When it comes to choosing the best water filtration systems, whether it’s a pitcher, under-sink, or countertop system, the ideal choice depends on factors like the contaminants you want to remove, ease of installation, maintenance, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top water filtration systems in each category, including their key features, pros, and cons:
Best Water Filter Pitchers
Pitcher filters are a convenient and portable way to get cleaner water at a relatively low cost.
1. Brita Longlast Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
- Contaminants removed: Chlorine, lead, cadmium, mercury, benzene.
- Filter lifespan: Up to 120 gallons or 6 months.
Key Features:
- Certified for lead reduction.
- Large capacity (10 cups).
- BPA-free plastic pitcher.
Pros:
- Long filter life compared to standard Brita filters.
- Removes up to 99% of lead.
- Affordable and easy to use.
Cons:
- Slower filtration time compared to other models.
Price: $30 – $40
2. ZeroWater 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
- Contaminants removed: Lead, chromium, chlorine, fluoride, mercury, and dissolved solids.
- Filter lifespan: 20-40 gallons, depending on TDS (total dissolved solids).
Key Features:
- Uses 5-stage filtration to remove almost all dissolved solids.
- TDS meter included for testing water quality.
Pros:
- Removes 99.6% of TDS, making it ideal for hard water.
- Effective fluoride removal.
- Comes with a TDS meter for monitoring filter performance.
Cons:
- Filters need to be replaced more frequently.
- Higher ongoing filter replacement cost.
Price: $35 – $45
3. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher
- Contaminants removed: Lead, mercury, chlorine, fluoride, copper, and more.
- Filter lifespan: 150 gallons or up to 6 months.
Key Features:
- NSF-certified for lead, fluoride, and chlorine removal.
- Triple-capacity filters last longer than most other pitcher filters.
Pros:
- Removes 99.9% of lead and fluoride.
- Longer filter lifespan compared to competitors.
- Eco-friendly, BPA-free construction.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to standard pitchers.
Price: $70 – $80
Best Under-Sink Water Filters
Under-sink systems provide point-of-use filtration with more comprehensive filtering capabilities.
1. APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System (ROES-50)
- Contaminants removed: Lead, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, VOCs, heavy metals, and over 1,000 contaminants.
- Filter lifespan: 6-12 months for pre-filters, 2-3 years for RO membrane.
Key Features:
- 5-stage filtration with reverse osmosis.
- Removes up to 99% of contaminants.
- WQA Gold Seal Certified for performance and safety.
Pros:
- Highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants.
- Long-lasting filters and low maintenance.
- Ideal for providing pure drinking water at the tap.
Cons:
- Produces some wastewater (about 3 gallons for every gallon filtered).
- Requires more installation effort.
Price: $180 – $250
2. Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter System
- Contaminants removed: Lead, mercury, chlorine, VOCs, asbestos, herbicides, pesticides.
- Filter lifespan: 600 gallons or 6 months.
Key Features:
- NSF-certified to remove 99% of lead and reduce over 77 contaminants.
- Selective filtration that retains beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Pros:
- Retains beneficial minerals while removing harmful contaminants.
- High flow rate compared to reverse osmosis systems.
- No water waste.
Cons:
- Not as comprehensive as reverse osmosis for very small contaminants like fluoride.
Price: $150 – $200
3. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System (MK99)
- Contaminants removed: Lead, chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, rust, and particles.
- Filter lifespan: 1,600 gallons or up to 2 years.
Key Features:
- 2-stage filtration removes 99.99% of lead, chlorine, and other contaminants.
- Easy-to-replace twist-in filters.
- Comes with a dedicated faucet.
Pros:
- Long filter life and low maintenance costs.
- Simple installation with minimal tools required.
- Compact design fits easily under most sinks.
Cons:
- Does not remove fluoride or dissolved solids like RO systems.
Price: $70 – $100
Best Countertop Water Filters
Countertop systems offer a good balance between portability and performance without needing installation.
1. Berkey Countertop Gravity Water Filter
- Contaminants removed: Bacteria, viruses, chlorine, fluoride (with additional filter), heavy metals, VOCs, pesticides.
- Filter lifespan: 6,000 gallons per filter set.
Key Features:
- Gravity-fed system with no installation required.
- Removes over 200 contaminants, including bacteria and viruses.
- Stainless steel construction with long-lasting filters.
Pros:
- Can provide emergency water filtration and doesn’t require electricity.
- Extremely long-lasting filters.
- Filters can be upgraded to remove fluoride and arsenic.
Cons:
- Larger footprint than other countertop systems.
- Filter changes can be more expensive upfront.
Price: $250 – $350
2. Aquasana Countertop Water Filter System
- Contaminants removed: Chlorine, lead, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
- Filter lifespan: 450 gallons or 6 months.
Key Features:
- Clips onto the faucet for easy installation.
- Certified to remove over 97% of chlorine and other harmful contaminants.
Pros:
- Quick installation without permanent changes to plumbing.
- Improves water taste and odor effectively.
- Compact and portable.
Cons:
- Not as effective for heavy metal removal compared to reverse osmosis systems.
Price: $100 – $150
3. iSpring CKC1 Countertop Water Filtration System
- Contaminants removed: Chlorine, sediment, rust, pesticides, VOCs.
- Filter lifespan: 6-12 months.
Key Features:
- Coconut shell carbon filter improves water taste and removes chlorine.
- Easy to install on most standard faucets.
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to use.
- Ideal for removing chlorine and improving taste.
- Compact, space-saving design.
Cons:
- Limited filtration: Doesn’t remove lead or heavy metals.
- Not ideal for treating highly contaminated water.
Price: $45 – $70
Final Thoughts
Here’s a summary of top picks for each type of water filtration system:
| Category | Top Pick | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | ZeroWater 10-Cup Water Pitcher | $35 – $45 | Removing dissolved solids & fluoride |
| Under-Sink | APEC Top Tier 5-Stage RO System | $180 – $250 | Comprehensive removal of contaminants |
| Countertop | Berkey Gravity Water Filter | $250 – $350 | Long-lasting, versatile filtration |
Recommendations:
- For the best overall under-sink system, the APEC 5-Stage RO System provides the most thorough filtration, removing a wide range of contaminants.
- For budget-conscious users seeking a pitcher, the Brita Longlast offers excellent lead removal at a low cost.
- If you want a portable countertop system, the Berkey provides excellent filtration with minimal maintenance.