Best Water Purifier Reviews [2024 Edition]– Survival Experts Weigh In

Water is an essential element on the planet. We rely on it for so many things that compromising your water quality can affect your health and happiness. Luckily for us, thousands of different systems on the market today can effectively purify water.

Regardless of your budget, lifestyle, or space constraints, there will be a water purifier for you. Water purifier companies are engineering dozens of different styles of water purifiers that fit your personality and lifestyle; you just need to know where to look!

This guide will show you all the ins and outs of water purifiers. I will help you investigate the different types you can choose from, along with some key factors to look out for when searching for the best water purifier for you. Whether you are an adventurer trying to bring the water purifier with you or are simply looking to improve the quality of your drinking water at home, we have the know-how and guidance to find the water purifier for you.

Best water purifier Reviews

1. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Fluoride, Lead Filter

A water filtering pitcher is the most economical way to get clean drinking water. A few years ago, there are few options, but now thanks to Aquagear, we have another filtering pitcher! I love that these pitchers are so simple and easy. Just pop the filter into place, fill it up and let gravity (and the filter do their thing).

Aquagear prides itself on its filter’s ability to remove over 2000% more contaminants than its competition.

Combining these facts and the company’s overall mission of a more sustainable planet makes this Aquagear filtering pitcher a great option. Small enough to hide unnoticed in the corner of the fridge, this water filtering pitcher does not take up space but still holds enough water to keep you hydrated all day.

Read my detailed review of this Aquagear Water Pitcher

Additional Specification

• Best For: Heath & Sustainability
• Color: Clear
• Brand Name: Aquagear
• Item Weight: 3.02 pounds
• Flow Rate: 15-20 Minutes for 8 Cups

Why We Love It

• The filter is small enough to fit easily into the refrigerator without taking up much space.
• The installation of the filters was fast and straightforward.
• Water testing showed that after filtration, fluoride and other trace elements were greatly reduced.
• The filter life is MUCH longer than other water pitches like the Aquagear.

Keep In Mind

After a few weeks, the filter takes a very long time to complete.

2. HQUA-OWS-12 Ultraviolet Water Purifier Sterilizer Filter

This UV light sterilizer will bring you there if you want to take your whole house water supply to the next level. Designed to work best with another water filtration system, this sterilizer will remove anything that finds its way through the filtering process.

This sterilizer has virtually no additional maintenance, which provides homeowners peace of mind.

Bacteria and microbes are difficult for many water filters to remove, but it is proven that a UV light filter and sterilizer can remove that pesky bacterium. The power chord is over 3 feet long, making it easy to fit into any space.

The smart controller will give the homeowner full visibility of their system status and lets you know with a loud beep when there is a fault.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Whole House
• Color: Silver
• Brand Name: HQUA
• Item Weight: 7.9 Pounds
• Flow Rate: ‎12 Gallons Per Minute

Why We Love It

• This system will sterilize pre-treated water and make it healthier, producing some of the best water possible.
• An LED light lets you know the system’s status and ensures all is working correctly.
• There is very little maintenance with this sterilizer. The quartz sleeve needs to be cleaned a few times yearly and replaced every two years.

Keep In Mind

To get the most out of the sterilizer, there are many requirements that the water must obtain that require a separate filter.

3. Woder WD-S-8K-DC Water Filtration System – WQA Certified

One of my favorite things about this filter is that the faucet’s flow rate is not affected at all! That trait alone is worth its weight in gold for me. The Wonder under-sink filtering system is a small, sleek system that fits under your sink without taking away any precious storage space. Installation was simple, and filter changes will not provide any headaches down the road either.

Combine the system’s simplicity with the fact that it is a WQA-certified system for lead removal, and you have the total package! We trust the WQA, but we had to check the lead levels ourselves since we run independent testing. Sure enough, there was a noticeable reduction in the lead, other heavy metals, and chlorine.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Longest Life
• Color: White
• Brand Name: Woder
• Item Weight: 2.82 Pounds
• Flow Rate: ‎2 Gallons Per Minute

Why We Love It

• One of the simplest units I have ever seen, it is truly maintenance-free after installation.
• The Wonder model claims to remove harmful contaminants but leaves healthy minerals, and according to my water testing, this was true.
• The small size was easy to install under the sink and is not noticeable at all.
• Water testing revealed a decrease in several different water-based contaminants, including lead!

Keep In Mind

• It does not work well with water supplies coming from a well.
• It is not as effective on warm water; water should be cold to see the best effect.

4. Engdenton Faucet Water Purifier Reduce Chlorine

The first thing I noticed about this faucet filter was the quality of the materials. It is constructed entirely of stainless steel and looks great in your kitchen.

Regarding performance, the 320-gallon filter life is near the top of the spectrum regarding filtering longevity. The activated carbon filter is a nice feature. It inhibits bacteria growth around the filter and removes metals and sediments from your water supply.

Another feature I liked was the 360-degree rotating faucet head that you can easily move. It makes it easy to clean any dish you need, or my favorite part, fill a large water bottle that would not fit underneath it otherwise. There is a lot to like about the Engdenton filter; it does a great job of removing the water’s toxins and looks good.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Home
• Color: Silver
• Brand Name: Engdenton
• Item Weight: 1.48 pounds
• Flow Rate: ‎3 Liters Per Minute

Why We Love It

• The filter life one of the longest on our list, which saves money in the long run.
• The filter’s construction is strong and sturdy, unlike many others made of plastic.
• Tastes and odors associated with chlorine are removed from the water.
• The filter can rotate 360 degrees for help with cleaning, drinking, and anything else.

Keep In Mind

There is a lack of information from the company about specific contaminants that this filter removes. I wish they provided more.

5. Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser

Brita is a worldwide leader in water purifiers, and this in-refrigerator model is precisely why. The first thing you notice is the water capacity it can hold. This is the perfect solution for large families that go through a lot of drinking water daily. The spigot at the bottom is solid and does not leak, which is considerable concern with spigots on water tanks.

The filtering quality is what you would expect from a Brita device. It excels at removing those pesky tap water contaminants like chlorine and lead. If your city water supply is high in chlorine and fluoride, this may be your water purifier. Refilling this filter is a breeze, thanks to the simple flip-top lid to open and close.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Families & Countertop
• Color: Black
• Brand Name: Brita
• Item Weight: 3.32 Pounds
• Capacity: ‎40 Gallons

Why We Love It

• We love that you can choose the color of your filter.
• This thing holds a ton of water; you do not need to worry about constantly refilling it.
• Each filter replaces 300 single-use plastic water bottles, which is great for the environment.
• The activated carbon stage of the filter does a great job removing odors from water.
• The lid on the top is easy to flip open when it comes time to refill the filter.

Keep In Mind

• After a few refills, the time it takes for the water to get through the filter is very long.

6. BWT Premium Water Filter Pitcher & 3 Filters

Coming in 6 unique colors, the BWT Premium pitcher looks great while turning your water into crisp, clean water. This pitcher is different than most.

Usually, you will find a single filter in most pitchers, but the BWT has three separate filters to ensure no bacteria or lead is sneaking through and into your drinking water. An additional magnesium filter adds valuable elements to your water, making it even healthier.

The pitcher is made from a strong and durable plastic that you would have to try and break. The handle is perfectly shaped and is by far the most comfortable water purifier pitcher handle we have tested to this date.

The design is also nice because it is skinny enough to fit in your refrigerator with no problems. The filters will last up 1-month with heavy use, but we have been able to get nearly eight weeks out of them!

Additional Specification

• Best For: Families
• Color: Arctic White
• Brand Name: BWT
• Item Weight: 2.2 Pounds
• Capacity: ‎40 gallons

Why We Love It

• The handle is nice; it is ergonomically the best handle we have seen thus far.
• There is hardly any wait time for the water to go through the filter.
• The three filters do a great job of removing lead and chlorine.
• It does not take up a lot of space in your refrigerator. It has a sleek design.

Keep In Mind

• This is not the largest water capacity filter; I must refill it a few times per day.

7. GRAYL Ultralight Water Purifier [+ Filter] Bottle

GRAYL has changed the game with its simple push-button filtering design. In a mere 15 seconds, you can quickly filter 16 ounces of water for drinking or cooking. Using virtually any water source on the planet, this GRAYL model is considered by many to be the best self-filtering water bottle on the market.

This portable water filter bottle can come in handy in so many different places. The GRAYL water filtering bottle can remove up to 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts, whether it is the mountain creeks, fly-fishing streams, or rainforest pools. It will also remove sediment and heavy metals from the water supply, a sporadic feature for a self-filtering water bottle.

This is a great option if you are a traveler and spend time on airplanes. Every year, travelers throw away millions of plastic water bottles. With the GRAYL self-filtering water bottle, you get 300 single-user water bottles. The 3-stage filter lasts for about 40 gallons and is easily replaceable.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Travelers, Hikers
• Color: Alpine White
• Brand Name: GRAYL
• Item Weight: 80 Grams
• Capacity: 16 Ounces

Why We Love It

• The long-lasting cartridge will last for 40 gallons before needing to be changed.
• Straws can be difficult with these purifying bottles, and this purifying bottle works like a normal cup.
• Zero flow rate lost due to all the filtering taking place before water was available.
• Filters are light and small, making replaceable ones easy to pack on your next trip.

Keep In Mind

• Pushing down on the button proved to be difficult and took a lot of strength.

8. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Plus Water Filter System

We love simple water filtration systems, and the New Wave system checks that box. It was a breeze to install, and the included water faucet diverter seems solid, and I do not see any leaks coming from it. It is hard to ignore that the water will run through 10 unique stages of filtration. That is a high number for a countertop system that cannot be ignored.

Any water system with certifications from both NSF/ANSI and the Gold Seal Association can be trusted to provide you with a safe and reliable recommendation. Filter changes are easy with the New Wave system, and the long-lasting filter life of 1,500 gallons saves you money in new filters in the long run.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Counter top filter
• Color: White
• Brand Name: New Wave Enviro
• Item Weight: 1 Pounds
• Capacity: 800 gallons

Why We Love It

• This is a straightforward system to install with your current faucet.
• Ten stages of filtering are massive for a countertop unit; this system removes thousands of contaminants.
• Chlorine taste and odor were removed right after installation.
• At less than $100, this system is priced right for what you get.

Keep In Mind

• Given all the filtering stages, I was hoping that total dissolved solids would be reduced more.

9. CO-Z 110V Brushed Stainless Steel Water Distiller

The health benefits of drinking distilled water are well documented. Research shows that you are helping your blood transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body by drinking distilled water. If you want to reap these distilled water benefits and save money on water in the long run, you will want to investigate this system.

Water distillers are notoriously slow; some can take up to 8 hours to produce 1 gallon of purified water. The CO-Z distiller is one of the faster ones on the market, but you are not sacrificing any water quality. By combining the heating elements of the distilling process with an activated carbon stage’s filtering capability, you are getting the best of both worlds with this system.

• Best For: Countertop
• Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
• Brand Name: CO-Z
• Item Weight: 13.3 Pounds
• Capacity: 1.1 Gallon

Why We Love It

• The holding tank is made from tough glass that will not break.
• This distiller is faster than many comparable water distilling systems.
• The activated carbon filter level is a nice addition that will help remove odors and bad water tastes.
• We liked the built-in safety features. The machine will shut off when it reaches a temperature that could be considered dangerous.

Keep In Mind

• The installation and set-up manual were very unclear and lacked detail.

10. LifeStraw Portable Gravity Powered Water Purifier

LifeStraw is one of the most popular water purifying solutions for adventurers and those who love to spend time outdoors. They are designed to be used in survival situations or have no other source for clean water than that dirty river flowing through the mountains. The company has an excellent “Green Environment” initiative that encourages people to reduce single-use plastic water bottles and utilize a filter like this.

When camping, hiking, or exploring, space in your pack is at a premium. With the LifeStraw portable gravity system, you do not have to worry. It is fully collapsible and weighs less than a pound. The gravity bag is nice and sturdy, too.

All you need to do is fill the bag from any water source available and hang it up in a high space to allow gravity to do its job. Water flows down through the filtering straw and is purified and cleaned before it makes its way to you.

• Best For: Emergency & Camping
• Material: Plastic
• Brand Name: LifeStraw
• Item Weight: 1.15 Pounds
• Capacity: 18 Liters

Why We Love It

• The size of this gravity straw is perfect. You can pack it just about anywhere.
• There is a filter in the straw that lasts for up to 3 years of average usage.
• The water-holding bag is made from a secure, durable material that is leak-proof.
• LifeStraw donates drinking water to one child in need with every single purchase of their products.

Keep In Mind

• It can take a while for the water to flow through the straw from the gravity bag.

Water Purifiers Comparison

How to Purify Well Water for Drinking

Well water systems are one of the biggest headaches for water purifying professionals. They often have high levels of heavy metals, total dissolved solids, and viruses, making it very difficult to purify water and get the best water possible. When combatting iron and other well water contaminants, we now have a few different options to choose from.

Many companies now focus on filtering well water with their products, and we see several good options. The best purification method for drinking well water is to find a filter that handles metals like rust and iron better than most.

This can be done with an under-sink filter or a faucet filter. Some self-filtering water bottles will also be helpful, but you want to have as much available to you as possible regarding drinking water. I suggest investigating an under-sink filter specializing in heavy metals, the 3rd product on our review list is an excellent choice for removing many contaminants from your water supply.

When you’re home, it’s easy to have hygienic water to consume as most of us have water softeners and filters installed. But if going out for an outdoor adventure or a remote place where you obviously can’t take your filters or purifiers along with you, many compact alternatives are available on the market.

Filters clean water well removing pathogens, bacterias and dirt; but they aren’t that effective when it comes to getting rid of viruses. Purifiers work better in this case. I would suggest those UV stick/pen-like purifiers which are rechargeable. They are the easiest way to have clean drinking water on the go.

Colin Barker Co-Founder of Filtersmart.com

If you are looking to have an on-the-go option, The GRAYL filtering water bottle or the LifeStraw Portable Gravity filter are great options. Both are adventurer or survivalist filters designed to turn even the grossest water supplies into healthy drinking water. If they can turn swamp water into healthy drinking water, they can turn your home water into quality purified water.

Paul Lewin the founder of HomeWaterResearch suggests the Katadyn Vario Water Filter. It has a three-stage filter, which includes a ceramic pre-filter that can be adjusted based on how dirty the water you want to drink is. 

FIltration quality aside, two things make this great for a survival trip. Firstly it comes with a second input hose which you can throw into the river,  making it easy to draw up water from a steep river bank or while perched on a rock. Secondly, compared to other similar survival filters, this one fills quickly. Even when the ceramic pre-filter is used you can still pump around a liter per minute. 

How to Choose a Water Purifier for Your Home

What Water Purifying Style Do I Need?

As we begin searching for the best water purifier for you, we must first determine exactly what you are trying to get out of your water purifier. There are several different options to choose from, and once we have narrowed down the style, the more technical details come into play.

Drinking-Water

If you want to improve your drinking water at home for the entire family, you can do that with quality self-filtering water pitchers. These are extremely affordable yet effective filters that are very common across houses all over the world. If you want to bring purified drinking water on the go, a self-filtering water bottle is also a great choice.

These have filters built into the water bottle and will filter any water you put into the bottle. Keep in mind; if you are looking for more applications for your purified water than drinking water, a pitcher may not be the best option.

A whole-home system and many under-sink systems will also provide you with quality drinking water. But if you are not planning on using any of the other benefits you get from these systems, then it is a large financial commitment for just one benefit you get from the system.

One thing to remember with whole-home and under-sink systems is that they are more expensive, but you will not be limited to the amount of clean water you have access to. Water bottles and pitchers can only hold so much water.

Tom Miller from FitnessVolt suggests that using water purifying tablets is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to purify water. Tablets are mainly either chlorine-based or Iodine based. Both these tablets have their ups and downs, as Iodine based water tastes bad but purifies water fast–in around 30 minutes.

On the other hand, chlorine-based water doesn’t taste bad, but it takes these tablets 1 hour to purify the water. If you have kids, I would say chlorine-based tablets are a good choice and if you need purified water fast, use Iodine tablets. They take half the time taken by chlorine tablets.

Kitchen Uses (Cooking, Cleaning, and Drinking)

One of the most popular filter styles is the under-sink filter. It attaches easily to your existing cold-water line under your kitchen sink (or any sink), resulting in an endless supply of purified water.

You can use this water for anything you would like, and unlike static pitchers and water bottles, you will not have to worry about refilling the filter or be limited to a certain amount of water. Under-sink units will require more in-depth installations, but nearly all are designed to be installed by the homeowner.

A whole-home water purifier will also provide you with clean kitchen sink water. It sends clean water to every single faucet in your home so that you can utilize the purified water anywhere.

If you are not worried about your showers’ quality and sink water within your bathrooms, then a whole-home system is a large investment for those just wanting fresher water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking.

Purified Water For Everything

If you are looking for the best water experience throughout your entire home, then a whole-home water filter is the best choice for you. You will have a wide array of options that range from several hundred dollars up to the thousands.

You will reap the benefits of healthy drinking, cooking, and cleaning water and the best showers you can ask for. The benefits of a whole-home system should not be ignored; you will have healthier hair, skin, and nails from your bathing water, which is invaluable over time.

My Water Quality

Once you have determined the best style of water purifier for you, you will now turn your attention to a device that fits you and your lifestyle the best. The first thing you must do is perform a water quality test. They are available worldwide and are cheap, affordable ways to know exactly what is in your water supply.

By performing a water quality test, you will know the exact toxins and amounts of those toxins you are dealing with. Now, you can find the best filtration type and system to remove your specific water contaminants.

Some filters are better at removing specific contaminants like lead and chlorine, while others can remove total dissolved solids and rusts better than others. The water test will point you in the right direction.

Filter Capacity & Water Usage

When saving money and keeping your system as maintenance-free as possible, you will want to investigate the filters’ life capacity. Some are designed to last for years, while others can last mere months.

The more you change the filter, the more dollar signs add to replacement filter costs. Based on the number of people in your home and the amount of water you use, make sure to find a suitable filter that can handle a long enough period where you are not constantly changing filters.

Another thing to look out for is water production capacity. Some filters have a maximum amount of water they can purify daily. For example, if you are looking into a water distiller, make sure you know the amount of water it can produce daily. Many are capped at just a few gallons, which is plenty for some people and not enough for many others.

Meets NSF/ANSI Standards?

Be on the lookout for products that are certified by NSF/ANSI. These are proven to be quality products that are independently tested. The NSF is a 3rd-party testing company that will thoroughly test products like water filters and cleaners to ensure they receive a quality product.

The NSF has different standards for different qualities within a filter or softening system. For example, if a product is labeled as NSF certified for standard 42, the NSF has tested and proven that the product can remove chlorine effectively. The more certifications and standards a system has, the more peace of mind you should have about buying it.

Flow Rate & Water Pressure

Many people worry that a water purifying system will slow their flow rates and water down. Years ago, this was the case, but as technology has evolved, so has the purifying world.

There are a few things to ensure when selecting the best water purifier. Flow rates will still fluctuate, and if you are choosing a whole-home cleaner, make sure you get one that can handle the number of faucets and bathrooms in the home.

When it comes to under-sink systems, they will also have different flow rates. Many will be above 0.5 gallons per minute, and this is a nice and steady rate. If you see something lower than that, you may want to consider going in another direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

We know many different water purification styles and products on the market, and choosing one seems daunting. Do not let this get in your way of improving your water quality throughout your home and seeing the benefits that great-tasting, healthy water can provide to you and your family. The peace of mind knowing that every time you turn on a faucet or grab a glass of water that your water is the best possible quality is invaluable.

By following this guide and reviewing our favorite water purifying products, we are confident that the best water purifier for you is hiding in these pages. We sincerely thank you for reading this article and wish you nothing but health and happiness in the future.