The 5 Best Water Softeners of 2023

Best Overall

GE GXSH40V Water Softener

4.6

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"Smart" and "efficient" are two ways to describe the functionality of this popular whole-house water softener. The GE GXSH40V has a 40,200-grain capacity—sufficient for typical four-person households. It features GE’s SmartSoft technology, which allows the system to detect water usage patterns and optimize regeneration schedules so that softened water is available during peak periods of usage such as during your family's morning shower rush or at dinnertime. Regeneration takes about two hours and uses 37 gallons of water. 

Its advanced features aren't the only thing that makes this water softener our top pick. This model only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to install, which is much less time than other water softeners on the market. At 14.4 by 22.4 by 47.6 inches, it's likely small enough to fit in your laundry room or water closet.

One of the most unique features of the GE GXSH40V is its blending valve, which allows you to adjust the hardness of your water to match your needs. Using the digital controller, you can adjust water hardness levels, conserving salt usage or increasing water softness to suit your preference. The controller will also provide you with a "Days to Empty" indicator, giving you an at-a-glance view of when it’s time to add more to the 230-pound capacity salt bin. 

This water softener not only delivers on its promise to remove iron and grains from your water, but its smart technology almost anticipates your needs, which is why it's our top pick.

Price at time of publish: $649

_{Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 40,200 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 126 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: About 2 hours using 37 gallons of water | Ideal Household Size: 4 people}

Best System

GE GXMH31H 30,000 Grain Water Softener and Filter in One

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When paired with water filtration components, a water softener system can reduce the mineral content of your water while also improving the smell and taste of your drinking water. The GE GXMH31H Water Softener and Filter in One accomplishes both purposes with one compact set-up. 

This water softener system is capable of reducing hard water up to 120 grains per gallon and can filter 31,100 grains before regeneration. Regeneration can be time-intensive, taking between 105 and 152 minutes, and it also requires a hefty amount of water (54.7 gallons) when compared to similar softeners. On a positive note, many users have reported it runs quietly.

In addition to softening water to your preferred hardness using a custom blending valve, the GE Water Softener and Filter in One reduces chlorine taste and odor in your water. 

Price at time of publish: $499

_{Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 31,100 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 120 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 105-152 minutes using 54.7 gallons of water | Ideal Household Size: Not listed}

Best Portable

On The Go Portable Double Standard Water Softener

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The On The Go Portable Double Standard Water Softener is the best option for RVs, boats, buses, or any other situation where a water softener needs to be compact and movable. This water softener has a 16,000 grain capacity, which is the lowest capacity of any of our recommendations, but it makes up for it with a straightforward regeneration cycle that takes less than 30 minutes and uses two boxes of table salt. Regeneration is made even easier thanks to the system's large, open mouth. Depending on how hard your water is, the On The Go has a high enough grain capacity to provide between 640 and 1,600 gallons of softened water in between regenerations.

True to its name, the On The Go has a number features that make it ideal for travelers and anyone likely to uninstall and reinstall the unit in multiple locations. In addition to its 22-by-9.5-inch design, it has a carry handle on top, plus a cap and plug to prevent leaking during travel. It also uses a standard hose connection and requires no tools to install.

With a flow rate of 3 gallons per minute, this water softener is more than capable of keeping up with an RV or marine shower. It also comes with hardness test strips, hose adapters, and a cradle base for stable installation. On The Go also offers a smaller Portable Standard Water Softener, without about half the capacity, but we believe it's worth the upgrade for the extra capacity.

Price at time of publish: $250

_{Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 16,000 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 58 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 24-30 minutes | Ideal Household Size: Mobile, RV}

Best for Well Water

Aquasure Harmony Water Softener with Fine Mesh Resin for Iron Removal

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A water softener for well water is typically equipped with an iron filter. This additional filter helps to address the specific needs of homes supplied by well water and reduces the presence of iron and rust stains on sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Aquasure’s Harmony series is outfitted with fine mesh resin that captures minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It has the ability to filter water with a hardness up to 110 GPG. Choose between water softeners with the capacity to filter 32,000, 48,000, or 64,000 GPG before regeneration is needed. The regeneration cycle uses 40 gallons of water and lasts 98 minutes. Regardless of the size tank you choose, the Aquasure has a digital control console that monitors water consumption and regulates the frequency of regeneration. 

Price at time of publish: $579

_{Type: Salt-based | Grain Capacity: 48,000 | Maximum Hardness Removal: 110 GPG | Regeneration Cycle: 98 minutes using 40 gallons of water | Ideal Household Size: Up to 5 people}