Toshiba HAORI Review: Designer Cooling That Performs?

Toshiba HAORI Review: Designer Cooling That Performs?

Let’s be honest - most air conditioners are about as stylish as a microwave strapped to your wall. Clunky, clinical, and definitely not winning any design awards.

But the Toshiba HAORI is different.

This wall-mounted split system comes dressed to impress, with a swappable textile cover and a bold pitch: designer looks without sacrificing performance.

So, is the HAORI a genuine style-meets-substance breakthrough - or just another pretty face with a plug?

Let’s take a closer look…

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • Models from 2.5kW to 4.6kW – ideal for UK bedrooms and lounges (15–40m²)

  • A+++ for cooling (SEER up to 8.6), A+ for heating (SCOP 5.1)

  • Indoor noise as low as 19 dB(A) – barely a whisper

  • Built-in WiFi and voice assistant compatibility (Google, Alexa)

  • Unique fabric cover in 6 colours – or use your own textile

  • Ideal for homeowners who want function and flair

  • 👉 Calculate size requirements & get your AC quote now.

Specs at a Glance:

Feature

Details

Cooling/Heating Output

2.5 kW, 3.5 kW, or 4.6 kW (model dependent)

Energy Efficiency

A+++ cooling (SEER 8.6), A+ heating (SCOP 5.1)

Noise Levels

Indoor: 19 dB(A) (quiet mode); Outdoor: 37 dB(A)

Filter

Ultra Pure filter (removes 94% of PM2.5 particles); self-cleaning coil

Smart Controls

Built-in Wi-Fi; compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

Design Options

Interchangeable fabric cover; 6 standard colours; custom fabric optional

Warranty

5 years (with Toshiba-accredited installation)

[1] Quick Overview: What Is the Toshiba HAORI?

The Toshiba HAORI isn’t your nan’s air conditioner. It’s a wall-mounted split system that fuses sharp Japanese engineering with a fabric-covered finish designed to turn heads, not clash with your curtains.

It’s available in three sizes (2.5kW, 3.5kW, 4.6kW), making it suitable for everything from compact bedrooms to mid-sized open-plan spaces.

Under the hood, you’ve got dual inverter tech for smooth, efficient performance and an A+++ energy rating to keep your bills from spiralling.

But the real showstopper? That textile cover.

You get six swappable colours out of the box - from Bluish Grey to Emerald Blue - or you can go full DIY and upholster it in your own fabric.

It’s clearly aimed at design-conscious homeowners who want their AC to blend in, not stick out.

With a SEER of up to 8.6 and SCOP of 5.1, it’s more than just a pretty face. And unlike most ACs, it won’t ruin your room’s vibe.

[2] How It Performs: Substance Behind the Style

The HAORI’s fabric cover might turn heads, but does it mess with performance?

Short answer: no.

The textile design is acoustically transparent, so it won’t muffle airflow or interfere with the HAORI’s impressively quiet 19 dB(A) operation in silent mode.

Installation? Standard split system setup. No quirks, no extra hassle - the fabric cover doesn’t get in the way.

Cooling & Heating Performance

The HAORI holds its own against market leaders. With SEER ratings up to 8.6, it outperforms most rivals in energy efficiency - including the Bosch Climate 3000i and Mitsubishi Zen.

It heats too, acting as an air-to-air heat pump in winter. With a SCOP of 5.1, it’s among the most efficient single-split options available for year-round comfort.

Real-World Comparison

Feature

Toshiba HAORI

Bosch Climate 3000i

Mitsubishi Zen

Cooling Capacity

2.5-4.6 kW

2.6-5.3 kW

2.5-5.0 kW

Heating Capacity

3.2-5.5 kW

2.9-5.8 kW

3.2-5.8 kW

SEER (Cooling)

Up to 8.6 (A+++)

Up to 7.4 (A++)

Up to 8.5 (A+++)

SCOP (Heating)

Up to 5.1 (A+++)

Up to 4.0 (A+)

Up to 4.8 (A+++)

Indoor Noise Level

19 dB(A) (quiet mode)

20 dB(A) (quiet mode)

19 dB(A) (quiet mode)

Outdoor Noise Level

37 dB(A) (silent mode)

38 dB(A)

40 dB(A)

Smart Features

Built-in WiFi, app, Google/Alexa

Optional WiFi (Connect Key required)

Built-in WiFi, app, Google/Alexa

Design

Customisable textile cover

Standard white plastic

Sleek black/white/grey finishes

Price (incl. install)

£1,200-£1,800

£800-£1,200

£1,100-£1,600

[3] Design-Led Living: What’s It Like Day-to-Day?

Living with the HAORI is like hosting a stylish guest who never overstays their welcome.

  • Noise - At 19 dB(A), it’s nearly silent – perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or offices.

  • Design - The 987mm-wide unit blends into interiors thanks to its soft, fabric finish. Choose from six standard colours or upholster it yourself.

  • Maintenance - The cover is removable and hand-washable. Inside, you’ve got a high-grade PM2.5 filter and a self-cleaning coil to fight mould, dust, and odours.

  • Installation - Standard split system setup. No extra faff caused by the fabric.

Even the outdoor unit is compact (780 x 550 x 290 mm), quiet, and easy to tuck away.

[4] Smart Features & Control

It comes with WiFi and voice assistant control built-in (Google Assistant and Alexa), unlike the Bosch, which needs a separate Connect Key.

The HAORI makes remote climate control a breeze.

Via the Toshiba app or your voice assistant, you can:

  • Adjust temperature or fan speed

  • Toggle modes (cool, heat, silent, dehumidify)

  • Set timers and schedules

  • Check air quality and filter status

[5] Who’s It For?

The Toshiba HAORI is a rare case of tech that performs just as well as it looks. It’s not for everyone, but for the right buyer, it’s a game-changer.

Ideal if you:

  • Are remodelling a stylish home or flat

  • Hate the look of traditional white boxy ACs

  • Want silent, efficient comfort in living or sleeping spaces

  • Value integrated smart control and low maintenance

Skip it if you:

  • Don’t care about aesthetics or fabric finishes

  • Want the cheapest option going (the Bosch Climate 3000i offers similar output for less)

  • Need a multi-split system (look at the Climate 5000M instead)

[6] Final Verdict: Worth the Money?

Let’s not sugar-coat it - the Toshiba HAORI isn’t cheap.

The Toshiba HAORI is more than a statement piece.

Yes, it costs more than basic models (£1,200–£1,800 installed), but you’re paying for both elite performance and design freedom. For style-conscious homeowners, that’s a fair trade.

If you just need chill air on a budget, go Bosch.

But if you want your AC to disappear and deliver, the HAORI stands alone.

“The HAORI proves you don’t have to pick between form and function - it’s one of the few air conditioners that genuinely adds something to your interior.” - Ben Price, Heatable Co-Founder

So, who’s it for?

If you’re designing a stylish flat, revamping a high-spec home office, or building a minimalist extension, the HAORI is a smart splurge.

You’re getting top-tier efficiency, whisper-quiet operation, and a look that won’t wreck your interior vibe - in fact, it’ll probably elevate it.

But if looks aren’t a priority and you just want solid cooling without the design drama, the Bosch Climate 3000i or 3200i gives you similar performance for far less money.

In our view, the HAORI’s real strength isn’t just its style - it’s the rare combo of customisable design, smart features, and best-in-class quietness.

For buyers who care about both aesthetics and comfort, it’s a standout choice.

Next Steps For Your AC Journey:

When planning to install air conditioning for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:

To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.

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Last updated 16 Jul, 2025

Patrick Garner
Written by Patrick Garner

Patrick Garner, a Gas Safe certified engineer, leads the boiler installations team at Heatable. A wealth of experience, he has successfully overseen the installation of thousands of heating systems.

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