Water Softeners

Water softeners offer several benefits by removing calcium and magnesium from hard water. They prevent mineral buildup, extending the life of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers. Softened water improves cleaning efficiency, making soap lather better and reducing soap scum. It also helps keep skin and hair softer and smoother. Overall, water softeners enhance water quality, protect plumbing, and reduce maintenance costs.

Best Overall

Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000

Grain Water Softener

This single-tank, salt-based water softener improves a home’s water quality by removing hard minerals from the water supply. It has a capacity of 40,000 grains and uses a metered system to regenerate only when necessary, helping to conserve water and salt. The system includes a low-salt light indicator for easy maintenance.

Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener | Salt & Water Saving Technology | NSF Certified | Automatic Whole House Soft Water Regeneration, White

Best for Large Households

AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination

Water Softener

This model has a 64,000-grain capacity and an iron filter, making it ideal for large households and those with high iron content in their water. It uses a metered regeneration system to reduce water usage and includes a complete install kit for easy setup.

AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve 64,000 Grain - High Flow for Whole House Use - Removes Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Sediment, Rust

Best Salt-Free

APEC Water Futura-15 Whole House 15-GPM Salt-Free Water Softener/Conditioner/Filtration System

The APEC Water Futura-15 Whole House 15-GPM Salt-Free Water Softener/Conditioner/Filtration System offers an all-in-one solution for treating water throughout your home. With a 15 GPM flow rate, it efficiently softens, conditions, and filters water without using salt, making it low-maintenance and environmentally friendly. This system reduces scale buildup and filters out contaminants, ensuring high-quality water while protecting your plumbing and appliances. Ideal for large households, it provides a comprehensive approach to water treatment in a single, convenient system.

Best for Well Water

Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000

Grain Water Softener

The Aquasure Harmony Series features fine mesh resin to capture a wide range of minerals, including iron, making it ideal for well water. It offers a 48,000-grain capacity and digital controls to monitor water consumption and regulate regeneration cycles.

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

$599.50 ($59.95 / in)

Best Hybrid

Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series Softener

This hybrid water softener combines water softening and filtration, removing hard water minerals and reducing sediment, chlorine, and odor. It features a 31,000-grain capacity and self-cleans its filter, making it a low-maintenance option for households of all sizes.

Whirlpool Hybrid Water Softener & Whole House Filtration System (WHESFC) | NSF Certified | Salt-Saving Tech | Removes Chlorine, Hard Water, and Contaminants