Best Heat Pump Water Heaters
Top heat pump water heaters ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
Affiliate Disclosure: PickClarity earns commissions from qualifying purchases through our partner links. Our rankings are editorially independent — they are never influenced by affiliate relationships or commission rates. Learn more about our methodology.
Find the best for your needs:
Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Hybrid
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Class-leading 3.88 UEF efficiency
- Leak detection with automatic shutoff
- Four operating modes including high-demand
Cons
- Compressor hum around 49 dB
- Needs 700 cubic feet of air or ducting
Don't buy this if…
- Do not install any heat pump water heater in a small sealed closet, because it will chill and starve its own air supply.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Capacity keeps it in efficient compressor mode
- Same EcoNet smart features
- Best per-shower economics for big families
Cons
- 78-inch install height requirement
- Heavier rebate paperwork varies by state
Don't buy this if…
- Skip the 65 if your space is under 78 inches tall, since the heat pump module adds height a tank swap may not have room for.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- CTA-2045 unlock extra utility rebates
- Washable air filter
- Proven Voltex platform
Cons
- App is less polished than EcoNet
- Slightly louder in high-demand mode
Don't buy this if…
- Do not buy before checking your utility's rebate list, since the wrong model choice can leave four figures on the table.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Compressor-first design maximizes savings
- External condenser cannot foul the tank
- Massive 80-gallon buffer
Cons
- Slow recovery if fully depleted
- Highest price in the category
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid this if your household drains a full tank daily on a schedule, because its tiny backup element recovers slowly.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Works in cooler spaces than most hybrids
- Excellent build quality
- Strong efficiency at 58 gallons
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Premium price for mid capacity
Don't buy this if…
- Skip it if you want app control and utility integration, since Stiebel deliberately omits connected features.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Capacity for six-plus occupants
- Time-of-use scheduling savings
- Same leak-detection safety net
Cons
- Very heavy and tall for retrofits
- Diminishing returns for small homes
Don't buy this if…
- Do not size up to 80 gallons for a two-person household, since standby losses and cost erase the efficiency gains.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Full-size backup elements recover fast
- 80 gallons of buffer
- Utility demand-response ready
Cons
- Uses more element time than Stiebel designs
- Needs 240V 30A circuit
Don't buy this if…
- Avoid it if pure efficiency is the goal, because its element-assisted recovery trades kWh for speed.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Lowest entry price for a real hybrid
- 10-year warranty
- Familiar A.O. Smith internals
Cons
- Lower UEF than flagships
- Basic display and no app
Don't buy this if…
- Do not choose on price alone if your utility rebates require ENERGY STAR connected criteria, which this trim may not meet.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
Discussion (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience!
AI Shopping Assistant
Ask questions about products in this category. Answers are grounded in our evidence data.
Try asking:
Get Alerts
Stay updated when rankings change or prices drop in Heat Pump Water Heaters.