That strange hint of swimming pool taste in your tap water should be a warning. The chlorine mixed with the water coming into your home kills bacteria and protozoa. It’s not good for you or your family, and no one knows the long-term effects of drinking it.
Lately, I’ve noticed that countertop water filters are gaining in popularity due to their affordability, convenience, and effectiveness in removing harmful chemicals and contaminants from tap water. They offer a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen and are easy to install without requiring any plumbing changes.
People are becoming more aware of the potential health risks associated with drinking tap water, and countertop water filters provide a safe, great-tasting solution for access to clean and pure drinking water at home without the need for constant bottled water purchases and plastic waste.
Countertop water filters are a convenient way to create clean, chemical-free water to drink or cook with. They easily fit onto any kitchen counter, giving you quick access to daily clean drinking water. There is no plumbing to hook up; pour in the dirty water and pour out the clean.
As someone in the water industry for over 30 years, I know how important it is to have clean and pure drinking water. During my time in the industry, I’ve had the opportunity to consult with many water brands and experts, and I’m familiar with nearly all brands of water filters.
In today’s round-up review of the best countertop water filters, I’ll share my expertise and provide a comprehensive guide to help you decide which will be best for you and your family or business office. By combining my knowledge and the insights of other industry experts, I’ll explore the top-rated models side-by-side so you can see the ones that can deliver the clean and safe drinking water you deserve. So, let’s get started!
The Advantages of Countertop Water Filter
- Better Tasting Water
- Healthier Water Sources
- Easier Installation
- Saves Money
- Easy to Maintain
Better Tasting Water
Water without chemicals tastes better. Chlorine is the top source of poor-tasting water with its bitter metallic flavor. A countertop water filter removes that taste.
Healthier Water Sources
Water devoid of lead, magnesium, calcium, and pharmaceuticals is just better for you. You won’t ingest these hidden chemicals if your filter traps them first.
Easier Installation
Reviews of the best countertop water filter on the market all have similarities. Put the filter on the countertop, plug it in, fill it with water, push the button, wait a few minutes, and have pristine natural water. Installation is easy because there is none.
Saves Money
Buying bottled water can be expensive and arduous, and when you run out, it’s time to haul those heavy jugs back to the store or to call your delivery service. A countertop filter provides water on demand, with no waiting, no lift, just clean water.
Easy to Maintain
The maintenance of a countertop water filter is simple. Pour the tap water in, let the machine work. Pour the clean water out, and pour the waste product down the drain.
Best Countertop Water Filter Reviews
I’ve reviewed dozens of countertop water filters over the years and here is a summary of my Top 10 this year, along with a comprehensive buying guide to help make your decision-making process as smooth as possible.
In this countertop water filter buyer guide, you will learn:
- Which countertop filters are best or removing the most common containments in tap water
- The main considerations you should think about
- Side-by-side comparisons of popular countertop brands and models
1. Big Berkey Countertop Water Filter (Best Countertop Gravity Water Filter)
After testing dozens of models over the last 10 years, I am thrilled to recommend the Big Berkey Countertop Filter as our #1 pick for a countertop water filter. This amazing gravity-fed water filter is great for cabins and camping trips and an excellent option for everyday use in your home, especially if you have a small family.
One of the best things about the Big Berkey Countertop Filter is its portability and lack of dependence on a power source. This means you can take it with you on car trips or to places where clean water is not readily available. The kit comes with two purification elements, but it can hold up to four at a time, making it a flexible and versatile choice for any situation.
This filter is also incredibly effective at removing impurities from water. It can remove up to 99.999% of viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, trihalomethanes, and other inorganic materials. Plus, with a lifespan of up to 6,000 gallons, you won’t have to replace the purification elements often.
While the filter must be primed, the company offers an optional primer at an additional cost. Proper maintenance is essential for the filter’s success, but if maintained correctly, it will provide a steady and reliable flow of clean water. With a 6-month warranty, you can trust that this filter will last long. Overall, the Big Berkey Countertop Filter is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality countertop water filter.
If you want to learn more about the Big Berkey Water Filter, you can read the complete review by clicking here.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: 2-4 People Each Day
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Capacity: 3.25 Gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.07 Gallons Per Minute
- Certifications: NSF 53
- Filtering Media: Carbon & Ion Exchange
- Cost Per Year: $50 on average per 4-person family
Why I Love It (Pros)
This low-key water filter will consistently output clean, good-tasting water. It is portable and does not need power to work.
Keep In Mind (Cons)
The filter will need to be maintained on a fairly regular basis. The filters will need to be primed and cleaned. The tools required for maintenance are an added cost.
Alternatives to Berkey (WaterDrop King Tank)
While I love my Berkey, I also tested the King Tank from WaterDrop and found it reliable (filters out almost all the same containments as Berkey) and is a less pricy alternative.
So if you want to save a few bucks on this type of countertop filter, check out the King Tank.
Also, use Coupon Code: WFC2023 to save an additional 10%.
Big Berkey vs. AquaTru Classic
| Feature | Big Berkey | AquaTru |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Technology | Gravity-fed | Reverse Osmosis |
| Capacity | 2.25 – 4.5 gallons | 1 gallon |
| Filtration Performance | Removes viruses, bacteria, inorganic material, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and trihalomethanes. | Removes up to 99% of contaminants including lead, chlorine, and arsenic. |
| Portability | Portable, no power source needed | Portable, needs power source |
| Installation | No installation needed | Needs to be connected to a power source and a water source |
| Maintenance | Requires priming and regular cleaning | Easy to maintain and replace filters |
| Cost | Typically less expensive | Typically more expensive |
| Overall Rating | #1 rated system in best countertop filter list | #2 rated system in best countertop filter list |
⭐ 2. AquaTru – Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filtration System Review (Best RO Countertop)
So I tested the AquaTru Portable Water Filter System for two weeks and can attest to its effectiveness. This countertop water filter utilizes reverse osmosis technology to remove up to 99% of harmful contaminants, including arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, fluoride, copper, lead, and radium.
While it may not be my top pick, I still rank it as my #2 rated system in my best countertop filter list this year. The filter has a capacity of up to 90 gallons per day, making it suitable for families, and can be moved around for use in apartments or homes.
The device handles three quarts of water at a time, takes up very little countertop space with a small footprint of 14x12x14 inches, and best of all, the water it produces tastes great.
The AquaTru is designed to removed lead, arsenic, carcinogens, chromium, and drug residue, in addition to the standard threats of calcium, chlorine, and bacteria.
Installation is simple, requiring the system to be hooked up to your faucet and for water to be run through it. It works great for apartments or homes and is portable, allowing it to be moved around. However, it can only be connected to a standard faucet, so those with a hose or sprayer must replace their faucet before using this product.
The system does produce wastewater, called brine water, but this can be repurposed for other household tasks. While the filtration process may slow down water flow, this is common for most filtration systems, particularly those utilizing reverse osmosis.
For those with water pressure ranging from 40 to 80 psi, this is an excellent option for improving the quality of their drinking water. Whether you are an individual or part of a family, the AquaTru Portable Water Filter System is an effective and convenient solution.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Apartments
- Certifications: NSF 42, 52, 58
- Capacity: 1000 Gallons on average
- Filter Type: Reverse Osmosis
- Tank: .75 gallon
Why I Love It (Pros)
Reverse osmosis is a very effective type of filter. This is easy to set up and maintain and has a good volume output.
Keep In Mind (Cons)
A bit bigger than other models I have reviewed in the past.
The AquaTru is easy to use, with quick-release twist-and-seal filters. The futuristic design can purify a gallon of tap water in just 12 to 15 minutes.
Andrew Miles
3. Brondell H2O+ Countertop Water Filtration System Review (Best in-line Countertop Model)
An innovative three-filter design provides quality filtration without the time constraints of smaller reverse osmosis systems.
The Bronell H20 is a continuous flow filtering system that attaches directly to a faucet, providing as much water as you need without the sometimes cumbersome filling and emptying the reservoir from a standalone countertop system.
The three-stage filtering system is a patented Nanotrap technology, a process usually found in much more expensive under-the-counter filtering systems.
The small 11.5×4.25×11 inch design takes up only a little of your countertop space but provides an enormous supply of water.
Simple installation in under 10 minutes and an equally easy replacement filter make this a solid piece of equipment for people worried about the pollutants arriving from their municipal water supply.
The three-step process begins with the composite plus filter. This two-step filter traps rust, fine particles, organic material, and sand. It acts as a pre-filtering agent to screen out all the large particles that can flow into your home.
The nanotech filter is the second stage. Composed of cellulose and alumina fiber, it traps particles down to two microns. This clears your water, reducing turbidity.
The final carbon block filter reduces odor, bad taste, and is the final defense against contaminants such as chlorine, organic compounds, and microscopic particulates.
The composite and carbon filters need replacement every six months, while the recommended replacement interval for the nanotech filter is a year.
The filtering process is effective against bacteria and other waterborne organisms but doesn’t affect hard water.
If you have hard water with heavy iron, calcium, or magnesium content, this three process, the physical filter, will not remove or reduce the hard water levels. That’s the job of a water softener in large quantities or for a reverse osmosis system.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Home or Office
- Color: White
- Material: Plastic
- Flow Rate: 0.2 – 1.0 gallons/min
- Item Weight: 2.99 pounds
Keep In Mind
This three-filter device does not produce distilled water as a reverse osmosis system does, but it is effective at removing smells, harmful contaminants, and bacteria from a water supply.
The advantages are easy to see. This is a low-cost, high-volume filter that is easy to attach, and provides long shelf life with low-cost replacement filters.
4. RKIN Zero Installation Purifier Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Review
Seventy-five gallons daily, from a countertop reverse osmosis filtration, is all you need to know about the AlcaPure by RKIN. This high-capacity countertop filtration system approaches the production level of full home units but at a fraction of the cost.
Weighing just 23 pounds, with a footprint of 14.5×9.5×16.25 this compact unit is a workhorse.
It comes in two varieties, one the AlcaPure edition for countertop alkaline water filter, and the OnliPure edition for zero TDS water.
Both units function the same, they’re just specifically designed to handle the additional challenges water in the PH7 to PH8 alkaline range can present.
This system is small enough to work in any kitchen, it fits compactly in apartments, and it’s even small enough to take with you in your RV.
The supply tank of the unit is located in the front for easy access. Its height allows it to fit under most kitchen cabinets on top of the lower cabinets.
This unit removes chlorine, lead, magnesium, and calcium from water. It is also effective at removing fluoride, other heavy metals, bacteria, and dissolved pharmaceutical drugs which by be dissolved in your municipal water supply.
There is no assembly required, the unit is filled with water by a jug from the tap. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a half-gallon of pristine water. The system works similarly to a coffee maker.
The four-stage process ensures the best-tasting, odor-free water you’ve ever experienced.
Stage one allows the water to pass through a five-micron sediment filter. This removes large particles such as rust, sand, and sediment.
In the second stage, a coconut-based activated carbon block filter removes chemicals, pesticides, and other dangerous dissolved solids floating in your water.
The third stage is the reverse osmosis membrane. The system can produce an impressive 75 gallons of purified water per day.
The final stage applies AlcaPure’s patented post-filtering system. In this final step, calcium, magnesium, and other metals common to highly alkaline water are filtered out via an ion exchange process.
The resulting water is pure, odorless, chemically free PH balanced.
5. WaterChef C7000 Premium Countertop Water Filter System 1,000 Gallon Review
The WaterChef C7000 is the least expensive of the countertop water filters we’ve reviewed here. Its easy-to-use design lets a homeowner connect the filter directly to the kitchen faucet.
Not a reverse osmosis filter, but rather a series of physical filters, this device can still remove many of the harmful chemicals found in municipal water supplies.The C7000 removes 99+% of lead in your incoming water.
Weighing just 3.6 pounds, with a dimension of 6.75×4.75×10 inches, this is the lightest and smallest of the countertop water filters we’ve reviewed.
It has a filtering capacity of .75 gallons per minute. It will slow your faucet flow, but the water coming out of it will be vastly superior to the incoming municipal water.
It comes with a pre-installed filter, a battery, and a diverter valve assembly. The built-in mechanism warns you when it is time to install a new filter.
This is not a reverse osmosis filter so some of the chemicals that the reverse osmosis process filters will get through this system. The most notable is fluoride.
Because of its small footprint, many RV users take this unit on the road. It is even popular with boat owners. The filtering system works well with questionable water while camping or boating, providing clean, safe water for you to use.
Keep In Mind
Another common application for the C7000 is to place one in the kitchen, the laundry room, and every bathroom with a sink. The low cost and high function make it a perfect addition to any home water supply.
All you need is a pressurized water supply, the provided hose, an adapter, and open space on your counter, the C7000 does all the rest. Great tasting, safe water is just a few minutes away after this unit arrives.
6. APEX Quality Countertop Drinking Water Filter Review
Highlighted Features
The APEX countertop filter has many features that any homeowner would love. The chance to match your new filter to the rest of your kitchen is not always possible with other models, which made this system stand out from the start. We were impressed with the system’s flow rate; many times, with water filtration systems of all types, you will see a large decrease in water flow rate.
While there was some decrease in the APEX system, it was not noticeable enough to mention I had complaints about it.
The most important aspect of a countertop filter is its ability to do what it was made to do, filter. The APEX system removed large amounts of fluoride, chlorine, and other traceable heavy metals like lead. The water smelled and tasted much better than before.
The APEX is a solid solution if you are battling common tap water issues like chlorine smells, limescale build-up, or heavy metal.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Apartments or Homes
- Capacity: 750 Gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.75 Gallons Per Minute
- Stage: 5-stage
- Key Features: NSF Certified
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
7. iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System Review
Highlighted Features
No matter which water filtration system type you are investigating, iSpring will always have a quality and reliable product. This countertop system is no exception.
The size of the countertop system is excellent if you are short on counter space. It is around 10″ tall and should fit almost any space.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Renters and Homeowners
- Included Components: Housing, faucet, filter
- Purification Method: Reverse Osmosis System, Carbon Block
- Filter Life: 6 Months
- Filtration Material: Carbon Block
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
9. Cleanwater4less Countertop Water Filtration System Review
Highlighted Features
The unique water delivery system of this countertop unit stuck out to us. By attaching the water diverter to your existing faucet, the water flows up through 5 stages of filtering and out of the chrome faucet. The chrome faucet features a black rubberized endcap that will help stop the build-up of any bacteria that can form when water is tuck in the faucet.
One thing I liked about this countertop filter was how long the water line is from the faucet diverter to the actual unit. This makes it easy to place the countertop filter anywhere you would like and get into the perfect place on your counter.
When it comes to filtering properties, the system removes chlorine with the best of them, and you can expect great tasting water due to the activated media stage of filtration.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Easy-to-Clean
- Capacity: 10 Gallons
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Flow Rate: 1 GPM
- Stage: 5-stage
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
10. Home Master Sinktop Water Filtration System Review
Highlighted Features
The Home Master system is unique to our list because it is the first connected countertop option. If you have just a few extra inches on your countertop and are looking for a simple and affordable water filter, this could be your choice.
Installing the system is extremely simple; the water line attachment makes it quick. Once you have installed the waterline, you only need to twist the included dedicated tap and have a reserved freshwater system on your countertop.
The filter does an admirable job of removing contaminants, and you will see a reduction of about 93% when removing fluoride. It uses three different filter types, and they all have something they specialize in removing. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium will remain in your water supply while the contaminants are removed.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Any Rental Home
- Feed Water: PSI 20 – 90 PSI
- Height: 12 inche
- Flow Rate: 1 GPM
- Stage: Multi-stage
What We Like: