Samsung and LG are the two Korean brands UK buyers compare when they want a designer indoor without automatically paying Daikin Stylish money. Samsung's headline is Wind-Free still-air cooling. LG's headline is Artcool finishes, including mirror and gallery panels. Both need proper F-gas splits and outdoor siting. Samsung usually wins the draught conversation. LG usually wins the feature-wall conversation. Daikin and Mitsubishi still win the 'who will service this in eight years' conversation unless your installer is a dedicated Samsung or LG house.
Two different reasons to leave the Japanese default
If the complaint is a jet of cold air on the sofa, shortlist Samsung Wind-Free. If the complaint is a white plastic box ruining a dark or mirrored interior, shortlist LG Artcool. Standard Samsung and LG walls exist too; do not assume every quote includes the headline feature.
The LG brand guide and the Wind-Free guide cover each range. This page is only the fork between them.
- Samsung: Wind-Free living rooms, SmartThings.
- LG: Artcool designer fascias, ThinQ.
- Both: thinner UK dealer networks than Daikin or Mitsubishi Electric.
- Warranty years follow the installer scheme, not the nationality of the factory.
Coverage and parts
Neither brand matches Daikin's UK density. That matters for concealed kit and for boards in year eight. For a single visible wall split, a strong local dealer removes most of that risk.
If the only LG or Samsung quote is from a firm that fits them twice a year, prefer a Japanese first-tier from a busy installer instead.
Cost shape
As a 2026 illustration, both land in the same installed labour band as other quality walls. Artcool and Wind-Free sit above each brand's plain series. They can undercut Stylish or MSZ-LN depending on the week's trade pricing.
Labour does not care which Korean badge you chose. Route, drain and electrics do.
Choosing
State the problem in one sentence: draught, looks, or lowest first-tier price. Then take two quotes on the same outdoor position.
Use the quote form brand-open. Mention sofa draught or designer fascia so the right series appears.
Frequently asked questions
Is Samsung better than LG for air conditioning?
Samsung is the usual pick for draught-free living rooms. LG Artcool is the usual pick for a designer fascia. Reliability differences inside this pair are smaller than installer quality and outdoor siting.
Does LG have Wind-Free too?
LG markets different airflow features on some models. Do not assume the name matches Samsung's micro-hole mode. Compare the actual airflow description and the sound data on the quoted indoor.
Should I buy Samsung or LG instead of Daikin?
Yes if a specialist installer quotes them well and the feature matches the room. No if you are choosing from a general builder who does not stock filters for that brand.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local AC Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.