Are you looking for the best compact water softener for your household needs? We understand that it’s a daunting task to choose any specific model with many specifications out of a crowded marketplace. People living in hard water areas have to face many challenges related to hard water as most of them cannot afford a reliable water softener. However, you can now easily find yourself the best compact water softener in 2023 that can be used in small households without any additional storage space.
Moreover, the demand for these compact water softeners is also growing daily, along with market competition. The marketplace is overflowed with tons of water softener brands, and choosing the right compact softener has become a lot more complicated.
In our buying guide, we will carefully review the top 8 best-selling water softeners along with important buying factors. Make sure that you are not skipping anything from this informational guide.
After getting customers’ reviews, analyzing compact water softeners consumer reports, and expert opinions, here are the top 8 reviewed compact water softener systems. You can choose any without any hesitation.
This double standard softener produces twice the gallons compared to the standard model and most user-friendly RV/Marine softener on the market. The OTG4-VM-DBLSOFT can be conveniently installed in the smallest apartments and offers an extended water storage capacity of up to 16,000 grains. Due to the improved taste and odor, it will prevent hard water and rust stains effectively. Moreover, this compact water softener will also help you save hundreds of bucks yearly as it will increase the lifespan of appliances.
The On the Go OTG4 doesn’t require any electricity or tools to operate as it utilizes a simple hose connection between the RV and the park faucet. It’s one of the most cost-effective compact water softeners, which only requires table salt regeneration every 40 days. This product can soften water more efficiently than conventional systems. It is about 40% more effective than other brands. The OTG4-VM’s efficiency rating translates to better savings. So, Less salt, less regeneration frequency, and Less hassle!
The back flash adapter facilitates the more efficient backwashing of the system in preparation for regeneration. This best small water softener is easy to use and there will be no better water softener for small spaces option than this.
Pros
Compact design and easy to use
Effectively removes 99% of the hardness.
Good for rough and dry skin.
Improved taste and odor.
Cons
Not suitable for large households.
Features like compact size, double standard capacity, 360-degree Swivel Head, Travel-Friendly Cap, and plug make On The Go OTG4-VM-DBLSOFTone of the top compact water softeners.
Are you looking for a budget-friendly compact water softener without compromising on quality? If yes, then Whirlpool WHES30E is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA, and is one of the few softeners that are actually nice to look at. So there’s no need to try and hide it in the back corner of your basement. The 30,000-grain capacity of this water softener will provide you with an endless water supply for up to 40 days without any maintenance. This small house water softener can easily remove 99% of the lead, radium, mercury, magnesium, and calcium.
This Whirlpool softening system regenerates on demand. It can easily calculate how much salt and water are required for a smooth regeneration process. The moment it senses that the salt level in the system is already low, it automatically kicks in to recharge the resin. This feature is perfect for people who may have problems adhering to a schedule. It also comes with NSF certification to reduce or completely remove the hard water symptoms such as scale build-up and stains.
The maximum tested level of water hardness that can be treated is 95 GPG. The WHES30E does not only remove magnesium and calcium. It also removes up to 8 ppm of dissolved iron molecules and this is highest among the compact water softeners available in the market.
Pros
Unique portable design.
It can automatically calculate water usage.
Ideal for removing stains from showerheads, faucets, and dishes.
Excellent storage capacity.
Cons
The backflush drain can leak if not installed properly.
Salt and water-saving technology and NSF certification make Whirpool WHES30E the best compact water softener product available in the market.
This best water softener for small spaces contains high-quality resin beads with a softening capacity of 16,000 gallons of hard water before the resin beads need replacing. Mobile-Soft-Water Softener is a compact system that does not demand plenty of space, thus ideal for recreational vehicles. However, what convinces most customers that this is the best portable water-softening solution as it effectively removes calcium, magnesium, and other hardness-causing metals from the water.
Moreover, featured on this model is a reinforced vessel, which can handle a high water flow rate and pressure. You can install it in your RV, or just carry it with you in the mountains as it regenerates without electricity. Moreover, the whole unit including a male hose connection is made with NSF 16-approved material which makes it extremely environmentally friendly. The system includes a brine tank, head assembly, and garden hose connection to connect with the main water supply. The brine tank has highly charged resin that softens almost 5 gallons of water in just one minute.
This smallest water softener combines a heavy-duty plastic and fiberglass tank with sturdy fittings that enable the system to handle high pressure. As far as the price tag of this water softener is concerned, it can be easily found in a very affordable price range.
Pros
Compact and portable.
Reduces the level of water hardness.
High water pressure with a low-pressure drop.
Reduce the amount of iron in water for improved rust protection.
Cons
Lacks proper hardware for installation.
Elimination of heavy metals, body made up of sturdy material and high flow rate makes Mobile Soft Water Portable Softener one of best compact water softening units.
The GE compact water softener doesn’t come with highly advanced features compared to other water softeners, but still one of the most budget-friendly options to consider. It’s a very efficient water softener that offers an extended ability to remove 95% of the heavy metals, including calcium, magnesium, etc. from the water.
The GXSF30V has easy-to-use clear-cut controls. Through these controls, you can deduce the hardness level of your water supply, the salt level, and when it needs to recharge. It also initiates the regeneration cycle. The GE water softener gives you the option to recharge whenever you want and set a specific mode for the softener. Above that, the GXSF30V is tested and certified against NSF Standard 44 for guaranteed hardness reduction and CSA Standard B483.1 for the inactivation of certain harmful substances (in case you plan to drink the water).
The water usage of this short water softener is also 20% less than most of the compact water softeners available in the market. The LED light indicator will also let you know how much salt and water has been consumed during the water regeneration process and how much is left. Overall, the GE Appliances GXSF30V Water Softener is an amazing option for anyone who is looking for a low-cost but efficient water softener.
Pros
Excellent space-saving design.
SmartSoft Technology.
Impressive high grain capacity.
Lightweight and portable design.
Removes radium, calcium, magnesium, and other heavy metals from the water.
Cons
Offers limited warranty.
GE water softeners are equipped with SmartSoft technology. This enables the unit to recognize your household’s water usage and capacity. Such features make it a top-rated compact water softener for houses.
Having clean water while you’re on the road in your RV or sailing on your yacht isn’t just a luxury. The OTG3NTP3M provides a noticeable improvement in water quality. It is an all-new model with a smaller and lighter design than any compact water softener. While it is a mini water softener, the OTG has efficient performance.
When it comes to the additional features, this softener carries a large mouth opening so that the addition of salt becomes easy and totally mess-free. Along with this, to provide you with an easy inlet hose connection it also features an inlet shut-off control valve with a high flow rate with a 360-degree swivel. Due to this shut-off high flow valve, the quality of water is slightly more improved as it gives a slow rinse to the water. The regeneration process is also easy. The wide-mouth opening makes it effortless to pour a box of ordinary table salt. The resin lasts a full 20 days before you recharge the system again.
It helps prevent embarrassing spots on dishes, rust stains, and scale build-up and eventually expands the lifespan of plumbing fixtures and faucets. The system also includes a hardness measuring kit to know the hardness level of your water.
Pros
A compact and lightweight design ideal for marine and RV use.
Efficiently removes hardness along with dirt, paint, and rust.
Includes hardness strip.
Uses ordinary table salt for regeneration.
Cons
Takes a bit longer time for regeneration.
Some parts are made of plastic.
Overall, this small portable water softener removes dirt, paint, rust, and scale. OTG3NTP3M is another example of their commitment to quality at an affordable price.
The EcoPure EPHS Conditioner is one of the few water conditioners available on the market that offers salt-saving technology. Due to this highly advanced feature, this automatic water conditioner determines how much salt and water is required for a smooth regeneration.
This EcoPure Conditioner can effectively reduce the hardness of water and harmful contaminants such as lead, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, and iron. The National Sanitation Foundation(NSF) has certified that this softener and filtration system meets stringent requirements for the removal of contaminants in drinking water. We liked the fact that this filter comes with an impressive technology called Demand Initiated Regeneration. It will monitor water usage.
Whether you live in urban or rural areas, this water conditioner will fulfill your every requirement with both city and private well water resources. The installation and maintenance of this small house water softener are super easy as it carries simple-to-operate electronics, you can control it manually as well as automatically. The system also features the ability to clean itself and an LED salt indicator light to let you know when the softener runs out of salt.
Pros
Reduces stains, and spots from dishes, showerheads, and faucets.
Equipped with Autosense technology to determine salt and water usage.
Easy to install and NSF Certified.
Compact and space-saving design.
Cons
The plastic construction of some parts.
Another worth mentioning feature is the low salt light in which you will be informed whenever the salt level runs low. What’s more, the filter will remove iron from the water even if it’s in a ferrous form. Such features make EcoPure EPHS Conditioner the best compact water softener unit.
The Aquasure Harmony Series reduces the water hardness up to 99% to prevent the limescale build-up in the pipes, faucets, and appliances. It’s a unique water softener that can specifically remove skin-damaging hard minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium from the water to prevent skin-related problems such as clogged pores and skin irritation. The digital flow meter is user-friendly and fully programmable.
The Aquasure Harmony Series unit features a digital electronic control option to make the operating process smooth and easier. You will also get plenty of other additional features, such as time-delayed and metered double backwash for extra cleaning, performance, and regeneration.
The softener features a digital electronic control head to make the operating process easier and more convenient. In addition to this, the system is equipped with high-quality premium charged prefilled resin, an in and out bypass valve, and a 1” NPT male adapter thread. This Compact Aquasure Water Softener includes both types of backwash controls: metered and manual to provide you with an optimized regeneration. In the end, it possesses the ability to automatically clean its brine tank.
Pros
Space-saving design with digital controls.
Prevents skin damage and has a good flow rate.
Optimized electronic controls.
Built with high-strength corrosion-resistant fiberglass.
Completely eliminates hardness-causing minerals.
Cons
Installation is a bit lengthy.
A large salt tank is heavy to move when full.
If hard water is a problem, a short water softener like the Aquasure Softening unit can restore your skin, make your dishes sparkle again and save you money in plumbing and appliance repairs. It’s a painless and worthwhile investment.
The AQUA+PRO RVF Water Softener is a reliable system that removes heavy metals from your water. It is as efficient as standard water softeners without demanding too much space. Small households will be happy to have this in their home. It’s equipped with high-flow ports to deliver minimum pressure drop and impressive 5GPM flow. The 16,000 capacity will provide you with an endless water supply for up to 40 days.
This small PRO AQUA Softener is designed to deliver maximum portability and durability compared to standard water softeners available on the market. The garden hose connections will make it easier for anyone to connect it between the park faucet and RV. However, this unit is fully assembled at the time of delivery, and it doesn’t require any tools or electricity to operate. Regenerating the PRO+AQUA is also never a problem. You can use ordinary table salt to regenerate the system. You will have your water ready in five minutes.
This portable small water softener is ideal for carpet cleaners and mobile car detail professionals due to its compact size and design. This Portable RV Water Softener is built professionally with high-grade NSF materials to deliver excellent results. Overall, the PRO+AQUA is the ultimate option to consider under this price range.
Pros
Versatile water softener for both city and well water.
Produces twice the gallons of water compared to standard softeners.
Easy and quick regeneration.
High rate of water flow for high-pressure applications.
Cons
The installation is difficult.
Pro Aqua Water Softener is designed for portability and durability. The standard garden hose connections allow it to easily connect between the park faucet and your RV, Boat, or Pressure Washer.
Buying any efficient water softener is a very daunting task because it requires a lot of concentration and care. However, we have done the comprehensive research work for you already, which will make it easier for you to make the right decision.
In our detailed buying guide about portable water softeners, we will list some most critical buying factors that are important to consider before purchasing mobile water softeners. Remember, the following factors will help you determine the best portable water softener without experience.
Types of Water Softeners
We all know that there are two different types of water regeneration processes used in water softeners. The salt-based water softeners are the most efficient ones to remove the hard water-causing minerals from the water effectively. However, we will not recommend you purchase salt-free water softeners as they cannot remove the minerals that cause water hardness.
Grain Capacity & Size
The grain capacity is one of the most worthwhile buying factors that you should never ignore before purchasing the best small water softener. Remember, hard water contains too many grains of dissolved minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and other heavy metals. The higher amount of grains in water decides its hardness level; that’s why you should always consider the grain capacity of a water softener system carefully before making any final buying decision.
The size of a compact water softener should be the same as per your requirements. First of all, we will recommend you measure the exact space where you want the water softener to be placed. Even if the compact water softener is slightly bigger than the installation place you have decided, it will cause a lot of trouble while working.
Water Flow Rate
The water flow rate is another critical buying factor. It helps to decide how much water flows through the ion exchange resin over some time. If we talk about the ideal water flow rate, it should be the same as the water flow rate in your house. Moreover, you can also decide the water flow rate as per your requirement, especially by considering the total number of people who will use the water at the same time.
Easy to Install & Low Maintenance
The installation process is one of the most hectic things when it comes to water softeners. However, most compact water softener systems offer very simple and quick installation. You have to be extra cautious while looking for the best water softeners in the market.
A reliable compact water softener should be very easy to maintain because high-maintenance water softeners often require large spaces. Moreover, low-maintenance water softeners will also let you save hundreds of bucks yearly that you will spend on routine maintenance.
On The Go offers reliability and softening capacity as full-sized conventional water softeners. On the Go water softeners have continued to be the only compact softeners with full-size capacities, while using less salt, less time, and less water to regenerate.
2. How much does a small water softener cost?
A small water softener system plus installation costs $400-1000 on average. DIY installs might run as low as $500 while large homes with high demand and a smart filtration system can pay $2,000 or more. Moreover, cost varies with features of softening unit and your needs.
3. Can I use a compact water softener for a large family?
No, a compact water softener is meant for small houses and small families. They don’t have much grain and water capacity to fulfill the needs of bigger families.
4. Does a compact water softener remove sulphur?
Generally, water softeners do not remove sulphur, but the ones which have 2 in 1 quality water softener and filter, are able to remove the sediments also. Some remove both sulphur and iron.
5. What is the smallest size water softener?
The Mobile Soft-Water Portable Water Softener is one of the world’s smallest, most tried, tested, and non-electric water softeners. It is the most popular choice for homeowners, delivering a constant supply of softened water. It eliminates heavy metals, the body is made up of sturdy material, and has a high flow rate.
We are quite hopeful that our detailed review of the best small water softeners will help you make the right choice. Remember, all the compact water softeners that we have discussed above have highly positive customer feedback. However, we recommend you go for the On To The Go OTG3NTP3M water softener as it’s a budget-friendly option without any quality concerns.
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.
Are you looking for the best compact water softener for your household needs? We understand that it’s a daunting task to choose any specific model with many specifications out of a crowded marketplace. People living in hard water areas have to face many challenges related to hard water as most of them cannot afford a reliable water softener. However, you can now easily find yourself the best compact water softener in 2023 that can be used in small households without any additional storage space.
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