Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Jan 23, 2024
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In this review, we are going to take a thorough look at the Express Water RO5DX 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System.
It’s one of the most affordable RO systems we know, but does it also make a great choice?
Time to find out!
Express Water RO5DX 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Stages: | 5 |
| Water Flow: | 0.8 gpm |
| NSF Certifications: | 58 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$60 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Let’s start with the most important aspect first: The process the Express Water RO5DX applies in order to purify water.
In summary, we have the typical filter process applied by most under sink reverse osmosis systems, and you can expect solid filtration results – more on this below. By the way, all activated carbon is 100% derived from coconut shells.
What else is there to mention? For one, the Express Water RO5DX is highly affordable – not only to buy but also to maintain (around $60 in annual filter replacement cost). Plus, as of writing this review Express Water includes a free replacement filter set as part of the package.
Filter life: 6 months for the pre-filters, and 12 months for the RO membrane and carbon post-filter.
There are a few more things that we like about this Express Water 5-stage reverse osmosis system:
Express Water provides the following contaminant reduction rates which apparently have been tested against NSF Standards 42, 58, and 401:
That said, these rates don’t seem to be for the RO5DX model specifically. Express Water provides the same rates for other RO models, too, like their Elite system.
The Express Water RO5DX – learn more on Amazon.com
Express Water promotes the RO5DX by saying that there is no need to “waste money on professional installation – Our quick and easy to understand design means you can install and understand everything about your system“.
And it’s true, we have a detailed instruction booklet that offers colored illustrations and diagrams to aid you in the setup process. What’s more, we have a color-matched quick connect system that tells you which hose goes where at a glance. Plus each connection that needs to be made is labeled on the unit itself.
All in all, in our opinion, if you have the patience that’s required to set up this system, there’s no need to call for a plumber. Just don’t underestimate the scope of the project. By the way, all adapters are included, so there’s no need for you to visit to the local hardware store.
Here are the steps to install the Express Water RO5DX – but of course, make sure to check your manual for a more detailed, step-by-step guide!
Not much to say here. Filter changes are quick and easy. You can use the extra wrenches to open the housings. But make sure to have a bucket at hand to prevent water spilling all over the floor.
Here’s how often you will have to change each filtration component as per manufacturer specifications:
The good news is that you can get replacement filters at Walmart, Home Depot, and a handful of other big retail stores located near you.
Annual replacement costs are highly affordable, too, at around $60. And if you subscribe to receive new filters on schedule, you can save even more. And don’t forget that one set of replacement filters is already included in the package!
Below or sample instructions for how to replace the pre-filters. For all other instructions, check your manual:
Here is a link to the official manual:
The Express Water RO5DX has been tested against NSF standards 42, 58, and 401, but it only has one official certification – for NSF standard 58, which is for TDS reduction.
There are no earlier product versions.
Okay, so what do we not like about the Express Water RO5DX 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System?
The Express Water RO5DX 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System is affordable, easy to install, and easy to maintain. Plus, it seemingly offers a thorough filtration process. However, we would have appreciated additional NSF certifications and other more detailed information about the unit’s performance. All in all, 4 out of 5 stars.
If you’re looking for an alternative, we recommend checking out the Waterdrop G3 and the AquaTru.
Waterdrop G3 |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Stages: | 4 |
| Flow Rate: | 0.42 gpm |
| NSF: | 58, 372 |
| Annually: | ~$145 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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AquaTru |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filter Stages: | 4 |
| Water: | 1 Gallon in 10-15 Minutes |
| NSF: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
| Annually: | ~$100-120 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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Express Water RO5DX |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filter Stages: | 5 |
| Flow Rate: | 0.8 gpm |
| NSF: | 58 |
| Annually: | ~$60 |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRating based on filtration performance, filter life, price and yearly cost, NSF testing/certification, customer support, product warranty, our testing/experience, user feedback, and other factors.
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The Waterdrop G3 (full review here) is a tankless under sink RO system, filtering water on demand without storing it. It’s certified against NSF standard 58, and is additionally tested against NSF standards 42, 53, 58, and 401. With that in mind, the system can address the following contaminants, among others:
The flow rate of 0.42 gallons per minute is quite okay, and the unit only wastes 33% of the input water thanks to the internal pump. This is much better than the 60-80% wastewater ratio of the Express Water RO5DX. The unit takes around 8 seconds to fill a cup of water.
Installation is very easy, and maintenance is a piece of cake thanks mainly to two factors: the built-in indicator system that tracks the status of your filters, and the streamlined filter replacement procedure that doesn’t require any tools. Filters last for between 550 and 2,200 gallons of water, which means you’ll have to replace them every 6-24 months. The monitoring system also informs you about your current TDS levels.
Also, the Waterdrop G3 is built from BPA-free materials, and the company offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee if you return your product within the first 30 days after your purchase. You are also covered by a limited 1-year warranty.
This kind of performance doesn’t come cheaply though, as the Waterdrop G3 costs more than the Express Water RO5DX, both to purchase and to maintain. Some users have also reported occasional strange noises, though we haven’t experienced that ourselves.
The AquaTru is another great choice if you’re looking for a reverse osmosis water filter system that’s simple to install, use, and maintain. It comes with a 4-stage filtration process certified for the removal of more than 80 contaminants, and with specific NSF certifications for standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473. Here are some of the contaminants addressed:
System design is very compact and streamlined, saving a lot of space while still filtering very fast. The AquaTru also has a pretty good recovery rate of 80%, which is much better than both the Express Water RO5DX and the Waterdrop G3 – that’s mainly due to the internal pump.
The model also uses BPA- and BPS-free materials, specifically Tritan plastic. And even though some users report minor occasional leaks or premature breakdowns, that hasn’t been our experience. The AquaTru costs more than the Express Water RO5DX to purchase upfront, though it has roughly the same annual maintenance costs of $100 – $120.
We favor the AquaTru in this comparison, as it offers a great balance of features, price, and reliability. The Waterdrop G3 is a close contender due to its overall design and fast operation, as well as its good recovery rate. If you’re more limited in your budget, the Express Water RO5DX can still make a good choice, but you should expect some decline in performance compared to the other two options.
This completes our review of the Express Water RO5DX 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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Crazy how people say things about the instructions….its spelled out, word for word, along with detailed pictures…absolutely simple! Also search youtube, and can follow along step by step video on installation. If you cant install this unit, you probably arent smart enough to find this website in the first place
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