Best Water Softener Brands

Compare leading water softener brands
offering reliable performance and innovative softening solutions.

Transform your home’s water quality with systems that combine advanced filtration, softening, and purification for safer, better-tasting water.

Quick Overview:

  • APEC WH-SOFTENER-30-FG Bundle: Premium reverse osmosis + softener combo for whole-home purification and scale-free water.
  • 20″ Big Blue 2-Stage System: Budget-friendly sediment/chlorine filtration with minimal maintenance.
  • Whirlpool WHESFC Hybrid: NSF-certified 2-in-1 softener/filter with smart salt-saving technology.
  • Aquasure Harmony 48K: High-efficiency softener with triple pre-filtration and digital controls.
  • Aquasure 64K + RO Bundle: Complete solution for large homes needing soft water and purified drinking water.
Product Name Key Features Price Rating
APEC WH-SOFTENER-30-FG • 30K grain softener
• Alkaline mineral RO system
• 50% less detergent usage
$737.99 4.5/5
20″ Big Blue 2-Stage • 5-micron sediment filter
• Coconut shell carbon block
• 1″ NPT connections
$295.00 Not available
Whirlpool WHESFC Hybrid • 40K grain capacity
• Self-cleaning filter
• Reduces 120 GPG hardness
$749.00 4.5/5
Aquasure Harmony 48K • 48K grain capacity
• Triple pre-filtration
• Digital metered control
$549.00 4.4/5
Aquasure 64K + RO Bundle • 64K grain softener
• 75 GPD RO system
• 5-year warranty
$859.00 4.4/5

APEC WH-SOFTENER-30-FG Bundle

APEC WH-SOFTENER-30-FG

Features Overview:

  • 30,000-grain water softener
  • Alkaline mineral reverse osmosis system
  • Digital control valve with usage monitoring

What’s Good & What’s Not:

  • Good: Exceptional dual-action performance combines spa-quality water softening with WQA-certified purification, removing 99% of 1,000+ contaminants while adding beneficial minerals back into drinking water. Users report noticeably softer skin and brighter laundry.
  • Not Good: Requires significant installation space

Price & Value Assessment: Premium pricing justified for homes needing comprehensive water treatment. Saves long-term costs through 30% reduced salt/water usage.

What Customers Are Saying: Owners praise the system’s transformative effects on skin comfort and appliance longevity, though some note initial setup complexity.

Why Should You Buy It? Ideal for households prioritizing both purified drinking water and whole-home softening. The dual-system design eliminates need for separate units, while mineral infusion addresses health-conscious users’ needs for alkaline water benefits.


20″ Big Blue 2-Stage System

20 Big Blue 2-Stage

Features Overview:

  • 5-micron sediment filtration
  • Coconut shell carbon block
  • 15 GPM flow rate

What’s Good & What’s Not:

  • Good: Simple yet effective two-stage filtration removes >90% of chlorine and sediment at an accessible price point, with wall-mountable design saving floor space in utility areas.
  • Not Good: Limited contaminant coverage

Price & Value Assessment: Most budget-friendly option for basic city water treatment. No ongoing filter costs beyond annual replacements.

What Customers Are Saying: Limited reviews mention satisfactory chlorine reduction, though long-term performance data is scarce.

Why Should You Buy It? Perfect for renters or homeowners needing entry-level protection against sediment and chlorine without complex installation. The compact design and straightforward maintenance make it suitable for small households with moderate water quality concerns.


Whirlpool WHESFC Hybrid

Whirlpool WHESFC

Features Overview:

  • 40,000-grain capacity
  • Self-cleaning filter
  • Demand-initiated regeneration

What’s Good & What’s Not:

  • Good: NSF-certified hybrid system reduces 120 GPG hardness while filtering sediment and chlorine, with smart regeneration cutting salt use by 25% compared to older models. Users report immediate improvements in water feel.
  • Not Good: Requires electrical outlet

Price & Value Assessment: Mid-range pricing for trusted brand performance. Permanent filter eliminates replacement costs.

What Customers Are Saying: Over 8,000 reviews highlight easy DIY installation and effective scale reduction, though some mention occasional brine tank issues.

Why Should You Buy It? Best for families wanting a reliable 2-in-1 solution from an established brand. The space-saving single-tank design and automatic filter maintenance appeal to busy households needing hands-off operation with measurable water quality improvements.


Aquasure Harmony 48K

Aquasure Harmony 48K

Features Overview:

  • 48,000-grain capacity
  • Zinc-enhanced pre-filtration
  • Backlit digital control

What’s Good & What’s Not:

  • Good: Triple pre-filtration system combining sediment, carbon, and zinc layers removes 99% of chlorine while inhibiting bacteria growth, with customizable regeneration cycles adapting to household usage patterns.
  • Not Good: Limited iron removal

Price & Value Assessment: Competitive pricing for mid-sized homes. 5-year warranty adds long-term value.

What Customers Are Saying: Users appreciate the clear digital interface and soft water results, though some report resin tank durability concerns after 2-3 years.

Why Should You Buy It? Optimal choice for 3-4 bathroom homes needing thorough pre-filtration before softening. The zinc additive provides extra protection against bacterial growth in resin beds, while programmable settings help optimize salt and water consumption based on actual usage.


Aquasure 64K + RO Bundle

Aquasure 64K Bundle

Features Overview:

  • 64,000-grain softener
  • 75 GPD reverse osmosis
  • Corrosion-resistant tanks

What’s Good & What’s Not:

  • Good: Comprehensive water treatment package addresses both appliance protection and drinking water purity, with high-flow RO system producing 75 gallons daily and fiberglass tanks ensuring durability in humid environments.
  • Not Good: Complex installation

Price & Value Assessment: Higher initial cost offset by bundled savings. Ideal for large households.

What Customers Are Saying: Owners value the combination of soft showers and crisp-tasting water, though some recommend professional installation for optimal performance.

Why Should You Buy It? The ultimate solution for homes with 4-6+ bathrooms needing whole-home softening and premium drinking water. The dual-system approach ensures scale-free appliances while delivering mineral-free RO water, making it particularly suitable for areas with both hard water and potential drinking water contaminants.


This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Prices may vary depending on location, promotions, and availability.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which water system here is right for my home?

It depends! Think about what you need the most. Need soft water throughout the house *and* purified drinking water? Look at the APEC WH-SOFTENER-30-FG or the Aquasure 64K + RO combo. For simple sediment and chlorine removal, the 20″ Big Blue is a great start.

What does “grain capacity” even mean?

“Grain capacity” tells you how much hardness a softener can remove before it needs to regenerate (clean itself). The higher the number, the longer it can go between regenerations, and the better it is for larger households or really hard water.

How difficult are these systems to setup myself?

Some are easier than others. The 20″ Big Blue is fairly straightforward. The Whirlpool WHESFC is designed for easier DIY too. For the APEC and Aquasure bundles, especially if you’re not comfortable with plumbing, you might want to call in a pro .

What extra costs are there beyond the initial price?

Good question! For softeners, you’ll need to buy salt regularly. Filter systems need replacement filters (usually every 6-12 months). The Whirlpool WHESFC has a self-cleaning filter, which helps save some cash there. And all of them use a tiny bit of electricity.

What separates these systems from each other?

The biggest differences are what they remove and how much work they do. The simple 2-stage filter handles sediment and chlorine. Hybrid systems like the Whirlpool soften and filter. And the APEC and Aquasure *bundles* give you the works: soft water and purified drinking water, all from one setup.

Here’s the full list of products on Amazon


Editorial Team
Editorial Team
Articles: 938

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *