Because the majority of the human body is composed of water, staying hydrated is very important. Drinking the commonly recommended eight glasses of water each day can improve your physical performance, energy levels, brain function, digestive system, and much more. Single-use water bottles are not very environmentally conscious and tap water can have harmful contaminants. So, water filter systems can be a very helpful hydration tool. Not only do they work to reduce heavy metals and microplastics, but water filters can also remove chemicals that cause unwanted odors and tastes.
Water can be filtered through a variety of systems and each type serves a different purpose. There are options that attach directly to your faucet, water line, or under-sink plumbing. Others can be kept on the kitchen counter, in the refrigerator, or even with you as you exercise. To help you pick the best water filter for you, we have gathered a list of 2023's best options.
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The Best Water Filters - Our Top Picks
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- Best Water Filter Overall: Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System
- Best Water Filter Pitcher: Brita Large 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
- Best Under Sink Water Filter: Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System
- Best Whole House Water Filter: Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
- Best Faucet Water Filter: Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter
- Best Countertop Water Filter: AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
- Best Water Filter for Backpacking: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter
- Best Portable Water Filter: Membrane Solutions Straw Water Filter
- Best Water Filter Bottle: Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
- Best Budget Water Filter: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
Best Overall - Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: Every 3,000 gallons
- Capacity: 2.25 gallons
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
Our pick for the best overall water filter is Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System. Because of its large capacity, this countertop water filter is ideal for use in homes with 4 to 16 people. The High Grade 304 stainless steel portion of this water filter can hold about 2.25 gallons, and the overall design is lightweight, attractive, and ideal for counter storage.
The Big Berkey removes pathogens to ensure that your water is clean and safe. This is achieved through a two-filter system that combines black Berkey filters with fluoride filters. The two included Berkey systems each have a lifespan of 3,000 gallons, while the fluoride ones can be used for 1,000 gallons before needing to be replaced.
What We Like
- Doesn't take up too much space
- Not prone to leakage
- Easy set-up
- Large capacity
- Attractive design
What We Don't Like
- Priming the filters may take more time than other options
- No waterview glass
BUY: Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System
Best Pitcher - Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: Every 2 months
- Capacity: 10 cups
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
If you are looking for a simple water filtration solution, the Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher may be the option for you. Compared to other water filters, this pitcher requires no installation or setup. All you will need to do is insert the filter system into the top section after running it under cool water for 15 seconds. The filter should be replaced every two months.
This Brita water pitcher can hold up to 10 cups of water. With a refrigerator-friendly design, you can ensure that your water is cold and ready to drink. Brita filters are certified to reduce chlorine, copper, mercury, and cadmium to provide clean water without taste or odor.
What We Like
- Easy to refill
- Effectively removes taste
- Replacement filters are affordable
What We Don't Like
- Can be heavy when fully filled
- No light to indicate when to replace filter
BUY: Brita Large 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Best Under Sink - Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 6 months/800 gallons
- Capacity: N/A
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
To avoid frequent refilling, consider the Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System. As the name suggests, this option installs under the sink, so it will not take up too much space. While it might seem that this water filter would be complex to install, setup is easy and does not require a plumber.
The Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System works to clean your tap water by reducing the presence of contaminants without removing nutrients. Because filters only need to be replaced about every 6 months, this water filter is a more economical choice. Just like installation, filters are simple to replace as water lines and hoses do not need to be disconnected.
What We Like
- Filters more water at a time than other options
- More convenient than countertop or pitcher options
- Simple installation process
What We Don't Like
- Can feel unstable if not installed properly
- May have a slow flow rate
BUY: Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System
Best Whole House - Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 10 years/600,000 gallons
- Capacity: N/A
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
Whole-house water filter systems treat water right at the source: the main water line. We think the best whole-house filter is the Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System. This option removes 97 percent of chlorine and reduces organic chemicals from all of your water taps. With this all-over filtration, you can get clean, great-tasting water throughout your home.
Being one of the longest lasting options on our list, Aquasana's Whole House Water Filter System is an investment. Although more expensive than other options, it will effectively purify your home's water for up to 10 years. At this rate, one gallon of water is filtered for about less than $0.01. For the best results, the systems pre and post filters will need to be changed every couple of months.
What We Like
- Filters do not need to be changed frequently
- Should not affect pressure
- Can improve smell and taste of water
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other options
- Likely needs professional installation
BUY: Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
Best Faucet - Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 2 months/200 gallons
- Capacity: N/A
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
Our choice for the best faucet water filter is the Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter. Without any tools, you can easily attach this filter to your sink's faucet. To provide clean, good-tasting water, this faucet attachment works to reduce contaminants like chlorine, giardia, cryptosporidium, azine, lindane, and bad odors. This is achieved through a carbon block filtration system.
The Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter has a diverter valve system that allows you to switch quickly between filtered and unfiltered water. With a capacity of 200 gallons, you should only have to replace this system's filter about every two months. This water filter is designed to fit most standard sink nozzles through included adapters.
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Replacing the filter is simple
- Low chance of leaking
- Can switch between filtered and unfiltered
What We Don't Like
- Replacement filters may be more expensive than other options
- May cause slow flow rate
BUY: Culligan FM-15A Advanced Faucet Mount Filter
Best Countertop - AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 6 months to 2 years
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
If you want to keep your water filtration system on your kitchen counter, we suggest the AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System. Setting up this countertop water filter is simple because it does not need to be installed or hooked up to your plumbing. All you will need to do is plug it in and ensure that the filters are in their designated spots.
With a sleek and compact design, the AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System is the ideal for kitchen counter storage. The front display panel, as well as the AQTConnect App, will indicate when you need to change your filter along with other important information. Filters for this system have a capacity for 600 to 1,200 gallons which means you might only have to change them every two years.
What We Like
- Can use an app to monitor filter
- Easy to move to new location on countertop
- Installation is simple
What We Don't Like
- Faucet may drip
- Doesn't hold as much water as other options
BUY: AquaTru Connect Smart Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Best For Backpacking - Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: Every 1,000 liters
- Capacity: 1 liter
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
Having clean water is essential when backpacking. We think the best water filter for backpacking is the Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter. Because this water filter bottle has a collapsible design, it can easily be stored in your bag, jacket pocket, or other small spaces. This bottle with a filter works to eliminate harmful organisms from natural water you may need to drink while backpacking. The membrane filter can be easily cleaned by just shaking the bottle.
The Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter cleans water without chemicals. The bottle features a free flowing channel that allows you to drink water quickly when you need it most. This nozzle is simple to keep clean and it can even be replaced with a standard water bottle cap. A liter of water can be stored in this water filter bottle.
What We Like
- Collapsible design
- Easy to clean and filter
- Fast flow rate
What We Don't Like
- May not completely remove taste
- Material is not very durable
BUY: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter
Best Portable - Membrane Solutions Straw Water Filter
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 5,000 liters
- Capacity: N/A
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
If you like to do outdoor activities, like hiking or biking, it can be helpful to have a portable and easy way to make water drinkable. The Membrane Solutions Straw Water Filter is a great tool to keep in your survival kit as you go on your adventures. At just 7.1 inches long and weighing only 2 ounces, this water filter straw is the smallest option on our list. This means it can be easily carried with you wherever you go.
The Membrane Solutions Straw Water Filter reduces odors, organic chemicals, chlorine, and more through a multi-stage filtration system. A coarse filter screen, double layer of PP cotton fiber, coconut shell activated carbon, and hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes work to clean and improve the taste of water.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Simple to use
- Ideal for emergency kits
- Can be used with most gravity filtration systems
What We Don't Like
- Not as durable as other options
- May be hard to draw water through
BUY: Membrane Solutions Straw Water Filter
Best Water Filter Bottle - Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 40 gallons
- Capacity: 32 oz.
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
Our pick for the best water filter bottle is the Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle. This 32-ounce bottle from Brita is an environmental choice because it can replace the use of single-use water bottles. Made with stainless steel, this bottle is durable and can keep your water cold for up to 24 hours. The lid included with this water filter bottle is leak-free and easy to drink from.
This Stainless Steel Bottle from Brita has a filter that fits inside the straw. To improve taste and reduce odors, this filter eliminates chlorine. For the best results, it is recommended that the filter be replaced every 40 gallons, or after two months of use.
What We Like
- Easy to clean
- Portable
- Stainless steel design keeps water cold
What We Don't Like
- Straw design may not be for everyone
- Can be heavy when filled completely
BUY: Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
Best Budget - PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
SPECS
- Filter replacement frequency: 100 gallons
- Capacity: N/A
- Dishwasher safe: N/A
If you are searching for a water filter on a budget, we recommend the PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System. This affordable water filter attaches to your sink's faucet. No tools are needed to install this faucet water filter; all you need to do is twist your aerator and washer off and twist the filter on. This option can be used on most faucets, aside from pull-out or hand-held ones.
The filter in the PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System features a mineral core which works to improve taste. The filtration system also helps to eliminate 70 different unwanted contaminants like mercury and lead. Because this filter cleans the water straight from your tap, you can use it for a variety of purposes, such as refilling a water bottle, cooking, or making tea and coffee.
What We Like
- Not tools required for installation
- Can reduce 70 impurities
- Features an indicator light that reminds you to replace filter
What We Don't Like
- May be bulky compared to other options
- Not truly stainless steel
BUY: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
What to Look for in a Water Filter
Filter Replacement Frequency
Each water filter has a different lifespan that determines how frequently they need to be replaced. This is typically expressed in the number of gallons it can filter or how many months or years it can be used before needing to be replaced.
Capacity
Capacity is how much water a filtration system can hold. If you need water for a large group of people or for an extended period of time, you will want a filter with a higher capacity. Certain types of water filters do not have a capacity, such as faucet filters, under-sink units, and whole-house filters.
Type
There are different kinds of water filters that serve different purposes. Faucet water filters clean your tap water right in the sink. Pitchers and countertop water filters need to be refilled frequently. Whole house filters are installed at the water line to keep water clean throughout your home. Water filter bottles are portable.
FAQs About Water Filters
Which water filter removes the most contaminants?
Water filters that have a multi-stage design tend to eliminate more contaminants. An example of this type are systems that use reverse osmosis.
Can water filters cause health issues?
If not cleaned properly, water filter systems can grow mold or bacteria. These microorganisms can have adverse effects on your health. For this reason, it is important to clean and replace the filter regularly.
Should you filter tap water?
Whether or not tap water needs to be filtered depends largely on where you are. Tap water can be filtered to remove impurities like chlorine, as well as unpleasant odors and tastes. Reportedly, when tap waste is filtered, it can be as safe as drinking bottled water.
Can I drink water left out overnight?
Water that's been left out overnight is not necessarily unsafe to drink but it might not have the best taste, as exposed water is affected by the carbon dioxide in the air after about 12 hours. Water that's left out and uncovered can also collect dust and other particles from the air.
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