Review: Aquasana AQ-5200, AQ-5300 & AQ-5300+ Max Flow Under Sink Water Filters
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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In this review, we are going to take a closer look at the Aquasana AQ-5200, AQ-5300 and AQ-5300+ a.k.a. 5300 Max Flow under sink drinking water filter systems.
All three make use of Aquasana’s Claryum filtration technology – combines activated and catalytic carbon media – to make plain tap water potable.
Aquasana AQ-5200, AQ-5300, AQ-5300+ – Key Features
The difference between the three under sink water filters is that the AQ-5200 is a 2-stage unit, whereas the Aquasana AQ-5300 and 5300+ feature 3 filtration stages.
3 stages rather than 2 increase the capacity before filters need to be changed from 500 gallons for the AQ-5200 to 600 gallons for the AQ-5300 and as much as 800 gallons for the Max Flow.
How? It’s quite simple: The additional 20-micron pre-filter traps rust, sediment and silt that would otherwise clog the following stages and thereby extends their lifespans.
But then why 800 gallons for the AQ-5300+? Because it uses larger cartridges.
In addition, larger filters also increase the flow rate. While you can expect approx. half a gallon of purified water per minute from the regular 2 and 3-stage system, the Max Flow provides 0.72 gpm (thus its name).
What are the contaminants that these under sink systems will remove from your water?
Well, there are way too many to list them all as each unit can reduce up to 99% of 77 different and potentially harmful substances. This includes:
97.66% chlorine and chloramine
More than 99.99% cysts
More than 99.3% lead
More than 99% asbestos
98.9% BPA
Dozens of VOCs and pharmaceuticals far above the 90% mark
On a side note, reduction rates for ALL analyzed contaminants are identical for each of the three systems – certified according to NSF standards (42, 53, 401 and protocol P473).
Min/max water pressure: 20-80 psi
Pros
None of Aquasana’s water filters contains BPA – that’s good!
And the systems were designed to reduce plastic waste by minimizing disposable parts. In addition, they come with a one-year limited warranty.
We also like that all healthy minerals will be retained in your water so they add to your required daily intake. Usually to achieve this level of water purity, reverse osmosis technology or distillation is needed which both eliminate calcium, magnesium and the like.
And lastly, you have the option between three 100% lead-free metal faucets each with a different finish to match your taste: Brushed nickel, chrome and oil-rubbed bronze. (What we don’t like is that their quality is rather low…)
The Aquasana AQ-5300+ – learn more on aquasana.com
Hooking up one of the three under sink systems in your home should not pose a problem. All necessary parts are included and the manufacturer did a decent job explaining the whole process step by step, so just refer to the manual (linked below). This shouldn’t take you more than an hour really.
The benefit, obviously, is that you are going to safe some extra money by not having to pay a plumber.
Below is an installation video exemplary for the AQ-5300. Videos for the 2-stage system as well as the Max Flow can also be found on YouTube!
The Package (Parts)
System module
Faucet
Cartridges
Screws with anchors
Faucet rubber washer
Faucet spacer
Faucet washer
Faucet nut
3′ x 1/4″ (3′ x 3/8″) poly tubing
Chrome nut
Plastic collar
Plastic tube insert
Brass nut
Brass tube insert
1/4″ (3/8″) Brass tee (5200, 5300 only)
O Brass tee (5300+ only)
Battery (5300+ only)
Filter Replacements
What you have to do in terms of maintenance is change filters once they’ve reached their capacity but at least every 6 months to stop bacteria from growing inside the system.
The good news is that you don’t have to disconnect any hoses or water lines and you don’t even have to shut off the water supply. Filter housings twist off with a simple snap – nice and easy!
To take out the guesswork, your system will alert you whenever it’s time for another change. The battery alarm will sound and flash red when water is flowing. This is why you also have to switch batteries with each replacement (new battery is included with the cartridges).
The AQ-5300+ can even be connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Simply download and install the free app to receive alerts on your phone. The app will “track” meaning calculate the number of filtered gallons you’ve used among other things. And, of course, it allows you to order replacement filters.
By signing up for Aquasana’s Water for Life program you receive a discount. Still, regular prices are relatively high when you consider that biannual replacement is mandatory.
While basically all reviewers said after installing one of the filter systems their water tasted way better, some complained about the following:
Tubing popping out, broken filter housings, a flimsy faucet or failing O-rings – leaks can be an issue.
Lower water flow than advertised, especially for the AQ-5200 2-stage.
As already mentioned, the faucets could do with a quality upgrade.
Aquasana AQ-5200, AQ-5300, AQ-5300+ Review: Our Verdict + Best for
From what we saw, most people enjoy the benefits of having one of Aquasana’s under sink water filter systems in their home. They would buy again and they would recommend the products to someone else. Some users were even shocked at how clean their tap water tasted all of a sudden.
System install is easy, customer service is reliable, and the filters are excellent albeit a tad expensive.
Our verdict: 3.5 stars for the AQ-5200/5300 and 4 stars for the AQ-5300+!
In our opinion, these under sink systems are best for people who insist on NSF-certified water filtration.
This completes our Aquasana AQ-5200, AQ-5300, and AQ-5300+ review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Gene Fitzgerald has been with BOS since the very beginning. She is head of content creation and has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
Learn more about Gene and the rest of the BOS Team.
Leave a Comment:
Lola says
October 26, 2020
The AQ-5200 we installed was a huge disappointment. After a month of very light use, we decided to move it about 10 inches to make filter cartridge replacement easier for everyone. After this move, the housing began to leak, and the customer support was useless, suggesting that “the pressure changed” (from the same supply line???) and “put quarters under the filters” (huh?). Never again.
I have had the AQ 5300 max flow for two plus years and I am very happy with the quality and quantity of water at my dedicated
kitchen tap. Filter changes are easy but you do have to be mindful of the connections.
I have the as 5200 and have had no problems with it going on 4 years now. I have found after replacement it can leak but I realized that was installer error. I turned off the water, took them out and put them back in carefully twisting to full tightness and no leak afterwards. my curiousity is does this take care of pfas6 and is getting the three stage filter worth it. The only value I see is it makes the filter last 20% longer based on water flow. Due to heavy water I change my filters every 3-4 months the red shows the metals but the yellow looks as clean as when i install it so I am assuming it is doing the job. Love any feedback you all have.
Hi Chris,
First of all, the 5200 is NSF tested and certified (by the WQA) to remove PFOA and PFOS (95.2%), so that’s 2 out of 6. Now PFAS6 are all similar in molecular structure, so it’s safe to assume that the rest of them will also be reduced.
As for the third filter stage, this is really up to you. If your water is heavily contaminanted, a sediment pre-filter could make a lot of sense. What you could also do is get a separate sediment filter so that you don’t have to buy the 5300. This’ll be a lot cheaper, too.
