Water Filters
Water Filters: Top Picks for Clean Drinking Water
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best water filters are the Brita Longlast, PUR Ultimate, and Aquasana AQ-5300. Brita excels at affordability and taste. PUR removes more contaminants. Aquasana offers superior filtration for under-sink use.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Brita Longlast
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best Overall
The Brita Longlast is a popular pitcher filter that reduces chlorine taste and odor. It lasts up to six months or 120 gallons. It fits most standard pitchers and is widely available.
Capacity 120 gallonsFilter life 6 monthsContaminant reduction Chlorine, taste, odorCertification NSF/ANSI 42
- Long filter life
- Easy to find replacements
- Affordable upfront cost
- Does not remove heavy metals
- Plastic pitcher may crack
PUR Ultimate
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best Value
The PUR Ultimate pitcher filter reduces 2x more contaminants than the leading pitcher. It targets lead, mercury, and certain pesticides. It fits most PUR pitchers and lasts up to 40 gallons or two months.
Capacity 40 gallonsFilter life 2 monthsContaminant reduction Lead, mercury, pesticidesCertification NSF/ANSI 53
- Reduces lead and mercury
- Simple to install
- Good value for the price
- Shorter filter life
- Slower filtration rate
Aquasana AQ-5300
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best Under-Sink
The Aquasana AQ-5300 is a under-sink filter that removes 77 contaminants, including chlorine, lead, and cysts. It delivers up to 500 gallons per filter. Installation requires basic plumbing skills.
Capacity 500 gallonsFilter life 6 monthsContaminant reduction 77 contaminantsCertification NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
- High contaminant reduction
- Long filter life
- Dedicated faucet
- Requires under-sink space
- Higher upfront cost
Best for: Best Under-Sink
ZeroWater ZP-010
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for TDS
The ZeroWater ZP-010 is a 10-cup pitcher that removes dissolved solids, producing water with 0 TDS. It includes a TDS meter for testing. Filters last about 25 to 40 gallons depending on water quality.
Capacity 10 cupsFilter life 25-40 gallonsContaminant reduction Total dissolved solidsCertification NSF/ANSI 42
- Removes TDS
- Includes TDS meter
- Great for hard water
- Filters may clog quickly
- Slower filtration
APEC WFS-1000
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best Whole House
The APEC WFS-1000 is a whole-house filter that reduces sediment, chlorine, and taste issues. It uses a 20-inch big blue housing with a carbon cartridge. It treats water for the entire home.
Capacity Up to 100,000 gallonsFilter life 6-12 monthsContaminant reduction Sediment, chlorine, tasteCertification NSF/ANSI 42
- Filters all household water
- High capacity
- Easy cartridge replacement
- Requires professional installation
- Large footprint
Best for: Best Whole House
Culligan FM-15A
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best Faucet Mount
The Culligan FM-15A is a faucet-mounted filter that reduces chlorine and improves taste. It installs directly onto standard faucets without tools. The filter lasts up to 200 gallons or three months.
Capacity 200 gallonsFilter life 3 monthsContaminant reduction Chlorine, taste, odorCertification NSF/ANSI 42
- Tool-free installation
- Compact design
- Switch between filtered and unfiltered
- May not fit all faucets
- Can reduce water flow
Best for: Best Faucet Mount
iSpring RCC7
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best Reverse Osmosis
The iSpring RCC7 is a 5-stage reverse osmosis system that removes up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and fluoride. It includes a storage tank and comes with all necessary parts. Professional installation is recommended.
Capacity 75 gallons per dayFilter life 6-12 monthsContaminant reduction 99% of contaminantsCertification NSF/ANSI 58
- High contaminant removal
- Improves taste significantly
- Includes storage tank
- Requires under-sink space
- Wastes water during filtration
Best for: Best Reverse Osmosis
Filter standards vary, so check NSF certifications. Carbon filters improve taste, while reverse osmosis removes more. Our picks balance performance and value.
What to Look For
Start by checking your water quality. Municipal water often needs chlorine reduction. Well water may require sediment or heavy metal removal. Look for NSF certifications that match your needs. Consider filter capacity and replacement cost. Installation complexity matters for under-sink or whole-house models.
Pitcher vs. Faucet vs. Under-Sink
Pitchers are portable and cheap, but they filter slowly. Faucet mounts are convenient but may not fit all faucets. Under-sink filters offer higher capacity and better performance, but they need space. Whole-house systems treat all water but require professional setup. Choose based on your kitchen layout and usage.
Filter Types and Contaminants
Carbon filters reduce chlorine, taste, and odor. Reverse osmosis removes dissolved solids and heavy metals. Ion exchange softens water. UV filters kill bacteria. Know which contaminants are in your water. Test kits are available online. Match the filter to your specific concerns.
Maintenance and Costs
Filters need regular replacement. Pitcher filters last 1-6 months. Under-sink and RO systems last 6-12 months. Whole-house filters can last a year. Replacement cartridges vary in price. Factor in long-term costs. Some filters have indicators to remind you.
Questions people ask
What is the best water filter for home use?
The best filter depends on your water. For general use, Brita Longlast or PUR Ultimate are popular. For more contaminants, consider Aquasana under-sink or iSpring RO.
How do I know which water filter I need?
Test your water or check your municipal report. Identify contaminants you want to reduce. Then choose a filter with NSF certification for those contaminants.
Is a reverse osmosis system worth it?
RO systems remove the most contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and fluoride. They are worth it if you have high TDS or specific health concerns. They cost more and waste water.
Can a water filter remove bacteria?
Most carbon filters do not remove bacteria. UV filters or RO systems can. Check the product specifications for cyst or bacteria reduction.
How often should I replace my water filter?
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Pitcher filters often last 2-6 months. Under-sink and RO filters last 6-12 months. Some have indicators.
What is the difference between a water filter and a water purifier?
Filters typically remove particles and chemicals. Purifiers often use additional methods like UV or RO to remove microorganisms. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Do water filters remove fluoride?
Standard carbon filters do not. Reverse osmosis and some specialized filters can. Check the NSF certification for fluoride reduction.
Which is better: a pitcher or a faucet filter?
Pitchers are cheaper and portable. Faucet filters are more convenient and have higher flow. Choose based on your counter space and usage.
Can I install an under-sink water filter myself?
Many under-sink filters are DIY-friendly with basic tools. Some require drilling or plumbing. If unsure, hire a professional.
What is the best water filter for well water?
Well water often has sediment and bacteria. A whole-house sediment filter plus a UV or RO system is common. Test your water first.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most households, the Brita Longlast offers the best balance of cost and taste. If you need more contaminant removal, the Aquasana AQ-5300 is a strong upgrade. For maximum purity, the iSpring RCC7 is the top choice.
