A softener of up to 32,000 grains suits one or two people, a condo or a cabin, or a family with only moderately hard water. They’re compact enough for a utility closet, and most install with standard 1 in or 3/4 in connections.
Prices were last checked November 1, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 10
- Rheem Preferred RHS32#1 of 10Full review
A certified demand softener for one to four people that also reduces barium and radium, a plus on some well water.
Home Depot $489$48932,0007.9 gpm4,940 - Whirlpool WHES30#2 of 10Full review
A low-cost, NSF certified demand softener for a small household on city water, with excellent salt efficiency.
Blain's Farm & Fleet $469.99$469.9930,0007.3 gpm5,094 - Aquasure Harmony 32K#3 of 10Full review
A low cost metered softener for a small household on city or well water that wants the basics done cheaply. Buyers who want verified salt efficiency should look at a certified model.
Amazon $523.29$523.2932,000-- - SoftPro Elite 32,000 Grain#4 of 10Full review
A premium small softener for buyers who want long warranty cover and lower salt use and will pay well above budget brands for it.
Amazon $1,159$1,15932,000-- - AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 32K#5 of 10Full review
A plain Fleck 5600SXT softener for one to three people on moderately hard water, for buyers who want a valve any local shop can service.
Amazon $785$78532,00012 gpm- - Kenmore 350#6 of 10Full review
A compact, certified demand softener for one to four people, though the same design costs less under other brands.
Amazon $621.29$621.2932,0007.2 gpm- - WaterBoss 700#7 of 10Full review
A compact, certified softener for a small home or a well with some iron, where space matters more than capacity.
Amazon $580.18$580.1820,5008 gpm- - DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT 32K#8 of 10Full review
A basic Fleck 5600SXT softener for small households, for buyers who know the Fleck platform and do not need published ratings.
Amazon $751$75132,000-- - Tier1 Essential 32,000 Grain#9 of 10Full review
A budget metered softener for one to three people on city water, for buyers who want the lowest upfront cost and accept a short valve warranty.
Amazon $509$50932,000-- - SpringWell SS1#10 of 10Full review
A small softener for one to three bathrooms, for buyers who value a long warranty and direct support over price.
SpringWell $1,512$1,51232,00011 gpm-
