Best Water Softeners 2021: Comparisons, Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs

The best way to deal with hard water is to buy a water softener. This is not only a quick and effective solution. It’s a long-term plan for preventing faucet leaks and stoppage. Buying a water softener is easier than you think.

All you need is to know where your plumbing comes to rest. This could be in your basement or the master bathroom. Once you determine this, it’s easy to install and maintain a water softener.

Out of using a water softener, you get excellent results. Your water won’t have a fuzzy appearance or stain clothes or dry your skin and hair. If it is municipal water running in your home, it’s best to soften it at an affordable price.

Best Water Softener Reviews of 2020:

1. Nuvo H2O DPHB Home Water Softener System

You know you’re paying the right price for the Nuvo H2O Water Softener System. It outsmarts a lot of standard and traditional water softening systems. The salt-free cartridges, high-quality build, and eco-friendly performance are impressive.

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Pros:

• It’s super easy to replace and maintain.
• It treats existing hard water tanks.
• It removes calcium, magnesium, and hard water.

Cons:

• It lasts for a whole year.

This best water softener is a dependable and efficient choice. The water quality is top-notch as it can be. And the best of the best water softening performance yet. Various features make it the best choice for the whole house.

For example, it’s FDA and NSF-approved which means it’s safe for new homes. It elevates the performance of all your existing fixtures. This includes the water heater, appliance, and most plumbing fixtures.

Without the use of electricity, it’s the easiest water softener to use. The water softener salt is equipped with salt-free cartridges. That not only softens hard water but gets rid of all harmful chemicals from the water.

2. iSpring ED2000 Whole House Salt-Free Electronic Water Conditioner

This is a water softener, descaler, and conditioner. If you need more than just water softening your entire home system, get this one. It gets rid of irons and compounds that have been in your water for a long time. It’s heavy-duty, efficient, and strapping.

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Pros:

• Easy to read manual with quick installation tips.
• Simple and discreet design.
• It removes chemicals, salt, and bad minerals.

Cons:

• It requires electricity.

You can only judge a whole house softener system by its efficiency. So what if a water softener looks advanced and flashy? That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s just as equipped to handle hard water.

You won’t say that about this best water softener. It’s an equipped and professional water conditioner. With easy installation and small but heavy-duty design, it’s the real deal. You can measure the hardness of your water before and after installation. And you’ll see this giant difference that’s hard to believe.

Such is the smooth and effective performance of this softener. It filters salt, chemicals, minerals, irons, and other compounds. Using an electromagnetic wave, it creates a great suction. This dissolves and filters the smallest particle in hard water. Amazing, right?

3. Pentair WS48 Fleck Water Softener

You want something that removes chemicals from the source. That’s exactly why the Pentair WS48 Fleck is at the top 3. It’s professional, effective, and efficient. It takes care of your water supply better than any water softener at Costco.

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Pros:

• Controlled and advanced metered head.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• High loading capacity and tank storage.

Cons:

• You need extra valves, supplies to install it.

For a water softener to work right off the bat is difficult. But the Pentair comes the closest. You can either take some time off to read the manual and install it yourself. Or to make things quick, hire a professional plumber. Either way, it performs accurately as soon as it’s out.

It has an upgraded 10% crosslink resin which means it’s water-efficient. The materials it’s made up of last for a long time. The 1.5 cubic feet space, control head, bypass are all impressive.

This is not limited to just laundry or faucet use. You can use this water softener for the entire home system. It adapts to most existing pipelines and plumbing. If you don’t believe me, just wait for your plumber to say something great about it. It’s that obvious how good this water softener is.

4. iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High-Capacity Water Filter

The iSpring RCC7AK is an advanced and up-to-the-minute water filter softener system. It’s a cross between a water filter, a softener, and a RO re-mineralization. What this means it has 6 stages to filter and soften water. And it brings water back to its natural pH level!

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Pros:

• Removes all types of chemicals and toxins.
• Restores alkalinity and mineral balance.
• The 6 stage RO is quick and ultra-fine.

Cons:

• The cost is too high.
• Not as water-efficient as the others.

The components that make up this best water softener are impressive. They’re intuitive, effective, and durable. So using this best water softener will only yield positive and long-lasting results. A healthy and conscious solution for all your hard water problems.

If you suffer from allergies or skin problems, you need a serious water filtration system. Something reliable and relatively easy to use. This gets rid of everything that could contaminate water. All hard water traces like asbestos, bacteria, irons, and scale.

It connects to any standard home plumbing system. The 6 Stage RO system which is faster eliminates bacteria faster. And softens really hard and salty water in the right proportion. Balancing the natural mineral and alkaline content of running water.

5. Eddy Electronic Water Descaler Softener

If you want something easier to control, go for the Eddy Electronic. It’s compact and electronic which means it’s a safe bet. It’s a water softener alternative for the picky ones. It’s even a descaler which makes it a more tempting choice.

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Pros:

• Eco-friendly and salt-free performance.
• It works on all existing pipelines and appliances.
• Removes excess salt, mineral, and limescale.

Cons:

• None so far.

What this best water softener does is it removes everything unpleasant. So the water is safe to take a bath in, drink, and wash clothes with. It won’t stain white clothes, dishes, and clog drains or faucets. It’s as effective and simple as it gets.

Another impressive quality is its low cost and maintenance. For a machine that retains the water’s natural mineral and descales, it’s a real steal. And it’s a life-saver! The softener itself lasts for a very long time. But it makes sure that the plumbing in your home does too.

These benefits are more and more obvious once you buy this softener. It’s quick to install with simple but modern features. What more could you ask for?

6. Hardless NG Lotus Whole House Water Filter and Conditioner

Using a water filter and conditioner in your home is the safest thing to do. Using the Hardless NG Lotus Whole House Water Softener is too. It’s simple and easy to use water softener. But it’s still a cut above from many others. Because it’s too simple and effective.

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Pros:

• Eco-friendly and durable design.
• BPA-free plastic parts and NSF-certified.
• Compact and fast performance.

Cons:

• No expert water filtration.

I can’t stress this fact enough. This is a simple and efficient water conditioner. It’s a better water softener than it is a water filter. I’m saying this because it doesn’t get rid of bacteria and viruses in water.

Besides, a water conditioning system isn’t supposed to anyway. But this does some water filtration for most homes. And that’s enough to prevent high alkalinity in water. It’s a good choice for basic homes. It’s salt-free, prevents scale buildup, and hard water traces.

The water flow and pressure are steady and spectacular. It won’t waste a lot of water nor would it use up too much. It fills the exact cartridge capacity it’s supposed to. And that’s more than what you can expect from such an affordable water softener.

7. AFWFilters Fleck 64k Water Softener

AFWFilters have two types of water softeners. They have a dual tank water softener and a single tank. Both share the same performance value – which means both are great. The only difference, however, is in size.

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Pros:

• Adaptable and quick performance.
• Smart and one-demand controls.
• Uninterrupted and accessible features.

Cons:

• Installing it, by yourself, is a bit tricky.

Most people chose such a water softener for its ease of use. But this best whole house water softener is more than just that. It’s easy to use, yes, but it’s also so intuitive and advanced.

The LCD display shows everything you could expect. Error codes, current system status, troubleshooting, etc. It has a touchpad that lets you access any information you want effortlessly.

As for the performance, it’s just as intuitive and advanced. Filtering and softening hard water while getting rid of chemicals of all types. It’s the complete package as it comes with its float assembly, bypass, and valves. It’s a simple in-and-out job for any plumber!

8. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable Water Softener

The On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT is a portable and handy choice. It has a comfortable weight with a carrying handle. It’s popular for what it does best. And that is getting rid of hard water most easily and effectively possible. For that, it’s spectacular.

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Pros:

• Easy installation and maintenance.
• Nice and sleek design.
• No build-up in faucets, taps, or showers.

Cons:

• None so far.

Portability wouldn’t matter much to you if you need a water softener for home. But you’d be pleased to know that this very portability makes it space-saving. It fits anywhere and that’s the best part about this softener.

Ideal for small spaces that often crawl spaces. This best portable water softener works. It promises 40% softer water than standard rates. You get 1600 gallons of soft water for 40 days. This is only with 2 common salt boxes regeneration.

The parts like the carrying handle and 360-degree swivel speak for themselves. Making it easier for you to install this. Beginners will love this portable water softener for its ease of use and simplicity.

9. NUVO H2O DPSB Studio Water Softener System

If your tap water is particularly hard and gritty, try the NUVO H2O Water Softener System. It promises a smooth and effective performance. And since it’s salt-based, that’s even better compared to other methods. So softened hard water will never feel hard again!

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Pros:

• Good water flow rate and capacity.
• Long-term use and easy maintenance.
• Easy to repair, modify, and customize.

Cons:

• It doesn’t work on pH levels below 7.2.

There are a few things you will absolutely love about this softener. First, it’s compact and lightweight. The single tank fits anywhere. Second, it’s eco-friendly as it doesn’t use electricity. And it’s a regular water softener that won’t ever run out of water. Even if your home does.

This is a salt-free water softener which means it comes with a built-in cartridge. You don’t need to keep adding water or salt. So it’s an added convenience and saves tons of water in the long run.

It conditions water to feel light and odorless. It preserves all the natural, healthy ingredients in water such as minerals. And it yields 100% drinkable water so it contains very low salt. The low sodium measure makes it safe for people with autoimmune diseases.

10. AFWFilters WS-96k-91SXT Fleck Dual Tank Water Softener

Dynamic and effective, the AFWFilters Fleck Dual Tank Water Softener is a simple tool. It focuses on a higher flow which eases hard water. This water softener is heavy-duty. Not only because it has dual tanks. But also that each as a 96,000-grain capacity.

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Pros:

• Good for removing ions and scale buildup.
• The flow rate is 20gpm maximum.
• Intuitive and clear metered ratings.

Cons:

• It takes up a lot of room.

This is an alternating water tank softener. This means that the water softening ability goes back and forth between both tanks. This makes the AFWFilters Fleck more effective because it lasts longer.

This is also energy-efficient when it comes to softening hard water. It connects to the whole house system – no matter how complicated. There’s a bypass feature as well to ease installation. You can set up all the quirks yourself without any fuss.

The metered controls, safety float, and bypass valve make the softener incredible. To an extent that you can install it and forget about it. It won’t clog, it doesn’t dawdle, and it softens the saltiest and hardest of waters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For a happy home, water softeners are important. They keep your faucets from leaking, clogging, and developing a gritty stain. As if that’s not enough, you can also drink softened water if you’re not on a low-sodium diet.

After reading all this, I’m sure you have your questions. Well, here is my answer to every one of them. What makes water softener do great? How does it work? Is it safe for drinking?

1. What is the best water softener for very hard water?

Hard water contains high amounts of calcium, magnesium, carbonates, and bicarbonates. An excess of such compounds is what makes water hard water. Very hard water also contains harsh irons that increase the water’s hardness level.

This type of hard water or any type of hard water is harmful. It can cause itchiness, dandruff, eczema, and other skin and hair problems.

A water softener softens water by getting rid of such compounds. So it’s soft and free of toxins that won’t harm your skin or hair. There are different types of water softeners. But the types that rule them all are ion and salt-free water softener.

Ion water softeners

Ion water softeners use salt to soften hard water. These salts replace the mineral and compounds in the water. Everything that could make hard water hard, an ion softener eliminates it.

They do not run on electricity so they’re eco-friendly.

Salt-free water softeners

They eliminate the use of potassium chloride to soften hard water. It’s one of the most effective and foolproof ways of making hard water soft. However, they do not remove minerals completely from the water. They balance the alkalinity level. Preserving water’s natural mineral levels.

The low sodium in the water is perfect for you. Whether or not you are on a low-salt diet, it’s a healthy alternative. Some salt-free water softeners run on electricity while some don’t. Plus, such softeners come with extra water conditioning features.

From what I gather, a water softener does this to ensure no hard water traces.

It either replaces excess minerals in the water with salt. This is effective and the traditional method of softening hard water. It’s been around for ages and it works. Period.

However, modern times call for modern measures, right? That’s where neutralizing the mineral content in hard water comes in. This is good for people on specific diets. It’s advanced, professional, and 100% effective.

The choice for choosing the best water softener, after reading this, is yours!

2. Can you drink softened water?

This completely depends on your water softener system. In a more general sense, softened water is safe to drink. But that is if you’re using a salt-free water softening system. As it contains less salt and is healthy for daily consumption.

Drinking water is not like eating a slice of pizza. You drink 2-3 liters of water daily. So you need to know exactly what you’re drinking. Very hard water contains excess minerals and magnesium. So a water softener will use more salt, as an ion water softener, to replace it.

This means more sodium in your softened tap water. Studies suggest the daily recommended intake of sodium found in drinking water is 200mg/l.  If it exceeds this limit, then it’s a problem that needs addressing.

With that in mind, this is how much sodium a water softener adds to water. This is to replace 100mg/l of hard compounds like calcium carbonate from water. After careful consideration, a one-liter bottle of softened water contains 92mg of sodium.

You can reduce the amount of sodium you consume in water by this. Make sure the grains per gallon and PPM meets standard regulation. If it does, you can drink softened water easily.

Also, make sure the hard water measure is below 400 PPM. Anything above this mark requires more advanced water filtration. Such as a Reverse Osmosis water filter and softener. I have listed one such best water softener choice in the reviews above.

3. What are the disadvantages of having soft water?

Soft water in all its glory may not be the best option for some of you. Why? Because it contains sodium and that may pose a health problem. Especially for people who are supposed to stick to a low-sodium diet.

People with heart or kidney and eye diseases after often told not to. It elevates blood pressure and can impact kidney functioning causing stones, blockage, etc.

Measure the hard water before softening it. If it’s less than 400 PPM, then it’s safe to drink soft water. It won’t affect your organs unless your doctor says otherwise.

Do not use soft water for infants when cooking their food. It could affect their nutritional needs. It’s best to consult with a doctor before you make such alterations.

Hard water may cause skin or hair problems. But this does not indicate a severe health problem. It does lead to skin troubles such as dry skin, eczema. And hair troubles such as dandruff, flakiness, and hair loss.

So if you want to stay safe, use and drink soft water. It tastes lighter, harbors no odor, and doesn’t clog your faucets.

Final Thoughts

Did you know how much damage hard water can do? Hard water causes limescale buildup and stains. It smells and tastes and even looks fuzzy. No matter the level of hardness, you need to soften the water. The Nuvo H2O DPHB Home Water Softener System is a good pick.

It won’t damage your existing pipelines and faucets. If you’re using an appliance like a coffee machine, you can use this for it. You don’t need to maintain a separate water conditioner for appliances. For doing laundry or making coffee, it works everywhere!

A water softener system leaves no stone unturned. It’s fast, reliable, and definitely long-term. You can connect it to the entire house’s plumbing system. And above it all, it doesn’t cost a fortune!