Deciding which countertop water filtration system is suitable for your home can be tricky.
The truth is, there are way too many options to choose from these days. From reverse osmosis filters to activated carbon media, filtration methods can be overwhelming.
To ensure you find the right countertop filter for your home, I’ve spent the last 10 months reviewing, comparing, and ranking the best countertop water filters in the world.
Here’s what I found.
1. AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Filter — 9.92/10 (Best countertop filter for your home) — $529.99
AquaTru Countertop RO Filter is the best countertop water filtration system for your home because it accomplishes precisely what it was created to deliver—unbelievably clear drinking water.
This reverse osmosis countertop water filter is a prime example of minimal design and maximum effort combined to achieve one of the most thorough filtration processes available.
Pros
Like I said from the get-go, this countertop filter, without a doubt, is one of the most effective filtration processes available today. This filter uses reverse osmosis to neutralize every contaminant you need to be worried about, eradicating carcinogens, toxins, chlorine, and fluoride.
The AquaTru Countertop RO Filter is IAPMO R&T certified against NSF standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473. This means it can remove up to 99% of 82 different contaminants from your drinking water supply.
The AquaTru’s four stages of filtration include a sediment filter, a coconut shell activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis stage, and an activated carbon block.
Its straightforward installation procedure was easy to follow and took me only 10 minutes to get the system up and running. It’s nice not to go through an extensive setup to get to the final product.
I was very impressed with this filter’s use of a pressure pump to speed up the filtration process. It only took 15 minutes to produce a gallon of water from start to finish.
The most enjoyable part of my number one choice for the best countertop filter is that filter changes are inexpensive and will have an annual maintenance cost of around $100 per year. With all the costs skyrocketing around us, we all want an option that won’t break the bank every year. This feature meant that my maintenance costs would be minimal, putting money back into my pocket.
You’ll only need to exchange the filters every 6–12 months or two years to replace the reverse osmosis membrane.
Cons
The only downside I can mention about this filter is that it only comes with a one-year warranty to cover any issues with the unit. I don’t worry that the AquaTru Countertop RO Filter is built to fail, as it is a gorgeous unit, but it’s nice to have protection for a little longer than a year.
Overall
Forget bottled water, AquaTru Countertop RO Filter is the best of the countertop water filters because it delivers the power of a whole-house reverse osmosis water filter right from your kitchen countertop.
You’ll know you made the right purchase with the AquaTru filter from your first glass of filtered water. From its reverse osmosis membrane to the 99% of 82 different contaminants it removes from your drinking water, the AquaTru filter offers some of the cleanest water production.
With four stages of filtration and a straightforward installation process, this filter is well worth your investment!
While the warranty is only for a year, it is a well-built water filter that deserves the number one spot, and I don’t doubt that it will remain issue free.
If you want a countertop water filter that purifies your water and removes harmful contaminants, get AquaTru Countertop RO Filter here.
2. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Countertop Water Filter — 7.93/10 (Removes most toxins) — $387.99
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Countertop Water Filter is #2 because it looks entirely classic vintage and delivers delicious filtered water. Still, you’ll have to spend more money to be able to filter fluoride from your water.
Pros
One of the biggest wins for the Big Berkey is that even though it removes quite a lot of contaminants, it also manages to retain all the good stuff as well! All the beneficial minerals you need are retained during the filtration process.
I also liked that the filter life was a whopping three years long. That meant less work and less cash spent on filters in the long run.
Another big win for the Big Berkey is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Yeah, that’s right. Lifetime. If you treat this countertop water filter right, you’ll never have to purchase another one again.
Although it doesn’t have any certifications like my number one choice does, the Big Berkey has been tested against NSF Standard 53, which means its filters are certified to reduce most contaminants.
Cons
If you’re looking to remove contaminants like fluoride from your tap water, look a little further, my friends. The Big Berkey charges you extra to purchase additional filters to do so. If you’re a reader of my articles, you’ll know I don’t like having to buy different parts to make a countertop filtration system work right.
In this case, it does so many things right that I can almost overlook it.
Almost.
Overall
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Countertop Water Filter is my #2 recommendation for the best countertop water filter for your home because it offers one of the finest filtration methods out there.
While it doesn’t have a reverse osmosis membrane or any acknowledged certifications, it’s a reliable second option.
If you’d like to know more about the Big Berkey filter system, you can learn more about them on their website here.
3. Aquasana AQ-4000 — 7.75/10 (Best for a limited budget) — $129.99
Aquasana AQ-4000 is my #3 because while it doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, it uses Claryum filtration to deliver clean, filtered water.
Pros
Although the Aquasana AQ-4000 filter doesn’t use the latest filtration technology available to filter water, it doesn’t mean it’s incapable of delivering a higher percentage of filtered water. The Aquasana has a Claryum filtration method that uses a mix of activated carbon, ion exchange media, and sub-micron filtration to clean drinking water.
This filter is also portable, so you don’t need to install anything to get it working, and it moves where you move.
This filter also features a diverter valve, which is great because it allows you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water easily. This element helps extend the life of the filter cartridge as well.
Cons
One of the things I didn’t quite like about the Aquasana is that its filter cartridge and caps kept getting stuck when I tried to fiddle with them. It seems like this could become quite a nuisance down the road. While this is one of the best countertop water filters available right now, it isn’t the number one choice.
Overall
Aquasana AQ-4000 is #3 on my list because while it isn’t too flashy and doesn’t have the water filtration technology of most other countertop filters, it still does a superb job of filtering your tap water supply.
While you will remove far more contaminants and heavy metals from your water with the AquaTru Countertop RO Filter, if you want to learn more about the Aquasana, you can do it here.
4. Home Master Jr. F2 Elite Countertop Water Filter — $92.50
Home Master’s countertop water filter takes the fourth spot because no matter how smelly your water is, the Jr. F2 Elite has no issue making those nasty water odors disappear entirely.
This filter offers a compact design that makes it perfect for those with limited counter space, and it comes in either black or white, blending in with most kitchen designs.
The Home Master Jr. F2 Elite also uses a combination of activated + catalytic carbon, activated alumina (AA) filter media, and KDF to achieve premium filtered water.
It also has a speedy installation, clocking in at five minutes, and is quite simple to complete.
One of the downsides to this unit is that no matter how hard I tried to find statistics regarding what it actually removes from the tap water, there wasn’t much to discover.
Kind of shady, right?
Although it does significantly improve the smell of tainted H20, its lack of information regarding what it actually takes out of the water leaves the Home Master looking like they have something to hide.
5. CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filtration System — $69.95
If you have a big household, this filter is for you. Boasting a massive 10,000-gallon filter capacity, it’s one of the most cost-effective solutions for effective water filtration.
Very easy to install, this water filter was assembled and filtering water in seconds. It took me literally no time to put this simple filter together and start the filtration process.
I didn’t particularly appreciate that this unit doesn’t feature a filter indicator like most countertop filters. You’re left guessing when your filter has completed its life cycle.
The CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filtration System is an excellent little water filter. Still, my first choice for a countertop water filter has so many more features, leaving this little unit in its wake.
6. Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter System — $69.98
This budget filter system packs a powerful filtration process.
When it comes to your drinking water, the Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter System doesn’t play around. This little filter unit vanquishes most contaminants, including bad tastes, odors, heavy metals, and chlorine.
The downside to this unit? It only features a 1500-gallon filter capacity, which falls relatively short of most countertop water filters.
With a far bigger filter capacity, my number one selection offers way more value than the Ecosoft unit over time.
7. APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter — $172.48
This little bad boy removes up to 99% of the contaminants in your drinking
water during its filtration process—a process that uses five stages to clarify and clean drinking water.
APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter produces alkaline water with a higher pH level and lowered acidity to promote health benefits. You can expect this water to have a higher alkaline level as well.
Nutritionists believe that alkaline water may be beneficial to your health by helping balance acidic body chemistry. Yet, one thing to consider is that drinking water with a high alkaline will mean that it is lacking in good minerals.
Stick with what works—my number one choice uses reverse osmosis to achieve filtered water that is also remineralized in the process and does it much better.
8. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System — $165.00
The New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System features a water filtration system that extracts most pollutants, contaminants, and toxins in your water by employing a 10-step filtering process.
This speedier filter can filter a gallon of water in one and a half minutes. This countertop unit can’t be beaten for those looking for quick filtered water production.
The biggest issue with this water filter is that it started leaking as soon as it was installed. The leak was very minor but a leak nonetheless.
With its leaky seal, you’re better off checking out my first choice to see what the quality craftsmanship of a countertop water filter looks like.
9. Brondell H630 Cypress Countertop Water Filter System — $151.22
The Brondell H630 Cypress Countertop Water Filter System is a terrific option for those looking for a filter that doesn’t rely on electricity to function.
What I really liked about the Brondell water filter is that it can be directly hooked up to the sink’s cold water pipe, resulting in tremendous water pressure.
What I didn’t like was the fact that the Brondell appears and claims to feature an easy installation, but the fact is that it comes with a water diverter that won’t fit most taps. I even tried to get a plumber to help me with the installation and they were as stumped as I was.
The end result, this is an honorable little filter system but cannot produce the same high-quality filtered water as my first choice.
10. VitaFilta Countertop Filter & Cooler — $245.94
This handy little water filter has built-in temperature control and produces cold drinking water whenever you need it.
The VitaFilta Countertop Filter & Cooler uses a simple carbon filter media to extract harmful contaminants and enhance the flavor of your tap water as well.
Its filter is relatively undersized for such an oversized device and doesn’t pair with other kitchen countertop devices very well.
The VitaFilta takes the last spot on my list based solely on its poor look. If you’re looking for style and substance, my first choice will stand the test of time.
The Bottom Line
After an intense 10 months of water filter testing at my water filter installation laboratory, I hereby proclaim the AquaTru Countertop RO Filter the best counter filter for your home.
Using advanced reverse osmosis filtration technology and a four-stage method, the AquaTru handily removes your drinking water’s carcinogens, toxins, chlorine, and fluoride with ease.
It can remove up to 99% of 82 different contaminants from your drinking water supply, which is why you want a countertop filter in the first place. Forget that rinky-dink faucet water filter you borrowed from Barb, it’s time to really clean that water supply.
Throw in the easy installation, low-cost annual maintenance fees, and added pressure pump, and the AquaTru becomes a powerful water filter that will undoubtedly give you years of premium filtered countertop water production.
It’s a little disappointing that the AquaTru water filter only comes with a one-year warranty but judging by a 10-month review of the product, there shouldn’t be any issues to be concerned with here.
If you want a countertop water filter that produces unbeatable purified water, flashes a little style, and is built to last, the AquaTru Countertop RO Filter should be your number one option.
Methodology
Here’s how I chose the countertop water filter of the future.
Step 1: A big list of countertop filters
In the beginning, I made a list, as I have for every one of my tests. This list included all the available countertop water filters I could think of. I performed a few quick searches to enhance my list and further develop it. When I had exhausted that avenue, I called my stepdad, Terry, and asked him for advice as well.
Step 2: Online Reviews
After I completed my list (thanks to Terry), I started consulting online countertop water filter reviews to get some real grassroots insight into what people thought about the filters they purchased. I found out that people feel very strongly about water filtration methods. Feelings about water filter performance were laid bare for me to pluck through and examine. After gaining a better insight into the feelings of countertop water enthusiasts, I was exhausted and went to bed.
Step 3: Product Analysis
When I awoke, I realized that I had some pretty big questions I would need to answer to determine which of the available countertop water filters really were the best option. Questions like:
- Do countertop water filters work?
- Was quality countertop water the unicorn of water filtration word?
- What kind of filter stages are there?
- Are these units better than their second-rate cousins, the faucet water filters?
- How do they compare to other house water filters?
- Are there countertop water filters that actually look stylish?
- How many countertop water filters would it take to quench the thirst of eight elephants?
- Was there a countertop water filtration system that didn’t look like a robot from Doctor Who?
- Were there any countertop water filters that could turn tap water into wine?
- How much are the replacement filters for these water filters?
- Could I use any of this filtered water to start my own bottled water business?
- Can I jack up the filter capacity of these things?
- Do they have the power of whole-house water filters?
Step 4: Interviews with Real Customers
To get the answers to those questions, I had to go straight to the source, so I set up an interview session in a rented room at the Buffalo Marriott and promised free doughnuts and coffee for those who came and discussed their respective countertop water filtration systems.
Surprisingly, I underestimated the pull of free coffee and pastries, and over 50 real deal customers arrived.
I didn’t have enough coffee and doughnuts.
After some finger-pointing and pushing, I ordered coffee and doughnuts for everyone over speakerphone so they would see I wasn’t putting in a fake order. Yeesh.
After everyone got their complimentary breakfast, we talked about water filters for an hour. I cut the list down to 20 water filters, and I was out $200 bucks.
Step 5: Interviews with the creators of AquaTru, Berkey, and Brondell
After the doughnut and coffee fiasco, I figured I could get some hard-hitting answers from the producers of the water filters I was testing.
After reaching out to the 20 filters still left on my list, I heard back from 10 of them. That made arriving at the top 10 pretty easy.
Step 6: Test Drives
As per my usual test drive procedure, I purchased the 10 filters I had on my list and had them sent to my water filter installation laboratory.
I knew I would need help with this testing, so I called up my water assistant, Baxter, and let him know that we were getting the water band back together. As usual, he was precisely 15 minutes late arriving. We familiarized ourselves with the countertop water filters and then had a tea to catch up.
We spent the next ten months pouring, filling, drinking, and testing gallons of municipal water to decide which one indeed was the best for delivering countertop water.
Step 7: Ratings
With all I knew about these countertop filter systems, it was time to rate them. I sent Baxter home because the numbers caused him anxiety, and he started breathing weirdly, and I got to work. I then awarded a point structure based on if a filter had any of these features:
- Can it remove volatile organic compounds via osmosis systems?
- Are they recyclable or are they just plastic waste waiting to happen?
- Do any of these countertop water filters act as a water filter pitcher as well?
- Do any of these countertop water filters use ceramic filters as media?
- How many have a carbon block filter?
- Do any of them really deliver pure drinking water?
- Which ones have a reverse osmosis filter or a reverse osmosis system?
- What is the total dissolved solids rating for each filter?
- Do any have multiple filters?
Best Countertop Water Filter for Your Home
It took a whopping 10 months and probably about 10 thousand water spills, but I had finally arrived at my top choice.
The AquaTru Countertop RO Filter should be your number one option because it is by far the best bang for your buck, and it delivers the best tasting water of every unit I tasted.
With its low annual maintenance cost and perfectly designed four-stage filtration method, you can’t beat the AquaTru filter for the following reasons:
- The four-stage reverse osmosis filtration system
- Removal of a multitude of contaminants and pollutants
- Multiple certifications
- Easy installation
- Low annual maintenance costs
Although it only features a one-year warranty, it’s forgivable because the unit is built to last and performs like a beast.
If you want a countertop water filter that will clean your tap water, look impressive, and stand the test of time, get the AquaTru Countertop RO Filter today.
