{"id":18737,"date":"2022-06-13T23:08:08","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T23:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/?page_id=18737"},"modified":"2024-03-11T13:27:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T13:27:01","slug":"countertop","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/filter\/best\/countertop\/","title":{"rendered":"The 9 Best Countertop Water Filters: Reviewed and Compared 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Deciding which countertop water filtration system is suitable for your home can be tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s what I found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clearly Filtered 80-ounce water pitcher<\/a> is a beast against common pollutants in water, including chlorine, fluoride, PFOS, and inorganic compounds. What makes it a great choice is its limited lifetime warranty and long life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Clearly Filtered pitcher<\/a> is not your average filter pitcher. It can treat 99.9%<\/a> of 360 contaminants in water using its proprietary Affinity Filtration Technology. You might think Clearly Filtered is just talking big, but let me tell you, its claims are legit! <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s got solid certifications for the NSF standards 42, 53, 401, and 473 to back them up. So, you can trust that the product delivers on its promises. This filter targets the trickiest pollutants, including lead, forever chemicals, fluoride BPA, and glyphosate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has a decent filtration capacity of 100 gallons, which means it can last up to three to four months before needing a replacement filter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike typical water pitchers<\/a> that use flimsy plastic, Clearly Filtered is crafted from BPA-free medical-grade Tritan material, which means it’s not only super strong but also completely safe. Plus, it’s designed to be easily gripped and fits perfectly in any refrigerator. And let me tell you, assembling this beauty was a breeze \u2014 it only took me 10 minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, Clearly Filtered is backed by a lifetime warranty and a 30-day, worry-free trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One downside to this pitcher<\/a> is that it does not indicate the filter’s remaining life. If you forget to keep track of your filtration, you might end up drinking pollutants. Another concern is the open spout, which leaves room for dust particles and insects to make their way inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re not looking to break the bank on a water filter, the Clearly Filtered pitcher<\/a> is a solid choice. For just $90, you can enjoy the freshest and cleanest water around. And guess what? You even get a lifetime warranty and a 30-day trial at that price. Now that’s what I call a sweet deal. You can get yourself a Clearly Filtered pitcher here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Aquasana AQ-4000<\/a> is my #2 because while it doesn\u2019t come with many bells and whistles, it uses Claryum filtration to deliver clean, filtered water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although this 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<\/a>, and sub-micron filtration<\/a> to clean drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This filter<\/a> is also portable, so you don’t need to install anything to get it working, and it moves where you move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the things I didn’t quite like about the Aquasana<\/a> 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\u2019t the number one choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aquasana AQ-4000<\/a> is #3 on my list because while it isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you will remove far more contaminants and heavy metals from your water with the Clearly Filtered pitcher, if you want to learn more about the Aquasana, you can do it here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Home Master Jr. F2 Elite <\/a>also uses a combination of activated + catalytic carbon<\/a>, activated alumina (AA) filter media<\/a>, and KDF<\/a> to achieve premium filtered water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also has a speedy installation, clocking in at five minutes, and is quite simple to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it does significantly improve the smell of tainted H2O, its lack of information regarding what it actually takes out of the water leaves the Home Master looking like it has something to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filtration System<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This budget filter system packs a powerful filtration process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to your drinking water, the Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter System <\/a>doesn’t play around. This little filter unit vanquishes most contaminants, including bad tastes, odors, heavy metals<\/a>, and chlorine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This little bad boy removes up to 99% of the contaminants in your drinking<\/p>\n\n\n\n water during its filtration process\u2014a process that uses five stages to clarify and clean drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter <\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System<\/a> features a water filtration system that extracts most pollutants, contaminants, and toxins in your water by employing a 10-step filtering process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Brondell H630 Cypress Countertop Water Filter System<\/a> is a terrific option for those looking for a filter that doesn’t rely on electricity to function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t fit most taps. I even tried to get a plumber to help me with the installation and they were as stumped as I was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end result, this is an honorable little filter system but cannot produce the same high-quality filtered water as my first choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This handy little water filter has built-in temperature control and produces cold drinking water whenever you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The VitaFilta Countertop Filter & Cooler<\/a> uses a simple carbon filter media to extract harmful contaminants and enhance the flavor of your tap water as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its filter is relatively undersized for such an oversized device and doesn’t pair with other kitchen countertop devices very well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n After an intense 10 months of water filter testing at my water filter installation laboratory, I hereby proclaim the Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher<\/a> the best counter filter for your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using Affinity Filtration Technology, the pitcher filter handily removes 99.9% of your drinking water’s carcinogens, toxins, chlorine, and fluoride with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can remove many contaminants from your drinking water supply, including fluoride, chromium, lead, PFOS, and heavy metals, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how I chose the countertop water filter<\/a> of the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surprisingly, I underestimated the pull of free coffee and pastries, and over 50 real deal customers arrived. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I didn’t have enough coffee and doughnuts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After reaching out to the 20 filters still left on my list, I heard back from 9 of them. That made arriving at the top 9 pretty easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to my usual test drive procedure, I purchased the 9 filters I had on my list and had them sent to my water filter installation laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We spent the next 10 months pouring, filling, drinking, and testing gallons of municipal water to decide which one indeed was the best for delivering countertop water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It took a whopping 10 months and probably about 10 thousand water spills, but I finally arrived at my top choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher is by far the best bang for your buck. It delivers the best-tasting water of every unit I tasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With its low annual maintenance cost and perfectly designed filtration technology, you can’t beat the Clearly Filtered for the following reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a countertop water filter that will clean your tap water, not put a dent in your wallet, and stand the test of time, get the Clearly Filtered<\/a> today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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, … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"parent":18662,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable":" 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. Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher: 9.92\/10 Best countertop filter for your home Clearly Filtered 80-ounce water pitcher is a beast against common pollutants in water,…<\/p>\n","category_list":"","author_info":{"name":"Jake Gallagher","url":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/author\/jake-gallagher\/"},"comments_num":"8 comments","featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":""},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":" 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. Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher: 9.92\/10 Best countertop filter for your home Clearly Filtered 80-ounce water pitcher is a beast against common pollutants in water,…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"Jake Gallagher","url":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/author\/jake-gallagher\/"},"comments_num_v2":"8 comments","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18737"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18737"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18737\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28380,"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18737\/revisions\/28380"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drinking-water.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Aquasana AQ-4000: 7.75\/10<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Home Master Jr. F2 Elite Countertop Water Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filtration System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Ecosoft Countertop Drinking Water Filter System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Brondell H630 Cypress Countertop Water Filter System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. VitaFilta Countertop Filter & Cooler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Methodology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: A big list of countertop filters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Online reviews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Product analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 4: Interviews with real customers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Interviews with the companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Test drives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 7: Ratings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Best Countertop Water Filter for Your Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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