6 Best Alternatives to the Boreal R32 BRISA 12 (2026)

Comparing the Top Alternatives

Nexaro 12000 BTU 115V Mini Split

The Nexaro 12000 BTU 115V Mini Split covers a larger area of 750 square feet compared to the Boreal’s 650 square feet limit. It uses 17 SEER2 efficiency, which is slightly lower than the Boreal’s 18 SEER rating. The unit is wider at 31.5 inches but thinner at 7.5 inches deep. You get more cooling capacity for larger rooms without needing a higher voltage circuit. However, the Nexaro weighs significantly more at 68 pounds, making wall mounting more demanding. Choose this alternative if your room exceeds 650 square feet and you need standard 115V power. It offers better space coverage for a similar price point, though you trade some efficiency for that extra reach.

MrCool 12K BTU 115V 5th Gen

The MrCool 12K BTU 5th Gen is a DIY-friendly option designed for easy installation. It measures 40 inches wide, making it much larger than the Boreal’s 33-inch width. The unit weighs 120 pounds, which is over five times heavier than the Boreal’s 22 pounds. This size difference affects both wall support requirements and visual presence in the room. It includes smart voice control features that the Boreal lacks. The MrCool is ideal for homeowners who want to install the system themselves without hiring a licensed HVAC contractor. If you prioritize convenience and smart home integration over compact sizing, this model provides a straightforward setup experience on standard 115V circuits.

Garvee 12K BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split

The Garvee 12K BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split offers higher efficiency with a 19 SEER2 rating, beating the Boreal’s 18 SEER. It covers up to 750 square feet, providing more coverage than the Boreal’s 650 square feet. The unit is significantly heavier at 89.3 pounds and has a very different physical profile with a depth of only 5.91 inches. This slim design may suit modern interiors better. You gain energy savings and smart app control, which the Boreal does not list. Choose this alternative if energy efficiency and remote management are your top priorities. The higher SEER rating means lower operating costs over time, making it a strong choice for long-term use in medium-sized rooms.

Garvee 11500 BTU 115V Mini Split

The Garvee 11500 BTU Wi-Fi Mini Split is tailored for small rooms with smart connectivity as a key feature. It includes Wi-Fi control, allowing you to manage the unit remotely via an app. The coverage area is listed at 750 square feet, which is larger than the Boreal’s 650 square feet limit. The unit is narrower at 27 inches high but deeper at 31 inches long. It weighs 67 pounds, making it heavier than the Boreal’s 22 pounds. This model uses R32 refrigerant for efficient cooling. Select this alternative if you want precise airflow control and smart features. It is best for buyers who value connectivity and modern management tools over the simpler operation of the Boreal system.

Kol Air 9000 BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split

The Kol Air 9000 BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split is designed for smaller spaces with high efficiency. It has a 19 SEER2 rating, which is higher than the Boreal’s 18 SEER. The cooling capacity is 9,000 BTU, which is lower than the Boreal’s 12,000 BTU. This makes it suitable for smaller bedrooms rather than medium-sized rooms. The unit is similar in width at 32.3 inches but slightly taller at 11.9 inches. It lacks smart features, focusing on quiet, standard-voltage cooling. Choose this alternative if you need a smaller, quieter unit for a compact room. The higher efficiency rating helps reduce energy consumption, making it a practical choice for spaces under 400 square feet where lower BTU output is sufficient.

Daikin Oterra 9K BTU 115V Mini Split

The Daikin Oterra 9K BTU 115V Mini Split offers the highest efficiency on this list with a 20 SEER2 rating. It provides 9,000 BTU of cooling, which is less than the Boreal’s 12,000 BTU. The unit is 33 inches wide, matching the Boreal’s width, but slightly taller at 11.5 inches. It weighs 75 pounds, which is much heavier than the Boreal’s 22 pounds. This model is ideal for small rooms where energy savings are the primary concern. You get top-tier efficiency and reliable performance from a well-known brand. Select this alternative if you prioritize low operating costs and have a smaller space. It is not suitable for larger rooms that require the higher cooling capacity of the Boreal system.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Boreal BRISA 12k BTU 115V Mini Split

Best for: standard 115V rooms under 650 sqft

Cooling Capacity

12,000 BTU, 1 Ton

Efficiency Rating

18 SEER

Voltage

115V

Coverage Area

400 - 650 sqft

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

Dimensions

33 × 33 × 11 inches

View on Amazon: Boreal BRISA 12k BTU 115V Mini Split Affiliate link

The Boreal BRISA 12,000 BTU mini split handles rooms between 400 and 650 square feet. It runs on a standard 115V circuit and delivers 18 SEER efficiency. The indoor unit measures 33 by 11 inches and weighs 22 pounds. You get a wireless remote and a three-year parts warranty. This system fits well in spaces where you need reliable heating and cooling without complex installation.

Pros

• 18 SEER efficiency rating for energy savings
• Standard 115V electrical connection
• Compact 33x11 inch indoor unit
• Includes wireless remote control
• Three-year warranty on parts

Cons

• Lineset is not included in the package
• No smart home or Wi-Fi connectivity
• Requires professional HVAC installation for warranty

Good fit if

• You have a standard 115V outlet in the room
• You need a compact unit for smaller spaces
• You prefer a simple remote control interface

Skip if

• You want to control the unit via a smartphone app
• You are looking for a DIY installation kit
• You need a larger capacity for big rooms

Verdict: Boreal BRISA 12k BTU 115V Mini Split is a solid choice for homeowners who need a straightforward, efficient cooling solution for medium-sized rooms. It works best for those who value standard voltage compatibility and compact sizing over smart features.

2 Also great

Nexaro 12000 BTU 115V Mini Split

Best for: Standard 115V home circuits

Cooling Capacity

12000 BTU

Efficiency Rating

17 SEER2

Voltage

115V

Coverage Area

Up to 750 sq ft

Heat Pump

Heat pump

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

View on Amazon: Nexaro 12000 BTU 115V Mini Split Affiliate link

The Nexaro 12000 BTU unit offers 17 SEER2 efficiency on a standard 115V circuit. It cools spaces up to 750 square feet with inverter technology that adjusts compressor speed to save energy. The system includes a heat pump for winter use and operates quietly at 26 dB. It ships with a 9.8-foot copper line set and washable filters for simple maintenance.

Pros

• 17 SEER2 efficiency rating for energy savings
• Standard 115V electrical connection
• Quiet operation down to 26 dB
• Includes 9.8 ft copper piping kit

Cons

• No Wi-Fi or smart app control listed
• Coverage area limited to 750 sq ft
• Indoor unit is 31.5 inches wide

Good fit if

• You need a 115V system for standard outlets
• You want quiet operation for bedrooms
• You prefer a complete installation kit

Skip if

• You require smart home integration
• You need to cool large open areas
• You want a 230V high-power unit

Verdict: Nexaro 12000 BTU 115V Mini Split is a practical choice for homeowners who need efficient cooling on standard electrical circuits without requiring smart features.

3 Best premium

MrCool 12K BTU 115V 5th Gen

Best for: DIY installation with smart voice control

Cooling Capacity

12,000 BTU

Voltage

115V

Coverage Area

up to 550 square feet

Heat Pump

Heat Pump

Smart Connectivity

Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

View on Amazon: MrCool 12K BTU 115V 5th Gen Affiliate link

This MRCOOL 5th Gen unit delivers 12,000 BTUs of cooling and heating for spaces up to 550 square feet. It runs on 115V power and includes pre-charged 25-foot Quick Connect line sets for straightforward installation. The system supports smart control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Its white wall-mounted design blends into most interiors. This model suits homeowners seeking a reliable, easy-to-install heat pump with modern connectivity features.

Pros

• 12,000 BTU cooling and heating capacity
• Pre-charged 25-foot Quick Connect line sets
• Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
• 115V standard household power connection
• Covers areas up to 550 square feet

Cons

• 120-pound unit weight requires careful handling
• 40-inch width may limit tight wall spaces
• No dedicated mobile app mentioned in specs

Good fit if

• You want a DIY-friendly installation with pre-charged lines
• You need 115V power compatibility for standard outlets
• You prefer voice control via smart assistants

Skip if

• You require a mobile app for remote control
• You have limited wall space under 40 inches wide
• You need a lighter unit for easy mounting

Verdict: MRCOOL 12,000 BTU 5th Gen DIY Mini Split is a solid choice for homeowners who value easy installation and smart voice control. It fits well in standard rooms where 115V power is available and space allows for a 40-inch wide unit.

4 Also great

Garvee 12K BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split

Best for: Medium rooms needing quiet, efficient cooling

Cooling Capacity

12,000 BTU

Efficiency Rating

19 SEER2

Voltage

115V

Coverage Area

up to 750 sq. ft.

Heat Pump

Heat Pump

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

View on Amazon: Garvee 12K BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split Affiliate link

This Garvee unit delivers 12,000 BTU of cooling and 12,300 BTU of heating for spaces up to 750 square feet. It achieves a high 19 SEER2 efficiency rating with 115V power. The system includes WiFi connectivity for remote management. You get six operational modes, five fan speeds, and a quiet 30 dB operation level. It is designed for stable temperature control using inverter technology.

Pros

• 19 SEER2 efficiency rating for energy savings
• WiFi enabled for remote app control
• Operates at 30 dB in silent mode
• Covers up to 750 square feet

Cons

• Limited to 115V electrical connection
• Heating capacity is only 12,300 BTU
• Requires professional HVAC installation

Good fit if

• You need high energy efficiency for a 750 sq. ft. room
• You want remote control via a smartphone app
• You require quiet operation for bedrooms or offices

Skip if

• You only have a 230V electrical circuit available
• You need a unit larger than 12,000 BTU
• You prefer a DIY installation without a professional

Verdict: Garvee 12K BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split is a high-efficiency option for those who prioritize quiet operation and smart app control. It fits well in medium-sized rooms where energy savings and remote management are priorities.

5 Best budget

Garvee 11500 BTU 115V Mini Split

Best for: small rooms needing Wi-Fi control

Cooling Capacity

11500 BTU

Voltage

115V

Coverage Area

Up to 750 Sq.Ft

Heat Pump

Heat Pump

Smart Connectivity

WiFi

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

View on Amazon: Garvee 11500 BTU 115V Mini Split Affiliate link

This Garvee unit offers 11500 BTU cooling and heating for spaces up to 750 square feet. It connects via Wi-Fi for remote control and uses R32 refrigerant with inverter technology. The system includes seven operating modes, 4D auto swing, and a MUTE function for quiet operation. It requires professional installation and supports a 49-foot line set length.

Pros

• Wi-Fi smart connectivity for remote management
• 11500 BTU capacity covers up to 750 sq. ft.
• 4D auto swing for comprehensive air distribution
• MUTE function reduces indoor fan noise
• R32 refrigerant for energy efficiency

Cons

• Lower cooling capacity than the 12000 BTU competitors
• Requires professional installation by licensed HVAC technicians
• No 208/230V option available for this specific model

Good fit if

• You need Wi-Fi control for your mini split
• Your room is under 750 square feet
• You prefer 4D auto swing airflow

Skip if

• You require a 12000 BTU unit for larger spaces
• You want a 208/230V electrical connection
• You prefer a DIY-friendly installation process

Verdict: Garvee 11500 BTU Wi-Fi Mini Split is a solid choice for smaller rooms where smart connectivity is a priority. It fits buyers who value precise airflow control and energy-efficient R32 technology over raw cooling power.

6 Also great

Kol Air 9000 BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split

Best for: small bedrooms needing quiet cooling

Cooling Capacity

9000 BTU

Efficiency Rating

19 SEER2

Voltage

110V/120V, 115V

Coverage Area

up to 500 sq ft

Heat Pump

Heat Pump

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

View on Amazon: Kol Air 9000 BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split Affiliate link

This Kol Air unit offers 9,000 BTU cooling and heating for spaces up to 500 square feet. It runs on standard 115V power and achieves a 19 SEER2 efficiency rating. The indoor unit measures 32.3 by 11.9 inches and operates quietly between 25 and 35 dB. It includes a remote control and supports a 24-hour timer. This model is designed for smaller rooms like bedrooms or home offices.

Pros

• 19 SEER2 efficiency rating
• 9,000 BTU cooling capacity
• Quiet operation at 25-35 dB
• Standard 115V voltage
• AHRI certified performance

Cons

• Lower 9,000 BTU capacity
• Smaller 500 sq ft coverage
• No Wi-Fi or app control

Good fit if

• You need a 115V unit for a small room
• You prioritize high efficiency in a compact system
• You want quiet operation for a bedroom

Skip if

• You require Wi-Fi connectivity
• You need to cool a large open space
• You want a 12,000 BTU capacity

Verdict: Kol Air 9000 BTU 19 SEER2 Mini Split is a high-efficiency option for smaller rooms. It suits buyers who need quiet, standard-voltage cooling without smart features.

7 Best 20 seer2

Daikin Oterra 9K BTU 115V Mini Split

Best for: small rooms needing high efficiency

Cooling Capacity

9,000 BTU

Efficiency Rating

20 SEER2

Voltage

115V

Number of Zones

Single Zone

Heat Pump

Heat Pump

Mounting Type

Wall Mount

View on Amazon: Daikin Oterra 9K BTU 115V Mini Split Affiliate link

The Daikin Oterra is a 9,000 BTU single-zone mini split with a 20 SEER2 efficiency rating. It uses R-32 refrigerant and runs on 115V power. The unit measures 33 by 11.5 by 8.5 inches and weighs 75 pounds. This model suits small rooms needing high efficiency. It provides both cooling and heating. The compact design fits standard wall spaces.

Pros

• 20 SEER2 efficiency rating
• 9,000 BTU cooling capacity
• 115V standard voltage operation
• R-32 refrigerant technology
• Compact 33-inch width

Cons

• 9,000 BTU capacity is lower than the 12,000 BTU alternatives
• Single-zone configuration only
• No Wi-Fi or smart home connectivity listed

Good fit if

• You need high energy efficiency for a small room
• You have a standard 115V outlet available
• You want a reliable single-zone heat pump

Skip if

• You need to cool a large open area
• You require Wi-Fi remote control
• You want a 12,000 BTU unit

Verdict: Daikin Oterra 9,000 BTU 20 SEER2 offers top-tier efficiency for small spaces. It fits buyers prioritizing energy savings over raw cooling power in single rooms.

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Frequently asked questions

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