The 12 Best Whole-House Water Filter Systems: Reviewed and Compared (2023)

By: Jake Gallagher | December 7, 2023
Reviewed by: James Layton

I’ve systematically reviewed and tested over 40 of the best whole house water filters on the market.

This process included a detailed analysis of the filtration technologies used, an in-depth review of product manuals, contacting existing customers and manufacturers, reaching out to my industry contacts, and eventually running tests on the products myself.

Once done, I was able to cut the list to just 12 options.

Throughout this process, I worked alongside our in-house water quality expert, James Layton.

A biologist by trade, James has spent the last 25 years in the water treatment field designing and testing water filtration devices and more recently as an environmental specialist for state and federal environmental agencies.

All of this has helped me create this definitive guide on the best whole-house water filter.

Spoiler Alert: Here’s Our Pick for the Best

The SpringWell CF1 takes the prize as the best overall whole-house water filter money can buy. It combines powerful filtration, low cost of ownership, and an industry-leading warranty to stand out against the competition. It is designed specifically for city water, so keep that in mind. But there are plenty of other options in this review if you use a well system instead.

Best Whole-House Water Filter Systems: At a Glance

Table of Contents

Factors We Consider: Expert Reviews From Real-World Experts

Choosing a whole-house water filter is complicated. There are a lot of factors to consider, which is why I work so closely with our team of experts to write this review. Together we use a systematic review process that starts with filtering out products based on their best use but that also involves a detailed analysis of user manuals, warranty fine print, water test data, cost of ownership, and more.

You can read all about our research methodology to see how we conducted this review before you check out our recommended products.

However, if you’re brand new to the world of whole house water filtration, check out our guide to help you better understand the differences between these products and which one is best for you.

When you do read my list, you’ll notice SpringWell dominates our top picks. There are three main reasons for this:

  • Excellent products: SpringWell has nailed this science down and its products are simply the best out there. SpringWell goes out of its way to source all its components from reputable, quality suppliers (primarily in the US) and doesn’t ship a unit unless it meets stringent quality guidelines. 
  • Unbeatable warranty and money-back guarantee: Nearly all SpringWell products (except the UV purifier) have a lifetime warranty and six months for you to try the product out. If it’s not what you expected or isn’t working right, you can return it and get your money back, no questions asked. I spoke with several people who went through this process and said it was extremely painless. No one — and I mean no one — in this industry even comes close to this level of commitment to customers.
  • Product overlap: Some of the specific use cases you’re going to encounter overlap. For example, the best well filter is also the same as the best filter for iron or manganese since these are common contaminants in well water.

Best Overall Whole-House Water Filter 

SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter

The SpringWell CF1 is the best whole-house water filter for those on city water. It is highly effective at removing chlorine, chloramine, and other common contaminants found in municipal water.

City water comes to your home from a municipal treatment facility that uses chlorine (and other disinfection agents) to make sure the water is safe to drink. Some of these disinfection chemicals are left in the water supply even after it leaves the municipal treatment facility. Cities do this to make sure the water stays safe as it travels to your home. 

Good intentions, but I don’t want to drink chlorine…

Chlorine can also irritate sensitive skin after a shower or bath. 

During this trip, additional contaminants may make their way into the supply from copper and lead pipes or a broken pipe that lets in materials external to the system. Depending on where you live relative to the municipal treatment facility, this can range from hardly noticeable to unbearable. 

Installing the SpringWell CF1 in your home will relieve you of all these woes. 

Here’s a few more details about this unit and its pros and cons:

  • Four-stage filtration system removes 99% of chlorine and will also take out a wide range of other contaminants, such as PFAs, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, and more, as well as sediment, iron, sulfur, and manganese.
  • Available in three different models: CF1 (1–3 bathrooms), CF4 (4–6 bathrooms), and CF+ (7+ bathrooms). Make sure to select the right one for your home.
  • Easily integrates with other SpringWell water filter and treatment products, allowing you to create a robust whole-house system.
  • Low long-term cost of ownership thanks to less frequent filter replacements.
  • Industry-leading six-month money-back guarantee and lifetime limited warranty.

Here are the independent results of the CF1 filter using mytapscore.com (Las Vegas municipal water residential test):

Before CF1 Installation

Read the full pre-installation test results here.

After CF1 Installation

Read the full post-installation test results here.
  • Truly designed for city water supplies. It can trap sediment and other potential well water contaminants, but there are other filters more adequately designed for wells, such as the SpringWell WS1 (reviewed below). 
  • Does not filter out bacteria or other microbial contaminants. These are extremely uncommon in city water supplies; that’s what the chlorine is for! That said, I would get the UV add-on if you know this is an issue in your water, or you’re worried about it.

Overall

If your home is connected to a municipal water supply, aka city water, and you’re tired of or worried about that chlorine smell and taste, the SpringWell CF1 has got you covered. 

Its four-stage filtration process will deliver crystal clear, great-tasting water to every tap in your home, and its unmatched lifetime warranty makes it the best overall whole-house water filter money can buy.

I have a full review of the SpringWell CF1 if you want more information. If you’re ready for clean water, get the SpringWell CF1 here. 

Save 5% off the CF1 using the exclusive discount code: DW5OFF

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Well Water

SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter

The SpringWell WS1 is my top choice for a whole-house water filter for well water. It features the same build quality and warranty as the CF1, but it’s specifically designed for the most common well contaminants.

Well owners most commonly struggle with hydrogen sulfide (which makes your water smell like rotten eggs), iron (which leaves dark red/brown stains on your sinks, tubs, and shower stalls), and manganese (which also causes staining). 

However, if your well cap, the thing that seals it at the top, is loose or broken, other things, such as insects and bacteria can get into the well. 

If the cap is below the soil line (which is common), rain and melting snow can bring all sorts of contaminants into your well. Agricultural runoff can add nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides to your water. 

All of these require special filters.

The SpringWell WS1 knocks out sediment along with hydrogen sulfide, iron, and manganese. But if your individual water test revealed additional contaminants, check out my full review on the best whole-house water filters for well water to find the optimal solution. 

Here’s what I do and don’t like about SpringWell’s well filter:

  • Uses air injection oxidization (AIO) to remove up to 8 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, 7 ppm of iron, and 1 ppm of manganese, making it highly effective against the most common well water contaminants.
  • Easy-to-use Bluetooth-controlled filter head lets you program your filter to your needs and gives you complete control of your system.
  • Available in three models: WS1 (1–3 bathrooms), WS4 (4–6 bathrooms), and WS+ (7+ bathrooms). Make sure to choose the right one for your home. 
  • Six-month money-back guarantee and lifetime limited warranty.
  • The included spin-down sediment pre-filter will only catch large sediment particles (152 microns and above). If you have smaller sediment particles in your water (little specks of dirt, clay, sand, etc.), you will need to purchase a canister pre-filter separately.
  • Does not protect against microbial contamination. You’ll need to purchase a UV purifier and add it to your system if you’re concerned about this, or a chlorine injection unit, which might change the taste and odor of your water.

*** If microbes are in your well, you need to address this problem at its core. There could be a leak or some other issue you can prevent, but a UV purifier (reviewed below) will ensure your water is safe at all times. ***

Overall

If you’re looking for a way to filter out the most common and annoying well water contaminants, the SpringWell WS1 is the way to go. Its filtration capabilities far exceed what most of you will need and is backed by a six-month money-back guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty. To learn about well filters that can handle additional well contaminants, read about the best whole-house water filters for well water.

I’ve also done a full review of the SpringWell WS1 if you’d like even more information on this unit.

If this filter is what you need, you can get the SpringWell WS1 here.

Best Cartridge Whole-House Filter

SpringWell Whole House Cartridge System

The SpringWell Whole House Cartridge System is the best cartridge of “big blue” whole-house water filters I reviewed.

A staple in the water filtration industry, cartridge filter systems, sometimes called “big blue” filters, are simple filters that pack a lot of punch. The name “big blue” is technically proprietary, but it’s become one of those terms that was once a brand but is now ubiquitous, like Band-Aid or Kleenex.

The beauty of these products is the simplicity of their design. Each cartridge filter fits inside a large blue housing that screws into place on the same bracket that gets mounted to your wall. All you need to do is connect your supply lines to either side and you’re good to go.

The whole unit can include 1–4 different filters. The standards are a 5-micron sediment filter and an activated-carbon filter. Together, these remove the vast majority of city water contaminants, such as chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, PFAs, etc. But many also include a salt-free conditioner to help with hard water.

The big advantage of cartridge filters is that they cost less up front, and the filters are super easy to change. You simply twist them off the “big blue” housing with the provided wrench, put a new filter inside, and screw the housing back on. The downside is that filters need to be changed once a year, which can cause long-term costs to add up.

The SpringWell Whole House Cartridge Filter System has an activated-carbon filter and a 5-micron sediment filter, and it gives you the option of adding salt-free conditioning as well as a lead filter, all for a reasonable price with an excellent warranty.

Here’s what I do and don’t like about the SpringWell cartridge filter:

  • Activated carbon and 5-micron sediment filters are extremely effective against a wide range of city water contaminants.
  • You can add an optional salt-free conditioner if you have hard water.
  • Optional lead filter (0.5-micron filter) removes this toxic metal from your water supply.
  • You can expect exceptional build quality on the housings and wall mount (often not the case with big blue filters).
  • Installation and filter replacements are super easy.
  • Has lower up-front costs than other city water whole-house filters.
  • Comes with an industry-leading lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.
  • Filters need to be replaced once a year. Costs range from $100–$300 a year, which means this filter is more expensive in the long run compared to other filters.
  • Not suitable for well water unless sediment is your only concern.
  • Conditioner does not actually soften water but simply neutralizes calcium and magnesium to prevent scale buildup. Hard water’s other effects will remain.

Overall

Cartridge style filters like the SpringWell Whole House Cartridge Filter System are excellent if you want superior filtration for low up-front costs. Filter replacements do make these units more expensive in the long run, but SpringWell’s unit also has a lifetime warranty, which is hard to beat.

If you want to see some other big blue/cartridge filter systems, check out my full review. Otherwise, you can get the SpringWell Whole House Cartridge Filter System here.

Best for Hard Water

SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener (SS1)

The SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener is my personal favorite whole-house filter for hard water. 

Water is considered hard when it has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium, known as “hardness minerals.” Drinking hard water does not pose any health risks. But it can be very annoying.

The biggest pain hard water causes is scale buildup on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. This not only looks ugly but can damage your appliances, especially those with heating elements, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and hot water heaters. 

If you hear a popping or crackling sound coming from one of these appliances, there is probably scale buildup on the element.

Hard water can also leave streaks and stains on your clean dishes, and it can be rough on your skin and hair. It also interferes with soaps and detergents and prevents them from lathering, which requires you to use more of them to properly clean ($$$).

A water softener (the correct name for a filter for hard water) uses a special process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from the water. This makes your water “soft” and cures all the problems hard water causes. 

There are also salt-free “conditioners” which reduce some of but not all the impacts of hard water without actually removing these minerals.

The SpringWell Salt Based Water Softener does this as well as any other softener and has a few extra features that set it apart. 

Here’s everything I love and don’t love about this water softener:

  • 32,000-grain capacity makes it capable of softening even the hardest water.
  • High-performing Bluetooth-enabled control head optimizes the regeneration cycle and saves you money and maintenance time.
  • Available in multiple sizes. This model is good for 1–3 bathrooms, but there is also the SS4 (4–6 bathrooms) and SS+ (7+ bathrooms) for larger homes.
  • Backed by SpringWell’s limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.
  • Like all softeners, this unit will add trace amounts of sodium to your water. But even for the hardest of water, the amount of sodium in an 8 oz glass of water is less than that in a glass of milk of the same size.
  • Like all softeners, the SpringWell SS1 relies on backwashing, which uses your water to flush the resin and regenerate it before flushing it down the drain. This is an unavoidable waste, though the high-tech control head helps keep this to a minimum. 

Overall

The SpringWell SS1 Salt Based Water Softener is the best whole-house “filter” for hard water. It is much more commonly called a water softener. It’s also the best whole-house water filter for calcium, as calcium is one of the main culprits behind hard water. 

I like the SpringWell SS1 because it treats even very hard water supplies, is efficient and easy to use, and is backed by a warranty you just can’t beat. For a more in-depth analysis, you may want to explore my thorough review of the Springwell SS1.

If you want to explore other options, check out my best water softener article. In this review, I have also looked at a few salt-free “softeners.” These don’t actually soften the water but can reduce some of the impacts of hard water.

For those who are ready to enter the world of soft water, you can get the SpringWell SS1 Salt-Based Water Softener System here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter and Softener Combo

SpringWell CSS1 Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo

The SpringWell CSS1 is my top choice for a whole-house water filter and softener combo. 

It combines the SpringWell CF1 whole-house filter and SpringWell SS1 salt-based water softener. Since both of these were my top choices in their individual categories, this one was kind of a no brainer. 

Note, though, that the CSS1 is best for city water. 

If you’re on well water, the SpringWell WSSS1 is going to be for you. The WSSS1 combines the SpringWell WS1 (best whole-house filter for well water) with the SS1, the best water softener/filter for hard water. 

Buying both units together is a good way to deal with all your water quality problems at once. It also saves you a bit of money; most manufacturers offer a slight discount when you buy two units at the same time. 

The SpringWell CSS1 is a great way to filter and soften your water at the same. Here are its pros and cons: 

  • Combines the best whole-house water filter (SpringWell CF1) with the best whole-house water softener (SpringWell SS1) to make the best filter/softener combo. 
  • Capable of filtering out chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, as well as viruses, and bacteria.
  • Softens even very hard water supplies.
  • State-of-the-art Bluetooth-enabled control head optimizes efficiency, reduces waste, and gives you total control over your entire system.
  • Backed by SpringWell’s six-month money-back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty.
  • Available in three models: CSS1 (1–3 bathrooms), CSS4 (4–6 bathrooms), and CSS+ (7+ bathrooms). These all easily combine with other SpringWell products if you want to build a larger water treatment system.
  • Best suited for city water. If you use well water, get the WSSS1, which combines the same softener used here with the SpringWell whole-house well filter, the WS1.
  • Like all softeners, this system will add sodium to your water supply, though only in trace amounts. But if you have extremely hard water (15 grains per gallon or more) this may be a concern.

Overall

The SpringWell CSS1 combines the high-performing CF1 whole-house water filter with the industry-leading SS1 water softener to make an elite filter/softener combo. 

Add in SpringWell’s excellent money-back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty and you’ve got a product that will exceed any and all expectations. 

I’ve reviewed other models and compiled a complete list of the best whole-house water filter and softener combo, which includes some salt-free options if that’s what you need.

I’ve also conducted a detailed review of the SpringWell CSS1 for those seeking additional information about this unit. Or you can skip all that reading and get the SpringWell CSS1 right here.

If you’re in need of a well water system, you can get the SpringWell WSSS1 here. However, if you want more information about this product, you can also consult our review of the SpringWell WSSS1 here.

Best Whole-House UV Water Filter

SpringWell UV Water Purification System

My top choice for the best whole-house UV water filter system is the SpringWell UV Water Purification System.

A UV water filter is not so much a filter as it is a bacteria-zapping machine. It uses a powerful dose of ultraviolet light to kill all living things that enter the chamber where the lamp is housed. 

If you’re concerned about microbial contamination in your water, such as E. coli, legionella, cholera, and more, a UV purifier is one of your best defenses. This is mostly a concern with well water because these supplies are not treated, and bacteria can leach into the well from the surrounding soil. 

City water is treated with chlorine and other disinfection products to remove these microbes, but you may still want a UV purifier in the event of an emergency (flooding, broken pipes, malfunctioning treatment equipment, etc).

Here’s what I do and don’t like about the SpringWell UV water filtration system:

  • Powerful UV lamp will kill 99.99% of all microbial contaminants in your water. No one can get 100%.
  • Automated reminders about UV lamp replacement starting up to a week in advance to ensure your system stays up and running (lamps should last around one year).
  • Exceptional warranty on tank valves (lifetime) and electrical components (six years as compared to three from the next competitor).
  • Does not include a sediment pre-filter, which is necessary to ensure the UV lamp maximizes its effectiveness. You can buy one separate and integrate it to the UV purifier.
  • Slightly less energy efficient than other models on the market, translating into about $25 more per year in electricity costs (using national averages for electricity costs).

Overall

Most UV water purifiers on the market do more or less the same thing, but none of them offer the type of warranty like the one you get with the SpringWell UV water purifier, not to mention its six-month money back guarantee. 

I’ve reviewed all the best UV water purifiers on the market if you want to check them out, but SpringWell’s unit stands alone at the top. 

If you’re ready to make the plunge, get the SpringWell UV Water Filtration System here. 

Best Whole-House Reverse Osmosis System

Crystal Quest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System

The Crystal Quest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System is the best whole-house reverse osmosis (RO) system I found. 

Without getting into the technicalities of what reverse osmosis is, know that it’s a filtration process that forces water through a super small membrane (0.0001–0.0005 microns). 

Being so small, this membrane separates your water into “clean” and “dirty” supplies. The good stuff gets stored in a tank for you to use and the bad stuff goes down the drain. The size of the storage tank will determine if your unit is “whole house” or “point of use,” meaning it provides clean water to just one tap in your home.

There is also a limit to how much water an RO system can produce each day, measured in gallons per day. 

Reverse osmosis can remove (not kill) viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. It also eliminates common chemical contaminants, such as lead, copper, and arsenic. It is the preferred solution near the ocean where salt can pollute the water supply, a growing problem around the US. It can also remove nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides from agricultural runoff.

It’s not particularly effective against chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and PFAs, which are best filtered out with activated carbon or KDF media in pre- and post-filtration. This makes them most effective on well water. RO will work just fine on city water if your only concern is salt or heavy metals.

Here’s what I do and don’t like about Crystal Quest’s whole-house unit:

  • Super-small RO membrane will separate out bacteria, viruses, protozoa, most heavy metals, salt, and other chemical contaminants as well as nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides. 
  • Minimum of 300 gallons per day (gpd) production, which is more than enough for most homes. But you can also upgrade to 400, 500, 750, or even 1,000 gpd. In fact, you can go all the way up to 7,000 gpd. But higher production doesn’t always help if you don’t have a storage tank large enough to keep all that clean water handy. 
  • Lots of storage tank sizes to choose from to be able to build the exact unit you need for your home.
  • You need a good bit of space at the point of installation for this unit thanks to its large tank.
  • Depending on your water supply, using RO in the entire house could make your water too acidic, which would necessitate a remineralization unit, adding to your total bill.
  • After adding a storage tank and the right unit for you, these systems tend to get a bit costly as compared to other whole-house filters. 
  • Crystal Quest only offers a one-year warranty on all its products, which doesn’t impress me.

Overall

If you’re looking for a whole-house reverse osmosis system to maximize the filtration capacity of your water system, then the Crystal Quest unit is the way to go. It has some unavoidable downsides due to how RO works and runs, but it’s a great option if you can work around these.

I’ve got some other options worth looking at in my full review of the best whole-house reverse osmosis systems. Or you can cut right to the chase and get the Crystal Quest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System here.

Best Whole-House Sediment Filter

SpringWell Whole House Cartridge System

My favorite sediment filter is the SpringWell PF10 Sediment Filter Canister and 5-Micron Filter, a canister style filter that’s up to the task. 

Lots of sediment in your well isn’t really a health hazard. But in high levels it can clog faucet aerators, toilet fill valves, washing machine filter screens, and water hook-up valves. All of these can cause major headaches. Plus, who wants to drink dirt?! 

Sediment can sometimes get into city water supplies from old, rusty pipes or small leaks somewhere in the system that let dirt, sand, clay, silt, etc. into the water. But it’s much more common in wells since they are untreated.

Since sediment is mostly a well water concern, I like the SpringWell PF10 Sediment Canister and 5-Micron Filter as the best whole-house sediment filter. Here are its pros and cons:

  • A 5-micron filter catches all sediment five microns or larger, reducing sediment to non-noticeable levels.
  • Excessive flow rate means no drop in pressure even in extremely large homes. It provides 20 gallons per minute. That’s enough water to let 10 showers run at once.
  • Larger 20-inch model available for commercial applications (flow rate of 30 gallons per minute).
  • Easy to install and mount.
  • Relatively maintenance-free. The 5-micron filter must be changed every six to nine months depending on how much sediment is in your water, but this is easy and can be done in minutes.
  • Excellent pre- or post-filter allows you to add an extra level of filtration to your home’s system.
  • Only filters sediment. If you’re worried about chlorine, chloramine, bacteria, viruses, iron, manganese, copper, etc., you’ll need to invest in something else. The SpringWell whole-house cartridge system combines the same technology in this sediment filter with an activated-carbon filter to deal with these contaminants.

Overall

The SpringWell PF10 Sediment Filter Canister and 5-Micron Filter is a great option if the only concern you have with your water supply is sediment. It’s an excellent first or final component of your water treatment system that is easy to install and maintain. 

Check out my full review of the best sediment filters for well water. If you know this is what you need, get the SpringWell PF10 Sediment Filter Canister and 5-Micron Filter here. 

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Manganese

SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System

My top choice for manganese well filters is the SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System. This was my top choice for overall whole-house water filters for well water, partly because of how effective it is against manganese.

In small doses, manganese won’t hurt you. Prolonged exposure to high levels, however, can cause problems with the central nervous system, especially in children. Keeping within EPA limits will prevent this, something all municipal water supplies must do. Well water, on the other hand, is not regulated. You will need to deal with this on your own. 

For most people, manganese is more of an annoyance than a health risk. Even low levels can cause black stains on sinks, tubs, and fixtures, and may even stain your laundry. It can also cause scale buildup on your fixtures and appliances, much like “hard” minerals.

The SpringWell WS1 whole-house water filter for manganese is highly effective against even high levels of manganese, delivering safe, clean water to your home.

Here’s everything I love and don’t love about it:

  • Uses air injection oxidation (AIO) to remove up to 1 part per million (ppm) of manganese from your water. Negative health impacts appear after 300 parts per billion, which are much, much lower than the EPA limits, meaning you’re totally and completely covered with this filter.
  • Regenerates and backwashes automatically to use the least amount of water and reduce maintenance. All of this is programmed on an app and controlled via Bluetooth.
  • Also tackles iron and hydrogen sulfide, two common well water contaminants.
  • Comes in larger models (WS4 and WS+) if you have more than four bathrooms.
  • Includes SpringWell’s limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.
  • The sediment pre-filter is large (152 microns) and only designed for catching the big stuff. If you also have sediment in your water, you may want to opt for a specific sediment pre-filter to complement this manganese filter (see sediment filters above).

Overall

If you want to remove the manganese in your well water, then the SpringWell WS1 is an excellent solution. It’s efficient, effective against even very high levels of manganese, and backed by an excellent warranty. 

Many of the options on my list of the best whole-house water filters for well water also tackle manganese, so feel free to check out those options to see if there’s one that better fits your needs. 

Or you can skip right to the best and get the SpringWell WS1 here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Lead Removal

SpringWell Whole House Lead and Cyst Removal System

The SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System is my number one choice for a whole-house lead filter, as well as for cysts and bacteria.

Lead enters your water supply from lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures (common in homes built before 1986) and from brass or chrome-plated fixtures that used a lead solder (again, this is more common on older fixtures).

Even small levels of lead in your water can be dangerous to your health. It’s especially concerning for children. Luckily, there are a number of solutions.

This SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System is the best of all of them. Here’s what I do and don’t like about it:

  • Super-small (0.5 micron) filter catches not only lead but also cysts, bacteria, viruses, and most heavy metals and chemical contaminants.
  • Effective against chlorine, chloramine, PFAs, PFOs, and VOCs thanks to the PIONEER filtration technology that includes activated carbon.
  • Filters both soluble and particulate lead, ensuring no lead remains in your drinking water.
  • Filter change light lets you know well in advance when the filter needs to be changed so protection doesn’t lapse. 
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied.
  • With such a small filter, it will get clogged very quickly if you have sediment in your water (typical in well water not city water). If this is the case in your home, add a sediment pre-filter. Without one, this system will get clogged, reducing its effectiveness and lowering the water pressure in your home.

Overall

If you’ve got lead in your water, you can’t afford to take chances. Getting a filter like the SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System is an excellent choice thanks to its high performance, ease of use, and industry-leading warranty. 

Feel free to check out some of the other options that made it onto my list of the best whole-house water filters for lead removal.

If you’re ready to upgrade your water right now, get the SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System today.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Iron and Rust

SpringWell WS1 Whole House Water Filtration System

The SpringWell WS1 is my top recommendation if you have high levels of iron or rust in your water. It was also my top choice for whole-house filters for well water thanks to its ability to filter out iron.

Iron in your drinking water actually does not pose a health risk. Instead, it’s more of a pain in the neck. It leaves reddish brown or even black stains on your sinks, faucets, tubs, driveways, foundation, and even in your laundry.

Solid iron particles are called rust and don’t cause staining but can clog your filter system or screens and aerators. These are removed by a pre-filter. The best water filter for iron is also the best for rust.

Fortunately, filtration technology has advanced to a point where removing iron is a relatively easy process.

The SpringWell WS1 is the cream of the crop when it comes to whole-house filters for iron and rust. Here are some of its pros and cons:

  • Uses air injection oxidation (AIO) to remove up to 8 parts per million (ppm) of iron from your water. 
  • Regenerates and backwashes automatically to use the least amount of water and reduce maintenance. All of this is programmed on an app and controlled via Bluetooth.
  • Also tackles manganese and hydrogen sulfide in case these contaminants are in your water. 
  • Pre-filter will capture solid iron particles, aka rust.
  • Comes in larger models (WS4 and WS+) for homes with more than four bathrooms.
  • Includes SpringWell’s limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.
  • The sediment pre-filter is large (125 micron) and only designed for catching the big stuff. If you also have sediment in your water, you may want to opt for a specific sediment pre-filter to complement this iron and rust filter.

Overall

If you’ve got iron or rust in your water and are tired of the stains, it’s time for a whole-house filter for iron. The SpringWell WS1 is the best because it can handle extremely high levels of iron, lets you control it efficiently from its smart control head, and is backed by an excellent warranty. 

I did a complete review of the best whole-house iron filters for well water if you want to check out some other options available. If you’re ready to enjoy clean, iron-free drinking water, get the SpringWell WS1 here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Fluoride

Crystal Quest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System

The Crystal Quest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System is my personal favorite for whole-house fluoride filters.

This is the same as the “best whole-house reverse osmosis” option because there isn’t necessarily a specific “whole-house fluoride” system. There are a few products out there, but they tend to be very expensive, and the technology is somewhat unproven. A good RO system will do the job and then some.

Many cities add fluoride to municipal water supplies to improve dental health in the community. For many, this is an unwanted intrusion. 

The tiny membranes used in a reverse osmosis system (RO) separates dissolved fluoride from the water supply and flush it down the drain with the rest of the wastewater.

Here’s what I do and don’t like about the Crystal Quest RO system:

  • Super-small RO membrane will catch pretty much everything that might be in your water, including, but not limited to, fluoride.
  • Effective for both city water and well water.
  • Lots of options to choose from in terms of production capacity and storage tank size. This allows you to build the unit you need and keep costs down.
  • Due to the need for a massive storage tank, you need a good bit of space at the point of installation for this unit. 
  • You should add a pre-filter to your unit to catch sediment and other particulates, otherwise you risk clogging up the RO membrane and damaging it. This is especially true if you use well water. You may also need to add a water softener if you have hard water because scale buildup can damage the membrane.
  • Depending on your water supply, using RO in the entire house could drop its pH and make your water too acidic. This would necessitate a remineralization unit, which costs more money.
  • After adding a storage tank and the right unit for you, these systems tend to get a bit costly.
  • Crystal Quest only offers a one-year warranty on all its products.

Overall

If you’re looking for a whole-house reverse osmosis system to help filter unwanted fluoride out of your water supply, then the Crystal Quest unit is the way to go. It has some unavoidable downsides due to how RO works and runs, but if you can work around this it’s a great option.

If you want to see some of the other options besides this one from Crystal Quest, check out my full review of the best whole-house reverse osmosis systems.

For those who know they want a whole-house system to remove fluoride, you can get the Crystal Quest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System here.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the SpringWell CF1 is the best whole-house water filter, especially if you’re on city water and trying to remove chlorine.

If you’re dealing with other contaminants, such as sulfur, iron, or manganese, the SpringWell WS1 is a great option, and if you have hard water, check out the SpringWell SS1. 

Remember, before you buy a whole-house water filter, you should test your water so you can choose a filter that will best suit your needs. 

Once you know what you need, check out these whole-house water filters and get ready to enjoy clean, clear drinking water in your home.

Research Methodology: How We Test and Review Products

To write this exhaustive list of the best whole-house water filters, I used Drinking Water’s seven-point research methodology. This allows me to systematically review all the available products and narrow a large list down to just the top few.

You can read all about how we review water filters to see exactly what happens during this process, but here’s a quick summary of the different factors I consider while creating a review.

Use analysis

To determine the best water filter for any category, the very first thing I need to do is determine what each filter is best designed to do. Water filtration is not a silver bullet solution where you can use one product to solve all your problems. Instead, each filter is best suited for a different use. Figuring this out is always the first step in our review process.

Learn more about how we do our use analysis.

Tech check

Water filters are far more high-tech than first meets the eye. There’s a lot of chemistry and biology going on, and manufacturers often like to use jargon and buzz words to make their products sound advanced and superior. We vet every filter technology we come across, scouring the literature and using our own expertise to make sure it’s up to the job.

Learn more about the tech check portion of our review process.

Water test data

Data, data, data. That’s what it’s all about. It’s one thing for a company to say its filter is the best at something, but it’s quite another to be able to back that claim up with cold hard data. We collect data in a number of ways and use it to verify manufacturer claims and ensure the products we recommend will live up to their hype.

Learn more about how we collect and use water test data.

Installation test

Choosing which whole-house water filter to buy is half the battle. Once you get it, you’ve still got to install it. We don’t necessarily think needing a professional is a bad thing, but we also don’t like ridiculously complex installations and enjoy seeing companies put effort into making it easier. That’s why we test the installation process for all the filters we review.

Learn more about how we run our installation tests.

Cost-of-ownership analysis

Buying a whole-house water filter is definitely an investment. But up-front costs are not the only thing you need to keep in mind. Replacement filters and other regular maintenance increase the lifetime costs of these products. We do our best to calculate what these are going to be so that you know what you’re getting into before you buy.

Learn more about how we conduct our cost-of-ownership analysis.

Warranty check

Due to the high up-front cost of whole-house water filters, product warranties are critical. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know you’re covered. This is why we pour over every detail in a product’s warranty during our review process and give high priority to honest, up-front companies who stand by their products.

Learn more about how we do our warranty checks.

Customer service test

When you buy a whole-house water filter, you’re launching a relationship with the company that can last a decade or more. We don’t want you to get stuck in a bad relationship, so we make sure to vet all the companies we review to ensure they have not just good but great customer service.

Learn more about our customer service test.

Before You Buy a Whole-House Water Filter

Water filtration is not a one-size-fits-all industry. Each home, and each water supply, requires something different. For example, well water and city water have different common contaminants. To improve the quality of each, you need a filtration system designed for the contaminants commonly found in these water supplies. 

In city water, chlorine is a big issue because it’s added to the water at the treatment facility, which makes it safe to drink but also affects the taste and smell of the water.

“Most utility users don’t know that the water that comes out of their faucet may be different in quality from the water tested at the utility. Piping materials can contaminate the water with heavy metals and chlorine added for disinfection can mix with organic matter and lead to high levels of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts,” says Jess Goddard, PhD, and Chief Scientist at Simple Lab.

Filters using activated carbon and KDF media are especially effective against many of the most common city water contaminants. Depending on which (if any) heavy metals are in your water, you may need special filters designed to remove them.

For those on well water, sulfur can enter your water supply and make your water smell like rotten eggs. Iron and manganese can discolor your water and leave stains on your tubs, sinks, and shower stalls. To deal with these contaminants, you will need to use a special filter, usually one using air injection oxidation (AIO).

Poorly constructed or aging wells can also let in bacteria, viruses, nitrates, and more. While the best solution is to fix your well, you may also need to install a UV purifier or a reverse osmosis system.

Hard water, or high levels of calcium and magnesium, affects both wells and city water supplies and causes all sorts of headaches. Hard water is responsible for scale buildup on your plumbing fixtures, skin and hair irritation, and poorly lathering soap that makes cleaning difficult. An ion exchange water softener is your best defense against hard water.

All in all, there are lots of reasons to use a filter and therefore lots of different filters you can buy. The best whole-house water filter is the one best equipped to treat your specific water supply.

For this reason, I highly suggest you test your water supply before you buy a filter so you can learn exactly what’s in it. This will tell you exactly what’s wrong and exactly what features you need to look for in a filter.

If you haven’t done this yet, please do so and bookmark this page. When you have your results, use them to find your ideal filter. If you’ve already tested your water, or know which filter is best for you, read about my top choices.

Back to product recommendations

Dive Deeper: In-Depth Water Filter Guides

If you want to get even further into the world of water filters, I’ve got tons of resources I can share with you. Here are some of the most relevant:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which whole-house filter is best?

The best whole-house filter is the one designed to remove the specific contaminants in your water supply. We found the SpringWell CF1 to be the best for most people, but it’s crucial you test your water supply before you buy a whole-house filter to make sure it will be effective.

Which whole-house water filter removes the most contaminants?

Activated carbon and KDF media are two of the most effective filter media out there that are capable of removing the most common contaminants in your water supply, such as chlorine, chloramine, sulfur, VOCs, nitrates, herbicides, pesticides, arsenic, and more. However, they are not effective against all contaminants, which is why it’s so important to always test your water.

Are whole-house water filters effective?

Yes, whole-house water filters are extremely effective provided you use one designed to remove the specific contaminants in your water supply. They filter your water supply before it reaches any of your faucets, giving you clean drinking water throughout the entire house.

Are whole-house water filters worth it?

Whole-house water filters are absolutely worth it if your water has a high level of contaminants or if it has poor taste or a funny odor. They are also extremely worth it if you have high levels of sulfur or iron. In the long run, they cost less than bottled water and produce much less waste. As whole-house solutions, they provide clean drinking water to every single faucet in your home.

How do I choose a whole-house water filter?

The best way to choose a whole-house water filter is to test your water to find out exactly what’s in it. Then, find a filter designed to remove those specific contaminants. Guides such as this one can help steer you to the right product once you know which type of filter you need.

What should I consider when buying a whole-house water filtration system?

The most important thing to consider when buying a whole-house water filtration system is what’s in your water and what the filter is designed to do. Beyond that, you’ll want to look at how often the filter media need to be replaced and how much the replacements costs, as well as how good the product’s warranty is.

What are the disadvantages of whole-house water filters?

The only real disadvantage to a whole-house water filter is that they are somewhat pricey up front, usually more than $500 but often more than $1,000. However, this cost is usually offset by bottled water savings, and it also provides tremendous peace of mind to those who are worried about the quality of their water.

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AUTHOR

Jake Gallagher

My name is Jake Gallagher, and I'm the founder and owner of Drinking Water.Having worked as a volunteer for a nonprofit organization that brought clean drinking water to those in need, I realized the importance of safe, clean water and its impact on people's quality of life.Join me in my mission to spread knowledge about clean and safe drinking water.