Best Water Softener Review 2025
If you’ve done a Google search to land on this page - you already know that water softener is a must have when it comes to living in areas with hard water. These household appliances have become a popular solution for removing limescale and tackling hard water problems. As experts in water softener, we've outlined a summary Best Water Softener Review. With a clear comparison of the pros and cons when it comes to the different models and top rated water softeners that you may find online.
A Note on online reviews - when reading reviews online, you may find that there are many reviews currently which are supporting models on Amazon. It is worth being aware, that review websites that link to Amazon are affiliated links and offer biased opinions. They receive commission for every sale made. With that being said, it is possible that there may be a bias within these reviews.
Problems Caused by Hard Water & Why You Need One
It’s no surprise that millions of people in the UK are affected by hard water, given that over 60% of the UK is classed as a “hard water area” - with some of the hardest areas being in the South East of England. Hard water is defined as water containing an excess of dissolved minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. If you have hard water, there really is no hiding from it, you’ll face common problems such as:
- ❌ White chalky limescale build-up on surfaces, bathroom fixtures, kettles, taps and appliances.
- ❌ Your appliances may be breaking down faster than they should - incluidng kettles, dishwashers and washing machines.
- ❌ You may have already noticed an increase in pipe and plumbing problems, including blocked pipes, reduced heating efficiency and reduced water pressure.
- ❌ You may suffer from dry sky, eczema, acne and greasy, dry or brittle hair.
- ❌ Your laundry may always seem stiff and not clean.
A water softener can quite literally solve all these hard water problems and is a way to permanently remove limescale throughout the entire home.
How We Review Water Softeners
Choosing the right water softener isn’t just about price, we also look at performance, reliability, warranty and long-term value. Our top picks for this review were selected based on:
- ✅ Real systems tested in high-limescale areas like London, Bristol, Bath, Yorkshire and Hartlepool.
- ✅ Models suitable for families of 2–8 people.
- ✅Salt-based, salt-free, or magnetic. Salt-based softeners are the only type that truly remove hardness minerals.
- ✅ Only water softeners with proven UK manufacturing or WRAS approved.
- ✅ We prioritised some of the most popular water softening brands.
- ✅ We considered warranty periods of popular UK models.
What We Compared
As experts in water softenering, when making a water softener comparison we looked at:
- Design & Size and Water Softener Dimensions - might sound minor but some softeners are very bulky and this can be a suprise when ordering online.
- Flow rate - how much water can be softened and this also effects the water pressure in the home if it is too small.
- The price, lifespan and value for money.
- The Efficiency of each system - how much water and salt it uses
- Running costs based on efficiency and if the system is electric.
- Its maintenance.
- and importantly, the customer feedback and care.
Reviews By Water Softening Experts - A Water Softener Comparison 2025
We have reviewed several brands below - from Harvey, to Water2, BWT and Kinetico. Be sure to click "show rating breakdown" to see the whole expanded review.
Best Water Softener 2025: The Harvey TwinTec S4
Great dimensions: - the smallest domestic water softener system that can fit under the kitchen sink.
Long life time & value for money: a 10 year warranty covers you for at least 10 years, with a WRAS approval.
Very high flow rate & pressure range: great for 3-4 bathrooms.
Lowest overall running costs: non electric system with the highest efficiency for salt & water
usage.
Easy to use & maintain: automatic metering, great design and clear salt window for easy refilling.
No smart phone connection: Doesn’t connect or use a smart phone app.
Suppliers can vary: Can be hard to find online.
The Harvey Twitec S4 is the best rated water softener when it comes to value for money. This Harvey water softener was release prior to 2020, however, still offers the most up to date technology and the best efficiency.
This model comes from the UK's best water softener supplier and most trusted brand - Harvey Water Softeners.
When comparing this model to the likes of the latest Harvey Arc & the Harvey Cobalt - you'll find the same specifics such as flow rate, salt and water usage and warranty.
The only differences in these models is - the TwinTec Series 4 does not use a smart phone app for salt level indication and it does not use curved salt.
The warranty of the S4 is 10 years - making it a safe long term investment. At £11249.99 it is one of the best priced and best quality water softener systems available on the UK market today.
New & Latest Model: The Harvey Cobalt
Great design & size: easy installation and fits under the kitchen sink.
A high flow rate and pressure range: great for 3-4 bathroom homes.
Low running costs: efficient for salt & water usage.
Up to date technology: Can connect to a smart phone app.
Warranty: 10 years.
Requires curved salt: uses curved salt.
The Harvey Cobalt Water softener - also known as the TwinTec S5 and MiniMax Innova, is the equivalent to the Harvey Arc - with the exact same specification.
This product is sold across the UK, and is the latest Harvey Water Softener release. A great model to purchase if you are looking for the latest model available. The price tag for this system is around £1595 - making it more expensive than the TwinTec S4.
Water2Buy W2B200 Review
Suitable for small homes with 1-2 people.
Easy to find online.
Works to Soften Water.
Quality & Lifespan: many customers report system breaking after just 2-3 years.
Capacity: may not be suitable for families and homes with 2+ bathrooms.
Efficiency: an electric water softener with energy expenses, plus higher salt & water usage.
Installation: large in size and will not fit under the kitchen sink. Plug sockets are required.
Customers report poor customer service: with a 3.6 trust pilot score.
Water2Buy is a popular choice online - especially since it is available to buy on Amazon world wide.
This system has one of the cheapest price tags you will find online - however, the system itself will likely cost you more in the long run.
In customer reviews - many customers reported their model lasting only 2-3years. With a warranty of only 2 years, this meant the had no choice but to purchase a new system after only 2 years.
Not only that, but this low cost model is an electric water softener - meaning it requires electricity and a plug socket to work. This, along with a low efficiency - means water, salt and energy costs are greater than the likes of Harvey Water Softeners. This means, despite an initial lower costs, you'll be paying more to up keep the system and in the long run will likely be paying more.
It is a legal requirement for electric systems to be serviced every 2 years - requiring an additional call out fee. What's more, the customer service of Water2Buy could be questionable - with a Trust Pilot score of 3.6/5.
The final thing to note about this system is the size of the product - which may make the system difficult to install in the home. You won't be able to fit this system under the sink and it will require and plug socket at all times.
The Harvey Arc
Great design & size: easy installation and fits under the kitchen sink.
WRAS approved.
A high flow rate and pressure range: great for 3-4 bathroom homes.
Low running costs: efficient for salt & water usage.
Up to date technology: Can connect to a smart phone app.
Warranty: 3-5 years.
Price is only available through direct quotation.
Requires curved salt: uses curved salt.
The Harvey Arc is the latest water softener sold by Harvey Water Softeners and it is only directly available through Harvey themselves.
This model has everything you need in terms of a great specification and low running costs. The warranty of the system is shorter than the likes of the Cobalt and the TwinTec Series 4.
The Arc uses only curved salt - this is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means you must purchase through Harvey.
BWT WS555 Water Softener Review
European manufacturer.
Easy to use: set and forget smart technology.
Accredited system: WRAS approved.
Efficiency: Electric system meaning the system needs to be serviced every 2 years. Also requires a plug socket & additional energy costs.
Costs after purchase: call out charges when there is an issue and during standard servicing.
Design & dimensions: customers claim this softener is too big for under the sink with were not happy with the lid that comes loose.
Salt reminder: a beeper that cannot be turned off - the system does not sense salt level, the system will beep at set time.
Shorter warranty than the Harvey range.
The BWT is another popular choice of water softener you can find online. The model does the job but there are several factors you may wish to consider.
This includes the size of the model and the fact it is an electric water softener. The design may not fit under the sink and it wiull require a plug socket - which may make for a difficult installation.
Not only that, but being an electric system means there are additional electricity costs. The system uses more water and more salt than the likes of Harvey Water Softeners - therefore the running costs over time may add up to be more than you initially thought.
Being electric - also means there is legal servicing duties which require additional call out fees.
Harvey Crown Water Softener Review
Easy to buy online.
Size & design: good size & fits under the kitchen sink.
Trusted manufacturer: from the UK's best brand - Harvey Water Softeners.
Easy to install: a non electric system which is easy to use and easy to install.
Warranty & shorter lifespan: a warranty of 3-5 years.
Dated technology & design: released in the late 1990's, does not offer the most up to date quality resin & technology.
Not as efficient: as The TwinTec & Arc models. Higher salt & water usage.
The Harvey Crown Water Softener is one of the oldest Harvey systems available.
This system used to be good value for money, but nowadays, with the likes of the Harvey TwinTec S4 being only £1129.99 - you are better off paying a little bit more for a much newer and more efficient system with double the warranty.
Te crown was first released before the 2000's - meaning its technology and manufacturing process is not equivalent to the likes of the TwinTec.
You'll also find a shorter warranty of around 5 years - which is likely about the amount of time this system will last.
Kinetico Premier Compact Review
Brand: well built & manufactured.
Easy installation: Easy to fit under the sink & nice design.
Good performance: model with a 10 year warranty.
Value for money: higher in price, yet a specification which is not as good as Harvey models.
Limited capacity: generally not suitable for homes with 3+ bathrooms.
No low salt indication: the design cover is not transparent, therefore the salt levels have to be manually checked regularly by removing the lid.
The Kinetico Premier Compact is Kineticos hero and most popular product. Kinetico are a good reputable brand, however the products are priced exceptionally higher than other brands.
For example, the specification of the Premier Compact is slightly less than when compared to the Twintec S4 or the Harvey Arc/Cobalt. Yet, this system is priced considerably higher than these models. At £1795, you'll be paying over £600 - for a system which is slightly less efficient, with a slightly lower flow rate.
A good quality model - but why pay an extra £600 to not have the best specification?
Best Water Softener for Large Homes: Harvey TwinTec XL1
High Flow Rate: very high flow rate of 80l/min.
High salt capacity: can hold 6 blocks at one time.
Best soft water system for large homes: with 5+ bathrooms.
Larger machine & Design: won't fit under sink.
Long Warranty & Lifespan: 10 year warranty.
Built to order: you'll have to request and wait longer for the system to be delivered.
Salt levels & Technology: need to be checked manually due to the design vs receiving a smart phone notification.
The XL1 and XL2 are the best Harvey Water Softeners for large homes. They can also cater for small businesses.
These systems offer huge flow rates of over 80L/min - making them a great choice for homes with over 5 bathrooms.
There are not many models on the market comparable to this model. The downside is that it is large in size - so you will need space for the installation.
Best Commercial Water Softener: Harvey Big Blue
High Flow Rate: very high flow rate of over 80L/min.
High Salt Capacity: large salt tank, using tablet salt.
Great for large homes or small businesses: a commercial system offering a solution for restaurants, lodge parks, cafes etc.
Large Size & Design: very large and needs to be stored in a place with adequate space.
Custom made to order: longer waiting & delivery times.
Shorter Warranty: 5 years vs 10 for the XL systems.
Need to manually check salt levels: by removing the lid.
The Harvey Big Blue Water Softener is a great semi commercial system. Many customers use this for b&b properties or restaurants.
However, it is also a good choice for homes with 6+ bathrooms.
Our Top Picks - a Summary
✅ Final Take Home Review Findings
1. Top-rated water softener & best soft water system for the family home: The Harvey TwinTec S4
The efficiency, lowest running cost and highest flow rate of a domestic system. It offers the best value for money at £1124.99 coming with a 10 year warranty and a lifetime of 10-20 years.
2. Cheapest Water Softener but Shortest Lifespan: Water2Buy W2B200
A lower quality model when compared to the Harvey range, suggested to last 2-3 years. Also an electric system - meaning higher running costs. The system is not as easy to install and due to being electric, requires mandatory servicing with high call out charges. Too large to fit under the sink and has a low capacity. Lower in price, but also in reliability. Shorter warranty than premium Harvey models. You’ll be paying less initially, but more in the long run.
3. Oldest System: The Harvey Crown
A dated model from 2019. Popular online. But with a shorter warranty of 5 years, it is worth upgrading to the Harvey TwinTec S4 for more reliability, a higher efficiency and lower running costs.
4. Highest Running Costs: BWT WS555
An electric system, higher running costs, not as easy to install, requires mandatory servicing with high call out charges. The system is rather large with a loose lid and outlets that require more space than stated in the product dimensions. The BWT is lower in price, but also in reliability. Shorter warranty than premium Harvey models. Less efficient in terms of water and salt usage. You’ll be paying less initially, but more in the long run.
5. Models Which are Rated but Overpriced: The Kinetico Premier Compact
Expensive & has a specification that falls short when compared to the Harvey TwinTec S4. Good quality and overall a good model, but you are paying a lot more for less.
6. Top Rated Water Softeners for Large Homes: The Harvey XL1 & XL2. Harvey Big Blue Water Softener:
TwinTec models designed for larger homes or businesses They can hold large amounts of salt at one time and have large flow rates of 80L/min.
⭐ Customer Reviews
Saved £200 - £300
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.96/5 (Based on 47 reviews)
""Bought this Twintec S4 from NE Water Softeners because Harveys don't sell this model direct. Harveys prefer you to buy the ARC from them direct, which (I believe) has exactly the same internals but with a different cabinet, and about £200 to £300 more expensive. (Don't quote me on these details). Anyway, delighted with my new S4 which replaces my S1" — Nicholas Glynn
Fitting This Water Softener Made a Huge Difference
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.96/5 (Based on 47 reviews)
"We live in a very hard water area and fitting this water softener has made a huge difference, should have done it years ago! Showers feel nicer, no more unsightly limescale stains, no more descaling of kettles and appliances." — John S
Common Mistakes We See
Before you go - we just want to highlight some of the most common mistakes we see when buying a water softener.
1. Not Reading Reviews First - the fact that you are reading this page outlines that you are not committing mistake number 1 - purchasing a water softener without reading multiple review sources. What alot of buyers don't realise is - Amazon reviews in particular can be fixed. We've seen it plenty of times, a customer buys a product, leaves a negative review and then receive and email asking them to remove the review in exchange for an Amazon voucher. So always check different sources online.
2. Inadequate Space - the second mistake we see - are customers purchasing a system without measuring the space in their cupboard or near their stop tap. The softener arrives and it doesn't fit. Always measure the space in your kitchen or utility.
3. Poor Flow Rate - We also find customers can purchase a cheaper system with a low flow rate, when their home has 3-4 bathrooms. This is a common mistake and can result in reduced water pressure. A flow rate of over 45 is recommended.
4. Buying the Cheapest Model, Without Considering the Efficiency. Now this is a big mistake. Buyers think they are getting a great cheap system online, when infact, the cheaper product has a much lower efficiency and use far more salt and water. The result? Paying much more in the long run than you would with a more efficient system. You get what you pay for in this case. For more info click here to visit our running costs guide.
5. Not Checking the Warranty. Many people don't consider the warranty. You rally want to be choosing a system with at least 5 years, but 10 years should be the standard. You want the system to last and to be covered if anything happens.