10 Best salt based water softeners of 2025

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Best Choice

1

North Star
North Star NSC42 Water Softener | 42,055-Grain Capacity | AutoSense Salt-Saving Technology | For Homes With 1-6+ Persons | NSF Certified to Reduce Hard Water Scale (NSC4218)
Main highlights

Superior Hardness and Iron Removal
The NSC42 effectively removes 120 grains per gallon of hardness and 11 ppm of iron.

Ideal for Medium to Large Households
Perfect for homes with 1-6+ people, ensuring consistent soft water supply.

AutoSense Technology Praised
Customers love the AutoSense feature for its salt-saving efficiency and cost reduction.
Key specs
- special feature:NSF certified
- dimensions:18L x 15W x 27H
- color:N/A
- flow rate:1 Gallons Per Minute
- capacity:N/A
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating
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Value for Money

2

Aquasana
Aquasana SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Water Softener - Whole House Hard Water Reduction - Base Tank & Cabinet System WH-SF40-BASE
Main highlights

Soft Water Benefits
Provides soft, scale-free water, reducing skin irritation and appliance wear.

Ideal for Families
Perfect for homes with up to 5 people and 4 bathrooms.

Customer Praised Feature
Highly praised for reducing soap and cleaning product use.
Key specs
- special feature:IAPMO certified, NSF/ANSI 44
- dimensions:30L x 16W x 43H
- color:Blue
- flow rate:15.5 Gallons Per Minute
- capacity:40,000 Grain
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating
3

Aquasure
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (48,000 Grains)
Main highlights

Ultra-Softened Water Delivery
The Aquasure Harmony Series provides ultra-softened water for 3-4 bathrooms, enhancing water quality throughout your home.

Ideal for Household Appliance Protection
Perfect for preventing scale buildup and prolonging appliance lifespan, making it ideal for homes with multiple bathrooms.

Highly Rated for Ease of Setup
Customers frequently praise the easy setup and installation process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating

9.5
Sheerness

9.3
worth the money

8.9
Easy installation
4

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

Efficient Water Softening
Reduces hardness minerals up to 90 GPG, improving water quality.

Ideal for Replacements
Perfect fit for replacing older Kenmore models with minimal plumbing changes.

User-Friendly Monitoring
Advanced display board simplifies tracking salt levels and water flow.
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating

9.3
Flavor

8.9
Easy installation

8.7
worth the money
5

AO Smith
AO Smith Whole House Salt Free Descaler System - Works with City & Well Water Filters - 6yr, 600,000 Gl - Water Softener Alternative for Home - AO-WH-DSCLR
Main highlights

Salt Free Scale Prevention
Naturally reduces scale buildup without salt or chemicals.

Ideal for Large Households
Perfect for homes with 4+ people, works with city and well water.

Improved Water Taste
Customers praise the better taste and feel of water.
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating

8.4
Easy installation

8.0
Flavor

8.0
Tech Support
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6

Tier1
Tier1 Whole House Water Softener System 48,000 Grain High Efficiency with Sediment Pre-Filter | Pre-Filled Mineral Tank with 1.5 Cubic feet of Cation Resin | Home Water Filtration System
Main highlights

High Efficiency and Space Saving
The Tier1 system features a 48,000-grain capacity with a compact design, saving over 4 feet of floor space.

Whole House Water Softening
Ideal for improving water quality throughout your entire home, protecting fixtures and appliances.

User-Friendly Electronic Display
Customers praise the easy-to-read LCD display and efficient operation.
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

8.9
worth the money

8.9
Simple to use

8.7
Easy installation
7

EcoPure
EcoPure EP42 42,000 Grain Water Softener | NSF Certified | Salt & Water Saving Autosense Technology for Whole House Soft Water Regeneration, Dark Gray
Main highlights

Efficient Salt and Water Use
Features Autosense technology that reduces salt and water usage, promoting eco-friendly operation.

Ideal for Medium to Large Households
Perfect for homes with 1 to 6+ members, effectively softening hard water and removing ferrous iron.

Easy Installation and Familiar Operation
Customers appreciate the straightforward installation and familiar controls, especially for those upgrading from older EcoPure models.
Key specs
- special feature:Autosense technology
- dimensions:24 x 18 x 46 inches
- color:N/A
- flow rate:N/A
- capacity:N/A
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.5
Easy installation

8.2
worth the money
8

Generic
(3 Pack) - 40lb bags, Clean and Protect Water Softener Salt. Extends appliance Life; Reduces Hard Water Build Up
Main highlights

Enhanced Cleaning Benefits
Softer water improves dishwashing and leaves skin smoother.

Ideal for Home Use
Perfect for households needing efficient water softening solutions.

User-Friendly Design
Praised for its easy-tear opening and sturdy handle.
Key specs
- special feature:Softer water
- dimensions:12 x 12 x 12 inches
- color:3 Bags
- flow rate:N/A
- capacity:120lbs
8.5

Good

Our Rating
9

Morton Salt

(4 Pack) Water Softener Salt Crystals – Natural High-Purity Salt for Softer Skin, Reduced Buildup, Easy Cleaning – 40 lb Each Bag with Handle, 160 lb Total
8.4

Good

Our Rating
10

Tier1

Water Softener Alternative | Salt-Free Water Conditioner | TAC Scale Prevention | 600,000 Gallon Capacity, 5-6 Year Life | Whole House Water Filtration System | Tier1
8.3

Good

Our Rating

10 Best salt based water softeners of 2025

1

North Star NSC42 Water Softener | 42,055-Grain Capacity | AutoSense Salt-Saving Technology | For Homes With 1-6+ Persons | NSF Certified to Reduce Hard Water Scale (NSC4218)

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Aquasana SimplySoft® 40,000 Grain Water Softener - Whole House Hard Water Reduction - Base Tank & Cabinet System WH-SF40-BASE

3

Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Whole House Water Softener w/High Efficiency Digital Metered Control Head (48,000 Grains)

9.5

9.3

8.9

4

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

9.3

8.9

8.7

5

AO Smith Whole House Salt Free Descaler System - Works with City & Well Water Filters - 6yr, 600,000 Gl - Water Softener Alternative for Home - AO-WH-DSCLR

8.4

8.0

8.0

6

Tier1 Whole House Water Softener System 48,000 Grain High Efficiency with Sediment Pre-Filter | Pre-Filled Mineral Tank with 1.5 Cubic feet of Cation Resin | Home Water Filtration System

8.9

8.9

8.7

7

EcoPure EP42 42,000 Grain Water Softener | NSF Certified | Salt & Water Saving Autosense Technology for Whole House Soft Water Regeneration, Dark Gray

9.5

8.2

8

(3 Pack) - 40lb bags, Clean and Protect Water Softener Salt. Extends appliance Life; Reduces Hard Water Build Up

9

(4 Pack) Water Softener Salt Crystals – Natural High-Purity Salt for Softer Skin, Reduced Buildup, Easy Cleaning – 40 lb Each Bag with Handle, 160 lb Total

10

Water Softener Alternative | Salt-Free Water Conditioner | TAC Scale Prevention | 600,000 Gallon Capacity, 5-6 Year Life | Whole House Water Filtration System | Tier1

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