What is a Faucet Water Filter?
Faucet water filters attach directly to a sink’s faucet to remove contaminants right before water comes out of the tap. Filters of this nature are considered point-of-use, since the water is filtered when and where you use them. The benefit of this is that it ensures the water won’t be contaminated from pipes within your home, which can occur if you use a whole house system that filters water at the main water line.
Types of Faucet Water Filters
Not all faucet water filters look or work the same way. Most notably, these systems come in two distinct form factors that relate to how they work and their performance:
Faucet Attachment With Built-In Filter
Some faucet water filters have a self-contained filter within the unit that’s screwed onto the faucet, meaning there are no hoses or external systems — all the filtration happens at the tap. These usually feature a carbon filter, which catches contaminants as water passes through before coming out of the faucet. Since there is only one filter, some contaminants may remain which is why these systems are on the lower end of the performance scale relative to other options.
Faucet Attachment With External Filtration Unit
These systems have a screw on attachment that uses a series of hoses and an external filtration unit that sits on a nearby countertop. When you turn the faucet knob, water will go through one hose that takes it to the filtration unit where contaminants are removed, then filtered water is pushed through a second hose that leads back to the faucet. The process is a bit more complicated than the other option above, but these systems can offer a higher level of contamination removal by utilizing multiple stages.
Buyer’s Guide for Faucet Water Filters
Looking at faucet water filter reviews and comparing high-level details is a great start to choosing the best system for your home, but for more information we’ve created this guide to help with the process. Find out exactly what a faucet water filter is, how it works, and factors to consider when comparing systems.
How to Choose the Best Faucet Water Filter
When looking at faucet water filters, here are the factors you should consider:
Faucet Attachment Type
With the information above in mind, consider whether you’d want an attachment with a built-in filter or one that uses hoses to connect to an external unit. A hose free option may be more aesthetically pleasing, but might come at the cost of reduced performance.
Performance
Check your local water quality report to see the contaminants present in your tap water, then use that information to find faucet water filters certified to address those concerns. Don’t rely on claims, make sure the system you’re considering has actually been tested and certified by a third-party group like NSF, IAPMO or WQA.
Cost
Faucet filters with a built-in filter usually come in at a lower price point than ones that use an external unit, since the built-in filters may offer a lower level of filtration. For reference, systems with a built-in filter may cost around $30 while options with an external unit can cost $70 or more depending on the level of filtration.
These are the fundamental factors to consider when looking at a faucet water filter, but there may be other aspects specific to your situation. Having background knowledge of these systems combined with reading faucet water filter reviews should give you the information you need to make the right decision.
Faucet Attach Filters
Aquasana - Claryum® Countertop - AQ-4000W
Get clean, healthy water straight from the tap by reducing 77 contaminants including lead, PFOA/PFOS, cysts, chlorine, pesticides, and more. Remove contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium for healthier, delicious water.
Learn More about the Aquasana - AQ-4000WBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.13
System
$64.99
Replacement Cost
$59.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
77
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
450 gal
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.13
System
$64.99
Replacement
$59.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
77
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
450 gal
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
Pur - PUR Faucet Mount Water Filtration System - FM-3333B
Enjoy cleaner, filtered water from your faucet with the PUR Faucet Filter System. Easy to attach, the PUR Faucet Filtration System includes a PUR Filter, certified to reduce lead and 10x more contaminants than the leading Brita pitcher filter.
Learn More about the Pur - FM-3333BBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.16
System
$21.94
Replacement Cost
$16.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
70
Certified
NSF/ANSI 401, 42, 53
Capacity
100 gal
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.16
System
$21.94
Replacement
$16.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
70
Certified
NSF/ANSI 401, 42, 53
Capacity
100 gal
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Easy install
- Color options
Brita - Faucet Water Filter System - 42201
The Brita on-tap faucet filtration system saves space and uses a long-lasting filter—providing great-tasting, cleaner water straight from your tap. Available in chrome or white finishes, the system attaches easily to your faucet without any tools necessary. Brita’s faucet filter reduces chlorine, lead and other impurities from your kitchen spout.
Learn More about the Brita - 42201Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.18
System
$19.97
Replacement Cost
$23.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
58
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
100 gal
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.18
System
$19.97
Replacement
$23.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
58
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
100 gal
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
- Color options
Pur - PLUS Faucet Filtration System (Horizontal) - PFM400H
Enjoy cleaner, filtered water from your faucet with the PUR PLUS Faucet Filter System. Certified to reduce lead and 10x more contaminants than Brita's® leading pitcher filter.1,2 It is easy to attach and includes a Mineral Core™ Filter for great taste.
Learn More about the Pur - PFM400HBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.19
System
$46.99
Replacement Cost
$18.98
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
70
Certified
NSF/ANSI 401, 42, 53
Capacity
100 gal
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.19
System
$46.99
Replacement
$18.98
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
70
Certified
NSF/ANSI 401, 42, 53
Capacity
100 gal
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Easy install
- Color options
Waterdrop - Faucet Filtration System - WD-FC-01
Uses activated carbon fiber and pre-filter layer to reduce lead, chline, and more. Provides 320 gallons of cleaner water, or 3 months of typical use. Easliy installs on your existing faucet.
Learn More about the Waterdrop - WD-FC-01Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.1
System
$19.99
Replacement Cost
$33.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
0
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 372
Capacity
320 gal
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.1
System
$19.99
Replacement
$33.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 372
Capacity
320 gal
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 30-day warranty
- Easy install
Other Types of Drinking Water Filters
Direct Connect
Direct Connect water filters – also known as Main Faucet Filters – are gaining popularity because of their high performance and easy installation. We’ll help you make the best choice for your home.
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.
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.
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.