Although they are considered a relatively uncommon piece of tech, Water Filters play an important role in the lives of people who want healthy and clean drinking water. Households that don’t find it feasible to use bottled mineral water resort to tap water for their daily consumption. Now while the quality of tap water varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, you can’t deny that it doesn’t come without certain impurities.
This is where the role of water filters come into play. They are devices that you attach to your water supply and they simply “purify” it. Well, at least to the point where it’s drinkable. The method of water purification may vary from filter to filter. However, most the ones we’ll be talking about today use a method called Reverse Osmosis to achieve their task.
If your households drinks tap water, you might want to consider using a water filter. And in case you have no idea where to start looking for the best ones, look no further. I’ve compiled a list of 12 best water filters that do their job rather well, along with their features, pros, and cons. Have a look.
Do keep in mind that all these filters, at the end of the day, will serve you the basic purpose of purifying your water. Their prices range from barely under $70 to almost $300. The prices are justified in their own ways as most comes with some special additional features of their own. You’ll have to decide which of these additional features do you really need and then you’ll be able to easily make the right choice.
1. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact
Pros:
- Reasonable Price
- Quick and easy installation and annual maintenance.
- Fast water flow rate thanks to 3/8″ tubing.
- Comes with a permeate pump that reduces brine and increases the flow of water even further.
- Easy to replace filter housings.
Cons:
- The design is not aesthetically pleasing.
- Addition of a permeate pump adds additional complexity in design.
- Fitting may have quality issues.
- Instruction manual may be a challenge to understand if you don’t know where to start.
The Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact may be your best choice in this list if getting rid of the brine water is your primary concern. The addition of a permeate pump helps it in that regard. It uses a 7-stage purification technique that is claimed to remove 99% chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, dissolved solids, and other contaminants from the water you intend to drink.
In most RO water filters, acidic water can degrade the rubber bits inside the storage tank. This often leads to an unusual taste. The Home Master TMAFC-ERP, however, regulates the pH of the water in its storage tank so that it doesn’t get too acidic, solving this problem. It also uses a modular design with the filter incorporated in a filter housing. This reduces the chances of microbes and sediments to accumulate and cause leaking.
At $283, the price of this filter is reasonable considering its functionality. If you’re interested, you can check it out on Amazon here.
2. iSpring RO Water Filter (UV) RCC7AK-UV
Pros:
- Has 2 additional filtration stages for better water purification.
- Easy to install with little to no skill required.
- Friendly and responsive customer service.
Cons:
- Requires electricity to run.
- Time-consuming to set up.
- Filters need to be changed semi-annually rather than annually.
The iSpring RO Water Filter (UV) RCC7AK-UV, as the name suggests, comes with a UV water treatment as well. Like every other RO water filter, it does have the 7-stage purification system. It is capable to remove 99% of arsenic, mercury, fluoride, chlorine, hormones, asbestos, bacteria, viruses, giardia, microorganisms, and other contaminants.
However, that isn’t all as this filter also comes with additional purification stages that include UV light treatment. This is particularly useful if the water you intend to use may have excessive microbes lurking within. The UV light may need electricity to run, which may add to the overall running cost but if you want that extra bit of protection, this is the one you need.
In addition to that, the iSpring RCC7AK-UV also comes with an Alkaline Remineralization filter that not only balances the pH of the water but also adds additional minerals that are beneficial to your health. For $189, it is certainly the cheapest by far and offers the best protection. If you like it, you can buy it on Amazon here.
3. APEC Top Tier Supreme RO-PH90
Pros:
- High water storage capacity.
- Good build quality.
- High water flow rate.
- Connectors and fitting is an industry standard.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- No particular protection from leaks.
The APEC Top Tier Supreme RO-PH90 may be the most expensive filter in this list yet but it might just as well be worth the price. Rated at 90 GPD, it has one of the highest water flow rates here. This means that you won’t have to wait for longer times while filling up your glasses or containers. The faucet that comes with it is also 100% lead-free and made from premium materials.
Although it uses a 6-stage setup compared to a conventional 7, it still manages to outperform its rivals by giving you one of the best water purifying experience. It is rated to be capable of removing 99% of contaminants including chlorine, lead, bacteria, fluoride, virus, heavy metal, and arsenic.
It also comes with a Calcium Carbonate filter that regulates the pH of the water. Also, it helps control the high acidic levels and improve the taste. For over $280, it may be expensive but you get a fairly competent water filter that is not only WQA certified, but also comes with a 2-year warranty with lifetime support. If you’re interested, do check it out here.
4. Express Water Alkaline RO Water Filtration System ROALK5D
Pros:
- High water storage capacity.
- Compatible with both 3/8″ and 1/2″ water connections.
- Easy and fast setup.
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Water tends to get a bit too alkaline.
- Customer service is not as accessible and takes too many holidays.
The Express Water Alkaline ROALK5D Water Filtration System is unique in a way that in addition to the stages of RO, it also includes 5 stages of mineralization as well to the water. This ensures that the water you drink is not only pure from harmful contaminants but also has vital minerals like Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium.
The company that makes this water filter also claims that the water obtained from this has 20% more Oxygen than regular tap water. This is an important claim as Oxygen-rich water is beneficial to our health and is something that is generally overlooked. The regular filtration is a 5-stage process that is claimed to remove 99.9% of Bacteria, Viruses, Heavy Metal, Chlorine, Radium, Lead, Arsenic, and Fluoride.
At $183, it may be cheaper than iSpring UV filter, however, it may not provide the same level of protection. If you value minerals more in your water than its overall purification then do consider this. You can check it out and buy it here.
5. APEC Top Tier ROES-PH75
Pros:
- High water storage capacity.
- Easy to set up and maintain.
- One of the strongest water purifications.
- Great customer service.
Cons:
- Painfully slow water flow rate.
- High brine ratio (1:4).
- Low mineralization.
The APEC Top Tier ROES-PH75 is the second product from APEC that we have on this list. However, it is miles different from the other water filter we saw earlier. The most notable feature of the ROES-PH75 is the mere strength of its water purification. Reports have suggested that it has even turned yellow water clear. It uses a 6-stage purification system that can remove up to a claimed 99.9% of chlorine from water.
The flow rate, however, isn’t as great. At just 75 GPD, you’ll be needing to constantly fill containers beforehand so you don’t waste your time. Just like the RO-PH90, it also comes with a 100% lead-free faucet made from premium materials. You also get the Additional FDA certification and 2-year warranty.
You can get all this for just over $200 which, to me, may just be a bargain considering what you’re getting. By going for this, you do miss out on mineralization though, if that’s what you’re interested in. Check it out on Amazon here.
6. Whirlpool WHER25 RO Water Filter
Pros:
- Quick and easy filter change process.
- Great design and build quality.
Cons:
- The purification system was notoriously unreliable.
- The company has a bad reputation for customer service.
The Whirlpool WHER25 RO Water Filter is also one of the cheapest ones on this list. However, there’s a reason for that. This is also the least sophisticated water filter on this list. It has fewer filters than the rest which do result in easy and inexpensive maintenance. It even comes with an indicator light to notify you when to change filters.
At just over $118, this may be the best choice for you if you want a simple, hassle-free and cheap water filter that isn’t the best, the most technologically advanced but gets the job done regardless. Check it out here.
7. Aquasure Premier Advanced 75 GPD Water Filtration System
Pro:
- Easy maintenance with quick filter changes.
- Inexpensive.
- Fast and simple installation.
Cons:
- Only one Carbon block to absorb Chlorine.
The Aquasure Premier Advanced 75 GPD Water Filtration System is another entry on this list that isn’t that expensive. In fact, it also rivals iSpring RCC7AK-UV at its price point. It purifies water via a 4-stage filtration process that’s enough to remove up to 99% of contaminants including chlorine, bacteria, virus, arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals, and lead. Because of the simple procedure, it is also simple to set up and doesn’t require much expertise.
It comes included with Flow-lock and Shok-Blok leak protection system to ensure that no leak occurs in your system. If that wasn’t enough, it also has NSF certification to back it all up. The flow rate, however, isn’t impressive at just 75 GPD. At $189, it seems a bit expensive compared to the iSpring. However, do take into account that this also comes with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime tech support which does justify the price a tad bit more. If you’re considering it, check it out on Amazon.
8. AQUASPREE Premium Alkaline Water Filter System
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Easy to set up.
- Portable.
- Good build quality.
Cons:
- Takes up counter space.
- Low water storage capacity.
- Purified water may be a bit too alkaline.
The AQUASPREE Premium Alkaline Water Filter System is as good as it gets when you want a good water purifier for a decent price. It is also the only non-reverse osmosis water filter in this list. It makes use of a wide-surface flat Ceramic filter which separates Rust, Sediments, Bacteria, Parasites and other impurities from the water.
AQUASPREE even claims to use a Magnetized device that “reconstructs water molecules into smaller clusters to improve absorption, boost energy and immune level”. Sounds a bit too much but we’ll believe that. Apart from its build quality being good, the materials used in making this filter are BPA-free. That can make a lot of difference to you if you care about the environment.
At $119, it does seem a bit pricey for its own good. You miss out big time on water storage capacity, which should be one of the primary things that matter. However, the good build quality does not certainly come cheap and neither does portability. If those mean a lot to you then this is the filter you need. Check it out on Amazon here.
9. COSTWAY 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System
Pros:
- Simple design and incredibly easy to install.
- Cheap.
- Good Customer Service
Cons:
- Inferior Filtration.
- Basic build quality.
- No Water Storage.
- Pressure depends on water supply.
The COSTWAY 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System is the cheapest water filter in this list. Needless to say, it is for those of you who just want their tap water filtered without breaking the bank. It is exactly what you’d call adequate. As the name suggests, it is an under-sink design meaning it won’t be taking much of your counter space.
While I mentioned that the build quality is basic, however, the faucet that you get with it is a 100% lead-free. Unlike all the other filters in this list, this one uses just a 3-stage purification process. Now Costway claims that it is good enough to get rid of 99% bacteria in the water but most reviews claim otherwise. I would recommend this if the tap-water you get is already good and you just need that extra bit of protection.
At just $70, this is the cheapest item on the list but it does have its drawbacks. It is not for everyone especially not for those who want the highest amount of protection from contaminants. It’s a shame it isn’t portable though. Still, if you’re interested, check it out here.
10. Express Water Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Pros:
- Easy to set up.
- Somewhat portable.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty.
- High Pressure.
Cons:
- Takes up counter space.
- Not aesthetically pleasing.
- No storage capacity.
The Express Water Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System is one of the unusual looking countertop ones. The odd look is thanks to the exposed filters, which have been designed that way to make for an easy replacement. This is useful especially when the filters are recommended to be changed semi-annually.
The filter uses a 4-stage purification process to rid your water from 99.9% of major contaminants like fluoride, lead, chlorine, chromium, calcium, nitrates, bacteria, viruses and so on. Even though the design is complex, the installation procedure is surprisingly simple. It also has a fast flow rate which the company claims to be around 96 GPD. This certainly makes up for the fact that it has no storage capacity and you have to use the water on the go.
At $119, it is placed right in the sweet spot for a good water filter. The additional portability does make it a better value. However, do note that it will take up your counter space and it will not look good while doing so. If you’re the type of person who wants a clutter-free and aesthetic kitchen, then this might not be the filter for you. In case it is, check it out here.
11. CuZn 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Pros:
- Large water storage capacity.
- Good build quality.
- Good customer service.
- 1-year warranty.
Cons:
- Low flow rate.
- Complex to install too many parts.
The CuZn 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration System makes use of a 5-stage RO process to remove harmful contaminants from the water. It is claimed to remove minerals/electrolytes such as Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Chloride. It is also claimed by CuZn to soften “hard” water in addition to purifying it and improving its taste.
However, it has some drawbacks which make us question its price tag. The installation procedure is fairly difficult especially compared to all other filters in this list. There are far too many small parts that need to be put together and someone with minimal experience will have difficulty assembling it. The flow rate is also not the best out there at just 50 GPD.
That can be forgiven as the CuZn 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration System comes with an ample-sized storage tank. It will help store some pre-filtered water beforehand. At $155 this water filter is definitely leaning towards the expensive side. It doesn’t offer the same level of purification as some other filters in this list. You do, however, get a useful 1-year warranty with it and a great customer service as well. If you feel like this is the one, check it out on Amazon.
12. APEC Portable Countertop RO-CTOP-C
Pros:
- High flow rate.
- Easy to install.
- Can be installed on top of a counter.
- Can filter 2-3 gallons of water per hour with good pressure.
Cons:
- No storage so the water will have to be filtered manually.
- Not compatible with most faucets.
- Expensive
We finish off our list with APEC Portable Countertop RO-CTOP-C, which also happens to be the most unique entry in this list. It is the third product from APEC in this list and is definitely one of the most expensive as we shall see why. Unlike all the other water filters that I’ve listed, this can be installed on top of your kitchen counter rather than hidden up in a cabinet. It is compact, simple and by far the easiest to set up.
All of that owes to the fact that it doesn’t have a traditional storage tank to store the filtered water for use. You have to either store it manually in a separate container or use it on the go. That can be forgiven, however, as this filter has a really fast flow rate of 90 GPD that will not slow you down in any case. It is also portable, meaning you can take it with you on a vacation to have the same clean water.
At $266, this filter is definitely on the pricey side but I feel it’s worth every penny. For this money, you get an APEC product with the same great build quality that makes it reliable. You get an additional 2-year warranty as well as an FDA certification. And to top it all, it’s easy to use and portable. If you can afford it, do consider it. You can find it on Amazon here.