DRINKING WATER FILTERS
Direct Connect Filter
Reviews
While there are several types of systems to choose from, direct connect water filters – also known as main faucet filters – are gaining popularity because of their solid performance and easy installation.
What is a Direct Connect Water Filter?
A direct connect water filter is a system that connects directly to an existing kitchen, bathroom, or utility sink faucet to provide filtered water. The systems are installed under a sink where they’re out of sight, and offer high-performance filtration for the tap they’re connected to. The systems are a relatively new option, but are growing increasingly popular because of their simple installation that also allows homeowners to keep their existing faucet.
Buyer’s Guide for Direct Connect Water Filters
Reading direct connect water filter reviews and comparing features can help you see how products stack up against each other, but having some background knowledge about this type of filter can also help during the buying process. Read on to learn more about these systems.
Benefits of Direct Connect Water Filters
While key features will vary by system the following benefits will apply to most direct connect water filters:
High Performance
Direct connect water filters usually offer a high-level of performance, above most countertop and pitcher systems.
Easy Installation
These systems offer a fast and simple installation process that doesn’t require any drilling or help from a plumber. With basic DIY skills and tools, most systems can be installed in just a few minutes.
Keep Your Existing Faucet
Unlike some under sink water filters that require homeowners to swap their faucet for one that’s compatible with the system they purchased, direct connect water filters allow you to keep your existing faucet to maintain your current home’s aesthetic.
Out of Sight
Direct connect water filters are installed under the sink, where they’re out of sight and out of mind. There’s no need to worry about cluttering your countertop or taking up limited fridge space like you would with a countertop or pitcher filter.
Fast and Simple Replacements
Just as installation is fast and easy, so are replacing filters. Most feature a single filter block that can be unscrewed and swapped with ease.
Direct Connect Filters
Aquasana - Claryum® Direct Connect - AQ-MF-1
Easy DIY under sink filter Installation. Install on any cold water line, no dedicated faucet required, and no need to drill a hole in any countertop. Carbon filter removes up to 99% of 77 contaminants including lead, mercury, asbestos, herbicides, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Learn More about the Aquasana - AQ-MF-1Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.10
System
$250.00
Replacement Cost
$80.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
77
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
784 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.5
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.10
System
$250.00
Replacement
$80.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
77
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
784 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.5
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
CuZn - Under Counter Water Filter - UC-200
Under counter water filtration system for chlorine treated Municipal Water. Easy to install and designed to connect directly to your existing kitchen sink cold water line.
Learn More about the CuZn - UC-200Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
<$0.01
System
$120.00
Replacement Cost
$45.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
10
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 61
Capacity
50,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
2
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
<$0.01
System
$120.00
Replacement
$45.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
10
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 61
Capacity
50,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
2
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 5-year warranty
- Easy install
Frizzlife - Under Sink Water Filter - MK99
Includes a two-stage high precise compound filter including a unique technology that reduces contaminants while leaving in all essential minerals. Certified to reduce Lead, Chlorine, Taste & Odor and Particulates.
Learn More about the Frizzlife - MK99Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.04
System
$70.00
Replacement Cost
$70.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
4
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
1,600 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
2
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.04
System
$70.00
Replacement
$70.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
4
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
1,600 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
2
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
Woder - Advanced Water Filter 8K - WD-S-8K-ADV-DC
Woder’s ADV removes lead, aluminum, heavy metals, chlorine (99%), contaminants (99%), mercury, PFC’s, glyphosate, chromium 6, copper, nitrates, turbidity, chloramines, VOC’s, odors, and bad tastes.
Learn More about the Woder - WD-S-8K-ADV-DCBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.01
System
$105.00
Replacement Cost
$59.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
7
Certified
NSF/ANSI 372, 42
Capacity
8,480 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
2
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.01
System
$105.00
Replacement
$59.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
7
Certified
NSF/ANSI 372, 42
Capacity
8,480 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
2
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
Filtrete - Advanced Under Sink Quick Change Water Filtration System - 3US-PS01
Filtrete™ Advanced Under Sink Quick Change Water Filtration System is easy to install and maintain. It's an under sink water filtration system that connects to the kitchen or bath faucet.
Learn More about the Filtrete - 3US-PS01Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.02
System
$40.00
Replacement Cost
$32.90
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
6
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42
Capacity
2,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.5
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.02
System
$40.00
Replacement
$32.90
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
6
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42
Capacity
2,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.5
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
Culligan - Under Sink Direct Connect Premium Lead Filtration System - US-DC3
The Culligan® US-DC1 Under-sink Basic Drinking Water Filter System connects directly to your cold water line, features a twist-on, twist-off cartridge design for easy hassle-free cartridge change, quick-connect fittings, and double water shut-off. The filter reduces bad taste & odor, aesthetic chlorine taste & odor, and sediment right from your kitchen faucet.
Learn More about the Culligan - US-DC3Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.01
System
$101.00
Replacement Cost
$65.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
7
Certified
NSF/ANSI 53
Capacity
4,750 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.5
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.01
System
$101.00
Replacement
$65.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
7
Certified
NSF/ANSI 53
Capacity
4,750 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.5
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
Waterdrop - Under Sink Water Filter | Direct Connect Filtration System (8,000 gallons) - WD-10UA
"[Ultra-Long Service Life] When used with municipal water, this under sink water filter serves a life of 8,000, 16,000, 19,000 gallons or 12, 24, 36 months. [Innovative Multistage Filtration] Waterdrop undersink water filter adopts advanced multistage filtration to effectively reduce chlorine, odor, sediment, and other heavy metals, which is tested by the third-party laboratory. [Authority Guaranteed Materials] Premium lead-free materials are fully certified by the WQA against NSF/ANSI 372 standard. BPA-free materials are also ensured. Effective chlorine reduction is certified against NSF/ANSI 42 standard by the WQA. [Easy Installation] The under sink water filter should be connected only to a cold water supply. Easy to install because of the innovative push-to-connect fittings and the twist-and-lock design. [Fast Flow Rate & Multiple Uses] The fast and stable water supply and the compact design make the under sink water filter fits the kitchen, bathroom, RV, or small-scale offices to meet your various water needs."
Learn More about the Waterdrop - WD-10UABest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
<$0.01
System
$52.00
Replacement Cost
$25.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
1
Certified
NSF/ANSI 372, 42
Capacity
8,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.75
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
<$0.01
System
$52.00
Replacement
$25.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
1
Certified
NSF/ANSI 372, 42
Capacity
8,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.75
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Easy install
Waterdrop - Under Sink Water Filter | Direct Connect Filtration System (16,000 gallons) - WD-15UA
The under sink water filter can be connected directly a cold water supply - no separate faucet needed. Easy to install because of the innovative push-to-connect fittings and the twist-and-lock design. Can can effectively reduce chlorine, heavy metals, chemical iṁpurity, sediment and other large particles.
Learn More about the Waterdrop - WD-15UABest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
<$0.01
System
$70.00
Replacement Cost
$37.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
1
Certified
NSF/ANSI 372, 42
Capacity
16,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.75
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
<$0.01
System
$70.00
Replacement
$37.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
1
Certified
NSF/ANSI 372, 42
Capacity
16,000 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.75
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 30-day satisfaction guaranteee
- Easy install
GE - Dual Flow Water Filtration System - GXK285JBL
Filtered water direct from your kitchen faucet. Certified to reduce select pharmaceuticals, select VOCs, lead, chlorine taste and odor and other contaminants.
Learn More about the GE - GXK285JBLBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.17
System
$119.00
Replacement Cost
$50.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
14
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
300 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.1
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.17
System
$119.00
Replacement
$50.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
14
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
300 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
1.1
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Replacement subscription option
Other Types of Drinking Water Filters
Reverse Osmosis
These systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants in tap water, and many experts consider RO to be the most powerful and effective water filtration method available for home use.
Under Sink
Under Sink water filters offer a great mix of performance, affordability, easy installation, and simple maintenance. Learn about the benefits of these systems, the types available, and top selections.
Faucet Attach
Faucet Attach water filters are a popular choice due to their compact form, easy installation, and entry-level price point relative to other options. Learn more about these filters.
Pitchers & Dispensers
Water filter pitchers and dispensers are popular options because of their low cost, ease of use, portability, and lack of required installation. But not all options are equally good.
Resources
How To Read Your Water Quality Report
Just because your tap water looks and tastes fine doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, tap water contains chemicals and impurities that could harm you and cause problems to your appliances.
Bottled Water vs Filtered Tap Water: Important Facts
Americans consume around 1,500 disposable plastic water bottles each second, or nearly 2.2 million each day. Many Americans place a high trust in bottled water, and assume it’s safer than tap water. The truth is there are virtually no real benefits to consuming bottled water. Most bottled water is little more than over-priced tap water in a bottle that contributes to over 2 million tons of plastic waste in our landfills every year.
Comparing Water Filter Technology
Depending on the type of water filter you’re interested in, you may be able to choose from a range of different water filter technologies including mechanical, activated carbon, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and ultraviolet light filtration. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to understand these filter technologies to determine which option is best suited for your needs. To assist you with the buying process, we’ll explain how each of them work.
Why Do I Need a Water Filter?
Just because your tap water looks and tastes fine doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes, tap water contains chemicals and impurities that could harm you and cause problems to your appliances. Yes, it happens. We’re not saying this applies to all homes but in many cases, unfiltered tap water just isn’t safe enough.
Need Help?
Get expert advice choosing a water filter
*Product performance claims and prices were taken from publicly available information on Amazon, are accurate as of 9/1/2022, and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Cost per gallon is calculated as replacement filter price/capacity. Not all contaminants will be listed in charts. 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. As an Amazon Associate, Water Filter Comparisons receives a commission on purchases made through our Amazon links.