Written by: Maria Martino // Last Updated:
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Water filters come in all shapes and sizes. Each type has its own pros and cons:
The point is, although every water filter gives you access somewhat cleaner and better-tasting water, choosing one that perfectly fits your needs requires careful consideration.
Don’t worry; we will help you make the right buying decision. Let’s find you the best water filter!
On This Page You Will…
(Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
Water Filters | Our Rating | Price | Type | NSF | Annual Cost | Warranty | Water Filters |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() #1 Water Filter Pitcher: Clearly Filtered | $ | Water Filter Pitcher | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 | ~$150 | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Water Filter Pitcher: Clearly Filtered Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Reverse Osmosis System: AquaTru | $$ | Countertop RO System | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 | ~$100-120 | 1 Year | ![]() #1 Reverse Osmosis System: AquaTru Our Rating: | |
*Use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 10% OFF! | |||||||
![]() #1 Whole House Water Filter: SpringWell CF | $$$ | Whole House Filter | – | ~$40 | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Whole House Water Filter: SpringWell CF Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Whole House Well Water Filter: SpringWell WS | $$$ | Whole House Filter | – | – | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Whole House Well Water Filter: SpringWell WS Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Under Sink Water Filter: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage | $$ | Under Sink Filter | 42, 53, 401 | $400 | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Under Sink Water Filter: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System: Waterdrop WD-G3-W | $$ | Under Sink RO System | 58 | ~$115 | 1 Year | ![]() #1 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System: Waterdrop WD-G3-W Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Gravity Water Filter: Big Berkey | $$ | Gravity Water Filter | 53 | $40 | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Gravity Water Filter: Big Berkey Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered Water Bottle | $ | Water Filter Bottle | 42, 53, 401 | ~$100-150 | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Filter Water Bottle: Clearly Filtered Water Bottle Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Faucet Water Filter: PUR Advanced | $ | Faucet Filter | 42, 53, 401 | $50-100 | 2 Years | ![]() #1 Faucet Water Filter: PUR Advanced Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Shower Filter: Aquasana | $ | Shower Filter | 177 | ~$100 | 1 Year | ![]() #1 Shower Filter: Aquasana Our Rating: | |
![]() #1 Water Softener: SpringWell SS | $$$ | Water Softener | – | – | Lifetime | ![]() #1 Water Softener: SpringWell SS Our Rating: |
Review Order
Water filter pitchers are affordable, they’re handy, and they’re small enough to be carried around and stored in the refrigerator for cooling. What’s more, they’re installation-free and can be assembled in a matter of minutes. All this makes water filter pitchers the most popular type of home water filters money can buy.
In our opinion, the best water filter in 2021 is the Clearly Filtered – as far as pitchers are concerned. It removes more water contaminants than any other model on the market and it’s suited for both tap water and disinfected well water. Filtered water taste? One word: Superb.
Bottom line: The Clearly Filtered is our go-to water filter pitcher. 5 stars!
![]() Clearly Filtered 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Water Filter Pitcher |
Certifications: | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 |
Annual Cost: | ~$150 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: Clearly Filtered Pitcher Fully Reviewed
Reverse osmosis filtration removes almost all water impurities. Plus, RO systems provide enough water for an entire family and they’re cost effective.
Our first choice? The AquaTru! That’s because it has earned NSF certifications for the removal of more than 80 different contaminants commonly found in our water supplies. That’s better than any other RO system we know of, and guarantees healthy, safe, and great tasting water for you and your family.
But what we love most about the AquaTru is the fact that it’s a countertop unit which doesn’t require installation. The plug ‘n’ play functionality allows you to set up and use the system right away without any drilling, drain line connection, etc. – perfect for renters and to save money.
Make sure to use our discount code BOSAquaTru at checkout and get 10% OFF!
![]() AquaTru | |
Price: | $$ |
Type: | Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filter System |
Certifications: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
Annual Cost: | ~$100-120 |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: AquaTru Fully Reviewed
Whole house water filters have the benefit of processing all the incoming water before it’s distributed throughout your home. Thus you have clean water at every outlet.
Your best water filter option when on tap water is certainly the SpringWell CF4. Making use of catalytic carbon mixed with KDF as well as a small pre-filter, the system removes sediments, chlorine + chloramine, disinfection byproducts, VOCs, pesticides, and several heavy metals. In addition, microorganisms have no chance of accumulating in the large tank leaching into your water.
All in all, your drinking water will be much safe(r) for consumption and, of course, its taste and smell will improve greatly, too. 5 stars!
![]() SpringWell CF4 Filtration System | |
Price: | $$$ |
Type: | Whole House (Tap Water) |
Certifications: | – |
Annual Cost: | ~$40 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: SpringWell CF Fully Reviewed
In our opinion, the most promising whole house water filter system for well water in 2021 is the SpringWell WS4, combined with the SpringWell CF4 as reviewed above if need be.
As far as the WS4 is concerned, it’s the perfect solution for well water high in iron, manganese, and/or hydrogen sulfide. The CF4 would take care of chlorine, chloramine, chemicals, organics, heavy metals, and taste/odor issues. 5 stars!
Please note: You can learn all about the SpringWell CF4 above. This review lists all pros and cons of the WS4.
![]() SpringWell WS4 Filtration System | |
Price: | $$$ |
Type: | Whole House (Well Water) |
Certifications: | – |
Annual Cost: | – |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: SpringWell WS Fully Reviewed
Under sink water filters, too, can be highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants providing large volumes of crystal clean and delicious drinking water. And they do so saving precious space on your kitchen counter. You just need to find the right system, one that’s affordable, easy to install, easy to use, and easy to maintain!
Our top choice: The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage. Just like the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher, this system has been tested to remove 230+ different and potentially harmful water pollutants. People couldn’t be any happier with their purchase, especially with the fast and easy installation. All in all, this is our favorite under sink water filter. 5 stars!
![]() Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Filter | |
Price: | $$ |
Type: | Under Sink Filter |
Certifications: | 42, 53, 401 |
Annual Cost: | $400 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Fully Reviewed
In case you prefer under sink over countertop, you should check out the Waterdrop WD-G3-W reverse osmosis system. It’s our number one tankless unit in 2021. Tankless means water is filtered on demand instead of storing it in a tank for later use, which saves quite a bit of space in the kitchen sink cabinet.
![]() Waterdrop RO Filtration System | |
Price: | $$ |
Type: | Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Filter System |
Certifications: | 58 |
Annual Cost: | ~$115 |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: Waterdrop Full Reviewed
Gravity filters require neither electricity nor external water pressure to operate. This makes them ideal in emergency situations. But we also find the best ceramic filters among them which is why they’re great for everyday home use.
Berkey is one of the, if not the most popular gravity water filter brand – and rightly so! Easy to set up and use, simple to maintain, and yet highly effective at providing water that easily meets drinking standards. 4.5 stars!
![]() Big Berkey | |
Price: | $$ |
Type: | Gravity Water Filter |
Certifications: | 53 |
Annual Cost: | $40 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: Big Berkey Fully Reviewed
As far as we know, Clearly Filtered water filter bottles are the best in terms of contaminant reduction rates and pure water taste. And the quality of the bottles is outstanding, too. So if you want clean drinking water when you’re out and about, you should seriously consider this option.
![]() Clearly Filtered Water Bottle | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Filter Water Bottle |
Certifications: | 42, 53, 401 |
Annual Cost: | ~$100-150 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: Clearly Filtered Bottles Fully Reviewed
Faucet water filters provide access to filtered drinking water right at the kitchen sink or bathroom tap. Their greatest benefits are affordability and simplicity of use without the need for proper installation.
Our recommendation: The PUR Advanced PFM400H. It’s by far the best filter in terms of overall contaminant removal. 4.5 stars.
![]() PUR Advanced | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Faucet Mount Water Filter System |
Certifications: | 42, 53, 401 |
Annual Cost: | $50-100 |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
The Aquasana AQ-4100 respectively AQ-4105 is our go-to shower water filter. It has shown to remove most of the chlorine for as much as 10,000 gallons of water and, according to Aquasana, also reduces contaminants like chloramines, lead, mercury, iron, hydrogen sulfide, and volatile substances.
![]() Aquasana AQ-4100 | |
Price: | $ |
Type: | Shower Filter |
Certifications: | 177 |
Annual Cost: | ~$100 |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: Aquasana AQ-4100/4105 Fully Reviewed
A water softener reduces hardness by removing hard water minerals in an ion-exchange process. The result: No more scale buildup in your home’s entire plumbing system including home appliances for increased efficiency and longer lifespans. Healthy skin and hair are a nice side effect.
If that’s what you are looking for, you should definitely go with the SpringWell SS. It’s a salt-based system that’s easy to use and that guarantees highest water and salt efficiency among other benefits.
![]() SpringWell SS Water Softener | |
Price: | $$$ |
Type: | Water Softener |
Certifications: | – |
Annual Cost: | – |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
→ Read: SpringWell SS Fully Reviewed
How do the best water filters of 2021 compare to each other?
(Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
Water Filtration Systems | Price | Additional Info |
---|---|---|
CF 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher | $ | Filter Best Suited for Harmful Contaminants (i.e. Heavy Metals Like Lead, Chlorine, and Pesticides) |
AquaTru Reverse Osmosis Filter System | $$ | Filter Removes 80+ Contaminants Providing Great Tasting Water |
SpringWell CF POE Water Filtration System | $$$ | Ideal to Remove Contaminants Like Chlorine from Municipal Water |
SpringWell WS POE Water Filtration System | $$$ | Ideal to Remove Contaminants Like Iron from Well Water, Large Capacity |
CF 3-Stage Filter | $$ | Filters Need to Be Changed Every 2,000 Gallons |
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Filter System | $$ | 4-Stage Filtration Targets Total Dissolved Solids, 2x Activated Carbon Filters |
Berkey Gravity/Countertop Filter | $$ | Can Be Used to Remove Contaminants Like Lead, Mercury, Viruses, and Bacteria |
CF Water Filter Bottle | $ | The Ideal Personal Water Filter |
PUR PFM400H Faucet Filter | $ | |
Aquasana AQ-4100/4105 | $ | Filters Need to Be Replaced Every 10,000 Gallons |
SpringWell SS Hard Water Softener | $$$ | For Hard Water Treatment |
Which is the best home water filter respectively best water purifier? Well, it turns out that there’re several things you need to consider when shopping:
The first question is, what do you want to use your potential new water filter for? Are you looking for a simple unit for improving the taste of your drinking and cooking water? Or do you want a multi-stage system using a sophisticated filtration process to remove even the tiniest trace of contamination? Or do you want a setup that treats all the water as it enters your home in order to protect appliances?
Depending on the purpose your new water filter system shall fulfill, different types of systems are more suited than others.
Talking about water filters is like talking about cars. There exist many different types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. There are filter pitchers, portable/gravity water filters, whole house filtration systems, under sink and countertop water filtering units, filtered water bottles, shower filters, faucet filters, and not to forget reverse osmosis systems.
As mentioned before, which type is best suited for your needs depends on your individual situation and preferences (we’ll discuss each type further below).
The same goes for the specific water filter process/media a unit applies. For example, one countertop filter may use an ultrafiltration membrane to get rid of heavy metals and solids, while another uses activated carbon combined with UV light treatment for chemical and bacteria removal.
Bottom line: We recommend you look around for a bit to learn about the various types of water filters at your disposal. Or if you like things to happen fast, check the list with our favorite products above. We’re absolutely certain that there’ll be something of interest to you.
When reviewing water filters, we like to rely on NSF testing and certifications by independent laboratories which guarantee that a certain model does indeed perform as advertised. In a nutshell:
Depending on which filter (type) you choose, you’ll get a larger or smaller filtration capacity, pure water flow rate, and storage capacity.
Pro tip: If you don’t like to wait for clean water being produced when you’re thirsty, make sure that a system can meet your daily demand even at times of peak consumption before you spend any money.
Cost and required work for installing and maintaining a water filter highly depend on what type it is. Simply put, a POE water filter is more difficult to set up than a pitcher.
We made sure to include information regarding installation and maintenance for each product reviewed on top.
We prefer products that come with an extended trial period and a lifetime warranty which got you covered in case anything goes wrong.
It’s pretty obvious: Larger and more complex water filtration systems are more expensive.
That said, you should not only take into account the initial cost for purchase and installation but also for maintenance, meaning replacement filter cost. Standard-sized filter cartridges allow you to switch to off-brand replacements to save.
More on Water Filters
A water filter is any device designed for removing impurities in water using a biological, chemical, and/or physical process. Thereby, in residential applications most water is filtered for drinking purposes.
The most common water filter types include pitchers, whole-home systems, under sink filters, countertop systems, and faucet-mounted units.
By the way, filtration is just one method used to purify water. There also are distillation, sedimentation, chlorination, ultraviolet light radiation, and flocculation.
Like we said, there’s more than one type of water filter. Each works a little different and therefore has its own benefits…
Pitcher water filters rely on gravity to force feed water through a filter element. They’re small, handy, and portable. They don’t require installation. And, most importantly, they’re cheap. No wonder that they’re the most popular kind of water filter!
Just like pitchers, this water filter type uses gravity to channel water through one or more filter elements. The water filtration process itself is usually very thorough providing you with drinking water of the highest quality.
A water filter pitcher is portable, and so are gravity systems. However, when we’re talking about portable water filters we usually mean those designed for outdoor use: Backpacking, hiking, camping, or traveling. Preppers also like portable systems to be prepared in case of emergency.
A reliable unit provides drinking water free from bacteria, protozoa, and possibly viruses.
As the name suggests, whole house water filtration systems supply your entire home. Bathroom taps, showers, kitchen faucet, home appliances – you’ll have purified water at every outlet.
Most common are catalytic or activated carbon filters.
They get installed under your kitchen sink and provide filtered drinking water at a single outlet. Most are effective at removing a wide range of harmful contaminants, while still being affordable. Easy installation, simple maintenance, and convenient use are why people love under sink filter systems.
A standard countertop filter gives you access to clean water straight at your kitchen sink without the need for proper installation. They can be hooked up to any standard-sized faucet in less than 5 minutes. More benefits: Portable, convenient, affordable.
A purifying bottle is great if you want healthy drinking water on the go.
A shower water filter can be a great solution if you’re sensitive to chlorine.
More sophisticated models reduce even more for healthier skin, hair, and nails.
Similar to countertop water filters, faucet units easily connect to any standard faucet or tap. No need to make permanent changes to your plumbing system. Required budget? Surprisingly small.
Last but not least, reverse osmosis systems. They come as countertop, under sink, or whole home units using multiple purification stages. At the heart of each system is an RO membrane which rejects up to 99% of water impurities.
Personally, we find the AquaTru to be the #1 reverse osmosis system. It’s NSF-certified to remove the most contaminants of all models on the market.
Berkey is the most popular brand when it comes to gravity water filters.
Clearly Filtered provides the best water filters in the under sink system, bottle, inline, and pitcher category.
If you want a POE water filtration system or water softener for hard water, we recommend you go with SpringWell. They are super high-quality and come with excellent customer support and lifetime product warranty.
We like PUR for faucet mount water filters. In fact, the PUR PFM400H removes the most contaminants off all faucet filters we know.
Brita is a great option if you want a filter that improves water aesthetics. However, we usually don’t recommend Brita for more serious contaminant removal.
Whether or not you need a water filter depends on if, which, and how many contaminants are present in your local water source. That said, water filtration is not only about water tasting or smelling unpleasant – far from it. Most dangerous water contaminants are invisible to our senses. One infamous example is lead, a neurotoxin that is too small to see, taste, and smell.
But how do you know if the water in your home is drinkable? Through testing! Or, if you’d prefer to not spend any money on this you can check the free water quality report for your local water utility on this page – EWG Tap Water Database – or this one – EPA CCR reports directory – provided that you’re not on a small or your own private well.
If the latter is the case, your best option is to send a direct sample to an independent laboratory (such as this one). Alternatively, you could buy a small test kit which should give you a rough idea of what you are facing.
Knowing what’s in your water source is the only way to make an informed buying decision and choose a water filter capable of dealing with all or at least the majority of contaminants you’re exposed to.
I hope this list of the best water filters was helpful. Questions? Ask away!
And keep in mind: We’ll add new water filter reviews occasionally. So come back for more!
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