The 9 Best Salt-Free Water Softeners: Reviewed and Ranked (2024)

Knowing that salt-free water softeners can reduce the damage caused by hard water without using sodium or other harmful chemicals, finding the right one is critical. But with so many options, this is easier said than done.

To help you find the best salt-free water softener and prevent you from wasting your money, I spent six weeks testing products, scouring user manuals, checking in with existing customers, and comparing specs.

This brought me to the nine best salt-free water softeners on the market. Here they are:

1. SpringWell FutureSoft Water Softener Alternative: 9.76/10 

• Best performance
• Tank lasts 10 years

The SpringWell Futuresoft is my choice for the best salt-free water softener because it outperforms the competitors and can also treat water in homes with up to seven bathrooms. In other words, it’s the most effective and most versatile salt-free softener on the market.

Pros

SpringWell is an American brand with over 20 years of experience in water softening and filtration. I’ve reviewed SpringWell’s whole-house system before and found it extremely effective against contaminants, so I was not surprised by the exceptional performance of SpringWell’s water conditioner. 

Not all water conditioners come with a sediment pre-filter, but the SpringWell does. It’s pretty effective against sediment, silt, dust, and other unwanted solid unwanted matter. You’ll need to replace this every 6 to 9 months, but you’ll love that it doesn’t affect the water flow rate. 

Next, the Futuresoft salt-free softener renders the hardness-causing minerals calcium and magnesium ineffective with template assisted crystallization (TAC) technology. While your hardness level will remain the same, it’ll no longer damage your appliances and pipes. 

I like the consistent performance of the SpringWell Futuresoft salt-free conditioner comparable to salt-based systems, even if they’re considered superior to water conditioners. 

This is probably because SpringWell claims a better tank design than its competitors, which increases the contact time between hard water and filter media. This results in the efficient formation of calcium crystals, which doesn’t stick to anything, even under extreme temperature.

Salt-based systems, on the other hand, lose their effectiveness after a few weeks and you need to replenish them with more salt. That doesn’t happen with a salt-free system.

With Springwell, you can choose between three varieties, each catering to different water flow needs, ranging from 12 gpm to 20 gpm. So you won’t have to choose a water conditioner ill suited to the size of your home just to get the coveted SpringWell name.

The models are suitable for the following home sizes:

• 1–3 bathrooms
• 4–6 bathrooms
• 7+ bathrooms

I don’t know anyone who has more than three bathrooms, but if you do, hey, good for you — and there’s a SpringWell water conditioner for you.

The Futursoft water softener is easy to install, especially if you’re a bit handy with plumbing. It’s built with NSF-certified components and is virtually maintenance-free.

You’ll get your money’s worth out of the SpringWell Futuresoft salt-free conditioner. The tank won’t need to be replaced before 10 years, requiring zero maintenance. However, you must keep track of the sediment filter to avoid clogging. If sediment is a real concern with your well water supply, then consider a whole house sediment filter for well water.

The brand also offers a six-month money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves. And since SpringWell is an experienced, one-stop-shop for your water needs, you can add additional systems to your purchase, including UV purification, reverse osmosis, or its whole-house filtration that I mentioned above.

Cons

SpringWell’s salt-free water conditioner effectively treats city water, but it’s not the right fit for well water. That’s because well water has iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, which can seriously damage the filter media.

So, if you own a private well, you need to spend extra on a pretreatment water filtration system. You might want to consider SpringWell’s whole-house filter, which effectively treats well water. Or you can get a whole-house water filter and softener combo.

If your plumbing and water heater are relatively new, you’ll immediately see the positive effects of SpringWell’s salt-free system. Otherwise, in older, limescale-ridden pipes, you’ll experience a clean-out period first. 

Throughout the cleaning phase, the conditioner will slowly break down limescale and corrosion inside your pipes, faucets, showerheads, and heating elements, which may result in excessive spotting. But don’t worry, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t last more than 90 days. Once done, you’ll see significant improvement. So I’m not even sure this is a drawback, really. 

Overall

The SpringWell Futuresoft salt-free water conditioner is a reliable, eco-friendly, and effective solution for hard water. Not only can it treat limescale buildup and corrosion, but it can also restore damaged pipelines, effectively increasing the lifespan of your plumbing system. The initial investment may seem a bit pricey, but the long-term benefits outweigh the hefty cost. 

If you’re looking for a worry-free solution to your hard water problem, click “purchase” SpringWell’s salt-free softener today.

2. US Water Systems Greenwave Water Conditioner: 8.8/10

• Best flow rates
• Effective for up to 20 gpg of water hardness

The Greenwave water conditioner by US Water Systems, a reputable brand, is an effective solution for hard water at an affordable price.

Pros

Just like SpringWell, the Greenwave water conditioner comes with multiple flow rate options ranging from 10 to 25 gpm, though the higher flow rate ones are much pricier. They’re still cheaper than the SpringWell, if only by a few negligible bucks.

The bypass valve is much easier to install than the SpringWell bypass valve, since it attaches to the unit itself instead of connected pipes. The outer body is sleek and can fit right into tight spaces.

The US Water Systems’ Greenwave salt-free conditioner tank will last 4–6 years before needing replacement. It’s not quite as long as the SpringWell, but it’s far longer than a salt-based system. It comes with a lifetime warranty on valves and the outer body, and a four-year limited coverage on the filter media.

Cons

The Greenwave water conditioner’s installation was a bit tricky and may require a plumber’s help if you aren’t particularly handy. The connectors have a push-fit design, which only works if the pipes and the valves are aligned. Otherwise, you’re in for extra work. Also, the seemingly chrome exterior is just a shiny silver plastic covering that hides the inner filter. 

Plus, this conditioner doesn’t come with a pre-filter for removing sediment, so if your water has high sediment and you don’t have another filter installed before the water conditioner, the sediment content may end up damaging your water conditioner. However, you can upgrade with a pretreatment radial flow carbon filter for $80.

The brand claims to effectively condition hard water up to 80 gpg with a pretreatment system, but this is doubtful considering the highest hardness level in the US falls within 14 to 20 gpg. Probably a marketing gimmick. 

Overall

US Water Systems’ salt-free water conditioner offers good value for money. If you can set aside its hyperbolic claim of 80 gpg, its compact design and certified components make it an effective solution for hard water. You can learn more about this product on the website.

3. Aquasana Water Conditioner: 7.60/10

• Good performance but bulky
• Comes with a pre- and post-filter

Aquasana’s salt-free water conditioner has a smart dual-tank design that improves the overall water flow rate to 15.3 gpm.

Pros 

Aquasana’s WH-SFWC-S water softener uses a patented Scale Control Media technology that prevents limescale buildup. It can treat hardness levels ranging between 3–14 gpg, just falling short of my top two recommendations.

Apart from the main salt-free water conditioner, there is a pre- and post-filter as well, which purifies water. The pre-filter captures sediment, dust, rust, and other solid particles, while the post-filter acts as a polishing agent that further purifies water. 

Aquasana’s water filters have a signature dual-tank design, which improves the water and filter media contact and maintains a consistent 15 gpg flow rate. However, there is a caveat that I’ll discuss later.

It gives consistent performance through its life cycle, preventing appliances, pipes, and faucets from scaling. Aquasana salt-free conditioner is NSF certified and lasts for ten years.

The whole unit, including the pre-filter, post-filter, and installation kit, costs around $1,500, and annual replacements can add up to $100. Aquasana has a partnership with Water for Life, which offers a 15% discount on replacements for subscribers. Apart from that, there is limited warranty coverage on all their products.

Cons

I’ve previously mentioned how efficient the dual tank design is, but it does make the water conditioner taller, and when you include the two filters, it can be a bit space-consuming. So, it might not fit in smaller areas. 

Also, the pre-filters require a change every two months, which can be a bit of a hassle, although the replacement takes only a few minutes.

This system is not designed for high water hardness. If you have serious water hardness, look for a system that can condition higher than 3–14 gpg, like the SpringWell Futuresoft.

Finally, Aquasana does not explain how its Scale Control Media technology is superior to template-assisted crystallization, and that’s probably because it’s the same thing. It says on its website that it transforms “dissolved hard minerals into inactive microscopic crystal particles.” Yeah, that’s TAC.

Overall

Aquasana’s salt-free water conditioner has a high flow rate and pre- and post-filters, but it’s bulky and is better suited for milder hard water. Learn more about this product here.

4. Yarna Electronic Water Descaler 

Next is Yarna’s Water Descaler, which works on a different principle than previous softeners but still effectively treats hard water. It’s a small electronic device with metal coils that wrap around your main pipeline. Since the device is installed externally, flow rates remain unaffected.

The device sends electrical impulses inside the pipes, which prevents the calcium and magnesium from bonding, essentially getting rid of scale buildup. This technology means it works on both city and well water, unlike TAC conditioners.

It’s fairly easy to install and requires no plumbing work. The only limitation is you need a power socket close to the main plumbing line. Since there aren’t any moving parts, electric water descalers are long lasting. However, they’re susceptible to electrical surges like any other electronic device.

Yarna claims this device can treat any level of hardness, but in my experience, it works well within the 3 to 10 gpg range only. And it’s really only suitable for small houses. 

However, the Yarna Water Descaler is super budget friendly at a regular price of under $300. It’s a good alternative if you want a short-term or economical solution. For heavy-duty and long-term hard water treatment, I recommend SpringWell’s salt-free water conditioner. 

5. Kind Whole House Salt-Free Softener

Kind Water Systems is another TAC-based water-softening system with pleated filters that you can wash and reuse. However, I recommend replacing them completely once a year to avoid any unwanted bacterial growth. 

The brand claims to treat hard water up to 75 gpg, but as I’ve previously explained, these exaggerated numbers often don’t align with reality. Nonetheless, the Kind E-2000 can treat low to mild levels of water hardness in homes with up to six bathrooms. 

The flow rate lies somewhere between 10–15 gpg, which is decent but subpar compared to SpringWell and US Water Systems. 

Kind’s Salt-Free Water Softener is priced at just over $1,000, slightly less than my top recommendation. It comes with a 120-day “satisfaction guarantee” and easy installation and maintenance. However, if you experience severe hard water, this may not be the right fit.

6. iSpring Whole House Water Descaler

The iSpring ED2000 Water Descaler is another electronic descaler boasting a compact design that makes it easy to install. It works on a similar principle as the Yarna descaler, using electrical pulses to neutralize calcium and magnesium. And like the Yarna model, it’s most efficient for low to mild water hardness. 

Its effects are most prominent within 50 feet pipe length. For longer lengths, an additional device is needed down the line. Similarly, a multiple-story house requires an extra device for optimal results. 

What’s nice is that the iSpring ED2000 has high-quality circuitry and requires minimum electricity to run. At less than $150, it’s an economical solution to hard water, but for heavy contamination, you need a proper salt-free water conditioner. 

7. ‎APEC Water Futura-10 Salt-Free Conditioner

APEC Water Systems is a well-known American brand that manufactures many high-quality water filters, but its salt-free conditioner isn’t that impressive. The Futura-10 utilizes an advanced ceramic media to crystallize calcium and magnesium. 

It’s suitable for hardness up to 25 gpg, according to APEC, but it can only manage a small home with 1–3 bathrooms since it has a low flow rate of 10 gpm. For larger homes, you need to buy a different model with a higher flow rate than the Futura-10. 

To avoid unwanted clogging, it’s best to purchase the carbon pre-filter, which APEC implies is included, but it’s not. 

It’s easy to install, and the long cylindrical body doesn’t take up much space. However, the connectors needed extra tapping to block water leakage. The product is certified by WQA against NSF standards, so I don’t see any issues with product quality. APEC also has a charity program that’s really beneficial for the community. 

APEC Futura-10 salt-free water softener costs more than $1,110 at regular price, and it comes with a 10-year warranty and really helpful customer support. 

8. ‎AO Smith Whole House Descaler

AO Smith’s salt-free descaler is one of the most compact conditioners on my list, at only 27” in height. However, the lower footprint doesn’t make up for the fact that its effectiveness diminishes exponentially while treating very hard water (anything greater than 10 gpg). 

It has a life span of six years or 600,000 gallons of hard water. For this unit to be effective and long lasting, the brand recommends installing it with a pre-filter or a whole-house filter. The installation bit is more difficult than other descalers. 

Some online reviewers also complained about blue and white beads forming around the descaler. So, it’s best to add a post filter if you don’t want unnecessary clogging in your pipes. 

However, if you’re on well water, you’ll appreciate that descalers don’t come with the problems TAC conditioners do. They’ll work on city or well water.

AO Smith’s whole-house descaler is priced lower than $400 and has a six-year warranty. Though less expensive than a salt-free water softener, this descaler is pricier than the Yarna and the iSpring descalers, and it’s more suitable for medium-sized homes than those models.

9. ‎Tier1 Eco Salt-Free Water Softener 

Securing the last spot is the Tier1 Eco Salt-Free Water Softener, which is ironic considering its “Tier1” name. It’s good for small to medium households and can maintain a 10 gpm flow rate. I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy hard water contamination since its performance starts to diminish after 10 gpg.

Tier1 products are NSF certified, ensuring good quality. That said, their customer service has room for improvement, as they took quite some time to respond to my installation queries. 

The Tier1 Eco Salt-Free Water Softener is priced at just under $900 and has a lifespan of 10 years. The brand offers a limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee on the product.

If you’re wondering why this model is in last place, well, it’s enormous. The SpringWell Futuresoft is highly efficient and only 39 inches, including the head. The Tier1 is a whopping 54 inches. It’s just too big.

The Bottom Line

There are many salt-free conditioners out there, and they have similar designs and filter media, so choosing one isn’t easy. It’s really down to which one suits your needs the best. In the end, SpringWell’s FutureSoft is the most likely to meet the needs of most people. 

It’s good enough for severe hard water issues up to 15 gpg. The flow rate is also impressive and consistent. The entire system is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. 

It’s only suitable for city water without a pretreatment filter, but that’s true for all saltless water softeners. Since no water softener can remove dangerous contaminants from water, you should install a whole-house filter anyway.

The US Water Systems and Aquasana salt-free conditioners also come close and are good alternatives, but they won’t last as long as the SpringWell and they’re only suitable for smaller homes. 

If you can’t have a salt-based water softener for whatever reason, and you have a large house and moderately hard water, you can’t beat the SpringWell Futuresoft Salt-Free Water Softener Alternative.

Research Methodology 

Going through the ranking, you might be wondering how I managed to pull it off. So, I took time to list the exact steps to devise a research methodology that helped me find the best salt-free softeners in the market. 

Step 1: A big list of salt-free water softeners

As I started to visit local markets and online stores to make a list of salt-free water filtration systems, I noticed how most brands label their conditioners as softeners.

It’s false branding because salt-free systems only alter hard water elements chemically and don’t make it soft. But it is what it is, and that’s why I also used “conditioner” and “softener” interchangeably. 

I made a list of 12 popular salt-free conditioners that had a good online presence and sales. 

Step 2: Product analysis

Salt-free conditioners are generally less effective than traditional water softening systems and work quite differently. So, I came up with some parameters that best describe the conditioners to initially sort them.

• Hardness level 
• Flow rates and water pressure
• Pre-filters and post-filters 
• NSF/ANSI or WQA certification
• Ease of installation
• Costs
• Warranty 

Step 3: Online reviews

Next, I went through hundreds of verified online reviews on Amazon, Google, Angies, and Consumer Reports. It helped understand the public opinion about these salt-free conditioners. 

While the technology is all similar, the prices can run the gamut. It’s important to check these against customer service, warranty services, and flow rate to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Reading reviews can really help gauge how well all these aspects deliver.

And while one or two bad reviews might be bogus or isolated, I kept an eye out for repeated complaints across multiple platforms. That’s a big red flag.

Step 4: Interviews with real customers

Fake and bogus reviews are a reality of the internet, and sadly, many brands resort to such tactics for better sales. So, to keep it real, I contacted real customers and plumbers who have experience with salt-free water softeners. 

Thankfully, most were willing to share their experience. Talking to them helped me realize how many water softeners performed poorly in real life even though they had an attractive online presence. I included the new-found info into my ranking. 

Step 5: Interviews with companies

To maintain the utmost fairness in my reviews, I contacted the brands, engaging them in conversations about frequent customer complaints and the authenticity of their quality certifications. 

While some brands responded promptly and welcomed my critique, others declined to comment altogether. This process provided invaluable insights into the customer service ethos of each company.

Step 6: Test drives

Finally, the time came to put the salt-free water softeners to the test. Thankfully, each brand was willing to send a test unit over. However, it presented a challenge because salt-free water conditioners don’t actually reduce hardness like traditional water softeners, making standard hardness testing kits ineffective. 

I turned to Google for answers and discovered that a straightforward boiling test provided the simplest solution. 

Here’s how it works: I took two samples of water — one untreated and the other treated with the conditioner. As the water boiled away, the untreated sample left behind a crusty limescale residue, while the treated one did not. Although the process is somewhat tedious, it proved to be effective in assessing the conditioner’s performance.

So, I collected water samples regularly and employed the boiling water test to examine the conditioned hard water. It’s worth mentioning that my water supply is seriously hard, measuring about 12–15 gpg, which makes it a great sample for testing.

After weeks of rigorous testing, I had collected all the results. After considering all my criteria, I eliminated the conditioners and descalers that either didn’t work as well as the others, had prices that didn’t match their specs, or came from brands I didn’t find reliable. As a result, I reduced my initial list of 12 water conditioners to just 9.

Step 7: Ratings

Once I gathered all the data, I organized it in a spreadsheet and let the numbers speak for themselves. I assigned scores to key parameters that best reflected the performance of salt-free water conditioners. Here’s a summary of the criteria I used:

• Effectiveness in conditioning hard water
• Consistency in performance
• Flow rate
• Life span
• Ease of installation
• Maintenance requirements
• Cost and warranties
• Quality certifications
• Customer service

Best Salt-free Water Softener for Hard Water

The testing process was demanding, considering the challenge of determining chemical changes brought about by salt-free systems. However, it proved entirely worthwhile as the comprehensive testing allowed me to identify the best of the best.

At the top of my list for performance is the SpringWell Futuresoft salt-free water softener. Here are the standout features that make this hard water conditioner exceptional:

• Effective hard water treatment up to 15 gpg
• Cleans older limescale buildup
• Low maintenance requirements
• Durable and long lasting
• Minimal upkeep needed
• High flow rate
• Certified product
• Extended warranty 

If you’re seeking a salt-free system that can treat moderately hard water in a large home for a long time, then the SpringWell Futuresoft is my top recommendation. Get yours today and enjoy free shipping and an industry-leading warranty.

Do you want to delve deeper into the topic of water softeners? Explore the additional resources we’ve provided below:

• Best Water Softener Cleaner
• Best Water Softeners