Water filters can save on the amount of water that you use and they also filter out trace minerals that can make your water smell or taste bad. They are made to quickly install onto the taps of your faucets. Using a water filter can even remove chlorine and other materials from your water. These devices can make your water taste better. We’ve put together a useful guide and reviews of the best water filters on the market for your convenience.
How we found the best water filters
In our quest to find the best water filters, we began with the most highly recommended by others. We researched the top rated filters according to customer reviews. In addition, we read through the features that manufacturers listed for each, and considered the value for the price. We’ve tested many of the water filters in our review personally to ensure that they are as good as the reviews claim.
We only included the water filters that performed very well in cleaning unwanted materials out of tap water. Those that didn’t do as good of a job were not included in our reviews. We offer the top ten best water filter reviews to help you find the best solution for clear and clean, good tasting water in your home, at a reasonable cost.
Best Water Filter Reviews
1. Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – 5 Stage RO Water Purifier with Faucet and Tank – Under Sink Water Filter – plus 4 Replacement Filters – 100 GPD
The Express Water Reverse Osmosis is a complete water filtration system that removes up to 99.99% of calcium, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, lead, bacteria and more from your tap water. It installs easily to give you healthy drinking water instantly.
Important Features
Emergency leak stop detector: This feature discovers any leaks in the faucet and shuts off the water flow when unwanted moisture is detected.
Stage 1 purifying: The first stage moves water through a sediment filter to remove sand, rust, dirt and debris
Stage 2 and 3 purifying: The second and third stages move water through a carbon block and a granular carbon filter. These filters remove chlorine as well as other organic chemicals and compounds that cause odor.
Stage 4-purifying: The fourth stage is the RO Membrane. Water passes through this filter to remove arsenic, fluoride, radium, TDS, chromium, lead and other pollutants.
Stage 5 purifying: The fifth stage moves water through the Post Activated Carbon Filter for final filtering of the water before it flows from the faucet. It removes any leftover odor or bad tastes.
Pros
- Instructions are simple and easy to understand
- The filter is easy to install within several minutes
- It improves the smell and the taste of tap water
- The filter provides peace of mind in knowing that the water you're drinking is healthy
Cons
- Some customers were not pleased with the flow rate of the water but only one mentioned this as an issue.
2. Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter with Advanced Water Filtration, Chrome Finish
Culligan is a brand that is highly respected. The FM-25 is a simple yet advanced water filtration system for cleaning and purifying drinking water. It gives you better tasting and healthier water from the faucet.
Important Features
Advanced filter faucet mount: The filter mount makes this unit very easy to install and you no tools are required
Simple diverter tab: This filter is made with a simple diverter tab system that lets you switch from regular tap water to advanced filter water quickly and easily
Cartridge-based system: Each cartridge is good for 2 months or for purifying a full 200 gallons of water before you need to replace them. They’re fast and easy to take out and reinstall
Advanced Filtration: The advanced filtration system reduces the amount of chlorine, atrazine, lead, turbidity and class I particulates as it removes bad odors and bad tastes from your water.
NSI Standard 42 and 53 and NSF certified: These certifications mean that this filter has been tested and approved to purify water of the listed contaminants.
Pros
- There is a strong water flow with this filter
- The carbon block filter improves the flavor of the water
- The included adapters are excellent for using with different faucet sizes
- The cartridges come out easy and it just takes a few seconds to put the new ones in
Cons
- It does a nice job of filtering but in areas, with high magnesium deposits, there's a slight odor occasionally. It helps a lot but doesn't always remove the entire smell
3. ZeroWater 10 Cup Pitcher with Free Water Quality Meter BPA-Free NSF Certified to Reduce Lead and Other Heavy Metals
Keep fresh and good tasting water ready at all times with the ZeroWater 10 cup pitcher. It’s a combination pitcher with a built-in water filtering system that removes lead and other metals that can cause a bad taste in the water.
Important Features
5 stage filtering system: Your water is filtered through five different stages of purification. This removes more unwanted elements to give you healthy and pure water for drinking
Convenient: The pitcher with a built-in filter gives you the convenience of purified water on hand whenever you need it. Ideal for times when your water is turned off for pipe repairs.
Versatile filter: This filter is compatible with many other brands including Brita, Pur, Nakii, Aquagear, Berkey, Aquasana, Waterdrop and more
Free quality meter: The quality meter which is included with the pitcher allows you to test your water before you drink it. You’ll always know what the quality of the water is.
Pros
- The plastic of the pitcher is BPA-free making it safe to store water without the fear of harmful manufacturing chemicals leaching through to the water inside
- The flavor and the water is definitely improved
- The testing meter gives you peace of mind because you know what's in the water you drink
- You can check the effectiveness of the filter by using the quality testing meter.
Cons
- There is a slight learning curve to make sure that the water flows through the filter fast and for cleaning. Once you get the hang of it the system works well but it takes practice.
4. Brita Large 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Brita’s large water filter pitcher holds a full 10 cups for easy access to pure and great tasting water right out of your fridge. It’s made to keep you supplied with pure and healthy water at the touch of your fingers.
Important Features
Large size: This large pitcher holds 10 cups of water and the built-in filter system is hassle-free. It’s easy to pour and refill for an endless supply and clean and fresh water.
BPA-free plastic: The pitcher is certified to be free from all hazardous chemicals during its manufacturing process. Some plastics contain these unhealthy residues, but not the Brita.
Efficient refill system: You cave money and effort with the Brita filtering system that features replaceable filters that are easy to take out and put back in. The pitcher even notifies you when it’s time to replace the filter.
Effective filtering system: The filter removes heavy metals and chemicals from your tap water. Some of these include cadmium, zinc, mercury, copper, and chlorine which can all make your water taste bad.
Pros
- The reservoir is removable for easy cleaning and sanitation when the pitcher is not in use
- The pitcher and filter remove all traces of chlorine odor
- It's convenient for storing cold water in the refrigerator
- The filters do an excellent job of removing the odor and metallic taste in some water.
Cons
- Some of the lids come misshapen as a factory defect.
5. Brita Large 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher with 1 Standard Filter, BPA Free – Grand, Violet
The Brita Gand holds 10 cups of water in an easy to pour pitcher that purifies your water as you pour. I save space with its compact size and can totally replace the need for purchasing bottled water.
Important Features
BPA-Free filter: the filtration system is made in an environment with materials that are free from BPA contamination. This means that you won’t need to worry about chemicals leaching out of the pitcher into your water.
Filter Change Reminder: This combination Pitcher and water filter even has a built-in notification system to remind you when it’s time to change the water filter.
Effective filtration system: This filtration system removes elements from your water that causes odor and bad tastes to develop. These include copper, chlorine, zinc, mercury, cadmium as well as other impurities in the water. You can enjoy pure and healthy drinking water.
Easy to change: The water filter replacements are easy to remove and the new ones are easy to install. You can use a variety of different filter brands with this system, but the Brita filters have been shown to last the longest.
Pros
- Water tastes better when filtered with the Brita system.
- The pitcher holds a large capacity of water and it's convenient to store in the fridge for fresh, cold water
- The filter removes the smell and taste of chlorine from the water
- It's reasonably priced and more affordable than stocking up on bottled water monthly
Cons
- Some users complained of cracking in the reservoir, but it's covered by warranty
6. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Undersink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
This under sink reverse osmosis water filter system is the best way to ensure clean water from the tap. It’s a complete system that goes beyond the five stages of purification offered by other water filtering systems, by adding an extra 2 stages. This guarantees your water will be as pure as possible.
Important Features
Seven Stage filtration: This is the ultimate in water purification. The water goes through seven different stages of filtering to remove the maximum possible amount of contaminants
Mineral additives: The Reverse Osmosis system cleanses out the bad contaminants and replenishes the pure filtered water with minerals that make it taste great. It adds magnesium and calcium twice throughout the process.
Non-electric pump: The permeate pump is built-in and doesn’t rely on electricity to operate. It reduces up to 80 percent of water waste and increases the production of water for great pressure by up to fifty percent.
Easy change filters: The filters are remarkably easy to change and they don’t require any tools. You only need to change them once a year or every 2000 gallons of water you purify. Whichever comes first.
Pros
- Impressive water quality with no taste or odor
- The system is set up to be hassle-free after installation
- It's cheap to run and you don't have to replace the filters very often
- The water pressure is good for such a complex filtering system
Cons
- Installation takes a while
7. MAVEA 1005722 Elemaris XL 9-Cup Water Filtration Pitcher, Ruby Red
The Mavea 9 cup water filtration pitcher comes in an attractive vibrant red color. It takes up very little space in a refrigerator and keeps cold pure water handy whenever you need it.
Important Features
BPA-free materials: Some plastics contain potentially harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process. This pitcher is certified to be free of all harmful chemicals
Conforms to stiff regulation standards: You can be assured of the quality of this water filtration pitcher because it is WQA, NSF and ANSI certified to meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness
Rubberized feet and handle: High-Quality and durable rubber material is used for the handle and the feet of this pitcher. They are molded into it to make it attractive and functional. They’re soft to the touch but give you a good grip
Silver treated: This pitcher is treated with silver because it stops the growth of bacteria for cleaner and healthier water when stored in the fridge
Pros
- The 9 cup water capacity gives you a day's worth of pure and healthy water for drinking
- The filtration system removes odors and bad tastes from the water
- The shape of the pitcher is convenient for storing in the refrigerator because it doesn't take up much space
- A built-in smart meter lets you know how long the filter has been in use and gives you a reading of the hardness of the water
Cons
- There are occasional traces of chlorine smell in water that is heavily treated
8. PUR 3-Stage Horizontal Water Filtration Faucet Mount Chrome FM-9400B
The Pur 3 stage water filtration system delivers fresh and delicious water straight from the tap. The easy to use unit is hassle-free and each filter gives you up to three months of pure water per filter.
Important Features
3 stage water filtration: Your regular tap water runs through three stages of filtration for pure and better-tasting water
Electronic filter life indicator: The electronic filter life indicator lets you know when it’s time for replacement
Easy installation: Installation of this water filtration system couldn’t be easier. It installs on the faucet with one simple click and it ready to use in just seconds.
Switch on and off feature: You can enjoy filtered or unfiltered water at the flip of a switch because sometimes you want your water purified and sometimes you don’t.
Pros
- Using this water filter is as easy as clipping it on the faucet and turning the water on
- Improves the taste and smell of water
- Inexpensive and effective in removing odors from water
- It lets you know when the filter needs to be replaced to keep water pure
Cons
- Incompatible with handheld and pull-out faucets
9. APEC Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ 75 GPD 6-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
The Apec Top Tier is the top of the line in Reverse Osmosis water filtering systems. You can rest assured that your drinking water is safe and healthy with the system that removes chemicals, bacteria, viruses and more.
Important Features
High pressure: This system provides water pressure of between 40 to 85 psi for a strong flow
Mineral additions: The RO water filtering system purifies water and then adds healthy calcium minerals for the ideal alkalinity level and great tasting water
Quiet: The system is designed for noise-free operation so it won’t interfere with the peace and quiet of your home
Designer faucet: An attractive designer faucet that is guaranteed to be 100% lead-free is included with the water filtration system
Pros
- The ceramic disc faucet is sturdy and higher in quality than most faucets on the market today
- Water run through this system both smells and tastes good
- The filter allows a good return of water with great pressure out of the spout
- The instructional video makes it easy to install this unit
Cons
- There is a significant waste with discarded water
10. Camco EVO Premium RV/Marine Water Filter
The Camco EVO Premium RV/Marine water filter is the ideal solution for pure and clean drinking water from your motor home or camper. It removes the bad odors and taste that are present in most RV potable water systems
Important Features
5-micron barrier and granulated active carbon: These filtering systems help to remove the contaminants from water that can lead to bad smeels and tastes from RV water. They also remove chlorine, bacteria, sediments and more
Replaceable filter: The filter is intended to last for one camping season before it needs to be replaced
Certified safe and efficient: This water filtering system is CSA certified to comply with Vermont and California laws relating to low lead in water
Extension hose included: The extension hose makes it easy to install and guarantee a fit for this model
Pros
- Designed for use in RVs
- The filter is easy to replace
- The system improves the smell and taste of RV water
- The price of this unit is very reasonable
Cons
- There are not as many filtering stages as with some other units
The Effectiveness Of Different Types Of Water Filters
There are different kinds of water filters and each of them serves a specific purpose. While they are all used to improve the quality of water, they do so in different ways and to different degrees. Here are the differences and what you can expect from each type.
Pitcher Water Purifier
A Pitcher style water purifier is one of the most common types of water purifiers. There are usually two parts. The top of the pitcher contains a filter that contains activated carbon. Water is poured into the pitcher through this filter. The water drips into the container’s lower part in its purified state. It is a simple process of filtering out impurities through the activated carbon which removes many impurities.
The advantages of a pitcher water purifier are that they are low in cost, they can remove many minerals and chemicals from water, they are easy to use and they are portable. On the downside, they have a confined capacity, you need to pour the water in manually and you need to allow time for it to work.
Faucet Water Filters
A faucet water filler is a small unit that is installed directly onto your faucet. It filters out contaminants in the water as it flows out and it leaves you with purified water for washing, cooking and drinking. Most are inexpensive and they help to improve the taste and smell of tap waters in areas where the water is safe and clean but may contain odors and taste contamination. On the plus side, they’re small, inexpensive and easy to install and use. The cons include the fact that they slow the flow of the water from the tap and they might not work with a low faucet.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
A reverse osmosis filter is also referred to as an RO filter. It is a type of water purification technology that removes molecules, ions, and particles from drinking water through a semipermeable membrane. This type of filter is most often used to remove salt along with other effluent materials from within the very molecules of water. It is an effective method for generating purified water on the upside, but it’s a bit expensive and difficult to install such a system.
Under Sink Water Purification Systems
An under sink water filter is a system that is installed under a sink in the kitchen or bathroom. The filtrations remove pollutants and bacteria to make water more safe to use. These units process larger capacities of water and they do it at a faster rate than countertop or faucet devices. They can filter out more contaminants than most of the other types and they’re not visible to the eye. They are also quite large, difficult to install and expensive to purchase.
Refrigerator Water Filters
Refrigerator filters use a dual system of carbon filtration and mechanical means to trap impurities in the water prior to reaching your glass. These filters are designed to meet NSF standards for removing the taste of chlorine, the odor, and sediment.
Whole House Water filter system
This type of water filter system is used in places where tap water is not available. They are installed at a water holding tank which is connected to the home through the main pipe. They purify the water prior to its distribution to the home. They’re good for removing a variety of contaminants effectively and in the long term they save money on clean water, but they must be professionally installed and they are expensive.
Look into a Free Lead Test
The only way to determine if you have lead in your water is to conduct a lead test. Some older pipes may contain lead and need to be removed and replaced with lead-free pipes. You can usually obtain a free lead testing kit by contacting your country health department and inquire about the kits that they offer. You can also contact the Safe Water Drinking Hotline through the Environmental Protection Agency, or have your water tested for lead by a state certified laboratory.
How to Find Out if Your Water is Safe To Drink
There are several ways to determine if your water is safe to drink. One of them is to pay for State certified water testing through your local county health department or through an EPA program. There are also tests that are sold for this purpose online and through a variety of vendors. Some water filters are equipped with built-in water testers to let you know if there are issues with your drinking water, but testing is the only way to know for certain.
Contaminants that could be in your water
There are several different kinds of contaminants that could be lurking in your water. These include lead from old pipes, chemicals, heavy metals and compounds occurring naturally in the ground near the water sources including copper, zinc, mercury, aluminum, lead, and others. In addition, treated water may contain fluoride, chlorine and much more. Arsenic has also been found in some water supplies and well as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and other types of soil treatments.
Do all water filters remove lead?
Lead is harmful to humans when ingested in moderate amounts. It is one of the leading contaminants found in drinking water. This substance can lead to physical illness and even death. Do all water filters remove lead? The answer is no. They may remove some of the lead, but unless the water filter is certified to remove lead, they probably won’t work well for this purpose. Many of the available pitcher filters do not remove lead, but some do so it’s important to check the specifications before making your purchase. Any faucet mount filter that is carbon based is the best choice for removal of lead.
Are water filters worth buying?
This is a common question that is frequently asked. There are some people who believe that water filters are a waste of money, but we must heartily disagree. There is no way to know if your water is free of contamination unless it has recently been tested. What if there are harmful bacteria, viruses or chemicals that pose a threat to your health? Is it better to filter the water to remove at least some or most of these threats, or to save a few dollars and take the chance? We believe that water filters are well worth buying. Besides some of them are quite inexpensive.
FAQ's
Q: What happens if I don’t replace my water filter?
A: Failing to replace your water filter can expose you and your family to the dangers that may be unseen in the water that you wash and cook with and drink. Often bacteria and viruses among other hazards are found in unfiltered water in varying amounts.
Q: How do you know when to change a filter?
A: In general, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for changing your water filter. Some water filter systems come with a built-in mechanism that notifies you when it is near the time that you need to replace the filter.
Q: How large is your home?
A: This is a question that you must answer before you can determine which type of water filtering system will be the best choice for your home and family.
Q: How many adults and children generally live at your home?
A: The number of adults and children in your home matter when it comes to choosing the best water filter to meet the needs of your home. This will help in determining how much water will need to be filtered and in which rooms. It will help you know what the capacity of the water filter will be in accordance with how many gallons you will need to filter on average. Larger families may require larger filtering systems with a greater capacity for generating higher water pressure.
Q: Are there any other daily activities that require water usage?
A: This is another question that must be asked when determining how much water you will use on a daily basis in your home. This will help you pick the water filter that will move the right amount of water to meet the needs of your family.
Conclusion
Finding the best water filter depends on family size and the volume of water you use in your household on a daily basis. The health of your family may improve with the addition of a high-quality water filter such as those we’ve just reviewed. We’ve provided the ten top models to give you choices to help meet the health requirements for your household in one convenient place. Here you’ll find a solution to improve the quality and health of your drinking and washing water.