8 Best Faucet Water Filters – 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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A faucet water filter gives you access to clean water right at your kitchen sink. Installation is a breeze without the need for tools and advanced plumbing skills, and you’re not even required to make any permanent changes to your plumbing system which is perfect for renters.
What’s more, faucet mount filters are really convenient to use and, compared to other water treatment systems, they are surprisingly affordable – a real alternative for people on a tight budget that want to protect the health of their family without spending a fortune.
But how do you find the best faucet water filter for your home or business? Don’t worry, this buyer’s guide will help you make the right choice!
On This Page You Will…
- Find our list of best faucet water filters
- Find our faucet water filter reviews
- Buyer’s guide – Learn what to consider when buying a faucet filter
- Find more useful information on faucet water filters
No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Faucet Water Filters!
| Model | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best Faucet Water Filter with Most Contaminants Removed (Style 1): PUR PFM400H |
Price: $$$ Filter Life: 100 Gallons Flow Rate: 0.52 gpm NSF: 42, 53, 401 Annually: ~$50-100 Read Review: Click | |
 Most Contaminants Removed (Style 2): PUR FM-3333B |
Price: $$ Filter Life: 100 Gallons Flow Rate: 0.52 gpm NSF: 42, 53, 401 Annually: ~$50-100 Read Review: Click | |
 Most Durable: Waterdrop WD-FC-06 (Stainless Steel) |
Price: $$ Filter Life: 320 Gallons Flow Rate: 0.5 gpm NSF: 42 Annually: ~$15-50 Read Review: Click | |
 Best Alkaline Faucet Water Filter: pH Purify |
Price: $$ Filter Life: 6 Months Flow Rate: ? NSF: – Annually: ~$30-50 Read Review: Click | |
Best Faucet Water Filter Reviews
Review Order
- PUR Advanced PFM400H and PUR FM-3333B – Best Overall
- Waterdrop WD-FC-01 and WD-FC-06 – Best for Durability
- Invigorated Water pH Purify – Best Alkaline
- Crystal Quest Faucet Mount Water Filter System – Best for Low Maintenance
- Brita Basic & Brita Complete – Best Budget Option
- CuZn Bath Ball – Best Bath Ball
- Engdenton Stainless-Steel Faucet Water Filter
- Culligan FM-15A & FM-25
1. Best Faucet Filters with Most Contaminants Removed: PUR Advanced PFM400H and PUR FM-3333B
In our opinion, the best faucet water filter in 2023 is the PUR Advanced PFM400H. Or, in case you prefer a vertical model, the PUR FM-3333B. Using the same filter cartridges, they are completely identical in terms of filtration performance and NSF-certified against standards 42, 53, and 401 for the removal of over 70 water contaminants – more than any other faucet water filter on the market!
While Standard 42 is only for the reduction of chlorine taste and odor as well as larger particulates, Standard 53 is for contaminants with health effects (lead, VOCs, asbestos, etc.) and Standard 401 for emerging chemicals (e.g. BPA).
In other words, PUR’s faucet filters are your best chance if you want safe and great tasting water right from the kitchen faucet.
|
PUR Advanced Faucet Water Filter | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 100 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.52 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$50-100 |
Our Rating
| |
|
PUR FM-3333B Faucet Water Filter System | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 100 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.52 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$50-100 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- PUR Advanced PFM400H has a chrome finish to match your kitchen decor. PUR FM-3333B comes in white.
- Choose between 2 different kinds of replacement filters: PUR MineralClear and PUR Basic. Both use activated carbon and ion exchange media certified to remove more than 70 contaminants from drinking water, such as chlorine (96%), asbestos (99%), cysts (more than 99.99%), lead (more than 99.3%), mercury (96%), TTHMs (99.7%), dozens of VOCs (95-99.9%), and other contaminant types like pharmaceuticals, pesticides and herbicides (more than 94.8%).
- All reduction rates are according to NSF standards 42, 53 and 401. This means a PUR faucet filter will make your stinky tap water significantly cleaner and better tasting.
- The MineralClear also enriches your water with minerals for improved taste, the Basic doesn’t. This might be why the Basic water filter is a tad cheaper.
- Tools-free one-click installation for easy setup? Yes, but only if you opt for the PUR FM-3333B. But don’t worry, all you need to do with the horizontal model is tighten the threaded mounting nut onto your faucet.
- Fit standard-sized faucets only!
- Adapters + washers for most internal/external threaded standard faucets are included.
- Tip: If the unit does not fit your tap make sure to contact PUR and they will send you a suitable adapter for free.
- Service flow rate is 0.52 gpm which is the standard.
- Filter capacity is 100 gallons of water or 3 months which is pretty average for such thorough filtration.
- Depending on the condition of your water supply, you might need to change filters more frequently. Fortunately, it barely takes 2 minutes and new filters are cheap, especially when bought in bulk.
- A feature that you might find useful is the CleanSensor indicator light that tells you when it’s time for a new filter cartridge.
- To extend filter lifetime you can switch between tap water and filtered water by using the lever at the side.
- You get a 2-year warranty.
- PUR offers a program to recycle all your PUR products (with TerraCycle).
Cons
- While most people have no issues at all, reading dozens of customer reviews we stumbled upon a couple of complaints that came up repeatedly. Mainly:
- The plastic construction isn’t super sturdy. The filter housing seems to be the most fragile element. This might cause potential leakage.
- The system-to-faucet connection can be rather wobbly.
- For some users the water flow slowed down after only a few weeks.
- Another problem is malfunctioning indicator lights that stop working after the first or second filter change.
Best for
PUR’s faucet water filters are best for people who want the safest drinking water possible with most contaminants removed.
2. Best for Durability: Waterdrop WD-FC-01 and WD-FC-06 Water Faucet Filters
Next on our list are two faucet water filters by Waterdrop, namely the WD-FC-01 and the WD-FC-06.
The former is pretty standard in terms of design and filter process. It’s a plastic unit that applies activated carbon filtration certified to remove chlorine. The reason why we recommend it is the affordable price which is hard to beat.
The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 on the other hand is made from stainless steel for durability, plus it combines an activated carbon filter block for somewhat more effective filtration with mineralization media for balanced water pH and better taste.
 Waterdrop WD-FC-01 Water Faucet Filter | |
| Price: | $ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 320 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$15-50 |
Our Rating
| |
|
Waterdrop WD-FC-06 Water Faucet Filter | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 320 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$15-50 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The cheaper Waterdrop WD-FC-01 filter uses 0.5-micron activated carbon fiber. The WD-FC-06 uses an activated carbon clock.
- From experience, a carbon block is usually more effective at removing a wide range of impurities from water. But we can’t tell for sure. Both filters are only NSF standard 42 certified for an average chlorine reduction of 94%.
- According to Waterdrop, their basic filter also reduces lead, suspended solids, and other contaminants. The carbon block filter eliminates around 60 contaminants (including lead and other heavy metals), says Waterdrop.
- Mineral filtration of WD-FC-06 faucet mounted filter improves taste and adds healthy minerals to water.
- You can switch between pure water and tap water.
- 304 food-grade stainless steel is more durable than plastic housing to prevent leaks.
- With stainless steel filter, the 360-degree swivel function allows you to enjoy your water conveniently at any angle.
- Both faucet filters are quick to install with the help of one of the included washers. Just note that they fit standard faucets only! Spray style faucets, faucets with sensors, and any other irregular faucets won’t work.
- 0.5 gallons per minute water flow rate is in the usual.
- You get 320 gallons of filtered water or 3 months out of every cartridge which is convenient and much more than what a PUR Advanced provides. Also, replacement filters are highly affordable.
- 30-day return guarantee + 1 year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- It can be difficult to get a good seal around the faucet.
- If you swivel the system back and forth through normal use, the compression fit may be loosened and the filter can fall off.
- The plastic doesn’t feel very durable.
Best for
The Waterdrop WD-FC-06 is best for people looking for a highly durable stainless steel faucet filter.
3. Best For Alkaline Water: Invigorated Water pH Purify Faucet & Tap Water Filter
In our opinion, the best sink water filter producing alkaline water in 2023 is the pH Purify by Invigorated Water.
It uses 8 different stages of filtration to not only remove heavy metals, sediment, sand, dust, rust, bad tastes and odors, fluoride, chlorine and chloramine, and limescale. It also improves your water’s pH level and mineral content, and increases its oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) which the company associates with better hydration and higher energy levels among other things.
|
Invigorated Water pH Purify Faucet & Tap Water Filter | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 6 Months |
| Flow Rate: | ? |
| NSF Certified: | – |
| Annual Cost: | ~$30-50 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The faucet mount filter is available in a chrome finish or white.
- The PH006 filter cartridge contains a proprietary blend of filter materials:
- The outer shell made from diatom ceramic and the PP layer reject chemicals and sand, silt, and rust.
- Coconut shell granular activated carbon absorbs chlorine taste and odor as well as different chemicals and lead.
- KDF filter media removes residual chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals like cadmium and nickel.
- Naturally occurring Zeolite is effective against fluoride and several metals.
- Calcium sulfide also helps to boost the removal of water disinfectants.
- Tourmaline, negative ion balls, and Maifan stones provide for alkaline drinking water with high ORP and beneficial minerals (iodine, potassium, zinc and more). Invigorated Water says the effect is easy absorption and better hydration. We are not sure whether or not this is backed by scientific research.
- 3 spray settings: Regular, shower, and purified mode.
- All materials are BPA-free.
- One PH006 cartridge is good for up to 6 months. This is much longer compared to the competition.
- Around $15 for replacement is super cheap, especially considering the long filter life.
- A 60-day 100% money-back guarantee has you covered in case anything goes wrong (only when purchased on invigoratedwater.com).
Cons
- Mainly issues with spilling water.
- Some people found it hard to install the filter so that it stays on.
- Regular sanding of the ceramic filter outer shell is required (about once a month).
Best for
The pH Purify is best for people who are into alkaline water.
4. Best for Low Maintenance: Crystal Quest Faucet Mount Water Filter System
We decided to include Crystal Quest’s faucet mount water filter system in our guide for two reasons:
- The incredible 2000-gallon filter life
- The 6 filter stages targeting many different kinds of water contaminants
So, how does it perform?
 Crystal Quest Faucet Mount Water Filter System | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 2,000 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.3 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | – |
| Annual Cost: | ~$20-40 |
Our Rating
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Gallery
Pros
- First of all, you can choose between two finishes: Chrome and white.
- As mentioned, we have a 6-stage filtration process:
- 1-micron pre and post-filter pads remove suspended particles, and not only dirt but also giardia and cryptosporidium.
- Two types of Eagle Redox Alloy reduce iron, lead, mercury, copper, nickel, chromium, cadmium, aluminum, and hydrogen sulfide, and inhibit the growth of bacteria, algae, fungi, and other microorganisms. The result: Safe and healthy drinking water!
- Granular activated carbon reduces chlorine, tastes and odors, pesticides, and other common chemicals found in our water supplies.
- Ion exchange resin absorbs any leftover metals.
- 0.3 gpm is below average but also proof that filtration is very thorough.
- The space saving design allows for easy access to your sink.
- BPA-free materials only.
- The faucet water filter is quick and easy to install and use.
- It fits almost all standard kitchen faucets.
- Gasket adapters are included.
- 2000 gallons are enough for 6 to 12 months of filtered water with no need to replace the filter in the meantime. What’s more, replacement filter cartridges are a bargain.
- Crystal Quest is known for their great customer service.
- The product is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
Cons
- If anything, we would have appreciated NSF testing.
Best for
The Crystal Quest is the best choice for low maintenance needs, thanks to its outstanding filter life of 2,000 gallons.
5. Best Budget Picks: Brita Basic & Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet Systems
The Brita Basic is the bestselling faucet water filter on Amazon at the time of writing (or rather updating) this guide. The Brita Complete comes in second spot.
What we like about them are the certifications against NSF standards 42, 53, and 401, which substantiate the removal of chlorine taste and odor, contaminants with health effects, and so-called emerging compounds.
All in all, the filtration process is solid with good contaminant reduction rates, both faucet filters are simple to set up, and even easier to use.
By the way, the only difference between the Brita Basic and the Brita Complete are the number of spray options – the Brita Basic water filtration system has 2 settings, the Complete has 3.
 Brita Basic Water Filter Faucet System | |
| Price: | $ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 100 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.58 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$50-100 |
Our Rating
| |
 Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System | |
| Price: | $ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 100 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.58 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$50-100 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Both Brita faucet water filters use the same filter cartridge to remove sediment, lead (>99.3%), asbestos (>99%), TTHMs (>98.7%), chlorine taste and odor (97.5%), particulates class I (99.7%), dozens of VOCs (at least 95%), and chemicals such as BPA (99.1%) and Ibuprofen (94.9%).
- Please note: This is only an excerpt from the test data.
- The filters are rated at 0.58 which is slightly faster than the rest.
- One click is also all that’s needed for mounting the units.
- 2 different adapters are included in the package in case your faucet has inside threads.
- You can easily switch between filtered and unfiltered water. It’s a great way to extend the life of filters and save money by only using filtered water when really needed.
- Filtering capacity is 100 gallons of water or up to 4 months which is acceptable.
- Speaking of filter lifetime, the built-in reminder light lets you know when it’s time for a new cartridge.
- Filters can be replaced with a simple click and are reasonably priced.
- Lastly, we wanted to mention the Brita recycling program. It allows you to send back your used faucet water filters, water filter pitchers, and any other Brita water products. As soon as you’ve collected a minimum of 5 pounds you can request a free shipping label and drop your package off at the nearest UPS location.
- Brita has partnered with TerraCycle on this. TerraCycle separates and shreds all the materials to make new recycled products.
Cons
- A number of people reported that the Brita Basic/Complete kept falling off either because the collar or one of the adapters failed, or simply because the adapters are too flimsy.
- Tip: Visit your local hardware store and buy a metal replacement.
- Another issue is the filter life indicator that has a tendency to stop working all of a sudden. The battery inside cannot be switched out, meaning you need to purchase an entire new base or continue without the indicator light.
- We also read complaints about smaller leaks here and there and reduced water flow which is typical for faucet water filters – nothing out of the ordinary.
Best for
The Brita Basic is the best budget faucet water filter.
6. Best Bath Ball: CuZn
The CuZn Bath Ball is for people who want a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution to fill their bathtub with kinda filtered water. And indeed, most customers are seeing an overall improvement in the health of their hair and skin.
 CuZn Bath Ball Faucet Filter | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 1 Year |
| Flow Rate: | ? |
| NSF Certified: | – |
| Annual Cost: | ~$30-70 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The CuZn bathtub faucet water filter supposedly does two things:
- Significantly remove chlorine and to some extent heavy metals from your bath water.
- Reshape calcium and magnesium ions so they remain soluble and not adhere to each other.
- The purpose of this is to “alleviate water quality issues that may contribute to dry, itchy, flaky skin, brittle hair, eye, lung and sinus irritation” while bathing at home.
- The secret behind the CuZn bath ball is plain KDF-55 filtration media, a copper-zinc blend, which is not that big of a secret actually. However, the CuZn uses a KDF-55 media foam disc. The foam is more effective at removing contaminants than granular KDF as it allows for a longer contact time with the water, says the manufacturer. Also, the surface area is 50 times larger.
- We like that no plastic housing is required so the replacement filters are 100% recyclable.
- One filter disc supposedly lasts for up to one year (seems a bit too long to be honest) and the replacement is super simple.
Cons
- Our biggest issue is that the manufacturer doesn’t provide a performance data sheet, so we cannot possibly tell how effective the CuZn bath ball really is. For some users it seems to work, for others it didn’t (chlorine levels stayed the same).
- The ball is just not very practical since it can be hard to keep directly underneath the tap.
Best for
The CuZn is ideal for people who are into bath balls.
7. Engdenton Stainless-Steel Faucet Water Filter
We love that the Engdenton faucet water filter is made from quality stainless steel rather than flimsy plastic. It greatly increases durability and makes it stand out from the competition which is probably the reason why it’s so popular.
Considering that the filtration is very basic we would recommend this product to anyone who is mainly concerned about bad tasting water, though.
 Engdenton Stainless-Steel Faucet Filter | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 320 gal |
| Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | – |
| Annual Cost: | ~$25-50 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- The Engdenton faucet water filter system is made from 304 food-grade stainless steel for sturdiness and durability, so no leaks due to cracking as is often the case with the plastic models.
- As far as the filtration is concerned, activated carbon fiber improves water aesthetics, removing most of the chlorine and all kinds of sediment including sand, rust, and dirt.
- We have the average 0.5 gallons per minute flow rate.
- The maximum filtering capacity is 320 gallons of water or 6 months. It’s more than what you get with PUR and others. And replacement filters are super cheap. To be fair, though, the Engdenton faucet water filter does not nearly remove the same amount of contaminants (at least it is not certified to do so).
- Installation process barely takes more than 5 minutes even if you are not very handy around the house.
- Standard adapters for mounting the unit are included.
Cons
- Stainless steel or not, the Engdenton is reportedly still leaking, mainly between adaptor and faucet.
- We miss a performance data sheet with specific contaminant reduction rates in combination with NSF certifications.
Best for
The Engdenton faucet filter is best for people who want a combination of durable stainless steel and long filter life.
8. Culligan FM-15A & FM-25 Faucet Mount Filters with Advanced Water Filtration
Last but not least, let’s take a look at how well Culligan does on the faucet water filter market:
The Culligan FM-15A and FM-25 faucet mount systems provide H2O that tastes better than plain tap water. That’s for sure. They are easy to use, they blend in nicely with other fixtures, and they are very effective at filtering out lead.
The Culligan FM-15A comes in white which looks a little cheap (just being honest).
Its older brother, the FM-25 model, has a nice chrome finish that blends much better with other kitchen appliances and costs only a little bit more – this update is definitely worth the extra money!
Apart from looks, what’s the big difference between the Culligan FM-15A and the FM-25? Simply put, there is none.
 Culligan FM-15A Faucet Water Filter | |
| Price: | $ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 200 Gallons of Water |
| Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42, 53 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$45-90 |
Our Rating
| |
 Culligan FM-25 Faucet Water Filter | |
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Capacity: | 200 Gallons of Water |
| Flow Rate: | 0.5 gpm |
| NSF Certified: | 42, 53 |
| Annual Cost: | ~$60-120 |
Our Rating
| |
Pros
- Tested against NSF Standard 42 and 53, both faucet water filters provide a simple solution for great tasting and somewhat cleaner drinking water free from odors.
- The activated carbon filter block reduces sediment and turbidity, 97.4% chlorine, at least 98% lead, and 98.9% lindane among a couple of other water contaminants.
- Water flow rate is half a gallon per minute.
- A simple diverter tab allows switching between purified and unpurified water to extend filter lifespan and thus lower maintenance needs.
- The Culligan FM-15A/FM-25 attach in less than three minutes without the need for tools.
- Adapters for almost all standard faucets are included.
- The filter elements have an extended capacity of 200 gallons or 2 months each. Replacement? Not difficult – at least in theory (more below).
- Both faucet water filters are backed by a 2-year limited warranty against all defects in materials and workmanship when used in compliance with the use and care manual.
Cons
- The biggest flaw? Quite a lot of people cannot get the filter housing open. After a couple of days/weeks use the cap gets stuck and simply won’t move which makes the whole replacement process a real pain.
- New filters are considerably more expensive than the competition.
- We read reports about leaks along seams or due to cracked filter compartments and customers receiving defective models.
Best for
Culligan faucet filter units are best for NSF-certified chlorine removal.
→ Read Our Full Culligan FM-15A & FM-25 Review Here
More Reviews:
Comparison List
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Faucet Water Filters | Price | Capacity | GPM | NSF | Annually | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PUR Advanced Faucet Filter | $$$ | 100 Gallons | 0.52 | 42, 53, 401 | ~$50-100 | The PUR Advanced Faucet Filter is Easy to Install, Boosts Water Quality, Don’t Use with Hot Water |
| PUR FM-3333B Faucet Water Filter | $$ | 100 Gallons | 0.52 | 42, 53, 401 | ~$50-100 | Drinking Water Filter is One of the Best and NSF-Certified to Reduce Lead, Mercury, Organic Compounds and More |
| Waterdrop WD-FC-01 Faucet Mounted Filter | $ | 320 Gallons | 0.5 | 42 | ~$15-50 | Ideal for Tap Water Filtration on a Budget, Sink Filter is Certified to Reduce Lead, Mercury, and More |
| Waterdrop WD-FC-06 Faucet Water Filter | $$ | 320 Gallons | 0.5 | 42 | ~$15-50 | Lasts 320 Gallons of Water Before Filter Change is Needed |
| Invigorated Water pH Purify Faucet & Tap Water Filter | $$ | 6 Months | ? | – | ~$30-50 | 6 Months of Filtered Water Before Filter Change is Needed |
| Crystal Quest Faucet Mount Water Filter System | $$ | 2,000 Gallons | 0.3 | – | ~$20-40 | Water Flows Through 6 Filter Stages, Removes Contaminants Including Lead, Mercury, Chromium, Organic Compounds, Lasts 2,000 Gallons of Water Till Filter Change, Might Reduce Water Pressure |
| Brita Basic Faucet Water Filtration System | $ | 100 Gallons | 0.58 | 42, 53, 401 | ~$50-100 | Filter is Certified to Reduce Dozens of Contaminants Including Lead for 100 Gallons of Water |
| Brita Complete Water Filter Faucet System | $ | 100 Gallons | 0.58 | 42, 53, 401 | ~$50-100 | It’s Easy to Install a Sink Faucet Water Filter of This Type (No Hot Water) |
| CuZn Bath Ball Water Filtration System | $$ | 1 Year | ? | – | ~$30-70 | Long Lasting Filter (1 Year of Filtered Water), No Hot Water |
| Engdenton Stainless-Steel Faucet Water Filter | $$ | 320 Gallons | 0.5 | – | ~$25-50 | No Hot Water, Mainly to Improve the Taste of Water, Change the Filter After 320 gal |
| Culligan FM-15A Faucet Mounted Filter | $ | 200 Gallons | 0.5 | 42, 53 | ~$45-90 | Filter is Certified to Reduce Contaminants Including Those with Health Effects, Replace the Filter Every 200 Gallons |
| Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mounted Filter | $$ | 200 Gallons | 0.5 | 42, 53 | ~$60-120 | Solid Tap Filter to Improve the Taste of Water, Not for Hot Water, Change the Filter Every 200 gal |
Buyer’s Guide: How We Picked the Best Faucet Mounted Water Filters
The following are things worth considering before you go out and buy a faucet mounted water filter for your sink. These are also the very same criteria we focused on when picking our top products for this guide.
Contaminants in Your Water Supply, Filter Type & NSF Certifications
In theory, the best water filter faucet you can buy is one customized to the contaminants present in your water. So your first step should be to figure out your water quality.
You can do this by either conducting a test or by reviewing your municipality’s free annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) if you are on tap water.
In case you receive water from a well, or you are worried about contaminants dissolving into your water supply along the way from the treatment facility to your place, we definitely recommend you test a direct sample of the water in your home.
Once you know about all the pollutants you are facing, look out for faucet water filters that are NSF-certified to remove all or at least the majority of them. NSF certifications are the best guarantee for effective contaminant reduction.
That being said, many faucet water filters on the market will only improve how your water tastes and smells. But, there are also those that do a great job at filtering out lead and other heavy metals and all kinds of chemicals. You can find models from both categories in the review section above.
Faucet Compatibility
Just as important as a water filter’s capability to remove certain contaminants is its faucet compatibility.
Generally speaking, faucet mount filter systems are incompatible with these faucet types:
- Pull out/down faucets
- Handheld faucets
- Sprayer-type faucets
- Sensor faucets
- Basically any unconventional water faucet or spout
Obviously, there are exceptions to this, but if your kitchen faucet or bathroom tap falls in one of these categories you want to double check that it’s compatible with a water filter before you spend any money.
The vast majority of standard faucets should be fine and there is always the option to use an adapter. In fact, most sellers include a couple of adapters with their models.
Durable Materials & Components
Standard faucet mounted filter models are usually plastic. The problem here is that they tend to be not very durable. Hair line cracks may develop as time goes by which can lead to water spilling from the wrong places.
The only safe way to avoid this is by using a filter made from stainless steel. We’ve included a couple units from this category in our review section on top. Of course, stainless steel rather than plastic materials and components add to the price.
Flow Rate
The standard flow rate for a faucet water filter is 0.5 gpm which is plenty of water even for family use. In situations of very high demand it makes sense to work with pitchers or carafes to have something to fall back on.
In case a water filter faucet applies more thorough filtration, flow rate might be reduced to around .3 gallons per minute. This feels much slower, and it is, but keep in mind that the water flow is reduced for a reason: The longer the contact time between water and filter media, the more contaminants will be removed. In other words, slow rate can be a good thing.
Installation
As mentioned above, any faucet filter is only compatible with a standard-sized faucet. But if you have one of these, installation is a piece of cake and barely takes 2 minutes. Add another 5 minutes for priming the filter media initially and you’re good to go.
Some manufacturers recommend using a few extra layers of Teflon tape to create a good seal, which isn’t overly complicated.
All in all, there isn’t much to say here. The only issue is when a filter-faucet connection is too loose and the unit doesn’t stay on. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do here. Just make sure that you don’t overtighten and threads do avoid damaging of the filter or your faucet.
Filter Life a.k.a. Maintenance Costs
If you look at the reviews above, you’ll find faucet filters with capacities ranging from as little as 100 gallons all the way up to 2,000 gallons. We get it, 2,000 gallons sounds a lot better than 100, but there are a few things you need to consider:
- Filter ratings are always theoretical estimates determined under laboratory conditions. With your water conditions, a 2,000-gallon filter may last no more than 1000 gallons or 700.
- It is often the case that filters with the highest filtration capacity don’t remove a lot of contaminants, which only makes sense if you think about it. Unless a filter is much larger than usual and thus contains more filter media, where are all the contaminants supposed to go? Personally, we’d much rather prefer a water purifier with a shorter life that’s more effective.
Style and Finish
Some people pay more attention to this than others. Sure, a faucet mounted filter usually stays on for weeks or even months on end. So, if you care about style, make sure to not choose a product that’s ugly.
Mineralization
A tap filter doesn’t remove minerals from water to begin with. This is why, in this context, we see mineralization as a nice additional feature but not a must. We wouldn’t focus too much on it.
Support and Warranty
A money-back guarantee from the seller and 1 to 2 years manufacturer warranty is the optimum. They can save you from a lot of trouble and provide peace of mind.
More on Faucet Water Filters
What is a Faucet Water Filter? (a.k.a. Tap or Sink Filter)
Simply put, a faucet water filter is a water filter that’s installed or mounted to a kitchen faucet or any other compatible tap.
Most systems provide basic filtration meaning that they can make water ready for drinking if the feed water doesn’t contain too many stubborn contaminants in the first place.
How Does a Faucet Water Filter Work?
Once installed, water flows from the faucet into the filter when you open the tap.
The filter contains a filter compartment with a filter cartridge inside. The water has to pass through the cartridge to leave the system hopefully all nice and clean.
In the filter cartridge is one or more types of filter media, for example granular activated carbon, KDF, or ion exchange resin. Depending on the filter media, different water contaminants can be targeted.
Removal of Sediment and Other Suspended Solids
For the removal of sediments and other suspended solids, ceramic, polypropylene (PP), and filter pads are best suited. Carbon filter blocks are another option.
All 4 types work by size exclusion: If a certain particle is too large to pass through the filter’s pores, it will get rejected or trapped.
Chemical Removal through Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon in granular or block form is also predestined for the removal of chlorine and other water disinfectants, their byproducts, and most chemicals. The primary removal mechanism is adsorption in which contaminants get trapped in the carbon’s surface pores. This explains why all activated carbon will deplete its contaminant removal capacities sooner or later (when all surface pores are filled).
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange filter media works much like the ion exchange resin in water softeners. Contaminants get removed or rendered harmless through ion exchange.
KDF
KDF stands for Kinetic Degradation Fluxion and is a blend of copper-zinc granules that reduce contaminants in water using redox (oxidation/reduction) reactions.
KDF filtration is suited for the reduction of heavy metals, chlorine, and hydrogen sulfide.
- KDF 55 – removes chlorine and soluble heavy metals
- KDF 85 – reduces iron and hydrogen sulfide
- KDF-C – designed for eliminating soluble metals and chlorine
Benefits of Faucet Water Filters
What are some of the benefits associated with faucet water filters?
Healthier Water: No Chlorine, No Heavy Metals, No Chemicals
Without a doubt, the number one benefit of using a water filter on a kitchen or bathroom faucet is that you get access to filtered water that’s healthier than plain tap water and sometimes even healthier than bottled water.
Consuming no or less chlorine, heavy metals, chemicals like VOCs, and other contaminants is a great reason to buy a product in our opinion.
Great Tasting Drinking Water
Reduced chlorine taste and odor and overall contamination also makes drinking water much better tasting. And who would mind not having the feeling of drinking straight out of a swimming pool when trying to enjoy a cold glass of water in the summer?
No Plastic Bottle Waste
Producing your own drinking water at home saves you from buying bottled water on a regular basis. This is not only cost-effective (we’ll get to that in a bit), it also lowers the amount of plastic waste you produce considerably. You see, you not only protect your own health, you also protect the environment.
Easy Installation
Compared to other types of home water filters, faucet filtration systems are incredibly easy to install. Often, the whole process takes less than 2 minutes and the installation is non-permanent, meaning it can be easily removed at all times.
Cost Effective
We’ve done the math and proved what everyone already knows: Purchasing a water filter to produce your own filtered drinking water is much more affordable than buying bottled water over and over and over again. Plus, it saves you from the heavy lifting part.
Switch Between Filtered and Unfiltered Water
With faucet water filtration systems, you can switch from filtered to unfiltered water using the small lever at the bottom. This saves filter capacity by using regular tap water in situations like filling a watering can or a cleaning bucket.
Compactness
A faucet water filter system is highly compact in order to not block access to the kitchen sink. Compactness also ensures portability and easily handling of a unit.
Convenience
Let’s be honest for a second: Can you think of any way to get access to clean, safe, and delicious drinking water that’s more convenient than simply using a tap water filter?
Faucet Water Filter Installation
Although simple and pretty much self-explanatory, we wanted to provide step-by-step instructions for faucet water filter installation as reference.
Remember: Only standard-type and standard-sized faucets are compatible.
With that in mind, here’s how the process goes:
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Removing the Aerator from the Faucet
First of all, you need to remove the aerator from the faucet you want to connect your filter system to.
The aerator unscrews clockwise. You also need to remove any rubber washers. If the aerator is stuck and you cannot remove it by hand, try using a towel to get a better grip.
Before continuing with step 2, clean off any rust or limescale buildup.
Step 2: Adapters & Washers
Whether or not you need to use an adapter depends on two factors:
- The type of thread your faucet has. For one, there is inside an outside threading. And there are different thread sizes. Installing a filter to a faucet that has threads on the outside will usually not require the use of an adapter. If your faucet has threads on the inside, one of the supplied adapters and its corresponding washer should fit.
- The second factor is the faucet mounted filter itself. Different models have different thread sizes so it’s probably best if you simply test if and which adapter fits through trial and error. In the event that you do need to use an adapter but neither fits, we recommend you to contact either the seller of the filter unit or its manufacturer and ask for help. Usually, you’ll get send a suitable adapters free of charge.
To attach an adapter, twist it counterclockwise. Tightening by hand should be enough. But you need to make sure that it’s leveled. Also, forcing the fit or using tools like pliers may cause cross-threading or other damage.
Lastly, place the washer into the other end of the adapter.
Step 3: Attaching the Filter System
Step 3 is attaching the filter system. Here, you need to twist the mounting collar onto the faucet. Again, ensure that it’s leveled and don’t over-tighten.
Step 4: Add Filter Cartridge
All set? Then you can add the filter cartridge into the intended filter compartment.
You can do so by first removing the filter cap. Then insert the cartridge into the filter cup making sure it faces in the right direction. Sometimes you need to push a little until it clicks (support bottom of filter with one hand).
Side note: You might need to start or reset the filter indicator manually.
Step 5: Priming
The last step is all about priming the filter media. All you need to do is flush the filter with water for about 5 minutes. How? Turn on the faucet and set the lever into the filtered water position.
You might see tiny carbon fiber or other particles coming out of the filter. This is normal.
Faucet Water Filter Maintenance (Cleaning & Replacement)
There are certain maintenance steps you need to follow if you want to ensure that your new faucet water filters keeps working as intended. These involve:
- Changing the filter cartridge on a regular basis
- Recognizing the signs indicating that a filter has reached the end of its life
- Cleaning the different filter components if necessary to control the growth of germs
Changing Faucet Filters
Changing the filter element on a faucet water filtration system is about as simple as connecting a unit.
- First, turn off the water supply to the filter.
- Check if there is any water pressure release button and push and hold it for a few seconds.
- Unscrew the filter housing cap. The housing may be difficult to open so that you have to apply some force.
- Remove the old filter cartridge.
- Add the new filter into the filter compartment making sure it faces in the right direction. Sometimes you need to push a little until it clicks (support bottom of filter with one hand).
- You might need to reset the filter indicator manually if there is one.
Knowing When to Replace
We highly recommend all users to always change their filter cartridges according to schedule – regardless of the type of water filter they’re using and regardless of their water quality.
Otherwise, you might be relying on a filter element that has already exceeded its filtration capacity and cannot remove anymore contaminants and that’s a potential breeding ground for all kinds of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and algae.
Long story short: If a water filter is rated at let’s say 100 gallons, use it for 100 gallons of water but not longer.
You either need to track or estimate your gallon usage manually, or you can rely on the filter change indicator if you have one – these things also work on estimates, though.
Apart from that, there are a few signs that indicate that a filter replacement may be due. Those include:
- A change in filtered water taste
- Unpleasant odors
- Slowing filter speed (flow rate) or drop in outgoing water pressure
If you recognize any of these signs you should immediately check and potentially replace any involved filter elements.
Cleaning the Components
Changing the filter cartridge is also the best time to give the different filter components a quick swipe. You might even want to consider setting up a mild dishwashing solution, but rinse thoroughly afterwards!
Filter cleaning becomes particularly important with older filtration systems that have been in use for a couple of years. It’s the best measure to control the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do faucet water filters really work?
Faucet water filters do work, yes. They filter different types of contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and lead. The PUR Advanced faucet water filter and others are even certified to eliminate pesticides, cysts, lead, mercury, and much more. We even found a water filtration system that affects arsenic and fluoride content. Thus, your drinking water will be of much higher quality. - Is a faucet mount filter easy to install?
Yes, the installation of most faucet mount filters is a breeze. - Are faucet filters better than water filter pitchers?
Not necessarily. It depends on which faucet water filter and which water purifier pitcher you’re comparing. There are good and bad filters in both camps. - Are there water filters for pull out faucets?
Most manufacturers say their water filters are not compatible with pull-out kitchen faucets. But there might be exceptions. What’s important for installation is that your faucet has a standard size. - Should you filter tap water?
Yes, you should filter the tap water in your home, unless you had it tested and know that it’s clean. Tap water can contain all kinds of harmful stuff and installing a faucet water filter is an easy way to get access to clean water.
I hope this list of the best faucet water filters on the market was helpful. Questions about choosing a faucet/tap filter? Ask away!
And keep in mind: We’ll add new faucet water filter reviews occasionally. So come back for more!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
