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10 Best Water Softeners 2025 in the United States
#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, Sediment & Scale | EQ-1000-AST-UV
The Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-UV is a whole house water filtration system that offers a salt-free alternative to traditional water softeners. Instead of using salt or chemicals, it relies on advanced filtration stages including carbon, KDF, and UV light to reduce chlorine, bacteria, viruses, and scale-causing minerals. It doesn’t actually soften water by removing calcium and magnesium, so it’s best suited for households with moderate water hardness (under 15 grains per gallon). This means it helps prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances without the need for salt, backwashing, or electricity, making it a low-maintenance option.
#2
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (48,000 Grains)
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.
Rating
9.4
Regeneration Type
Control Valve
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#3
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter | 500,000 Gallons | UV, Carbon & KDF | Salt-Free Softener Alternative | Tackles up to 99.99% Chlorine, Bacteria, Viruses, Cysts & Scale | Rhino WH-WELL-CT-UV
The Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System (model WH-WELL-CT-UV) stands out with its comprehensive filtration capabilities, including a UV purifier that sterilizes 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. It’s designed to handle well water and effectively filters sediment and other contaminants for up to 500,000 gallons or five years. The system is salt-free, relying on a descaler to minimize scale buildup, which means it doesn’t require the frequent maintenance associated with salt-based systems, such as buying salt bags or backwashing.
Top 10 Best Water Softeners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (48,000 Grains)
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (48,000 Grains)
Grain Capacity: 48,000
Regeneration Type: automatic digital metered control
Salt Efficiency: regenerates only when necessary
Water Flow Rate: 12 Gallons Per Minute
Control Valve: automatic digital metered control
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter | 500,000 Gallons | UV, Carbon & KDF | Salt-Free Softener Alternative | Tackles up to 99.99% Chlorine, Bacteria, Viruses, Cysts & Scale | Rhino WH-WELL-CT-UV
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter | 500,000 Gallons | UV, Carbon & KDF | Salt-Free Softener Alternative | Tackles up to 99.99% Chlorine, Bacteria, Viruses, Cysts & Scale | Rhino WH-WELL-CT-UV
Grain Capacity: 15 grains per gallon
Regeneration Type: Salt-free descaler
Water Flow Rate: 14.6 GPM
Kenmore 420 Water Softener With Ultra Flow Valve | Reduce Hardness Minerals & Clear Water Iron | Whole Home Water Softener | Easy To Install | Reduce Hard Water In Your Home, Grey
Kenmore 420 Water Softener With Ultra Flow Valve | Reduce Hardness Minerals & Clear Water Iron | Whole Home Water Softener | Easy To Install | Reduce Hard Water In Your Home, Grey
Grain Capacity: 40,000
Regeneration Type: IntelliSoft Technology
Water Flow Rate: 7.7 Gallons Per Minute
Control Valve: programmable control valve
Related Products
Kind Water Systems Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter Combo - High Performing Coconut Shell Carbon Block Filtration - for Homes with Up to 6 Bathrooms - Easy Installation
Kind Water Systems Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter Combo - High Performing Coconut Shell Carbon Block Filtration - for Homes with Up to 6 Bathrooms - Easy Installation
Water Flow Rate: 15 Gallons Per Minute
Bypass Valve: No
Aquasure Signature Elite Complete Whole House Water Treatment System with Digital Metered Control Water Softener, Conditioner and 75 GPD RO Reverse Osmosis Filtration (72,000 Grains)
Aquasure Signature Elite Complete Whole House Water Treatment System with Digital Metered Control Water Softener, Conditioner and 75 GPD RO Reverse Osmosis Filtration (72,000 Grains)
Grain Capacity: 72,000-grain capacity
Regeneration Type: Automatic digital metered regeneration
Salt Efficiency: Boosted by programmed control
Water Flow Rate: 75 GPD
Control Valve: Durable control valve
Bypass Valve: Simplifies installation and maintenance
DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Whole House Water Softener 48,000 Grains Ships Loaded with Resin in Tank, Black
DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Whole House Water Softener 48,000 Grains Ships Loaded with Resin in Tank, Black
Grain Capacity: 48,000 grains
Regeneration Type: on-demand digital
Control Valve: Fleck 5600 SXT
Bypass Valve: 1-inch noryl plastic
Aquasana SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Water Softener - Whole House Hard Water Reduction - Base Tank & Cabinet System WH-SF40-BASE
Aquasana SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Water Softener - Whole House Hard Water Reduction - Base Tank & Cabinet System WH-SF40-BASE
Grain Capacity: 40,000
Regeneration Type: Ion exchange
Salt Efficiency: Up to 50% savings
Water Flow Rate: 15.5 Gallons Per Minute
Control Valve: User-friendly LCD screen
#10
Aquasana SimplySoft® 60,000 Grain Water Softener - Whole House Hard Water Reduction - Base Tank & Cabinet System WH-SF60-BASE
Aquasana SimplySoft® 60,000 Grain Water Softener - Whole House Hard Water Reduction - Base Tank & Cabinet System WH-SF60-BASE
Grain Capacity: 60,000
Regeneration Type: metered
Salt Efficiency: 50% less salt
Water Flow Rate: 16.6 gallons per minute
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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.