We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Tankless Water Heaters 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NEW Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 11.1 GPM, 199,000 BTU, with Recirculation Pump

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,131
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Fuel Type

Most important from
273 reviews

Flow Rate
Powerful enough to provide hot water simultaneously at four places in a household of five or more.
Energy Efficiency
For maximum energy efficiency, the BLE Bluetooth button accessory is recommended to activate the water recirculation cycle, saving lots of water and energy.
Fuel Type
Supports both natural gas and propane, making it versatile for different household setups.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward with the excellent, detailed instruction manual, though pre-planning for mounting location, materials, and electrical service is advised.
Warranty and Support
While the quick start guide can be confusing, the manufacturer's tech support is very helpful for resolving issues.

The Rinnai RXP199iN Condensing Smart Sense Tankless Water Heater offers impressive versatility, operating with either natural gas or propane and being suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. With a flow rate of up to 11.1 GPM, it can handle multiple fixtures at once, making it ideal for larger households. Its compact size and modern design, which includes features like Quick Flush and Smart-Circ Intelligent Recirculation, enhance its efficiency and user-friendliness.

Additionally, the unit boasts a high energy efficiency factor of 0.98, translating to significant energy savings. The option for WiFi connectivity through the Control-R module adds to its smart appeal, although this module is not included with the water heater. Installation should be performed by a professional, which adds to the initial cost but ensures proper setup and operation. The unit's temperature rise and maximum output of 199,000 BTU make it suitable for demanding environments, but users should ensure their home’s infrastructure supports this capacity.

The warranty and support are implied to be robust through Rinnai's recommendation for professional installation and their central app for service and troubleshooting. This tankless water heater is best suited for those needing a high-performance, energy-efficient solution for a large household.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,131
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Fuel Type

Most important from
273 reviews

Flow Rate
Powerful enough to provide hot water simultaneously at four places in a household of five or more.
Energy Efficiency
For maximum energy efficiency, the BLE Bluetooth button accessory is recommended to activate the water recirculation cycle, saving lots of water and energy.
Fuel Type
Supports both natural gas and propane, making it versatile for different household setups.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward with the excellent, detailed instruction manual, though pre-planning for mounting location, materials, and electrical service is advised.
Warranty and Support
While the quick start guide can be confusing, the manufacturer's tech support is very helpful for resolving issues.
#2

NEW Rinnai RX199iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 11.1 GPM, 199,000 BTU

Rating
9.4
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
273 reviews

Flow Rate
Adjusting the flow rate in the BIOS is straightforward and necessary for high efficiency washing machines.
Energy Efficiency
The water gets hot almost immediately, saving on propane costs.
Size and Installation
Fairly easy to install, especially if replacing a standard tank water heater.
Temperature Rise
It’s quick to heat up, and I never have to worry about running out of hot water.

The Rinnai RX199iN is a robust tankless water heater that is designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, offering flexibility in its setup. With a flow rate of up to 11.1 gallons per minute, it effectively supports multiple fixtures simultaneously, making it a great choice for larger households or those with high hot water demands. Its high energy efficiency rating of UEF .98 means you can expect notable savings on energy bills over time, which is especially beneficial for eco-conscious users.

This model is powered by either natural gas or propane, catering to various fuel types, which adds to its versatility. The compact design, similar to a small suitcase, helps save space in your home, a feature that many customers find appealing.

Professional installation is recommended, which could add to the cost and effort involved in setting it up. While the Rinnai Central App offers support for setup and troubleshooting, the WiFi control module is sold separately, which might be an inconvenience for users looking for a fully integrated smart home solution. Potential buyers should evaluate their specific hot water needs against the maximum temperature output of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The warranty and support options are also crucial to consider, as they ensure peace of mind and assistance should any issues arise.

Rating
9.4
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Size and Installation

Most important from
273 reviews

Flow Rate
Adjusting the flow rate in the BIOS is straightforward and necessary for high efficiency washing machines.
Energy Efficiency
The water gets hot almost immediately, saving on propane costs.
Size and Installation
Fairly easy to install, especially if replacing a standard tank water heater.
Temperature Rise
It’s quick to heat up, and I never have to worry about running out of hot water.
#3

NEW Rinnai RX160iN Condensing Smart Sense Natural Gas or Propane Tankless Water Heater, Indoor or Outdoor Water Heater, Up to 9 GPM, 160,000 BTU

Rating
8.5
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Fuel Type

Most important from
273 reviews

Flow Rate
The heater is powerful enough to supply hot water simultaneously to four or more fixtures, comfortably serving households of five or more people.
Energy Efficiency
The unit's high build quality and sophisticated technology deliver hot water efficiently while significantly reducing water waste with the on-demand recirculation feature.
Fuel Type
Supports both natural gas and propane, allowing versatile fuel options depending on home setup.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward with a detailed manual, but pre-planning the mounting location, materials, and electrical outlet is essential for a smooth setup.

The Rinnai RX160iN tankless water heater is a solid choice if you want a compact and efficient unit that can serve multiple fixtures at once. It offers a high flow rate of up to 9 gallons per minute, which means it can comfortably supply hot water to about six taps simultaneously — great for larger households or homes with higher hot water demands. Its energy efficiency is excellent, with a UEF rating of 0.97, helping you save on energy bills compared to traditional water heaters.

One of its strong points is its flexibility: you can install it indoors or outdoors (with the necessary venting kit), and it works with both natural gas and propane thanks to its Smart Sense gas control system. The unit is also fairly compact, roughly the size of a small suitcase, making it easier to fit into limited spaces. Temperature rise capabilities allow it to deliver water heated up to 140°F, which suits most residential needs. Additionally, it includes handy features like a Quick Flush for easier maintenance and optional WiFi control if you want smart home integration.

Professional installation is recommended due to the complexity of gas plumbing and venting, which could add to initial costs. Also, the unit requires specific venting accessories for outdoor use, so check your installation location carefully. Rinnai is known for solid customer service. This unit is ideal for homeowners looking for a reliable, energy-efficient, and versatile tankless water heater that can handle multiple demands without taking up much space.

Rating
8.5
Flow Rate
Energy Efficiency
Fuel Type

Most important from
273 reviews

Flow Rate
The heater is powerful enough to supply hot water simultaneously to four or more fixtures, comfortably serving households of five or more people.
Energy Efficiency
The unit's high build quality and sophisticated technology deliver hot water efficiently while significantly reducing water waste with the on-demand recirculation feature.
Fuel Type
Supports both natural gas and propane, allowing versatile fuel options depending on home setup.
Size and Installation
Installation is straightforward with a detailed manual, but pre-planning the mounting location, materials, and electrical outlet is essential for a smooth setup.

Buying Guide for the Best Tankless Water Heaters

Choosing a tankless water heater can be a smart way to ensure you have hot water on demand without taking up much space or worrying about running out. Unlike traditional heaters with storage tanks, tankless models heat water only when it's needed, making them energy-efficient and generally more durable over time. To find the best fit for your household, it's essential to understand the main specifications and features, as these will directly affect your experience and satisfaction.
Flow Rate (Gallons Per Minute - GPM)Flow rate measures how much hot water the unit can provide at once, typically shown in gallons per minute (GPM). This is important because if the flow rate is too low, you might struggle to use hot water in multiple places at the same time (like a shower and kitchen sink). Lower GPM units (around 2-4 GPM) work well for small households or single fixtures, while larger homes or those who need hot water at several points at once should look at higher GPM units (6+ GPM). To pick the right flow rate, add up the GPM of appliances you normally use together at peak times; choose a model that covers your total need.
Temperature RiseTemperature rise tells you how much a heater can increase the water's temperature as it flows through. This matters because the incoming water is colder in some places or during certain seasons. Units are rated based on how much they can heat the water at a given flow rate. If you live in a colder area, or want extra-hot showers, choose a model that can deliver a higher temperature rise at your required flow rate. Manufacturers often provide charts; match your expected flow and local cold water temperature to select the right fit.
Energy Source (Gas vs. Electric)Tankless water heaters can be powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity. Gas models usually provide higher flow rates and can keep up with larger demand, while electric models are often more compact and easier to install in smaller spaces. The choice comes down to what's available in your home and your hot water use. If you need high capacity or already have a gas line, gas may be better. For smaller needs, or if you want a simpler setup, electric could be the way to go.
Installation RequirementsInstallation involves factors like ventilation for gas models, electrical capacity for electric ones, and space for fitting the unit on a wall. Gas models need proper venting to the outside, which can add to the installation steps, while electric heaters often require an upgraded electrical panel. Consider what's easier and feasible in your home; if your installation location can't easily be adapted, that should guide your choice.
Size and DimensionsWhile tankless heaters are much smaller than traditional tanks, they still come in different sizes. Size affects where you can place your unit, especially if you want to install it in a tight spot, like under a sink or in a closet. Measure your available space and make sure the unit you pick will fit comfortably, including space for any necessary maintenance.
Maintenance NeedsTankless units generally need less day-to-day attention than tanks, but they should still be cleaned (descaled) annually, especially if you have hard water. Some models make this easier than others. If you want minimal hassle, look for units with simple maintenance requirements and easy access for servicing. Think about your ability and willingness to keep up with maintenance when making your choice.

FAQ