Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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The problem with water fluoridation is that, once added to our water supplies, there’s no way of controlling who ingests how much fluoride. This can be a serious problem especially for the majority of kids that already exceed the recommendation for daily fluoride intake by nutrition alone.
As a growing part of the population wants to opt out of water fluoridation, the demand for filter systems that can remove fluoride from water increases.
If you too are serious about going fluoride-free, make sure to carefully read our buying guide below. It features the best fluoride water filters and tells you how to remove fluoride from water at home in general.
On This Page You Will…
Filters | Our Rating | Price | Product Type | Fluoride Reduction | NSF | Responsive |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Best RO System for Fluoride: AquaTru | Read Review | $$ | Countertop Reverse Osmosis | 93.5% | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 | ![]() Best RO System for Fluoride: AquaTru Our Rating: Read Review Use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 5% OFF! |
Use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 5% OFF! | ||||||
![]() Best Water Pitcher That Removes Fluoride: Clearly Filtered | Read Review | $ | Filter Pitcher | 96.9-98.2% | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 | ![]() Best Water Pitcher That Removes Fluoride: Clearly Filtered Our Rating: Read Review |
![]() Best Whole House Fluoride Filter: Crystal Quest | Read Review | $$$$ | Whole House Water Filtration System | 90-95% | - | ![]() Best Whole House Fluoride Filter: Crystal Quest Our Rating: Read Review |
Best Fluoride Shower Filter: Propur ProMax | Read Review | $ | Shower Filter | 48% | 42, 53 | Best Fluoride Shower Filter: Propur ProMax Our Rating: Read Review |
![]() Top Fluoride Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel | Read Review | $ | Bottle | 99.0-99.9% | 42, 53, 401 | ![]() Top Fluoride Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Our Rating: Read Review |
![]() #1 Under Sink System for Fluoride: Clearly Filtered | Read Review | $$ | Under Sink Water Filtration System | 99.5% | 42, 53, 401 | ![]() #1 Under Sink System for Fluoride: Clearly Filtered Our Rating: Read Review |
![]() Best Countertop/Portable Water Filter that Removes Fluoride: Big Berkey | Read Review | $$ | Gravity Water Filtration System | 97% | 42, 53 | ![]() Best Countertop/Portable Fluoride Water Filter: Big Berkey Our Rating: Read Review |
![]() Inline & Refrigerator Fluoride Water Filter | Read Review | $ | Inline / Fridge | 99.5% | 42, 53, 401 | ![]() Inline & Refrigerator Fluoride Water Filter Our Rating: Read Review |
#1 Distiller: Megahome MH943SBSTru | Read Review | $ | Water Distiller | Up to 99% | - | #1 Distiller: Megahome MH943SBSTru Our Rating: Read Review |
Review Order
A study conducted by the University of Nebraska in 2008 showed that even small point-of-use reverse osmosis systems are very well capable of removing fluoride from tap water – some systems are certified to take out more than 90%.[1]
In our opinion, the best reverse osmosis fluoride water filter in 2021 is the AquaTru. Certifications according to NSF standards 42, 53, 58, and 401, and NSF protocol P473 guarantee the removal of dozens of hazardous contaminants that you don’t want in your drinking water (fluoride reduction rate: 93.5%).
The highlight, however, is that the AquaTru countertop RO system doesn’t require a permanent installation. You just place it on your countertop, plug in the power cable, and you’re good to go – it’s super convenient and ideal for renters. The cherry on top is that maintenance couldn’t be easier and the system is affordable, as well. 4.5 stars!
Make sure to use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 5% OFF!
![]() AquaTru Reverse Osmosis System | |
Price: | $$ |
System Type: | Reverse Osmosis |
F¯ Red.: | 93.5% |
NSF: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
In our opinion, by far the best fluoride filter pitcher in 2021 is the Clearly Filtered. It removes more water contaminants than any other pitcher and is thus for people who have clean drinking water at the top of their priority list. Fluoride reduction: 96.9- 98.2% – simply outstanding. 5 stars!
![]() Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Water Filter Pitcher |
F¯ Red.: | 96.9-98.2% |
NSF: | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Full Clearly Filtered Review Here
Our number one whole house fluoride filter in 2021 is sold by Crystal Quest. Fluoride reduction: 90-95% when used as intended. The high quality system comes in 2 different sizes. The smaller version is for homes with up to 3 bathrooms. The larger system is for 4+ bathrooms.
Both come with a programmable head valve which allows for automatic backwashing to increase the life of the fluoride water filter media to as much as 1 million gallons! In other words, you don’t have to worry about replacing the media for several years. The long service life is also what makes the Crystal Quest fluoride whole home water system a worthwhile investment. The initial price tag seems high but it’s all the more affordable in the long run, especially compared to cartridge-based systems. 4.5 stars.
![]() Crystal Quest Whole House Water Filtration System | |
Price: | $$$$ |
System Type: | Whole House Filter System |
F¯ Red.: | 90-95% |
NSF: | – |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
For smaller homes with 1 or 2 bathrooms, the Crystal Quest Big Blue system might provide a high-enough flow rate to meet your water demand even at times of peak consumption.
The max water flow is 4-6 gallons per minute. So you can’t really use more than 2, maybe 3 water outlets at the same time without experiencing a drop in pressure or unfiltered water leaching through.
As for the filtration itself, the filtering media is identical to what the larger Crystal Quest water filtration system uses: Bone char + bacteriostatic copper-zinc additive. Fluoride reduction: 90-95%.
The Crystal Quest Big Blue is a lot more affordable upfront, but it’s more costly to maintain on a yearly basis. You’ll probably have to replace the filter cartridge at least once a year. As of 6th July, 2021, one cartridge costs $239.00 which is about twice as much as you’d have to spend for the other Crystal Quest system.
Is there even such a thing as a shower (head) water filter which removes fluoride? Unfortunately, there isn’t – at least not really. Yes, there are companies that list fluoride-reducing shower water filters, but they’re just not very effective. The best unit we could find is the ProPur ProMax. Fluoride reduction rate: Around 48%.
Well, better than nothing but we recommend installing a whole house fluoride water filter instead, if you have the budget. A point-of-entry system will treat all the water entering your home which, of course, also includes your shower water. Simply put, the filtration is much more thorough. For example, the Crystal Quest water filter reviewed above eliminates 90-95% fluoride.
In case you want to stick with the Propur ProMax, here’s our review:
Propur ProMax Shower Filter | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Shower Filter |
F¯ Red.: | 48% |
NSF: | 42, 53 |
Warranty: | ? |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Full Propur ProMax Filter Review Here
In our opinion, the top fluoride filter water bottle in 2021 is sold by Clearly Filtered. In fact, the company sells 3. There’s an insulated stainless steel filtered water bottle, a filter bottle made from Tritan plastic, and one made from glass.
Different materials yes, but all apply the same filter cartridge to remove more or less the same contaminants the Clearly Filtered pitcher removes (reviewed above). Thus, you can expect very thorough water filtration – the most thorough in the realm of filter bottles as far as we know. Fluoride reduction rate: 99.0-99.9%. People couldn’t be happier about their purchase and would buy again. 5 stars!
![]() Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filter Water Bottle | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Water Bottle |
F¯ Red.: | 99.0-99.9% |
NSF: | 42, 53, 401 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Full Clearly Filtered Water Bottle Review Here
The best under sink fluoride water filter in 2021 is the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage system. Apart from removing 99.5% sodium fluoride, it takes care of 230+ other water contaminants. And this is not just a claim. It has been tested by independent EPA-approved laboratories according to NSF standards. Simply put, you won’t find an under sink water filtration system that outperforms the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage – both in terms of fluoride AND overall contaminant removal. 5 stars!
![]() Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under-the-Sink System | |
Price: | $$ |
System Type: | Under Sink Filter System |
F¯ Red.: | 99.5% |
NSF: | 42, 53, 401 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Full Clearly Filtered Under-the-Sink System Review Here
Berkey systems are popular gravity water filters, especially in the SHTF community. As portable countertop units, they’re easy to assemble, low in maintenance, and very effective at removing a whole arsenal of contaminants to provide high-quality water. Long-term fluoride reduction: 97% when used with optional PF-2 fluoride water filter elements.
By the way, there’s no difference between the various Berkey models except for their size which determines filtration speed and water holding capacity. Other than that, they work with the same filter elements and thus achieve the same level of water purity. Our personal favorite is the Big Berkey system. It’s perfect for small families with up 4 people but is not too bulky for most kitchens and to be moved around. 4.5 stars!
![]() Big Berkey Water Filtration System | |
Price: | $$ |
System Type: | Gravity Water Filter System |
F¯ Red.: | 97% |
NSF: | 42, 53 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Full Berkey Water Filter Review Here
In our opinion, the best inline/fridge water filter that removes fluoride in 2021 is the Clearly Filtered Universal. It’s the only unit we could find that’s actually tested for fluoride. And it’s very effective, too, and works flawlessly. Average sodium fluoride reduction: 99.5%! 4.5 stars.
Prop tip: As an inline water filter, the Clearly Filtered Universal is compatible with all appliances including refrigerators. When you install it, you’ll no longer need to use the filter that comes with your fridge. Depending on your fridge model, you might be able to bypass it or take it out.
![]() Clearly Filtered Inline and Refrigerator Water Filter | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Inline/Fridge |
F¯ Red.: | 99.5% |
NSF: | 42, 53, 401 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
There’re different versions of the Megahome Water Distiller but they’re identical in the inside: All material the water touches is either 304 stainless steel or glass. This prevents chemicals and other substances from recontaminating the purified water. People say it’s a great purchase, everything works exactly as advertised, and the water tastes very pure. 5 stars!
Megahome Water Distiller | |
Price: | $ |
System Type: | Water Distiller |
F¯ Red.: | Up to 99% |
NSF: | – |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Full Megahome Water Distiller Review Here
As far as we know, faucet filters won’t help you get fluoride out of your water. If you are still interested in learning more about this filter type, follow this link.
Eliminating chlorine from water is way easier than getting rid of fluoride. The products listed on this page are all capable of removing the former.
By the way, our Chlorine Special is the best place if you want to learn more about how to remove chlorine from your water.
Here’s what you should consider when shopping for the best fluoride water filter:
First of all, you should know your water and the contaminants in it (does it even contain fluoride?). Because fluoride content is only one part of the equation. What if you’re also dealing with poisonous lead or carcinogenic PFOA?
Bottom line: Check your free water quality report or have your water thoroughly tested so that you can choose your ideal water filter accordingly.
5 methods of water purification have shown to be effective at fluoride removal: Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, distillation, and treatment with activated alumina or bone char media.
So removing fluoride from water isn’t so much about the type of filter, for example under sink vs. countertop, than it is about the specific purification process applied.
Still, there’re certain filter types that appear to be more popular and effective than others when it comes to fluoride filtration. Those are:
We don’t know of any faucet water filtration system that removes fluoride sufficiently.
The same goes for shower filters. The most promising model is the Propur ProMax which hardly removes half of the fluoride in water as testing has shown.
Reverse osmosis systems can be tested and certified according to NSF Standard 58 for fluoride reduction. NSF International is a not-for-profit organization which develops industry standards. So when comparing different RO systems make sure to check their performance data sheets.
You might also find fluoride reduction rates for non-RO water filters which is great. Just know that any performed testing wasn’t standardized because there currently don’t exist any standard.
Bottle, gravity, countertop, and pitcher filters as well as water distillers are installation-free which saves you quite some time and possibly money.
Under sink and whole house water filters do require proper installation. If you’re not a DIY type of guy, you should calculate with a few hundred extra dollars for the install.
A filter system’s initial price tag is one thing. To this you have to add recurring expenses for filter replacement. Thus, you want to double-check how long a filter element lasts and how much a new one costs. This saves you from unpleasant surprises down the road.
More on Fluoride Filters
Fluoride or rather a fluoridated compound is deliberately added to municipal water supplies in the United States in order to reduce tooth decay – think cavity prevention. And there’s nothing wrong with that per se. After all, water fluoridation can reduce cavities in children.
However, efficacy in adults is less clear. This is probably why most European countries, which have experienced substantial declines in tooth decay themselves, find no benefit to water fluoridation compared with topical use in toothpaste.
This is backed by recent studies suggesting that water fluoridation, particularly in industrialized nations, may be unnecessary due to the widely adopted use of topical fluorides.
The problem with water fluoridation is that, once added to our water supplies, there’s no way of controlling who ingests how much fluoride – not a good starting point when you consider that the majority of children already exceed the daily recommended fluoride intake by nutrition alone.
Drinking water is not the only fluoride source. Fluoridated toothpaste, salt and milk, cookware, medications, and processed food also add to our daily fluoride intake. An oversupply can lead to serious health issues including:
By the way, only half of the fluoride your body absorbed gets stored. The rest is flushed out via urine.
Where does fluoride get stored in the human body? 99% ends up in our teeth and bones. This is why high fluoride consumption over a whole lifetime can lead to joint stiffness and joint paint.
The remaining 1% ends up in soft tissue such us our brain and pineal gland. Calcification of the pineal gland as a consequence of long-term oversupply can result in sleep disorders, fatigue, and depressions.
The level of fluoride dissolved in tap water as currently recommended by the American Dental Association for optimal dental health should be 0.7 ppm. The ADA further says that, even at higher concentrations, the effectively measured fluoride amount in US water supplies doesn’t exceed 1 ppm. In comparison, non-fluoridated water usually contains less than 0.3 ppm, although concentrations in groundwater can be higher.
Taking this into consideration, it’s seems fair to ask if any water filter system is actually capable of removing or reducing such a small amount of fluoride, or if the salt simply slips through the grid of even the most rigorous filtration processes to later end up in our water glasses anyway.
To answer the question, the Water Quality Association lists four treatment methods as suited for the removal of fluoride from tap water:
Although not on the list, bone char is another water filter media with high fluoride adsorptive capacities. Produced by charring mainly cattle and pig bones, the porous, granular material consists of tricalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and carbon. Tricalcium phosphate is what removes the fluoride.
Some of the most popular water filters, PUR and Brita pitcher filter systems among them, will not filter fluoride out of your water. Yes, they improve water taste and eliminate chlorine and related contaminants, but when it comes to fluoride it’s a whole ‘nother story – the reason being that both PUR and Brita (pitcher) filters use carbon to trap impurities which doesn’t have any effect on fluoride.
As for LifeStraw, it only filters bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
Does the ZeroWater pitcher remove fluoride? Yes! ZeroWater filter pitchers achieve an average reduction of 99% according to tests conducted by an EPA certified laboratory.
The sole purpose of a water softener is to soften water. It has no effect on fluoride. That’s just not what the softening resin was designed to do.
No, you can’t. Boiling does not affect fluoride because it doesn’t evaporate easily. What you can do instead is use steam distillation to separate the water from all the contaminants it contains.
How can you remove fluoride from drinking water naturally? Again, you can’t. Fluoride neither evaporates at room temperature nor does it break down if you wait long enough. It’s just not possible.
Removing the fluoride from your water is one step to reduce your overall exposure. What you can also do is:
References:
Questions about how to remove fluoride from water? Ask away!
And come back to this page from time to time as we’re going to continue our hunt for the best fluoride water filter.
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