Your home’s water quality has a huge bearing on a host of issues including how your appliances function and how your hair and skin behave. Hard water, especially, leads to limescale buildup in your washing machine, water spots on your dishes and dry hair. Luckily, home water softeners work to remove the minerals such as calcium and magnesium that lead to this problem, making your water ideal for all uses.
Best Brands at a Glance
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- In business since 1970
- Non-electric operation
- Wide range of products
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- Offers free water quality consultations
- Salt refill delivery available
- Softeners are equipped with smart features that track usage and more
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- Custom-designed systems tailored to your home's water quality
- Professional installation and ongoing customer support
- Compatible with other Leaf Home water filtration products
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- In business for more than 50 years
- Offers a wide range of products and models
- Has a robust parts supply for replacements
Top Water Softener Brands of 2025
Kinetico
- Average Cost: $600 to $3,000
What We Love
Kinetico offers a large range of water quality solutions from softeners to whole home reverse osmosis systems. They company is widely known and trusted and offers water softeners that don’t require the use of electricity, saving money.
Cost Information
Kinetico’s water softening systems range from $600 to $3,000, with most models in the mid-range. They tend to offer more filtration power at a slightly higher cost compared to other softeners.
Best Series
The Kinetico Premier XP Series features a dual-tank design that ensures a continuous supply of softened water. While one tank is actively providing treated water, the other is either on standby or undergoing regeneration. This setup guarantees that you won’t experience interruptions, even when multiple water-demanding appliances — such as the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine — are in use simultaneously.
Culligan
- Average Cost: $500 to $2,500
What We Love
Culligan is a leading brand in the water treatment industry with more than 85 years of experience. They offer a wide range of water softeners designed to meet the needs of different households. The company is available nationwide and offers white glove installation service and salt delivery.
Cost Information
The cost of Culligan’s systems ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on model size and features. Entry-level models can be found at the lower end of the price spectrum, while their premium, high-capacity systems can be on the pricier side. The company offers free water consultations, a 30-day purchase guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty. Pricing information is limited on the company’s website.
Best Model
Culligan’s Aquasential Smart High Efficiency Water Softener uses smart technology to offer maintenance alerts and usage tracking, meaning you’ll be the first to know when your softener needs service or a salt replacement. The usage tracking feature also helps environmentally conscious homeowners to set usage goals and track progress.
Leaf Home Water Solutions
- Average Cost: $1,000 to $4,000
What We Love
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers high-performance, professionally installed water softeners designed to tackle even the toughest hard water problems. As part of a broader home improvement network, the company brings years of residential water expertise to every installation. Their systems are designed to improve water quality, protect plumbing and appliances, and reduce the buildup of mineral deposits — all with personalized service and ongoing customer support.
Cost Information
Water softeners from Leaf Home Water Solutions typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, which includes professional installation. The total cost is influenced by the system’s size and capacity, the complexity of installation (especially in older homes), and the condition of the local water supply. Homes dealing with very hard or iron-rich water may require pre-treatment or upgraded systems, which can increase costs. Optional service packages or extended warranties can also add to the final price. While not the lowest-cost solution, Leaf’s offerings include expert consultation and turn-key installation, making it a hassle-free investment in your home’s water quality.
Best Model
One standout option from Leaf Home Water Solutions is their Whole-Home Water Softener System, designed to reduce calcium, magnesium, and other minerals responsible for water hardness. It features a space-efficient design, energy-efficient regeneration cycles, and programmable settings to optimize performance based on your family’s water usage. This system also integrates seamlessly with other Leaf water treatment products, such as their whole-home water filtration or reverse osmosis systems, for homes that need comprehensive water quality improvements.
Fleck
- Average Cost: $600 to $1,600
What We Love
Fleck is a trusted name in water softening, known for producing reliable and durable systems that perform well for homes and businesses alike. With over 50 years in the industry, Fleck’s products are engineered for efficiency, providing high-quality soft water with its water softeners and water filters.
Cost Information
Fleck offers systems ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models, with prices typically between $600 and $1,600. Entry-level systems can be found at the lower end of the price range for about $900, while larger, more advanced whole-house systems can be more expensive, upwards of $3,000. And its commercial, metered water systems range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Best Model
The Fleck 5600SXT is one of the most popular models, featuring a digital control that shows the amount of soft water left each day. It is programmable and maintains that programming memory despite power outages. This model comes with a 5-year warranty on the valve and 10-year warranty on the tank.
US Water Systems
- Average Cost: $800 to $3,500
What We Love
US Water Systems specializes in both salt-based and salt-free water softeners. The company also sells reverse osmosis systems, iron-removal systems, whole house filtration and ultraviolet disinfection systems. These systems are available for both home and commercial usage.
Cost Information
US Water Systems offers softeners ranging from $800 to $3,500, with most models in the mid-range. Commercial systems can exceed $20,000. Pricing information is readily available on their website, and the company touts some savings because you’re purchasing directly from its US-based factory. The company offers promotional discounts when you sign up for emails and also participates in sales events.
Best Model
US Water Systems’ Matrixx-Hybrid Filter and Smart Water Softener used a proprietary carbon blend to filter chlorine and chloramine from the water while softening it. It’s equipped with a battery backup that keeps the system running in a power outage to prevent floods. You can also monitor its cycles with a free smartphone app.
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GE Appliances
- Average Cost: $500 to $1,200
What We Love
GE is a trusted brand in household appliances, and their water softeners live up to that reputation. Known for delivering straightforward, reliable performance, GE softeners are a solid choice for homes that need an efficient and affordable system.
Cost Information
GE water softeners are some of the most affordably priced at a range of $500 to $700. Their more basic models are typically priced around $500, while higher-capacity models can approach $1,200.
Best Feature
GE’s water softeners use a feature called SmartSoft technology to learn and remember the needs of your family and its soft water patterns so you never run out of softened water to use. The systems also come with self-cleaning filters, which remove sediment.
Whirlpool
- Average Cost: $400 to $1,500
What We Love
Whirlpool is a household name known for offering affordable, reliable appliances, and their water softeners are no exception. With a focus on simplicity and ease of use, Whirlpool water softeners are great for homeowners who need affordable and effective softening without complex installation.
Cost Information
Whirlpool systems are available in the range of $400 to $1,500, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Entry-level models are priced at about $400, while higher-capacity models can approach $1,500.
Best Model
The Whirlpool WHES40 is a standout with its efficient salt-based softening process and 40,000-grain capacity, making it ideal for medium to large households. It’s simple to set up and provides reliable water softening for everyday use, plus you can upgrade to an extended warranty on this product.
Aquasure
- Average Cost: $490 to $665
What We Love
Aquasure’s water softener systems offer robust performance with high grain capacities and efficient contaminant removal, ensuring high-quality water throughout the home.
Cost Information
The Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Water Softener is priced around $549.50, while the 64,000-grain capacity model is approximately $665.00. Prices depend on capacity and additional features.
Best Model
The Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Water Softener balances capacity and efficiency, featuring a digital control head and automatic regeneration, ideal for medium-sized households.
Rheem
- Average Cost: $399 to $609
What We Love
Rheem’s water softeners are designed for straightforward installation and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach.
Cost Information
Rheem offers models like the 32,000-grain capacity unit priced around $399, and the 42,000-grain capacity unit at approximately $609. Prices vary based on features and capacities.
Best Model
The Rheem Preferred Platinum Water Softener features Wi-Fi capabilities for remote monitoring and a 42,000-grain capacity, suitable for households of various sizes.
Aquasana
- Average Cost: $800 to $2,200
What We Love
Aquasana is a standout for homeowners looking for a sustainable, low-maintenance water softener. They offer salt-free water conditioners that are great for people who want to avoid using salt to soften their water. And they have a filter replacement program that ships discounted replacement filters to you for free on a schedule, so you never experience a lapse in water quality.
Cost Information
Aquasana’s water softeners range from $800 to $2,200 depending on the model and features. Their more basic systems are priced around $800, while their high-end whole-house models can cost over $2,000. In addition, the company sells handheld shower softeners for target use in bathrooms beginning at just $90. The company frequently shares ongoing sales on its products, free shipping for replacement filters and extended warranties.
Best Model
Aquasana’s Rhino Whole House Filter System with Salt-Free Softener is a top choice for eco-conscious buyers. This system uses a unique combination of filtration and salt-free softening technology to deliver high-quality water without the need for harsh chemicals.
