Capacity and suitability were typically considered together because in most cases, a large family will require higher-capacity water softener systems. That’s why a high number of salt-based options were selected, including both single-tank and dual-tank products. Most water-softener systems are salt-based. Key considerations included the type of soft water system, the capacity of the product, the suitability of the softener for various family sizes, the water softener companies buyers choose, and any outstanding features that made a water softener stand out from similar products. However, years of plumbing industry experience and extensive research into the types of water softeners helped us compile our list of top-rated water systems.

Water-softening systems aren’t widely known products like lawn mowers or cars, so it can be difficult for shoppers to judge the best ones.

Photo: How We Chose the Best Water-Softener Systems

BEST ALTERNATIVE: iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler.

BEST FOR WELL WATER: Aquasure Harmony Digital Metered Water Softener.

BEST PORTABLE: On The Go Portable 16,000-Grain Water Softener.

BEST SALT-BASED: Rheem Preferred 32,000-Grain Water Softener.

UPGRADE PICK: DuraWater 48,000-Grain Water Softener.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: WaterBoss 36,400-Grain Water Softener System.

BEST OVERALL: Whirlpool 40,000-Grain Water Softener.

Here are some of the best water softeners available based on our findings. In researching water-softening systems, we took an in-depth look at features and specifications across several categories, as well as customer reviews for each product.

The best water softeners work by either drawing heavy minerals out of the water using a process called ion exchange or by neutralizing these minerals so that they are unable to bind together and remain soluble in the water.

This improves the quality of the home’s drinking water and leads to healthier skin, hair, and nails after bathing. When one of these units is installed in a home, it works to soften water running out of every faucet, reducing or altogether removing these harsh minerals. These deposits cause hard water, which dries skin and hair. Water-softener systems prevent common problems with water, including chalky deposits of calcium carbonate, called limescale (or scale), and other harsh minerals, like iron and magnesium.

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