Best Water Softeners of 2022

Unlike a new pair of cozy slippers or a scented candle, a water treatment system isn’t something you run out and buy without extensive research. With any large appliance purchase, there will be countless models and features to deliberate over. It often feels impossible to choose, leading to “overchoice.” Overchoice is simply what happens when you’re presented with too many options and are unable to make decisions. 

Research shows that when a decision is made more difficult—for example, by adding time constraints or choosing products that differ from each other on many different variables that need to be evaluated—people experience greater  choice overload. Too often this is the case when it comes to substantial home improvement investments; it’s advantageous to have a water quality goal. It also helps to let the experts take the reins in evaluating options for you. Narrowing down the choices first, then picking a winner, makes the process less overwhelming and much more manageable. 

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’ve decided your home’s water may need a tweak. No matter where you live, or what your water source is, there will always be a certain level of hardness in your home’s water— from relatively harmless to potentially destructive. To make your job easier, we’ve reviewed some of the most popular and best water softeners for 2022, rated based on features, cost, and reliability.

5. KINETICO PREMIER 2060

MOST CUSTOMIZABLE

The Kinetico Premier 2060 is an on-demand, two-tank system boasting a generous flow rate and 45-minute regeneration cycle. One tank is always in service while the other is on standby or in a regeneration cycle, preventing any softened water shortage. Kinetico doesn’t offer up-front pricing, which is a dealbreaker for a lot of people. They also don’t allow for DIY installations, further driving a higher than necessary cost.

If you’re determined to install a Kinetico system on your own, you’ll be waiving your warranty. Kinetico will send a representative to your home to give you a consultation, then they decide the pricing based on the system, or combination of systems that you need. Kinetico has a large and loyal customer base, and they make a good product, but their higher price point can be prohibitive for many homeowners.

Pros: 

• High efficiency
• Simple design
• 10-year limited warranty
• NSF tested and certified
• Diverse range of options

Cons: 

• Difficult to get parts or service except from Kinetico 
• High price point

4. CULLIGAN AQUASENTIAL

MOST STANDOUT FEATURES

The Culligan name is well-known in water treatment, having been in business since 1936. Unfortunately, for such a well-established brand, their customer service is often found to be lacking. Reviews show customer complaints are aplenty, from excessive pricing to new equipment and warranty issues, as well as hidden fees.

On a positive note, the Culligan Aquasential uses patented smart technology to monitor water usage and quality. It adjusts the softener’s operation to ensure your unit’s performance remains consistent, and all water passing through is softened to a high standard. If reducing your carbon footprint is something you’re interested in, you can download the Culligan Connect app and use their “smart tracking” to set goals for water usage and track your progress.

The Culligan Aquasential softeners are also tested and certified by the WQA against NSF Standards 44 + 372 and CSA Standard B483.1 which guarantees effective reduction of hardness (calcium and magnesium), barium, and radium 226/228.

Pros: 

• Well-known company with brand longevity 
• High efficiency model 
• 30-day money-back guarantee 
• Offers a salt delivery and maintenance program 
• App-connected technology 
• NSF certified

Cons: 

• High purchase price and installation cost 
• No pricing available without a service call 
• Poor customer service 
• Only serviced by Culligan

3. Fleck 5600SXT

DIY AND USER FRIENDLY

The  Fleck 5600SXT is a 48,000 grain softening system designed specifically for residential use. Its advanced features and simple design for easy programming make it popular with homeowners, even those lacking tech skills. Its computerized flow meter is fully programmable and regenerates the system only as needed for maximum water and salt savings.

This model is made from durable materials, it’s backed by a 5-year warranty, and has a reputation for trouble-free performance. The Fleck 5600SXT is ideal for small to medium-sized households with up to 6 occupants. It provides standard efficiency and long-term savings when installed in an appropriately sized home.

A unique feature of the 5600 SXT is its internal capacitor which keeps your time set for up to 48 hours in the event of a power outage, making it truly a “set and forget” water softening system. Some basic plumbing skills should be all that is required for set-up and installation of this model.

Pros: 

• Set and forget system 
• User-friendly digital interface 
• On-Demand Metered Design 
• Solid State SXT Technology Control Valve 
• Can be purchased online 
• Parts are readily available 
• Good value for the money 
• Manufactured by a trusted brand 
• 10 yr warranty on the tank

Cons: 

• Not a high efficiency system 
• Requires more salt usage and wastes more water than high efficiency systems 
• Not equipped for large families, unable to handle high water flow rates 
• Control valve warranty only 5 years 
• Likely will need to be serviced

2. CLACK WS-1

MOST RELIABLE

The Clack company has been in the water business since 1946 when they first opened a water softener exchange company in Wisconsin. From there, they manufactured a new type of water control valve with proven durability and performance Clack products, like the Clack WS1 water softener, come equipped with timer controls, an automated softening process, and easy, efficient management of water flow. The Clack WS1 removes the hard minerals before they enter your home’s water system, eliminating any need to clean scale build-up.

This system has a simple mechanical design and is easy to service. The Clack WS-1 is metered, meaning it runs a regeneration cycle once a predetermined amount of water has been used up by the resin bed, effectively reducing water waste.

While an excellent product, Clack water softeners are also some of the most expensive on the market before installation fees, service fees, and general upkeep and maintenance costs factored in. Replacement control valves are also difficult to find; these are no longer sold online due to Clack’s issues with redistribution of their products by online retailers. Forcing you to only work with their authorized dealers.

Pros: 

• Consistent and reliable performance 
• Environmentally conscious 
• One of the easier water softeners on the market to service 
• Superior control valve technology 
• Excellent telephone customer support 
• Offers a variety of features 
• Longevity of system

Cons: 

• High price point 
• Only 5-year warranty offered on all Clack’s softener and filter controls 
• Standard efficiency valve, will use more water than a high efficiency water softener 
• Cannot purchase online 
• Difficult to find replacement control valves 
• Large footprint

1. GENESIS 2 DUO PLATINUM

BEST ALL-IN-ONE SOFTENER & FILTRATION

In your search for the most desirable system on the market, look no further than the  Genesis 2 Duo Platinum. This softener and filter in one isn’t just an investment in your home, it’s an investment into your family. The Genesis 2 Duo Platinum model packs the biggest punch for your money, and it’s the only whole home high efficiency water softener and filtration system in one. The Genesis 2 Duo Platinum utilizes the most advanced filtration media, KDF 85, along with highly durable 10% Aldex softener resin made in the U.S. and Canada. It’s a whole home water treatment system that removes hardness and filters chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals, making it the ultimate in softening and filtration of your water. This system uses a high flow control valve with a durable ceramic discs. With a lifetime control valve and tank warranty, you get the best warrantied softener and filtration system in the industry, worry-free. This one does it all: removes hard minerals, and provides safe, clean drinking water for your entire household. 

Pros: 

• High Efficiency 
• Virtually maintenance free 
• Dual use- softening and filtration 
• Best warranty in the industry 
• Upflow brining 
• Built for reliability 
• Excellent customer service and support 
• Provides safest drinking water

Cons: 

• Not made for high iron content removal 
• Higher upfront cost

Choosing Better, Softer Water

Sometimes, it’s deciding between the coolest new running shoes, or the TV with the sharpest picture. Other times, it’s a more considerable choice, when related to the water you use every day. If you’re faced with the challenge of deciding between water treatment systems, it’s always a good time to improve the water quality in your home. When it comes to shopping for water softeners in 2022, we don’t always have control over how many options we are presented with. But we can control our decision-making process. Without resources, it’s easy to end up abandoning the effort of making a choice altogether. The only wrong choice in water softening and filtration, is not to choose at all. Some fundamental knowledge of water treatment is all you need before you’re more than ready to find your perfect water softening solution.

To find the best water softener, take our water softener quiz and find the right system for your needs.