6 Best Water Filters and Systems for Drinking Water

Drinking enough water daily is important. We all know that buying bottled water is an expensive affair, and with the increases in the cost of living many people are choosing to drink tap water. In developed countries, it is completely safe to drink directly from the tap, but using a water filter will help to improve the quality and taste of tap water by filtering out excess chlorine as well as pesticides and other contaminants.

best water filters

Besides being effective, water filters are also sustainable and will save money after the initial investment. There are a multitude of water filters on the market, and we have a selection of the most popular for a range of budgets. Keep in mind that water filters will need replacement filters, and these will vary in price depending on brand.If you are not sure about the quality of your water, have it evaluated by a certified lab.

List of best water filters

Things to consider before buying 

Purpose

Do you need a filter to minimise contaminants and make your water safe to drink? Or do you solely want it to alter and improve the taste of your water? 

Certifications 

Certifications are important as it is the only way to be sure your water filter is working properly. NSF tests water in different countries and is the main organisation while ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and WQA (Water Quality Association) are more specific for the USA. All certifications improve the quality of the water in a specific way and having more than one qualification means your water filter will be more performant.

Capacity

Capacity choice will depend on the size of the household and how much water is consumed daily. 

If only a minimum of water is used for drinking, then a pitcher might be enough. Whereas households with larger consumptions might benefit from an installation with faucet or under-sink filters.

Cost

Each water filter system will need regular filter replacements, which is an added cost to the initial system purchased. It is important to know how replacements are needed, their cost and availability. 

Types of water filters

As mentioned above, the capacity is important and will determine the type of water filter purchased. 

Bottles

Reusable water bottles with filters are great if you are happy to fill  with tap water while you’re out. Be aware that filters in these bottles are often not performant enough to filter river water or other dirty water while you are hiking. 

Pitchers

Pitchers are perfect to filter small amounts of water. They are perfect if your water is safe and you only filter out contaminants for taste. Pitchers don’t use up lots of space and don’t need installation, but they are convenient as the water can be chilled. 

Countertops 

Countertop water filters are large pitchers. They require more space, but store more water and need less refilling. These are perfect to take outdoors for parties.  

Faucets

Faucets, or drinking water taps, are mostly installed in the kitchen and bathrooms as these are the places where tap water is consumed. They filter the water only where they are attached. This system is an addition when water is safe already and only contaminants need to be filtered. 

Under-sink 

An under-sink system is the most expensive choice and will filter large amounts of water for contaminants before having to change the filter. The good thing is that these are tucked under the sink and don’t take any space in your kitchen. There are also whole-home filter systems that filter all the water.

Overview of best water filters

Best water bottle – Brita Plastic Water Filter Bottle, 36 Ounce

Brita is a well-known brand for small water filter systems. This filtering water bottle is the largest of their range and holds 36oz (1L) of water and is designed with a Brita filter that fits in the straw.

This bottle features a built-in carrying loop, easy open lid and is top rack dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The filter needs to be replaced after 40 gallons (150 litres) or approximately every two months to reduce optimal chlorine taste and odour.

Read also: Best reusable water bottles

Best pitcher – Brita Standard Metro Water Filter Pitcher

Another Brita product, this water pitcher with filter holds 6 cups (1.4L) of water. This pitcher fits perfectly on regular refrigerator shelves, features an easy-fill locking lid and is easy to pour. This water filter reduces chlorine (taste and odour), mercury, copper, zinc and cadmium. An electronic indicator reminds when a filter change is needed.

This model is compatible with Longlast filters needing replacement after 120 gallons (450 litres) or approximately every 6 months and the Standard filter after 40 gallons (150 litres) or approximately every 2 months. 

Read also: Best ways to reduce food waste

Best countertop – SimPure Y7P Countertop RO Water Filter

This countertop is love for its numerous advantages. The advanced reverse osmosis system boasts a 3-stage 0.0001μm RO filtration system and a UV light that work together. Chlorine and various other contaminants that can negatively impact the taste and odor of your drinking water can effectively eliminated to over 99.45%. The SimPure Y7P countertop water dispenser has a sleek design and sets itself apart with a remarkable 4:1 pure drain ratio, providing the highest water utilization in its class. Additionally, it offers convenient flexibility with three water level buttons, allowing you to choose between 6 oz, 12 oz, and 15 oz options to cater to your desired water volume. Check also the SimPure website for more water filter systems.

Best faucet attachment – PUR Faucet Water Filtration System

This NSF-certified faucet water filter is compatible with most faucets and easy to attach without tools. Only pull-out or hand-held faucets are not suitable for this system. It is the ideal compromise between an under-sink filter and pitchers. The internal filter is easy to change and performs well removing 70 contaminants including heavy metals and chlorine. Depending on consumption, a change of filter is recommended every 2-3 months which is indicated by a sensor. There is even a switch to turn off the filtering for times where unfiltered water is fine to use.

Best under sink – iSpring RCC7AK, NSF Certified 75 GPD, 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System, pH+ Alkaline Remineralization RO Water Filter System Under Sink

Best whole house filter – PRO+AQUA ELITE Whole House Water Filter 3 Stage Well Water Filtration System

If you live in an area without safe water, this whole house filtration system will provide safe water for your entire home. This system works for small and medium households on well water or city water. Maintenance is low and it’s easy to monitor and see when filters need replacement. The water pressure might decrease, and many users had mentioned problems installing the system. A plumber can help with the issues which will of course add to the cost. 

Best long-lasting – Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter

This portable Big berkey system can be used on a countertop or it can easily be taken on a camping trip or picknick. As most countetop models, it functions without electric or batteries and it is very economical since each pair of black berkey elements lasts for up to 6.000 gallons of water before it needs replacement in the 2.25 gallon capacity water filter. Follow instructions well upon receiving this water filter system to install it correctly.