Compare Drinking Water Filters
Finding the right drinking water filter is easier than you think. There are a lot of options on the market, though, so making an informed decision and sifting through all the hype can be confusing. Whether you're interested in a pitcher, faucet attachment, under counter carbon system, or reverse osmosis, there are really three questions to ask yourself when making the decision: 1) How do I want to install it, 2) what does it do (or how many contaminants is it certified to reduce), and 3) what is the ongoing cost per gallon?
Ease of
Installation
Pitchers require no installation. Filters that attach to or mount on your faucet install easily, but do not work if you have a vegetable sprayer faucet. Under counter and reverse osmosis systems require an extra hole in your sink. Hole sizes are standard, so if you have a sprayer or soap dispenser you don't use, you can pop those out and use that hole. Otherwise, you'll need a plumber to come create a hole, which will typically cost around $100-$200. Most people will opt for an under counter if they can, for the convenience, but a good alternative is a countertop model.
Contaminant
Reduction
There are two rules here:
1) Buy a filter that is NSF certified to Standards 42 & 53. NSF is a non-profit organization that independently certifies that filtration devices do what the manufacturers claim.
2) Get a filter that reduces chlorine, lead, mercury, VOCs and MTBE. Chances are good that if a filter you choose reduces these five contaminants, it most likely reduces more as well, but check for the manufacturer's data sheet to get the full story.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which include a large number of known carcinogens, like chloroform and benzene, are difficult to reduce through any purification process, which makes it hard to pass the NSF 53 certification test. Also, look out for lead, the most common metal contaminant found in water, and which has terrible health consequences when consumed.
Ongoing
Cost/Gallon
When you buy a quality water filter, you should have it for years. Over the course of the filter system's lifetime, you will need to change the filter cartridges regularly to maintain efficiency and performance. Over the lifetime of your ownership of the product, then, you should take into consideration the cost per gallon of water treated, and use that to determine the filter's relative cost of ownership. You should take into account the initial price of the system, replacement filter capacity (or how often you'll need to change the filters—beware of low capacity filters), and the ongoing cost of ownership as you make a decision.
Drinking Water Filter Category Comparison
- Best long-term solution for in-home water filtration
- They typically have the most robust and effective filtration technology — nearly all reviewed have high capabilities
- They integrate seamlessly into your kitchen — the only thing you see is a faucet, and the rest is hidden below the counter
- Superior filtration technologies use water pressure to force water through denser, more effective media
- Good contaminant removal resulting in better tasting and healthier water
- Water always available at your tap
- Reverse Osmosis systems are good for specific contaminant issues, like heavy metals, nitrates or bacteria
- Easy to buy
- The initial purchase price is low (usually $40 or less)
- Typically remove chlorine, which improves the taste of water
- You can take them anywhere
- They typically are a bit more expensive, both in initial price and cost per gallon
- Installation is more involved. Most require a hole to mount a faucet (you can replace a sprayer or a soap dispenser, otherwise you will have to drill one), and install with a simple Y-splitter connection.
- Only work with specific, simple faucets — typically not vegetable sprayer faucets
- Can be bulky or unsightly attached to faucets; countertop products take up counter space
- One size fits all, and typically cannot be customized to tackle additional contaminants
- Do not remove VOCs
- Remove all dissolved solids, including healthy calcium and magnesium
- Waste water during treatment process
- Require a storage tank under your sink and a waste water line
- Do not last very long: typically 40 gallons or less
- Replacement filters are expensive on a cost per gallon basis: higher long-term cost
- The gravity-fed filtration is slow and ineffective for contaminant removal
- Water is not as healthy as other options
Water Filter Reviews
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
 |
| Great filtration technology at a great cost per gallon. Better for the environment. |
 |
Gallon |
10¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$50.99* |
Capacity |
500 Gallons |
| System |
$186.99 |
Contaminants |
60 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other benefits: *Water for Life auto-ship program, 90-day satisfaction guarantee, 1-year warranty, eco-friendly cartridges (less waste) |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Good filter at a high initial price. |
 |
Gallon |
28¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$173.90 |
Capacity |
625 Gallons |
| System |
$548.92 |
Contaminants |
58 |
|
|
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|
|
| |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Short lasting filters drive up cost per gallon. |
|
Gallon |
17¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$45.00 |
Capacity |
270 Gallons |
| System |
$99.99 |
Contaminants |
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
| Other benefits: 1-year warranty |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| High priced for initial and ongoing cost. |
 |
Gallon |
33¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$329.99 |
Capacity |
1000 Gallons |
| System |
$679.99 |
Contaminants |
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other benefits: 1-year warranty |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Short lasting filters drive up cost per gallon. |
|
Gallon |
22¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$77.00 |
Capacity |
160 Gallons |
| System |
$197.00 |
Contaminants |
59 |
|
|
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|
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|
|
| Other benefits: 1-year warranty |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Short lasting filters drive up cost per gallon. |
 |
Gallon |
29¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$45.99 |
Capacity |
160 Gallons |
| System |
$127.00 |
Contaminants |
59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other benefits: 1-year warranty |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Low contaminant reduction. |
 |
Gallon |
16¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$79.00 |
Capacity |
500 Gallons |
| System |
$185.00 |
Contaminants |
12 |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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| Other benefits: 1-year warranty |
Please note that VOCs include: 2,4,5-TP (Silvex); 2,4-D; Alachor; Atrazine; Benzene; Bromodichloromethane; Bromoform; Carbofuran; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chlorobenzene; Chlorodibromomethane; Chloroform; Chloropicrin; dibromochloropropane(DBCP); O Dichlorobenzene; P Dichlorobenzene; 1, 2 Dichloroethane; 1,1 Dichloroethylene; cis-1,2 Dichloroethylene; trans 1,2 Dichloroethylene; Dichloropropane; Dichloropropylene; cis-1,2-dichloropropylene; Dinoseb; EDB; Endrin; Ethylbenzene; bromochloroacetonitrile; dibromoacetonitrile; dichloroacetonitrile; trichloroacetonitrile; 1,1 dichloro-2-propanone; 1,1,1 trichloro-2-propanone; Haloacetonitriles; Haloketones; Heptachlor; Heptachlor Epoxide; Hexachlorobutadiene; Hexachlorocyclopentadiene; Lindane; Methoxychlor; Pentachloropheno; Simazine; Styrene; Tetrachlorethylene; Tetrachloroethane; THMs/TTHMs; Toluene; Tribromoacetic acid; Trichlorobenzene; 1,1,1 Trichloroethane; 1,1,2; Trichloroethane; Trichloroethylene; Xylenes.
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| All the effectiveness of most complete under counter systems, but available on counter with simple install. Long lasting, highly effective filters. |
 |
Gallon |
10¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$50.99* |
Capacity |
500 Gallons |
| System |
$124.99 |
Contaminants |
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Other benefits: *Water for Life auto-ship program, 90-day satisfaction guarantee, 1-year warranty, eco-friendly cartridges (less waste) |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Good contaminant removal - better than pitchers. Filters last only 100 gallons. |
 |
Gallon |
21¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$20.99 |
Capacity |
100 Gallons |
| System |
$39.99 |
Contaminants |
61 |
|
|
|
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|
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|
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| Other benefits: Electronic indicator light, 1-year warranty |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Good contaminant removal - better than pitchers. Filters last only 100 gallons. |
|
Gallon |
15¢ |
Certification |
WQA |
| Cartridge |
$15.99 |
Capacity |
100 Gallons |
| System |
$29.99 |
Contaminants |
60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Other benefits: Electronic indicator light, 30-day satisfaction guarantee, 90-day warranty |
Please note that VOCs include: 2,4,5-TP (Silvex); 2,4-D; Alachor; Atrazine; Benzene; Bromodichloromethane; Bromoform; Carbofuran; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chlorobenzene; Chlorodibromomethane; Chloroform; Chloropicrin; dibromochloropropane(DBCP); O Dichlorobenzene; P Dichlorobenzene; 1, 2 Dichloroethane; 1,1 Dichloroethylene; cis-1,2 Dichloroethylene; trans 1,2 Dichloroethylene; Dichloropropane; Dichloropropylene; cis-1,2-dichloropropylene; Dinoseb; EDB; Endrin; Ethylbenzene; bromochloroacetonitrile; dibromoacetonitrile; dichloroacetonitrile; trichloroacetonitrile; 1,1 dichloro-2-propanone; 1,1,1 trichloro-2-propanone; Haloacetonitriles; Haloketones; Heptachlor; Heptachlor Epoxide; Hexachlorobutadiene; Hexachlorocyclopentadiene; Lindane; Methoxychlor; Pentachloropheno; Simazine; Styrene; Tetrachlorethylene; Tetrachloroethane; THMs/TTHMs; Toluene; Tribromoacetic acid; Trichlorobenzene; 1,1,1 Trichloroethane; 1,1,2; Trichloroethane; Trichloroethylene; Xylenes.
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Best performing mainstream pitcher out there, but replacement filters are high priced. Not certified to remove VOCs. |
|
Gallon |
27¢ |
Certification |
NSF 42 & 53 |
| Cartridge |
$10.99 |
Capacity |
40 Gallons |
| System |
$22.99 |
Contaminants |
23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other benefits: 90-day warranty, electronic life indicator |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Priced at a premium. Low contaminant removal. |
 |
Gallon |
20¢ |
Certification |
WQA |
| Cartridge |
$8.00 |
Capacity |
40 Gallons |
| System |
$39.99 |
Contaminants |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Other benefits: 60-day warranty, silverized filter media |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Cheapest pitcher filter out there. Ineffective contaminant reduction. |
|
Gallon |
14¢ |
Certification |
WQA |
| Cartridge |
$6.99 |
Capacity |
50 Gallons |
| System |
$14.99 |
Contaminants |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other benefits: 2-year warranty, filter replacement indicator |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| Low contaminant removal and capacity. |
|
Gallon |
20¢ |
Certification |
WQA |
| Cartridge |
$8.00 |
Capacity |
40 Gallons |
| System |
$32.99 |
Contaminants |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other benefits: 90-day warranty, 30-day satisfaction guarantee, filter change reminders |
|
Grade |
Cost1 |
|
Performance |
|
|
| High price for a pitcher, and shortest lived cartridges. Low contaminant removal. TDS removal takes out healthy minerals. |
 |
Gallon |
67¢ |
Certification |
WQA |
| Cartridge |
$14.99 |
Capacity |
22.5 Gallons |
| System |
$35.00 |
Contaminants |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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| Other benefits: 90-day arranty, comes with a TDS meter |
Please note that VOCs include: 2,4,5-TP (Silvex); 2,4-D; Alachor; Atrazine; Benzene; Bromodichloromethane; Bromoform; Carbofuran; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chlorobenzene; Chlorodibromomethane; Chloroform; Chloropicrin; dibromochloropropane(DBCP); O Dichlorobenzene; P Dichlorobenzene; 1, 2 Dichloroethane; 1,1 Dichloroethylene; cis-1,2 Dichloroethylene; trans 1,2 Dichloroethylene; Dichloropropane; Dichloropropylene; cis-1,2-dichloropropylene; Dinoseb; EDB; Endrin; Ethylbenzene; bromochloroacetonitrile; dibromoacetonitrile; dichloroacetonitrile; trichloroacetonitrile; 1,1 dichloro-2-propanone; 1,1,1 trichloro-2-propanone; Haloacetonitriles; Haloketones; Heptachlor; Heptachlor Epoxide; Hexachlorobutadiene; Hexachlorocyclopentadiene; Lindane; Methoxychlor; Pentachloropheno; Simazine; Styrene; Tetrachlorethylene; Tetrachloroethane; THMs/TTHMs; Toluene; Tribromoacetic acid; Trichlorobenzene; 1,1,1 Trichloroethane; 1,1,2; Trichloroethane; Trichloroethylene; Xylenes.
All performance claims and pricing were taken from publicly available information.
If you find information that is inaccurate, please send the correct info with supporting documentation to info@waterfiltercomparisons.com, and we will address any errors.
1. Pricing is subject to change and is accurate as of the date this chart was last updated. Cost per gallon is calculated as replacement filter price/capacity.
2. Not all contaminants will be listed in chart
Manufacturer data last updated Feb 10, 2012
