7 Best Under Counter Water Filters for Clean Water

What Are the Key Filter Water Qualities to Consider?

Like any other product, under counter water filters come in different brands and specifications. When evaluating under counter water filters, several essential qualities should guide your decision-making:

• Filtration effectiveness: Assess the filter's ability to remove contaminants such as chlorine, lead, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, PFOS/PFAS and pharmaceuticals. If you don’t know what to prioritize, consider conducting a water test to understand the quality of your water. Look for certifications from organizations like NSF International to ensure it meets rigorous standards.
• Water filter lifespan: Consider how long each filter lasts before needing replacement. Longer-lasting filters can reduce maintenance costs and effort. At the same time, consider whether the brand offers a warranty for premature breakages.
• Water flow rate: Evaluate how quickly the filter can process water. If your household has a higher water consumption, you’ll need a filter with higher flow rates. The slower the flow rate, the more contact time that the water has with the media, which can often result in better performance.
• Ease of installation and maintenance: Choose filters that are straightforward to install and maintain. Some systems may require professional installation, while others are designed for DIY setup.
• Cost efficiency: Factor in both the initial purchase price and ongoing filter replacement costs. Opt for a system that balances upfront affordability with long-term savings.
• Size and compatibility: Ensure the filter unit fits conveniently under your counter and is compatible with your plumbing setup.
• Build quality: Look for filters made from durable materials that prolong their lifespan and ensure reliable performance over time.
• Improvement in water taste and odor: A quality filter should enhance the taste and smell of your drinking water, providing a more enjoyable drinking experience.
• Environmental impact: Consider filters that minimize environmental impact through efficient use of materials and reduced waste generation.

By weighing these essential attributes, you can choose an under sink water filter that effectively meets your household's water purification needs while being suitable for your specific requirements.

Which Are the Best Under Counter Water Filters?

The first step to ensuring clean and safe drinking water straight from your faucet is selecting the right under counter water filter according to your household’s unique requirements. Here are some of the best under sink water filters.

1. The HomeWater EZChange 2-Stage Under Counter Water Filter

HomeWater’s water filter products are revered for their quality, effectiveness, and reliability. The HomeWater EZChange 2-Stage Under Counter Water Filter installs easily under any sink, connecting directly to your existing faucet line. It effectively filters out chlorine, lead, rust, dirt, particulate matter, and improves taste and odor. Certified to reduce chlorine, lead, bad taste, and odors (NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 372), this system also reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microplastics, heavy metals, mercury, chloroform, and cysts.

With a high flow rate of 1 gallon per minute, it maintains water pressure without requiring additional faucets or countertop drilling. The patented EZChange design simplifies filter replacements, and the self-install kit allows for installation in as little as 15 minutes. Made in North America, the HomeWater EZChange 2-Stage Under Counter Water Filter ensures you have access to clean, great-tasting water right from your tap.

The unit also has a patented spill free lid that makes changing the filters a breeze.

Cost: $351.75, 3-year warranty, which remains active as long as an active filter replacement plan is in place

2. Aquasana AQ-5300+

Aquasana is known for its high-quality water filtration systems. The AQ-5300+ model is a three-stage under-counter filter that removes up to 99% of 77 contaminants, including chlorine, lead, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. It uses a combination of activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange, and sub-micron filtration. The system is NSF-certified and features easy-to-replace filters that last up to six months.

Cost: $244.99, 1-year warranty

3. APEC ROES-50

APEC Water Systems specializes in reverse osmosis filtration. The APEC ROES-50 is a five-stage RO system that removes up to 99% of contaminants, including arsenic, chlorine, lead, fluoride, heavy metals, and more. It features high-capacity filters that can treat up to 50 gallons of water per day, ensuring a steady supply of clean drinking water. The system is designed for easy installation and maintenance.

Cost: $199.95, 1-year limited warranty

4. Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection

Home Master offers innovative RO systems with modular designs for easy maintenance. The TMHP HydroPerfection model is a seven-stage filtration system that includes RO, UV light sterilization, and remineralization. It removes up to 99% of contaminants, including iron, lead, chlorine, and bacteria, while adding beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water. The system is NSF-certified and known for its high flow rate and low wastewater ratio.

Cost: $499.95, 5-year limited warranty, 30-day money back guarantee

5. 3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000

3M Aqua-Pure is recognized for its effective carbon block filtration systems. The AP-DWS1000 model is a dual-stage under-counter system that uses advanced carbon block technology to reduce chlorine, lead, cysts, and VOCs. It also includes a sediment filter to remove particulates. The system is certified by NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53 and is designed for easy filter changes, with a filter life of up to six months.

Cost: $645.78, 1-year warranty

6. iSpring RCC7

iSpring manufactures affordable and efficient multi-stage filtration systems. The RCC7 is a five-stage RO system that removes over 1,000 contaminants, including chlorine, fluoride, lead, arsenic, hormones, and more. It features a clear housing for easy inspection of the first stage filter and high-capacity filters that ensure long-lasting performance. The system is NSF-certified and includes a brushed nickel faucet and a pressurized storage tank.

Cost: $206.79, 1-year manufacturer warranty with the option of paid extension

7. US-EZ-Change Under-Sink Drinking Water Filter

Culligan is known for user-friendly and effective filtration solutions. The US-EZ-4 model is an under-counter filter that uses a carbon block filter to reduce chlorine, lead, cysts, and VOCs. It includes a twist-on, twist-off mechanism for easy filter changes and is NSF-certified. The system is compact and easy to install, making it a great choice for those looking for an efficient and straightforward filtration solution.

These brands and models represent some of the best options available in the market for under counter water filters, each offering unique features and advantages to meet different household needs and preferences.

Cost: $97.99, 2-year limited warranty

What Are the Types of Under Counter Water Filters and Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right under sink water filtration system depends on your specific water quality concerns, such as the presence of certain contaminants, microbial issues, water hardness, or aesthetic preferences. Each method has its strengths and considerations, so selecting one that aligns with your needs ensures effective water purification tailored to your household. Here are the options available:

1. Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

• Process: Reverse osmosis filtration uses a semipermeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants from water. Water is forced through the membrane, which blocks molecules larger than water molecules, effectively filtering out impurities.
• Contaminants removed: RO systems are highly effective at removing dissolved solids, such as salts, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), fluoride, nitrates, and other contaminants.
• Advantages: Provides comprehensive filtration, improving both taste and odor of water. It's suitable for areas with poor water quality or where specific contaminants need removal.
• Considerations: RO systems typically have a lower water flow rate and waste water during the filtration process.

2. Carbon Filters

• Process: Carbon filters use activated carbon to adsorb impurities from water. Activated carbon has a large surface area that traps contaminants as water passes through.
• Contaminants removed: Effective at removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sediment, and some chemicals. It also improves the taste and odor of water.
• Advantages: Provides good filtration for common household contaminants and enhances the aesthetic qualities of water.
• Considerations: May require regular filter changes to maintain effectiveness, and the type of carbon used (block or granular) affects performance.

3. Ion Exchange Filters

• Process: Ion exchange involves exchanging ions in water with ions of a similar charge from the resin beads inside the filter. It's commonly used for water softening to remove calcium, magnesium, and other ions that cause hardness.
• Contaminants removed: Effective for reducing water hardness and scaling issues caused by dissolved minerals.
• Advantages: Improves the taste of water by reducing mineral content and prevents scale buildup in appliances like water heaters and coffee makers.
• Considerations: Requires regeneration of the resin beads periodically using salt or potassium chloride, and it doesn't remove other contaminants like chemicals or microorganisms.

4. Ultraviolet (UV) Filters

• Process: UV filters use ultraviolet light to disinfect water by inactivating and destroying the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in water.
• Contaminants removed: Effective at disinfecting water and eliminating microbial pathogens.
• Advantages: Provides chemical-free disinfection, maintaining water quality without altering its taste or odor.
• Considerations: Works in conjunction with other filtration methods as it doesn't physically remove particulate matter or chemicals.

5. Ultrafiltration Membrane (UF) Filters

• Process: Ultrafiltration uses a membrane with larger pores than RO membranes. It operates at a lower pressure, allowing water to pass through while trapping larger particles, colloids, and some microorganisms.
• Contaminants removed: Effective at removing bacteria, viruses, cysts, and particulate matter.
• Advantages: Provides a barrier against microbial contaminants without removing beneficial minerals, suitable for areas with microbiological concerns in water.
• Considerations: UF membranes require periodic cleaning and replacement to maintain efficiency.

What Certifications Should You Look for in a Reliable Filter?

When selecting an under sink water filter system, independent certifications are crucial for ensuring the product meets industry standards for performance, safety, and reliability. Here’s a closer look at the key certifications to consider:

1. NSF/ANSI Standards

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set rigorous standards for water treatment products. Filters certified under NSF/ANSI standards have undergone extensive testing to verify they effectively reduce specific contaminants. Key standards include:

• NSF/ANSI Standard 42: Focuses on aesthetic effects, ensuring the filter improves taste, odor, and appearance by reducing chlorine, particulates, and other impurities.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 53: Addresses health effects, certifying that the filter reduces contaminants with health risks, such as lead, cysts, VOCs, and heavy metals.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 58: Specifically for reverse osmosis systems, ensuring they effectively reduce a wide range of contaminants including arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, and more.
• NSF/ANSI Standard 401: Covers emerging contaminants, ensuring the filter reduces pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, and other newly recognized contaminants.

NSF/ANSI certification provides confidence that the filter will perform as advertised, effectively reducing harmful contaminants to improve water quality and safety.

2. Water Quality Association (WQA) Certification

The WQA is an independent organization that certifies water treatment products. WQA certification ensures the product meets rigorous performance and safety standards. WQA’s certification categories include:

• Gold Seal Certification: Indicates the product has been tested and validated to meet industry standards for material safety, structural integrity, and contaminant reduction performance.
• Sustainability Certification: Recognizes products designed with environmentally friendly practices, focusing on sustainability in manufacturing and operation.

WQA certification shows a commitment to quality and performance, ensuring the filter is reliable and safe for household use.

3. EPA WaterSense

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program labels products that are water-efficient and help conserve water while maintaining high performance.

It follows a certification criteria that includes:

• Water efficiency: Products must use at least 20% less water than standard models without sacrificing performance.
• Performance testing: Ensures products meet stringent criteria for water efficiency and performance, verified through independent testing.

EPA WaterSense certification helps consumers identify products that conserve water, reducing utility bills and environmental impact without compromising on quality.