Nowadays, it’s pretty challenging to find pure water that can be utilized for both drinking and washing. Moreover, most water treatment plants only remove the excessive germs and bacteria inside the water without improving its taste. To remove the extra minerals present inside the water, you will need to purchase a reliable water conditioner for your whole house.
In the article, we will review the best-selling water conditioners available on the market. Remember, we have compiled this list of products after doing in-depth market research based on several factors such as customer satisfaction and the history of the manufacturer.
Table of Contents
Top Picks
Top Water Conditioner System Review
After getting customers’ reviews, expert opinions, analysis of water conditioner consumer reports, and research, here are the best water conditioner reviews in 2024. You can choose any without any hesitation.
1. iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler Water Conditioner
With this excellent iSpring ED2000 Whole House Water Conditioner, you will be able to solve most of the hard water problems without any excessive chemicals or salt. It’s a unique water conditioner that will keep the average amount of healthy minerals in the water and prevent scale build-up. It’s one of the most convenient ways to describe your house’s entire water system to avoid the scale build-up in the plumbing system, such as pipes and taps.
The iSpring ED2000 is specifically designed for hard water areas due to its remarkable working capacity. There will be no need for any plumbing modifications while installing this water conditioner because it works perfectly fine on any pipe, PEX, or even PVC.
It’s a cost-efficient water conditioner that will help you save a lot of money due to a significant electricity bill reduction. The iSpring ED2000 also comes with an extended 1 Year Warranty to secure your hard-earned money.
- Excellent water descaling capacity.
- Easy to Install and Keeps healthy minerals.
- Energy-saving and doesn’t require any chemicals.
- Perfect for hard water areas.
- A bit expensive product.
iSpring ED2000 is specially designed for hard water areas(10-19 grains per gallon) and for healthy hair and sensitive skin. Features like preventing scale buildup in pipes, saving energy, and extending the life of your appliances make it the best water conditioner for a home in 2024.
2. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System – Salt-Free Conditioner
The Aquasana is a high-performance filter system with a salt-free conditioner and carbon/KDF filtration to reduce the maximum amount of scale. This water conditioner works in a unique way in which all the healthy minerals are left behind while processing the water. Aquasana removes 97% of chlorine and reduces harmful contaminants like lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, etc
It’s a cost-efficient water filtration system that will purify a gallon of water for less than 0.01$. The maintenance cost of this Aquasana whole-house water filter system is also very affordable. There will be no need for any draining or back flushing while using this.
The Aquasana Water Conditioner works with Scale Control Media’s latest technology to condition the water without adding any salt/sodium to it. The only negative thing about this water treatment system is its expensive cost. However, we can fully assure you that after purchasing this home water conditioner, you can save hundreds of dollars yearly on plumbing costs and electricity bills.
- Water Filtration for up to 1 million gallons or 10 years.
- Removes 97% of the excessive chemicals.
- Prevents scale build-ups.
- Provides great-tasting water.
- Easy installation.
- Filters must require replacement after every three months.
- Expensive product.
Long lifetime, low maintenance cost, and Top-Grade Install Kit including filter tank, conditioner tank, 20″ pre-filter, and post-filter make it the best water conditioning system and filter system.
3. H2oEliteLabs EWC-Max i 0-35 GPG Electronic Water Conditioner
If you want to protect your entire plumbing system from excessive scale build-up, then this H2oEliteLabs electronic water conditioner will be the perfect choice for you. You can now easily protect the plumbing system of your house from limescale, calcium, and other minerals built up with this excellent water conditioner.
The H2oEliteLabs will help you eliminate most of the hard water problems as it provides a chemical-free and salt-free water supply uninterruptedly. The Efficiency of this water conditioner is also very remarkable because it will reduce the water consumption in most electric appliances such as washing machines, coffee makers, etc.
With this H2OEliteLabs Water Conditioner, you will save time and money by reducing the usage of cleaning products. Another fantastic thing about this Water Conditioner is its wall mounting option which allows you to mount this unit on the wall without wasting floor space. Overall, it’s a wonderful option to consider due to its compact size and water quality at a very reasonable price range.
- Compact Size and Affordable.
- Salt-free and Eco-Friendly.
- Prevents limescale build-up.
- Suitable for most plumbing systems.
- It can be used indoors only.
This electronic water conditioner protects the entire plumbing system and improves its working efficiency. However, H2oEliteLabs is a University, laboratory-tested, and Certified water descaler.
4. AO Smith Whole House Water Filter System
The AO Smith is a unique water system that delivers excellent performance by reducing 97% of chlorine from the water. This water conditioner will provide you with the cleanest water for everyday use without disturbing its original taste. Remember, this water filter system will remove the water’s harmful chemicals that cause hardness to prevent excessive drying and several other health conditions.
When it comes to storage capacity, this water filter system is an excellent choice for an entire household with over four people. It’s a cost-efficient option that can easily filter 600,000 Gallons of hard water or can last up to 6 Years without filter replacement. Moreover, the simple DIY installation of this water conditioner is another plus point of this product. You can add a Sediment Filter to reduce turbidity and particulate before central filtration occurs.
You can also add a Sterilight UV filter as a safeguard to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Perfect for homes with private well water. However, it is reliable for sensitive skin and hair. AO Smith is pretty reasonable and justified compared to most of the water conditioners available on the market.
- Reduces 97% of the chlorine taste and odor.
- Easy to install.
- 600k gallons without filter replacement.
- Perfect for hair and skin.
- Built for city or well water.
- Poor Customer Support Service.
Usually, Well water is among the most difficult water supplies to deal with, and out of all the systems that we have reviewed, this is the best one that we have found. Overall, the AO Smith salt-free conditioner is among the most reliable systems we have seen.
5. APEC Water Systems FUTURA-10 Salt-Free Water Softener & Conditioner
The APEC Water Systems FUTURA is the most suitable water softener and conditioner for 1-3 bathroom homes. It’s a very different water softener that prevents scale build-up in the pipes and extends the lifespan of pipes and other home appliances. The installation process of this APEC Water Softener is easy. This water softener’s maintenance cost is almost nil as it doesn’t require any electricity or backwash drainage to work.
Due to this water softener’s pure, clean water, and soft water, you will never experience any hard water spots on the cars, windows, and dishes. The APEC FUTURA works differently from most water softeners that use salt-based methods to remove hardness-causing minerals from the water. The APEC Water Softener uses the latest technology in which all the minerals are neutralized by converting them into scale-resistant crystalline.
It’s a unique water filtration system that provides long-lasting protection to the plumbing system and appliances. Moreover, it’s also straightforward to install as it can be conveniently connected to your house’s main water supply.
- Easy to install.
- Safe for plants, pets, infants, and people.
- Cost Efficient.
- Extends the life while reducing the maintenance of icemakers, coffee machines, dishwashers, etc
- No Reported drawbacks.
Better for heart and cardiovascular health when compared with traditional salt-based water conditioners. Futura also reduces hard water spots on glasses, bathtubs, mirrors, tiles, cars, or any plumbing fixtures- makes all your cleaning and scrubbing much easier
6. Hardless NG3 Whole House Water Filter and Water Conditioner
The Hardless NG3 Whole House Water Filter and Water Conditioner deliver a clean and fresh water supply to the entire household through its 5-stage system. Due to its advanced filtration system, you will get a pure water supply free of odor, arsenic, and sediment levels.
The installation of this Hardless NG3 Water Conditioner is also quite simple. It can be flawlessly connected to your house’s main water supply without any need for individual filters. As we all know, hard water causes limescale build-up in the plumbing system; this water conditioner efficiently prevents the build-up of water spots without any hassles.
There isn’t any other space-saving option available on the market other than this NG3 Water Conditioner when it comes to design. Moreover, you can also avoid most of the problems related to hard water, such as dry skin, hair, and many others.
The maintenance of this water filter system is also speedy and super easy. There is no need to dismantle the entire conditioner for cleaning as you can specifically scrub off the dirt or any limescale build-up through the flushing valve.
- Provides cleaner-tasting water.
- Less maintenance and Compact design.
- Meets NSF and IAPMO Safety Standards.
- Helps with skin, hair, and laundry problems.
- Great value for the money.
- Expensive installation.
Hardless NG3 reduces hard water spots on shower doors and countertops – cleaning will be a breeze. Features like no loss in pressure, no wastage of water, salt-free, low cost, and compact design make Hardless NG3 Conditioner the best product in 2024.
7. Clearwave 46100000 Water Conditioner
Now have a look at the Clearwave water conditioner review, the most trusted and reliable water conditioner brand. The Clearwave delivers high-quality performance and durability. It generates a series of electromagnetic waves that affect hard water particles so that they are unable to stick to each other, pipes, or fixtures. These enhanced microscopic particles then contact the existing scale and cause it to loosen, break down, and dissolve.
It removes 99% of the limescale build-up in your house’s plumbing system. Due to its remarkable capacity, you will be able to save thousands of dollars yearly on plumbing damage as there will be no issues related to fixtures, faucets, pipes, and many other plumbing appliances.
Moreover, this water softener is quite simple and easy to maintain due to its compact design and size. This water conditioner doesn’t use any chemicals or salt. The price range is also very reasonable and justified compared to most of the products. However, the result of using this water conditioner might show up after some time of regular usage, so don’t expect an overnight miracle before purchasing this product.
- Prevents limescale build-up and removes existing scale
- Environmentally friendly and affordable price tag
- Increases the lifespan of plumbing systems.
- Salt-free and What I Don’t Likeume Less Water.
- It takes a little bit more time to work efficiently.
The ClearWave is maintenance-free, environmentally friendly, and uses less water than traditional water softeners. It works on all types of pipes including copper, PVC, galvanized, and stainless steel. Moreover, icemakers, dishwashers, washing machines, boilers, humidifiers, swimming pools, and water heaters are included applications.
8. P3 P7920 Chemical-Free Water Conditioner
Prevent limescale buildup in pipes and appliances Limescale buildup is a serious problem in any household with residue that can become as hard as stone, causing a decrease in water pressure and showerheads to spray in every direction. Your pipes and appliances may clog with deposits requiring expensive solutions.
The P3 P7920 Water Conditioner helps to reduce limescale buildup without using any chemicals. Compact, cost-efficient, and maintenance-free, it slides over any water pipe. You can now save hundreds of dollars yearly due to fewer plumbing repair costs, thanks to the P3 P7920 Water Conditioner that will prevent damage to your pipes and plumbing system.
If we compare it with some other salt-based water conditioners, you will be amazed to know that it offers twice better performance. Moreover, it can easily fit any standard 3/4-inch water pipe. However, the only drawback of this product is its weak magnet strength.
- Easy to install and maintenance-free.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Help reduce limescale buildup in water pipes.
- Uses ceramic ferrite magnets to polarize salt molecules in hard water.
- Poor magnet strength.
P3 Water Conditioner does not require any salt or chemicals. Moreover, it doesn’t affect the taste or health benefits of water. So, P3 is the best magnetic water conditioner.
9. HydroFLOW S38 Electronic Water Conditioner & Softener
Nowadays, many new manufacturers have entered the marketplace of water softeners and conditioners. However, the HydroFLOW S38 Water Conditioner is quite different from the new arrivals in the market. It uses Hydropath Technology specially designed to reduce the hardness causing minerals in the water to prevent the limescale build-up for the protection of the plumbing system.
The Easy Installation of this HydroFLOW S38 Water Softener will save hundreds of dollars in plumbing costs and eliminate the need for plumbing modifications. It’s an entirely chemical and salt-free water conditioner where you don’t have to purchase any salt bag to make it work.
Another noteworthy thing about this HydroFLOW S38 is that it can be easily connected to different pipe types. Moreover, the five-year limited warranty of this HydroFLOW S38 will cover any failures or defects in the product to secure your hard-earned money.
This water conditioner’s operating cost is less than a dollar per year, almost free compared to electric-powered or salt-based water conditioners. Overall, it would be a smart choice to consider this HydroFLOW S38 Water Conditioner to extend the lifespan of your electric appliances.
- Dissolves and removes existing scale.
- Propagates the Hydropath signal along with the entire water system.
- Boosts filtration efficiency and deactivates bacteria and algae.
- Significantly reduces corrosion & Reduces energy consumption.
- Non-intrusive and easy to install – no plumbing modifications required.
- Not capable of handling large households.
HydroFlow S38 is designed to protect standard-size homes from the harmful effects of scale. Also recommended for commercial kitchen equipment and steamers as well as appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and to make limescale-stained taps, sinks, and surfaces easier to clean.
10. Magnetic S-10200 Water Conditioner – Magnetic Water Treatment
The Magnetic Water Conditioner uses the unique and latest hydro-magnetic technology to reduce the water’s hardness. It doesn’t require any salt or chemicals for water treatment like most water conditioners available on the market. The Magnetic Water Conditioner installation is also effortless and super quick in less than 2 minutes without using any tools. Moreover, there will be no need for any plumbing modifications while installing this water conditioner in your household.
Its advanced technology solves most of the hard water-related problems without disturbing the natural taste of water. You can now save thousands of bucks yearly with this water conditioner due to a reduction in limescale build-up in the pipes and plumbing system. Another great feature is that this model can be used together with a salt-based system if you want to. Also, it’s powered by nature and doesn’t need any electricity. Therefore you’re saving a lot of energy and money with this device. And it’s easy to install it.
However, the only drawback of this chemical-free water conditioner is its storage capacity, which is not enough to handle large households’ needs.
- Budget-friendly and economical choice.
- Portable to fit small spaces, easy to carry.
- Treated water is good for skin, hair, and pipes.
- Powered by nature with the newest hydro-magnetic technology.
- An easy installation process that anyone can handle.
- Doesn’t suit big houses with extensive water treatment systems.
We love this Magnetic Conditioner; because it is energy-saving, no electricity is needed to operate it. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of softening water by enhancing its molecular structure.
What Is A Water Conditioner?
A water conditioner is a special form of a water treatment system that is an excellent alternative to a water softener. Water conditioners are widely used to reduce or remove contaminants and several harmful minerals present in the water, such as chlorine, chloramines, and several other toxic compounds. Moreover, there are two different types of water conditioners available today with different working mechanisms. A salt-based water conditioner uses salt or some specific chemicals to reduce the minerals in the water. On the other hand, a salt-free water conditioner works without any salt or chemicals.
If we talk about water conditioners’ uses and benefits, they are primarily used to prevent limescale build-up from the plumbing system caused by hardness-causing minerals. Moreover, water conditioners are also very beneficial and healthy for the skin, hair, and scalp as they prevent dryness.
Check Out: Water Conditioning Reviews in the UK
How Do Water Conditioners Work?
The working of a water conditioner depends on the technology which is used in it for water treatment. When it comes to salt-free water conditioners, they use a particular type of resin bead, called template-assisted crystallization or TAC media, to reduce the number of minerals present in the water. In comparison, salt-based water conditioners filter out the chemicals and several other hardness-causing compounds such as chlorine, VOCs, and many others to improve water quality and taste.
What Are The Different Types of Water Conditioners?
Water Conditioners are divided into multiple types. However, the purpose of these water conditioners remains almost the same, but their results might differ.
- Electromagnetic Water Conditioners.
- Electrical Induction Water Conditioners.
- Template-Assisted Crystallization Water Conditioners.
- Electrolysis Water Conditioners.
- Magnetic Water Conditioners.
- Salt-Based Water Conditioners.
Check Out: Best Electronic Water Descalers in 2024
Benefits of Water Conditioner System
Following most noteworthy advantages and disadvantages of using a home water conditioner.
Zero Maintenance and Operational Cost
If you are using a salt-free water conditioner, it will cost you almost zero yearly maintenance and operational costs. As we all know salt-free water conditioners don’t require any salt or chemicals to work, that’s why there will be no need to spend money on anything to make it work.
Healthy
One of the most common and popular advantages of using a water conditioner is related to health. The reduced amount of minerals in your household water supply will prevent skin, hair, and scalp dryness. A reliable water conditioner will reduce hardness, causing minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the water to provide you with healthy and pure drinking water.
Increases the lifespan of Household Appliances
We all know that limescale build-up is the most common problem caused by hard water due to excessive minerals. However, while using a reliable water conditioner, there will be no need to replace faucets, showerheads, and plumbing equipment due to limescale build-up damage. You will also save hundreds of bucks yearly by purchasing a water conditioner.
Reduction in Electricity Bills
Suppose you are worried about the increasing electricity bills caused by any water treatment system. In that case, you will be amazed to know that a water conditioner uses zero or very minimum electricity to work. Many water conditioners are available on the market that operates perfectly well without using any electricity and few ones use very little electricity without raising your energy bills.
Reduces Cleaning Cost
It doesn’t matter whether you are using soap for taking a shower or any detergent for washing; you can now effectively perform these cleaning tasks while using less soap and detergent. As per our research, you can save up to hundreds of dollars yearly with a water conditioner in cleaning costs alone.
Check Out: How to avoid leaking water conditioner or softener?
Disadvantages Of Water Conditioning System
Even though there aren’t any disadvantages to using a water conditioner, there are still a few drawbacks that might be less concerning for most buyers.
Higher Price
The price range of an average water conditioner usually starts from 300$ to 1000$, which is not affordable for many of us. However, it might not be a severe drawback or disadvantage; but still, it was our duty to mention it here.
Minor Health Effects
Even though water conditioners are perfectly healthy for everyone, reducing minerals such as calcium and magnesium may trigger some deficiencies in our bodies.
Check Out: Water Softeners for Small Places
Buying Guide of Water Conditioner System
Although we have briefly discussed every aspect of water conditioners above, here is the complete list of all those buying factors you must consider before purchasing a water conditioner.
Easy Installation
The installation process is one of the most challenging things about water conditioners. Before purchasing a water conditioner, you should first check whether the plumbing cost and process are reasonable or not.
Price
Price is another critical buying factor that cannot be ignored at any cost. You must consider those particular water conditioners in your priority list that come under a reasonable price tag. Never go for too expensive and too cheap products as you will suffer in the future due to their poor quality and operational cost.
Capacity
Size or capacity is a critical buying factor because it helps to serve your household’s needs. If you are going for a portable and compact water conditioner will be good for a family of 1-5 persons. However, the household varies from family to family. Moreover, you should also read the complete manufacturer manual of a water conditioner and check its capacity before buying it.
Durability
Durability is the most worthy buying factor that no one can ignore while purchasing a water conditioner. You should check the durability report of any water conditioner first before making any final decision of purchase. Otherwise, a low-quality water conditioner will increase the maintenance cost. There are several ways to judge any water conditioner’s durability, such as reading Amazon customer reviews or contacting someone who has already bought that specific product that you are interested in.
Type
As discussed earlier, water conditioners are available in several types, such as salt-free water conditioners and salt-based water conditioners. Each type has its pros and cons, so you must choose the best water conditioner first according to your requirements.
Manufacturer/Brand
Always choose trusted and reputable manufacturers or brands when it comes to buying a water conditioner. There are many new manufacturers in the market that are offering poor-quality products. You should always check the complete history of a manufacturer first before making any buying decision about it.
Check Out: Top 10 RV Water Softeners in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are water conditioners worth it?
Yes, water conditioners are worth it as they neutralize unwanted metals and chlorine, and break down chloramines, effectively rendering tap water safe in one easy dose. They make water usable for different purposes e.g. washing clothes, plates, drinking, etc.
2. How long do water conditioners last?
Good water conditioners can last for 10 – 15 years, without proper maintenance and service, they will not last forever. They are actually not meant to last forever, but proper care measures can ensure the lifespan of your water softener is extended to its full capacity.
3. Do water conditioners work as well as water softeners?
Water Conditioner alters hard water minerals but doesn’t remove them. Whereas, a water conditioner will reduce the scale. But a water softener will eliminate scale from calcium and magnesium by using salt in the regeneration cycle.
Read More: Water Conditioner vs Water Softener
Final Verdict
After reading our complete buying guide about the best water conditioners, we hope you have probably known everything about the best products available in the marketplace. However, you should never rush while making any decision without studying it intensely. We have tried our best to explain every piece of information relevant to salt-free water conditioners and salt-based water conditioners. Now it’s your job to make the perfect decision accordingly. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to comment below.
Steve Smith is a United State Licensed Plumber with over 18 years of plumbing experience. Steve has conducted residential and commercial plumbing jobs throughout the state and currently works for one of California’s largest plumbing companies. When he’s not working, Steve enjoys spending time with his daughter and son.
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