Comparison
Water Heater Cost by Brand: 6-Brand Comparison (2026 Data)
Equipment-only pricing across every major water heater brand sold in the US. Prices reflect standard residential models available in 2026.
Unit Cost by Brand & Type (Equipment Only)
| Brand | Gas tank | Electric tank | Tankless | Heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rheem | $400–$800 | $350–$650 | $800–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,200 |
| AO Smith | $350–$750 | $300–$600 | $900–$2,200 | $1,300–$2,500 |
| Bradford White | $500–$900 | $400–$700 | $1,000–$2,300 | $1,400–$2,600 |
| Navien | — | — | $1,200–$2,800 | — |
| Rinnai | — | — | $1,000–$2,500 | — |
| State (AO Smith sub-brand) | $300–$700 | $250–$550 | $800–$1,800 | — |
Where Each Brand Is Sold
| Brand | Channel | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rheem | Home Depot (exclusive) | Retail |
| AO Smith | Lowe's (exclusive) | Retail |
| Bradford White | Licensed contractors only | Contractor |
| Navien | Plumbing supply houses / contractors | Contractor |
| Rinnai | Home Depot, Lowe's, plumbing supply | Retail + Contractor |
| State | Plumbing supply houses / contractors | Contractor |
Contractor-Preferred Brands
- Bradford White — #1 among plumbers, contractor-only
- Navien — Premium tankless, strong contractor support
- State — AO Smith's contractor channel brand
Retail Brands
- Rheem — Home Depot exclusive, widest retail selection
- AO Smith — Lowe's exclusive, strong value tier
- Rinnai — Available retail and contractor, tankless focus
Does Brand Actually Matter?
Yes, but not for the reasons most people think. All major brands heat water effectively. The real differences are in warranty support, parts availability, and how easy the unit is to service.
Warranty matters. Rheem offers up to 12 years. AO Smith up to 10. Bradford White standard is 6. A longer warranty saves you if the tank fails early.
Parts availability matters. Rheem and AO Smith parts are stocked at Home Depot and Lowe's. Bradford White parts come through plumbing supply houses, which can mean longer wait times but also more knowledgeable support.
Bottom line: pick the brand your contractor knows best, or the one sold at your preferred store. Installation quality matters more than the name on the tank.
Frequently Asked Questions