Salt-free water softener or salt softener: which is right for you?
A salt softener takes the minerals that make water hard out of your water, so it feels soft and soap lathers easily. A salt-free conditioner leaves those minerals in and changes them so they’re less likely to stick as scale. If you want water that feels soft, choose a salt softener. If you mainly want less scale and no salt to carry, a salt-free system can be enough.
How they compare
| Salt softener | Salt-free conditioner | |
|---|---|---|
| The minerals | Takes them out | Leaves them in, changed so they stick less |
| Feels soft on skin and hair | Yes | No |
| Spots on dishes and glass | Far fewer | Can still happen, because the minerals are still there when water dries |
| Salt | You add bags every few weeks | None |
| Water down the drain | Some, each time it recharges | None |
| Upkeep | Salt, and a check-up now and then | The material inside is replaced every few years; ask the installer how often |
| Phoenix installed price | $1,750 to $2,395 (what most installers charge) | $2,399 to $4,395 (published installed prices) |
Prices from installers’ own websites and ads, checked October 2026.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose a salt softener if you want soft-feeling water for skin and hair, fewer spots on dishes, and the most protection for your water heater and fixtures.
- Choose a salt-free conditioner if scale is your main worry and you’d rather not buy and carry salt or send water down the drain.
- Not sure? Answer five quick questions and we’ll point you to a setup.
Two things to know
A salt softener adds a small amount of sodium to softened water. The amount depends on how hard your water is. If that matters to you, many people drink filtered water from an under-sink system instead.
Some places limit salt softeners because of what they send down the drain. We haven’t confirmed rules for Phoenix-area cities, so check with your city or homeowners association before you buy.