The Best Water Filters Of 2022
Terelyuk/Shutterstock By Katherine Peach/Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 1:22 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Quality cooking starts with quality ingredients. Start with the fundamentals by ensuring you have great-tasting filtered water. We’ve compiled the best water filters for a range of uses. Many people are familiar with the water filter pitchers from name brands such as Brita or Pur, but a range of countertop dispensers, faucet attachments, and whole house filtration systems are available. People living in small spaces or who always seem to be reaching for an empty pitcher in the fridge (guilty!) could benefit from a water faucet attachment. High water use? Large households might consider an under-sink filtration unit. We know water isn’t supposed to have a taste, but we’d wager yours might, which is why you’re looking for a water filter.
For many reasons, Consumer Reports urges consumers to know what’s coming out of their faucets before purchasing a filtration system. First steps include requesting an annual report about water quality from your city and testing your tap water. EWG offers tap water reports based on zip code to better understand which contaminants are possibly in your drinking water.
How we selected products
Tatevosian Yana/Shutterstock
The best water filters not only filter out bacteria and other contaminants but also viruses and potential lead. We prioritized water filtration products that are certified by the NSF, an independent, international organization that tests water filters for efficacy.
Not all brands pursue NSF certification due to cost or other factors. For example, Berkey Water Filters refuses to get certified because it doesn’t want to give up proprietary information. We included some alternatives that are independently reviewed. Also, all of the water filters on this list are BPA-free because why clean your water only to risk potential contaminants? We also considered the value of each water filter, including how often filters need to be replaced. Online reviews were considered, in part, to see if there were common, recurring issues with functionality. They act like clues to what you might be getting even if the five-star reviews are stacking up. We understand the validity of customer reviews can be hit or miss (and spotting fake reviews isn’t always easy), but they can still be useful.
Whether you’re looking to improve the taste or remove harmful compounds from your water, we found some of the best water filters for all sorts of uses. All the prices are accurate as of June 2022.
The Best Water Filters Of 2022
Terelyuk/Shutterstock
By Katherine Peach/Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 1:22 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Quality cooking starts with quality ingredients. Start with the fundamentals by ensuring you have great-tasting filtered water. We’ve compiled the best water filters for a range of uses. Many people are familiar with the water filter pitchers from name brands such as Brita or Pur, but a range of countertop dispensers, faucet attachments, and whole house filtration systems are available. People living in small spaces or who always seem to be reaching for an empty pitcher in the fridge (guilty!) could benefit from a water faucet attachment. High water use? Large households might consider an under-sink filtration unit. We know water isn’t supposed to have a taste, but we’d wager yours might, which is why you’re looking for a water filter.
For many reasons, Consumer Reports urges consumers to know what’s coming out of their faucets before purchasing a filtration system. First steps include requesting an annual report about water quality from your city and testing your tap water. EWG offers tap water reports based on zip code to better understand which contaminants are possibly in your drinking water.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
For many reasons, Consumer Reports urges consumers to know what’s coming out of their faucets before purchasing a filtration system. First steps include requesting an annual report about water quality from your city and testing your tap water. EWG offers tap water reports based on zip code to better understand which contaminants are possibly in your drinking water.
How we selected products
Tatevosian Yana/Shutterstock
The best water filters not only filter out bacteria and other contaminants but also viruses and potential lead. We prioritized water filtration products that are certified by the NSF, an independent, international organization that tests water filters for efficacy.
Not all brands pursue NSF certification due to cost or other factors. For example, Berkey Water Filters refuses to get certified because it doesn’t want to give up proprietary information. We included some alternatives that are independently reviewed. Also, all of the water filters on this list are BPA-free because why clean your water only to risk potential contaminants? We also considered the value of each water filter, including how often filters need to be replaced. Online reviews were considered, in part, to see if there were common, recurring issues with functionality. They act like clues to what you might be getting even if the five-star reviews are stacking up. We understand the validity of customer reviews can be hit or miss (and spotting fake reviews isn’t always easy), but they can still be useful.
Whether you’re looking to improve the taste or remove harmful compounds from your water, we found some of the best water filters for all sorts of uses. All the prices are accurate as of June 2022.
Not all brands pursue NSF certification due to cost or other factors. For example, Berkey Water Filters refuses to get certified because it doesn’t want to give up proprietary information. We included some alternatives that are independently reviewed. Also, all of the water filters on this list are BPA-free because why clean your water only to risk potential contaminants? We also considered the value of each water filter, including how often filters need to be replaced.
Online reviews were considered, in part, to see if there were common, recurring issues with functionality. They act like clues to what you might be getting even if the five-star reviews are stacking up. We understand the validity of customer reviews can be hit or miss (and spotting fake reviews isn’t always easy), but they can still be useful.
Whether you’re looking to improve the taste or remove harmful compounds from your water, we found some of the best water filters for all sorts of uses. All the prices are accurate as of June 2022.
Best overall water filter pitcher
One impressive attribute of this filter is its ability to preserve good compounds while at the same time reducing harmful compounds such as lead. Aquaphor Provence filters for taste and contaminants in tap water for up to 90 gallons per filter but leaves the electrolytes you want.
Best budget water filter pitcher
Brita
Water filter pitchers like Brita filter tap water using carbon filtration, which is cost-effective and best for removing lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds, as well as off-putting smells and tastes from chlorine-treated water.
Keep in mind: We’ve found that 40-gallon filters can last as little as four weeks if you use the pitcher for cooking, and they tend to clog with hard water. Despite the small size of the Metro Pitcher, you can use either Brita pitcher with the LongLast filters that are viable for 120 gallons, or around six months, versus standard filters replaced after 40 gallons or an estimated two months. Longer-lasting filters save money and reduce the amount of plastic in landfills.
Best dishwasher friendly water filter
Hydros
The Hydros Glass Slim Pitcher is not only beautiful, but it’s eco-friendly and dishwasher safe. The glass pitcher is a sleek design that is attractive at the dinner table and can be placed in the washer along with your dinner plates (except for the filter, of course). The compact design isn’t going to hydrate a family of four, but it’s perfect for one person, and you won’t have to worry about grime.
Best water filter dispenser
Brita’s Extra Large 18 Cup water filter has a formidable 16,400 ratings as of June 2022. While popularity isn’t everything, it sure doesn’t hurt to see some social proof of the water dispenser’s performance. The Brita Ultramax water dispenser is made with the LongLast filters for extended capacity to remove toxins along with the extra water storage. This model’s LongLast filters reduce additional costs and plastic waste because they don’t need to be replaced as often as other filters.
Best investment water filter pitcher
LARQ started as a Kickstarter campaign and has built a reputation for itself due to its multi-stage purification system and sleek design. This LARQ Pitcher PureVis comes with a physical filter that claims to purify water from lead, mercury, pesticides, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and more.
This pitcher also includes a UV light that automatically activates every six hours in order to kill bacteria and self-clean. It’s rare to have this technology, so it’s worth the higher price point. Plus you could avoid “traveler’s stomach” or creating tons of plastic waste from disposable bottles when overseas, where you won’t have the necessary immunity to drink the water.
Best replacement water filters
Aquaphor
We have heard other filters have issues clogging, and we found out the hard way (sorry, couldn’t help it!), hard water can add additional challenges. Aquaphor reviews don’t complain about the same issues, which is extra promising news for these replacement filters.
Best faucet mount water filter
All that said, water faucet filters come with some downsides. Fit is a significant factor; a tight seal on the faucet is important to avoid leaks and build-up. Also, don’t let the product pictures fool you: whether vertical or horizontal, the PUR Faucet Mount commandeers valuable real estate for anyone with minimal sink space. We’ve found the water capacity of 2-3 months really depends on the quality of water. If you live in an area with hard water, or a building with old pipes, you might run into clogs around the one-month mark.
Best overall countertop water filter
Aquasana
This Aquasana countertop model is a steal as an upfront investment. Keep in mind that filters will cost around $60 every six months to replace. And if you have really hard water, it might need to be replaced more often. But, we’ve found this is on par for most pitchers on the list. Plus, signing up for a subscription to receive the filters automatically on the brand’s website will reduce the cost of filters by 15% — and saving money is always a good thing.
Best investment countertop water filter
The best part of the AquaTru? An app connects to your smartphone with meter readings and reminds you when it’s time to replace your filter. You won’t need to install this reverse osmosis system or hire a professional. The four-stage filtration system holds one gallon of water in its tank and cleans out difficult-to-remove contaminants including fluoride, radium, chromium, and lead. AquaTru could be worth the investment because most other filtration systems will need to be installed directly to your pipes in order to eliminate such heavy hitters.
Best under-sink water filter
The two-step Aquasana AQ-5200 model is NSF-certified to eliminate 77 different contaminants, including lead, mercury, volatile organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and other materials. If you want a higher capacity system, you can also invest in the Aquasana AQ-5300, a three-stage under-sink system for up to 800 gallons per life cycle. Both are NSF certified for chlorine and independently tested for other heavy metals. However, we think the AQ-5200 provides the best balance of functionality and value.
Best portable water bottle filter
We stand by the Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier as a worthwhile investment for filtering bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in drinking water while on the go. Grayl has gotten us through multiple trips across Mexico.
The press feature is simple and efficient. But, the power needed to manually press the water through the filter system can be tough, especially in the beginning. So people with arthritis or mobility issues might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, the functionality and speed are unparalleled for the price.
Best budget portable water filter
We recommend the brand’s original LifeStraw personal filter as a solid budget option that lasts up to 1,000 gallons. That’s right: 1,000 gallons or an estimated five years. Lifestraw is award-winning for its capabilities in such a budget-friendly package. Your budget filter purchase can be used with an existing water bottle and will also buy one year of safe drinking for a community in need. The nonprofit brand places special emphasis on supporting people during a humanitarian crisis or in need of emergency aid. We’ll call that an all-around win.
Best overall reverse osmosis water filter
iSpring
That’s why we selected the iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System with an alkaline filter that automatically remineralizes your water to mountain spring freshness. This model is also one of three iSpring reverse osmosis systems that are NSF Certified. If you want a system that automatically remineralizes your water and doesn’t alter the pH of the water, the iSpring is an affordable unit with a standard clean-water-to-waste ratio. This also brings us to the second issue with reverse osmosis systems: If the idea of throwing away up to a couple of gallons of water for every filtered gallon is just too wasteful, then try another type of water filter. Otherwise, the convenience and purity of the iSpring water system is unparalleled.
Best standard reverse osmosis water filter
APEC Water Systems
APEC Reverse Osmosis filters out fluoride, in addition to lead, arsenic, nitrates, heavy metals, and other emerging contaminants. So, while it’s a higher upfront investment than a filter pitcher, APEC ROES-50 will rid your tap water of most trace solids thanks to a five-step system that includes sediment, carbon block, and reverse osmosis filters. This APEC water filter also features a semi-permanent installation and a separate in-sink spout for filtered water as soon as you need it.
Best whole house water filter system
That said, our overall recommendation for many homeowners is the Rhino by Aquasana. The 600,000-gallon model is a whole house system tested by the NSF. The Rhino uses carbon and KDF filters to reduce sediment, chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and more. The 600,000 gallons is said to last up to six years of water treatment for your entire home. You can also purchase the option to remove salt and include an Aquasana Rhino with UV filter for bacteria and viruses. We found the Rhino 600,000 Gallons water filter on many lists for the best water filters on the market, and the versatility without a ton of confusing add-ons is a huge plus.
Best overall shower water filter
Aquasana’s shower filter isn’t NSF certified — independent testing to NSF standards is not the same thing. But other products from the brand are tested through NSF. We purchased the Aquasana without the shower head, but other options include a handheld wand or a chrome finish.
You can also gain additional discounts if you subscribe to get filter replacements automatically delivered. We love the advantage of a discount paired with a foolproof system to know when it’s time to switch to a new filter.
Best budget shower water filter
Sprite
We’ve tried the Sprite High Output 2-Shower Water Filtration System because it’s budget-friendly and easy to install with your regular existing shower head. We also like that Sprite features a dial to set the month to remind you when to replace the filter. The filter needs to be replaced every six to nine months, and it’s much easier to forget to replace a shower filter than a filter pitcher. If you’re going to go to the trouble of installing a shower filter, you want it to actually work.
