DRINKING WATER FILTERS
Reverse Osmosis
Filter Reviews
While there are several types of systems to choose from, reverse osmosis water filters are one of the most popular options because of their high performance. These systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants in tap water, and many experts consider reverse osmosis to be the most powerful and effective water filtration method available for home use.
What is a Reverse Osmosis System?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration method that removes contaminants by pushing highly pressurized water through a semipermeable membrane. As water passes through the membrane, contaminants are left behind so that only clean, filtered water remains.
Reverse osmosis systems use this method to filter tap water in a home. The method is effective at reducing up to 99% of contaminants in water, and it’s the only method proven to effectively remove fluoride. In fact, reverse osmosis is often considered the most effective filtration method overall.
How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?
Reverse osmosis water filters work by forcing pressurized water through a semipermeable membrane that separates the contaminants from the water. By forcing pressurized water through the membrane, contaminants are left behind and only clean water can pass through.
While reverse osmosis is highly effective on its own, most systems use a series of filtration steps to offer better performance. For more information, we’ve provided a breakdown of all the stages RO filters typically use to improve the quality of tap water. However, it should be noted that not all reverse osmosis water filters will utilize all four of these stages, some may not feature a sediment filter or remineralize the water after the filtration process. When choosing a reverse osmosis water filter, make sure it features all the stages you find important:
Sediment Pre-Filter
The first stage is the removal of sediment particles through a screen-mesh pre-filter. Dust, dirt, rust, sodium, and any larger particles are caught in the mesh and blocked from moving further through the process.
Activated Carbon Filter
The second stage is the activated carbon filter. Activated carbon is created from high carbon materials like wood, coal, or coconut shells. These materials are heated to produce a char, which is treated to create a porous material that’s ideal for water filtration. The porous nature of activated carbon allows it to act like a sponge, attracting and trapping contaminants as water passes through. Activated carbon filters are commonly used in almost every type of water filtration system, including reverse osmosis systems that feature multi-stage filtration.
Semipermeable Membrane
The key to reverse osmosis systems is the semipermeable membrane, which splits the water and contaminants by forcing water through the membrane under intense pressure to remove dissolved solids, fluoride, nitrates, and salts among other solutes. In fact, this stage is so effective at removing impurities, that it often strips water of healthy minerals as well.
Remineralization
Water that has been filtered through reverse osmosis may lack minerals because the filtration method removes more than it needs to. The lack of minerals in RO water can affect the health benefits and taste (RO water is often said to have a “flat” taste), so some systems address this through the use of an additional remineralization stage. The remineralization stage adds a concentration of the lost minerals back to improve the taste and health benefits of the water. It’s important to note that not all reverse osmosis systems feature remineralization technology, so check for this feature if these factors are important to you.
Buyer’s Guide for Reverse Osmosis Systems
It’s easy to get confused by the terminology used to describe reverse osmosis water systems. So we’ve created this buyer’s guide that includes helpful information on what an RO system is, how the technology works, when you need one of these systems, and how to choose an RO filter.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Aquasana - OptimH2O® Reverse Osmosis + Claryum® - AQ-RO-3.55
NSF tested and certified to remove up to 99% of 88 contaminants including lead, flouride, chlorine and arsenic. Unlike other ROs, reminerials water with beneficial minerals incuding calcium and potassium.
Learn More about the Aquasana - AQ-RO-3.55Best Price*
System
$250.43
Replacement Cost
$169.97 - 4 filters
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
88
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401
Remineralizer Stage
Yes
Faucet Finish Option
Yes
Best Price*
System
$250.43
Replacement
$169.97 - 4 filters
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
88
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401
Remineralizer Stage
Yes
Faucet Finish Option
Yes
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 2-year warranty
- Replacement subscription option
Whirlpool - UltraEase Reverse Osmosis Filtration System - WHER25
Creates quality water for drinking, cooking, coffee, and ice. Reduces or removes many contaminants including lead, cysts, dissolved solids, chlorine taste and odor, sediment, arsenic
Learn More about the Whirlpool - WHER25Best Price*
System
$184.52
Replacement Cost
$104.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
26
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
Yes
Best Price*
System
$184.52
Replacement
$104.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
26
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
Yes
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
Waterdrop - G3 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System - WD-G3-W
Tested by a 3rd party lab to reduce TDS, chromoum, PFAS, flouride and more. Includes a smart faucet display that shows TDS levels. Activated carbon block is made from coconut shells.
Learn More about the Waterdrop - WD-G3-WBest Price*
System
$529.00
Replacement Cost
$172.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
22
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58, 372
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
Yes
Best Price*
System
$529.00
Replacement
$172.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
22
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58, 372
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
Yes
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction gurantee
- 1-year warranty
- Smart technology
- Space saving
iSpring - 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System - RCC7AK
Converts your water by reducing chlorine, fluoride, lead, arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium and more. Designed to restore the natural alkalinity and mineral balance of water.
Learn More about the iSpring - RCC7AKBest Price*
System
$211.11
Replacement Cost
$67.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
13
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58
Remineralizer Stage
Yes
Faucet Finish Option
No
Best Price*
System
$211.11
Replacement
$67.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
13
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58
Remineralizer Stage
Yes
Faucet Finish Option
No
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction gurantee
- 1-year warranty
GE - Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System - Gxrm10RBL
Three stage filter water designed to reduce lead, arsenic, pesticides and more than 10 other contaminants. Filters up to 10 gallons of water a day.
Learn More about the GE - Gxrm10RBLBest Price*
System
$154.43
Replacement Cost
$58.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
14
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
No
Best Price*
System
$154.43
Replacement
$58.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
14
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
No
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
- Replacement subscription option
APEC - 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter - ROES-50
Delivers filtered water at an affordable price. Tested and certified to remove up to 99% of contaminants including chlorine, VOCs, flouride, lead and more.
Learn More about the APEC - ROES-50Best Price*
System
$199.95
Replacement Cost
$73.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
48
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
No
Best Price*
System
$199.95
Replacement
$73.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
48
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
No
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
Pentair - 4-Stage RO System - RO-2550
NSF-certified to reduce salts, dissolved minerals and bad taste & odor, and is designed for use on chlorinated or non-chlorinated water supplies.
Learn More about the Pentair - RO-2550Best Price*
System
$349.00
Replacement Cost
$84.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
11
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
No
Best Price*
System
$349.00
Replacement
$84.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
11
Certified
NSF/ANSI 58
Remineralizer Stage
No
Faucet Finish Option
No
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 1-year warranty
Waterdrop - G2P600 Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System for Home - WD-G2P600-W
Uses acomposite filter technology and 7-stage filtration to reduce most contaminants. Can produce up to 600 gallons of filtered water per day.
Learn More about the Waterdrop - WD-G2P600-WBest Price*
System
$359.99
Replacement Cost
$120.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
3
Remineralizer Stage
Yes
Faucet Finish Option
No
Best Price*
System
$359.99
Replacement
$120.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
3
Remineralizer Stage
Yes
Faucet Finish Option
No
Key Contaminants Removed:
Fluoride
Lead
Chlorine
Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Other Benefits:
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty length
- Smart technology
- Space Saving
When Do You Need a Reverse Osmosis System?
Reverse osmosis water systems are considered the most effective at removing contaminants from water, so if your area has a lot of lead, mercury, fluoride, or chlorine — a reverse osmosis water filter is an excellent choice for your home. The aforementioned contaminants, which we’ll detail further below, range in seriousness from being deadly neurotoxins to spoiling the balance and taste of your family’s drinking water. Briefly touching on lead specifically — if you are someone with an older home or live in an area where lead pipes are prevalent, a reverse osmosis system is an excellent choice because it’s a point of use filter that cleans water right before you use it, meaning you don’t have to worry about contamination from the pipes in your home.
How to Choose the Best Reverse Osmosis System for your Home
When selecting the best reverse osmosis filtration system, there are many factors to consider. It’s always best practice to take stock of the number of stages the filter has. Regarding one stage, in particular, any filter that’s adequate should have a remineralization stage for pH-balanced and incredible tasting water. If your area is prone to a wide range of contaminants, a reverse osmosis filtration system can be a great solution. Conversely, if your area is typically prone to a specific set of contaminants, a filter with fewer stages might be sufficient for your needs.
Here are some other things to consider when choosing the best reverse osmosis system for your home:
Filter Size and Capacity
Buyers will want to ensure that they match the filter to the size of their home and their estimated water usage. Regarding the physical size of the filter, you’ll want to consider the space you have available below the sink you plan to install it under and check the dimensions of any filter you’re looking at to ensure there’s sufficient space.
The size of the filter may also relate to it’s capacity, which indicates how much water it can filter before it needs to be replaced. In most cases, the filter capacity you select should correlate with the size of your home and number of residents.
If you purchase an RO system with a low capacity for a crowded home, you’ll wear down the filter causing it to lose efficiency quicker than what is expected for normal use. On the other hand, purchasing an RO system with a high capacity for a small home may be an unnecessary expense.
Contaminants
When considering which filter to buy, the most important factor is what contaminants the filter is proven to remove. Because of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) consumers are entitled to request a local water quality report which details the contaminants present in their local water. Although what specific contaminants each RO system removes can vary, here are a few commonly removed contaminants along with assorted facts associated with each:
- Fluoride – Reverse osmosis is the only water filtration method proven to effectively remove fluoride. Excessive fluoride has been linked to high blood pressure, neurological issues, seizures, and more.
- Mercury – Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the human nervous system.
- Lead – Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. Exposure to high levels of lead may cause anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage.
- Asbestos – Asbestos cement (AC) pipes were mainly used before the 1980s and could still be present in your home. After 30+ years of use, wear, and corrosion, the safety of unmaintained infrastructure like this can pose health threats including cancer.
Certifications
Properly informed buyers will want to ensure their systems are certified by third-party organizations such as NSF International, The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) or the Water Quality Assocition (WQA). These organizations offer professional certifications that ensure these water filtration systems remove or reduce contaminants to the levels they claim to. You should purchase a reverse osmosis or other water filtration system that has received a third-party certification.
Cost
Reverse osmosis water systems typically range from a few hundred dollars upwards to thousands of dollars, which can be far more expensive than alternatives like pitcher and dispenser filters.
The most expensive RO option, a whole house reverse osmosis system, is somewhat rare and on average will cost thousands of dollars. Whole house RO systems are known as point-of-entry systems, as they treat the main water line of a home. The reverse osmosis water systems of the under sink variety are known as point-of-use systems as they interact with the house’s water at the point of water consumption. These systems on average cost a few hundred dollars. Self-containing countertop reverse osmosis systems are typically a few hundred dollars, too, but the additional cost of professional installation isn’t needed. When budgeting, a buyer should also account for annual maintenance including filter replacements and potential add-ons.
Reverse Osmosis System Installation
Depending on the form factor of your reverse osmosis water system (whole house, under sink, or countertop) a buyer might consider professional installation. Countertop systems don’t require a hookup or plumbing, as they are fully self-contained and can usually be installed by the homeowner without difficulty. The whole house and under sink filtration systems will, of course, be more complicated. Often, manufacturers will recommend hiring a plumber to perform the installation. If you’re unsure about the installation process and if you’d need a professional, see if you can find a manual or installation video from the manufacturer to get a better idea of what the process looks like.
Reverse Osmosis System Maintenance
Be sure to follow the instructions, including the recommended filter replacement schedule, denoted in the manufacturer’s instruction manual. If the system contains multiple stages of filtration, each filter may need to be replaced at different intervals. Some retailers may have programs in place to automatically remind or send you a replacement when it’s time for a filter swap, so check if this option is available to give you one less thing to track.
For homeowners with hard water, RO filters will need to be replaced at a more frequent rate, unless you utilize a water softener or conditioner. For reference, the southwest is regularly associated with having the hardest water in the U.S. Be sure to do your research on your water’s hardness and consult the manufacturer’s manual from there.
Final Considerations
From here you should have everything at your fingertips to make the correct purchasing decision for your home’s reverse osmosis water filtration system needs. Water filtration is paramount for your family’s health, so be sure to consider all the information we’ve provided in order to choose the best option. For more information, check out the reviews of each product in the section at the top to see how systems compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.