As someone who has been 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 this round-up review of the best countertop water filters today, I’ll share my expertise and provide you with 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!
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.
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
Best Countertop Water Filter Reviews
1. Big Berkey Countertop 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. Additionally, 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 will need to 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 you a long time. 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.
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 Portable Countertop Water Filter System – Best For Apartments
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.
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 will need to 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.
3. Apex Countertop Alkaline Water Filter
Alkaline water is becoming very popular because it adds valuable minerals into the water and slightly increases the pH. Purchasing alkaline water is quite expensive and produces a lot of waste, so a countertop filter is a good option.
This water filter screws into any standard tap water and begins working. It has a five-step filtration process, including KDF 55, which reduces or removes bacteria, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
Water will also flow through granular activated carbon, removing or reducing chlorine, chloramine, benzene, and organic chemicals. Alkaline beads and calcite add in magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Depending on usage, the filter media must be replaced every few months. The average filter should last about six months before needing to be replaced. Alkaline water reduces fatigue, promotes bone health, and supports the immune system.
Suppose you independently test your water to ensure the filter is effective. In that case, it is essential to note that the total dissolved solids (TDS) will not be reduced as the filter adds minerals into the water. In fact, the filter should increase the TDS in your water.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Apartments or Homes
- Capacity: 750 Gallons
- Flow Rate: 0.75 Gallons Per Minute
- Stage: 5-stage
- Key Features: NSF Certified
Why We Love It
This water filter adds minerals to the water and has six different color options to suit your needs best. It is easy to install and maintain.
Keep In Mind
This system only works with standard faucets. The filter will need to be replaced every few months, which is an added expense.
4. New Wave Enviro 10-Stage Water Filter
This small but effective water filter attaches to any standard water faucet. The product weighs a mere 8 ounces. It has ten filtration stages, including micron filters and pads, which are great for removing solid waste and separating different layers of filter media.
KDF-55, a very common filter media, is also used to reduce or remove chlorine and heavy metals. A fine mesh includes coconut shells and granulated activated carbon to remove bad odors and color from the water and organic matter like pesticides and herbicides.
An ion exchange resin within the filter reduces lead in the water. When the ten stages work together, they will reduce lead, mercury, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, trihalomethanes, arsenic, PCBs, and organic matter.
The filter cartridge will need to be replaced every 1,500 gallons and is fairly simple to do. Be careful when you do so, though, because the housing is made of plastic and is vulnerable to cracking. Filter cartridge replacements are an additional cost; no extras come with the filter.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Your Kitchen Sink
- Capacity: 800 Gallons
- Material: Plastic
- Key Features: Easy installment
- Stage: 10-stage
Why We Love It
This is an unassuming water filter that attaches to a standard faucet. The filter does not need to be replaced often; when it does, it is a simple change.
Keep In Mind
The system is made of plastic and housing and has been known to crack. The company tends not to be responsive via phone or email if any issues arise.
5. CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System
This filter has an exciting design. You will never have to change out cartridges, but the filter is useless once the filter is depleted. The filter lasts 10,000 gallons of water, up to ten times more than other filters like this.
Not having to change filters every few months saves money and time. Also, you don’t have to remember to change the filter because it just stays in there. This is a unique system that is an effective filter.
It will remove up to 97% of major water contaminants, including chlorine, sediment, discoloration, odor, and organics. It uses a five-step filter to clean the water. There are two steps considered “pre-filters,” which basically primes the water to go through the filtration by removing solids.
The third stage is activated carbon, which will do the work in removing water contaminants. Then there is a mesh and micron filter to remove any impurities that might have gotten through and make sure the water is ready to drink.
It is easy to install this filter. You need to hook it up to any standard faucet. It has a flow rate of one gallon per minute, which is likely slower than your faucet but still fairly fast. The company is speedy and thorough in responding to concerns.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Easy-to-Clean
- Capacity: 10 Gallons
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Flow Rate: 1 GPM
- Stage: 5-stage
Why We Love It
The filter is designed to last for about 10,000 gallons. It reduces common contaminants and has five practical stages of filtration.
Keep In Mind
When your 10,000 gallons are up, the filter is useless and will likely need to be thrown out.
6. Home Master TMJRF2-BK Jr F2 Sinktop Water Filtration
This compact yet effective water filter is compatible with any standard faucet. It will not fit on faucets that don’t have a removable aerator, common with many faucets that have hoses. The filter comes in both black and white to best suit your lifestyle.
The filter’s installation is straightforward and should take only a few minutes as long as it is used with the correct type of faucet.
The filter uses coconut shell carbon and activated alumina to filter the water. When the two media work together, they will remove up to 93% of fluoride, VOCs, TOCs, chlorine, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, and more.
The filter cartridge must be replaced every three months or 500 gallons, whichever comes first. You must remember to do this quarterly to get the best results. Buying the cartridges is an added cost, and the system does not have any extras.
There is a 3-year limited warranty on the system, which is an excellent feature to have. Many filters similar to this one do not offer a warranty of any kind. Additionally, the manufacturer is very responsive to questions from customers.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Any Rental Home
- Feed Water: PSI 20 – 90 PSI
- Height: 12 inche
- Flow Rate: 1 GPM
- Stage: Multi-stage
Why We Love It
This filter has a nice warranty, and it has a flow rate of one gallon per minute. It is easy to install and travel-friendly as well.
Keep In Mind
It only removes up to 93% of contaminants, and the filter cartridge will need to be replaced fairly often, every 500 gallons or 3 months.
7. Propur Countertop System W/ProOne Filter
This low-maintenance and thorough water filter will hook up to any standard faucet. It does not work with faucets with a spray hose or those that do not have a removable aerator.
The flow rate for the filter is up to one gallon per minute, depending on the water pressure in your home. The installation for this filter is simple as it attaches right to your faucet. There is no plumbing or complex steps to get this up and running.
The filter has multiple steps and will reduce over 200 different contaminants, including lead, fluoride, heavy metals, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microorganisms, and disinfectants.
The filter media includes granulated activated carbon, one of the most effective filter media on the market. The kit includes the housing, a spout, tubing, the filter itself, a diverter valve, and a male-to-male adapter.
The filter is said to last about a year before needing to be replaced and is pretty simple. The filter cartridges are an additional cost. Propur has excellent customer service and will respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Home or Office
- Color: White
- Material: Plastic
- Flow Rate: 0.2 – 1.0 gallons/min
- Item Weight: 2.99 pounds
Why We Love It
The filter does not have to be replaced often, only once yearly. It has a wide range of contaminants that it reduces.
Keep In Mind
The filter merely reduces the number of water contaminants, and there is no indication of what percentage.
8. ISpring CKC1C Countertop Water Filter
This filter has a lot of great features. It comes in several colors, including clear, orange, pink, purple, and blue. This means it will match all different kitchen colors and types. It is easy to move and would be great in a home, apartment, RV, cabin, and so much more.
The filter has multiple stages, including KDF media, calcite, activated carbon, and dual-layered sediment filtration. This combination of filtration media is proven effective and will consistently provide clean water.
The filter will reduce or remove lead, chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, arsenic, sediment, iron, asbestos, rust, Giardia, and germs. It will also balance the water’s pH to provide good-tasting water with no odor or color from the filter.
You can also purchase a CTO Carbon Block that will fit in the system. The carbon block will remove herbicides, pesticides, industrial chemicals, silt, sediment, rust, sand, odors, and chlorine.
The company provides a 1-year warranty and has very responsive customer service. The option for two different filters based on your needs is a great asset to this filter. Additionally, it comes with an adapter to fit most faucets.
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
Why We Love It
This is an excellent filter with different color options, easy installation, a long lifespan, and comes with a great warranty and customer service from the manufacturers.
Keep In Mind
The company isn’t transparent on how much the filter reduces or removes contaminants. The connector can be a bit finicky and might take some adjustment to eliminate leaks.
9. Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter
This is a well-made and well-thought-out filter that covers a lot of bases. It is made of food-grade plastic without BPA or phthalates. The company has gone out of its way to ensure the filters are made of quality material.
The filter will remove chlorine, chloramphenicol, rust, lead, odor and taste, and sediment. The filter itself uses activated coconut carbon to reduce and remove water contaminants. This is a natural and effective filtration method that is fairly standard.
The kit includes the filter katsina, the activated carbon filter, sealing rings, a wrench, a chrome faucet, faucet adaptors, a filter base, and tubing. The filter also comes with a one-year warranty. The company will send you a free filter replacement if you are a first-time product user.
The filter is simple to install and attaches right to your sink. It has several faucet adapters, so it fits many faucets. The filter must be replaced every three to six months or 1,500 gallons, depending on what comes first.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Drinking & Cooking
- Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 2 inches
- Item Weight: 1.68 pounds
- External Testing Certification: CSA
Why We Love It
The filter is BPA and phthalate-free. It comes in two colors to match different kitchens. A 1-year warranty is included with the system.
Keep In Mind
The filter needs to be replaced every three to six months or 1,500 gallons, which is an added cost and quite often.
10. DOULTON-W9331032 UltraCarbCountertop Filter System
This filter is built to last and is highly efficient in removing water contaminants. It uses a ceramic microfilter to remove or reduce a variety of pollutants. This countertop filtration system will work with most standard faucets.
The filter will remove up to 99.99% of bacteria and cysts, including E.Coli, cholera, shigella, typhoid, cryptosporidium, and giardia. It will also remove up to 85% of insecticides and herbicides, 96% of free chlorine, 50% of phenols and trihalomethanes, and 98.7% of lead. The filter does not remove organic material.
The filter flows at 0.5 gallons per minute, so relatively slow for a filter. However, its filtration effectiveness should make up for the speed of the water. The filter should be replaced every 600 gallons, about 3 to 6 months with standard usage.
The filter comprises a ceramic microfilter, carbon block, and lead removal media. It is easy to install and maintain if the filter is replaced on time. It weighs only 3.1 pounds and does not take up a lot of space on your countertop.
Additional Specification
- Ideal For: Divertor Valve
- Color: White
- Material: Ceramic
- Item Weight: 2.64 pounds
- Manufacturer: Doulton
Why We Love It
It’s a very efficient and long-lasting model that meets all the reverse osmosis requirements and exceeds expectations. Worth the price for how well it works!
Keep In Mind
It’s quite expensive, but you’ll save more in the long run by not having to buy any water bottles and reducing the amount of wastewater from your RO system.
What To Look For When Buying A Countertop Water Filter
As someone who has reviewed many countertop water filters over the years, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right one. Knowing which filter is best for your specific needs can be hard with so many different types and features available.
One thing to consider when choosing a filter is the type of filtration it uses. There are many different types, each with its pros and cons. For example, reverse osmosis filters are highly effective at removing contaminants but can be wasteful and expensive.
It’s also important to consider the price range of different filters. While some filters may seem to do the same thing, there can be a significant price difference between them. However, it’s worth considering whether a filter that removes 97% of a contaminant is that much better than one that removes 93%.
To help make the decision process easier, this buying guide will break down the significant features of countertop filters and explain how they can impact your decision. By considering factors such as filtration type, price, and effectiveness, you can find the best countertop water filter for your needs.
Filtration Type
There are so many different types of filtration on the market. All of them essentially do the same thing: they clean your water. But they each do it slightly differently and have pros and cons. Here is a breakdown of some of the more common filter types:
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is arguably one of the most effective types of filters around. Usually, an RO system will remove up to 99.99% of nearly all water contaminants. That is a huge asset to people who live in an area with truly dirty water.
The downside of an RO system is it wastes a lot of water. Many people use the excess water to water their plants or do dishes. They also tend to be more expensive than a standard filter. For many, these cons are a small price for clean water.
Gravity-Fed System
A gravity-fed system is straightforward and low-maintenance. It is excellent for camping, cabins, or even your home. The method comprises two stacked chambers with a filtration device in between.
You fill the top chamber up with water, and the force of gravity will pull the water through the filter and out clean on the other side. It is a straightforward way to clean water and does not require a hook-up to a faucet.
The downside of a gravity-fed system is you have to remember to fill the top chamber. Unlike other filters, you cannot just turn on a tap and have the water start filtering. It does require a bit of planning and remembering.
Standard Countertop Tower Filter
The vast majority of the countertop filters look like small towers. They usually have a plastic or metal housing that holds and protects the filter itself. These filters are simple to hook and unhook from any standard faucet and are very travel-friendly.
While the design for these filters is pretty much the same, the filtration media and filter cartridge lifespan are usually different.
Alkaline Filtration System
Alkaline water has been gaining popularity in the last few years. An alkaline filtration system will filter water out, similar to a standard countertop filter, but contaminants will add essential minerals back into the water after filtering out.
Alkaline water will generally have a higher pH and usually add minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium back into the water. These filters are usually meant for water that is already very clean and is more of a preference by the drinker than a necessity.
Length Of Filter Cartridge Life And Cost
Depending on your budget and lifestyle, the lifespan of the filter cartridge could play a crucial role in your decision-making process. For instance, if you’re a busy college student or have a large family, remembering to replace the filter every three months might not be feasible.
Most filter cartridges have a volume or time limit, indicating the number of gallons it can filter or the duration it can last. However, estimating how many gallons of water you consume is challenging until you start using the filter.
If you’re an individual or a college student, you’ll likely consume less filtered water than a family or someone living with a roommate. In such cases, you can expect the filter to last longer before needing a replacement. On the other hand, if several people use the filter, you’ll likely exhaust the filter’s capacity faster.
Replacing filter cartridges can be costly, and prices vary across different filters. Before purchasing a filter, check the cost of replacing the cartridge since you might have to replace it up to four times a year.
Conducting a cost analysis could be beneficial, as a pricier filter might be more cost-effective in the long run if you only need to replace it once a year. However, for some people, the benefits of a specific filter might outweigh the cost of replacing the filters.
Do The Contaminant Removal Percentages Matter?
For some, the contaminant removal percentages will play a significant part in decision-making. Most contaminants are already filtered out if your municipality has relatively clean water, such as Chicago, New York, or Denver.
In this case, you probably don’t need a filter to clean 99% of the contaminants from the water. If you live in a municipality with clean water, you likely want to remove something specific from the water, such as fluoride, which most cities will add to the drinking water.
If you live in a municipality with low-quality drinking water, you will probably be more interested in a filter that removes more contaminants. Some water in cities has high lead levels and other potentially dangerous contaminants. In this case, getting as much of it out of the water as possible before consuming it is essential.
If you do not know the status of the drinking water in your municipality, the EPA has some great resources to learn and understand more about the drinking water in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the different types of countertop water filters available in the market?
There are various types of countertop water filters available in the market. Common types include reverse osmosis, gravity-fed systems, standard countertop tower filters, and alkaline filtration systems.
How do you determine the lifespan of a filter cartridge, and why is it important to consider when buying a countertop water filter?
The lifespan of a filter cartridge is determined by its volume or time limit, indicating the number of gallons it can filter or the duration it can last. It’s important to consider the filter cartridge’s lifespan when buying a countertop water filter because it can affect how often you need to replace the filter cartridge, which can impact the overall cost and convenience of using the filter.
My municipal water is fairly clean; do I need a filter?
While you likely do not need a filter, if you are looking for a better taste or removing any additives your municipality puts in, such as fluoride, you might want to consider a filter.
Why should I get a countertop filter over other types of permanent filters?
A countertop filter is simple to install, usually costs less money, and can be moved easily from place to place. They are ideal for those in apartments or who move a lot but are great for houses.
How often do I need to change the filter cartridge in a countertop water filter?
The frequency of filter cartridge replacement depends on the filter’s volume or time limit and your household’s water consumption. Most filters have a lifespan of three to six months or filter a certain number of gallons before requiring replacement. It’s important to keep track of the filter’s lifespan and replace it promptly to ensure you get clean, safe water.
Are countertop water filters easy to install and use?
Yes, most countertop water filters are designed for easy installation and use. They typically come with all the necessary components, including adapters, hoses, and instructions, and can be installed in just a few minutes without any special tools. They are also easy to use, with most filters having simple on/off switches or valves to control the water flow.
Can a countertop water filter remove all types of contaminants from water?
While countertop water filters can effectively remove many contaminants from water, including sediment, chlorine, and heavy metals, they may not remove all contaminants. Some filters are better suited for specific types of pollutants, such as fluoride or lead, so choosing a filter that can effectively remove the contaminants you’re most concerned about is crucial. It’s also worth noting that some filters may not remove microorganisms, so if you’re worried about bacteria or viruses in your water, you may need to consider a different type of filtration system.
Conclusions
Whether you are simply looking for better tasting and cleaner water or need to remove potentially dangerous contaminants from your water, a countertop water filter can be a great solution.
Though there are different types of water filters and different features to go with each, there should be a filter that best fits your needs and works within your lifestyle.
Our top pick is the APEC Portable Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System, which will remove nearly all contaminants and provide extremely safe and clean drinking water. It is a system that is easy to install and extremely effective.
Hopefully, between the comprehensive buying guide and the recommendations for the best countertop water filter picks, a potentially overwhelming decision has been made more straightforward.