The answer
This is a name-versus-numbers matchup. The Daikin Entra carries the badge of the world's largest HVAC maker and current R-32 refrigerant, but it's a discontinued value line selling as closeout at a mid-tier efficiency. The Gree Vireo is current-production and posts a notably higher certified SEER2 for a competitive price. So: buy the Daikin Entra if you want a global name-brand at a closeout price for a mild climate and you've confirmed it's still available with parts support; buy the Gree Vireo if you want the better efficiency number on a current, in-production unit. Both are professional installs on R-32.
Side by side
Systems compared
- GREE Vireo R32 12,000 BTU (230V)
- Current retail price: $2,143 at HVACDirect
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| SplitAtlas score | 7.3 / 10 | 8.4 / 10best published |
| Price band | $1,117best published | $2,143 |
| Rated cooling capacity | 12,000BTU/h | 12,000BTU/h |
| Rated heating capacity | 11,300BTU/h | 12,000BTU/h |
| SEER2 | 18SEER2 | 24.5SEER2best published |
| HSPF2 | 9HSPF2 | 9.5HSPF2best published |
| Rated heating at 5F | 5,500BTU/h | 11,000BTU/hbest published |
| Minimum heating ambient | 5F | -22Fbest published |
| Voltage options | 208/230V | 208/230V |
| Install path | Professional install | Professional install |
| Warranty terms | Standard: 5 yr parts / no separate compressor term (unregistered or commercial all-parts coverage); Best case: 10 yr parts / no separate compressor term (owner-occupied residential registration within 60 days) | Standard: 5 yr parts / 7 yr compressor (eligible residential system); Best case: 10 yr parts / 10 yr compressor (GREE Select Dealer registration for a complete system) |
| Noise range | Indoor Cooling 45/37/31/19 dBA; heating 43/36/30/26 dBA / Outdoor 48 dBAbest published | Indoor 20 - 43 / Outdoor 52 dBA |
| Refrigerant generation | R-32 - current-generation refrigerant | R-32 - current-generation refrigerant |
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Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V)
Reference-only price
Last seen at Amazon: $1,117
GREE Vireo R32 12,000 BTU (230V)
$2,143 / Fresh price - checked Jul 21, 2026
Data freshness: selected systems last sourced Jul 21, 2026 or newer.
Look at the SEER2 row first - the Vireo leads here - then note the Entra's status: it's a genuine Daikin, but an end-of-production line, so the appeal is the name and the closeout price, not the efficiency.
Who each is for
The Daikin Entra buyer wants a globally recognized brand at a value price and is installing in a mild-to-moderate climate. Daikin is the world's largest air-conditioning manufacturer, and the Entra is current R-32 - just confirm the unit is still available and weigh long-term parts support on an end-of-production model. See the Daikin review.
The Gree Vireo buyer wants the stronger certified efficiency on a current-production unit at a fair price. Gree is itself one of the largest AC makers in the world, and the Vireo is its efficiency-focused value line - you get a higher SEER2 without paying premium money. See the Gree review.
The bottom line
If the Daikin name and a closeout price matter most and your winters are mild, the Entra is a legitimate value on a global brand - just verify availability and parts. If you want the better rated efficiency on an in-production unit, the Gree Vireo is the pick. Match the low-temperature rating to your climate either way, and size to the certified BTU.
Keep comparing
Weighing the premium tier instead? See Mitsubishi vs Daikin and Mitsubishi vs Gree - or filter every published system by certified efficiency and price in the product finder.
Sources
- AHRI: AHRI Directory public details for Daikin Entra R32 AXVJU pairings - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- AHRI: AHRI certificate 213895723 for RXC12AXVJU / FTXC12AXVJU - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute: AHRI Directory public detail record 213895723 - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Aug 6, 2026.
- Amazon: Daikin 12,000 BTU 18 SEER2 Entra Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heat Pump System | R-32 Refrigerant | Wall Mounted Single Zone | RXC12AXVJU - FTXC12AXVJU (B0GYQ7KGYB) - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Aug 8, 2026.
- Daikin Comfort Technologies: Daikin ENTRA Wall-Mounted Heat Pump System product page - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- Daikin Comfort Technologies: Daikin FTXC12AXVJU Indoor Unit Submittal R32 - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- Daikin Comfort Technologies: Daikin Limited Warranty PWDDSSTH for RXC/FTXC models - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- Daikin Comfort Technologies: Daikin R32 Split Series Installation Manual for FTXC/RXC AXVJU - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- Daikin Comfort Technologies: Daikin RXC12AXVJU Air-Cooled Split Outdoor Unit Submittal R32 - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- HVACDirect: HVACDirect Daikin Entra 12,000 complete system page snapshot - Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- AHRI: AHRI Directory public details for GREE Livo/Vireo R32 pairings - GREE Vireo R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
- AHRI: AHRI certificate 214813257 for VIR12HP230V1R32AO / VIR12HP230V1R32AH - GREE Vireo R32 12,000 BTU (230V), retrieved Jul 21, 2026.
Whichever system you pick, these are professional installs. Get quotes before you choose.
Get installation quotesFrequently asked questions
- What electrical difference should I check first in this comparison?
- Start with the published voltage requirements: Daikin Entra R32 12,000 BTU (230V): 208/230V; GREE Vireo R32 12,000 BTU (230V): 208/230V. A 115V label can make a retrofit easier, while a 230V system still needs the right dedicated circuit and local code review.