We compare the two major brands and their Water Softeners, its the comparison of SpringWell vs Drop.
More specifically, its the comparison of two leading technology led water treatment solutions:
SpringWell 2-in-1 Filter + Salt Softener Combo System (MMV-1) vs
the DROP City Smart Water Softener (SC-32)
Each filter boasts unique features designed to enhance the quality of your home water supply.
Our hands-on review dives deep into these products, comparing their features, benefits, installation process, and overall performance to help you choose the best water softening system for your home.
Both the DROP SC-32 and SpringWell MMV-1 were chosen for their innovative approach to solving common water quality issues faced by households. Each system offers a unique combination of water softening and filtration capabilities, aimed at reducing the presence of hard minerals and chemicals in city municipal water. Their selection stems from a desire to compare two of the most advanced and user-friendly options on the market.
The DROP SC-32 and SpringWell MMV-1 systems are both designed in the U.S.A to enhance home water quality, featuring options to expand their capabilities through technology upgrades.
They share the ability to treat water with a capacity of either 32,000 or 48,000 grains, utilizing advanced filtration media to tackle common water contaminants such as chlorine, chloramine, and hardness.
Both systems offer smart app integration for monitoring and control, highlighting a modern approach to water treatment that blends convenience with efficiency.
The key differences between the two systems lie in their price, system type, and dual vs single app control and additional upgrade features.
The SpringWell MMV-1 is more affordable both initially and after upgrades, and it combines water filtering with salt-based softening, providing a more comprehensive solution for water treatment. Its upgrade options, managed through two separate apps, cater to a more comprehensive smart home ecosystem, extending to kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor applications.
It also boasts a higher flow rate and a lifetime warranty on tanks and valves, which is more generous compared to DROP’s 5-year warranty. DROP SC-32, however, positions itself as a smart water softener with own properitoty Drop App for which is a one window solution
While DROP provides clear specifications on maximum hardness and iron/manganese removal, SpringWell offers a broader range of contaminant removal but does not specify maximum hardness or iron/manganese removal levels.
Specification | ||
Price | $2494.75 | $2212.99 |
Upgrade Options | DROP Home Protection Valve $699.00 | Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff $549.98 |
Total Price After Upgrades | $3,193.75 | $2762.97 |
Country of Manufacture | U.S.A | U.S.A |
System Type | Smart Water Softener | Water Filter + Salt Softener Combo |
Capacity (Grains) | 32,000 (SC-32) or 48,000 (Sc-48) | 32,000 (MMV-1) or 48,000 (MMV-4) |
Filtration Media | Catalytic Carbon + Ion Exchange Resin | KDF + Catalytic Carbon + Ion Exchange Resin |
Flow Rate (GPM) | 5.0 (SC-32 model) 8.0 (SC-48 model) | 11 GPM (MMV-1) 15 GPM (MMV-4) |
Max Hardness Removal | 75 Grains (SC-32) | Not specified |
Max Clear Iron/Manganese | 5 ppm | Not specified |
Mineral Tank Size | 10 x 54 polyglass (SC-32 model) | 10″ Width x 54″ Height |
Brine Tank Size | 16 x 33 polyethylene | 15″w x 17″d x 36″h |
Backwash Rate (GPM) | 2.4 (SC-32 model) | 4 GPM |
Control | Single DROP App for controlling the Water Softener and Home Protection Valve. | SpringWell Water Smart App for controlling the Water Softener |
Technology Upgrade Options | Technology Upgrades to: Drop Alert, Leak Detectors, Pump Controller, Sump Pump Alarm – controlled through the Single DROP App | Technology Upgrades for: kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, including smart faucets and showers, sump pump monitoring, and leak detection. |
Warranty | 5 Year | Lifetime on Tanks & Valves |
Contaminants Removed | Chlorine, Chloramine, Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium) | Chlorine, Chloramine, VOCs, Pesticides, Herbicides, Hardness (Calcium & Magnesium), plus more specified contaminants |
The SpringWell MMV-1 stands out for its wide-ranging ability to remove contaminants such as VOCs, pesticides, and herbicides, alongside chlorine and chloramine, making it ideal for comprehensive water purification and softening.
The DROP SC-32, while also eliminating chlorine, chloramine, and hardness, leans towards smart water management, suited for city water users seeking precise control via a single app. Both systems ensure cleaner, softer water, but SpringWell offers a broader contaminant removal spectrum.
To make life easier for our readers we’ve made a rating based table with further explanation below on the rationale for each score.
Factor | DROP SC-32 | SpringWell MMV-1 | Winner |
Upfront Cost | 7 | 9 | |
Efficiency & Savings | 8 | 9 | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Technology & Control | 9 | 8 | |
Space & Installation | 8 | 9 | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Maintenance & Support | 8 | 9 | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Contaminant Reduction | 8 | 9 | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Filtration Rate | 8 | 9 | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Upfront Cost and Maintenance | 8 | 8 | Tie |
Design and Usability | 9 | 9 | Tie |
Setup and Maintenance | 9 | 8 | |
Company Reputation and Support | 9 | 9 | Tie |
Overall | 8.3 | 8.7 | SpringWell MMV-1 |
In essence, while both systems effectively purify and soften water, SpringWell MMV-1’s inclusion of KDF media broadens its contaminant removal spectrum, offering enhanced water treatment for a wider array of concerns. This makes SpringWell ideal for households seeking more water quality improvement, whereas DROP SC-32 is a strong choice for efficiently tackling chemical contaminants and hardness.
Requires an additional, possibly third-party, app for operation, introducing potential complexity but ensuring critical monitoring and shutoff capabilities.
Upgrades cater to a more comprehensive smart home ecosystem, extending to kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor applications, include leak detectors and sump pump alarms, similar to DROP, but the necessity for an extra app may affect the seamless experience.
Integration: DROP excels with an all-in-one ecosystem approach, while SpringWell offers flexibility with a focus on essential functionalities, possibly at the expense of integration.
Ease of Use: DROP’s unified app provides a streamlined experience. SpringWell’s approach, involving additional apps, caters to those who don’t mind managing multiple interfaces for broader control options.
In essence, the choice hinges on personal preference for system integration versus flexibility.
DROP is ideal for users seeking a straightforward, integrated water management solution, whereas SpringWell suits those valuing specific features and are comfortable with a multi-app setup.
Both SpringWell MMV-1 and DROP SC-32 emphasize eco-friendly water treatment. SpringWell’s all-in-one design reduces the environmental footprint by combining filtration and softening, minimizing the need for multiple units.
In contrast, DROP SC-32’s smart technology optimizes water use and prevents waste, enhancing resource conservation. While both aim for sustainability, SpringWell MMV-1 offers broad treatment in a single system, and DROP SC-32 focuses on efficiency through technological innovation.
When considering shipping, return policies, and warranty terms, SpringWell MMV-1 emerges as the more favorable choice for consumers. It offers broader and more consumer-friendly policies, particularly in terms of warranty coverage, making it a better overall value in the long run.
The table below shows a side-by-side comparison of their Shipping, Warranty and Return Policies:
Feature | Winner | ||
Free Shipping | Continental USA only | Continental USA, additional charges for HI, AK, and Canada | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Shipping Timeframe | Within 3 business days | Within 5 business days | DROP SC-32 |
Undeliverable Packages | Refund minus all shipping costs | Full refund minus shipping costs | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Refused Shipments | Charges 25% restock plus shipping | May charge return shipping and 25% restock | Tie |
Damage/Lost Shipment | Claims within 10 days, requires photos for claims | Claims within 10 days, may require photos for claims | Tie |
Cancellation Policy | Before shipping, refund minus shipping if commenced | Before shipping, full refund | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Return Policy | 6 months, minus shipping charges, 25% restock fee | 6 months, minus shipping charges, 25% restock fee | Tie |
Product Exchange | Faulty items exchanged, customer gets prepaid return label | Faulty items exchanged, customer gets prepaid return label | Tie |
Warranty | Varied (1-10 years based on parts) | Lifetime on system, 10 years on some parts | SpringWell MMV-1 |
Overall | SpringWell MMV-1 | ||
SpringWell the 32,000 grains system for households with 1-3 bathrooms and the 48,000 grains system for households with 4-6 bathrooms
Both units are available in variants designed to handle different levels of water hardness, measured in grains:
For a hardness capacity of 32,000 grains:
For a higher hardness capacity of 48,000 grains:
No product is perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
SpringWell MMV-1 Setbacks:
DROP SC-32 Setbacks:
While both the DROP SC-32 and the SpringWell MMV-1 offer impressive benefits, the choice comes down to specific needs and preferences.
We Think the SpringWell MMV-1 is Best For: Those seeking a comprehensive solution for both water filtration, softening and Smart Water Monitor/Shutoff. It’s suited for users looking for an all-in-one system that significantly improves water quality and appliance longevity and happy to have two apps to control two distinct capabilities.
Choose the DROP SC-32 If: You value smart home integration through a single app and are looking for advanced control over your water softening system. It’s ideal for those who prioritize long-term technology and efficiency in managing water quality and want to expand their smart home water capabilities in the future, despite a higher initial investment.
Refer to the “Key Differences” and “Technical Specifications Comparison Table” sections for a detailed comparison. The SpringWell MMV-1 offers a more comprehensive water treatment solution with both filtering and softening capabilities, higher flow rates, and broader contaminant removal. The DROP SC-32 is a smart water softener with specific features for hardness and chemical removal.
SpringWell’s advantages are outlined in the “Key Differences,” “Upfront Cost and Maintenance,” and “Environmental Impact Analysis” sections. Highlights include affordability, broader contaminant removal, higher flow rates, and a lifetime warranty.
The “Efficiency & Savings” and “Comparative Analysis of Filtration Technologies” sections detail the efficiency. SpringWell’s dual-function system provides better long-term savings and efficiency, especially with its additional KDF filtering stage.
The “Final Verdict” section states that the SpringWell MMV-1 for its comprehensive solution, which includes water filtration, softening, and smart water monitoring, making it ideal for those seeking all-in-one system improvements.
The entire article provides a thorough review, particularly the “In-Depth Analysis” and “Comparative Analysis of Both Technology Options” sections, highlighting differences in technology, control, and user experience.
The “Key Differences” and “Technical Specifications Comparison Table” sections compare features like system type, filtration media, flow rates, and technology upgrades.
The User experiences are largely positive from users, some users for both Springwell and Drop who weren’t able to install the system had to hire a plumber which led to additional costs and was a cause of frustration.
The “Upfront Cost” section and the technical specifications table detail costs, showing SpringWell as more cost-effective both initially and after upgrades.
The “Environmental Impact Analysis” section discusses both systems’ eco-friendly approaches, with SpringWell combining filtration and softening in one unit and DROP optimizing water use through smart technology.
Not explicitly stated, but the “Space & Installation” section implies that SpringWell’s all-in-one design might offer a simpler installation process compared to DROP.
These are detailed across the “Key Differences,” “Contaminant Reduction,” and “Environmental Impact Analysis” sections, emphasizing its comprehensive contaminant removal and eco-friendliness.
The “Contaminant Reduction” and “Comparative Analysis of Filtration Technologies” sections indicate SpringWell may offer superior water quality improvement due to its broader contaminant removal capabilities.
Both systems address hard water effectively, as seen in the “Technical Specifications Comparison Table,” but SpringWell’s additional filtering stages may provide a more comprehensive solution.
Discussed in the “Efficiency & Savings” section, SpringWell’s combined filter and softener system is likely to offer better savings on soap, detergents, and appliance wear.
The “Technology & Control” and “Comparative Analysis of Both Technology Options” sections highlight DROP’s single-app control advantage, while SpringWell offers a dual app solution
Both systems are effective, but SpringWell’s additional KDF media might offer an edge in broader contaminant removal, as indicated in the “Contaminant Reduction” section.
The “Maintenance & Support” section suggests that while both brands provide strong support, SpringWell’s comprehensive instructions and responsive customer service might edge out DROP.
The “Contaminant Reduction” and “Comparative Analysis of Filtration Technologies” sections detail SpringWell’s broader spectrum of contaminant removal compared to DROP.
The “Technical Specifications Comparison Table” shows both systems offer similar capacities (32,000 or 48,000 grains), catering to different household sizes and water hardness levels.
The “Flow Rate (GPM)” in the technical specifications table indicates SpringWell offers better water pressure with higher GPM ratings for its models, making it suitable for larger households or higher usage scenarios.
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