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WATER FILTER CAST
  • Water Softeners
    • Whole House Filter + Softener Combos
    • Water Softener for Well Water With Iron
    • Salt-Free Water Softeners
  • 💦 Water Filtration
    • Reverse Osmosis Systems
    • Whole House Water Filters
    • Best Water Ionizers
    • Best Water Filter Pitchers
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    • By Contaminants
      • Alkaline Water Filters
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Reverse Osmosis

Best Reverse Osmosis Systems 2023 Edition (Reviews + Buyer Guide)

Written ByAndrew Miles Updated onJune 6, 2023

If you are searching for healthy, great-tasting, and safe drinking water at your home, investigating a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration system is a great place to start. Homeowners worldwide are turning to RO systems for their everyday water needs and for a good reason. At an affordable price point, a RO system is a safe and effective solution for any homeowner.

Best Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse Osmosis uses force to push water through a membrane and into a holding tank. The membrane acts as a buffer to remove toxins and contaminants from the water while letting clean and pure water through to the holding tank. One of the reasons RO systems are so popular is because of their adaptability.

Some systems can be installed directly to your home’s primary water source and provide quality water to every water supply in your home, which is a beautiful benefit. Other systems are smaller and designed to work with your current kitchen faucet to provide purified water for drinking, cleaning, and cooking.

No matter what size system you are looking for, we are confident that this guide will help you drill down the best reverse osmosis system for you. Everybody has different needs regarding their water supply, just like each home’s water is unique.

By following our step-by-step guide, you will learn everything you need (and more) about RO water systems.

Table of Contents
  • Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Reviews
    • 1. Waterdrop G3P600 RO Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System – (Best Countertop RO)
    • 2. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Reverse Osmosis System – (Best Under Sink)
    • 3. APEC Water Systems 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
    • 4. iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Water Filter System
    • 5. PureDrop Under Sink 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration
    • 6. iSpring RCC7AK-UV 75GPDUnder-Sink Reverse Osmosis
      • Our Test Results:
      • What We Like:
      • What We Didn't Like:
    • 7. Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
    • 8. iSpring RCS5T 500GPD Commercial Tankless Reverse Osmosis
    • 9. Whirlpool WHER25 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration System
    • 10. Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis Systems
  • What is a Reverse Osmosis Filtering System?
  • How Does a Reverse Osmosis System Work?
  • Reverse Osmosis Water Benefits and Risks
    • Benefits
    • Risks
  • Reverse Osmosis Bottled Water vs. RO Machine
  • Why Do I Need a Reverse Osmosis System?
  • How Do I Choose a Reverse Osmosis System?
    • Water Demand and Usage
    • Storage Tank
    • Alkaline Re-Mineralizer
    • Water Pressure
    • Semi-Permeable Membrane
    • Water Purity
    • Leak-Free Protection Fittings
    • Ease of Installation
    • Replacement Filters
    • Electric Booster Pumps
    • Drain Ratio
    • Tanked Or Tankless
    • Filter Size
  • How Do I Install a RO Purifier?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What substances do reverse osmosis systems remove?
    • Does the RO system pose any risks to your health?
    • Do all reverse osmosis systems remove fluoride?
    • Do you reverse osmosis systems waste a lot of water?
    •  How long does a reverse osmosis system last?
    •  Can I install a reverse osmosis system myself?
  • Conclusion

Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Reviews


1. Waterdrop G3P600 RO Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System – (Best Countertop RO)

Waterdrop-RO-Reverse
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Highlighted Features

  • This is a tankless RO system.
  • The filters are made of a composite material that will remove thousands of toxins.
  • It can produce over 600 gallons of water per day.
  • It is certified by NSF/ANSI for standard 58 and standard 372.

I think Waterdrop has a winner on their hands with the G3P600 they also have a G3P800 model, which can handle up to 800 gallons per day. It is an extremely user-friendly water filtration system thanks to its easy filter removal and color-coded filter labeling system.

Each filter has a dedicated job to do when it comes to filtering the water, and the filter labels identify what that is, and they each have a unique color. With five different filters, it would be easy to confuse them with one another; if that were to happen, you would not have the best filtering performance.

In addition to user-friendly attributes, the brushed nickel faucet looks modern and luxurious. The RO system has a few safety filters built-in to avoid leaks, and the included RO tank stand ensures that the tank will stay upright, avoiding massive issues.

The tank is sleek and does not take up much space under your sink. The 600 gallons of water it produces a day is massive as well. The average adult only needs around 1 gallon/day to stay fresh.

What We Like:

  • The 600-gallon production limit is BY FAR the best we have seen.
  • The amount of wastewater the Waterdrop system produces is the least of any RO systems we have tested.
  • The filters can be changed by turning the exterior knob of the system; it takes about 3 seconds.
  • An LED ring on the faucet will shine blue when everything is working and red when filters need replacing.
  • It is tankless, and because of this, it will fit anywhere you need.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • This system is very heavy! Some elderly people may have trouble moving it.
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2. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Reverse Osmosis System – (Best Under Sink)

Home Master TMAFC-ERP
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Highlighted Features

  • This Reverse Osmosis (RO) System includes a 7-stage filtration system that will remove up to 98% of contaminants that are commonly found in tap water.
  • The dedicated chrome faucet has clean finishes and looks great on any countertop.
  • The system was designed to be installed by the homeowner, and the kit comes with everything you need to install quickly.
  • The filters will last 2,000 gallons of water, equal to one year of normal usage.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration systems are among the most popular choices for homeowners. The Home Master TMAFC is one of the highest-rated filters in the class. The system’s overall design will work for any kitchen; it is small and compact for a RO system while still providing all the key benefits one should expect from a RO system.

The 7-Stage filtration system greatly filters out all the common water contaminants you will find in municipal water supplies. By combining the features of Reverse Osmosis with 7 specific stages of filtering, you will notice an immediate improvement in the water’s taste, clarity, and odor.

The easy installation of the RO System is one of its most popular characteristics. Many folks get nervous about installing anything in their home, but plumbing can be something that people avoid at all costs. With the Home Master system, you should have no fear! It was designed with the consumer in mind, and we are confident that this is one of the easiest DIY water filter installations that you can find.

What We Like:

  • The instructions for installing are clear and concise. Home Master is known for their technical support, and our experiences with their technical support have been amazing.
  • This RO system is the perfect size for most homes. Between the 7-stage filtration system and the RO tank, it will fit under any sink still.
  • It is easy to change the filters, and they also last exceptionally long. Changing the filters requires no tools; the filters will stay around 2000 gallons of water.
  • RO systems are designed to discharge water that has gone through the process. With Home Master’s non-electric pump, water waste is reduced by 50%-80% compared to other models.
  • The flow rate stays strong and steady throughout the life of the filters. Many RO systems struggle with flow rate but not this one!

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The included bracket for mounting the filter housing is weak and flimsy.
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3. APEC Water Systems 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System

APEC-Water-System
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Highlighted Features

  • It uses a combination of reverse osmosis (RO) and six filtering stages, including an alkaline stage.
  • The system can produce 75 gallons of water per day (GPD.)
  • There is an included 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
  • It includes a brushed nickel faucet that is 100% lead-free.

I cannot say enough good things about the APEC Alkaline system. The installation is smooth, and the added instructions were detailed and very easy to follow.

The six filtration stages do an excellent job of removing various contaminants and even tackle total dissolved solids! The additional pH level from the alkaline filter was measurable in water testing and made the water taste great!

The reverse osmosis tank is small enough to fit under most sinks and quietly refreshes itself. The alkaline filter that was supposed to add minerals to the water did just that as our calcium levels grew after water testing.

There is a reason why the APEC system is so highly rated all over the world; it is a quality product and is easy to maintain.

What We Like:

  • Installation was straightforward, and the water lines feature quick-connect fittings that were easy to use.
  • The maximum capacity of 75 GPD is a lot and plenty for any home.
  • The alkaline filter is noticeable right away as the water tastes amazing.
  • Two carbon filter blocks purify water before it reaches the rest of the filters. This elongates filter life and adds another cleaning factor.
  • Water testing showed a reduction in total dissolved solids (TDS), which is not common for under-sink units.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The amount of wastewater from the RO system was more than I was expecting.
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4. iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Water Filter System

iSpring-RCC7AK
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Highlighted Features

  • It features six stages of filtration and re-mineralization.
  • There is an included European-style brushed faucet.
  • The RO membrane can remove contaminants to down 0.0001 Microns.
  • The housing of the filters is transparent, allowing you to view them always.

iSpring has a long list of reverse osmosis systems for us, and the RCC7AK 6-Stage filter proved a great choice for many homes. The six unique stages of filtering re-mineralization greatly remove impurities and total dissolved solids from your water.

We especially liked that the filters are long-lasting and very easy to change in and out. Installation is made easy because the iSpring system includes multiple thread fittings so that your existing water line can easily be attached to the RO system.

What We Like:

  • The maximum capacity is 75 gallons per day, which is excellent for an under-sink unit.
  • It will remove TDS up to 750 ppm. This is a nice feature as many RO systems remove TDS, but not to this extent.
  • We liked the size of the RO system; it fits nicely under the sink.
  • Out of all the RO systems that come with a dedicated faucet, this one is by far the most elegant and nicest faucet.
  • The system install was very easy.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The wastewater was more than I was hoping.
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5. PureDrop Under Sink 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Filtration

PureDrop-RTW5

Highlighted Features

  • It can produce 50 gallons of water per day.
  • For every gallon of purified water, it produces, there are 3 gallons of wastewater.
  • The system includes quick-connect fittings for easy water line attachment.
  • Five different filtration stages remove over 99% of contaminants.

Installing the PureDrop RO system was a joy. They took the time and detail to ensure that each word in the instruction manual made sense, and it would have been hard to screw up this install.
The quick-connect fittings are a game-changer, in my opinion. They are easy to connect, and they are going to protect against any leaks that may occur.

All the materials are made up of food-grade parts, and I feel like this will help combat bacteria build-up over time in the water lines. The five filtering stages effectively remove impurities, and the water tastes great.

What We Like:

  • All the filters and their housing are made from BPA-Free materials.
  • The quick-connect fittings are amazing. They made installation easy, and I do not see any leaks coming.
  • The tank that comes with the PureDrop system is taller and skinnier than most RO tanks, but if you have space, it is great for saving space.
  • The faucet that is included looks great and is fully functional.
  • We LOVED that the system came with extra replacement filters.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Three gallons of wastewater is not ideal.
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6. iSpring RCC7AK-UV 75GPDUnder-Sink Reverse Osmosis

iSpring RCC7AK-UV

Highlighted Features

  • It combines seven different stages of filtration and an alkaline filter.
  • There is a UV light sterilization process that occurs in the holding tank.
  • It can increase your water’s pH level to 11.
  • It effectively removes contaminants in water 40-100 degrees (F.)

The iSpring system is back on our list, but this time it improved the final stage of water purifying. While water is in the holding tank, an ultra-bright UV light is shining down on your water, killing any sneaky little toxins that could have made their way through the filtering. This results in some of the best-tasting water we have tested.

The European-Style brushed nickel faucet looks great and is highly functional. Too often, manufacturers will include a cheaply made faucet, which ruins the experience for many people. You will not have that issue with this iSpring product or any other. You should not be concerned about installing this system; it was straightforward.

This economical water filter and softener system is America’s favorite brand of water filtration system. It is based on a 5-stage reverse osmosis system and mounted under the sink for easy storage and fitting.

It removes up to 99 % of contaminants, including lead, chloride, arsenic, asbestos etc. The system can easily be installed by yourself with all parts included and clear, easy to follow instructions and videos.

To fit, attach the tubing to quick-fitting connectors and lock. No threading pipes are needed. Water enters the system through a series of filters. The first is a PP sediment filter. Next is the Carbon KDF (GAC) filter, and finally, a carbon block (CTO) filter.

These remove large contaminants and protect the RO membrane from chlorine and other chemicals. Next, is the RO filter which removes particles down to 0.0001 microns, ensuring that your water is as pure as possible. Water then passes through a final GAC filter before arriving at the faucet. This gives you bottled quality water with no hardness and no sodium.

Our Test Results:

  • iSpring RCC7 meets recognized industry standards
  • Noticeable improvement in the quality of drinking water.
  • Filters are very reasonably priced, unlike those of competitors.
  • Prices haven’t noticeably changed over the last 6 years.
  • Filters can be used longer than 6 months if needed without sacrificing quality.
  • Great customer service with professional, speedy resolution of issues.
  • Filters require maintenance and attention, particularly if you live in an area of high chlorine levels

What We Like:

  • Certified to NSF/ANSI 58- The system goes through rigorous testing for air leaks, pressure, and cycle resistance to maintain premium quality and high-performance standards.
  • Rated for up to 75 gallons per day giving you plenty of clean drinking water on demand
  • Premium quality components for a reliable, low maintenance service
  • Specialist support just a phone call away
  • Clear see-through 1st stage housing so you can easily inspect the filter
  • Made from beautiful European designed brushed nickel

What We Didn’t Like:

  • A few issues with parts have been reported but customer services quickly resolved these.
  • Filters require maintenance and attention and changing more often than the manufacturer recommends if you live in an area with high chlorine levels.
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7. Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Express Water Reverse

Highlighted Features

  • The Express System combines 5 stages of filtering and a small but efficient Reverse Osmosis (RO tank).
  • A 360-degree swivel chrome faucet is included, allowing for a flow rate of 0.8 gallons per minute, which is among the best.
  • The system easily fits under the sink, even with the larger Reverse Osmosis (RO) tank that can accommodate 50 gallons per day.

When it comes to installing and inserting the filters into the Express Water System, it simply could not be easier thanks to Express’s easy-to-read and detailed filter labels. Each filter is clearly marked with an abbreviation that tells you the filter’s micron rating and a number that tells you which stage of the filtering process it goes.

The filters are easy to change out, too! An included water tank stand keeps the tank upright and safe from spills or other disasters.

In addition to simple-to-use filters, the Express system does a wonderful job of removing several contaminants found in many water supplies. In total, 108 major contaminants will be removed throughout the RO process and 5 stage filtration process.

The first 3 stages of the process do a great job removing sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants that cause odors and poor tastes. The 4ths stage is the one that does the heavy lifting; it grabs the fluoride, TDS, and other small micron elements.

The Express System can produce over 50 gallons of purified water in a day. Thanks to the dedicated faucet, this should easily accommodate the drinking water and cooking needs of everyone in your home.

What We Like:

  • When it detects water or moisture where it should not be, there is a leak stop valve that will shut off the water supply to avoid further leakage.
  • We appreciate it when companies provide a well-built faucet with their under-sink systems. This is a nice faucet that can swivel 360-degrees and has a solid flow rate.
  • When it comes time to replace the filters, the color-coded and abbreviated filters could not be easier.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • We were hoping to see a further deduction in TDS counts.
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8. iSpring RCS5T 500GPD Commercial Tankless Reverse Osmosis

iSpring RCS5T 500GPD

Highlighted Features

  • 5-Stage filtration removes 99.99% of contaminants, including fluoride.
  • Uses a tankless reverse osmosis (RO) system.
  • It has a built-in boosting pump that maximizes RO production.
  • There is a chrome faucet included for dedicated countertop access.

For over ten years, iSpring has been a staple within the filtration community, and products like this are the reason why.

Many RO systems need holding tanks and take up a lot of space. But the iSpring RCS5T uses a pump and water discharge system, which saves space and still provides all the benefits of a RO system.

The 5-Stage filtering system has unique levels that each target a different type of contaminant. Starting with the sediment removing layer and ending with a carbon filter, your water will come out clean, odorless, and pure.

The included chrome faucet is one of the nicest optional faucets we have seen and is a great addition to your sink and countertops.

What We Like:

  • The multi-stage filtering system removes all contaminant types.
  • The filter life is solid; they last for up to 2,600 gallons of water before needing to be replaced.
  • Removes total dissolved solids (TDS), which are rare in under sink filters.
  • If you decide to use the included faucet, it is made from high-quality parts and looks luxurious.
  • The installation was simple, truly anybody can install this water filter for fluoride.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The flow rate was greatly reduced when running cold water through the filter.
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9. Whirlpool WHER25 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration System

Whirlpool WHER25

Highlighted Features

  • It has three unique filtration stages.
  • It is designed to remove chlorine and other common tap water contaminants.
  • An indicator light lets you know when filters need to be replaced.
  • The filters have a 6-month life and are installed with a simple twist.

Whirlpool is one of the most trusted names in household appliances, and they have entered the reverse osmosis water filter game with an affordable, effective product.

The three stages of filtering are less than multiple competitors, but water testing proved that this system can still hang.

The filters are some of the easiest we have installed to this point. The twist-lock technology is simple, but it feels solid, and I do not believe that any leaks will be happening. The filters have a long lifespan and will not require changing very often. The LED indicator light gives you peace of mind, as well.

What We Like:

  • The filters are some of the longest-lasting we have reviewed so far.