Which Is the Best Brand of Tankless Water Heater? A Plumber’s Expert Guide

Which is the best Brand Of Tankless Water Heaters?

When it comes to upgrading your home’s hot water system, tankless water heaters are a game-changer. They provide endless hot water, take up less space, and can help lower energy bills. But with so many brands on the market, you might be wondering:

Which is the best brand of tankless water heater?

As experienced plumbers, we’ve installed, repaired, and maintained hundreds of tankless systems in real homes. In this guide, we’ll break down the top brands in the industry based on performance, reliability, warranty, cost, and customer satisfaction.

What Makes a Tankless Water Heater Brand “The Best”?

To help homeowners make the right choice, we evaluate each brand based on:

• Energy efficiency (UEF ratings)

• Durability and build quality

• Hot water output and flow rate

• Ease of installation and maintenance

• Warranty and long-term support

• Advanced features and smart controls

• Cost-to-value ratio

🥇 Navien – The Best Tankless Water Heater Brand in 2025

Why We Recommend It: Navien combines cutting-edge engineering with unmatched efficiency, reliability, and homeowner-friendly features. Whether you need a tankless water heater for a large household or just want the best performance and energy savings, Navien delivers.

✅ Key Benefits:

• Industry-Leading Efficiency: Up to 0.97 UEF, meaning lower gas bills and more eco-friendly operation.

• Dual Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers: Built to last longer and resist corrosion better than copper.

• Built-in Recirculation Pump (A2 Models): Faster hot water with less waste — a game-changer for large homes.

• Whisper-Quiet Operation: You’ll hardly know it’s running.

• Smart Technology: Optional NaviLink™ Wi-Fi system for remote control and monitoring.

• Exceptional Warranty: Up to 15 years on the heat exchanger.

🔧 Best Models:

• Navien NPE-240A2 – Premium condensing model with built-in recirc.

• Navien NPN-180E – Affordable non-condensing option with solid performance.

⭐ Verdict:

Navien is the best all-around tankless water heater brand for homeowners who want top-tier technology, efficiency, and long-term savings.

How Navien Compares to Other Top Brands of Tankless Water Heaters

Rinnai – Powerful and Reliable

Why It’s Great:Rinnai is known for high flow rates, reliability, and quality engineering. It’s especially popular in large households where high demand is a factor.

Strengths:

• Excellent performance

• Great warranty (12 years)

• Strong brand reputation

Downside:

• Less efficient than Navien

• Recirculation requires separate kits

• More expensive upfront

  
  

Noritz – Rugged and Durable

Why It’s Great:Noritz is known for its rugged design and dependable performance, especially in homes with hard water or fluctuating water pressure.

Strengths:

• Long-lasting

• Simple controls

• Ideal for basic residential setups

Downside:

• Fewer smart features

• Lower UEF than Navien

Rheem

– Budget-Friendly Option

Why It’s Great:Rheem is widely available and offers solid value, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable tankless system that’s easy to install.

Strengths:

• Readily available in retail stores

• Lower initial cost

• Decent efficiency (0.82–0.93 UEF)

Downside:

• Not as long-lasting or feature-rich as Navien

• Customer support can vary

Stiebel Eltron – Best for Electric Systems

Why It’s Great:If your home doesn’t use gas or propane, Stiebel Eltron makes excellent electric tankless water heaters — sleek, silent, and space-saving.

Strengths:

• No venting required

• Compact design

• Energy efficient (for electric models)

Downside:

• Lower flow rate than gas models

• Higher electric usage in colder climates

Brand	Best For	Max UEF	Warranty	Key Feature
Navien	Best Overall	0.97	15 Years	Built-in recirculation, dual heat exchangers
Rinnai	High Demand Homes	0.96	12 Years	Strong flow rate, Wi-Fi capable
Noritz	Durability & Basics	0.92	12 Years	Simple, low maintenance
Rheem	Budget-Conscious	0.93	12 Years	Easy to install, affordable
Stiebel Eltron	Electric-Only Homes	0.99	7 Years (electric)	Compact, no gas line needed

Tankless Water Heaters Installed Right the First Time — With No Hassle

At Revelation Plumbing, we don’t just sell tankless water heaters — we install them the right way, the same day, and with no trip charge or hidden fees.

💧 Free estimates. No trip charges. Same-day installation available.📞 Call now or schedule your quote online to find out which Navien tankless system is right for your home. 📞 412-518-7170

Final Thoughts

The best brand of tankless water heater in 2025 is Navien — thanks to its advanced efficiency, built-in recirculation, quiet operation, and superior warranty. While other brands like Rinnai, Noritz, Rheem, and Stiebel Eltron are strong contenders, Navien simply checks all the boxes.

Curious to see how a tankless compares to your traditional tank type water heater?

Learn more here

If you're thinking about making the switch to tankless, let our licensed team walk you through your options and install the right system for your home, family, and budget.