Last Updated on October 20, 2026
This Daikin Stylish review examines one of Daikin’s most design-focused air conditioning systems, using the manufacturer’s February 2026 brochure, technical specifications, UK retailer prices and installer cost guides.
The Stylish is Daikin’s slimmest wall-mounted air conditioner and heat pump, measuring just 189 mm deep, and is now available in eight designs. It combines efficient heating and cooling with quiet operation, smart controls and a premium appearance.
But is it worth paying more than the Daikin Perfera?
We compared the specifications and fitted prices as of 20 October 2026. This is a research-based review rather than a hands-on laboratory test, and we distinguish manufacturer claims from independently reported information.
Quick answer: The Daikin Stylish is a slim, quiet and efficient wall-mounted air conditioner. At 3.5 kW, it has a SEER of 8.73, a SCOP of 5.15 and indoor noise levels starting at 19 dB(A). It costs £2,599.99 fitted at Costco, approximately £300 more than an equivalent Perfera. The premium is most worthwhile if appearance and compact dimensions matter to you.
Contents
- 1 What is the Daikin Stylish?
- 2 Daikin Stylish specifications by size
- 3 How quiet is the Daikin Stylish?
- 4 How efficient is the Daikin Stylish?
- 5 How much does the Daikin Stylish cost?
- 6 What features does the Daikin Stylish have?
- 7 Daikin Stylish review: pros and cons
- 8 Daikin Stylish vs Perfera vs Emura
- 9 FAQs
- 10 Our Verdict
- 11 Sources
Key takeaways
- Efficiency: The 3.5 kW Stylish has a SEER of 8.73 and SCOP of 5.15, although cooling efficiency falls to 7.50 and 7.33 on the larger 4.2 and 5.0 kW models.
- Noise: Indoor sound pressure starts at 19 dB(A) on the smaller models. Quiet Mark certified the Stylish in April 2026.
- Price: White units cost £2,399.99 to £3,149.99 fitted at Costco, while equipment-only prices start at approximately £1,303 including VAT.
- Running costs: Daikin’s energy label suggests approximately £215 annually for its standardised heating and cooling usage at current electricity rates.
- Design: Eight finishes are available, including five new decorative designs introduced in 2026.
What is the Daikin Stylish?
6
The Daikin Stylish is a reversible air-to-air heat pump designed for domestic heating and cooling.
It works as an air conditioner in summer and can also heat a room during colder weather.
Its main selling point is its compact design.
The indoor unit measures 295 × 798 × 189 mm, making it one of the slimmest wall-mounted systems in its class.
Daikin offers single-room systems in the following nominal cooling capacities:
- 2.0 kW
- 2.5 kW
- 3.5 kW class
- 4.2 kW
- 5.0 kW
A smaller 1.5 kW indoor unit is also available for compatible multi-split installations.
With a suitable multi-split outdoor unit, up to five indoor units can share one outdoor unit.
What colours does the Daikin Stylish come in?
Daikin’s February 2026 brochure lists eight designs.
The three original finishes are white, silver and black.
Five additional designs were announced in March 2026:
- Light wood on a white body
- Oak wood on a black body
- Grey fabric on a black body
- Colourful fabric on a white body
- Dark brown leather on a black body
The newer designs resemble natural materials rather than using genuine wood, fabric or leather.
Their decorative panels are not detachable, and each comes with a fixed body colour.
According to Daikin’s announcement, these finishes expand the range’s suitability for different interior styles.
Daikin Stylish specifications by size
The table below compares the main technical specifications for each capacity.
| Model size | Cooling / heating capacity | SEER | SCOP | Indoor noise, silent to high | Outdoor noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 2.0 / 2.5 kW | 8.75 | 5.15 | 19–39 dB(A) | 46 dB(A) |
| 25 | 2.5 / 2.8 kW | 8.74 | 5.15 | 19–40 dB(A) | 46 dB(A) |
| 35 | 3.4 / 4.0 kW | 8.73 | 5.15 | 19–41 dB(A) | 49 dB(A) |
| 42 | 4.2 / 5.4 kW | 7.50 | 4.60 | 21–45 dB(A) | 48 dB(A) |
| 50 | 5.0 / 5.8 kW | 7.33 | 4.60 | 24–46 dB(A) | 48 dB(A) |
Source: Daikin UK Stylish brochure, February 2026.
The 3.5 kW class actually has a nominal cooling output of 3.4 kW.
The Stylish uses R-32 refrigerant and is designed to operate at outdoor temperatures from -10°C to 46°C in cooling mode and -15°C to 24°C in heating mode.
One important detail is that efficiency decreases on the larger models.
The 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 kW units all have a SCOP of 5.15, but the 4.2 and 5.0 kW versions fall to 4.60.
This makes it worth checking the specifications for the exact capacity you are buying rather than relying on the range’s headline efficiency rating.
How quiet is the Daikin Stylish?
Quiet operation is one of the Stylish’s main strengths.
Daikin quotes an indoor sound pressure level of 19 dB(A) in silent mode for the 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 kW models.
At higher fan speeds, noise increases.
For the 3.5 kW version, the indoor noise range is 19–41 dB(A).
The larger models are slightly louder, with the 4.2 kW unit starting at 21 dB(A) and the 5.0 kW unit at 24 dB(A).
Is the Daikin Stylish independently certified for quiet operation?
Yes.
According to Cooling Post, Quiet Mark added the Stylish to its certified products in April 2026 following independent acoustic testing.
This provides some independent support for the manufacturer’s emphasis on quiet operation.
However, the specific decibel figures in the table remain Daikin’s published measurements.
How noisy is the outdoor unit?
The outdoor unit produces a nominal cooling sound pressure level of approximately 46–49 dB(A), depending on capacity.
The 3.5 kW model is rated at 49 dB(A).
Outdoor unit placement therefore matters, particularly near bedroom windows, neighbouring properties or enclosed gardens.
Our guide to how noisy an air source heat pump is explains how to interpret these figures.
How efficient is the Daikin Stylish?
The Daikin Stylish performs well in both heating and cooling, particularly in its smaller capacities.
Two measurements are useful when comparing systems.
SEER measures seasonal cooling efficiency, while SCOP measures seasonal heating efficiency.
A higher figure means more heating or cooling is delivered for each unit of electricity consumed.
At 3.5 kW, the Stylish has:
- SEER: 8.73
- SCOP: 5.15
This means the unit can deliver approximately 5.15 kWh of heat for every kWh of electricity consumed under standardised seasonal test conditions.
How much does the Daikin Stylish cost to run?
Daikin’s energy label for the 3.5 kW Stylish gives annual electricity consumption of:
- 136 kWh for cooling
- 680 kWh for heating
At Ofgem’s October to December 2026 electricity unit rate of 26.32p per kWh, the costs are:
| Usage | Annual electricity consumption | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | 136 kWh | £35.80 |
| Heating | 680 kWh | £178.98 |
| Combined | 816 kWh | £214.77 |
These figures are based on standardised energy label conditions, not a prediction of your household’s actual usage.
Your costs will depend on room size, insulation, temperature settings, operating hours and outdoor conditions.
Using the seasonal efficiency ratings, the Stylish costs approximately 5.11p to deliver one kWh of heat and 3.01p to deliver one kWh of cooling at the current electricity rate.
Ofgem is due to announce the January 2027 energy price cap by 25 November 2026, so future electricity prices may change these figures.
For more examples, read our air conditioning running costs guide.
How much does the Daikin Stylish cost?
Daikin does not publish UK retail prices directly on its main product pages.
Instead, prices vary between equipment suppliers and installation companies.
The following table compares equipment-only prices from Buy Air Conditioning with fitted prices from Costco, checked on 20 October 2026.
| Size, white model | Kit only, ex VAT | Kit only, inc VAT | Fitted at Costco |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 kW | £1,085.76 | £1,302.91 | Not listed |
| 2.5 kW | £1,144.32 | £1,373.18 | £2,399.99 |
| 3.5 kW | £1,312.32 | £1,574.78 | £2,599.99 |
| 4.2 kW | £1,491.84 | £1,790.21 | Not listed |
| 5.0 kW | £1,752.96 | £2,103.55 | £3,149.99 |
Equipment-only prices are based on Buy Air Conditioning’s Daikin listings, with standard 20% VAT added.
Costco’s fitted prices are for qualifying installations at 0% VAT.
At 3.5 kW, the silver Stylish costs £86.40 more than white before VAT, while the black version costs £44.16 more.
What is included in the installation price?
Costco’s £2,599.99 package for the 3.5 kW white Stylish includes a virtual survey, installation by an F-Gas engineer and up to 10 metres of pipework and cable.
However, the electrician’s supply to the outdoor unit is excluded.
The package therefore may not cover every cost required for a particular property.
For comparison, Clever Energy Boilers estimates fitted prices of £2,100–£3,200 for 2.5 to 3.5 kW Stylish systems.
How much does installation add to the equipment price?
Using the 3.5 kW white Stylish as an example:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Equipment, excluding VAT | £1,312.32 |
| Costco fitted package, 0% VAT | £2,599.99 |
| Difference | £1,287.67 |
The difference covers the installation package and associated costs.
It is not simply the engineer’s labour charge.
The actual installation price depends on the property, pipework route, outdoor unit location and electrical requirements.
Are the five new decorative finishes more expensive?
We could not establish UK retail prices for the five new decorative designs as of 20 October 2026.
Daikin’s website does not publish prices, and the public listings checked from Costco, Buy Air Conditioning and GNP Air Conditioning covered the original white, silver and black versions.
Trade supplier Ocean Air lists newer FTXA-D models, but pricing is behind a trade login.
You should therefore request a model-specific quotation from an installer rather than assuming the newer finishes cost the same.
For a wider comparison, see our Daikin air conditioning prices UK guide and air conditioning installation cost guide.
Is there VAT on Daikin Stylish installation?
Under HMRC’s VAT Notice 708/6, qualifying supply-and-install packages for fixed air-to-air heat pumps are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027.
The published rules provide for a reduced rate of 5% from 1 April 2027.
Equipment purchased separately without qualifying installation is generally subject to standard 20% VAT.
Ask your installer to confirm the applicable VAT treatment in the quotation.
What features does the Daikin Stylish have?
Beyond its appearance, the Stylish includes several features designed to improve comfort and control.
Coanda airflow
The Stylish uses airflow based on the Coanda effect.
In cooling mode, the louvres direct air along the ceiling to distribute cool air more evenly.
In heating mode, the airflow is directed downwards to help warm the occupied area of the room.
The intention is to reduce uncomfortable draughts and improve temperature distribution.
Intelligent thermal sensor
Daikin’s intelligent thermal sensor divides the room into 64 zones to monitor temperature differences.
The system uses this information to adjust airflow and help maintain a more even room temperature.
This is a manufacturer-described feature rather than a result we have independently tested.
Air filtration
Daikin describes four air-cleaning components:
- Flash Streamer technology
- Titanium apatite deodorising filter
- Silver allergen-removal filter
- Static filter treated to help capture bacteria and viruses
These features may be useful for maintaining indoor air quality, although they should not be treated as a substitute for adequate ventilation.
Smart controls and Wi-Fi
The Stylish supports Daikin’s Onecta app as standard.
The app allows you to adjust temperatures, change operating modes, set schedules and monitor energy use remotely.
Voice control is also available through Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
An optional Daikin Cloud Service Residential feature can allow a participating installer to monitor the unit remotely.
Warranty
Daikin UK’s warranty information indicates that standard commercial warranty periods are typically one or three years, depending on the product.
Trade supplier Ocean Air lists a three-year warranty for the newer FTXA-D Stylish.
Warranty terms may vary depending on the installer and registration arrangements, so confirm the exact coverage before ordering.
Daikin Stylish review: pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Slim 189 mm casing | Costs £300 more fitted than a Perfera at 3.5 kW |
| Eight designs, including five introduced in 2026 | Cooling efficiency falls on the larger capacities |
| Quiet operation from 19 dB(A) | Outdoor unit reaches 49 dB(A) on the 3.5 kW model |
| Quiet Mark certification | Fitted package includes less pipework than Costco’s Perfera package |
| Efficient heating with a SCOP of 5.15 | No independent UK performance test identified |
| Wi-Fi, app and voice controls | Premium appearance adds to the upfront price |
Daikin Stylish vs Perfera vs Emura
The Stylish sits between the Perfera and Emura in Daikin’s domestic range.
The Perfera prioritises efficiency and value, while the Stylish and Emura place more emphasis on appearance.
| Specification, 3.5 kW class | Perfera | Stylish | Emura |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor dimensions | 298 × 804 × 252 mm | 295 × 798 × 189 mm | 305 × 900 × 212 mm |
| SEER | 9.25 | 8.73 | 8.73 |
| SCOP | 5.20 | 5.15 | 5.15 |
| Kit price, ex VAT | £972.48 | £1,312.32 | £1,377.60 |
| Fitted price at Costco | £2,299.99 | £2,599.99 | £2,699.99 |
Is the Stylish better than the Perfera?
The Stylish is considerably slimmer.
At 189 mm deep, it projects 63 mm less from the wall than the Perfera.
That may make a noticeable difference in smaller rooms or spaces where the indoor unit is prominent.
However, the Perfera is slightly more efficient at 3.5 kW and costs £300 less fitted.
For homeowners who prioritise performance and value, the Perfera is arguably the stronger choice.
Is the Stylish better than the Emura?
The Stylish and Emura have identical SEER and SCOP figures at 3.5 kW.
The main differences are their design and dimensions.
The Emura has a curved casing and is approximately 102 mm wider than the Stylish.
At Costco, it costs £100 more fitted.
Neither model has a clear efficiency advantage over the other.
Our full Daikin Emura vs Stylish comparison examines the differences in more detail.
You can also compare other manufacturers in our best air conditioning units UK guide.
FAQs
Is the Daikin Stylish worth it?
The Daikin Stylish is worth considering if you want a discreet, attractive indoor unit and are happy to pay a premium for its appearance.
At 3.5 kW, it costs £300 more fitted than a Perfera but offers almost identical heating efficiency.
If appearance is not a priority, the Perfera provides better value.
How quiet is the Daikin Stylish?
Daikin quotes 19 dB(A) in silent mode for the 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 kW models.
The 3.5 kW version reaches 41 dB(A) at its highest indoor fan speed.
Its outdoor unit is rated at 49 dB(A) in nominal cooling operation.
Quiet Mark certified the Stylish in April 2026.
How much does a Daikin Stylish cost to install?
Costco lists fitted white Stylish systems at £2,399.99 for 2.5 kW, £2,599.99 for 3.5 kW and £3,149.99 for 5.0 kW.
These prices include a virtual survey and up to 10 metres of pipework and cable but exclude the electrician’s supply to the outdoor unit.
Other installation quotations may differ.
Does the Daikin Stylish have Wi-Fi?
Yes.
The Stylish supports Daikin’s Onecta app as standard, allowing remote temperature adjustments, scheduling, operating mode selection and energy monitoring.
Amazon Alexa and Google Home voice control are also supported.
What is the difference between the Daikin Stylish and Perfera?
The Stylish is slimmer, measuring 189 mm deep compared with the Perfera’s 252 mm.
It also offers more decorative finishes.
However, the Perfera is slightly more efficient at 3.5 kW, with a SEER of 9.25 and SCOP of 5.20 compared with 8.73 and 5.15 for the Stylish.
The Perfera costs £300 less fitted at Costco.
What colours does the Daikin Stylish come in?
Daikin lists eight designs: white, silver, black, light wood on white, oak wood on black, grey fabric on black, colourful fabric on white and dark brown leather on black.
The five newer designs use fixed decorative panels that resemble natural materials but are not detachable.
Our Verdict
The Daikin Stylish is an excellent choice for homeowners who want efficient heating and cooling without a bulky indoor unit dominating the room.
Its 189 mm depth, eight design options and quiet operation make it particularly appealing for living rooms, bedrooms and other visible spaces.
The 3.5 kW model also offers strong seasonal efficiency, with a SEER of 8.73 and SCOP of 5.15.
However, the £300 premium over an equivalent Perfera is difficult to justify on performance alone.
The Perfera is slightly more efficient, costs less and is likely to offer better value where the indoor unit’s appearance is less important.
Our recommendation is to choose the Stylish when its design and compact dimensions genuinely improve the room, rather than expecting significantly lower running costs.
Whichever model you prefer, compare two or three fitted quotations that specify the exact model codes, installation work and warranty.
Eco Happy can help you explore suitable Daikin air conditioning systems and compare installation options for your home.
Sources
- Daikin UK – Stylish Brochure, February 2026
- Daikin UK – Stylish Product Overview
- Daikin UK – Stylish FTXA-DY Specifications
- Daikin UK – Perfera Product Overview
- Daikin UK – Perfera Specifications
- Daikin UK – Emura Brochure
- Daikin Europe – Five New Stylish Designs
- Daikin UK – Installer Warranty Information
- Cooling Post – Daikin Quiet Mark Certification
- Ocean Air – Daikin Stylish Product and Warranty
- Buy Air Conditioning – Daikin Equipment Prices
- GNP Air Conditioning – Daikin Stylish
- Costco – Daikin Stylish 2.5 kW Installed
- Costco – Daikin Stylish 3.5 kW Installed
- Costco – Daikin Stylish 5.0 kW Installed
- Costco – Daikin Perfera 3.5 kW Installed
- Costco – Daikin Emura 3.5 kW Installed
- Clever Energy Boilers – Daikin Air Conditioners Reviewed
- HMRC – VAT on Energy-Saving Materials
- Ofgem – Energy Price Cap Unit Rates and Standing Charges
- Ofgem – October to December 2026 Energy Price Cap
