Top 7 Whole House Water Softener Systems Available on The Market

In this article, you can find the 7 top-selling, highest-rated water softeners available on the market, and everything you need to know to select the right product and model based on your needs and budget.

By Alex
26 minutes read
Top 7 Whole House Water Softener Systems Available on The Market

Are you trying to find a proper whole house water softener system to end hard water issues and the scale deposits it leaves behind? To make an informed decision, you should do research, consider features, compare ratings, and read user reviews. We have explored different websites to find the best water softener system.

In this article, you can find the 7 top-selling, highest-rated water softeners available on the market, and everything you need to know to select the right product and model based on your needs and budget. This article helps the users to make better decisions in purchasing the right product, according to their household size, grain capacity, and other features that each brand offers, The selection of these products was conducted based on the Bayesian Ranking and user’s reviews on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Etsy online Shops.

Top 3 water softener system for home in 2024 (Brief Table)

No.

1

2

3

Product

Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener System

Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Whole House Water Softener System

AFWFilters Built Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener System

Brand 

Aquasure

Whirlpool

AFWFilters

Model 

AS-HS48D

WHES40E

5600sxt/ WSB2-48-56sxt

Grain capacity

48,000

40,000

48,000

Price

$549.50

$739.00

$745.99

To Download a Full Detailed Table of the Top 7 Whole House Water Systems in the World Click The File Below:

Top 7 Whole House Water Systems (Detailed Table)

7. Waterboss Water Softener System model 700

Walmart 

The Waterboss model 700 is a whole house water softener system with 1-4 plus people and can remove up to 20,500 grains of hardness. It is made in the USA and is well-designed for optimal performance and efficiency. It requires the least amount of salt and water to complete the regeneration, so you can save more money. It contains a self-cleaning whole house filter that regenerates in only 20 minutes, and treats most city and well water issues. This water softener reduces water spots, calcium, ferrous iron, dirt, and sediment. It is suitable for small spaces, due to its compact design.

Waterboss model 700 whole house water softener.
Waterboss model 700 whole house water softener.

Table. Features of the Waterboss 20,500 grain whole house water softener 

Product name

Waterboss 20,500 grain model 700 water softener system 

Brand name

Waterboss

Model

700

grain capacity

20,500

Package Information

Bottle 

Original price

$597.00

The box of the Waterboss model 700 whole house water softener includes water test strips, a transformer and a drain line.
Accessories of the Waterboss 20,500 grain whole house water softener system.

Favorable Customer Reviews

Critical Customer Reviews

6.  DuraWater Water Softener System for Home

Amazon 

The DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT water softener system has a simple design and includes the most advanced features for easy programming. The mineral tank comes fully loaded for easier installation. It is fully programmable for different water treatment applications. This upgraded chlorine-resistant resin ensures a better filtration experience. It will extend the life of your appliances and make them more efficient.  Purchase this water softener for your house today, to no longer observe hardness spots on the dishes and suffer from dry itchy skin.

DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT water softener.
DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT water softener.

Table. Features of DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT water softener.

Product name

DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT water softener

Brand name

DuraWater

Model

5600 SXT

Product Dimensions

21 x 10 x 54 inches

Maximum Flow Rate

-

grain capacity

40,000

Weight 

86 pounds

Package Information

Tank 

Original price

$817.00

The monitor of the DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT whole house water system for easy programming.
DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT Programable whole house water system.

Favorable Customer Reviews

  1. The product has a straightforward installation process, and the instructions are easy to follow.

  2. A customer commented that the unit successfully addresses hard water issues, resulting in improved water quality for various household uses.

  3. Despite having some issues with the product, the professional support team was praised by the user.

  4. The user said that the product is sized perfectly and Provides noticeable improvement in reducing the hardness.

  5. According to the comments, it has a high quality. The unit is also functioning very well and is worth the price.

  6. The product is easily programmable based on hardness numbers from the user’s water utility, resulting in satisfaction with the product.

  7. It uses significantly less salt and is very effective and efficient. The user noticed an immediate improvement in laundry and dishes.

DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT Programable whole house water system is installed before the gas water heater.
According to the comments, DuraWater fleck 5600 SXT water softener has a high quality. The unit is also functioning very well and is worth the price.

Critical Customer Reviews

  1. A user mentioned that in less than two years, the unit tank cracked, needing to pay more than the original price of the unit to fix this issue.

  2. The user expresses dissatisfaction with the product's performance in reducing the hardness level.

  3. Even when using soap, the water does not feel soft, and the Durawater company provides no support information.

  4. A customer said that despite having an easy installation process, the water has a chemical smell and taste post-installation.

  5. A defective merchandise product was delivered to the user (Error code 4 and damaged threads on fitting) along with inaccurate manuals.

  6. It was stated that the product did not live up to expectations, and does not work as advertised.

  7. According to the user’s experience, this whole house water softener system is not worth the price and did not improve the water quality, leading to switching to a different brand.

Defective DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT indicated by Error Code 4.
A customer reported a faulty DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT, which displayed Error Code 4.

5. Tier1 Digital Whole House Water Softener System

Amazon 

The 48,000 grain Tier1 water softener can be easily operated and includes a brine tank, pre-filled mineral tank with 1.5 cubic feet of Cation Resin, control valve, 3/4 inch water line connections, brine tubing, drain line, and mechanical components necessary for the standard installation. The LCD display shows the time of day, mode, and gallons remaining. This water softener system can reduce harmful scale and hard minerals like calcium and magnesium and protects the pipes and house appliances. It also enhances the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. It has a unique design and saves more space. The quality of your water will be improved after using this water softener. It also keeps your skin soft, hair shiny, and laundry bright.

Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener system.
Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener system.

Table. Features of Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener

Product name

Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener system

Brand name

Tier1

Model

WS-165-150 

Product Dimensions

‎10"L x 10"W x 62"H

Maximum Flow Rate

11.2 GPM

grain capacity

48,000 Grain 

Weight 

10.4 ounces

Package Information

Tank

Original price

$519.99

The valve head in the Tier1 water softener system is easy to operate and fully adjustable.
Features of the valve head in the Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener system.

Favorable Customer Reviews

  1. The user found this product straightforward to install and the general configuration of the system is intuitive.

  2. According to the comments, it is a solid water softener system for the home and the controls are simple. The instructions are easy to follow.

  3. The professional support team and outstanding customer service were praised by users. They were also impressed by the fast shipping and product’s packaging.

  4. The product is affordable, very well made, and performs as advertised. The setup process is also streamlined.

  5. It successfully addresses hard water issues, resulting in improved water quality and reduction of spots on the dishes.

  6.  The product was delivered with all the components the user needed to install it, resulting in the user’s satisfaction.

  7. A customer pointed out that the Tier1 softener provides a noticeable improvement in reducing the rotten egg smell, with positive effects on the skin.

The Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener is installed inside of the cabinet.
Customers are Impressed with the complete kit of the Tier1 48,000 Grain water softener.

Critical Customer Reviews

  1. The user described the product as effective for a few months, but then no noticeable improvement in the water quality was noted, leading to the user’s frustration.

  2. One user Points out that the control panel is very hard to understand and read. The user is considering a switch to a different brand that is more user-friendly.

  3. The user expressed disappointment with the product's performance and effectiveness,  and would not recommend it.

  4. According to the user’s experience, the system does not recharge on its own and has to do it manually.

  5. One of the users expressed dissatisfaction with the product's quality and mentioned it is very cheaply made and is not worth the money.

  6. It was stated that the product does not live up to expectations, and does not last long.

  7. The product is considered expensive, with poor customer service and a useless warranty.

4. Rheem Preferred 32 000 Grain Water Softener

eBay

THE HOME DEPOT

The Rheem PREFERRED 32,000-grain water softener system delivers high-quality water for households of up to four people. The built-in smart technology analyzes your water usage algorithm and will optimize salt consumption, which saves money and conserves water and energy. Industry-leading valve technology is implied for maximum performance and light and flashes for alerts. There is a resin bed agitator to maintain the cleanliness of the bed. Three types of warranty include parts and labor(1 year), electronic (three years), and tanks (10 years) giving peace of mind about purchasing this whole house water softener.

 Rheem Preferred 32000 Grain Whole House Water Softener.
Rheem Preferred 32000 Grain Whole House Water Softener.


Table. Rheem Preferred 32 000 Grain Water Softener

Product name

Rheem Preferred 32 000 Grain Water Softener

Brand name

Rheem

Model

Preferred 32 000 Grain 

Product Dimensions

43x 15x 20inches

Maximum Flow Rate

7.9 Gallons Per Minute

grain capacity

3200

Weight 

-

Package Information

Tank 

Original price

$320

Favorable Customer Reviews

  1. More than 10 customers stated that installation of the product is straightforward if you follow the manual instructions.

  2. Six users commented that it works great and it has great efficiency.

  3. Three buyers commented that it is easy to program Rheem Preferred 32 000 Grain Water Softener.

  4. A customer said that one big advantage of the product is its silence.

  5. A user mentioned that this softener has been working flawlessly and water is softer than ever.

  6. A customer praised the great design and low space requirement of the Rheem water softener.

  7. A satisfied customer said that this product meets my expectations.

The Rheem Preferred 32000 Grain Whole House Water Softener is installed in low space in the cabinet.
Based on the customer comment the Rheem Preferred 32000 Grain Whole House Water Softener is easy to install and has great efficiency.

Critical Customer Reviews

  1. Five customers reported a leaking problem in the bypass valve head.

  2. Three users had complained about the customer service which wasn't helpful at all.

  3. A customer feels that this water softener won’t work for a long time as the company uses thin plastic parts.

  4. Two customers mentioned that this product consumes salt three times more than previous softeners.

  5. There were complaints about missing parts like the drain house.

  6. A buyer said that the Rheem Preferred 32 000 Grain Water Softener stopped working after a year.

  7. One customer faced a high-pressure inlet blow which led to a water flood in the basement.

A crack in the salt tank lid of the Rheem Preferred 32000 Grain Whole House Water Softener.
A user pictured a crack in the salt tank lid of the Rheem Preferred 32000 Grain Whole House Water Softener.

3. AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener System

Amazon 

This water softener system has a 48,000 grain capacity and treats up to 12 gallons per minute which is perfect for your house. It is a digital metered water softener and can be fully programmed to only regenerate when needed, which minimizes salt and water usage. It is made in the USA and is very easy to uninstall and use. This whole-house water softener system removes hard water (calcium and magnesium) using an ion exchange process. The set controller offers some great features, including a backlit LCD, touchpad controls, 48-hour internal power backup, and a user-friendly interface.


Components of the AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener.
AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener.

Table. Features of AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener .

Product name

AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener system

Brand name

AFWFilters

Model

5600sxt/ WSB2-48-56sxt

Product Dimensions

27 x 17 x 62 inches

Maximum Flow Rate

12 Gallons Per Minute

grain capacity

48,000

Weight 

20.75 Pounds

Package Information

Tank

Original price

$745.99

installer manual of the FWFilters 5600sxt water softener is available on the phone.
Installer manual of the FWFilters 5600sxt water softener.

Favorable Customer Reviews

  1. The user Installed the Fleck 5600SXT water softener system for home and observed immediate improvements. The installation was straightforward, and regeneration was quick.

  2. According to the user’s experience, the clothes are visibly whiter, and there's a reduction in the amount of shampoo and soap used. The change in shower and bathroom conditions is also evident.

  3. The support from the seller was excellent and was appreciated by the customer, with prompt replacement of damaged o-rings.

  4. The system consumes less salt than expected, and the water tastes better, the user was satisfied with the purchase and the service provided by the manufacturer.

  5. According to most comments, the product is easily programmable and is very easy to work with.

  6. The AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener arrived in very good condition, and the needed components were included in the package.

  7. Two customers praised this product for its high quality and affordability.

AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener with all of its components is installed in the basement.
According to comments, the needed components of the AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener were included in the package.

Critical Customer Reviews

  1. The user had the system for exactly 5 years, and then the resin and internal contents escaped, causing a major plumbing disaster. It completely halted the water flow and damaged fixtures and appliances.

  2. A leak emerged in the tank after only 3 years of use, and flooding the basement. This unexpected issue was a major disappointment, as the product was expected to last much longer.

  3. The system worked decently but consumed a significant amount of salt. After a few years, the display became non-functional too.

  4. The product arrived with no box and seemed used, with leaves and dirt inside the brine tank. This raised concerns about the storage condition.

  5. According to the customers experience, the product does not work, and the water is much better when the unit is not plugged in.

  6. The LCD cracked and peeled away within a year. The tank discolored very quickly, and the seller does not honor the 10-year warranty. These cons led to the user’s dissatisfaction.

  7. Two customers criticized the AFWFilters 5600sxt softener since it came with absolutely no installation or setup instructions and does not seem durable.

The control valve of the AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener is broken.
The control valve of the AFWFilters 5600sxt water softener exploded and led to the leaking.

2. Whirlpool WHES40E Water Softener System

Amazon 

The Whirlpool WHES40E water softener is a whole house system that is ideal for households of 1-6 plus people. It is designed to reduce hard water symptoms, like embarrassing stains, build-up on your faucets, and spotting on dishes. It is also effective in keeping your hair and skin healthy and soft, as well as making fabrics brighter and softer. It can automatically calculate how much water and salt is needed for regeneration, and only uses what is necessary, so the water and salt usage will be significantly reduced. It has a high-capacity resin that can remove up to 40,000 grains of hardness. The Whole House Whirlpool water softener system is a reliable product for you that comes with simple to program electronics and includes a low salt indicator light. It can work on city water or well water. The system includes an installation kit, and bypass valve, and comes ready to connect to 1 1-inch male pipe thread.


Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener system.
Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener system.

Table. Features of Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener.

Product name

Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener

Brand name

Whirlpool

Model

WHES40E

Product Dimensions

20.5 x 15 x 48 inches

grain capacity

40,000 Grain

Weight 

101 Pounds

Package Information

Bottle 

Original price

$739.00

Controller of the Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener.
Controller of the Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener.

Favorable Customer Reviews

  1. The customer was concerned after hearing about potential damages and poor packaging, but the experience with Amazon's delivery, packaging, and easy installation of the Whirlpool water softener turned out to be a 5-star experience.

  2. According to the comments, the Programming was very easy. The unit is also functioning very well and is worth the price.

  3. One user replaced an old Kenmore softener that developed a leak. The user highlighted that it uses significantly less salt compared to the previous softener.

  4. The excellent design of this water softener system was appreciated. They also mentioned it did not take up much space.

  5. Three users expressed the product’s function and noticed it reduced the water hardness.

  6. This water softener does a great job of softening the water. Its design is less bulky and the features are nice too.

  7. The customer was very satisfied with the quality of the product and the great customer service.

test strips show that water hardness is reduced after using the Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener.
Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener| The water hardness was reduced significantly after using this product (Left and Right) | The product was well packaged and arrived with no damage (Down).

Critical Customer Reviews

  1. Despite being affordable and easy to install, it uses a ton of salt to soften the water for the home. The user reported that the Whirlpool WHES40E uses about 300% more salt than the Kenmore unit.

  2. The power plug came damaged with one prong bent and shoved up in the casing, leading to dissatisfaction with the product.

  3. Although the water softener itself is deemed good, the shipping process led to damage. The product arrived not upright as indicated by arrows on the box, causing breakage to the unit parts. 

  4. Some users have reported leaking from different parts, needing to add Teflon tape to get it to stop leaking.

  5. Despite installation, there was no discernible change in water hardness levels, indicating a lack of effectiveness. Even after manual regeneration, no improvement was observed and it failed to deliver satisfactory results.

  6. This water softener flooded the basement after 4 days. The user found that it was leaking at the top of the system and the overflow valve was not functioning.

  7. Despite having good customer service, the product has so many issues, making it impossible to work with.

Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener flooded the basement, it is a leaking at the top of the system.
Whirlpool WHES40E whole house water softener| This water softener flooded the basement, it was leaking at the top of the system and the overflow valve was not functioning (Left)| The power plug came damaged with one prong bent and shoved up in the casing (Right).

1. Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener System

Amazon 

The Aquasure Harmony digital metered water softener is a whole house system that delivers ultra-softened water to every outlet throughout your entire house. Up to 48,000 grains of hardness can be removed by its high-capacity resin. It removes skin-damaging hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which clog up the skin and irritate it. This product also reduces scale buildup and prevents damage to your plumping. The product includes a fully programmable backlit digital display, so you will be able to customize your auto-flush intervals depending on your incoming water quality and water usage. The AS-HS48D water softener is constructed with a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, fiberglass-lined polyethylene tank, a durable bypass valve, and prefilled premium-grade resin.

Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener.
Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener.

Table. Features of Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener

Product name

Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener

Brand name

Aquasure

Model

AS-HS48D

Product Dimensions

10 x 10 x 62 inches

Maximum Flow Rate

12 Gallons Per Minute

grain capacity

48000

Weight 

120 Pounds

Package Information

Tank 

Original price

$549.50

14 Components of the Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener.
Components of the Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener.

Favorable Customer Reviews

  1. The user praises the system's quality and unique design, comparing it favorably to other residential units.

  2. Three customers praise the system's ability to cycle based on water usage, resulting in efficient salt usage.

  3. Two users expressed satisfaction with the product's ease of installation and operation.

  4. This system was recommended as a replacement for other softener systems, highlighting the compatibility with existing plumbing.

  5. A quick and significant improvement in the home water quality was noted after installation, validating the water softener system's effectiveness.

  6. One user Compared the Aquasure system favorably to a previous softener, emphasizing the Aquasure's durability and effectiveness.

  7. The professional support team and outstanding customer service were praised by users. They were also impressed by the fast shipping and product’s packaging.

 Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener is installed next to the water tank inside the room.
Customers expressed satisfaction with Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener's ease of installation and operation.

Critical Customer Reviews

  1. The user received the unit with missing parts, causing frustration and delays in the installation process.

  2. One of the users did not observe any significant change in water hardness after installing the Aquasure system.

  3. Some problems with leaks at the connections were reported, particularly at the drain line and water filter housing.

  4. The system's actual capacity was much lower than the advertised amount, requiring more frequent regenerations than expected.

  5. One user Faced challenges in returning the product due to restocking fees and potential return costs.

  6. Some users experienced difficulties in reaching the support team for assistance. The customer service was criticized by some users.

  7. According to some reviews, it was extremely difficult to replace the old softener with this one. Some parts were not easy to find.

Water leaks at the connections of the Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener.
A customer showed that Aquasure Harmony AS-HS48D water softener leaks at the connections.

Conclusion

Since hard water can increase energy bills and reduce the lifespan of appliances, water softener systems are a salt-free and cost-effective solution for homeowners, and are designed to address the problems associated with hard water. They utilize a process called ion exchange, where resin beads in the softener tank attract and trap the hardness minerals while releasing sodium or potassium ions into the water. This exchange process effectively softens the water, making it more suitable for daily use.

To choose the right water softener system for your home, you can use the above list. Alongside these different products, we have explained all their specifications and features, including the grain capacity, weight, water flow, etc., so you will be able to choose the best due to your budget, purpose, etc. The Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 grains water softener, Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 grain whole house water softener system, and AFWFilters Built Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 grain water softener are the three best whole house water softeners for people who want to find the best mix between features, style, and price.

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