MRCOOL makes the most popular DIY mini splits in America, and they currently sell three different series: the 5th Gen, the Easy Pro, and the 4th Gen. All three let you install the system yourself without an HVAC license. All three heat and cool. All three ship with pre-charged refrigerant lines.
So what's actually different between them? More than you'd think.
Here's the real breakdown based on specs, not marketing.
Traditional mini split installation requires a licensed HVAC tech with a vacuum pump, manifold gauges, and refrigerant handling certification. That install alone costs $1,500-$3,000+ depending on your area.
MRCOOL changed the game with pre-charged line sets that use quick-connect fittings. You mount the indoor unit on the wall, run the line set through a small hole to the outdoor unit, connect the fittings, wire the disconnect, and turn it on. Most homeowners finish in 4-6 hours. No special tools. No vacuum pump. No refrigerant handling.
That's the pitch for all three series. The differences are in efficiency, features, and price.
The 5th Gen is MRCOOL's latest and best. If you're buying new right now and don't have a strong reason to go with a different series, this is the one.
SEER2 ratings up to 22, which translates to real energy savings on your electric bill. Built-in WiFi for app control and smart home integration with Alexa and Google Home. The indoor units run quieter than previous generations at around 25-40 dB depending on the fan speed. That's about as loud as a whisper.
Available in single zone from 12,000 BTU (good for a single room up to 500 sq ft) all the way up to 36,000 BTU (1,500 sq ft). Multi-zone configurations cover 2-6 zones from a single outdoor unit.
Anyone buying a new mini split system today. The efficiency gains over the 4th Gen pay for the price difference within a few years of operation. The WiFi control is genuinely useful. You can turn on heating 30 minutes before you get home instead of walking into a cold house.
The Easy Pro sits between the 5th Gen and 4th Gen in terms of features but adds some professional-level capabilities.
Similar SEER2 ratings to the 5th Gen. The key difference is the Easy Pro uses a different refrigerant line connection system that's designed to be even more reliable for long-term use. It also supports slightly higher static pressure for longer line runs, which matters if your outdoor unit needs to sit farther from the indoor unit.
WiFi control is included. Noise levels are comparable to the 5th Gen. Available BTU range mirrors the 5th Gen lineup.
Homeowners who need longer line set runs (the outdoor unit is far from the room being cooled/heated), or anyone who just wants the most robust connection system available. If your installation is straightforward with the outdoor unit right outside the wall, the 5th Gen is probably fine. If you're running lines through an attic or across a crawl space, the Easy Pro's connection system gives you extra peace of mind.
The 4th Gen is the previous generation. It's still a solid system and it's still available at a lower price point than the newer series.
SEER ratings around 20 (measured on the old SEER scale, not SEER2). No built-in WiFi, but you can add a WiFi kit separately. Same DIY-friendly pre-charged line sets. The 4th Gen has been installed in hundreds of thousands of homes and has a proven track record.
Available in single zone configurations. Multi-zone options are more limited compared to the 5th Gen lineup.
Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable mini split at the lowest possible price. If you're heating and cooling a garage, workshop, or bonus room and WiFi control isn't important to you, the 4th Gen does the job for less money. Just know that the lower efficiency means slightly higher electricity costs over time.
The 5th Gen and Easy Pro are both more efficient than the 4th Gen. In a hot climate where you're running AC 6+ months a year, that efficiency gap adds up. A SEER2 22 unit can save $100-$200/year in electricity compared to a SEER 20 unit, depending on usage and local rates.
5th Gen and Easy Pro have WiFi built in. 4th Gen does not (it's an add-on). If you want to control your system from your phone or integrate with Alexa/Google Home, factor this into the price comparison. The WiFi kit for the 4th Gen costs extra.
The 5th Gen has the widest multi-zone lineup, from 2-zone all the way up to 6-zone configurations. If you're doing whole-home ductless, the 5th Gen gives you the most flexibility. The 4th Gen is more limited in multi-zone setups.
All three series are quiet. The 5th Gen edges out the others slightly at the lowest fan speeds, but we're talking about differences of 2-3 dB. In practice, you probably won't notice.
4th Gen is cheapest. 5th Gen is mid-range. Easy Pro is typically the most expensive for comparable BTU sizes. The gaps aren't massive. For a 24,000 BTU single zone, you're looking at maybe $200-$400 difference between the cheapest and most expensive option.
Go with the 5th Gen for most installations. It's the sweet spot of price, efficiency, and features. Built-in WiFi, highest efficiency, best multi-zone options. Unless you have a specific reason to pick something else, this is the default recommendation.
Go with the Easy Pro if you need longer line runs or want the most heavy-duty connection system. It's a bit more money for extra installation flexibility.
Go with the 4th Gen if you're on a strict budget and you're conditioning a space where maximum efficiency isn't critical. Garages, workshops, and seasonal spaces are good candidates.
This is where most people overthink it. Here's the simple version:
12,000 BTU: One room up to 500 sq ft. Bedrooms, home offices, small living rooms.
18,000 BTU: One room up to 800 sq ft. Larger living rooms, master suites, garages.
24,000 BTU: One room up to 1,000 sq ft. Great rooms, large garages, studio apartments.
36,000 BTU: One room up to 1,500 sq ft or use as the outdoor unit for a multi-zone setup.
For multi-zone, add up the BTU needs for each room. A 2-zone system with two 12,000 BTU indoor units needs a 24,000 BTU outdoor unit. Your outdoor unit should equal or slightly exceed the combined indoor unit capacity.
Yes. That's the whole point of the DIY line. The pre-charged line sets eliminate the need for professional refrigerant handling. You need basic tools: a drill, a hole saw, a level, and a wrench. MRCOOL's installation videos walk you through every step. Plan for 4-6 hours for a single-zone install.
This varies by location. Some areas require an electrical permit for the dedicated circuit. The mini split installation itself usually doesn't require a mechanical permit since there's no ductwork or gas lines involved. Check with your local building department.
15-20 years is typical with basic maintenance. Clean the filters monthly, keep the outdoor unit clear of debris, and have the refrigerant levels checked every few years. These are the same components used in commercial HVAC equipment.
Yes. All MRCOOL DIY models are heat pumps, meaning they both heat and cool. They work efficiently down to about 5°F outdoor temperature. Below that, heating capacity decreases. In extremely cold climates (regularly below 0°F), you may want supplemental heating for the coldest days. For most of the US, a mini split handles winter heating without issues.
Home & Heat is an authorized MRCOOL dealer. Every system ships free with the full manufacturer warranty. We carry the complete 5th Gen, Easy Pro, and 4th Gen lineup in every BTU size and zone configuration.
Browse our MRCOOL collection to find the right system for your space. Not sure what size you need? Reach out and we'll help you figure it out.
Shop related: MRCOOL mini splits, professional ranges, HVAC systems
📖 Read our MRCOOL Mini Split Buying Guide to compare every model and find the right fit.
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