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Best drinking water filtration system for home


The Best Whole-House Water Filters 2022

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Well and city water can contain a range of contaminants. Though there are a number of water filter options to treat incoming water, it may be better to use a whole-house water filtration system for clear, filtered water as soon as it enters the home plumbing system.

The best whole-house water filter can come in 1-stage, 2-stage, or 3-stage options, with filtration capabilities increasing with each added stage. These systems can also incorporate water softeners to reduce hard metals. Keep in mind the key considerations detailed in the following sections, and check out some of the top products on the market.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter
  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GE GXWH04F Water System
  3. BEST FILTER/SOFTENER COMBO: Aquasana EQ-1000-AST-UV Whole House Filter
  4. BEST 1-STAGE FILTER: 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Sanitary Quick Change
  5. BEST 2-STAGE FILTER: iFilters Whole House 2 Stage Sediment
  6. BEST 3-STAGE FILTER: iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration
  7. BEST FOR CITY WATER: iSpring WGB21B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration
  8. BEST FOR WELL WATER: Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System
  9. BEST 1-INCH INLET: Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Heavy Duty

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Types of Whole-House Water Filters

There are a variety of filter types for whole-house systems, including 1-stage, 2-stage, or 3-stage cartridge-based filters, and reverse osmosis systems. These filters work to remove unnatural tastes, smells, and opacities.

Cartridge Whole-House Water Filters

These water filters use a replaceable cartridge to remove contaminants ranging from .04 to 500 microns. Cartridges can include sediment filters, heavy metal filters, organic chemical filters, and more. Depending on the needs of the home, the user can pick and choose the best cartridge to use in the filter, and once every 3 months to 1 year, the cartridge should be changed.

Reverse Osmosis Whole-House Water Filters

This type of filter is more effective than a cartridge system and is capable of removing particles as small as 0.0001 microns. These systems remove all organic molecules, viruses, and most minerals, producing pure, filtered water. However, reverse osmosis whole-house water filters are very expensive to install and maintain.

Due to the high costs, these systems aren’t very popular and can be difficult to find without going directly to a supplier. One exception is single-faucet reverse-osmosis water filters, which are very popular and more affordable.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Whole-House Water Filter 

Before choosing a filtration system, take time to consider some important factors that can help you make the best choice, including the type of contaminants, flow rate, and installation requirements. With an understanding of these features, it becomes easier to decide which option would be the best whole-house water filter for your home.

Types of Contaminants

A wide variety of contaminants can affect the incoming water supply, both from city water and well water. Common contaminants include disinfectants, sediment, microorganisms, heavy metals, and organic chemicals. Whole-house water filter systems come in 1-stage, 2-stage, or 3-stage options.

3-stage filtration systems will remove the most contaminants to improve water quality, ensuring that it’s safe for use, but it’s a good idea to check the National Drinking Water Database created by the Environmental Working Group to determine what contaminants may be affecting your water. Below is a detailed list of possible contaminants:

Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, uranium, radium, strontium-90, benzene, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, 1,4-dioxane, estrogen, sediment, bacteria, viruses, parasites, iron, lead, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.

Water Flow Rate

The water flow rate of a whole-house water filter determines the maximum amount of water that can pass through the filter in a given time period. This is typically measured in gallons per minute or GPM. A whole-house water filter needs to have a water flow rate high enough to adequately supply large appliances, like showers and dishwashers, which average a flow rate of about 5 GPM.

To help accommodate the needs of the entire home, most whole-house water filter systems have a high water flow rate, ranging from 10 to 25 GPM, though some systems have lower flow rates and others have higher ones.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing whole-house water filter systems isn’t as easy as putting in a faucet filter. The water needs to be shut off to the entire house, the lines need to be drained, and the user will typically need to cut the water pipe and install a set of fittings suitable for the filter. It’s advised to have a professional plumber or water filter installation company install the water filter unless you have experience with plumbing, including both cutting and soldering new plumbing fittings.

Once the filter is installed, the cartridge will last for between 3 months to 1 year on average, depending on water usage, water quality, and filter type. Changing the cartridge isn’t difficult with most whole-house water filters. Just turn the water off and drain the lines, then unscrew the filtration tank(s) and remove the old cartridge. Put a new cartridge in, screw in the filtration tank, and recharge the water system.

NSF/ANSI-Standard Certification 

Look for certifications from NSF International, an independent organization devoted to developing public health standards for water filtration. It rates water filters and gives them an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certification if they meet certain minimum requirements.

The Water Quality Association (WQA) is the leading accredited agency for testing and certifying water to NSF/ANSI standards. Typical NSF/ANSI certification standards include NSF/ANSI 42, 44, 53, 55, 58, 401, 244, and 231.

Softening Capability 

While some whole-house water filters can use heavy metal cartridges to reduce the presence of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, most products are equipped with sediment filter cartridges, or cartridges intended to filter biological or chemical contaminants. If you experience hard water in your home, then it’s advised to invest in a whole-house water filter and softener combo.

This ensures that the water is properly filtered, but that it’s also treated with salt molecules, which bind to hard metals and render them inert. Removing these minerals from hard water is integral to maintaining the durability of the pipes, faucets, and hot water tank. Users who don’t want to add salt to their whole-house filter system can get a salt-free softener that coats the hard metal particles to prevent them from sticking to the plumbing infrastructure.

Our Top Picks

These products are considered among the best whole-house water filters on the market. The top options were chosen based on the important product information and features discussed above, with significant attention given to product efficacy and overall value.

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3-stage whole-house water filters are the best type of cartridge filter available because they can be equipped with three different filter cartridges, allowing this whole-house filter system to remove a wide range of contaminants. The Express Water whole-house water filter comes with three filter cartridges that last for 6 months to a year before needing to be replaced.

This filter has a 15 GPM flow rate and 1-inch connections, so users need to make sure their incoming pipes are 1 inch in diameter. The first stage of the filtration process removes sediment, sand, rust, and dirt down to a size of 5 microns.

The second stage captures iron, lead, chloramine, algae, viruses, chlorine, and other heavy metals and microorganisms. The final stage captures filtration media like chlorine, pesticides, pharmaceutical runoff, and other chemicals, improving the taste of your drinking water.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the Express whole-house water Filter at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

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This well-priced General Electric whole-house water filter is made to be used with GE whole-home system filter cartridges, which have a range of filtration capabilities to remove dirt, silt, sand, rust, and other sediments from the incoming water supply. Each filter cartridge lasts for up to 3 months, improving the quality, odor, and taste of the home’s drinking water.

This whole-house water filter has a maximum flow rate of 12 GPM, though it works best at a flow rate of 4 GPM. The inlet connections for this filter are 3/4-inch in diameter, and this water filter also comes with a mounting bracket to make installation easier. A reminder light on the water filter indicates when to change the filter cartridge, so users don’t need to estimate.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the GE whole-house water filter on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

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The Aquasana whole-house water filtration system features carbon and KDF filtration cartridges that last up to 3 months, capturing filtration media like iron, lead, chloramine, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, and a variety of other contaminants.

It also has a UV purifier that kills viruses, bacteria, and 99.9 percent of other microorganisms. After filtration and purification, the water passes through the salt-free softener, which coats any heavy metal minerals that passed through the filters, preventing them from sticking to the pipes, faucets, and hot water tank, providing better water quality.

While there is a high cost associated with this whole home water filtration system, few products are more capable of removing contaminants from the entire home’s water supply, including 99.9 percent of microorganisms, 97 percent of chlorine, and a significant reduction in the mineral buildup. Though the water filter only has a maximum flow rate of 7 GPM, it can be adapted to either 3/4-inch or 1-inch pipes.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the Aquasana whole-house water filter on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

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This 3M Aqua-Pure whole-house water filter is a 1-stage filter with a single filtration tank that’s equipped with a carbon filter cartridge. The whole-house water filter meets the minimum requirements to be NSF/ANSI 42 certified, ensuring that it removes chlorine, sand, dirt, rust, and other sediments from the water. It has a 1-inch inlet connection and a maximum flow rate of 20 GPM, though the filter performs best at 10 GPM.

The filter cartridge lasts for about 6 months to a year, depending on the average amount of daily water used in the home. When it’s time to change the filter, users don’t need to unscrew the filter; instead, they’ll just pull the locking latch upward, turn it a quarter-turn to the left, then pull down. Replace the filter cartridge, then reattach the filter and lock the latch to secure the filter with no leaks.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the 3M Aqua-Pure whole-house water filter on Amazon.

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The iFilters whole-house water filter is a 2-stage filtration system that uses both a sediment filter and a carbon filter cartridge to remove harmful contaminants from the incoming water supply, including sand, dirt, rust, silt, and chlorine. This improves the taste, odor, and overall quality of the water, filtering out any particles larger than 5 microns in size.

Install the whole-house water filter on 3/4-inch pipes, or adapt existing plumbing to fit the 3/4-inch connections. Take advantage of the built-in pressure relief valves to quickly and efficiently remove the filter housing in order to replace the filter cartridge about once every 6 months.

However, users should note that the typical flow rate for this 2-stage filter is just 3 GPM, though it does have a maximum flow rate of about 6 GPM. This means that the water pressure in the home may be reduced to certain plumbing fixtures, like the shower or dishwasher, with the installation of this filter.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the iFilters whole-house water filter at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

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This iSpring product is a good option for those who have significant concerns about the quality of the incoming water because it can remove a wide range of contaminants using the three individual filtration tanks and included filter cartridges.

The water filter comes equipped with a sediment removal cartridge that traps sand, dust, silt, dirt, and rust. It also has a carbon block cartridge to remove chlorine, VOCs, harmful chemicals, and to improve the taste and odor of the water. The third cartridge is an iron- and manganese-reducing filter cartridge, ideal for homes with heavy metals.

The whole-house water filter is also available with a GAF and KDF filter cartridge that can remove lead, mercury, pesticides, herbicides, and hydrogen sulfide, which may be a better option for some users. This water filter has a high maximum flow rate of 15 GPM and has 1-inch connections. The filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on the amount of water typically used in the home.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the iSpring WGB32B whole-house water filter at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Overstock.

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This whole home water filter is specifically made for use with city water and can filter up to 97 percent of chlorine out of the incoming water supply. It has 1-inch connections and a maximum flow rate of 15 GPM, ensuring that showers, washing machines, and dishwashers are not impacted by the installation of the filter.

The activated carbon filter cartridge of this iSpring whole-house water filter can remove chlorine, VOCs, and harmful chemicals, improving the taste and odor of the water. The sediment filter removes dust, sand, silt, dirt, and rust, ensuring that no particles larger than 5 microns pass through the filtration system. These filter cartridges last for 6 months to a year, depending on the amount and condition of the water used by the household.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the iSpring WGB21B whole-house water filter on Amazon.

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Those with private well water systems can experience significant contamination in the water supply, so it’s advised to invest in a whole-house water filtration system like this Aquasana product. It incorporates a sediment pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, a sediment post-filter, and a UV filter to remove up to 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms; 97 percent of chlorine; and a significant reduction of lead, mercury, pesticides, VOCs, and more.

The whole-house water filter also includes a salt-free water softener that coats any heavy metals to prevent them from binding to water pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. This water filter has a maximum flow rate of 7 GPM, and the filter cartridges should be replaced every 3 months. The drawback of this system is that it takes up a lot of space and may be difficult to install, so users should consider hiring a professional plumber or water filter installation tech if they are uncomfortable with plumbing.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Aquasana whole-house water filter on Amazon.

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Connect this whole-house filter system to 1-inch piping with its 1-inch inlet and outlet connections. The large diameter of the water inlet and outlet helps prevent the reduction of water pressure in the home, though the specific water filter cartridge can impact the flow rate. This product comes equipped with a heavy-duty sediment filter to remove rust, sand, sediment, and other material from the water and has a maximum flow rate of 10 GPM.

The Culligan whole-house water filter can also be used with 12 different Culligan filter cartridges to remove a wide range of contaminants based on the water composition and quality of the home plumbing system. Choose any of the six standard filter cartridge options if a maximum flow rate of 4 GPM is acceptable, replacing the cartridges every 3 to 4 months.

Or, go for any of the six heavy-duty filter cartridge options, which increase the flow rate to a maximum of 10 GPM and last for up to 6 months before they need to be replaced.

Product Specs 

Pros

Cons

Get the Culligan whole-house water filter at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Target, or Best Buy.

Our Verdict

Selecting the best whole-house filtration system for your home can be difficult with so many options on the market. One of the best options overall is the Express Water whole-house water filter with a powerful 15 GPM flow rate and long-lasting cartridges. This unit can filter out sediment, sand, rust, and dirt as small as 5 microns and the easy-to-chance twist-off cartridges last for 6 months to 1 year. Plus, this model comes with a solid free-standing stainless steel frame.

Alternatively, the GE whole-house water filter is a solid budget-friendly choice. With 4 to 12 GPM ratings, this unit is easy to install and filters out dirt, silt, sand, rust, and other sediments. It also comes with ¾-inch inlet connections and a mounting bracket. Plus, the cartridges last for up to 3 months.

How We Chose the Best Whole-House Water Filters 

A whole-house filtration system provides enhanced water quality for better tasting and smelling drinking water, and prevents harmful minerals and toxins from polluting your water supply. Selections for the best options available depended upon type, flow rate, filtration, compatibility with household water systems, the longevity of the filter’s cartridges, and ease of installation.

As the type of water filter greatly influences the level of filtration included, the above list has prioritized 1-stage, 2-stage, and 3-stage options for different levels of filtration and personal preference. With these types in mind, many of the above models come with varying flow rates of 3 to 20 GPM depending upon an individual home’s water consumption. The above water filters also vary between 1-inch and ¾-inch inlets or connections to be compatible with your home’s current water system.

Cartridges are also key in whole-house water filtration systems, which is why most last anywhere between 3 month and 1 year depending upon water consumption and filtration type. Finally, each of the above water filtration systems is easy or moderately difficult to install. But, most come with informational guides and kits which should make the process easier.

FAQs 

After deciding on a whole-house filtration system there may be some lingering questions about whether you really need this system or how to go about changing the filter. Keep reading for detailed answers to these questions and get additional information about the best whole-house water filter.

Q. Do I need a whole-house water filter?

Individuals with older homes with outdated plumbing, like lead pipes and fittings, or homes that use well water should consider using a whole-house water filter. These systems can remove dirt, rust, sediment, parasites, and depending on the system, they can also remove heavy metals and harmful chemicals. Even homes with new plumbing can benefit from a whole-house water filter.

Q. How do you change a whole-house water filter cartridge?

Changing a whole-house water filter cartridge isn’t difficult if you follow these simple steps.

  1. First, turn off the water to the house using the building control valve (BCV) or inlet valve.
  2. Close the outlet valve on the other side of the filter if applicable.
  3. If the system doesn’t have an outlet valve, open nearby taps to drain water from the pipes.
  4. Place a bucket under or near the filter to catch any remaining water.
  5. Unscrew the filter housing from the top of the filter.
  6. Water will spill out, so this is when to use the bucket and have a towel ready.
  7. Remove the old filter and put it into the bucket to dispose of when the job is done.
  8. Place a new filter into the housing and screw it back on.
  9. Turn the water back on slowly, allowing the water system to fully recharge.
  10. Open the outlet valve, if applicable, or close the taps that were opened to drain the system.
  11. Clean up the water, check for leaks, and dispose of the old filter.

Q. Can a whole-house water filter remove 100 percent of contaminants?

While whole-house water filters can remove a large number of contaminants, the water continues moving through the pipes to the taps, potentially picking up contaminants along the way, so these systems cannot guarantee 100 percent contamination removal.

Q. Can I drink water filtered with a whole-house water filtration system?

While some whole-house water filters can remove harmful contaminants like parasites, chemicals, and heavy metals, not all filters are made for this function. They are typically used for sediment, rust, and dirt. If there are concerns about the incoming water supply, it should be tested at a certified lab before drinking instead of taking chances with your health.

Q. How long does the whole-house water filter usually last? 

Whole-house water filters can last from 3 months to a year before needing a new cartridge. The length of time depends on the specific product, water condition and the water usage in the home.

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The 8 Best Water Filters of 2022

The Spruce Eats Top Picks

The five-stage filtering system, ease of installation, and the fresh, clean taste of the water put the APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System at the top of our list. If you want a filter that attaches to the faucet, then the Pur PFM400H Faucet Water Filtration System is a perfect and attractive fit.

Water filters help improve the flavor of your water and protect you from impurities, such as rust particles, bacteria, and lead. Sure, bottled water is easily available as a quick and (initially) cheap solution, but water filters are much more sustainable and can save you money in the long run.

There are countless types of water filters available on the market, each differing in what they remove from your water. These include under-sink filters, faucet attachments, whole-house filtration systems, pitcher filters, and more. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all filter solution, we help narrow down the list of the best water filters based on your needs. Each item included in this roundup has either been certified by the NSF, a health and safety standards testing company, or tested and certified by an independent third party to meet NSF standards.

After extensive research and expert input, we rounded up the best water filters on the market.

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Who else recommends it? Forbes also picked the APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System.

What do buyers say? 85% of 6,100+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.

A highly efficient system and also an attractive option, this reverse osmosis filtration system is designed to be placed under the sink; it can, however, also be placed in a basement or attached garage with the water routed to the sink with the included faucet. Along with the typical lead and other heavy metals, bacteria, and chlorine, this removes as many as 1,000 different unwanted contaminants from water.

This system uses five separate stages of filtration to remove 99 percent of contaminants. It has a sediment filter, two stages of carbon filters, a reverse osmosis filter, and a coconut fiber filter. Filters need to be changed at different intervals; The first three last six to 12 months, while the two stages can last two to four years.

Installation is designed to be a DIY project, but specialized tools may be required to install the faucet if there isn’t already a hole drilled into the sink or counter.  Still, most reviewers like that the instructions are very clear and that the system is relatively quick and easy to install.

Price at time of publish: $180

Type: Under the sink | Certified By: WQA | Contaminants Filtered: Chlorine, VOCs, fluoride, lead nitrates, heavy metals +more

What Our Experts Say

"Counterfeits are a problem for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they likely won’t remove the contaminants you expect them to and could therefore pose a health risk. Also, if they are made with substandard materials that leach they could actually make your water worse. The number one indicator of a counterfeit is price. Counterfeit filters and replacement cartridges usually cost significantly less than authentic certified products." — Rick Andrew, Director of NSF International's Global Business Development

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When an under-sink filter is too much trouble but pitchers aren’t sufficient, a faucet attachment can be the perfect fit. Many customers who rated this filter highly did so because of how simple it is to install: It mounts easily to the existing faucet without any tools. Plus, it removes a host of common contaminants like lead and other heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, and more. The internal filter is easy to change—which is necessary every two to three months based on average water use. A sensor checks the filter and indicates when it’s time for a change, so there’s no need to track time or usage.

Since there are plenty of times when filtered water isn’t required, this makes it simple to switch filtering on and off—so drinking water is clean, and cold brew coffee tastes right, but the dishes can be rinsed in unfiltered water. This attachment includes three different adapters to fit common faucets, but it won’t work with pull-down or handheld faucets.

Price at time of publish: $28

Type: Faucet attachment | Certified By: NSF, WQA | Contaminants Filtered: Lead, mercury, certain pesticides +more

The 5 Best Countertop Water Filters in 2022

Aquasana

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Most water filtration systems are designed for kitchen use only, but if the local water supply is so off-putting that brushing your teeth makes your mouth feel dirtier than before, a whole-house filtration system may be the best option. Not only will the water from all the faucets be clean and drinkable, but the water for your shower or tub will also be filtered.

This system filters and conditions the water, so it removes heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, and contaminants. Several customers who typically deal with hard city water treated with heavy chlorine claim that the odor was completely removed and their water is softened adequately. A less expensive option that filters but doesn’t condition is also available, as are several other filtering options, so there’s something for every need. The system itself is rated to last for 10 years or 1 million gallons, but filters need to be changed about every three months.

Note that while all of Aquasana's filtering systems are NSF-certified to remove PFOA and PFOS, the whole-house system in its entirety is not certified because the company cannot guarantee that contaminants are not in the house's pipes and being picked up after going through the system.

Price at time of publish: $1,774

Type: Whole-house | Certified By: NSF | Contaminants Filtered: Chlorine, lead, pesticides, VOCs +more

Good to Know

The CDC has a wealth of information to help you decide which type of water filter is best for your home. One word of caution about whole-house systems: According to the CDC, "filtering that removes chlorine might increase the growth of germs in all the pipes in your house."

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Great for small spaces, this pitcher holds 7 cups, so it won’t take up a lot of space in the refrigerator or on the counter. It’s great for filtering drinking water for singles or small families and is small enough to bring to the office or on trips. While it might take several batches to fill a large pot for making stock, this will work well for small cooking tasks.

This filter removes chromium, lead, and other heavy metals, along with all solids. Several reviewers commented that the filtered water tastes just as good, if not better than bottled water. The filter also includes a water quality meter, so users can test their water before and after filtering. How often you replace the filter depends on the contaminant level of your water, but most places within the United States fall within the 25- to 40-gallon range.

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Pitcher | Certified By: NSF | Contaminants Filtered: Dissolved solids (chromium, lead)

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Let’s face it: Most water filter pitchers are built for function, but they don’t look great for serving. The last thing a host wants is for guests to be wondering how bad the water really is, so this pitcher hides the filter from view with an attractive design element. Since it filters as it pours, you just fill it and bring it to the table to fill water glasses. Most customers are happy with the flavor of the filtered water; however, some note that it pours more slowly the less water there is in the pitcher.

This holds 12 cups and is designed to fit the fridge, so it’s ready to dispense chilled water when you want it. It has an electronic filter change reminder, so you don’t have to chart time or usage. It’s made from BPA-free plastic, and the filters are recyclable through TerraCycle.

Price at time of publish: $33

Type: Pitcher | Certified By: WQA | Contaminants Filtered: Chlorine, particulates (class VI), trichlorobenzene

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This countertop dispenser holds 18 cups of water, which eliminates the need to filter batch after batch for larger families or cooking projects. It’s certified to remove 99 percent of lead, along with 22 other contaminants, and can filter up to 40 gallons of water before the filter needs to be changed. 

The proprietary filter cap ensures that only filtered water moves from the top reservoir to the bottom, so unfiltered water won’t mix in. This is designed to fit in the sink for convenient filling and is well balanced, so it’s easy to move to the counter where it will be used. Several customers say the dispenser was very easy to set up and operate, though some note that it takes some time to filter water.

Price at time of publish: $36

Type: Countertop | Certified By: WQA | Contaminants Filtered: Lead, chlorine +more

What our Experts Say

"Be sure to do your due diligence as a consumer and compare filters and replacement cartridges. If something seems too good to be true, then there is a good chance it may be a counterfeit. " — Rick Andrew, Director of NSF International's Global Business Development

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There may be some instances when you only need to filter one serving of water, like at work or on vacation. In this case, your best option may be a water filter water bottle, such as the Brita Hard Sided Water Bottle.

This handy 26-ounce water bottle is made from BPA-free hard plastic, and it has a built-in carbon filter that will remove impurities from up to 40 gallons of tap water. The water bottle is dishwasher-safe and fits in most car cup holders. The manufacturer recommends changing the filter every two months, and reviewers say it's the perfect water bottle to take on vacation to areas where you might not have clean tap water.

Price at time of publish: $17

Type: Water bottle | Certified By: WQA | Contaminants Filtered: Chlorine taste and odor

Good to Know

Some self-filtering water bottles are only effective for treated municipal water, whereas others can handle water with a greater contaminant load. For your safety, before you buy a filtered water bottle for traveling to places without easily-accessible drinking water, check the specifications to make sure it can handle more than treated city water.

The Best Reusable Water Bottles to Hydrate Wherever You Go

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This water filter removes chlorine and heavy metals but leaves behind the minerals that help water taste good, so it’s perfect for a refreshing drink or for making tea, lemonade, or cocktails. Unlike under-sink filters that filter all the water used—including water for washing dishes—this comes with a dedicated faucet so you can have filtered water when you want it, while not wasting filtered water for washing and rinsing.

This can produce up to .75 gallons of filtered water per minute, so there’s no waiting when filling a pitcher. Even users with no experience with plumbing praised the ease of installation, and they also praised the easy filter replacement. According to the manufacturer, changing the filter takes just 3 seconds.

The filter is good for 8,000 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced, but for people who use a lot of water, a 16,000-gallon model is also available. For renters or people who don’t want to drill a hole for the dedicated faucet, there are models that connect to the faucet to filter all of the water.

Price at time of publish: $61

Type: Under the sink | Certified By: WQA | Contaminants Filtered: Chlorine, sediment, rust, and other heavy metals

Good to Know

The CDC notes that no filter can eliminate all contaminants, and many are specialized. To know what contaminants need to be removed, certified labs can test water from private wells or cisterns. For city water consumers, a Consumer Confidence Report is sent annually with the water bill.

Final Verdict

The APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System earns our top spot because of its five-stage filtering system and simple installation. Reviewers praise how clean and smooth the resulting water tastes. If neither under-sink filters nor pitchers are options, try the Pur PFM400H Faucet Water Filtration System; it's attractive, effective, and you don't need tools to install it.

What to Look for in a Water Filter

Purpose

Water filters can remove contaminants like heavy metals and man-made chemicals from your water. If you are on well water, have old pipes, or live in an area with unsafe drinking water, you may need a water filter to remove contaminants like lead or actual particles like sand.

If you are on city water, you can look at the annual water reports to see what kinds of contaminants are in that water.  Even if your municipal water is safe, you may have old pipes that could be leaching contaminants into your water. Adding a water filter can help remove those impurities. Filters certified to remove chlorine, for example, can also encourage hydration by making water more enjoyable to drink.

Independent Certifications 

Because effective filtration is so important (and because it’s so hard to actually be able to tell if it’s working), certification is one of the only ways you can actually be sure your water filter is removing the contaminants its packaging claims. The NSF is one certifying body—other certifications to look for are the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Water Quality Association (WQA). There is no one-size-fits-all certification, so it’s important to know what you want removed from your water. For example, the NSF offers certification for removing a certain amount of chlorine, and a separate one for removing lead. The more certifications a filter has, the more contaminants it can remove.  

Andrew cautions that you just need to make sure your filter is actually certified. Marketing jargon to look out for includes “filters to NSF standards,” which does not mean it has been independently tested. An earlier version of our list included several water filters that were removed based on similar language that made it unclear whether they were independently tested.

Capacity

You will want to consider your household’s water consumption when purchasing a filter. A smaller pitcher may be fine for a dorm or apartment, but for larger households or using filtered water for cooking, faucet or under-sink filters may make more sense. Refilling a pitcher doesn’t take a huge amount of time, but if you need to do it several times a day, it can be a pain.

Replacement Filters

Filter cost is another thing to consider. A water filtration system is only as good as its filters, so be sure to factor in their price and availability, as well as how often they need to be replaced.

Cost

Water filtration systems can cost up to thousands of dollars, while smaller pitchers can go for around $20. You can get an affordable water filter for personal use without spending much, but make sure to look for certifications. Also, consider the cost of the water filter and how often it will have to be replaced when deciding what you want to spend. 

Types of Water Filters

When we think of water filters, a pitcher is the first thing that comes to mind, but filters can be used at almost every point of water's journey through your home. 

Whole-Home Systems 

Whole-home systems filter all the water coming into your home. The most common kind, says Rick Andrew of NSF International, "is a water softener that will help remove minerals and 'soften' your water." Since hard water is bad for pipes and water fixtures, a whole-house filtration system makes the most sense. Because this type of system filters water for the whole house, it's often expensive and time-intensive to set up.  

There are two reasons to get a water filtration system, explains Andrew. For drinking water in the United States, it's more likely that you’ll want a filter to improve taste or remove hard minerals and protect your pipes. Hard water (i.e., water with high mineral content) can damage pipes and water fixtures with buildup.

Under-Sink 

If you are filtering for contaminants or taste in your drinking water, a point-of-use filter is also an option. These can be filters that attach to the sink or under the sink where you get drinking water. Andrew emphasizes that whole-house filtration, unless you are on a well, is generally only for softening water, and that these point-of-use systems are sufficient if you’re filtering out contaminants. Under-sink filters are often easier to install than whole-home systems, but are more expensive than faucet attachments or pitchers. 

Faucet Attachments 

Like under-sink filters, faucet attachments offer instant access to filtered water at a place where you would be getting drinking water, such as the kitchen sink. These filters can typically be attached to most standard sinks, though they won't work with more unique sink setups, like a pull-down faucet with a spray nozzle. A faucet attachment will typically allow you to filter only the water you want to drink and let unfiltered water come through for things like washing dishes. If you are only filtering to improve taste, this should be sufficient. This type of system also puts less pressure on the filter by only filtering the water you need. 

Pitchers

Pitchers don’t offer the convenience of a sink filter because they need to be refilled, but Andrew says "some people prefer pitchers because they allow you to chill filtered water, which can make it more enjoyable to drink." It’s also the easiest to set up. Furthermore, if you are only filtering water for taste, you may find a faucet filter to be bulky and unnecessary while you do things like wash hands or dishes at the sink. Again, this comes down to preference, and both faucet attachments and pitchers are capable of filtering out contaminants.  

Countertop 

Countertop water filtration systems work similarly to faucet filters by diverting water from the sink into a filtration system with its own tap. Other countertop filtration systems need to be filled, acting like water coolers, and these can be bulkier than pitchers but require less frequent refilling. They do offer the advantage of allowing you to place filtered water anywhere in your home, away from a water source. 

Bottles

Special water bottles can filter water as you fill the bottle or as you drink, and they can be certified by the NSF and ANSI. Water bottles can be a great option if you want to drink filtered water on the go, and they're a great alternative to buying bottled water. However, certain filter bottles are only designed to remove contaminants from treated municipal water, so if you want a water filter for hiking or traveling in places without clean drinking water, you’ll need to be extra sure that the filtration system you're buying can remove bacteria and other organisms.  

While filters of all types can do a great job of removing contaminants, Andrew says, "no filter can actually remove all contaminants." Any filter that claims it can remove all or 100 percent of contaminants is misrepresenting itself, and no certifying body would verify those claims. "The technology just doesn’t exist," Andrew says. 

Brands

Brita

Nowadays, the term “Brita pitcher” has basically come to mean a filtered water pitcher. Brita’s filters all come with NSF certifications, and its pitchers are popular for their ease of use—drop a filter into the pitcher, and you’re good to go. Brita also offers a wide array of pitchers and filtration systems, including faucet filters and water bottles. Brita does not offer under-sink or whole-home filtration systems, however, and not all Brita filters are created equal. Depending on what you want filtered out of the water, make sure to check for those certifications. 

Pur 

Pur and Brita offer very similar products: basic filters that remove impurities for taste, as well as mercury and other contaminants, as well as more expensive filters that can also remove lead and an even higher percentage of contaminants. Pur does offer the most certifications in its basic and more expensive filter. 

APEC

APEC offers a whole-house filtration system in addition to countertop filtration systems. The company’s whole-home systems are designed to remove things like odor and chlorine, as well as minerals that can cause scaling on appliances. 

Maintenance 

Water filter systems, no matter the size or type, are not a one-and-done purchase. Filters don’t last forever; they'll eventually stop effectively filtering water. "This can have two effects," Andrew says. For starters, the water can start to flow more slowly through the filter itself. More seriously, the filter can also stop effectively filtering water, letting the contaminants stay in the water. Filters all come with a lifespan, from a few months to a few years. NSF certifications test to ensure that the filter can continue to remove contaminants for as long as its listed lifespan and even allow for a little bit of time on the end.  

“But, at some point, it's just not going to work anymore,” Andrew says. Replacing your water filter per manufacturer instructions is just as important as purchasing the right filtration system in the first place. 

Accessories 

As brands try to set themselves apart in the filtration space, different accessories and add-ons have popped up such as Bluetooth capabilities and sensors to monitor filter effectiveness. While these can be appealing bells and whistles, they are not necessary; if you follow manufacturer guidelines on replacing filters, for example, the sensor is unnecessary. Ultimately, what matters is if the filter itself is capable of removing the impurities you want removed. 

FAQs

Which water filters remove the most contaminants?

While there are a variety of water filtration systems, no one type is inherently better (or worse) at filtering out contaminants. The same types of filters can remove different contaminants depending on how it was manufactured and certified. This is why experts recommend knowing what kinds of contaminants you want to be removed, rather than simply looking for a filter that removes a lot of contaminants. If you are unsure of what is in your local water, you can get a water report. 

Do water filters remove bacteria? 

"NSF certifies filters that remove bacteria under a standard called P231," says Andrew, but those tend to be designed for activities like camping, when you may need to drink water from a stream. If you have specific concerns about bacteria in your drinking water, be sure to buy a filtration system certified specifically to remove bacteria. When in doubt, you can boil your filtered or unfiltered water as an added safety precaution against bacteria.

Can you filter any type of water? 

In short, absolutely. Water filters can be used for city and well water and on both soft and hard (high mineral level) water. Just be aware of what you are hoping to remove; a whole-house system specifically designed to remove minerals from hard water, for example, won’t work the same as a pitcher that removes chlorine for flavor.  

Do water filters remove fluoride? 

Yes, certain types do. If you have a preference, be sure to check your filter’s certification. 

Do water filters remove PFAS?


There are water filters that remove polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) very effectively, and filters that only have partial efficacy in removing them. If this is an area of concern for you, make sure you pick a filter that specifies removing PFAS.

How long do water filters last? 

Water filtration systems are only as good as the filters within them. Nearly all are designed to be replaced, and all certifications are done with the life of the filter in mind. So if your filter needs to be replaced every six months, NSF will test each filter to ensure a six-month lifespan. If filters are replaced regularly, the filtration system itself can last for years. 

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie has lived and worked in areas of the country where the water was rated in the top ten in the country…and she’s lived in areas where the water was decidedly unpleasant. Over the years, she’s tested a variety of models and done her research on the rest. Associate Commerce Editors Taylor Rock and Fran Sales researched and contributed to this piece, incorporating information from Rick Andrew of NSF International’s Global Water program.

This roundup was updated by Katya Weiss-Andersson, a writer and editor who has nearly a decade of experience as a professional chef.

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Filters for washing provide purification of drinking water. Eliminating unwanted impurities is important for health, and getting rid of foreign odors allows you to maximize the taste and aroma of cooked food and drinks. Therefore, in the article we will consider various models and make a rating of the best filters for washing .

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Advantages and disadvantages of wash water filters