Aquasana SimplySoft 60K
A certified, salt efficient softener for a large household with very hard water that does not need high flow. Homes with many bathrooms in use at once should look for more flow.
Amazon $1,049$1,049
The Aquasana SimplySoft 60K is the better water softener overall, rated 3.2 to 2.8. The Aquasana SimplySoft 60K leads on warranty and certification. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain wins on value. The Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain costs $300 less ($749 vs $1,049).
Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain
A cheap large capacity softener for big households on city water, for buyers who want capacity on a budget and accept a short valve warranty.
Amazon $749$749
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Aquasana SimplySoft 60K for warranty (5 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks vs 1 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks) and certification (certified to NSF/ANSI 44 vs not certified to NSF/ANSI 44).
- Choose the Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain for value ($11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) vs $17.48 per 1,000 grains ($1,049, 60,000 grains)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 48,000 grains water softener; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Aquasana SimplySoft 60K | Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 31 $17.48 per 1,000 grains ($1,049, 60,000 grains) | 67 $11.70 per 1,000 grains ($749, 64,000 grains) |
| Salt efficiency 20% | 77 4,543 grains per lb of salt | 50 salt efficiency not published (neutral score used) |
| Flow 15% | 14 11.1 gpm service flow | 50 service flow not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 25% | 44 5 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks | 0 1 years on the valve, 10 years on the tanks |
| Certification 10% | 100 certified to NSF/ANSI 44 | 0 not certified to NSF/ANSI 44 |
Specifications
| Aquasana SimplySoft 60K | Tier1 Essential 64,000 Grain | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated capacity | 60,000 grains | 64,000 grains |
| Resin | 1.5 cu ft | 2 cu ft |
| Service flow | 11.1 gpm | - |
| Salt efficiency | 4,543 grains per lb | - |
| Highest hardness | 200 gpg | - |
| Highest iron | 1 ppm | 0.3 ppm |
| Control | ||
| Valve | - | Tier1 ceramic disc metered valve |
| Regenerates on demand | Yes | Yes |
| App or remote monitoring | No | No |
| Bypass valve included | Yes | Yes |
| Resin tank | 12 x 35 in | 12 x 57 in |
| Certification and warranty | ||
| NSF/ANSI 44 | Yes | No |
| Valve warranty | 5 years | 1 year |
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |