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About This Guide
Unlike our hands-on reviews of water filters, we haven’t directly tested the water softeners in this guide (yet). Instead, we carefully researched numerous options, selecting 8 systems based on specs, popularity and 3rd-party user feedback, and our familiarity with the brands from previous reviews. Evaluating each water softener, here’s what we did:
- Key product features: We considered softening effectiveness & efficiency, ease of installation and programming based on the manual, everyday use, cost, warranties, etc.
- Real-world experiences and satisfaction: We checked user ratings across multiple platforms which also involved identifying and ignoring fake reviews. We took all the information in but focused on frequently upcoming issues.
DIY Systems Only!
This guide focuses exclusively on water softeners you can purchase directly and install yourself – no appointments, in-home consultations, or professional installation required.
Our Top 3 Water Softener Picks 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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Our Full Analysis of All 8 Water Softeners
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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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected Softening Performance (Based on Product Info) | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected Usability (Based on Product Info) | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Costs | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Price (May 19, 2025, No Short-Term Sales) | $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 Cost Based on Rated Pre/Post-Filter Life (May 19, 2025, No Short-Term Sales) | 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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| (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 -Resin, Resin Tank, and Valve Made in USA |
-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 -Made in USA |
-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 Certification for Softening Efficiency | -Up to 11.1 gpm for Larger Version Might Not Suffice for Very Large Homes | -No NSF Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF Certification for Softening Efficiency | -No NSF 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.