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About This Guide
Unlike our hands-on water filter reviews, we haven’t directly tested the water softeners in this guide (yet). Instead, we researched a wide range of options and selected 8 systems based on specifications, popularity, third-party user feedback, and our prior experience with the brands. For each system, we evaluated:
- Key product features: Softening effectiveness and efficiency, ease of installation and programming (per the manual), everyday use, cost, and more.
- Real-world experiences: User ratings across multiple platforms, with fake reviews identified and excluded.
DIY Systems Only!
This guide covers DIY water softeners only – systems you can buy directly and install yourself, with no in-home consultations or professional installation required.
Our Top 3 Water Softeners at a Glance
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| USWS Matrixx Smart Metered Water Softener |
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| Aquasana SimplySoft |
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| Aquasure Harmony Series |
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8 Water Softeners Compared
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| Water Softener | USWS Matrixx Smart Metered Water Softener | Aquasana SimplySoft | Aquasure Harmony Series | SpringWell SS | Kind S-650 | DROP Smart Water Softener | APEC Hydro Express | Crystal Quest Whole House Water Softener | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Final Rating | 4.68/5.00 | 4.59/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.43/5.00 | 4.39/5.00 | 4.18/5.00 | 4.35/5.00 | 4.34/5.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Verdict (Best For) | #1 Overall + Made in USA (Resin Tank + Resin + Valve) | NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certified for Softening Efficiency | Budget Pick | DROP Hub (Key Feature Is Leak Protection) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comment | Up to 11.1 gpm for Larger Version Might Not Suffice for Very Large Homes | Not Affordable for Most People | Manual Says to Use a Licensed Plumber for Installation | Manual Says the System Must Be Installed By a Licensed Plumber or Qualified Contractor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buy Here | uswatersystems.com | 40,000-Grain Version: aquasana.com | Amazon | springwellwater.com | kindwater.com | dropconnect.com | 30,000-Grain Version: Amazon | crystalquest.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 60,000-Grain Version: aquasana.com | 45,000-Grain Version: Amazon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discount Code | BESTRO-5 – 5% Off! |
AQBOS50 – Up to 50% Off! |
BOS5OFF – 5% Off! |
BOS5OFF – 5% Off! |
BOS5OFF – 5% Off! |
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| Score Overview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Softening | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Usability | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CostsCost scores reflect overall value for money rather than price alone. | 4.89/5.00 | 4.94/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 3.88/5.00 | 3.47/5.00 | 2.38/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 3.68/5.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full Analysis | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PriceNo short-term sales. (May 19, 2025) | $1,399 to $1,895 (Depending on the Size You Pick) | $1,598 to $2,198 (Depending on the Size You Pick, Save 50% With Filter Subscription) | $489.50 to $799.99 (Depending on the Size You Pick) | $1,391 to $2,051.98 (Depending on the Size You Pick) | $1,783.27 | $3,225 to $3,936 (Depending on the Size You Pick) + Required DROP Hub ($352.75 Extra) | $549.99 to $649.99 (Depending on the Size You Pick) | $1,531.00 to $1,633 (Depending on the Size You Pick) + $50 for Metered Valve | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sizes | -MXX-100: 35,000 Grains, 10 gpm (Up to 3 Baths) -MXX-150: 53,000 Grains, 15 gpm (Up to 6 Baths) -MXX-200: 70,000 Grains, 20 gpm (Up to 8 Baths) |
-WH-SF40: 40,000 Grains, 11.02 gpm (Up to 4 Baths and 5 People) -WH-SF60: 60,000 Grains, 11.1 gpm (4+ Baths and 5+ People) |
-HS32D: 32,000 Grains, 10 gpm (1-3 Baths) -HS48D: 48,000 Grains, 15 gpm (3-4 Baths) -HS64D: 64,000 Grains, 20 gpm (4+ Baths) -HS72D: 72,000 Grains, (4-6+ Baths) |
-SS1: 32,000 Grains, 11 gpm (1-3 Baths) -SS4: 48,000 Grains, 13 gpm (4-6 Baths) -SS+: 80,000 Grains, 20 gpm (7+ Baths) |
-27,000 Grains, Up to 12 gpm (Up to 4 Baths) | -S-32: 32,000 Grains, 10 gpm -S-48: 48,000 Grains, 11 gpm -S-64: 64,000 Grains, 12 gpm |
-HE-30: 30,000 Grains, 17.6 gpm Peak Flow -HE-45: 45,000 Grains, 17.6 gpm Peak Flow |
-48,000 Grains, 9-11 gpm -60,000 Grains, 10-13 gpm |
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| Setup Process Incl. System Startup | -Should Be Straightforward Thanks to Detailed Instructions (Manual Includes Full Color Pictures) + Video -Smart Valve Can Be Connected to Android/Apple Device Via Bluetooth + Free Legacy View App for Programming |
-Should Be Straightforward Thanks to Detailed Instructions + Video -No Printed Instructions Included (Only Available Online) -Uses Simple but User-Friendly LCD Display -There Is No App to Program the Smart Valve |
-Should Be Straightforward Thanks to Clear Instructions (Manual Includes Full Color Pictures) + Video -Uses Simple but User-Friendly LCD Display -There Is No App to Program the Smart Valve |
-Should Be Straightforward Thanks to Clear Instructions (Manual Includes Full Color Pictures) + Video -Smart Valve Needs to Be Connected to Android/Apple Device Via Bluetooth + Free Legacy View App for Programming |
-Should Be Straightforward (Manual Doesn’t Include Full Color Pictures but There’s Video) -Smart Valve Can Be Connected to Android/Apple Device Via Bluetooth + Free Kind Water App (Seems Almost Identical to Legacy View App) for Programming |
-Should Be Straightforward (Manual Doesn’t Include Full Color Pictures) -Additional Steps Required Setting Up the DROP Hub and Connecting All Devices |
-Manual Says to Use a Licensed Plumber for Installation -Uses Simple but User-Friendly LCD Display -There Is No App to Program the Smart Valve |
-Manual Says the System Must Be Installed By a Licensed Plumber or Qualified Contractor -Uses Simple but User-Friendly LCD Display -There Is No App to Program the Smart Valve |
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| Everyday Use | -Should Be Straightforward -App Allows You to Monitor Current Water Flow, Water Usage/Peak Flow Today, Remaining Soft Water, Max Days Until Next Backwash/Regen Cycle, Average Daily Water Usage, Total Backwash/Regen Cycles, Total Gallons Treated and More -You Can Trigger Backwash/Regen Cycles Using App |
-Should Be Straightforward -Valve Shows Remaining Soft Water + You Can Trigger Backwash/Regen Cycles |
-Should Be Straightforward -LCD Display Shows Time of Day, Current Flow Rate, Volume/Days Until Regen, and More + You Can Trigger Backwash/Regen Cycles |
-Should Be Straightforward -App Allows You to Monitor Current Water Flow, Water Usage/Peak Flow Today, Remaining Soft Water, Max Days Until Next Backwash/Regen Cycle, Average Daily Water Usage, Total Backwash/Regen Cycles, Total Gallons Treated, and More -You Can Trigger Backwash/Regen Cycles Using App |
-Should Be Straightforward -App Allows You to Monitor Current Water Flow, Daily Water Usage, Remaining Soft Water, Total Backwash/Regen Cycles, Total Gallons Treated and More -You Can Trigger Backwash/Regen Cycles Using App |
-Should Be Straightforward -App Allows You to Monitor Current Water Flow, Peak Flow Today, Average Daily Water Use, Water Usage Today/Last 24 Hours, Brine Tank Salt Level, Remaining Battery Life -You Can Bypass Softener and Shut Off Water Remotely Using App -Water Meter Can Detect Excess Water Use (leak) and Shutoff/Bypass System -Real-Time Notifications, Texts, and Emails for All Kinds of System Alerts Incl. Long Flow (i.e. Running Sinks) or Leaking |
-Should Be Straightforward -Valve Monitors Normal Water Flow Rates, Peak Flow Rates, Days/Gallons Used Since Last Regen, and More -You Can Trigger Backwash/Regen Cycles |
-Should Be Straightforward | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Filter Replacements | -Pre-Filter Cartridges Should Be Easy to Replace | -Pre-Filter Cartridges Should Be Easy to Replace | -Pre/Post-Filter Cartridges Should Be Easy to Replace | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regen Mode | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) and/or Timer-Based | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | Metered (Saves Salt and Water By Only Regenerating When Needed) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regen Parameters | Required Backwashing Flow Rate: 2.0/2.4/3.5 gpm Duration: ~80-90 Minutes Under Optimal Settings Salt Usage: 6/9/12 lbs Under Optimal Settings Wastewater: 72/81/104 gal/Cycle Under Optimal Settings |
Required Backwashing Flow Rate: 2.4/3.5 gpm Salt Usage: 3/4.5 lbs |
Required Backwashing Flow Rate: 2/2.4/? gpm Duration: ~80-90 Minutes Under Optimal Settings |
Required Backwashing Flow Rate: 2.4 gpm Duration: ~80-90 Minutes Under Default Settings Salt Usage: 9 lbs Under Default Settings |
Required Backwashing Flow Rate: 1.5/2.0/2.4 gpm Salt Usage: 8.8/13.2/17.6 lbs (Factory Salt Setting) Wastewater: 78/90/117 gal/Cycle |
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| NSF/ANSI Standard 44 Certification for Softening Efficiency? | N | WH-SF40: 4,423 Grains Per Salt lb (3 lbs Salt Dosage → 13,269 Grains Capacity) WH-SF60: 4,543 Grains Per Salt lb (4.5 lbs Salt Dosage → 20,443 Grains Capacity) Certification, Performance Data Sheet |
N | N | N | N | N | N | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Softening Resin | 10% Cross-Linked (More Resistant to Iron/Chlorine) | 8% Cross-Linked | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pre/Post-Filters? | N | 20″ 5-Micron Melt-Blown Sediment Pre-Filter | N | N | 20″ 5-Micron Pleated Sediment Pre-Filter | N | N | 20″ Pleated Sediment Pre-Filter 20″ 5-Micron Carbon Block Post-Filter |
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| Valve Type | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | Programmable Smart Valve | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bypass Valve? | Y | Y | Y | Optional | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resin Tank Dimensions | 56.5/62.125/60.25″x9/10/12″ (Hx⌀, Incl. Valve) | 45″x10/12″ (Hx⌀, Incl. Valve) | 52/62/60/60″x8/10/12/12″ (Hx⌀, Incl. Valve) | 57/63/63″x9/10/13″ (Hx⌀, Incl. Valve) | 44″x10″ (Hx⌀, Excl. Valve) | 48/54/52″x9/10/12″ (Hx⌀, Excl. Valve) | 55/61″x9/10″ (Hx⌀, Incl. Valve) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brine Tank | 17″x35″x15″ (WxHxD), 220 lbs of Salt | 16″x33″x16″ (WxHxD), ~230 lbs of Salt | 15″x37″x15″ (WxHxD), ~160 lbs of Salt | 33″x18″ (Hx⌀) | 33″x16″ (Hx⌀), ~200 lbs of Salt | 33/33/40″x16/16/18″ (Hx⌀) | 13.4″x31.9″x13.4″ (WxHxD), 200 lbs of Salt | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Plumbing Connections | 1″ or ¾” | 1″ | 1″ or ¾” | 1″ | 1″ | 1″ | 1″ | 1″ or ¾” | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Feed Water Requirements | -No “Sand, Bacterial Iron, Algae, Sulfur, Tannins, Organic Matter, High Levels of Chlorine or Chloramine, Methane, or Other Unusual Substances” | -Max Hardness: 200 gpg -Max Ferrous Iron: 1 ppm -pH: 6.5+ |
-Max Hardness: 110 gpg -Max Chlorine/Chloramine: 2 ppm -Low/No Iron and Manganese |
-Not for Well Water Containing Sulfur/Hydrogen Sulfide, Oils, Iron, Manganese -Copper: <1.3 ppm -pH: 6.5-10.0 |
-Max Hardness: 50 (75) gpg -Max Iron: 7 ppm -Max Manganese: 1 ppm -pH: 6.5-9.5 |
-Max Hardness: 60/80(100 gpg -Max Ferrous Iron: 5 ppm |
-Max Chlorine/Chloramine: 2 ppm | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rated Pre/Post-Filter Life | 2 Months | 1 Year | Sediment Pre-Filter: 18-24 Months Carbon Block Post-Filter: 12-18 Months |
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| Maintenance CostEstimate is based on rated/claimed pre/post-filter life. No short-term sales. (May 19, 2025) | Sediment Pre-Filter Cartridges: ~$70 Per Year (Save 15% With Filter Subscription) | Sediment Pre-Filter Cartridges: ~$40 Per Year (Save 15% With Filter Subscription) | Pre/Post-Filter Cartridges: ~$36.5-52.5 Per Year (Save 5% With Filter Subscription) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product Warranty | 10 Years/Lifetime (Limited) 1-Year Satisfaction Guarantee |
Resin and Brine Tank: Limited Lifetime (10 Years, Softening Resin Excluded) Smart Valve: Limited Lifetime (5 Years) Pre-Filter Housing: 1 Year 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee |
Resin and Brine Tank: 10 Years Smart Valve/Electronics and Resin: 1 Year (5 Years Upon Product Registration) |
Resin Tank: Limited Lifetime (10 Years, Softening Resin Excluded) Smart Valve: Limited Lifetime (7 Years) All Other Parts: Limited Lifetime (10 Years?) 6-Month Satisfaction Guarantee (25% Restocking Fee) |
Resin Tank: Limited Lifetime (10 Years, Softening Resin Excluded) Smart Valve: Limited Lifetime (7 Years) Brine Tank: Limited Lifetime (5 Years) All Other Parts: 1 Year 120-Day Satisfaction Guarantee |
Resin Tank: 10 Years (Softening Resin Excluded) Smart Valve + Brine Tank: 5 Years DROP Hub, DROP Wireless Low Salt Alarm, Other Accessories and Parts, Brine Tank Components: 1 Year 6-Month Satisfaction Guarantee (25% Restocking Fee) |
Tanks, In/Out Connection Parts and Fittings: 5 Years Smart Valve: 1 Year |
1 Year (Limited) Performance Guarantee |
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| Claimed to Be Made in | USA (Resin Tank + Resin + Valve) | USA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (More) Features/Pros | -Backwash/Regen Cycles Are Adjustable Via App to Save Salt and Water (Talk to USWS Technician First!) -Chrome Cover Protects Tank Against UV Damage -Backup Battery Prevents Issues During Power Failures |
-Backwash/Regen Cycles Aren’t Fully Programmable -Standard-Sized Pre-Filter Cartridges Allow You to Go Off-Brand |
-Backwash/Regen Cycles Are Adjustable Via App to Save Salt and Water (Make Sure You Know What You’re Doing!) -Memory Backup Prevents Issues During Power Failures |
-Backwash/Regen Cycles Are Adjustable Via App to Save Salt and Water (Make Sure You Know What You’re Doing!) -Optional Tank Jacket Protects Tank Against UV Damage and Gives Unit a Nice Appearance Overall -Backup Battery Prevents Issues During Power Failures -Military and First Responder Discounts |
-Backwash/Regen Cycles Are Adjustable Via App to Save Salt and Water (Talk to Kind Water Technician First! -Tank Jacket Protects Tank Against UV Damage and Gives Unit a Nice Appearance Overall -Backup Battery Prevents Issues During Power Failures -Pre-Filter Cartridges Are Washable -Standard-Sized Pre-Filter Cartridges Allow You to Go Off-Brand |
-DROP Hub Coordinates DROP All Systems Throughout Your Home and Establishes Cloud Connection for Remote Access -Offers All Kinds of Additional Features Such As a Slow Leak Test -Backwash/Regen Cycles Are Adjustable Via App to Save Salt and Water (Make Sure You Know What You’re Doing!) -Optical Sensors Control Regeneration for Precise Performance -Backup Battery Prevents Issues During Power Failures |
-Backwash/Regen Cycles Are Adjustable Via App to Save Salt and Water (Make Sure You Know What You’re Doing!) -Backup Battery Prevents Issues During Power Failures |
-Optional Stainless Steel Tanks (Resin Tank, Pre-Filter, Post-Filter) for Durability | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (More) Cons | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | -Up to 11.1 gpm for Larger Version Might Not Suffice for Very Large Homes | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF/ANSI Certification for Softening Efficiency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frequent Complaints From Third-Party Customer Reviews | -Note: Not That Many Customer Reviews Yet | -Lackluster Customer Service | -Leaking -Overall Quality Issues -Incomplete/Malfunctioning Products Upon Arrival -Unresponsive/Bad Customer Service -Issues With Returns and Refunds |
-Missing/Damaged Parts Upon Arrival -Lackluster After-Sales Support |
-Note: Not That Many Customer Reviews Yet | -Note: Not That Many Customer Reviews Yet | -Unresponsive Customer Support | -Note: Not That Many Customer Reviews Yet | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Please note: This page is still a work in progress. Additional content and details will be added shortly – stay tuned!
About the Author(s)
Raoul has a background in mechanical engineering and has been writing about home water treatment since 2015. He designs our product review processes, analyzes the results, and ties everything together. As editor-in-chief, he tries hard to keep the whole operation running smoothly behind the scenes.