Spec comparison
Water Softener & Filter Comparison
Every model we cover, grouped by type and cheapest first, with key specs from each maker's own page and our verdict.
Reverse osmosis (9)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Water RO10M (RO System - Modern Chrome Faucet) Reverse osmosis (under sink, 5-stage, 100 GPD) | Capacity: 100 GPD; 5 stages Tank: 3.2 to 4 gallons Drain ratio: 1 to 4 gallons to drain per gallon produced (the brand gives different figures) | $206.99 ($196.65 with the replenishment subscription) | ||
| iSpring RCC7AK Reverse osmosis (under sink, 75 GPD) | Capacity: 75 GPD Stages: 6-stage, with alkaline remineralization Tank size: 3.2 gal | Cheapest with NSF/ANSI 58 | $239.99 | Guide |
| Frizzlife PD600-TAM3 Reverse osmosis (under sink, tankless) | Capacity: 600 GPD Stages: 8-stage, with alkaline stage Drain ratio: 2:1 pure-to-drain (maker's claim) | Best all-round tankless | $399.99 | Guide |
| Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse osmosis (under sink, tankless, 600 GPD) | Capacity: 600 GPD; 8 stages; 0.0001 micron membrane Drain ratio: 2:1 pure-to-drain (maker's claim) Certification (brand statement): NSF/ANSI 42, 58 and 372 in the spec table (IAPMO R&T lab); NSF/ANSI 53 is named on one page only | $429 | ||
| Frizzlife PX600 Reverse osmosis (under sink, tankless) | Capacity: 600 GPD Stages: 11-stage Drain ratio: 2:1 (maker's claim) | $429.99 | ||
| Aquasana SmartFlow Reverse Osmosis (AQ-SFRO) Reverse osmosis (under sink, tank, 4-stage with remineralizer) | Production: Membrane 51.4 GPD; daily production rate 25.7 gallons (maker's claim) Tank: 3.2 gallons total; 1.4 to 3.2 gallons usable, depending on inlet pressure Certification (brand statement): WQA certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (with P473), 58, 401 and CSA B483.1 | Most certifications, highest upkeep | $449.99 ($359.99 for Water for Life members); listed out of stock on 2026-10-20 | Guide |
| US Water Systems American Made Reverse Osmosis System (5-stage) Reverse osmosis (under sink, tank) | Capacity: 100 GPD membrane; 4.5 gallon storage tank Stages: 5-stage: sediment, carbon block, sub-micron carbon block, RO membrane, post-carbon; optional 6th alkaline stage Certification: None yet: US Water Systems says it is in the process of certifying the system to NSF/ANSI 58 | Made in the USA, but not yet certified | $626.72 (5-stage, brushed chrome); $796.05 for the 6-stage alkaline version | Guide |
| Waterdrop G3P800 Reverse osmosis (under sink, tankless, 800 GPD) | Capacity: 800 GPD; 10 stages Drain ratio: 3:1 pure-to-drain (maker's claim) Certification (brand statement): NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58 and 372, with IAPMO R&T as the test lab | Best for less waste water | $999 | Guide |
| Waterdrop X12 Reverse osmosis (under sink, tankless, 1,200 GPD) | Capacity: 1,200 GPD; 11 stages Drain ratio: 3:1 pure-to-drain (maker's claim) Certification (brand statement): NSF/ANSI 42, 58 and 372 (IAPMO R&T); the page also mentions an SGS claim | Fastest flow | $1,039 | Guide |
Whole-house filter (8)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iSpring WGB32BM (sediment, carbon and iron/manganese catalytic media) Whole-house filter (sediment, carbon, iron/manganese) | Peak flow: 15 GPM Stages: 5-micron polypropylene sediment; coconut shell carbon block; iron/manganese catalytic media (no chemicals) Iron and manganese rating: Iron up to 3.0 ppm; manganese up to 1.0 ppm | Cheapest, for light iron | $535.99 | Guide |
| Pelican (Pentair) Pelican PC600 whole-house carbon filter Whole-house filter (city water) | Flow rate: 8 GPM rated with a 13 psi pressure drop (Pelican data sheet); retailers list 10 GPM maximum Capacity: 662,400 gallons rated (data sheet) Certification: Certified by IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine taste and odor reduction (96.6% free chlorine reduction in the data-sheet test), structural integrity, and NSF/ANSI 61 for material safety | Best for chlorine with a certificate to show for it | $1,049 | Guide |
| US Water Systems Magna Compact Whole House Water Filter (SKU 320-BGF3-20-10-5CBIN) Whole-house filter (city water) | Flow rate: Up to 15 GPM Stages: Sediment, carbon block, then either a salt-free polyphosphate anti-scale cartridge or an Interceptor nanofiber filter Interceptor certification: WQA Gold Star Seal; meets NSF/ANSI 42 and 61 | Best compact install | $1,062.95 | Guide |
| SpringWell CF1 / CF4 / CF+ Whole-house filter (city water) | Flow rate (listed; service or peak not stated): CF1 9 GPM; CF4 12 GPM; CF+ 20 GPM Sizes: CF1 for 1-3 baths; CF4 for 4-6 baths; CF+ for 7+ baths Media: KDF, catalytic carbon, 5-micron sediment filter after the tank | Best choice of sizes | Starting at $1,092 | Review |
| Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter (WH-1000) Whole-house filter (city water) | Flow rate: 7.0 GPM rated; 14.6 GPM peak Capacity: 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years, whichever comes first (maker's claim) Stages: Pre-filter, activated carbon tank, copper-zinc (KDF) tank, post-filter | Model reviewed: standard Rhino, WH-1000 | $1,998 | Review |
| Aquasana Rhino Chloramines (WH-1011) Whole-house filter (chloramine, city water) | Flow rate: 7.0 GPM rated; 10.3 GPM peak Capacity: 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years, whichever comes first Certification: Independently tested to NSF/ANSI 42 for up to 83% of chloramines and 97% of chlorine; tank certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 | Model reviewed: Rhino Chloramines, WH-1011 | $2,798 | Review |
| Aquasana Rhino Max Flow (WH-1010) Whole-house filter (high flow) | Flow rate: 14.0 GPM rated; 14.5 GPM peak Capacity: 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years Certification: Independently tested to NSF/ANSI 42 for up to 97% of chlorine; tank certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 | Best for homes with 4 or more bathrooms | $2,798 | Guide |
| Aquasana Rhino Chloramines Max Flow (WH-1021) Whole-house filter (chloramine, high flow) | Flow rate: 10.0 GPM rated; 12.0 GPM peak Capacity: 1,000,000 gallons or 10 years, whichever comes first Certification: Independently tested to NSF/ANSI 42 for up to 83% of chloramines and 97% of chlorine; tank certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 | $3,498 |
Salt-based softener (6)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iSpring WCSTB45KG (45,000-grain whole-house water softener) Salt-based softener | Capacity: 45,000 grains Regeneration: Automatic, with digital valve Size and weight: 10 in x 10 in x 50 in; 100 lb | Cheapest, but unproven | $699.99 | Guide |
| SoftPro Elite HE softener for well water (32,000 to 64,000 grains) Salt-based softener | Capacity (grains): 32,000, 40,000, 48,000 or 64,000, chosen at checkout Iron limit (softener only): Hardness plus clear-water iron up to 3 ppm, no odor Well pump flow options: 6-7, 8-10 or 11+ GPM, chosen at checkout | Best for a well with some clear-water iron | $1,327 (32,000 grains, softener only); $1,397 (48,000); $1,477 (64,000) | Guide |
| US Water Systems Matrixx Smart Metered Water Softener (MXX-100 / MXX-150 / MXX-200) Salt-based softener (metered) | Capacity (grains): MXX-100 15,000 / 24,000 / 32,000; MXX-150 22,500 / 36,000 / 48,000; MXX-200 30,000 / 48,000 / 64,000 (at HE / Optimal / Max salt settings) Max capacity (new): MXX-100 35,000; MXX-150 53,000; MXX-200 70,000 Flow rate: Service 10, 15 or 20 GPM; peak 12, 17 or 22 GPM | Best for saving salt and water | $1,466.95 (10 GPM model); $1,635 (15 GPM); $1,775 (20 GPM) | Guide |
| Fleck 5600SXT 32,000-grain softener, 1.0 cu ft (compact) Salt-based softener | Capacity: 32,000 grains nominal; about 30,000 at 15 lb salt and about 24,000 at 9 lb (seller's rating) Resin and mineral tank: 1.0 cu ft of 10% crosslink resin; 9 in x 48 in tank; brine tank included Size and weight: 33 in wide x 57 in tall x 19 in deep with both tanks side by side; about 98 lb shipping weight | Best for 1-3 people | $1,495 | Guide |
| SpringWell SS1 / SS4 / SS+ Salt-based softener | Capacity (grains): SS1 32,000; SS4 48,000; SS+ 80,000 Flow rate (service, company lists a range): SS1 9 to 11 GPM; SS4 12 to 13 GPM; SS+ 20 GPM (backwash 4 GPM) Brine tank: 18 in x 33 in | Best long warranty on a complete kit | Starting at $1,512 | Review |
| Fleck 5600SXT 48,000-grain softener, 1.5 cu ft Salt-based softener | Capacity: 48,000 grains rated; about 45,000 at 15 lb salt and about 36,000 at 9 lb (seller's rating) Resin and mineral tank: 1.5 cu ft of 10% crosslink resin; 10 in x 54 in tank; brine tank included Flow rate: 12 GPM service (the Fleck 5600SXT valve alone is rated 20 GPM continuous) | Best for 2-4 person homes | $1,995 | Review |
Salt-free conditioner (2)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Valve ScaleRX 1 in whole-home scale reducer (SCALERX1) Salt-free conditioner (does not soften) | Method: Turbulent galvanic polarization in a stainless steel housing; no power, salt, chemicals or filters Scale rating: 76% (listed as IAPMO R&T certified); American Valve says IAPMO R&T testing showed it 76% effective at preventing limescale deposits Maximum flow: 17.6 GPM (1 in model; the 3/4 in model is 14.1 GPM) | Cheapest, with an independent scale test | $215 | Guide |
| SpringWell FutureSoft FS1 / FS4 / FS+ Salt-free conditioner (does not soften) | Flow rate (service, company lists a range): FS1 9 to 12 GPM; FS4 12 to 15 GPM; FS+ 20 GPM Sizes: FS1 for 1-3 baths; FS4 for 4-6 baths; FS+ for 7+ baths Prefilter: 5-micron sediment prefilter included | Best with a built-in sediment prefilter | Starting at $2,184 as a bundle with a whole-house filter | Guide |
Air-injection iron filter (2)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoftPro AIO Iron Master (air-injection iron filter, Katalox media) Air-injection iron filter | Rated removal: Iron up to 30 ppm (larger units or a dual setup may be needed at the high end); manganese up to 7 ppm; hydrogen sulfide Sizes and minimum well flow: 1.0 cu ft needs at least 5 GPM; 1.5 cu ft at least 7 GPM; 2.0 cu ft at least 10 GPM (for backwash) Media and method: Katalox Light with air-injection oxidation; no chemicals, salt or permanganate | Best for heavy iron | $1,517 (1.0 cu ft); $1,757 (1.5 cu ft); $1,897 (2.0 cu ft) | Guide |
| SpringWell WS1 / WS4 Air-injection iron filter | Flow rate (service): WS1 12 GPM; WS4 20 GPM Sizes: WS1 for 1-4 baths (10 in x 54 in tank); WS4 for 4+ baths (13 in x 54 in tank) Rated removal (company ratings): Iron up to 7 ppm; hydrogen sulfide up to 8 ppm; manganese up to 1 ppm | Best with Bluetooth control | Starting at $2,100 | Guide |
Sediment pre-filter (1)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frizzlife JB40-100 and JG40-100 spin-down sediment filters Sediment pre-filter (whole-house) | Micron rating: 40 and 100 micron Flow rate: JG40-100 listed at 20 GPM Design: Reusable, flushable spin-down filter with a built-in scraper; 1 in and 3/4 in NPT; for city or well water | Best first stage for a sandy well | $69.99 (JB40-100); $79.99 (JG40-100, adds a pressure gauge) | Guide |
Electronic descaler (1)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iSpring EDV2 Electronic descaler (not a water softener) | Method: Electronic coil wrapped around the pipe Claim: Reduced limescale only; the brand says it is not a water softener Certification: None stated | Least proven | $344.99 | Guide |
UV disinfection (1)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell UV Water Purification System (BlackComb UV Disinfectant System, 15 GPM) UV disinfection | Flow rate: Up to 15 GPM Size and connection: 4 in x 20 in; 1 in MNPT Lamp replacement: Every 365 days; bulb $118.65; sleeve $83.99 | Best UV add-on for a clean well | Starting at $1,036 | Guide |
Whole-house filter with salt-free conditioner (1)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Water Systems Bodyguard Whole House Filtration + Green Wave Salt-Free Softener Alternative (SKU 198-WHFSF-100) Whole-house filter with salt-free conditioner | Flow rate: 10 / 15 / 20 GPM service; peak 25 GPM listed Stages: KDF-55, GAC, catalytic carbon, Interceptor filter, then Green Wave salt-free NAC/CTAC conditioner Certification: KDF-55 listed as NSF-certified; carbon stages listed as WQA-certified | Best for city water that also needs filtering | $2,359 (10 GPM); $2,999 (15 GPM); $3,531 (20 GPM) | Guide |
Whole-house filter with UV (1)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana Rhino Well Water with UV Whole-house filter with UV (well water) | Flow rate: Base unit 7.0 GPM rated, 14.7 GPM peak; UV unit 6.0 GPM rated, 15.0 GPM peak Capacity: 500,000 gallons or 5 years; UV lamp every 12 months Included: Rhino system with carbon media upgrade, KDF media, 20 in pre-filter, post-filter and UV filter | Best all-in-one with UV included | $3,498 | Guide |
Iron filter and salt-based softener package (1)
| Model | Key specs | Best for | Listed price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid Atlantic Water (Fleck valves) Fleck 2510 iron filter (1.5 cu ft Katalox Light) + Fleck 5600SXT 48,000-grain softener package Iron filter and salt-based softener package | Iron filter: Fleck 2510 AiQ air-injection valve; 1.5 cu ft Katalox Light; 10 in x 54 in tank; 10 GPM service, 5 GPM backwash Rated removal (iron filter): Iron up to 30 ppm; manganese up to 15 ppm; hydrogen sulfide up to 10 ppm Softener: Fleck 5600SXT; 48,000 grains; 1.5 cu ft of 10% crosslink resin; 10 in x 54 in tank; up to 12 GPM service | Highest published rating, with a softener | $3,995 | Guide |
Specs come from each manufacturer's published pages; we flag where brands publish conflicting numbers in the related guide. See how we research.