When I first started looking into under-sink water filters, I realized how important it was to find one that could tackle PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as “forever chemicals.” These contaminants are notoriously tough to remove, and many standard water filters simply aren’t equipped to deal with them. I went on a mission to find the best under-sink water filters that can effectively remove PFAS, and here are the top choices based on performance, filter life, ease of installation, and cost.
What to Look for in an Under-Sink Water Filter for PFAS Removal
- PFAS Removal Efficiency: PFAS chemicals are difficult to remove, so you want a filter that is specifically designed or certified to tackle them. Look for systems that use activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or proprietary multi-stage filtration.
- Flow Rate: Under-sink filters need to maintain good water pressure while filtering contaminants effectively.
- Filter Lifespan: The frequency of filter replacement affects long-term costs and convenience.
- Certification: NSF certifications (especially NSF P473, which covers PFAS removal) can be a good indicator of performance.
Best Under-Sink Water Filters for PFAS Removal
1. Clearly Filtered Under-Sink Filtration System
Best for: Maximum PFAS and contaminant removal across the board
- PFAS Removal: Removes up to 99.9% of PFAS.
- Filtration Technology: Multi-stage filtration (including advanced carbon and proprietary blend).
- Filter Lifespan: 2,000 gallons (about 12-15 months).
- Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute).
- Other Contaminants: Over 230 contaminants, including chlorine, lead, fluoride, VOCs, and pesticides.
The Clearly Filtered Under-Sink System stands out because it targets 99.9% of PFAS while removing hundreds of other contaminants, making it a top choice if you want broad-spectrum water purification. Its multi-stage filtration process, which includes a proprietary blend of filtration media, goes beyond standard carbon filters. The filter lifespan is long, making it cost-effective over time.
- Pros: High PFAS removal rate, long filter life, and no drop in water pressure.
- Cons: Pricier upfront than some other systems.
2. Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum
Best for: Reverse osmosis with added contaminant filtration
- PFAS Removal: Up to 99.9% of PFAS.
- Filtration Technology: 4-stage reverse osmosis with Claryum technology (carbon + ion exchange).
- Filter Lifespan: RO membrane (1 year), pre/post-filters (6 months).
- Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM.
- Other Contaminants: Removes over 87 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, mercury, and fluoride.
The Aquasana OptimH2O RO + Claryum system combines the power of reverse osmosis with Claryum filtration, which significantly boosts its ability to remove PFAS. It’s NSF certified to remove PFAS and other harmful substances, including lead and fluoride. The reverse osmosis membrane provides thorough purification, but it can result in slower water flow compared to other systems.
- Pros: Excellent PFAS removal, reverse osmosis quality filtration.
- Cons: Slower flow rate, requires space for RO tank installation.
3. Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection
Best for: Comprehensive reverse osmosis system with high contaminant removal
- PFAS Removal: Removes up to 99.9% of PFAS.
- Filtration Technology: 9-stage reverse osmosis, UV light, and advanced carbon filtration.
- Filter Lifespan: 1 year (depending on usage).
- Flow Rate: 0.75 GPM.
- Other Contaminants: Removes up to 99% of over 70 contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, and VOCs.
The Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection system is a powerhouse in the world of under-sink filters. Its 9-stage filtration process includes reverse osmosis and UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. The system is NSF certified for PFAS removal and excels in removing a wide array of other contaminants, making it ideal for those wanting the highest level of purification.
- Pros: Removes PFAS and virtually all other contaminants, UV light for pathogen control.
- Cons: More complex installation, higher upfront cost.
4. Epic Smart Shield Under-Sink Water Filter
Best for: Easy installation and affordability
- PFAS Removal: Removes up to 99.9% of PFAS.
- Filtration Technology: Activated carbon block filtration.
- Filter Lifespan: 650 gallons (approx. 1 year).
- Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM.
- Other Contaminants: Removes over 70 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and heavy metals.
The Epic Smart Shield is an affordable, easy-to-install solution for removing PFAS and other harmful contaminants from your water. It uses activated carbon block filtration, which is proven effective in targeting PFAS. While it doesn’t use reverse osmosis, its compact design and low maintenance make it an excellent option for users who need a simpler, less expensive setup.
- Pros: High PFAS removal rate, easy to install, affordable.
- Cons: Shorter filter lifespan compared to other systems.
5. Waterdrop G3 Reverse Osmosis System
Best for: Advanced, tankless RO system with sleek design
- PFAS Removal: Up to 99.9% of PFAS.
- Filtration Technology: 3-stage reverse osmosis system (pre-filter, RO membrane, post-carbon filter).
- Filter Lifespan: RO membrane (2 years), pre/post-filters (6-12 months).
- Flow Rate: 0.28 GPM.
- Other Contaminants: Removes up to 99% of lead, fluoride, arsenic, and chlorine.
The Waterdrop G3 RO system is a sleek, tankless design that still offers effective PFAS removal. It’s a 3-stage reverse osmosis system that purifies water at a flow rate of 0.28 GPM. The tankless design makes it more compact and easier to install than traditional RO systems, while the advanced filters provide excellent purification for a variety of contaminants, including PFAS.
- Pros: Tankless, compact, high PFAS removal, smart features (filter life indicator).
- Cons: Slower flow rate due to tankless RO design.
Comparison Table: Best Under-Sink Water Filters for PFAS Removal
| Brand | PFAS Removal | Filtration Technology | Filter Lifespan | Flow Rate | Other Contaminants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearly Filtered | 99.9% | Multi-stage (carbon + blend) | 2,000 gallons (12-15 mo) | 1.5 GPM | 230+ contaminants (lead, chlorine, VOCs, pesticides) |
| Aquasana OptimH2O RO | 99.9% | 4-stage RO + Claryum | 6-12 months | 0.5 GPM | 87+ contaminants (lead, mercury, fluoride) |
| Home Master TMHP | 99.9% | 9-stage RO + UV + carbon | 1 year | 0.75 GPM | 70+ contaminants (chlorine, VOCs, heavy metals) |
| Epic Smart Shield | 99.9% | Carbon block filtration | 650 gallons (12 months) | 1.5 GPM | 70+ contaminants (lead, heavy metals, chlorine) |
| Waterdrop G3 RO | 99.9% | 3-stage tankless RO | 6-24 months | 0.28 GPM | 99% of lead, fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, heavy metals |
Key Factors to Consider
1. PFAS Removal Rate
All of these systems are top-rated for PFAS removal, with most filtering out 99.9% of these dangerous chemicals. However, if you’re looking for NSF-certified systems, Aquasana OptimH2O and Home Master have specific certifications that ensure PFAS removal.
2. Filtration Technology
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Best for comprehensive water purification, removing PFAS and virtually all other contaminants. However, RO systems require more space and maintenance.
- Activated Carbon: Effective for PFAS and many other common contaminants, but may not filter out as many substances as RO.
3. Filter Lifespan
If you want fewer filter changes, the Clearly Filtered and Waterdrop G3 offer longer-lasting filters (up to 2 years for RO membranes).
4. Budget
- For budget-conscious users, Epic Smart Shield offers a balance of price and performance, but if you’re willing to spend more upfront for reverse osmosis and greater contaminant removal, Aquasana OptimH2O and Home Master TMHP are worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The best under-sink water filter for PFAS removal depends on your needs, space, and budget. Clearly Filtered is the top choice for comprehensive PFAS and contaminant removal with minimal maintenance. If you want reverse osmosis for maximum purification, Aquasana OptimH2O or the Home Master TMHP system are excellent picks. For an easier, more affordable solution, the Epic Smart Shield provides strong PFAS removal at a lower price point.
Whatever system you choose, you’ll be ensuring cleaner, safer water free of harmful PFAS chemicals.