Fleck 5600SXT vs Berkey Travel Berkey
Different approaches to water treatment compared side by side. Best for various water quality situations.
Fleck 5600SXT
Salt-Based Water Softener
$650
VS
Berkey Travel Berkey
Gravity Filter
$284
Fleck 5600SXT and Berkey Travel Berkey are different types of water treatment systems. The Fleck 5600SXT costs $366 more. The right choice depends on your water data, household size, and which features matter most to you. Check your city's water quality first to understand what you are treating.
Price Difference: $366
The Fleck 5600SXT costs $366 more. The question is whether the differences justify the cost for your situation.
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | Fleck 5600SXT | Berkey Travel Berkey |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 48,000 | — |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 12 | — |
| Bathrooms Supported | 1–6 | — |
| Regeneration Type | Metered SXT digital | — |
| Resin Crosslink | 8% | — |
| Valve Type | Fleck 5600SXT digital metered | — |
| Salt Usage | ~40 lb bag every 4–6 weeks | — |
| Warranty | 5 years (valve), 10 years (tank) | — |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 44 | None (third-party tested) |
| Dimensions | 10" x 54" tank + brine tank | — |
| Installation | Moderate (plumbing required) | None required |
| Water Source | City & Well | — |
| Hardness Removal | Up to 75 GPG | — |
| Iron Removal | Up to 8 PPM | — |
| Filter Type | — | Black Berkey purification elements |
| Capacity | — | 1.5 gallons |
| Flow Rate | — | ~1.5 gallons/hour |
| Filter Life | — | 6,000 gallons (2+ years) |
| Chlorine Removal | — | 99.9% |
| Lead Removal | — | 99.9% |
| Bacteria Removal | — | 99.9999% |
| PFAS Removal | — | Claimed but not NSF certified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fleck 5600SXT or Berkey Travel Berkey better?
It depends on your situation. Berkey Travel Berkey ($284) is the better value for most homes. Fleck 5600SXT ($650) offers premium features that may justify the cost for larger households or those wanting maximum convenience.
Is the Berkey Travel Berkey worth it at $284?
Berkey Travel Berkey is one of the most popular water treatment systems on the market. At $284, it offers strong performance for the price. Off-grid, emergency preparedness, and travel. No electricity or plumbing needed.
What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) that cause scale. A filter removes contaminants (chlorine, PFAS, lead). They solve different problems. Many homes need both. See our detailed guide. Read our full guide →
Related Guides
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