A direct vent tankless water heater can free up floor space and heat water on demand, but the right model depends on more than its advertised gallons per minute. Fuel type, winter groundwater temperature, vent routing, and your busiest hot-water hour all matter.
These 10 options span compact 3.4 GPM units, higher-output models, natural gas and propane, and different venting arrangements. Use the guide below to narrow the field before confirming installation details with a qualified professional.
Best 10 Direct Vent Tankless Water Heaters Picks for 2026
Compact Condensing Pick
- Listed 6.6 GPM flow
- Schedule 40 PVC venting compatible
- Remote thermostat included
Best For: Compact indoor natural-gas installations
Tank-Replacement Pick
- Up to 9.8 GPM listed flow
- Top-mounted water connections
- Direct vent or other configurations
Best For: Replacing a tank-style water heater
Included-Vent Pick
- Listed 6.4 GPM flow
- Dual-chamber vent assembly included
- LCD temperature controls
Best For: Indoor installs seeking included direct venting
Highest-Flow Pick
- Up to 11.1 GPM listed flow
- Top-mounted water connections
- Multiple vent configurations
Best For: Buyers prioritizing higher listed flow
Compact Propane Pick
EZ Deluxe 3.4 GPM Indoor Tankless Heater
- Propane; indoor installation
- Direct vent kit included
- Up to 3.4 GPM at 45°F rise
Best For: 1–2 bath homes wanting an included vent kit
Linkable Natural Gas Pick
Noritz NR83DVCNG 8.3 GPM Heater
- Natural gas; indoor concentric vent
- Up to 8.3 GPM and 180,000 Btu/h
- Two-unit linking supported
Best For: Natural gas homes considering a linkable unit
High-Flow Propane Pick
Rheem RTG-95DVLP 9.5 GPM Heater
- Propane; indoor direct vent
- 9.5 GPM at 35°F rise
- Remote and thermostat wire included
Best For: Propane homes seeking higher stated flow
Compact Indoor Pick
- 4.3 GPM at a 45°F rise
- Thermistor-regulated temperature
- Natural gas and 110V AC
Best For: Compact indoor installation with automatic temperature regulation
Higher-Flow Pick
- 7.1 GPM stated flow rate
- Condensing, low-NOx design
- 12-year heat-exchanger warranty listed
Best For: Higher stated flow in an indoor natural-gas unit
Best Simple Pick
- 3.4 GPM at a 45°F rise
- Dual-chamber vent assembly included
- LCD temperature controls
Best For: One- or two-bath homes seeking an included direct-vent assembly
Compact Condensing Pick – Noritz NRC66DVNG
Noritz NRC66DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Tankless Hot Water Heater, 6.6 GPM - Natural Gas
Check Price On AmazonAmong direct vent tankless water heaters, the natural-gas Noritz NRC66DVNG offers a compact indoor option with a listed 6.6 GPM flow rate and high-efficiency condensing design.
Best For: Buyers seeking an indoor natural-gas unit with PVC venting compatibility and a compact wall-mounted footprint.
Pros:
- Can be vented with Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings.
- Remote thermostat and 6-foot power cord are included.
- Low-NOx design and a listed maximum temperature of 140°F.
Cons:
- Natural gas only.
- Its listed flow rate is lower than the larger Noritz models in this roundup.
At 13.8 inches wide, 23.6 inches high, and 10 inches deep, this model is worth considering when wall space and PVC venting compatibility matter more than maximum flow.
The Noritz EZ98DVNG stands out among direct vent tankless water heaters for its top-mounted water connections, which are intended to simplify tank replacement. It lists a maximum flow rate of 9.8 GPM.
Best For: Buyers replacing a tank-style heater who want top-mounted connections and multiple installation configurations.
Pros:
- Supports direct vent, single vent, 2-inch flex vent, and outdoor configurations.
- Top-mounted water connections are designed for easier tank replacement.
- Lists a 0.97 energy factor and 18,000–180,000 BTU gas input range.
Cons:
- At a listed 81 pounds, it is heavier than the smaller models here.
- Maximum flow is below that of the EZ111DVNG.
Its combination of higher listed flow and connection flexibility makes it a practical upgrade candidate; confirm the installation configuration that fits your home.
For shoppers comparing direct vent tankless water heaters, the natural-gas EZ Supreme pairs a listed 6.4 GPM flow rate with an included dual-chamber intake and exhaust assembly. Its LCD panel provides constant-temperature settings.
Best For: Buyers who want an indoor natural-gas unit with the specified direct-vent assembly included.
Pros:
- Direct-vent dual-chamber intake and exhaust are included.
- LCD control panel provides constant-temperature settings.
- Lists 165,000 BTU output and wall-mounted installation.
Cons:
- Requires natural gas and a 110-volt electrical supply.
- Listed 6.4 GPM flow is below the two larger Noritz models here.
The included vent assembly is the main convenience, but check whether its specified venting approach and flow rate suit your installation and hot-water demand.
The Noritz EZ111DVNG has the highest listed maximum flow in this selection of direct vent tankless water heaters at 11.1 GPM. Top-mounted water connections and several installation configurations add flexibility for replacement projects.
Best For: Buyers prioritizing the highest listed flow in this roundup and top-mounted connections for tank replacement.
Pros:
- Listed maximum flow rate of 11.1 GPM.
- Supports direct vent, single vent, 2-inch flex vent, and outdoor configurations.
- Lists a 0.97 energy factor and 18,000–199,900 BTU gas input range.
Cons:
- Listed 81-pound weight may make handling more involved.
- Its larger specified gas input range may warrant a close check of installation requirements.
If listed peak flow is your priority, this model leads the four; assess your gas supply and intended vent configuration before choosing it.
Compact Propane Pick – EZ Deluxe 3.4 GPM Indoor Tankless Heater
Among direct vent tankless water heaters, the EZ Deluxe is a compact propane option for an indoor, wall-mounted installation. Its included dual-chamber intake and exhaust vent makes the venting package a notable part of the purchase.
Best For: A 1–2 bath home seeking a propane unit with an included direct vent kit.
Pros:
- Includes a dual-chamber direct vent intake and exhaust.
- Rated up to 3.4 GPM at a 45°F temperature rise.
- LCD controls offer constant-temperature settings.
Cons:
- Its stated 3.4 GPM output may be limiting for higher simultaneous demand.
- Requires a 110V electrical connection.
This is the practical choice here if an included vent kit matters more than a higher stated flow rating.
Linkable Natural Gas Pick – Noritz NR83DVCNG 8.3 GPM Heater
The Noritz NR83DVCNG is a natural gas entry among direct vent tankless water heaters, specified for indoor concentric venting. Its 8.3 GPM maximum rating and option to link two units distinguish it from smaller-capacity choices.
Best For: Natural gas households prioritizing a higher stated flow rating and the option to link two units.
Pros:
- Rated up to 8.3 GPM and 180,000 Btu/h.
- Commercial-grade copper heat exchanger has piping stated to be 25% thicker than standard models.
- Two units can be linked using a QC-2 Quick Connect Cord.
Cons:
- Natural gas model; not intended for propane.
- Linking two units calls for a QC-2 cord, which is not listed among the included components.
Choose this model when its natural gas fuel type and concentric-vent setup fit your installation; actual hot-water delivery will depend on operating conditions.
High-Flow Propane Pick – Rheem RTG-95DVLP 9.5 GPM Heater
Rheem RTG-95DVLP 9.5 GPM Low NOx Indoor Direct Vent Tankless Propane Water Heater
Check Price On AmazonFor shoppers comparing direct vent tankless water heaters that run on propane, the indoor Rheem RTG-95DVLP offers a stated 9.5 GPM at a 35°F temperature rise. It is a wall-mounted, Low NOx model with a remote control included.
Best For: Propane households seeking a higher stated flow rating in an indoor direct vent unit.
Pros:
- Rated at 9.5 GPM at a 35°F temperature rise.
- Designed for indoor direct vent installation.
- Includes a UMC-117 remote control and 10 feet of thermostat wire.
Cons:
- Propane model; not suited to a natural gas supply.
- The stated 9.5 GPM rating applies at a 35°F rise, so output at other temperature rises is not specified here.
Its stated flow rating is the main draw, but compare temperature-rise requirements before treating that number as your expected household output.
Compact Indoor Pick – AQUAH Paramount 4.3 GPM
The AQUAH Paramount is one of the more compact direct vent tankless water heaters here, rated for 4.3 GPM at a 45°F temperature rise. This indoor natural-gas model automatically regulates water temperature with a thermistor as water or gas flow changes.
Best For: Buyers seeking a compact indoor natural-gas unit with automatic temperature regulation.
Pros:
- Rated at 4.3 GPM with a 45°F temperature rise.
- Thermistor helps maintain a constant water temperature during flow fluctuations.
- Compact indoor design weighs 29 pounds.
Cons:
- Requires natural gas and 110V AC power.
- Lower stated flow rate than the 7.1 GPM Noritz model.
Its 4.3 GPM rating and automatic operation make it worth considering when you want an indoor unit without moving up to a higher-flow model. Check that its rated output suits your expected simultaneous hot-water use.
Higher-Flow Pick – Noritz NRC71DVNG 7.1 GPM
Noritz NRC71DVNG Indoor Condensing Direct Vent Tankless Water Heater, 7.1 GPM - Natural Gas
Check Price On AmazonFor shoppers comparing direct vent tankless water heaters by rated flow, the indoor Noritz NRC71DVNG offers 7.1 GPM. This natural-gas, wall-mounted condensing model is described as highly efficient and low-NOx, with a 140°F maximum temperature setting.
Best For: Buyers who want a higher stated flow rate in an indoor, wall-mounted natural-gas unit.
Pros:
- 7.1 GPM stated flow rate.
- Condensing design with high-efficiency and low-NOx features.
- Listed warranty covers the heat exchanger for 12 years, parts for 5 years, and labor for 1 year.
Cons:
- Indoor installation requires natural gas.
- At 41 pounds, it is heavier than the other two listed models.
The Noritz stands out on stated flow and warranty coverage. Actual hot-water delivery will depend on installation conditions and the temperature rise your household needs.
Best Simple Pick – EZ Deluxe 3.4 GPM
The EZ Deluxe offers a practical starting point among direct vent tankless water heaters if you want the vent assembly included. Rated for up to 3.4 GPM at a 45°F rise, this indoor natural-gas model pairs a dual-chamber intake and exhaust with an LCD control panel for constant temperature settings.
Best For: Buyers outfitting a one- or two-bath home who want the specified direct-vent intake and exhaust included.
Pros:
- Dual-chamber direct-vent intake and exhaust are included.
- LCD control panel provides constant temperature settings.
- Rated for up to 3.4 GPM at a 45°F temperature rise.
Cons:
- 3.4 GPM is the lowest stated flow rate of these three models.
- Requires natural gas and 110V power.
The included vent components help distinguish this model, but its 3.4 GPM rating calls for a careful check of your simultaneous hot-water needs before buying.
How We Picked These Direct Vent Tankless Water Heaters
We organized the selected models around practical purchase decisions: natural gas versus propane, advertised flow rate, condensing versus non-condensing operation where identified, and the venting information stated in their product names. This is a comparison of listed specifications, not a claim that we independently tested performance or verified current certifications. Confirm the exact model’s installation manual and local code requirements before ordering.
Quick Comparison
For lower advertised flow, the EZ Deluxe natural-gas and propane models list 3.4 GPM, while the AQUAH Paramount lists 4.3 GPM. The EZ Supreme lists 6.4 GPM; the Noritz NRC66DVNG and NRC71DVNG list 6.6 and 7.1 GPM, respectively. For higher listed output, the Noritz NR83DVCNG reaches 8.3 GPM and the propane Rheem RTG-95DVLP lists 9.5 GPM. The Noritz EZ98DVNG and EZ111DVNG are also worth comparing, but check their current specifications rather than assuming flow from their model numbers. Listed maximum GPM is not the flow you will necessarily get at your required temperature rise.
Key Buying Factors for Direct Vent Tankless Water Heaters
Size for Temperature Rise and Simultaneous Use
Start with the coldest incoming-water temperature you expect, then subtract it from your desired outlet temperature. Check each manufacturer’s flow-rate chart at that temperature rise, adding the flow needed for fixtures you expect to run together. A larger advertised GPM figure may not translate into enough hot water for two showers and a dishwasher during winter.
Match Fuel and Installation Capacity
Natural-gas and propane models are not interchangeable unless the manufacturer expressly permits conversion. Have an installer verify gas-line capacity, meter or regulator sizing, electrical needs, water pressure, and whether any existing equipment must be upgraded. Installation costs can change the value of an otherwise inexpensive unit.
Verify the Complete Venting Plan
“Direct vent,” “concentric vent,” and “vent included” do not by themselves establish that a unit fits your wall, roof, or existing vent. Check approved pipe materials, intake and exhaust configuration, maximum equivalent vent length, clearances, and termination location in the exact model’s manual. Condensing units also need a suitable condensate drain and may require neutralization under local rules. Use a qualified installer and follow local permitting requirements.
Who Should Buy Which Direct Vent Tankless Water Heaters?
Consider a 3.4 GPM EZ Deluxe model only if its flow chart supports your modest, mostly sequential hot-water use; choose the version that matches your fuel supply. Midrange shoppers can compare the EZ Supreme, AQUAH Paramount, and Noritz NRC66DVNG or NRC71DVNG against their required temperature rise. Households planning more simultaneous use should evaluate the Noritz NR83DVCNG and, where propane is available, the Rheem RTG-95DVLP. Compare the Noritz EZ98DVNG and EZ111DVNG using verified performance charts and installation specifications before deciding. The best choice is the model that meets your peak demand and can be installed correctly in your home—not simply the one with the highest headline GPM.
