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The Only Water Filters Worth Buying (and Why), According to Experts
Ark
March 29, 2025
Our home came with a water filtration system that was built right into the kitchen sink. It was nice not having to worry about the tap water every time we opened the faucet, or to constantly fill a Brita pitcher. But not everyone has the luxury of a built-in water filtration system — and, to be honest, my husband and I weren’t even entirely sure why we needed one in the first place. I mean, does it even really work? And what is it actually doing, anyway?
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Yes, according to the CDC, you need a good water filter no matter where you live or how your water is supplied. Water filters offer several health benefits. By removing impurities, they provide cleaner and safer drinking water, reducing the risk of consuming harmful substances. Filtered water also has improved taste and odor, making it more appealing and encourages people to drink more of it. Additionally, some filters retain essential minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for overall health.But first, you need to know which contaminants are already in your tap water. You can search by your zip code in the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database to find out which of the EPA’s biggest contaminants may be in your water.
What Type of Water Filter Do I Need?
According to Logan Cox, assistant general manager of John The Plumber Niagara Falls, an essential aspect to look for in a water filter is its ability to target specific contaminants that may be found in your water. “Different filters employ various technologies, such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or distillation, to remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, bacteria, pesticides, and other harmful substances.”
Types of Water Filters You Should Know
But even after you’ve figured out what contaminants are likely in your water, there are still lots of considerations when it comes to water filters. Here’s a breakdown of the type of filters Cox says to look for.
Activated Carbon Filters: These water filters use activated carbon, which has a large surface area with tiny pores to trap and absorb contaminants. Activated carbon filters are effective in removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds, some pesticides, and chemicals that affect taste and odor.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters: RO water filters use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals like lead and mercury, fluoride, nitrates, and certain chemicals. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles and impurities.
Ceramic Filters: Ceramic water filters typically consist of small pores that physically trap contaminants like bacteria, protozoa, sediment, and larger particles. They can effectively remove harmful microorganisms and improve water clarity.
UV Filters: Ultraviolet (UV) water filters use UV light to disinfect water by inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. They are particularly effective in destroying pathogens and ensuring microbiologically safe water.
Ion Exchange Filters: Ion exchange water filters use resin beads that exchange ions to remove specific contaminants like heavy metals (like lead and copper), calcium, and magnesium. They work by replacing unwanted ions with more desirable ones, typically sodium or potassium.
Distillation Filters: Distillation water filters involve heating water to create steam, which is then condensed to produce purified water. This process effectively removes impurities, including minerals, heavy metals, bacteria, and some chemicals.
The Best Water Filters You Should Buy
Best Water Filter Pitcher
Now $75.00 was $100.00
Filter designed to remove virus, bacteria, cysts. Chlorine Water Filter: Tested to remove chlorine. Lead Water Filter: Tested to remove lead. Pfas Water Filter: Removes the Forever Chemical Pfoa Pfos Pfc. 1,4-Dioxane Water Filter: Tested for the removal of 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water. Haloacetic acids (Haas) Water Filter: Tested for the removal of Haloacetic acids. Microplastics Water Filter: Tested to remove microplastics
$119.99
Here’s a recent addition to our list, something we found ourselves. We like Brita’s compact countertop water filter so much, we wrote a whole separate review of it. It has a super-slim footprint, the filter lasts six months, and it’s lighter and easier to handle than a refrigerator Brita pitcher.
$28.71
was $32.99
This budget-friendly faucet attachment has an unrivaled flow rate, as it uses the force of water pressure to instantly filter water.
Amazon
$539.95
This countertop water filter includes a built-in mineral filter, hot and cold water dispensing, smart touchscreen display with preset buttons for various cup sizes, plus it’s easy to set up and install, and totally portable.
Amazon
$458.00
This jumbo water filter removes 200+ contaminants, has a filter life of 3,000 gallons, and is made from stainless steel to prevent rusting over time.
NSF/ANSI 42 & 58 & 372 Certified, Under Sink RO System
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System, 8 Stage Tankless Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
As an upgraded reverse osmosis system, this reverse osmosis water system produces 600 gallons of filtered water per day. By its low drain ratio, this system can produce only one cup of waste water for every two cups of pure water produced. Furthermore, with a fast and stable water flow rate, this RO system fills a 8 oz cup of water in 8 seconds, which is ideal for drinking and washing vegetables.
$60.00
was $65.00
This simple bottle can eliminate up to 99.99% of contaminants, like heavy metals, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, agricultural pollutants, and more.
$699.00
was $999.00
This sleek RO filter system removes hundreds of contaminants with thorough RO filtration, blocking particles bigger than 0.0001 microns in water, has long-lasting UV light, and prevents scale formation.
The 22 Cup 5-stage Ready-Read Water Filter Dispenser has an integrated TDS Meter to instantly check the levels of dissolved solids before dispensing or pouring water – always know when it is time to change your filter! Change filter when meter reads 006.
Version 1.0.0
Whole House Water
$1,055.96
Durable and long-lasting, with a 1,000,000 media lifespan, this whole house water filter system thoroughly removes more than 20 contaminants from your entire home’s water supply.
Buy now from Amazon
Buy now from Amazon
Buy now from Amazon
Buy now from Amazon
Buy now from Amazon
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