You will not only get the softened water, but it will make the skin and hair better. Another great advantage of buying a water softener is that it can enhance the lifespan of the home appliances easily.
Even some of the water softener users said that they got rid of the major leaks in their house caused by the hard ions in water. Other than that, your soap and other detergents will be producing more lather.
You will be saving money in several instances after investing in a water softener. So we have reviewed the best kinds of water softeners from top-notch manufactures. Moreover, we are here to solve your confusion about the four kinds of water softeners.
Even you will know what features make a softener worth it. So stick to us till the end of the guide before your make the final decision. Let’s delve!
Table of Contents
Comparison of The Best Water Softeners in 2022 (Expert’s Pick)
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall
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Fleck 56 SXT Loaded 48000 Grains Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Iron Pro 2 Salt Based Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
|
Best Salt-Free
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AO Smith Whole House Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Tier 1 Essential Series 48k Grain Efficient Digital Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Nuvo H2O Dphb Home Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
3M Aqua Pure Whole House Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
PRO+ AQUA Whole House Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Ispring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Water Softener |
|
Check on Amazon |
|
|
Eddy Electronic Water Descaler |
|
Check on Amazon |
 |
Filtersmart Whole House Water Softener System |
|
Check on Amazon |
1. Fleck 56 SXT Loaded 48000 Grains Water Softener – Best Salt Based Water Softener
This whole house water softener from fleck is salt-based, and you will need to maintain the water softener after a few weeks. However, do not forget to consider the hardness level while buying this fleck water softener for your house.
Moreover, you will have the most efficient water softener, and it is great for removing the hardness up to a great extent. Also, this water softener comes with the simplest installation. You will get a mineral tank with it.
Besides, this water softener will provide a long warranty period of 10 years for the tanks and 5 years for the valve. You will get an on-demand metered valve, and it will be softening the water in minimal time. You will know how many grains are used for softening the water.
Installation
You will get the water softener prefilled with the resins, and it will be easier to install. Also, you will have a USA structural blue color tank.
Functioning
This water softener with the on-demand meter comes with the most efficient functioning. Best of all, it will be saving salt as well as water during the regeneration process. This effective water softener will show the results of softener water in a minimal time after installation.
Other Features
With this softening unit, you will get 48000 grains of resin, one resin tank, brine tank, complete bypass system, on-demand control valve, and you will have a comprehensive manual guide for installing it quickly.
2. Iron Pro 2 Salt Based Water Softener – Best High Flow Whole House Water Softener
Next, we have the most efficient water softener from iron pro 2. You will have an amazing water softener that has a high flow rate. Moreover, you will have more grain capacity in this water softener than our top pick.
Furthermore, you will have a digital metered valve with this water softener, and it has a warranty of 5 years. As well, you will have the best water softener for removing the hard ions of iron from the water.
Other than that, you will have an ideal water softener for removing the hardness up to 75 gpg. This water softener will remove the sediment up to 6 ppm and remove other elements, including the sand and rust.
Installation
You will have the instructions to follow for installing this water softener. Besides, you will have support from the company too. You can easily contact the company in case of having any difficulty while installing the water softener.
Functioning
The performance of this water softener is quite quick, and you will not have the scale buildup on the pipelines. Also, the previously scale buildup on the pipelines will be removed easily. You will have clean faucets and all other kinds of appliances.
Other Features
This water softener will be regenerating the water whenever it is needed. You can set the timer as well. You will have an easy way of regenerating the water, and it is the best water softener for conserving the water. Additionally, you will have the DIY installation, and it comes with the most durable quality. Nonetheless, the tank color may vary upon arrival.
3. O Smith Whole House Water Softener – Best Salt-Free Scale Prevention
Next up, we have a salt-free water softener. This water softener is great for those who need to prevent the scale buildup from the pipelines. Indeed, it is an amazing chemical-free water softening unit.
Best of all, you don’t need cleaning or adding salt bags. As well, it doesn’t require electricity to work, and you will have the best backwashing-free water softening unit.
And that’s not all; you will have a water softener that will provide an efficient water softener that is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and showering. This softening system is great for houses that have four family members. However, you should not expect this water softener to reduce the TDS.
Installation
You will have an impressive descaler for the whole house. Moreover, you will have a shut-off valve, and it comes with a hose adapter too. You can easily install this water softener after reading the instructions.
Functioning
This water softener is quite cost-efficient, and you will have an efficient water softener that will remove the scale for more than 6 years on the existing pipelines. Moreover, you will have a six years warranty period. Other than that, you will not need to buy any new water softener for six years, and it will filter 600,000 gallons of water.
Other Features
This long-lasting water softener comes with effective functioning, and it will remove the hard ions easily. Also, you will have an ideal softening unit for the well water in your home.
4. Tier 1 Essential Series 48k Grain Efficient Digital Water Softener – Best Digital Meter Control Valve
This TIER 1 water softener is a whole traditional system, and you will have prefilled tank. Moreover, it has an LCD display with a digital meter. You will be operating the water softener easily. Best of all, this softener is simple to operate than the salt-based fleck water softeners.
In addition, this water softener comes with the whole accessories that you need to install it. On the other hand, you will have a control valve and line water connections. Furthermore, you will get brine tubing, drain line, and other mechanical components.
And the good news? This water softener system has CPVC supply tubing for the simplest compression fittings. Besides, you can buy the compression fitting for this water softener separately from the shark bite brand.
Installation
This unit has a smart design, and you will get a turbine meter. This softener has a bypass valve, and it will save space from the floor up to 4 feet. You will have a mineral and brine tank. However, the installation will take time, but it is simple to set up without the help of a professional.
Functioning
No doubt, this system for softening water will remove the hard ions from the whole house water easily. Other than that, you will have a great performance of water softener that will improve the taste of water. Moreover, you will not have any kind of smell from the water.
Other Features
What else? You will have an energy-saving unit, and you can effortlessly get rid of hard water stains. As well, it will be enhancing the lather production, and you will have softened skin and hair. It will also protect all the fixtures and brighten up the laundry.
5. Nuvo H2O Dphb Home Water Softener – Great Revolutionary Technology
This water softener will be able to detect the hardness level of your water. Moreover, you will have time to determine how many grains have been recycled. Other than that, you will have an ideal softening system that can remove hardness up to 3ppm.
Besides, you will have a control valve with it. As well, you will have a control valve with this water softener, and it comes with a water-using propeller too. In fact, this water softener will require 130 liters of salt for the brine tank. Additionally, you will not have any issue with hard water after installing it. However, it will not notify or indicate when the salt is needed to refill.
On the other side, you will have full customer support for installing this water softener, and it will be easily removing the scale buildup from the pipelines.
Installation
You will get a detailed installation with this softening unit. Moreover, you will have simple steps to follow, and no other accessory is needed for installing this water softener in your house. Nonetheless, you should not install this water softener in your house if you have a large family.
Functioning
This efficient water softener is great for those people who have 1 to 2 residents. You will have an efficient performance for enhancing the life of appliances, and it will make protect the plumbing fixtures too. Best of all, it doesn’t require electricity to work and doesn’t wastewater. With this water softening system, you will have a mineral tank of 10 by 54 inches and requires 1.5 cubic feet of resin.
Other Features
And that’s not all; you will have a revolutionary water softener with the capacity for lowering the pH level. In fact, it will be easily removing the minerals that can cause hard water. And the good news? You will have removal of the hard ions, including magnesium, calcium, iron, and other ions. Additionally, it will keep the minerals soluble and prevent the existing scale buildup from the faucets and other house appliances.
6. 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Softener – Best Quick Change Water Filter
This 3M aqua pure water softener comes with great sediment removal, and you will not have any chlorine or other bad odor in the water. Besides, it comes with a 1inches inlet as well as an outlet. More than that, you will have a simple installation.
And that’s not all, you will have a peak flow rate up to 20 GPM, and you will have a water pressure that will meet the requirements of several houses. You will have a higher flow rate which is great for enhancing the life of appliances.
Additionally, it is a corrosion-resistant water softener, and you can install it on the copper pipes that already exist in your house. More than that, you don’t need to install this water softener in your house. Furthermore, this water softener is ideal for enhancing the quality of water.
Installation
This water softener is easy to replace because of the quick changing sanitary design. Moreover, you will have quick changeouts 3M aqua pure replacement filter, and you don’t need to hire a professional for installing this water softener. It doesn’t require any filter wrench for fixing.
Functioning
This aqua pure water softener has a filtering capacity of 100,000 gallons, and you will have an activated carbon filter. As well, it has a heavy-duty particulate reduction, and it will be easily treating the water up to 20 GPM.
Other Features
This water softener system is great for larger homes, and it is quite effective. Moreover, you will have a house that is great for the well water and non-chlorinated water.
7. PRO+ AQUA Whole House Water Softener – Best Heavy Duty Water Softener
This aqua pro water softener comes with an incredible water softener and grain capacity. In fact, you will have the best kind of water softener for larger households. Not only that, you will have an ultra-soft water condition after installing it in your home. If you are looking for a water softener that can save water, then aqua is the best choice.
What’s more? You will have a water softener with the polyglass tank, and you will have a digital meter valve too. Not only that, you will have a 1-inch high flow threaded port and all other installation components with it. You will have a standard warranty with this water softener for five years.
So if you are finding a water softener that can soften the water without utilizing the salt or wasting water, then go with this softening unit. And the good news? You will have a digital meter and LCD display for the most convenient interface. Indeed, it is the best water softener that is offering the best value for its price.
Installation
This water softener system comes with the fiber-reinforced polymer bypass valve, and you will have a resin tank, tube, brine tank, and some distributors. This softening unit comes with a drain line of 14 feet, and you will have the best installation guide to follow. Furthermore, you will have the five years warranty, and it has a unit size of 80,000 grains.
Functioning
This water softener will be quickly functioning for removing the hardness from the whole house. As well, it is completely time tested, and you will have the best hydraulic balanced piston. And that’s not all; it will require the power outage as well as the prefilters and amazing post UV system.
Other Features
You will have the front panel settings with this programmable water softener. No doubt, it has the most efficient regeneration process, and there would not be any downflow regeneration system. Besides, it has a system configuration that is safe and quite easy. It will require 24 v to work. Additionally, you will have an optimum service and higher upfront cost with the backwash rates. You will also get an advanced valve with this water softener which is great for commercial applications.
8. Ispring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Water Softener – Best For Reducing The Energy Consumption
The ispring water softener will be solving the hard water problem without any additional maintenance. And the best thing about this water descaler is that it will prevent the existing scale buildup from the water. Not only that, you will have the solution for the hard water without adding any salts or chemicals.
More than that, this descaler is great for enhancing the quality of water. Besides, it will be the best water descaler for those people who are on a diet. In fact, it will provide healthier skin, and you will have a softened hair condition.
As well, this magnetic softener is ideal for those areas that have 10 to 19 grains level of hardness. Moreover, it will be saving energy and making the life of appliances longer. On top of that, you will have a water softener that doesn’t change water’s chemistry.
Installation
This water softener will be simple to attach with any pipeline of your home. Furthermore, you can attach the water softener with any pipeline of PEX, PVC, etc. Besides, it comes with a warranty of one year. It doesn’t require any plumbing modifications.
Functioning
This descaler is great for reducing the hardness level up to 10 to 19 grains. In addition, you can save energy with this water softener. It is environment-friendly and great for those who are on salt-restricted diet plans.
Other Features
This descaler doesn’t require any other accessories for installation. You will have a manual to follow. Moreover, it is a great water softener for reducing the scale buildup on the pipelines. Indeed, ispring is the best water softener with magnetic technology.
9. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler – Best Water Softener Alternative
If you were looking for a descaler, then eddy is the best choice. You will have 12 months money-back guarantee with this water softener, and you will have a lifetime replacement warranty as well. No doubt, it will be functioning quite effectively.
And the best part? It doesn’t require any salt for work. Indeed, this water softener will not require any maintenance in the future. You will have the simplest way to remove the limescale buildup from the house appliances. Plus, it will be removing the existing deposits in a short time.
As well, you will have a whole house water descaling system, and it has a maintenance-free design. Also, it can treat the water more than 20 gpg. In addition, this water softener is environment friendly, and you will feel changes in your skin. Furthermore, it will enhance the soap lather production and save the detergent while you are washing the dishes.
Installation
This descaler is simple for anyone to install, and you will not need any plumbing changes in the home for installing it. Besides, you will have a conventional water softener, and you will have an electromagnetic wave that will be softening the water. And that’s not all; you will have two coils wrapped around it. Furthermore, you will have the magnetic changing process for removing the hardness from the whole house’s water.
Functioning
The electromagnetic functioning of this water softener is effective for removing the hardness in water up to a great extent. And the best part? You will not have any chemical hardness left in water, but it will not be removing the TDS. It will effectively remove calcium, magnesium, chlorine, and other hard ions from the water.
Other features
This water softener is environment friendly, and you will have a quick change in water’s taste after installing it. Likewise, the water softener is environmentally friendly because it doesn’t waste salt or water.
10. Filtersmart Whole House Water Softener System – Best Maintenance-Free Design
This filter smart softening unit is the most healthy option, and you will have a coconut shell instead of a plastic bottle. As well, it is made for fresh and natural minerals, which makes it an eco-friendly water softener. Even it doesn’t require electricity or resin to work.
And the best part? It has NSF-certified material, and you will have the most delicious quality of water after installing it. In fact, it is a great carbon filter system, and you will be easily removing the taste of chlorine from water.
No doubt, it will be a great unit for removing the hard ions as well as the false odor from water. You will have the safest water to drink, and it will brighten up the clothes. Also, there won’t be any stains of water on the faucets.
Installation
The installation of this water softener is quick yet somehow tricky if you have not installed any water softener before. You will have a convenient filter and in/out design for quick installation. And the best part? You don’t need any bag of salt for running this water softener. As well, you will have a smart filter smart up-flow system. Also, it doesn’t require electricity to work.
Functioning
This system is maintenance-free, and you will get an environment-friendly water softener. Best of all, you will be able to save energy and salt with this water softener. And that’s not all; you will be able to retain the natural minerals from the water. It will be efficiently removing the magnesium, calcium, and other hard ions easily.
Other Features
This amazing unit comes with completely reliable functioning because it has the certification of NSF. Moreover, you will have a shell of softener system made of carbon filters. As well, you will have an undetectable level of hard ions for more than 5 years. Plus, this unit will improve the quality of the water, and you will not have any false smell.
Buying Guide On The Best Water Softeners
There are a lot of buyers who don’t know about the types of water softeners. In our buying guide, we are going to teach the difference between the water softeners and which one is best for you.
So we thought it would be better that we distinguish between the water softener and its types before telling about the features of water softeners.
Below are the types of water softeners that will solve your confusion.
1. Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners are quite common in domestic usage. You will find a huge variety of salt-based water softeners in our guide as well.
Though, you can make a guess by the name that this kind of water softener requires salt for performing its tasks. Besides, the salt-based water softeners have the most efficient functioning, and you will find them working most quickly. This water softener will remove undesirable minerals from the water.
Furthermore, you have to add some of the resin in these kinds of water softeners so they can perform well. However, the salt-based water softening systems will require a lot of maintenance cost in the future so choose it as per your budget.
2. Salt-Free Water Softener
The salt-free water softeners don’t require salt to work, and you will have the best option to buy this kind of softener, especially if you are on a diet.
Moreover, you will have a maintenance-free water softener, and it will be a one-time investment. However, this kind of water softener is not much efficient in removing the hardest ions from the water.
The salt-free conditioners are designed in such a way that they can be removed from the water. However, it will stick to the infrastructure of the home. You will have a huge drawback of buying salt-free water softeners because it will be enhancing the maintenance cost of the house’s infrastructure in the future.
Other than that, you should only choose salt-free water softeners if you are on a sodium-free diet.
However, there are chances that you get better skin and hair conditions as well with the salt-based water softener. Though if you don’t feel the change in the quality of water, then check if it is installed correctly in the home or not.
3. Dual Tank Water Softeners
The dual tank water softeners come with a heavy-duty infrastructure, and they come with unique functioning. For instance, the dual tanks have the brine and iron tank. You will have an impressive supply of water from one tank while the other tank will be removing the hard ions from the water.
So if you are living at a place that is having the hardest ion water supply, then you need to install this kind of water softener in your house. However, this kind of water softeners will waste a lot of water before they work 24 hours to regenerate the water.
Besides, this kind of water softener will ensure that one tank is supplying the water free of hard ions and the other one is working for the removal of iron ions.
4. Magnetic Water Softener – Electronic Water Softeners
The magnetic water softener is another most selling water softener that requires electricity for working. Moreover, this kind of water softeners is known as the descalers. These kinds of water softeners will not remove anything from the water.
They function in a magnetic way and remove the hard ions while passing the electric current in the pipelines. When the water softener is working, it will decompose the minerals and prevent them from sticking on the surfaces.
Therefore, if you don’t want to install a traditional water softener in your house, you can go with an electronic descaler.
Essential Features To Look In A Water Softener
Now that you know the kinds of water softeners consider what features should be present in a water softener. However, there are a lot of water softeners, but there are some similar things that are crucial to consider.
Other than that, a commercial water softener would be dissimilar from the domestic one. The commercial softener systems are quite powerful because they will be getting more stress due to more water usage. Besides, you must check what place is the manufacturer recommending for installing the water softener so you can get the most out of it.
Below we are going to give you a detailed overview of the specs that most of the water softeners have. After reading the guide till the end, you can make the right choice for your needs.
Salt Capacity In The Water Softener
When you are buying a salt-based water softener than you should check how much resin it will be consuming. You have to check the number of grains that will require for softening water. However, the higher hardness level will be consuming more salt.
The salt based water softener will require a 16000 mark that is great for the smaller houses. On the other hand, you can choose the 96000 mark, which is ideal for larger households.
You can choose the water softer as per the hardness level. Besides, the larger household will require more salt and longer time for regeneration.
Installation Space Required
Check how much space you have in your place for installing a water softener. Some of the water softeners are really large, and they will consume a lot of space. You need to install the water softener in the right place, and you have to check whether you will be installing the water softener in an outdoor or indoor place.
You need to choose an ideal location for installing a water softener before purchasing it. Also, you should check the measurements before buying a water softener, especially if you are buying it online.
The Bypass Valve Of The Water Softener
With the help of a bypass valve, you can easily change the route of the water softener system. Moreover, you will have efficient functioning, and it will be even more helpful if you don’t need to soften the water in large quantities.
Especially while buying a water softener offline will be even more beneficial because you can find the bypass valve easily, and it will discard the hassle of installing a water softener.
Meter Or Timed For Salt Regeneration
One of the biggest advantages will be if you have a timer or meter with the water softener. You can consider this feature very crucial because it will tell how much water is regenerated and how many grains are used. Consider the water softener with the meter so you can instantly know when does the water softener require maintenance.
However, the automatic timed systems will be generating the water when it is not needed, which will be wasting the resin. Consequently, you can turn off the water softener to prevent water and resin wastage.
Frequently Asked Question’s
Is A Water Filter Needed With The Whole House Water Softening System?
The water filter and water softening system have different functioning. You should have a water filter in your home if you want to have the purified water for drinking. Besides, the whole house water softener will remove the hard ions from the water and prevent scale buildup. As well, it will enhance the life of appliances and make the skin and hair in the softest condition.
Does The Softened Water Have Magnesium And Other Hard Ions Still In The Water?
No, all the hard ions, including magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphate, etc., will be removed from the water.
Should I Drink The Softened Water?
You can drink the softened water, but it would be better if you install a water purifier/filter with it. Besides, you can choose a reverse osmosis system for having the best quality of water.
Should I Buy Dual Or Single Tank Water Softener?
You can buy the single or dual tank water softener as per the need of your house. The dual tank water softeners are quite effective, and they won’t stop the supply of water. However, the dual tanks do not work at the same time. You will have supply from one tank only while the other tank will be regenerating the water.
Do All RO Water Filters Work For Softening The Hard Water?
The reverse osmoses water filter doesn’t soften the water. However, it is made for purifying the water so you can drink it without any contaminants.
Is Softened Water Healthy To Drink?
The softened water is healthy to drink because it will not have magnesium and other hard ions in it. However, it is not the best kind of water to drink. However, there are no side effects of drinking softened water.
Which Is The Best Salt-Based Water Softener?
The best salt-based water softener is Fleck 56 SXT Loaded 48000 Grains Water Softener. This softener has a long warranty period, efficient technology, easier installation, and you will get an on-demand digital meter valve.
Which Is The Best Eco-Friendly Magnetic Water Softener To Buy For the Whole House?
The Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is the most environment-friendly magnetic water softener to buy for the whole house. You will have a maintenance-free design of the eddy, and it has easier installation. It will be efficiently removing the scaling from the whole house pipelines.
To Sum Up
So, fellows, you saw the top 10 best water softeners that are most selling in the market. However, for further ease, we are going to tell you some of the highly recommended options.
If you are considering a water softener that will be ideal for the whole house, you should go with the PRO+ AQUA Whole House Water Softener. This softening system for the whole house is very effective, and you will have installation components, so there is no need for a professional to install it in your home.
Other than that, those who need a salt-based water softener should go with the Fleck 56 SXT Loaded 48000 Grains Water Softener. This water softener will provide a digital meter that will show how many grains have been used for softening the water. Overall, it is quite an effective water softener for the whole house.
Apart from that, if you need an impressive salt-free water softener, then you can choose the AO Smith Whole House Water Softener. This whole system is cost-efficient, and you will have a shut-off valve. You will have an eco-friendly water softening system.
All being well, you need to choose a water softener that is worth investing in and enhances the lifespan of your appliances. Also, consider the hardness of water before making the last decision for your home. So don’t compromise on the lifespan of home appliances while buying a softener. Thank you for the read!
Born in the Philippines, Joseph Solis Moved to Canada at age 6. He attended Simon Fraser University and received his Masters’s in Chemistry. His research domains include water filtration, water softening, and overall water treatment.
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