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10 Best Water Softeners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System | 1,000,000 Gallons | Salt-Free Softener Alternative | UV, Carbon & KDF | Tackles up to 99.99% Chlorine, Bacteria, Viruses, Cysts & Scale | EQ-1000-AST-UV

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,491
Water Flow Rate

Most important from
607 reviews

Water Flow Rate
The system is easy to maintain and didn't decrease water pressure, providing clean and soft water throughout the house.

The Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System is a comprehensive water treatment solution that excels in providing clean, great-tasting water from every tap in your home. It effectively removes 97% of chlorine and reduces various organic chemicals, making it a robust choice for those looking for improved water quality. Its high-performance filtration system combines carbon, KDF media, UV purification, and salt-free scale control technology to maximize contaminant reduction while retaining essential minerals, beneficial for health.

The maximum flow rate of 14.6 gallons per minute ensures a reliable water supply across the household. Additionally, this system is cost-efficient, providing purified water for less than $0.01 per gallon over a 10-year lifespan for up to 1 million gallons of water. However, it's important to note that this system does not soften water in the traditional sense; it conditions water to prevent scale buildup but does not remove the minerals that cause hardness. As such, it is best suited for homes with water hardness levels below 15 grains per gallon.

Installation is intended for the main water line entry point and requires some effort due to its size and weight (86.1 pounds). While it is relatively low-maintenance, its salt-free operation means you don't have to deal with salt bags, cleaning, or backwashing. On the downside, it may not be effective for areas with very hard water or higher iron content. The system also requires electrical power for the UV purifier, adding a slight complexity to the installation process. This product is ideal for households of 4 or more people seeking a long-lasting, efficient, and eco-friendly water conditioning solution.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,491
Water Flow Rate

Most important from
607 reviews

Water Flow Rate
The system is easy to maintain and didn't decrease water pressure, providing clean and soft water throughout the house.
#2

Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (48,000 Grains)

Rating
9.7
Regeneration Type
Control Valve

Most important from
3007 reviews

Regeneration Type
Adjusting the regeneration settings based on water hardness can significantly increase the lifespan of the resin and reduce salt usage.
Control Valve
The control head programming is conservative but can be customized for better efficiency.

The Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener is a solid choice for households with 3 to 4 bathrooms, delivering ample soft water while effectively tackling hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. With a grain capacity of 48,000, it offers substantial performance, making it ideal for average-sized families. The automatic digital metered control head is user-friendly, allowing for customization based on water quality and usage. This feature not only enhances convenience but also ensures that the system operates efficiently, promoting salt efficiency as it regenerates only when necessary.

One of its strong points is the inclusion of a triple-purpose pre-filter that removes a significant portion of contaminants, contributing to cleaner water. This is particularly beneficial for those sensitive to water quality, as it addresses issues like chlorine, odors, and heavy metals. Additionally, the construction quality is commendable, with a corrosion-resistant tank and durable components that promise longevity.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the system performs well, its flow rate of 12 gallons per minute might not suffice for larger households with high simultaneous water demands. Installation may also pose a challenge for users who prefer DIY solutions, as the freestanding design may require some plumbing knowledge or professional assistance. Furthermore, while the warranty and customer support are strong points, the initial weight of 120 pounds could make it cumbersome during installation.

The Aquasure Harmony Series is well-suited for average-sized homes needing effective water softening. Its features cater well to maintaining water quality and appliance longevity, but potential buyers should evaluate their specific water needs and installation capabilities.

Rating
9.7
Regeneration Type
Control Valve

Most important from
3007 reviews

Regeneration Type
Adjusting the regeneration settings based on water hardness can significantly increase the lifespan of the resin and reduce salt usage.
Control Valve
The control head programming is conservative but can be customized for better efficiency.
#3

Aquasure 64,000 Grains Whole House Water Filter Bundle with Automatic Digital Metered Control Softener and 75 GPD RO Reverse Osmosis Drinking System | Removes Hardness | Ideal for 4-6+ bathrooms

Rating
7.6
Grain Capacity
Salt Efficiency
Water Flow Rate

Most important from
259 reviews

Grain Capacity
The size and space requirements are significant but justified by the system’s capacity and performance.
Salt Efficiency
The automatic digital metered control optimizes salt use, contributing to cost savings on maintenance.
Water Flow Rate
The system’s flow rate supports multiple bathrooms adequately, though heavy simultaneous use might feel limited.
Control Valve
The automatic digital metered control optimizes salt use, contributing to cost savings on maintenance.
Bypass Valve
Bypass valves enable servicing without interrupting water supply, adding convenience during maintenance.

The Aquasure 64,000 Grains Whole House Water Filter Bundle is designed for larger households with 4 to 6+ bathrooms and up to 6 family members, making it suitable for those needing reliable whole-home water softening combined with clean drinking water. Its grain capacity of 64,000 means it can handle a substantial amount of hardness minerals like iron and magnesium before needing regeneration, which is ideal for homes with moderately hard water. The system includes an automatic digital metered control softener, which helps optimize salt use and regeneration cycles, contributing to salt efficiency and saving on maintenance costs.

With a maximum water flow rate of 1.33 gallons per minute, the system provides adequate flow for typical household needs but may feel a bit limited if multiple bathrooms are used heavily at once. The Aquatrol control valve is a strong point, known for reliability and precise control, while the presence of a bypass valve ensures you can service the system without interrupting your water supply. Installation is whole-house style and manual power source means it uses your home's water pressure rather than electricity, which can be advantageous for energy savings but might limit some advanced features.

The included 75 GPD reverse osmosis system adds value by providing purified drinking water alongside softened water, making this a comprehensive solution. The build quality, backed by a 5-year warranty and lifetime tech support, suggests durability and good customer care. However, the system's size (over 5 feet tall) requires sufficient space for installation. This bundle represents a solid choice for families looking for effective hardness removal and drinking water purification, although those needing higher flow rates or more compact units might want to consider alternatives.

Rating
7.6
Grain Capacity
Salt Efficiency
Water Flow Rate

Most important from
259 reviews

Grain Capacity
The size and space requirements are significant but justified by the system’s capacity and performance.
Salt Efficiency
The automatic digital metered control optimizes salt use, contributing to cost savings on maintenance.
Water Flow Rate
The system’s flow rate supports multiple bathrooms adequately, though heavy simultaneous use might feel limited.
Control Valve
The automatic digital metered control optimizes salt use, contributing to cost savings on maintenance.
Bypass Valve
Bypass valves enable servicing without interrupting water supply, adding convenience during maintenance.

Buying Guide for the Best Water Softeners

Choosing the right water softener can significantly improve the quality of your water, making it more pleasant for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Water softeners work by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause water hardness. When selecting a water softener, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your household needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of softened water.
Grain CapacityGrain capacity refers to the amount of hardness the water softener can remove before it needs to regenerate. This is important because it determines how often the system will need to regenerate, which affects both water and salt usage. Grain capacities typically range from 20,000 to 80,000 grains. For small households with 1-2 people, a lower capacity (20,000-30,000 grains) may be sufficient. Medium-sized households (3-4 people) might need a capacity of 30,000-50,000 grains, while larger households (5+ people) should consider capacities of 50,000 grains or more. To pick the right one, consider the number of people in your household and your average water usage.
Regeneration TypeRegeneration type refers to how the water softener renews its ability to remove hardness. There are two main types: time-initiated and demand-initiated. Time-initiated systems regenerate at a set schedule, regardless of water usage, which can be less efficient. Demand-initiated systems regenerate based on actual water usage, making them more efficient and cost-effective. If your water usage varies, a demand-initiated system is likely the better choice. For consistent water usage, a time-initiated system may suffice.
Salt EfficiencySalt efficiency measures how effectively a water softener uses salt to regenerate. This is important for both environmental and cost reasons, as more efficient systems use less salt, reducing waste and saving money. Salt efficiency is often expressed in terms of grains of hardness removed per pound of salt. Higher efficiency systems will have higher grains per pound values. If you are concerned about salt usage and environmental impact, look for a high-efficiency model. For those less concerned, standard efficiency models may be adequate.
Water Flow RateWater flow rate indicates how much water the softener can process per minute, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This is crucial for ensuring that your household has adequate water pressure, especially during peak usage times. Flow rates typically range from 7 to 20 GPM. Smaller households with fewer water fixtures can manage with lower flow rates (7-10 GPM), while larger households with multiple bathrooms and high water usage should consider higher flow rates (15-20 GPM). To choose the right flow rate, consider the size of your home and the number of water fixtures.
Control ValveThe control valve regulates the water softener's operation, including regeneration cycles. A reliable control valve is essential for the efficient functioning of the system. There are various types of control valves, including mechanical and digital. Mechanical valves are simpler and often more durable, while digital valves offer more precise control and additional features like programmable settings. If you prefer simplicity and durability, a mechanical valve may be best. For those who want more control and customization, a digital valve is the way to go.
Bypass ValveA bypass valve allows you to divert water around the softener, which is useful for maintenance or if you need to use untreated water for certain tasks. This feature is important for convenience and flexibility. Some systems come with a built-in bypass valve, while others require it to be purchased separately. If you anticipate needing to bypass the softener frequently, look for a model with an integrated bypass valve. For occasional use, a separate bypass valve may be sufficient.

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