The answer to 'water softener vs' is that water softeners and water filters serve different purposes and have distinct features, benefits, and costs. Water softeners are designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water, while water filters are used to remove contaminants, improve taste, and provide cleaner, safer water.
Water softeners work by exchanging the hard minerals for sodium or potassium ions, effectively 'softening' the water. This can extend the lifespan of appliances, reduce soap and detergent usage, and make water feel smoother. Water filters, on the other hand, use a variety of media like carbon or reverse osmosis to trap sediment, microorganisms, and other impurities. Filters are better suited for improving water quality and taste, but do not address hard water issues.