A high-quality water filtration system removes contaminants, chemicals, and impurities to provide clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water. Whether you need a countertop, under-sink, whole-house, or pitcher filter, the right system can improve water quality and protect your health.
We researched and tested the best water filtration systems based on filtration efficiency, ease of installation, flow rate, and value to bring you the top picks for clean, healthy drinking water.
🏆 Best Overall: Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter
Best for high-performance filtration & long-lasting filters
💰 Price: $$$ | 🚰 Filter Type: Under Sink | ⏳ Filter Life: 6 months
Why We Picked It
- Removes 99% of lead, chlorine, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, & pesticides.
- High flow rate (0.5 gallons per minute) ensures no waiting for clean water.
- Long-lasting filters (replace only twice a year).
- No need for electricity or a water waste system.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Requires installation under the sink.
- Higher upfront cost than pitcher-style filters.
📌 Best for: Households looking for long-lasting, high-performance filtration without the need for a separate faucet.
🚰 Best Countertop Filtration: Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Best for removing heavy metals & fluoride without plumbing
💰 Price: $$$$ | 🚰 Filter Type: Countertop | ⏳ Filter Life: Up to 6,000 gallons
Why We Picked It
- Removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride.
- Doesn’t require electricity or plumbing—just fill and filter.
- Stainless steel design looks sleek & lasts a lifetime.
- Great for homes, off-grid use, or emergency preparedness.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Larger size requires counter space.
- Slower filtration process compared to direct-flow systems.
📌 Best for: Homes that need a powerful, gravity-fed water filter with no installation required.
💰 Best Budget Option: Brita Elite Water Pitcher
Best for easy, affordable water filtration
💰 Price: $$ | 🚰 Filter Type: Pitcher | ⏳ Filter Life: 120 gallons (about 6 months)
Why We Picked It
- Removes lead, chlorine, mercury, and some particulates.
- No installation required—just fill and pour.
- Slim design fits in most refrigerators.
- Affordable and widely available replacement filters.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Doesn’t filter fluoride, PFAS, or bacteria.
- Requires frequent refilling for large households.
📌 Best for: Renters, students, or anyone needing an affordable, space-saving water filtration option.
🏡 Best Whole-House Water Filter: SpringWell CF1 Whole House Filtration System
Best for filtering water for the entire home
💰 Price: $$$$$ | 🚰 Filter Type: Whole House | ⏳ Filter Life: 1,000,000 gallons
Why We Picked It
- Filters chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides & heavy metals.
- Lasts up to 1,000,000 gallons (5-10 years) with minimal maintenance.
- Doesn’t reduce water pressure—great for showers & faucets.
- Ideal for large families or homes with well water.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Expensive upfront cost.
- Requires professional installation.
📌 Best for: Homeowners who want clean, filtered water for the entire house, including showers & appliances.
💦 Best Reverse Osmosis System: APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System
Best for the purest water with maximum contaminant removal
💰 Price: $$$ | 🚰 Filter Type: Under Sink (Reverse Osmosis) | ⏳ Filter Life: 6-12 months
Why We Picked It
- Removes up to 99% of contaminants, including arsenic, lead, fluoride & chlorine.
- 5-stage filtration ensures the purest drinking water.
- Better taste and improved water clarity.
- Tested & certified for safety and efficiency.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Wastes some water during the filtration process.
- Lower flow rate than standard under-sink filters.
📌 Best for: Those who want the highest level of contaminant removal for drinking and cooking water.
🌱 Best for Alkaline Water: iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
Best for adding healthy minerals back into filtered water
💰 Price: $$$$ | 🚰 Filter Type: Under Sink (Reverse Osmosis + Alkaline Filter) | ⏳ Filter Life: 6-12 months
Why We Picked It
- Removes 99% of contaminants & restores essential minerals.
- 6-stage filtration process with added pH-balancing filter.
- Improves taste, clarity & water quality.
- Easy DIY installation with clear instructions.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
- Takes up more space under the sink than standard filters.
- Requires occasional filter replacements.
📌 Best for: Health-conscious users who want purified, pH-balanced alkaline drinking water.
🔎 The Bottom Line
| Water Filtration System | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana 3-Stage | Best Overall | Removes 99% of lead, long-lasting filters | Requires under-sink installation | $$$ |
| Big Berkey Filter | Best Countertop | No plumbing needed, removes fluoride & bacteria | Large size, slower filtration | $$$$ |
| Brita Elite Pitcher | Best Budget | Affordable, space-saving, easy use | Doesn’t remove fluoride or bacteria | $$ |
| SpringWell CF1 | Best Whole-House | 1,000,000-gallon lifespan, great for showers & drinking | Expensive, professional installation needed | $$$$$ |
| APEC ROES-50 | Best Reverse Osmosis | Removes up to 99% of contaminants | Wastes some water, lower flow rate | $$$ |
| iSpring RCC7AK | Best Alkaline Water | pH-balanced water, removes contaminants | Takes up under-sink space | $$$$ |
How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System for You
- For the best overall balance of filtration & ease of use → Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Filter.
- For a no-installation countertop option → Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter.
- For a budget-friendly, easy-to-use option → Brita Elite Water Pitcher.
- For whole-home water filtration → SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter.
- For the highest level of purity with reverse osmosis → APEC ROES-50 RO System.
- For alkaline water with essential minerals restored → iSpring RCC7AK Alkaline RO System.
✨ Which water filtration system best fits your needs? Let us know in the comments!