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10 Best Electric Water Softener 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
9.9
Chosen by1,407
Size and Installation

Most important from
585 reviews

Size and Installation
Installation requires additional parts like pex piping, clamps, cutters, and shark bite splitters, making it a smooth process if you plan accordingly.

The Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System offers a comprehensive approach to water filtration without using salt. It excels in providing clean, great-tasting water by removing 97% of chlorine and reducing organic chemicals with its carbon and KDF media. The added UV purifier ensures additional disinfection, making it a robust choice for families concerned about water quality.

Its maximum flow rate of 14.6 gallons per minute is impressive, ensuring reliable water pressure throughout your home. This system is cost-efficient, providing long-lasting filtration for up to 1 million gallons or approximately 10 years, translating to less than 0.01 dollar per gallon. This makes it a budget-friendly option in the long run compared to other brands. Installation is designed to be straightforward at the home's main water line, though its size and weight (86.1 pounds) might require professional help for setup.

The salt-free descaler is a significant advantage as it minimizes scale buildup without the need for salt, chemicals, or regular maintenance, which is convenient for households. However, it’s important to note that this system does not soften water in the traditional sense, meaning it doesn’t remove the minerals that cause hardness. It’s best suited for homes with moderate water hardness (below 15 grains per gallon) and specific water conditions (alkalinity under 250 mg/L, pH below 8.3, and iron content less than 0.3 ppm). If your water significantly exceeds these parameters, you might need a different solution. The electric-powered control valve and the comprehensive filtration make it a strong contender for households of 4 or more people looking for a low-maintenance, effective water treatment system.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,407
Size and Installation

Most important from
585 reviews

Size and Installation
Installation requires additional parts like pex piping, clamps, cutters, and shark bite splitters, making it a smooth process if you plan accordingly.
#2

Aquasure Harmony Series 32,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener with High Performance Automatic Digital Metered Control Head | Reduces Hardness & Minerals | Improve Water Quality | For 1-2 bathrooms

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Regeneration Type
Flow Rate

Most important from
2896 reviews

Capacity
Installation and function are flawless for a household with two baths and two people, maintaining consistent water softness.
Regeneration Type
Clock accuracy issues make time-based regeneration unreliable; throughput-only settings are recommended.
Flow Rate
Consistent soft water delivery, reducing water hardness from 85.5 ppm to 1 ppm at the faucet.
Control Valve
The digital controls can be convoluted and will require frequent reference to the user manual.
Size and Installation
Easy to install with no leaks, just follow the instructions and use proper thread tape technique.

The Aquasure Harmony Series 32,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener is well-suited for homes with 1-2 bathrooms, thanks to its sufficient capacity of 32,000 grains. It effectively reduces water hardness, eliminating scale buildup and protecting household appliances from damage. This model improves water quality by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause skin irritation and clog pores.

The automatic digital metered control head is a standout feature, offering a programmable backlit display for easy customization of auto-flush intervals based on water quality and usage. This makes maintenance hassle-free and allows for easy monitoring of the system’s performance. The water softener is constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant fiberglass-lined polyethylene tank, a durable bypass valve, and premium-grade resin, ensuring long-lasting durability.

The manufacturer provides a significant warranty and lifetime free tech support, which adds to its reliability. However, at 67 pounds and measuring 29 x 13 x 56 inches, the size and weight may pose installation challenges, especially in smaller spaces. The product does not require batteries, relying on an electric power source, which simplifies its operation. The Aquasure Harmony Series is a solid choice for those looking to improve water quality in a small to medium-sized home.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Regeneration Type
Flow Rate

Most important from
2896 reviews

Capacity
Installation and function are flawless for a household with two baths and two people, maintaining consistent water softness.
Regeneration Type
Clock accuracy issues make time-based regeneration unreliable; throughput-only settings are recommended.
Flow Rate
Consistent soft water delivery, reducing water hardness from 85.5 ppm to 1 ppm at the faucet.
Control Valve
The digital controls can be convoluted and will require frequent reference to the user manual.
Size and Installation
Easy to install with no leaks, just follow the instructions and use proper thread tape technique.
#3

Kenmore 350 Water Softener With High Flow Valve | Reduce Hardness Minerals & Clear Water Iron In Your Home | Whole House | Easy To Install | Grey

Rating
9.5
Capacity
Salt Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
560 reviews

Capacity
The system regenerates efficiently, saving both salt and water, and the 32,000-grain capacity is perfect for small to medium households.
Salt Efficiency
The system regenerates efficiently, saving both salt and water, and the 32,000-grain capacity is perfect for small to medium households.
Size and Installation
It's easy to install and use, making it a great investment for better water quality and extended appliance life.

The Kenmore 350 Water Softener is designed to reduce hardness minerals up to 90 grains per gallon (GPG) and clear water iron up to 8 parts per million (PPM), which can significantly improve the quality of water throughout your home. Its 32,000 grain capacity is adequate for household use, making it an effective solution for managing hard water issues. The IntelliSoft technology is a standout feature, as it adapts to your water usage patterns to optimize salt, water, and energy consumption, ensuring you have a consistent supply of soft water without incurring high costs.

The space-saving design is particularly beneficial for those with limited installation space, fitting easily into tight spots along the incoming water line. The advanced display board allows for easy monitoring of salt levels and water flow, providing a convenient user experience. Additionally, the ultra-cleansing feature with a built-in screen offers extra protection by preventing larger sediment particles from entering your plumbing system, safeguarding your appliances and pipes.

On the downside, the maximum flow rate of 7.2 gallons per minute may not be sufficient for larger households with high water demands. The unit's weight of 80 pounds can make installation a bit challenging, potentially requiring professional assistance. Despite these considerations, the Kenmore 350 Water Softener is a reliable and efficient choice for homeowners looking to improve their water quality with a compact and technologically advanced system.

Rating
9.5
Capacity
Salt Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
560 reviews

Capacity
The system regenerates efficiently, saving both salt and water, and the 32,000-grain capacity is perfect for small to medium households.
Salt Efficiency
The system regenerates efficiently, saving both salt and water, and the 32,000-grain capacity is perfect for small to medium households.
Size and Installation
It's easy to install and use, making it a great investment for better water quality and extended appliance life.

Buying Guide for the Best Electric Water Softener

Choosing the right electric water softener can significantly improve the quality of water in your home, making it more pleasant to use and better for your appliances. When selecting a water softener, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and choose a product that effectively addresses your water hardness issues.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of water the softener can treat before it needs to regenerate. This is important because it determines how often the system will need to go through the regeneration process, which can affect convenience and efficiency. Capacity is usually measured in grains per gallon (GPG). For small households, a lower capacity (around 20,000-30,000 GPG) may be sufficient, while larger households or those with very hard water may need a higher capacity (40,000 GPG or more). Consider your household size and water usage to determine the right capacity for you.
Regeneration TypeRegeneration type refers to how the water softener refreshes its ability to soften water. There are two main types: time-based and demand-initiated. Time-based regeneration occurs at set intervals, regardless of water usage, which can be less efficient. Demand-initiated regeneration happens based on actual water usage, making it more efficient and cost-effective. If you have fluctuating water usage, a demand-initiated system may be better suited to your needs.
Salt EfficiencySalt efficiency measures how effectively the water softener uses salt during the regeneration process. This is important because higher salt efficiency means lower operating costs and less environmental impact. Salt efficiency is often expressed in terms of grains of hardness removed per pound of salt used. Look for models with higher salt efficiency ratings if you want to minimize salt usage and reduce maintenance costs.
Flow RateFlow rate indicates how much water can pass through the softener per minute, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). This is crucial for ensuring that your water softener can handle your household's peak water usage without reducing water pressure. Smaller households may be fine with a lower flow rate (around 7-10 GPM), while larger households or those with high water demands may need a higher flow rate (15 GPM or more). Consider your household size and peak water usage times to choose the appropriate flow rate.
Control ValveThe control valve is the component that manages the regeneration process and overall operation of the water softener. A high-quality control valve ensures reliable performance and ease of use. Look for models with digital control valves that offer programmable settings and easy-to-read displays. If you prefer more control over the system's operation, a digital control valve with customizable settings may be ideal.
Size and InstallationSize and installation refer to the physical dimensions of the water softener and how it fits into your home. This is important because you need to ensure the unit will fit in the designated space and that installation is feasible. Measure the area where you plan to install the softener and compare it to the product dimensions. Additionally, consider whether you need professional installation or if the unit is designed for easy DIY installation. Choose a size that fits your space and an installation method that matches your skill level.

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