordable Segment): Detailed Reviews
• 2 Best Inverter Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) in India (Premium Segment): Detailed Reviews

10 Best Inverter Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) in India: At a Glance

4 Best Inverter Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) in India (Budget Segment): Detailed Reviews

#1: AmazonBasics ‎PBAC18K5INV201 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.0/10

Besides, the most important question is if the products they sell are any good because if they aren’t then the whole exercise becomes unethical. However, the products sold by AmazonBasics are actually quite good regardless of whether you look at low-ticket items or premium-grade items.

Take the ‎PBAC18K5INV201 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC for example. This is a high-ticket item because of its price. This is an AC that manages to offer features only seen in top-of-the-grade ACs from top-of-the-grade AC brands at prices that are quite simply unbelievable.

On our list, this happens to be the cheapest 1.5-ton 5-star inverter split AC but still offers features that are comparable to dedicated AC brands.

For example, it has an ISEER value of 4.6. The AC with the highest ISEER value in the Indian market is the Chinese-made TCL with 4.80.

Another example is the fact that this AC boasts a 4-stage filtration system. This feature was incorporated into this AC because Amazon saw a lot of demand for HEPA filters in ACs on their website.

So, they made an AC with not only HEPA but also anti-bacterial filters. By the way, this feature makes this AC extremely useful in highly polluted regions like Delhi NCR (along with most north Indian cities), Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and even some southern cities.

In case you were wondering, there aren’t many ACs that offer inbuilt HEPA filters but you can get third-party filters and install them on existing ACs.

Other than the fact that this AC offers 4-stage filtration, there are other features worth mentioning too. It comes with features present in most other ACs such as auto-restart and self-diagnosis.

It even has the anti-fungal blower function which makes the AC run for 40 seconds after it has been turned off to dry its insides and prevent microbial growth.

In terms of core function also, this AC is well stocked. It is 100% copper and comes with a protective blue fin coating. Inside the coils, it uses R32 refrigerant gas. Mode-wise, it comes with Sleep and Energy Saving.

The best part of this AC, however, is that it offers these features at a very low price. Other ACs with such features are priced 5-10k higher. This AC isn’t perfect though. It has one serious flaw – post-sales service.

Because ACs aren’t a core business for Amazon, they haven’t bothered to invest in a nationwide support network. Instead, they have outsourced this work to third-party contractors and vendors.

This results in irregular technicians and poor knowledge. Further, it takes away from the great warranty (1-year comprehensive, 2-years condenser, and 5-years compressor) offered by the American e-commerce giant.

Who’s it for: If you’re okay with getting AC serviced from local vendors or Urban Company, then you can get all the features you want at an amazingly low price by buying this AC from AmazonBasics.

#2: TCL TAC-18CSD/EV5 1.5 Ton 5 Star Ultra Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

This is the most energy-efficient split AC in the Indian market and it is not even manufactured in India! The TAC-18CSD/EV5 1.5 Ton 5 Star Ultra Inverter Split AC is manufactured by TCL, a Chinese company.

If you don’t have a hang-up against foreign-made products (most products, their components, or raw materials are made abroad), then you could save a ton of money by buying this AC.

The ISEER value (4.86) that this AC has achieved from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is significantly higher than any of its competitors. For reference, the closest any other AC comes to this is the LG AC with an ISEER value of 4.73.

Another area where this product is better than its competitors is the ambient temperature threshold. It is rated to remain functional even when external temperatures rise to 60°C. This is a considerable improvement on competitors, most of which cannot claim anything above 55°C.

This AC also has a 3-stage filtration technology which includes a HEPA dust filter. The vitamin C filter is also notable and the company says it keeps your skin moisturized. The third is the silver ion filter which counters microbes like bacteria and viruses in the air.

One feature in this AC that most people crave in their ACs is a 4-way swing. This means that this AC swings horizontally and vertically. Most competitors, unfortunately, only have a vertical swing in India.

Many Indian customers have also got on board the idea of the Internet of Things or IoT. If you’re one of them, this AC will please you with its WIFI compatibility and support for Google Voice Assistant and Amazon Alexa control system. Of course, you can also control the AC through the TCL Home App.

TCL says that its ACs are based on “AI Ultra-Inverter Compressor Technology”. The technology is touted to be about 50% more energy-efficient than competitors.

Additionally, the ultra-inverter is also responsible for giving this AC speed when it comes to cooling. The company claims that it can bring the temperature down from 27°C to 18°C in just 30 seconds.

The AC is also 100% copper with a patented coating (Titan Gold) technology. The device uses the R32 refrigerant gas, like most other ACs in the Indian market right now.

Being made in China, this AC is pocket friendly too. While not as cheap as the one from AmazonBasics, it will prove to be very healthy for your bank balance over time.

However, being made in China is its biggest flaw especially if there are clashes between our two governments. Moreover, the need to import it also creates availability issues. Stocks have been known to disappear very quickly.

You should also be aware that the post-sales service of this AC might not be the best. We’re pretty sure that TCL, like most foreign brands, outsources its post-sales service.

This obviously means lower reliability which can prove to be a problem when the AC breaks down. Remember, Chinese products are notorious for low build quality which means that they break down much faster than products made elsewhere.

Who’s it for: If you want the most advanced 1.5-ton 5-star split inverter AC in the market and are willing to buy one from a Chinese brand, get this one.

#3: Whirlpool SUPREMECOOL PRO 5S COPR INV 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.0/10

Whirlpool is a well-known name in India. However, judging by how infrequent its advertisements have become on TV, the company seems to be in decline.

They still seem to be a major player judging by how many people have whirlpool ACs in their homes. The main lure, here of course is the cost-effectiveness of their products. This product is a good example.

The Whirlpool SUPREMECOOL PRO 5S COPR INV is a 1.5-ton 5-star inverter split AC that is quite capable. We say this because its ambient temperature threshold is higher than most other ACs in the Indian market.

It will remain functional and will not trip even if the temperature around the outer unit reaches 55°C which is a good technological achievement. In fact, technology-wise, this AC boasts Magicool, MPFI & Turbo Cooling Technology.

In practice, though, the coils inside the AC are still copper, and the refrigerant gas is still R32.

The indoor unit also boasts multiple features such as antibacterial HD filtration and stabilizer-free operation. Further, it has the India-specific auto-restart function too.

The device is fairly efficient as well, particularly if you run it in Sleep mode. A unique feature of this device is that it remembers the position of the louver (the swing blade that directs the air coming out of the AC) when you turn it off.

Warranty-wise, it comes with a 1-year comprehensive and a 10-year on the compressor. The warranty isn’t the most useful because the post-sales service is outsourced and, hence, poor.

This device can also prove to be louder than its competitors, as per some customers.

Who’s it for: If you want a basic 1.5-ton 5-star inverter split AC at a good price, get this one from Whirlpool.

#4: Amazon Basics ‎AB2021INAC004 1.5 Ton, 5 Star, Wi-Fi Enabled, Twin Rotary Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

These two qualities are complimentary too. For instance, the twin inverter feature means that you can use this AC for longer periods without worrying about rising electricity costs. This ability comes in handy because you can turn this AC on as you leave work. By the time, you’ll reach home, your room will be just the right temperature.

The cost-effectiveness and efficiency of this device are best seen with its ISEER value of 4.7, putting it right up there with the best options in the market.

Another great feature of this device is that it comes with an inbuilt PM 2.5 filter. This makes it perfect for places known for high pollution levels such as the metropolises in India.

Essentially, Amazon noticed all the high-end features of the bestselling split ACs in India and then reproduced them in their own product because this product has other great functions too.

These include features like auto-restart, timer, self-cleaning, self-diagnosis, and multiple modes of operation.

The core attributes of this AC are also great. It is a 100% copper split AC with a blue fin coating to keep the coils from corroding. The refrigerant gas used is R32 which is the gold standard in the industry right now.

The best part, though, is that this device offers all these stellar qualities at a very competitive price. In fact, it will be very difficult to find another device with such features at such prices in the market right now.

Technically, the warranty is excellent with 1-year comprehensive and 10 years on the compressor but the catch is post-sales service.

Amazon doesn’t really have an organic sales and service network in India. Instead, it uses third-party vendors for the same. So, the quality of post-sales service is very erratic. If you’re lucky you’ll get skilled technicians punctually but if you’re not then getting the AC serviced or repaired can turn into a recurring nightmare.

Who’s it for: If you want a WIFI-enabled split AC at a very competitive price with great efficiency numbers, get this one from Amazon.

4 Best (5 Star + 1.5 Ton) Inverter Split ACs in India (Affordable Segment): Detailed Reviews

#1: LG MS-Q18ENZA 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 9.5/10

This AC is also convertible. This means that it can operate at different capacities. You can use it at 40%, 60%, and 80% capacities in addition to the usual 100% capacity. The tonnage, of course, will vary according to which mode you convert this AC to.

This device also boasts an antiviral filter along with a high-density pre-filter. The antiviral filter is coated with silver ions that can render microorganisms inert by destroying their cellular wall.

There are two other technologies that LG highlights painstakingly when it comes to this AC but they aren’t unique and are seen in other ACs too.

The first is the Monsoon Comfort technology where the AC adjusts its operation to cope with the changing conditioner of the monsoon season (read: varying humidity levels).

The second is Himalaya Cool technology which promises to cool the room extremely fast in peak summer.

Other features worth mentioning include smart diagnosis (identifies the problem and shows error codes), auto clean (blows during shut down to get rid of moisture and dust), and auto restart (restarts automatically after a power cut). The smart diagnosis feature also has a system for a low gas check.

One feature that this AC lacks is a four-way swing but that is true for the majority of ACs in the market. This AC, instead, offers a two-way swing that is the basic up and down swing available in all such devices.

This AC excels in terms of durability, cooling capacity, and cost-effectiveness. It has a 100% copper condenser with ocean black coating that keeps it from corroding. Inside the coils, it uses the usual R32 refrigerant. The setup is strong enough to cope with 52⁰C ambient temperature outside.

The technology has received an ISEER value of 4.73 from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency which is on the higher side in the industry.

It is also priced affordably, especially if you consider the fact that it doesn’t need a stabilizer. A reliable stabilizer can end up costing close to ₹2,000 which is a considerable amount for a lot of people.

LG also offers one of the best warranties in the market. It includes 10 years on the compressor with gas charging, 5 years on the PCB, and 1 year on the whole product. The only catch is their sales network. It is nowhere close to being as widespread or reliable as its competitors like Voltas.

Who’s it for: If you want the most reliable, long-lasting, and pocket-friendly 1.5-ton 5-star split inverter AC, get this one!

#2: Voltas 185VADQ MAHA SUPER UVC 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 9.0/10

You can’t go wrong with Voltas in India. The brand is super-reliable just like all TATA ventures in the country, including their stocks. There’s a reason why they are the market leaders, after all.

In the 1.5 ton 5-star category, this is their best offering. The 185VADQ MAHA SUPER UVC is an excellent device with only one significant flaw – it barely scrapes into the 5-star category.

In fact, this is the main reason why we didn’t pick this device to be the best on our list. It has scored an ISEER value of 4.51 from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency which is considerably below what competing devices have scored. Most competitors boast of 4.70 ISEER ACs in this tonnage bracket.

However, it is a convertible inverter AC which means that its variable speed compressor can be used in different capacities. In fact, other than the 100% capacity, there are four others to choose from.

The coils inside the AC are all copper and utilize the most popular refrigerant gas in R32. The coils also have a blue fin coating which is why this AC can remain operational even when external temperatures touch 50⁰C.

Other than the convertible modes, you’ll have other modes to choose from too such as Auto, Cool, Super-Dry, and Sleep.

The indoor unit also has a Titanium Dioxide Coated Filtration system. Its purpose is to remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from your room. This is useful if you use a lot of incense or have smokers in the house.

There are other features as well such as auto restart, self-diagnosis, and timer. The only thing missing in terms of features is the four-way swing.

The AC is priced affordably like all Voltas products and comes with a very useful warranty. The warranty covers 1 year on the whole product and five years on the compressor.

The company has an excellent sales network all over the country, so you’ll always get Voltas technicians for service and repair work.

Who’s it for: If you want an Indian-made AC with flawless post-sales support go for this one from Voltas.

#3: Carrier ‎Ester Cxi CAI18ES5R30F1 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

Again, while it may not be the best on offer in the Indian market, it is a very good AC. It is a very powerful and durable device that can function at ambient temperatures as high as 55°C.

It seems like the company is still going for power over efficiency because this device has an ISEER score of 4.60. Although not the lowest, it doesn’t come close to the higher end either.

The cooling power of this AC is impressive with its cooper condenser coil and R32 refrigerant gas. The coil is coated for longevity with what the company calls Aqua Clear Protection.

This device is also classed as convertible and you’ll have four tonnage modes to choose from. Other than the 100% mode (1.5 ton), you’ll have the free-running mode (1.6 ton), the 75% mode (1.2 ton), and the 50% mode (0.8 ton).

The best part, though, is that this inverter AC is one of few that come with a PM2.5 filter. Along with the High-Density pre-filter, this filter comes in very useful in highly polluted Indian cities.

The device has the usual modes and features but one that stands out is the Follow Me mode. This mode activates the temperature sensor built into the remote and allows the device to manage temperatures specifically around you in the room.

Pricing-wise, this product is just about affordable. A little more and it would’ve been in our expensive category. The warranties are decent, though. In addition to the 1-year comprehensive warranty, you’ll get 10 years on the compressor and 2 years on the PCB.

The only catch is that the company doesn’t have a good service network in India. This results in poor post-sales service in most cities.

We should also point out that some users say this device is a bit on the noisier side when compared to other comparable air conditioners but that might be because of its higher cooling potential.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for power, durability, and pedigree, get this device from Carrier.

#4: Hitachi Kiyora RSRG518HFEOZ1 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 8.5/10

The ambient temperature threshold of this AC is 52°C.

Inside the coils, however, the AC uses a refrigerant gas that isn’t commonly seen in India – the R410a. This refrigerant is not as environmentally friendly as the R32 and was used before R32 was slowly phased in. The R410a could be the reason why this AC makes more noise than its competitors.

The ISEER value that this entire setup has managed to get from the BEE is 4.55. This is on the lower side of the spectrum which means that this device isn’t as energy efficient as its competitors.

The usability features in this device are pretty standard too. It has the usual modes along with a filter clean indicator.

The new feature is the ambience light which shows how cool or warm your room is by changing shades from blue to red.

This device is definitely trending towards being expensive but what saves it is the fact that it doesn’t need an external stabilizer. It has inbuilt voltage control which will save you a tidy sum.

The warranty is super-impressive though and shows how durable this device will be for you. Instead of the usual 1-year comprehensive warranty, Hitachi is offering a 2-year comprehensive warranty. Additionally, the company will protect you against compressor failure for 10 years and PCB issues for 5 years.

The only problem is that the company relies on outsourcing to honor those warranty commitments. This can cause trouble for the end-user in the form of tardy technicians with or without the requisite skills.

Who’s it for: If you want a super-durable split AC with longer warranties, get this one from Hitachi.

2 Best Inverter Split ACs (1.5 Ton + 5 Star) in India (Premium Segment): Detailed Reviews

#1: Daikin FTKM50TV 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

Like most ACs, its condenser coils are 100% copper and the gas inside is R32. The provided features are also fairly common.

There’s the turbo cooling mode under the guide of Power Chill, the even air distribution in the form of Power-Airflow, and the energy-saving mode under the heading Econo mode. The sleep timer is also a feature.

For the kind of features this product offers, it is definitely expensively priced. Even if you take into account that it doesn’t require an external stabilizer, you’ll find its price to be damaging to your bank balance.

There are no mitigating factors either such as a better warranty or stellar post-sales service. The offered warranty is standard i.e., 1 year comprehensive and 10 years on the compressor. The post-sales service is poor as is the case with most international brands operating in India right now.

Who’s it for: Daikin’s higher list price makes it less attractive but if you want sturdiness and longevity, this is the brand you should choose.

#2: Blue Star IC518EBTU 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

Specifically speaking, this AC has an ISEER value of 4.66 from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. This is on the upper end of the accepted spectrum in the industry. However, in practice, the power consumption of this AC is a bit higher than what you would expect from an air conditioner with this ISEER value.

This is despite the fact that this AC contains usual components such as 100% copper condenser coils, proper blue fin coating, and the environment-friendly R32 refrigerant gas.

In terms of ambient temperature threshold, this split AC can handle up to 52⁰C of heat without tripping and shutting down.

With respect to internal features, there are the usual modes of use such as Turbo, Eco, and Comfort Sleep. The Eco mode saves energy because it focuses on efficiency while the Turbo mode is all about maximum power. The Comfort Sleep mode is to be used while sleeping and is like a blend of Turbo and Eco modes.

Other features worth mentioning are the self-diagnosis function called the Smart Detection Technology and the Self Clean Technology which prevents dust collection and microbial growth.

Unlike many of its competitors, though, this AC boasts of a 4-way swing i.e., vertical and horizontal swing. However, this split AC has plenty of flaws beyond the fact that a lot of users report excessive power consumption.

To start, it is pretty expensive even though it comes with a good warranty. The comprehensive warranty is for one year but this can be extended another four years with some extra payment. Further, the compressor in the AC has a 10-year warranty.

Another flaw of this air conditioner is that it can be a bit noisy at higher settings. However, we think that is because of its added power. Finally, despite being fairly well spread in the country, Blue Star’s post-sales service isn’t the best in the industry.

Who’s it for: This air conditioner is for people who need their ACs to be slightly more powerful than 1.5-ton ACs without going for higher tonnage options.