The frosting of air-source heat pumps in winter can significantly reduce their heating performance, and defrosting is currently the most effective solution. In this research, three typical air-source heat pump systems are selected as research objects. Through experimental tests, the operational performance of air heat absorption defrosting technology is investigated from multiple dimensions and compared with the commonly used reverse cycle defrosting technology. The results indicate that the outlet water temperature, and the compressor suction and discharge pressures of the units using air heat absorption defrosting technology fluctuate with the alteration of the defrosting heat exchangers during the defrosting phase, with the maximum drop of the outlet water temperature ranging from 2.23 ℃ to 3.57 ℃. For unit A, which uses the air heat absorption defrosting technology, the fluctuation ranges of the compressor suction and discharge pressures are reduced by 80.4% and 77.9% respectively, compared to those of the unit with reverse cycle defrosting technology. However, unit B with two defrosting technologies shows similar pressure fluctuation ranges. Regarding heating performance, the unit with air heat absorption defrosting technology exhibits superior performance. Compared to the units with reverse cycle defrosting technology, the heating capacity of the units with air heat absorption defrosting technology increases by 7.0% to 10.9%, and the overall energy efficiency improves by 3.9% to 9.3%.