Many consumers lack the space or budget for the larger whole-house water softener systems and as a result, feel unable to obtain soft water and safe water for their families. This is where the best compact water softener systems come into play because they offer an efficient, cost-effective solution.
You can enjoy the same benefits as other salt-based softener systems or salt-free softener systems whether you live in a small flat, travel regularly in an RV or simply want to go for a cheaper solution for a particular room in the home.
This article will help provide guidance on what to look for and the best compact water softener on the market right now for your individual requirements.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Best Value
Best Budget Friendly
Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener
GE Appliances GXSF30V Water Softener, 30,400 Grain
Mobile-Soft-Water Portable 16,000 Grain (TM) Unit with Tank
We’ve put together some of the very best compact water softeners on the market right now, along with some helpful information on each including pros and cons. This will help each homeowner decide on the most suitable water softener for this individual needs.
1. Watts RV PRO-1000 OR M7002 10000 Grains Portable Water Softener
The Watts RV Pro makes it onto our list because it really does deliver soft water for those who often travel in an RV or perhaps have a small flat. It will help protect pipes, fixtures, and fittings, as well as any appliances from scale build-up and corrosion.
It has a built-in drain line flow restrictor to make it more effective when regenerating, as well as a cradle to keep it securely in place. This water softener will deliver impressive flow rates for a compact water softener, up to 4GPM so you can enjoy a pleasant shower, wash up dishes, or clean clothes easily whilst traveling.
A reasonably priced system that works with ordinary table salt for cost savings, the only main complaint we’ve seen is that the opening for adding salt is quite small and can be a bit frustrating to use.
Pros
Cons
An impressive 4GPM flow rate
It will softener water and protect your pipes and appliances
You can use standard table salt in the brine tank for the regeneration cycle
The opening for adding salt is quite small so can be frustrating to use
2. Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grains Water Softener
This water softener from Aquasure is the 48,000-grain model with a high-efficiency digital control head. This capacity means it will easily cope with the average household, whilst taking up minimal space thanks to its compact design.
This water softener will reduce hardness levels in the water through ion exchange. This will help to remove and prevent scale build-up for your entire house, not just one faucet. As a result, your family will enjoy soft water in the kitchen and bathroom.
The advanced digital meter helps you easily manage the system and control things like regeneration and cleaning. Made from corrosion-resistant fiberglass and prefilled with a premium-grade resin, you can trust that this system is worth the investment. It comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty as well for added peace of mind.
Pros
Cons
Its 48,000-grain capacity should be good enough for the average household
A smart digital meter makes controlling settings much easier
It comes prefilled with a premium grade resin
Some concerns about the quality of customer service provided by the manufacturer
Whirlpool are one of the biggest names in white goods and water systems and it’s easy to see why so many people trust them. This system is a 30,000-grain water softener with a whole host of features to make it more effective and efficient.
It is ideal for smaller households with between 1-4 people and it will not only prevent scale from building on pipes and faucets but also remove up to 8ppm of iron. It has been set up with a smart programming feature that means you don’t need to worry about regeneration as it regenerates on demand.
This means the moment it senses the salt levels are low, it will recharge. It is an easy-to-use, intuitive system that requires minimal maintenance and you don’t need to be a professional to install this compact water softener either.
Pros
Cons
A great choice for smaller households
Smart systems help to take the stress away from managing regeneration
Easy to install and maintain
It is slightly bigger than some of the other compact water softeners so make sure you check the dimensions
4. Watts Premier OFPSYS Whole House OneFlow Plus Salt-Free Scale Prevention and Water System
Watts Premier has delivered a fantastic water softener and it’s easy to see why it has made it onto our list of the best compact water softener systems. Whilst keeping it incredibly compact, they have combined a water softener with a water filter to provide clean, safe drinking water.
It uses Template-assisted Crystallization (TAC) technology to bind the hardness-causing minerals (calcium and magnesium) into crystals that then don’t stick to surfaces of pipes and appliances. It will also filter out sediment and chlorine to help reduce some of the harmful contaminants found in the water supply.
The cartridge used in this water softener has a lifespan of up to 250,000 gallons, which will cover approximately 3 years of constant use. A fantastic, effective solution that only requires 9 inches x 9 inches of space so it can be mounted almost anywhere and the installation process is pretty simple.
Pros
Cons
An impressive 4GPM flow rate
It will softener water and protect your pipes and appliances
You can use standard table salt in the brine tank for the regeneration cycle
It is one of the more expensive compact water softeners out there
The next water softener on our list comes from Water Boss and it is another impressive compact water softener. It has a built-in iron and sediment filter to not only make water softener but also filter out some of the harmful contaminants found in most water supplies.
It has a computerized on-demand regeneration that doesn’t use a great deal of water or salt, taking approximately 17-19 minutes to complete. All of this can be controlled using user-friendly controls so you won’t get frustrated by trying to maintain your water softener.
It does have a grain capacity of 22,000 which makes it one of the smaller units but it will still do a fantastic job for smaller properties, particularly when it has a sediment filter of 10 microns and iron removal of up to 10ppm. It comes with everything needed to install it and its dimensions are 25.75″ x 14.75″ x 18.75″.
Pros
Cons
It includes a sediment and iron filter for healthier water
It has a computerized on-demand regeneration feature
A good compact water softener that is easy to install
It only has a 22,000-grain capacity which may not be enough for some households
6. Mobile-Soft-Water Portable 16,000 Grain (TM) Unit with Tank
One of the most portable and compact water softeners on our list now, this water softener truly lives up to its name. It requires minimal space and is a lot lighter than some other systems so it is perfect for an RV. With a capacity of 16,000-grains, it will do the job of softening your water supply perfectly while you’re away and even cope with smaller apartments.
It will help make washing your clothes, cleaning dishes, and taking a shower easier and more enjoyable thanks to its impressive softening ability. It will protect the pipes and faucets in your RV from scale build-up and rust as it draws dissolved iron across the rein to extend the life of your plumbing.
In terms of installation, you will get a helpful guide to install it but unfortunately, they do not provide all of the items you need to install it properly so it’s best to check you have everything you need before buying this water softener.
Pros
Cons
One of the most compact water softeners on our list
Perfect for RVs and apartments thanks to its lightweight, efficient design
It is easy to install and maintain
Be wary that it doesn’t include everything needed to install the system
7. Portable RV Water Softener 16,000 Grain PRO Premium Grade
This portable RV water softener has a big enough capacity to provide up to 40 days of softened water depending on usage and the hardness level in your water. This equates to approximately 2,000 gallons of softened water. It also has an impressive flow rate of up to 5GPM which means you can shower and wash in peace without getting frustrated by the lack of water pressure.
It will help reduce hardness causing minerals from causing scale and hard water, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and other heavy metals. Designed to be sturdy and stable even on uneven surfaces, you can have this system up and running in minutes which makes it the perfect choice for those wanting to travel.
It will regenerate in under 30minutes and the manufacturer claims that it provides 40% more soft water than many of its competitors, which is quite a claim to make! It comes with everything you need and doesn’t require electricity or tools to get set up.
Pros
Cons
An impressive flow rate of up to 5GPM
It will provide up to 40 days of softened water depending on usage and hardness levels, helping to prevent limescale buildup whilst traveling which is exactly what you need
It comes with everything needed to install in minutes
Some feel it can be a little heavy to lift up and move about
8. GE Appliances GXSF30V Water Softener, 30,400 Grain
This water softening system from GE is a great option for those wanting to balance compact size with performance. It has a 30,400-grain capacity which means it will cope with smaller homes and some average-sized properties depending on usage.
It has a smart system built-in that adapts to usage patterns in your home so that it can optimize when you have soft water. So no more getting frustrated that you can’t get soft water when you need it!
It can remove hardness in water up to 95 grains per gallon and also copes with removing up to 7ppm of iron. This will really make a difference to the pipes, faucets, and appliances you use as it will protect them from scale build-up and rust forming.
All of this extends the lifespan of your appliances and plumbing, saving money and stress in the long term. Its dimensions are 22.44″ x 14.44″ x x 43.25″ which means it isn’t the smallest unit on our list but for those smaller homes this is a fantastic choice, so make sure you measure up the space before buying it.
Pros
Cons
This GE water softener will help prevent scale build-up and also remove iron from the water supply, improving water quality
It has a 30,400-grain capacity
A smart system that adapts to household water usage to optimize soft water and prevent limescale build-up
It isn’t the smallest on our list so you will want to check it fits before buying.
This EcoPure conditioner makes it onto our list of the best compact water softener products out there because it not only softeners your water supply but also filters it. This hybrid model is a fantastic choice for those needing a compact system and who don’t already have a water filter in place and want clean and soft water.
It’s built with Autosense Technology that works out how much salt and water is required at every regeneration, using only what is required. This will save you money and help protect the environment.
It is NSF-certified to reduce hard water levels, as well as remove harmful contaminants including chlorine, sediment, lead, and more. Water softeners are a great choice for both urban and rural areas, whether you have a city supply of water or get water from a private well.
Easy to set up and maintain, you won’t go too far wrong with this model but do be aware it is a little heavier than other compact water softeners on our list.
Pros
Cons
Built-in Autosense Technology that makes regeneration as efficient as possible
NSF-certified that it will reduce hard water and filter certain harmful contaminants
Easy to install and maintain, it is one of the most efficient water softeners on our list
There are more compact units out there if you want a system for an RV
10. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener
On The Go are widely known for their fantastic range of portable and compact water softeners and water filtration systems. This model is a double standard softener and conditioner that will produce twice the gallons compared to their standard models. This makes it one of the largest compact RV softeners out there.
It has a 16,000-grain capacity and offers around 40% more soft water than other units (a claim made by a few models it has to be said!). It will regenerate with standard table salt and takes less than 30 minutes to do so, whilst providing your RV with up to 1600 gallons of soft water.
This is the equivalent of approximately 40 days depending on usage levels and hardness levels in your water supply. Its clever design makes it easy to install in tight spaces and you won’t suffer from low pressure and low flow rates so you can enjoy a shower or wash clothes wherever you end up traveling.
They really have thought about the features that you want from a portable water softener whilst on the move.
Pros
Cons
This model is a double standard softener and conditioner which helps produce twice the gallons compared to the standard model
It has a 16,000-grain capacity and will provide up to 1600 gallons of soft water per regeneration depending on water consumption
The regeneration process happens with standard table salt in under 30 minutes
Wouldn’t be suitable for larger households with a higher water consumption
Buyers guide: Things to know before buying the best Compact Water Softener.
Before buying your chosen water softener, it is important to explore the key factors involved in choosing the right one. Once you have done the research and made a list of all your requirements, you can then choose the most suitable investment and minimize the chances of wasting money or being dissatisfied with your purchase.
Know your local water hardness level.
Whilst you may be traveling a lot, if you’re buying a softener for the home or specific locations then it is always important to check the level of hardness.
This can be done by contacting your local water authority but the easiest way to do perform a quick home test. These tests are so simple to do, widely available, and give you an answer in minutes. If you don’t follow this approach and it turns out your water hardness level is very high, you may end up buying a water softener that cannot cope.
This will reduce the lifespan of the product and not deliver the level of softened water you require.
How much you are willing to spend.
Budget is never a fun topic to discuss but it is always an important one. There is a range of compact water softeners out there and this means you can go from a relatively cheap and affordable one, up to the very latest expensive systems for larger homes.
Think about what your budget is, and combine this with your individual requirements such as usage levels and water hardness levels. It may be that your budget simply won’t deliver the results you need and you will need to think about another option or increase your budget. Likewise, you may find that you don’t need to spend as much as planned and can save money. We also advise researching the maintenance costs of each unit as this should be built into your calculations.
What space do you have
If you’re reading an article about the best compact water softener systems on the market then it is likely that you have limited space, or wish for a softener to go on your RV. As a result, it is even more important to measure the space you have available and how this compares to your chosen water softener.
The vast majority will fit into small spaces with relative ease but some of the compact models that work as a whole-house system will still require plenty of space to install and access for maintenance. Alternatively, there are some fantastic small units designed specifically for RVs that take up almost no space at all and can be mounted on any surface.
Type of Water Softener System
There are actually a few different types of water softener systems out there but the vast majority fall into two categories: salt-based softeners and salt-free water softening systems. Below is a short breakdown of the differences and why each one delivers fantastic results.
Salt-Based softener
The most common type of compact water softener out there, these operate by exchanging the hardness causing ions such as calcium and magnesium, with sodium ions. This stops them from sticking to surfaces and creating scale, resulting in softer water that prolongs the plumbing and appliances that the water flows through. The majority of systems can run off standard table salt or cheap salt specifically for softeners and so are relatively cheap to run. However, many people out there want to reduce the amount of sodium in their diet and as a result, the salt-free options are worth exploring.
Salt-Free softener
In essence, any compact water softener on our list that is salt-free delivers the same outcome as a salt-based alternative but it goes about it in a slightly different way. These don’t use salt to exchange with the ions and will often alter the makeup of the ion to stop them from wanting to stick to surfaces in your pipes and appliances. The big sell of these systems is zero sodium added and virtually maintenance-free but they can often be a little more expensive so it’s a balancing act.
Why you should choose a Compact Water Softener over other types?
There are some fantastic reasons why you should buy a compact water softener and we’ve listed some of them below to help you make an informed decision.
Its Size
The obvious point – if you’re struggling for space or want to have soft water whilst traveling in your RV then a compact water softener is the way to go. Its components such as brine tank and connectors are often a lot smaller and more efficient than larger units.
Durability and Capacity
Even though these units are smaller, the modern systems on the market are still durable and have impressive capacities. You shouldn’t get frustrated by not enough softened water or a lack of water pressure as technology has come a long way in the past few years. However, it is always important to assess how much water you’re going to use before making a choice.
Technology
These compact water softeners come with a range of technology options such as a high-tech bypass valve, safety float, fine mesh resin, smart regeneration systems that reduce waste by creating an efficient regeneration cycle, as well as self-optimization based on usage. Obviously, the more advanced units cost a bit more and if you want filtration technology as well then they will often be slightly larger in size, but still compact enough to fit in most small apartments and RVs.
Ease of installation
Thanks to these units being a lot simpler and compact than the larger whole-house filtration units, they are in general easy to install. Some require zero tools or electricity and most will be up and running in minutes without the need to pay a professional to help. You often just need to connect it to the existing water supply line and you will soften water in minutes. However, it is always important to make sure you check it comes with everything in the box to install, as some expect you to have certain tools or fixings in place.
Budget
A compact water softener is often cheaper than the larger, more complex units out there so it makes sense to consider these systems when purchasing a water softener or softener/filtration combo. It does depend on what you’re requirements are, particularly the water usage levels in your household but as long as the system meets those requirements then these are a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this article on the best compact water softeners helpful, as well as our shortlist of the best on the market right now. A compact water softener provides everyone the chance of having softened water, no matter if you live in a small apartment or live and travel in an RV across the country. As always, make sure you do the research on what you require before shortlisting your favorite compact water softener.
Explore the rest of our website for more articles on the best water softeners, filters and humidifiers available on the market right now as well as helpful user guides on everything water related!
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