Water softeners are an important element in keeping your water supply clean and free of contaminants. They work by removing hard-mineral-causing ions like calcium and magnesium and replacing them with softer minerals, like salt. Softened water not only tastes better, but can help extend the life of your plumbing, appliances, and fixtures. But with so many models on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. To make it easier, here are the 10 best water softeners:

1. Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener: This model includes a digital metered control valve that allows for customized settings and automatically adjusts the regeneration process based on your water usage. It also has a 48,000 grain capacity and comes with a 5-year warranty.

2. Abundant Flow Water Systems 36,000 Grain High Efficiency Digital Water Softener: This unit is designed to save both water and salt by automatically regenerating less often than standard systems. The digital control head and touchpad display make it easy to set the timer and desired hardness levels.

3. Watersure Water Softener Salt Free 32,000 Grain High Efficiency Digital System: This salt-free water softener uses magnetic technology to reduce the number of hard minerals in your water without the need for salts. The digital head and LCD display enable customized settings and automatic regeneration.

4. Kinetico K5 System Water Softener: This high-performance system provides superior water softening without the use of salts or electricity. It uses a patented dual-tank design to ensure a continuous supply of soft water and offers a 10-year warranty.

5. Pelican Water Salt-Free Water Softener System: This non-salt based water softening system uses a combination of natural zeolites and activated carbon to reduce minerals and sediment associated with hard water. It's designed to be eco-friendly, energy efficient, and comes with a 10-year warranty.

6. NuvoH2O Manor 3-Stage Water Softening System: This 3-stage system uses chelation technology to create soft, slime-resistant water. The system is easy to install and doesn’t require potassium, so it’s safe for septic systems and low-pressure systems.

7. AQUASANA Rhino Whole House Water Softener: This whole-home system uses an innovative catalytic carbon media to reduce chlorine, sediment, and other contaminates from your water. It also requires no salt or electricity and is covered by a 10-year warranty.

8. Whirlpool 30,000 Grain Water Softener: This heavy-duty softener is designed to reduce up to 95% of hard water minerals in your pipes, appliances, and fixtures. It features an on-demand metered valve that automatically adjusts regeneration cycles to meet your water needs.

9. Eddy Professional Water Softener: This unit uses a smart pellet design to reduce scale buildup in your pipes and fixtures and extend the life of your appliances. It can be installed easily, is 100% eco-friendly and comes with a 10-year warranty.

10. Express Water Water Softener and Descaler System: This water softener system is designed to reduce hard water contaminants and scale buildup in pipes and fixtures. It uses an electronic descaling technology to minimize sediments and calcium buildups, while improving the taste and quality of your water.

All of these models are designed to provide you with softened, clean water and extend the life of your plumbing and appliances. When choosing the best water softener for your needs, keep in mind the size of your home and your water use to ensure you select a system that’s compatible.