Whirlpool WHES40 vs APEC ROES-50
Different approaches to water treatment compared side by side. Best for various water quality situations.
Whirlpool WHES40
Salt-Based Water Softener
$550
VS
APEC ROES-50
Reverse Osmosis System
$200
Whirlpool WHES40 and APEC ROES-50 are different types of water treatment systems. The Whirlpool WHES40 costs $350 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: $350
The Whirlpool WHES40 costs $350 more. The question is whether the differences justify the cost for your situation.
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | Whirlpool WHES40 | APEC ROES-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 40,000 | — |
| Flow Rate (GPM) | 8 | — |
| Bathrooms Supported | 1–4 | — |
| Regeneration Type | Demand-initiated (metered) | — |
| Resin Crosslink | 8% | — |
| Valve Type | Digital demand | — |
| Salt Usage | Sixth Sense technology optimizes salt use | — |
| Warranty | 1 year (parts), limited | — |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 44, 372 | NSF 58 |
| Dimensions | 21.3" x 15" x 47.5" | — |
| Installation | DIY-friendly | Under-sink, DIY |
| Water Source | City & Well | — |
| Hardness Removal | Up to 125 GPG | — |
| Iron Removal | Up to 10 PPM | — |
| Stages | — | 5-stage |
| TDS Removal | — | 99% |
| PFAS Removal | — | 95%+ |
| Lead Removal | — | 99% |
| Arsenic Removal | — | 99% |
| Fluoride Removal | — | 97% |
| Flow Rate | — | 50 GPD |
| Tank Size | — | 4 gallons |
| Waste Ratio | — | 3:1 |
| Filter Replacement | — | 0-50/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Whirlpool WHES40 or APEC ROES-50 better?
It depends on your situation. APEC ROES-50 ($200) is the better value for most homes. Whirlpool WHES40 ($550) offers premium features that may justify the cost for larger households or those wanting maximum convenience.
Is the APEC ROES-50 worth it at $200?
APEC ROES-50 is one of the most popular water treatment systems on the market. At $200, it offers strong performance for the price. Budget under-sink RO for lead, PFAS, arsenic, and TDS reduction.
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
Affiliate disclosure: CheckMyTap earns a commission if you purchase through our links. This does not affect our analysis. We compare systems based on water data and household needs, not commission rates. Full disclosure →