Meta Title: Best Water Softener Systems 2024 | Water Defense
Meta Description: Our comprehensive list takes you through the best salt-free and salt-based water softener systems of 2024. We’ll help you choose the right one.
There are two main types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free. Both types are great for eliminating the common issues associated with hard water like limescale buildup. However, salt-based softeners remove minerals from water whereas salt-free softeners condition the minerals to reduce their negative effects. Still, the good thing about salt-free softeners is that they require less maintenance than salt-based ones.
So, how do you know which type you need and which model is best? We’ve put together this list based on strict criteria and hands-on experience with each softener to help you decide.
Our choice for the best salt-based softener is the SpringWell SS1. Its high flow rate of 11 to 20 GPM and its grain capacity of 32,000, make it ideal for larger homes. Plus, it’s efficient at softening both well and city water, which makes it a very versatile system.
The best salt-free system on our list is the Kind Water E-2000 — it has outstanding softening capabilities and it’s easy to install and maintain. If you’re looking for a softener for your RV, then the On The Go Softener is just what you’re looking for.
Water Softener Comparison Table
- Type: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 32,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 11 – 20 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Type: Template Assisted Crystallization
- Grain Capacity: Unknown
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Type: Template Assisted Crystallization
- Grain Capacity: 35,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Type: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 24,000-64,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 7-15 GPM
- Warranty: 5-10 years
- Type: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 40,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 8.5 GPM
- Warranty: 5 years
- Type: Template Assisted Crystallization
- Grain Capacity: 42,000
- Flow Rate: 15.3 GPM
- Warranty: 6 years
- Type: Ion Exchange (Salt or potassium)
- Grain Capacity: 16,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 5 GPM (varies based on water supply)
- Warranty: 1 year
Best Water Softeners:
- Best Salt-Based: SpringWell SS1 Water Softener | Jump to Review
- Best for Easy Installation and Maintenance: Kind Water E-2000 | Jump to Review
- Best Salt-free: SpringWell Salt-Free | Jump to Review
- Runner Up Salt-Based: Fleck 5600SXT | Jump to Review
- Best for Iron Removal: Whirlpool WHES40E | Jump to Review
- Runner Up Salt-free: Aquasana Water Softener | Jump to Review
- Best RV Water Softener: On The Go Softener | Jump to Review
1. SpringWell SS1 – The Ideal Salt-Based Whole House Water Softener
The SpringWell SS1, with its large grain capacity, quality components, and high flow rate is our top pick for best overall salt-based water softener. This system works with both city and well water, and it also tops our list of best well water softener systems.
So, if you’re looking for a salt-based softener that can handle any type of water, including well water, we couldn’t recommend this system highly enough.
Amazing Softening Capabilities and High Grain Capacity
The SpringWell SS1 decreases the use of detergent by a staggering 40% in washing machines! Fruits and veggies washed with water coming out of this water softener are much cleaner and taste better. Plus, it improves skin and hair health because it removes the calcium and magnesium minerals that make the skin look dull. Simply put, it’s really well-rounded and probably the only softener you’ll need for the entire house.
The SpringWell SS1 has a 32,000-grain capacity, which is ideal for houses with 1-3 bathrooms. However, sizing options for this model reach up to 80,000 grains capacity, which can easily provide for large homes with 7+ bathrooms.
App Connectivity
One of the standout features is the Salt System head, which connects to the SpringWell app on your phone via Bluetooth. This feature ensures easy tracking and control by allowing the user to monitor the overall condition of the system and manage critical settings like salt usage and regeneration frequency.
Low Maintenance
Maintaining the SpringWell salt-based water softener is easy. The only regular maintenance requirement is to add salt to the brine tank once or twice a year. The brine tank holds up to 200lbs of salt and consumes roughly 40lbs of salt every 1-2 months.
In addition, the regeneration process is seamless. It’s automatic and usually occurs in the late evenings or early mornings without causing any disruption to the unit’s main function. The process takes roughly 30-60 minutes, which is faster than many other water softeners.
Easy To Install
For a large salt-based tank, it’s surprisingly easy to install for both professionals and DIYers with no plumbing experience. The average installation time is 1-3 hours for DIY installation, thanks to the precise installation manual that comes with the system. There’s also a step-by-step installation video on YouTube.
PROS
- High flow rate
- Low maintenance
- Highest quality components
- Experienced brand in the industry
- Bluetooth capabilities
CONS
- Large units for small spaces
- Type: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 32,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 11 – 20 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime
2. Kind Water E-2000
The Kind Water E-2000 is the best salt-free water softener on our list. It uses template-assisted crystallization to crystallize the minerals found in hard water, which prevents limescale buildup and other issues associated with hard water.
It’s one of the easiest-to-install water softeners we’ve ever tested and it has a high flow rate of 15 GPM, which makes it ideal for both small and large homes.
Little Maintenance Required
As it’s a salt-free softener, you don’t need to worry about replacing the salt as you do with the SS1. This means there’s virtually no maintenance required. Once we installed it, we just left it running until the filters needed replacing. When that time came, replacing them was an absolute breeze. All we had to do was unscrew the filter housing and place a new filter inside!
Straightforward Installation
Some softeners require complex installation and it can take hours to connect all the different parts to your plumbing. This wasn’t an issue at all with the E-2000. It features an in-line design with only two connections so we had it installed in no time, and saved the money on hiring plumbers.
High Flow Rate and Zero Waste
We were equally impressed with the high 15 GPM flow rate. This means the E-2000 can provide water to homes with up to six bathrooms without causing any pressure drops. Plus, the system is able to soften water without wasting any of it, so it’s more eco-friendly than plenty of other units.
PROS
- In terms of water softener systems, the installation is about as easy as it gets
- It doesn’t waste any water making it an eco-friendly option
- High flow rate of 15 GPM so it’s suitable for homes with up to six bathrooms
- Almost no maintenance is required
CONS
- Kind Water doesn’t provide information about its grain capacity. However, we know it’s suitable for homes with water hardness of 75 GPG (grains per gallon)
- Type: Template Assisted Crystallization
- Grain Capacity: Unknown
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime
3. SpringWell FS1 – The Ideal Salt-Free Water Softener System
The FutureSoft FS1 Salt-Free model doesn’t release any salt brine into the environment and reduces water waste to a great extent. It also does a great job of prolonging the lifespan of clothes and kitchen appliances and improving hair and skin health. Despite its other many benefits, it’s easy to install and take care of, too! This is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly water softener that improves water quality.
Key Features:
- High flow rate: Similar to the SpringWell SS1 above, this salt-free model offers a minimum of 12 GPM flow rate capacity which is ideal for 1-3 bathroom households. With upgrades, it can also reach up to 20 GPM for large abodes with 7+ bathrooms.
- Long-term savings: It’s a bit pricier than other water softeners, but the high cost is justified by the fact that it doesn’t require salt. It’s also a completely electric-free system, proving more economical in the long run.
- No pressure drops: Additionally, the ActivFlo Technology won’t let the water pressure drop no matter the active water flow rate. Compared to similar products in the market, that comes across as a standout feature for the SpringWell Salt-Free.
- Easy to install and maintain: Installation and maintenance requirements are very minimal. Installation time takes roughly 2 hours and can be done with minimal plumbing experience. There’s almost no required maintenance except for the occasional micron pre-filter replacement every 6 to 9 months.
PROS
- Low-maintenance as there’s no need for salt replacements and the filters only need replacing around once every 6-9 months
- Easy to install in around two hours
- Doesn’t need electricity
- Doesn’t need a sink or drain
CONS
- Hard elements in the water are not removed but only neutralized, but this is common for all softeners with the same crystallizing tech
- Type: Template Assisted Crystallization
- Grain Capacity: 35,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 15 GPM
- Warranty: Lifetime
4. Fleck 5600SXT
The Fleck 5600SXT isn’t as technologically innovative as other products on our list nor is it made of high-end materials like the SpringWell SS1, but it still softens hard water effectively.
More importantly, it gives fruits and veggies a fresh taste, appliances better longevity, and hair and skin more luster. The best part? It’s much more affordable compared to the high-end options on the market, and that’s why it’s worthy of a place on our list.
Key Features:
- Quick installation: Similar to the SpringWell entries, the Fleck 5600SXT can be installed in roughly 2 hours, thanks to the simplified installation manual and videos. Installation can be carried out by professionals and DIYers without experience, alike.
- LED display: As with most water softeners, you have complete control of the regeneration process via its one-line LED valve display. You can set it to automatically regenerate at a preset time or have it regenerate on-demand whenever it suits you.
- Decent durability: Although its parts aren’t made of high-end materials, its inner layer of resin is fortified by a cross-link system, which makes it more resistant to chlorine and more durable overall. However, it lacks premium qualities such as a vacation mode, automatic reserve, and proportional salt-brining.
- Pretty good warranty: Fleck offers a warranty on each component of the system. The tank has a warranty of ten years, the resin has no warranty, and all other parts have a five-year warranty. While this isn’t the best deal compared to the lifetime warranty on SpringWell softeners, the customer service is top-notch in responding to user requests.
PROS
- Affordable, especially when compared to the two SpringWell models
- Plenty of size and capacity options
- No change in water pressure after we installed it
- Easy DIY install so no additional costs for hiring a plumber
- Extends appliance lifespans
- Very effective in lowering hardness
CONS
- Limited warranty so you may have to pay out for parts if anything goes wrong outside of the covered period
- Lesser in material quality compared to other high-end softeners
- Type: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 24,000-64,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 7-15 GPM
- Warranty: 5-10 years
5. Whirlpool WHES40E
The thing that really sets the Whirlpool WHES40E apart from many other softeners is its ability to remove iron contaminants from water while softening it. It also features on-demand regeneration, NSF certification, and a low-salt warning indicator.
Its iron removal capabilities make it a great option for homes supplied with well water, and it has a self-cleaning sediment filter which means it requires little maintenance.
Key Features:
- Contaminant removal: Aside from softening hard water, we love the fact this unit can also remove iron, magnesium, and calcium up to 10 ppm.
- Low salt usage: Although it’s not a salt-free softener, the WHES40E uses up to 75% less salt than other models. This should save you money in the long term.
- Digital display: The digital control panel made it really easy for us to tell when the salt needed to be topped up. This feature isn’t present in many other systems which makes salt replacement a bit of a guessing game.
- Low maintenance: The sediment filter is self-cleaning, which means there’s almost no maintenance involved once the unit is installed, apart from replacing the salt.
- High grain capacity: Its 40,000-grain capacity means it’s ideal for larger homes that have multiple bathrooms. We tested its ability to soften water in a home with three bathrooms and it was up to the task.
PROS
- It’s highly effective at both softening water and removing contaminants like iron
- It’s more affordable than many of the other models on our list including both the SpringWell systems
- The digital display tells you when it’s time to replace the salt
- It’s very easy to maintain and install
CONS
- Its 8.5 GPM flow rate is quite low compared to other systems on this list which means larger homes may experience some pressure drops
- Type: Ion Exchange
- Grain Capacity: 40,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 8.5 GPM
- Warranty: 5 years
6. Aquasana Salt-Free Water Conditioner
The Aquasana Salt-Free Water Conditioner is another salt-free softener that conditions the water rather than softening it. The minerals and ions present in the hard water are crystallized and neutralized after the water is processed.
Considering all its valuable features, the fact that it only costs about $800 is a bargain and it makes it a good, budget-friendly alternative to SpringWell’s salt-free model. Moreover, this Aquasana model is one of the most eco-friendly options on the market. It eliminates water waste and prevents salt and chemicals from being released into the environment.
Key Features:
- Good flow rate: While the flow rate isn’t incredibly high, it’s enough to serve most residential homes with several bathrooms. The 42,000-grain capacity is impressive considering the size of the tank and system.
- Straightforward filter replacements: Replacing the filters is simple, but it is something you have to remember to do about every two months, which can be a hassle for busy homeowners.
- High level of scale reduction: This unit has been independently tested and the results showed that it can reduce scale buildups by 99.6%. This is really high compared to some of the other softeners we’ve tested.
- High flow rate: One of the most impressive things about this system is its flow rate of 15.3 GPM. Once we’d installed it in a large home, we didn’t notice any decrease in water pressure.
PROS
- Eco-friendly as it doesn’t waste any water or release any salt into the ecosystem
- Lightweight, compact, and really easy to install
- No electricity needed, which could save you money on your energy bills
- Pre-filter and neutralization system
CONS
- Must replace pre-filters bi-monthly, which is a bit annoying and the costs can start to mount up
- Type: Template Assisted Crystallization
- Grain Capacity: 42,000
- Flow Rate: 15.3 GPM
- Warranty: 6 years
7. On The Go Portable RV System
Sometimes, one of the biggest problems when driving around the countryside in your RV can be the quality of the water. The On The Go water softener is the solution to that problem. Once it’s hooked to the plumbing system of an RV, it’ll improve the water quality while also prolonging the lifespan of the plumbing system itself.
Key Features:
- Portable: Its weight of 32 pounds might be a problem for some, but its easy-carry handle further fortifies its status as the best portable option.
- High flow rate: The flow rate depends on the water source of the RV, but it’s always at least 5 GPM, which is more than enough for an RV. The grain capacity of 16,000 also means it’s capable of handling an RV’s water demands.
- Little salt required: With just two boxes of table salt, it’s able to provide softened and tasty drinking water for more than 40 days and at a capacity of up to 1,600 gallons.
- Quick process: The entire water softening process should never take more than an hour, and once you know how to do it, it usually takes about only 30-40 minutes to complete.
- Very affordable: The unit costs less than $300. While there are cheaper alternatives on the market, they are usually less effective and won’t last as long.
- Durability: The On The Go Double Standard model has a high-grade, premium resin bed, and its tank is made of durable metals, so it’s more than capable of handling long-term wear and tear.
- Easy maintenance and installation: The installation process is quite simple, so you’ll likely be able to install it yourself with the help of a manual. The water softener actually doesn’t require any tools or electricity to set up and get running. It’s also low-maintenance and only requires sanitization after about two years of use.
PROS
- Compact design so it won’t take up too much space inside your RV
- Affordable compared to other RV softeners
- Excellent grain capacity for an RV softener
- It’s easy to carry which is really helpful when carrying it in and out of an RV
- Little salt needed, so there’s no need to store lots of salt onboard your RV
CONS
- Lack of control over the flow rate
- Hands-on regeneration cycle
- Type: Ion Exchange (Salt or potassium)
- Grain Capacity: 16,000 grains
- Flow Rate: 5 GPM (varies based on water supply)
- Warranty: 1 year
How We Reviewed Home Water Softener Systems
We reviewed water softener systems based on four important aspects:
Flow Rate:
The flow rate of a water softener is calculated by gallons per minute (GPM). Various aspects play into the flow rate of a softener, including the bypass valve, control valve, mineral tank, and distribution system. The volume and type of ion exchange softening resin will also play a factor in determining the number.
If the flow rate of a softener isn’t enough to meet your water consumption needs, then you may experience low water pressure once your softener is installed. The ions may slip through as well, making your water slightly harder than it should be.
The higher the flow rate, the better the water softener will work. However, for smaller homes with little running water, an oversized softener will be an unnecessary purchase. More often than not, a decent softener with a flow rate of 12 GPM will be enough to provide for a regular house that has 1-3 bathrooms.
| Water Softeners (Best to Worst) | Flow Rate |
| SpringWell Salt-Based | 11-20 GPM |
| Aquasana Salt-Free Conditioner | 15.3 GPM |
| Kind Water E-2000 | 15 GPM |
| SpringWell Salt-Free | 15 GPM |
| Fleck 5600SXT | 7-15 GPM |
| Whirlpool WHES40E | 8.5 GPM |
| On the Go Portable | 5 GPM |
Grain Capacity (Grains)
Grain capacity is a common term to describe the quality of a water softener. Grain capacity is the amount of hardness that a water softener can remove. There are two factors that play a role in determining the grain capacity: the resin inside the tank of the softener and the sodium coat over that resin.
As the number of calcium and magnesium ions it can trap in the resin gets higher, the grain capacity of a softening system will also increase. This process depends on the amount and the quality of the resin. Similarly, the amount and quality of the sodium or potassium coat over the resin determines whether it can trap a good number of harmful minerals.
When looking at grain capacity, it’s helpful to know how many grains will be removed per pound of salt. This piece of information gives you an idea about the capacity and efficiency of the water softener system.
| Water Softeners (Best to Worst) | Grain Capacity |
| Aquasana Salt-Free Conditioner | 42,000 |
| Whirlpool WHES40E | 40,000 |
| SpringWell Salt-Free | 35,000 |
| SpringWell Salt-Based | 32,000 |
| Fleck 5600SXT | 24,000-64,000 |
| On the Go Portable | 16,000 |
| Kind Water E-2000 | Unknown |
Maintenance Requirements
Like most household appliances, a water softener has some maintenance requirements to ensure it functions properly. An essential part of maintenance is the initial setup, where you choose the settings for the regeneration cycle frequency, length, time, and salt dosage for every cycle.
Some products on the market have more flexible settings, making it easy to control and regulate the water softener, and some might need you to keep the instruction manual close by.
Unsurprisingly, you also must clean the water softener system components every so often. Some components only need to be cleaned every few years, while others will require a lot more attention, as will be specified in the manual. If you tend to forget or neglect your housekeeping, you’ll want to opt for a water softener with little and infrequent maintenance.
Price
The price of a water softener ranges from $500 to $6,000, depending on the capacity, quality, and purpose. Of course, a small product designed for RVs and a huge double-tank one designed for large industries cannot share the same price. However, the prices of the products on our list range from $300 to $2,000, which is reasonable.
| Water Softeners (Best to Worst) | Price |
| On the Go Portable | $260 |
| Aquasana Salt-Free Conditioner | $799 |
| Whirlpool WHES40E | $834 |
| Kind Water E-2000 | $1,048.95 |
| Fleck 5600SXT | $1,189 |
| SpringWell Salt-Based | $1,530.94 |
| SpringWell Salt-Free | $1,597.31 |
Honorable Mentions
Below are some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut but are still worth bringing to your attention:
US Water Systems Matrixx:
The Matrixx uses traditional ion exchange and is a bargain given the size of the unit. It has options for flow rate and grain capacity, so you can choose the best one for your needs. It wastes less water and salt to complete the regeneration cycle than many of its counterparts, so it’s also eco-friendly. However, this slightly compromises its effectiveness.
AquaOX WS:
The ion exchange model by AquaOX is a decent option with features you might need. It has a high grain capacity and a good adjustable flow rate. That being said, it’s much more expensive than the options on our list.
Crystal Quest Commercial Softener:
The Crystal Quest Commercial Softener is an excellent choice for commercial properties, but it costs more than any of the other systems on our list. It has many capacity and flow rate options and can also function as a dual-tank system when combined with another brine tank. It’s hard to find anything wrong with this product other than the high price that discourages many.
Water Softener Questions & Answers
Below are common questions concerning water-softening systems in homes:
The average cost of softener systems for residential houses is about $1,500. Size and capacity are the main factors that influence the price of a water softener.
The best place to install it is at the earliest possible point in your plumbing. It’s recommended that you place it right before your water heater. Placing it after the water heater may allow some of the hard water to flow to certain taps and faucets around the building, which may reduce its efficiency.
Water softener installation requires an electric outlet with at least 120-volt capacity, a sink or drain to discharge the backwash, and a plumbing loop (water softener loop) or some space between the water inlet and the softener.
If you do not have all three of these things, you will need to put in more work and money to set up the system.
Those who have some plumbing experience can easily install one on their own, especially if the instruction manual is simple. However, professional installation isn’t too expensive either, and it might be worth it to ensure that there will be no problems later on.
The average lifespan of a water-softening system is about 12 years. However, it depends on the quality of the materials, how well it’s maintained, and how frequently it is used.
SpringWell, Fleck, and Kind Water are some of the most popular brands on the market.
Other popular water softener brands include:
Rheem water softener
AO Smith water softener
Kinetico water softener
Rainsoft water softener
Sterling water softener
Culligan water softener
Waterboss water softener
Clack water softener
Kenmore water softener
Related Water Softener Guides for Different Uses:
- Water softener for pools
- Water softener for washing machine
- Water softener for apartment
- Water softener rental vs buying
Conclusion
In conclusion, we recommend the SpringWell SS1 for mid to large households. Get it if you’re looking for a salt-based ion exchange system to get rid of hard water. The Fleck 5600SXT, on the other hand, is a worthy salt-based alternative and a more affordable one at that.
If you want a salt-free solution, we recommend the Kind Water E-2000 or the SpringWell FS1, which has a similar capacity to the SpringWell SS1 but doesn’t require salt. The Aquasana is another decent salt-free option, and it’s much more budget-friendly than the SpringWell SS1.
If you need a water softener to take with you on your travels, then we’d highly recommend the On The Go model. It’s perfectly designed to fit comfortably inside your RV and you won’t need to store a bunch of extra salt!
