An inline water filter means clean, refreshing water at the touch of a button. These easy-to-install filters can connect to your refrigerator’s waterline, and many of them can last for almost a year, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing them.
However, finding the right filter while factoring in your budget and specific needs can be difficult. I’ve been in your shoes! After going through several filters myself, I now have a list of the best inline water filters to save you time, money, and, most importantly, your health.
Best Inline Water Filter Reviews
1. Woder Ultra High Capacity Inline Water Filter
This Wonder water filter can filter out 99.9% of the most common contaminants found in regular tap water. However, this filter is different because it leaves naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium in the water.
By selectively filtering substances in water, this filter ensures that the water and ice you get will be great for you. The fact that it comes in two sizes ensures that you have the perfect match no matter your water line size.
Selective, High-Performance Filtration
Besides removing 99.99% of most impurities in tap water, making it among the best filter water you can have, this filter leaves in what’s good. It has all the minerals you want to find in mineral water while tasting clean and crisp.
The selective filtering works via a granular formula using six different media in the filter, each with pore sizes ranging from reasonably large to nano-sized. The media are blended rather than layered, attracting harmful chemicals while leaving the good minerals alone.
Quick, Easy Installation
This filter is absurdly easy to install. It can be completed in under five minutes. It involves cutting your pre-existing water supply line and fitting the tubes into the inlet and outlet, as the instruction manual indicates.
Some users have said that turning off their old water supply was even harder than the actual installation.
Clean Water Without Compromising Water Pressure
With a flow rate of 3 GPM at 65 psi, it is a smooth-flowing filter that does not require you to wait forever as you fill your cup or coffee pot.
A few users have even connected the filter to a hose to wash their car and gotten it cleaned with no residue or deposits.
Why We Love It
This is another affordable option that comes in two sizes of water supply lines and is super easy to install. It also removes a large number of contaminants found in regular tap water.
Keep In Mind
It does not fit braided hoses. It is also not suitable for use with well water or municipal water that has not been properly treated and disinfected.
2. Culligan IC-EZ-4 EZ-Change Inline Filtration System
The Culligan IC-EZ-4 EZ-Change Inline Filtration System fits into your refrigerator and ice maker to filter out 99.99% of particulates and toxins in Standard 42 and 53 of the NSF/ANSI Guidelines.
The system lasts 3,000 gallons, while the cartridge must be replaced every 500. Installing this filtration system requires a dedicated faucet and may require more effort than previously mentioned inline filters.
Mess-Free Cartridge Replacements via EZ-Change Mechanism
The EZ-Change mechanism is a twist-on, twist-off filter design that makes filter replacements easy.
The quick-connect fittings allow you to change to a new filter within a few moments without making a mess or risking leakages.
Multiple Series Based on Level of Filtration Required
While the most basic filters from the IC-EZ line only remove bad taste and odor, including the aesthetic removal of chlorine taste and odor, the IC-EZ-3 also removes sediment, lead, and cysts.
The IC-EZ-4 tops all that off by further removing chloramine tastes and odor, MTBE, VOCs, and mercury. This gives you filtration options depending on your needs.
Install to a Dedicated Faucet
One unfortunate thing about this Culligan filter is the need to install it to a dedicated faucet, and it’s a slightly more complicated installation.
A pre-existing opening such as that for a soap dispenser is often needed. Additional steps are required to screw on the filter system below the faucet, connect the cold water line, and supply adapter to the filter. Installation is estimated to take around 30 minutes to an hour.
Why We Love It
Different levels of filtration mean there is a suitable system no matter your needs. The filter is also NSF/ANSI Standard approved for TWO standards.
Keep In Mind
It has a fairly short lifespan and requires constant replacement of cartridges before finally replacing itself. Some parts may have been manufactured in China. It’s not worth the price.
3. Watts Inline 20,000 Gallon Water Filter
The Watts Inline water filter has its seat among the best mainly because it is affordable and changes water quality to a certain degree. It inhibits bacterial growth so that the filtration system can last 20,000 gallons. Despite being very lightweight, it can still function well after five years without breaks or leakages.
Bacteriostatic Properties and Chlorine Filtration
The Watts filtration system is among the best for filtering out chlorine residues, odors, and tastes and remaining bacteria-free.
The system remains clean after five years and delivers excellent filtration (mainly chlorine) due to its Kinetic Degradation Fluxion mechanism. There is not much change in the quality of ice produced using this filter.
Great Bargain Price
For the price, this is a good filter that will improve the taste of your water. If that is all you are looking for and you’re on a tight budget, this is a great option.
However, if chlorine has already been removed from your city water and you hope to turn undrinkable water into “pure” water, this may not be the right filter for you.
Better Tasting Water
Many people who use this filter note a remarkable change in how their water tastes. Some point out a “refreshing” taste that does not resemble chemicals. You’ll most likely drink more water with this filter.
Why We Love It
This is one of the most affordable water filters that help eliminate odors and tastes in your water. It is relatively easy to install and has the most excellent filtration capacity we’ve seen thus far.
Keep In Mind
It only filters chlorine taste and odors while doing little else to remove other contaminants and chemicals in drinking water. Not suitable for a well or municipal water that has been minimally treated.
4. Culligan IC 1 EZ-Change Inline Icemaker Filtration System
This low-priced filter offers considerably high-level filtration that meets NSF standards for chlorine odor and taste removal and class III particulates, which are 5-15 microns in size.
As mentioned previously for the Culligan EZ-change systems, the installation requires a designated faucet and more extensive installation work that may be challenging for those without experience installing a filter. (It’s still simple enough with instructions.)
Better Tasting Water and Ice
This filter is known to do wonders in removing the funny taste in unfiltered water and ice, making it a great choice for those who just want to improve the taste. This filter gets the job done for simple filtration work and maintains a decent flow rate (0.5 GPM) while at it.
Amazing (Rare) Price
This is one of the most affordable inline filters but still slightly pricier than the Watts filter, considering the system lasts only 12 months.
Removing particles of 5-15 microns also eliminates additional soil, sediments, algae, and many toxic substances that would otherwise remain in your tap water.
Install to a dedicated faucet
The IC-EZ line of filters all need to be installed to a dedicated faucet, meaning it’s less versatile and slightly more difficult to install than other inline filters.
However, many people have said that installing the system was a “piece of cake,” so you won’t need a plumber to install it even if you are new to the process.
Why We Love It
Despite its low price, this filter has received NSF certification and does a little more than just removing chlorine’s taste and odor. It is effortless to replace the cartridges.
Keep In Mind
The filtration capacity (3,000 gallons) is quite low, and the filter does not filter out lead, mercury, VOCs, or other harmful chemicals and sediments that may be found in tap water.
5. Filtrete Advanced Quick Change Filtration System
The Filtrate Advanced Quick Change filter is the intermediate in a line of Filtrate filters ranging from basic to maximum (which filters lead and what is filtered by the advanced filter). It is one of the most effective filters that can significantly change the taste and appearance of water but may not do much on the microscopic level.
While the filter system may take some time to mount against a cabinet wall underneath your sink, cartridge replacement can occur quickly.
Replace Filter Cartridges with Just a Quarter Twist
Filter cartridges used with the Filtrete basic, advanced, and maximum filter systems can be removed from the filter system with just a quarter twist.
Replacement is required every six months. New cartridges can be inserted into the head bracket and secured with another quarter twist without turning off the cold water valve.
Filter System Can be Mounted on a Cabinet Wall
A drill, adjustable wrench, and screwdriver are needed to install this system. After clearing the way under the sink, you’ll need to mount the filter system on the wall of your cabinet below your sink. Close the cold water valve and disconnect the waterline.
Next, you’ll install a supply line, forming a compression assembly on the other side of the tube, attaching that to the shut-off valve, and tightening all connections with a wrench. Not so easy for a beginner, but not impossible, either.
The full-Flow mechanism Lets You Quickly Fill Your Glass with Clean Water.
One distinction with this filter is its ability to function in full flow. This means there won’t be any difference between the flow rate before and after the filter is installed.
Why We Love It
It is easy to replace the filter cartridges, and the filter system lasts for quite a while. The filter also changes the taste and appearance of ice and drinking water in a way that leaves most people satisfied.
Keep In Mind
Filters out fluoride and chlorine taste and particulates that may be in the water, but not much else (lead, etc.). It may take longer than 30 minutes to install. Also, the flow rate is known to decrease over time.
6. Nahla Pure Ultra High Capacity Water Filter
This is one of the few inline water filters that will filter out 99.99% of the contaminants and odor in your water, including ones usually left out by other filters of the same type.
In addition to its efficiency, this filter also lasts a long time, and people who use the water that comes out of it to make a coffee remark on how much better their coffee tastes and recommend it to their friends, family, and to you!
Easy Installation
This filter has 30-inch long 3/8-inch tubing, three female-to-female adapters, and easy-to-follow instructions. Even those without experience installing filters can expect to finish the job in 10-15 minutes, especially with the inlets and outlets marked.
The flow is a little slower than some other inline filters, allowing water to be thoroughly filtered. The hose quality is like what you would find in a new washing machine; they are virtually leak-proof.
Can Effectively Filter Any Water
While some inline water filters can only filter a few contaminants in relatively clean water, this can treat both well water and municipal water.
It is great at eliminating all the odors, sediments, VOCs, and toxic substances in water. While it is not an RO system, it can transform water previously not drinkable into clear, tasteless water.
Saves a LOT of Money in the Long Term
While this filter is quite expensive, it can be considered a good bargain because of how long it lasts and what it can do.
A faucet-mounted filter that needs to be changed every 2-3 months would cost well over $1,000 over three years. This one-time purchase will last 10,000 gallons, saving you money and saving the environment from plastic waste.
Why We Love It
It effectively removes 99.99% of unwanted contaminants in regular tap water. It has leak-proof connections to the cold water line. It is an easy-to-install, high-capacity, low-maintenance filter from a mission-driven company.
Keep In Mind
The price is higher than other filters. It is also not NFA certified and does not remove fluoride (which is bad if you have excess fluoride in your water) or calcium, damaging coffee pots and hardening water.
7. GE SmartWater Inline Filter System
This smart inline filter system from GE is another product success from General Electric, a well-known, trusted company that has been around for over a hundred years. Its emphasis on quality shows through, and this is no exception.
The filter is designed in a way that allows it to attach to existing refrigerator and ice maker water lines without built-in filtration. It provides safe drinking water and clean ice.
“No-Tools” Installation Using the “Twist and Lock” Mechanism
The “twist and lock” mechanism allows anyone to install the filter without any tools. Simply shut off the water supply connected to your fridge and ice maker, cut the tubing, and mount the filter system to the back of your fridge using the provided adhesions.
You can insert the water line tubing directly into the filter and be finished.
The filter system also comes with a built-in valve that automatically shuts off the water while changing the filter so you can avoid making a mess.
Affordable Price for a Great Product
This filtering system is less expensive than the Nahla filter or reverse osmosis; however, it still does a great job of removing impurities and restoring clarity to your drinking water as it removes dirt and particulates.
It’s also easy to install and lasts for a fairly long time, making it one of the best.
Filters out More Than Most
This filter’s water is tasteless and clean, free from heavy chemicals, especially chlorine.
The micron rating is 0.5, indicating that tiny particles often missed by other filters can be removed.
Why We Love It
This filter’s value comes from its affordability, ease of installation, and efficient filtering of most contaminants. NSF and ANSI certification is a crucial plus!
Keep In Mind
The filter lasts less than half a year before requiring a replacement. Some users have reported that the filter makes noise or reduces flow over time.
8. GE GXRTDR Refrigerator/Icemaker Filtration System
A simple, low-priced filter that is perfect if you want to get rid of the metallic taste in your ice or improve the taste of your water. With this GE filter, it is important to start with water that has already been purified and requires a little aesthetic touch-up to the taste. The filter does have NSF certification for chlorine removal but will not remove much else.
Simple Economical Design
For its price, this filter works well for removing chlorine odors and taste from the water supply, with a noticeable change in the taste of ice and water.
NSF Class V particulates are removed. At 25-125 psi, water pressure works well with most refrigerators and will not cause leaks.
Reduces Metallic Taste in Ice and Water
Like most inline water filters, the filter is good at reducing the metallic taste of water due to its ability to remove chlorine’s odor and taste.
Some users have even said they taste nothing in their water and ice after using this filter for a while.
Thrifty Bargain
Especially for a product from a well-known company like GE, this filter does a lot for its price. With easy direct installation and the ability to filter for six months, it’s clear why this is still the go-to filter for many users.
Why We Love It
Installation is straightforward. The filter can improve the taste and quality of your tap water and ice. The filter is of decent quality and low maintenance.
Keep In Mind
This filter only reduces the smell and taste of chlorine (and large sediments). After installation, thorough flushing may be required to obtain clear water without the smell of chlorine.
9. PureWater Inline Water Filter Kit For Ice Makers
The PureWater is one of the best inline water filter kits and is solely designed to work with refrigerator ice makers and further improve water that has already been sanitized and in most cases, filtered.
Its NSF certification signifies that it will help improve your drinking water quality and health benefits to at least some degree. It is not suitable for well water or minimally treated municipal water.
Why We Love It
It improves the taste of tap (or even well) water when made into ice, improving ice clarity and taste. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Keep In Mind
It can only work with a refrigerator ice maker and is insufficient for drinking water from the faucet. It also only removes chlorine and larger particulates and is too expensive for what it does.
What to Look for When Buying A Inline Water Filter
Before getting your new inline water filter, knowing what you are looking for or what you hope your filter will do is important.
They usually work great in getting rid of the contaminants in your tap water, and the convenience of them is that they connect to your existing supply line quite easily. Since there are many kinds of inline filters, here’s a list that will help you narrow down your choices.
Types Of Inline Filters
In this review, we’ve looked at three different kinds of inline water filters, each with its own pros and cons: charcoal filters, carbon block filters, and granular formula filters, which allow for selective filtration.
Charcoal is a natural material that removes many toxins, including VOCs and chlorine, that pass through the filter. Since charcoal is carbon-based, it attracts carbon-based substances to itself, removing them from your water.
Activated carbon works similarly, providing you with water that has been significantly reduced from impurities and chemicals.
Granular formulas use different materials with different-sized pores to trap various compounds and substances as they pass through. However, they also keep certain minerals in the water because they are not attracted to the materials or are too big to cross over.
Measure Your Water Line
It’s essential to ensure that your water line’s size (diameter) fits securely into the inlet and outlet of your filter. Most water lines are either 1/8 inch or 3/8 inch in diameter.
Depending on the filter, you may also buy a male/female adapter if you wish to connect a filter incompatible with your measurements.
Installation Process
Ensure you are okay with the installation process to set up your filter. Especially if it is your first time installing an inline water filter, watch online tutorials on how it is done to understand better the product you are interested in.
Most companies will also have their own videos to assist with the installation. Most of the filters we mentioned will take at most 30 minutes to install, but be sure about the specifics of installing and maintaining any filter you wish to buy.
The easiest filters to install require you to cut your pre-existing water line connected to your fridge or faucet, attach them to an inlet and outlet, and then mount the filter on the surface in the cabinet or fridge.
Specificities include flow rate, pressure, and even temperature, though you should always connect an inline filter to your cold water line. The flow rate and pressure are important, as a slightly slower flow rate may indicate that the filter is doing its job, while some filters manage to keep the same pre-installation rate (full flow).
Pressure should be checked periodically to avoid leakages from taking place!
Usage And Requirements
While some inline filters must be installed with a designated faucet, others can be added to your pre-existing water supply line in your kitchen or bathroom faucet, so they’re more versatile. They may even be connected to a garden hose so that you can water your plants or wash your car if you so choose.
Some of the ones we’ve included are also designed to directly fit your refrigerator’s cold water supply so you can have clean, refreshing water and ice using the same filter. Very few filters are intended just for ice makers. It’s also essential to match your filtration needs with what is available. No filter will remove every single contaminant or particle from your water, and that’s not needed.
Yet, varying degrees of filtration are available depending on your budget and needs. The most basic filters only filter the taste and odor of chlorine, a common substance in tap water that has been added to help kill off pathogens in the water.
The next step is a filter that meets NSF Standard 42, which removes particles 5-15 microns in size. The best filtration system can turn undrinkable well water into clean water by removing 90% of most contaminants, including mercury, lead, and particles 0.5 microns in size.
More On Budgeting
Some companies set their price low and then market their product with a nearly impossible filtration capacity or a lifetime. While the 20,000-gallon filter we mentioned may do what it should, the only thing it’s designed to do is remove chlorine odor and taste from your water.
You may be looking for more from your filter; sometimes, a different choice may save you the most money and give you the most excellent value. It’s up to you to determine which filter is worth the investment.
The Importance of NSF/ANSI Certification
If a filter has received NSF/ANSI certification for a certain standard, does it pass an official test for removing the substances included in that standard? Companies often submit their products for evaluation voluntarily and receive a certification if they meet the federal requirements.
For example, the two standards most commonly evaluated in filters are Standard 42 and 53. The first is certified if the filter adequately (over 90%) reduces chlorine, including its odor and taste. Standard 53 further accounts for reducing heavy metals, inorganics, and volatile organic chemicals.
On the other hand, an EPA registration requires a company to submit evidential data concerning the materials it uses and the claims it is making. The EPA determines if the two match up and acute or chronic health concerns with the product. If it satisfies all of its claims and has no health concerns, the product can be registered with the EPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you forget to change your inline water filter?
It is not uncommon to forget to change your inline water filter. The consequences are not always as bad as you think. Some filters have a bypass valve, meaning the water will still flow through the filter even if it is full or clogged.
Is an inline water filter better than an internal fridge filter for a fridge or ice maker?
With an inline water filter, the water is filtered as it runs through the fridge. This means that all of the water in the fridge is filtered and it can filter even more water at a time. It also has a filter to remove smells, tastes, and bacteria from the water.
How long do inline water filters last?
The average lifespan of a filter depends on what type of filtration system it is filtering and how well it is maintained.
What do inline water filters remove?
Inline water filters often remove contaminants commonly found in drinking water, including sediments and chemicals.
How do I change inline water filters?
First, make sure that your water supply is completely off. Place the filter and the connected tubings over a bucket and snap off the tubings.
Do I have to clean my inline water filter?
It is recommended that you throw away your filters after their specified lifetime or after their capacity has been used up.
Do inline water filters work with iron?
Iron is a common element found in water, especially in rural areas. Not all filters can filter iron and other metals, look for one that is approved by NSI and the WQA.
What exactly is an inline water filter?
An inline water filter is a water filtration device that is added to your existing water line.
Do inline water filters only work with sinks?
You can install an inline water filter into nearly any water supply. Refrigerators with icemakers, showers, campers, and RVs, too!
Conclusion
Now you know what goes into choosing the best inline water filter. We’ve chosen the products in our list based on each filter’s quality, efficiency, and price. Each one will provide you with cleaner and clearer water, with some completely changing how you drink your water.
The Nahla Pure ultra-high-capacity water filter has everything you need in a water filter. From its high efficiency and easy installation to the scope of harmful substances it can remove from your water, and even its company mission, it’s the filter of your dreams!
If the one-time investment is too much for you, I will look at the GE SmartWater Inline Filter System, which is comparable across many standards and more affordable. Either way, there’s an inline filter out there for you!
