If you already live in one of the UK's hard-water areas then you probably won't need us to convince you about the benefits of using a water softener and you may wish just to skip straight down to our review of the best water softeners in the UK, alternatively, if you're curious to learn more details about them or if you are new to a hard-water area, then keep reading to find out a bit more detail about water softeners, their benefits and how they work.

Reviewed by Carly James, Posh.co.uk Editor and former Which? magazine contributor. With years of hands-on testing experience, Carly specializes in evaluating home water treatment systems for real-world performance and durability.

Why you need a water softener in the UK

Many places in the UK have hard water, which is basically mineral-rich water. This is perfectly safe to drink (in fact there is some evidence to suggest that it's actually healthier than soft water precisely because of the mineral content) but it's horrendously damaging to household appliances and can shorten their lifespan siginficantly. This is bad enough with small appliances such as kettles and irons or steamers but can get really expensive when looking at major ones such as washing machines, dishwashers and boilers.

Different types of water softeners available in the UK

Basically, there are two types of water softeners commonly available in the UK. There are salt-free systems and salt-based systems.

The salt-free systems are technically descalers rather than water softeners in that they keep the chemical balance of the water the same, but either prevent limescale from forming or prevent it from adhering to surfaces (such as the inside of your appliances). Some work through electromagnetism and others work by using nanotechnology. The former, obviously, need a source of power (generally the mains) while the latter work passively. Salt-free systems tend to be very affordable and also very easy to install.

NB: while electromagnetic water softeners are perfectly efficient, some of them will not work past a break in the flow e.g. a water tank. If you have a water tank where the mains in and return pipes are next to each other, then you will need either to buy two units or to make sure to buy a unit which is powerful enough to cope with the break. This is only likely to be an issue if you have a water tank.

Salt-based water softeners genuinely do soften water, i.e. they actually change its chemical content, which means that in addition to preventing limescale, salt-based water softeners produce water which lathers well and loses the "hard-water taste". They are, however, more expensive, bulkier and a bit more hassle to install, plus the use of salt is rather controversial from an environmental perspective, although modern water softeners do use it very economically.

NB: Salt-based water softeners generally work within a minimum and maximum pressure range so if your system is outside this then you may need to use some form of adaptor to bring the water pressure into the accepted range. Poorer quality salt-based water softeners may reduce the effective water pressure in your home, but good quality ones will have marginal to zero impact on flow (so you can still enjoy a good shower, in fact, you'll have an even better one).

Points to consider before purchasing a water softener

Here are what we think are the key points to consider before purchasing a water softener.

Do you want to add salt?

In all seriousness, probably the first major decision is whether you're going to go for a descaler or a salt-based water softener. If you are going to use salt then you will want to check what form of salt is required. Some water softeners specifically require either block salt or loose salt while others will work with both. You will also want to think about the position of the salt tank, i.e. how easy it is to fill (and also that it is protected from dirt getting in).

How big a capacity do you need?

This is more of an issue with tank-based water softeners (rather than the electromagnetic ones). Basically larger tanks will, of course, take up more space in your home, but they also tend to be more economical to run.

How easy is it to install?

Electomagnetic units can simply be fitted onto pipes (and connected to the electric), while nanotechnology units need to be connected to the actual water supply but not necessarily to the electric supply. Salt-based water softeners usually need to be connected to both and their ease of installation varies widely, however, one factor is key to success and that is using the right parts for your specific water supply. If you're not familiar with this then you may wish to use an installation service or a local tradesperson/plumber.

Even the best water softeners will only work well if they are installed properly so it is really important to get this right.

How We Evaluate Water Softeners

Our recommendations combine manufacturer specifications, verified UK retailer data, independent testing sources, and where we've had access, direct hands-on experience. We focus on the factors that matter most for UK households dealing with hard water issues.

What We Look For

• Performance & reliability: Daily capacity, regeneration efficiency, salt consumption, and consistent softening across various UK water hardness levels
• Build quality: Tank construction materials, resin quality, valve durability, and expected lifespan (10-20 years for quality units)
• Ease of use: Installation complexity, programming simplicity, maintenance requirements, and salt refill frequency
• Value: Running costs (salt, electricity, water usage), warranty coverage, and features relative to typical UK pricing
• Safety: WRAS approval for UK water regulations, sodium levels in softened water, and compliance with drinking water standards

Note: Where exact measurements aren't available from manufacturers, we provide clearly marked estimates based on industry standards and grain capacity calculations. We never list live prices—our focus is on function, features, and value for UK households.

A review of the best water softeners in the UK

Here is our round up of the best water softeners in the UK. We've included three descalers and three salt-based water softeners at various price points.

Editors Pick

BWT Hi Flow Block/Tablet Water Softener

Runner Up

iSpring Hi Flow Water Softener

Best Budget

Water2Buy EASY Hi Flow Water Softener

Eddy Electronic Water Descaler - Water Softener Alternative UK/EU Version

Best for: Urban renters and flat dwellers seeking zero-plumbing, maintenance-free limescale prevention

The Eddy seems to be the water softener of choice for people in London as it offers very decent performance in a very compact package and is therefore great for people living in city flats, especially if they're renting as the Eddy is super-easy to fit and can be installed without any plumbing changes. It works on both metal and plastic pipes, the only exception being lead pipes, although these are now increasingly rare due to the health-and-safety issues they cause.

In the strictest, technical sense, Eddy is actually a descaler rather than a water softener as it replaces the customary salt with an electromagnetic wave. This preserves the chemical balance of the water, so it remains hard water, but acts to prevent calcium from adhering to surfaces and hence forming what we generally call limescale. On the one hand, this means that the taste of the water remains "hard" but on the other it means that you still get the health benefits of mineral-rich water.

Pros:

• No plumbing modifications required; simply clips onto incoming water pipe
• Compatible with both metal and plastic pipes (excludes lead)
• Requires minimal electricity (approximately 4 pence per week)
• 12-month money-back guarantee with lifetime repair/replace warranty
• Retains beneficial minerals in water; no sodium added

Cons:

• Does not genuinely soften water; prevents rather than removes limescale
• Effectiveness debated in scientific literature; mixed consumer reviews
• Performance may vary depending on water hardness and pipe material
• Requires manual pre-cleaning of existing scaled appliances before installation

Key Specifications:

Specification	Value
Type	Electromagnetic descaler (salt-free)
Daily Capacity	Unlimited (no treatment threshold)
Suitable Household Size	All household sizes
Salt Type	None (salt-free)
Dimensions	Wall-mounted control unit
Power Required	Mains electricity (low consumption)
Annual Power Consumption	8.76 kWh
Regeneration Type	Continuous electromagnetic field (no regeneration)
Installation Complexity	DIY - no plumbing required
Annual Running Cost	£2-4
Pipe Compatibility	Metal and plastic (up to 22mm diameter); NOT lead pipes
Warranty	12-month money-back + lifetime repair
Lifespan	20+ years
Model	Eddy (UK/EU Version)

Note: Electromagnetic descalers prevent scale formation but do not remove existing minerals from water. Scientific evidence for effectiveness is mixed.

Little Plumber LP1 (mains operated Electronic Water Softener)

Best for: 1-4 bedroom houses seeking compact, UK-made hardwater treatment without plumbing changes

Basically everything we said about the Eddy applies to the Little Plumber. Your choice between them will probably boil down to price, availability and/or personal preference.

Pros:

• Extremely low running cost at £2 per year
• Removes existing limescale while preventing new formation
• Compact UK-manufactured design with 20-year proven track record
• Simple installation with no plumbing or chemical changes required
• 12-month no-quibble money-back guarantee with 3-year replacement guarantee

Cons:

• Limited to treating 1-4 bedroom properties (up to 50mm pipe diameter)
• Effectiveness claims lack extensive independent scientific validation
• Requires mains electricity connection near incoming water pipe
• Does not soften water; only prevents and breaks down scale

Key Specifications:

Specification	Value
Type	Electronic descaler (low-frequency radio waves)
Daily Capacity	All (no treatment threshold)
Suitable Property Size	1-4 bedrooms
Salt Type	None (salt-free)
Dimensions (W×D×H)	104 × 31 × 72 mm
Power Required	Mains electricity (5V USB phone charger)
Mains Cable Length	2 metres
Regeneration Type	Continuous computerised microchip technology
Installation Complexity	Wrap-around installation; no plumbing
Annual Running Cost	£2
Pipe Compatibility	All pipes up to 50mm diameter
Warranty	12-month money-back + 3-year replacement
Lifespan	15 years
Manufacturer	Splendid Products Limited (Oxfordshire, UK)
Model Number	LP1

UK-manufactured with 20-year proven track record. Running cost of £2/year makes this the most economical option.

AquaHouse NSWS Water Softener Alternative System

Best for: Eco-conscious households seeking salt-free, maintenance-light limescale prevention

If you're looking for a low-tech option which is also both very environmentally friendly (salt free) and very economical, then the AquaHouse NSWS could be the option for you. Like the options mentioned above, it is a descaler rather than a softener, i.e. the chemical balance of the water remains the same, so you get the mineral content without the limescale, but it works a bit differently.

Instead of using electric, the AquaHouse NSWS uses Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), to prevent the Calcium and Magnesium from bonding (into limescale), instead it converts them into harmless, inactive microscopic crystals. Because it works passively, it does not need to be connected to the electric supply and therefore could be a great option for "off grid" locations.

Pros:

• Proven 99.6% effective scale prevention using Template Assisted Crystallization
• Entirely passive operation; requires no electricity connection
• Ideal for off-grid properties and sustainable-focused households
• De-scales existing pipework and appliances gradually over time
• Long filter life of 3 years before replacement needed

Cons:

• Filter cartridge must be replaced every 3 years (£99.99 cost)
• Suitable only for small/average homes; XL version required for larger properties
• Installation recommended by plumber; requires pipe connection modifications
• Effectiveness lower in extremely hard water areas

Key Specifications:

Specification	Value
Type	TAC (Template Assisted Crystallization) descaler (salt-free)
Effectiveness Rating	99.6%
Daily Capacity	All (no treatment threshold)
Suitable Property Size	Small to average homes
Salt Type	None (salt-free, chemical-free)
Dimensions (H×W×D)	34 × 24 × 21 cm
Power Required	None (passive operation)
Max Flow Rate	8 litres per minute
Peak Flow	20 litres per minute
Regeneration Type	No regeneration (passive filtration)
Installation Complexity	Professional plumber recommended
Annual Running Cost	£25-35
Filter Replacement	Every 3 years (£99.99)
Pipe Compatibility	3/4 inch BSP threaded fittings
Lifespan	20+ years
Model Numbers	NSWS (standard) or NSWS-XL (larger homes)

Proven 99.6% effectiveness rating. No electricity required makes this ideal for off-grid properties. Filter replacement cost spreads to approximately £33/year.

Tapworks AD11 Water Softener Meter Controlled

Best for: Budget-conscious families seeking straightforward, reliable salt-based softening without advanced features

The Tapworks AD11 is what we would call an entry-level, salt-based water softener, which puts it at the mid range of water softeners in general.

Unlike the products we've listed so far, the Tapworks AD11 water softener is a genuine water softener, rather than just a descaler. In other words, it uses salt to change the chemical balance of the water rather than just preventing limescale from sticking. This means you lose the mineral content of the water, but it also means that you will lose the associated taste.

At this point, you'd basically expect a water softener which "does the job" without anything much in the way of bells and whistles and that's exactly what you get with the Tapworks AD11. What made this water softener stand out from others at this price point is that Tapworks really know how to create clear instructions, plus the popularity of the brand means that if you do have a question about it or need more clarity on anything to do with it, then you have an above-average chance of easily finding the specific answer online.

Pros:

• Entry-level pricing at mid-range cost point
• Exceptional online support and clear product instructions
• Popular brand means abundant online community resources and troubleshooting guides
• Meter-controlled regeneration prevents unnecessary cycles
• WRAS certified for UK water compliance

Cons:

• Minimal features compared to higher-tier BWT or Water2Buy models
• Larger tank footprint may pose space constraints in smaller homes
• Requires regular salt refills (approximately 1-2 bags monthly)
• No app integration or smart monitoring features

Key Specifications:

Specification	Value
Type	Salt-based water softener (entry-level)
Daily Capacity	2,068 litres
Water Capacity (at 300ppm)	2,068 litres
Suitable Household Size	1-7 people
Salt Type	Block or tablet salt
Salt Storage Capacity	24 kg
Dimensions (W×D×H)	302 × 480 × 532 mm
Power Required	Mains electricity (24V 50Hz transformer)
Regeneration Type	Meter-controlled automatic
Installation Complexity	Professional installation recommended
Annual Running Cost	£90-150
Pipe Compatibility	22mm push-fit or standard connections
Warranty	2 years
Lifespan	10-15 years
Model Numbers	AD11 or NSC11PRO

WRAS certified for UK water regulations. Larger 24kg salt capacity reduces refill frequency.

BWT WS455 Hi Flow Electronic Demand Block/Tablet Water Softener, Blue, 10 Litre

Best for: Families of 4 seeking premium compact softening with advanced memory function and counter-current regeneration

The BWT WS455 is also a water softener rather than a descaler. As with the W2B200, it's user-friendly, efficient and economical plus the extra money gets you a few extra "high-tech" bonuses, which make it easier. The stand-out points are as follows.

There is an advanced memory function which allows the BWT WS455 to adapt its regeneration cycle to your usage patterns.

It uses high-capacity resin in a regular bead size to ensure the maximum quantity of water can be softened between regenerations.

Counter-current regeneration basically reverses the flow of the water to ensure that the whole resin bed is regenerated evenly and effectively.

Proportional brining means that the BWT WS455 only regenerates the part of the resin bed which has actually been used, thus eliminating the waste of both water and salt.

Pros:

• Advanced memory function adapts regeneration cycles to real household usage patterns
• Counter-current regeneration ensures entire resin bed cleaned evenly and effectively
• Proportional brining regenerates only used portions, eliminating waste of water and salt
• High-capacity resin in regular bead size maximises softened water between regenerations
• Rotary valve design ensures reliability with fewer moving parts

Cons:

• Premium pricing compared to entry-level Tapworks AD11
• Tablet salt capacity (12 kg) lower than larger BWT WS555 model
• Requires electricity and regular salt maintenance
• Compact 10-litre tank may require more frequent regeneration for larger households

Key Specifications:

Specification	Value
Type	Salt-based water softener (premium compact)
Daily Capacity	1,920 litres
Suitable Household Size	4 people (family size)
Tank Size	10 litres
Salt Type	Block or tablet salt
Dimensions (W×D×H)	270 × 480 × 532 mm
Power Required	Mains electricity (230V 12V transformer)
Max Flow Rate	50 litres per minute
Operating Flow Range	5-30 litres per minute
Regeneration Type	Automatic electronic demand with counter-current technology
Installation Complexity	Professional recommended; high-flow kit included
Annual Running Cost	£85-130
Pipe Compatibility	3/4 inch BSP; 22mm high-flow hoses included
Warranty	5 years parts, 2 years labour @Home
Lifespan	12-15 years
Model Numbers	WS455 or WS455HF (high-flow)

Counter-current regeneration and proportional brining technology significantly reduce water and salt waste compared to conventional systems.

Overall the best water softeners in the UK

As always the best water softener in the UK is the one which works best in your situation. Those looking for an affordable and effective option without the use of salt will need to stick with descalers rather than water softeners. The Eddy and the Little Plumber have the advantage of compactness, but the AquaHouse is probably a bit easier to install, plus it works passively so you don't have to think about connecting it to a power supply.

When it comes to the salt-based water softeners, the question is basically, "how much functionality do you need and/or want". The Tapworks AD11 is a perfectly respectable product at a cost-effective price, while the Water2Buy W2B200 and the BWT WS455 both offer more functionality, but at a price premium, only you can decide if that price premium is justified in your situation.