The Best Home Water Filtration Systems for Your Money
Access to clean, safe drinking water is critical for good health and well-being, but the increasing instances of pollutants and contaminants in public water supplies are alarming. For those concerned about drinking water safety, installing a home water filtration system is a wise measure to safeguard the entire family.
While there are countless options for filtration systems, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. That's why we've done the legwork for you by compiling a list of the top home water filtration systems of 2023. Our buying guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of each filtration type, complete with pros and cons, to help you find the one that's right for you. With the help of this guide, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you'll have a dependable source of clean water from the comfort of your own home.
Best Overall: Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter System
Easiest Installation: Express Water Whole House Water Filtration System
Best Warranty: iSpring Whole House Water Filtration System
Most Budget-Friendly: Culligan Whole House Filtration System
Best Value for Drinking Water: APEC Under-Sink Water Filter System
Comparing the Leading Home Water Filtration Systems of 2023
Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter System - Best Overall
List Price: $523.35
The Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter System takes our Best Overall award for its superior filtration, easy maintenance, and long-lasting performance. This premium filtration system significantly minimizes the accumulation of sediment, rids your water of the unpleasant taste and odor of chlorine, and reduces scaling to extend the lifespan of your hot water heater and appliances. The activated carbon filter has a heavy-duty particulate reduction rating of five microns. It effectively sifts and eliminates sediment, rust, and other impurities to deliver clean water throughout your home. With an impressive filter capacity of 100,000 gallons, the system operates with high flow rates of 10 gallons per minute and intermittent flow rates of 20 gallons per minute, making it extremely efficient for most households.
Installing and maintaining the Aqua-Pure is simplified thanks to the Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) design. This innovative feature allows you to replace the water filter cartridge without needing to touch the dirty filter media or depend on a filter wrench. The 1-inch inlet and outlet connections also simplify the installation process, saving you additional time and money. This home water filtration system is our top pick due to its unrivaled filtration capacity, high-flow design, and easy maintenance. This powerful system can meet all your household water requirements, ensuring a purer, crisper taste for drinking, superior quality for cleaning and cooking, and, most importantly, healthier water for you and your loved ones.
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction
- 100,000-gallon capacity with high flow rates
- Removes impurities as small as five microns
- No-contact, tool-free easy filter changes
Cons
- May require professional installation for optimal performance
- May present installation challenges in smaller spaces
Express Water Whole House Water Filtration System - Easiest Installation
List Price: $449.99
The Express Water Whole House Water Filtration System is the perfect choice for those seeking to purify the entire water supply of their homes using a top-of-the-line, easy-to-install filtration system. This whole-house system installs at the primary water supply line to treat and purify all incoming water before circulating throughout your home. It arrives fully equipped with all the necessary components, including 1-inch standard connections, for quick and simple installation. Crafted from durable stainless steel, this cutting-edge model eliminates over 52 types of contaminants, including chlorine, rust, dirt, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and much more.
To ensure maximum purity, the system goes beyond those basics to capture any remaining contaminants, supplying your household with healthy, safe water in every corner of your home. Not only does this provide cleaner and safer water, but it also protects your pipes and fixtures from the accumulation of harmful contaminants, saving you from costly repairs. These features combine to make this water filtration system the perfect companion for homeowners seeking to save time and money. With its easy DIY installation and superior filtration capacity, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones can access safe and healthy drinking water, making it an invaluable investment for your home.
Pros
- Removes over 50 impurities from water supply
- Installs easily with all included components
- Filters in three stages for optimal purity
- Displays levels with clear gauges and housing
Cons
- Regular maintenance required for optimal filtration
- Filtration may slightly reduce water pressure
iSpring Whole House Water Filtration System - Best Warranty
List Price: $182.99
The iSpring Whole House Water Filtration System provides exceptional filtration and is backed by an excellent warranty and outstanding customer support, making it a reliable investment for your home. This model comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a one-year warranty, an extended warranty upon registration, and lifetime technical support. It employs dual filtration stages to ensure your drinking water stays pure. In the first stage, a five-micron sediment filter removes impurities such as dirt, sand, silt, dust, rust, and scale. In the second stage, the CTO filter eliminates over 90% of unpleasant tastes, odors, and hazardous VOCs like pesticides and industrial solvents.
This residential water filtration system effectively removes contaminants while preserving the essential minerals that you need, such as calcium and magnesium. It has a capacity of 50,000 gallons and replaceable filters to supply a family of four with clean water for a year. Its 1-inch inlet and outlet ports ensure fast and efficient water flow without any pressure loss. Thanks to its advanced filtration features and exceptional warranty, this home water filtration system is ideal for any homeowner looking to explore the many benefits of reliably clean water.
Pros
- Five-micron polypropylene filter removes impurities
- CTO filter removes VOCs and chlorine
- System arrives pre-assembled on mounting bracket
- Lifetime customer service, warranty, and money-back guarantee
Cons
- Replacement filters might not be available locally
- Installation may be challenging without plumbing experience
Culligan Whole House Filtration System - Most Budget-Friendly
List Price: $73.52
The Culligan Whole House Filtration System offers an efficient and inexpensive option for high-quality water filtration to provide a consistent supply of safe drinking water. Even though this system costs only a fraction of its competitors' prices, it provides similar performance levels, making it a prime choice for budget-focused consumers. This water filtration system effectively rids your water of rust, sediment, scale, dirt, coarse sand, fine sand, silt, and chlorine taste and odor, ensuring that your household has purified water around the clock.
Designed for durability and functionality, the filtration system boasts a rugged stainless steel inlet and outlet connector that resists corrosion. It also features a clear-view construction that allows you to monitor the filter's performance in real time. The system's bracket facilitates easy setup and includes a bypass shut-off valve for effortless maintenance. A battery-powered filter life monitor shows when to replace the filter cartridge. This filtration system is the perfect solution for homeowners looking to protect appliances and plumbing from sediment and scale build-up while reducing bad tastes and odors that can often make drinking water unpleasant. As a budget-friendly option, it allows you to prioritize quality water without breaking the bank, making it an excellent investment to provide a healthier, cleaner water supply for your home.
Pros
- Efficient filtration removes sediment and contaminants
- Effectively removes odor and improves taste
- Clear housing so you can see the filter working
- Easy installation with by-pass valve and built-in bracket
Cons
- Requires batteries for filter monitor
- Gets a bit noisy during operation
APEC Under-Sink Water Filter System - Best Value for Drinking Water
List Price: $139.95
The APEC Under-Sink Water Filter System is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a cost-effective and high-quality solution to supply clean drinking water to their home. This advanced system offers triple filtration for pure water from your faucet. The efficient polypropylene sediment filter captures the finest sediment all the way down to five microns. The dual carbon block filters significantly elevate the water's taste and overall quality by reducing the presence of detrimental chemicals such as chlorine and VOCs. Plus, these super-capacity filters outlast the competition and cost only half as much as their replacements. That means a full year of premium filtration with minimal maintenance and replacement costs, unlike most under-sink cartridges which only last between six and nine months.
In addition to these features, this home water filtration system also comes with a 100% lead-free designer faucet to safely deliver odorless and chlorine-free clean water. The faucet installs easily, making this an optimal solution for those who want to upgrade their water filtration systems quickly and efficiently. As a bonus, this system includes a two-year extended warranty with registration and lifetime support from certified Water Quality Association (WQA) water specialists. It’s an excellent choice for those searching for a high-quality, cost-effective solution for their filtration needs. With its long-lasting filters, easy installation, and extended warranty, this high-performance system can provide safe and delicious drinking water.
Pros
- Three-stage filtration removes sediment and chemicals
- High-capacity filters last up to a year
- Stylish, lead-free faucet included with the system
- Warranty and customer support included
Cons
- May not fit in all under-sink cabinets
- Limited to under-sink water filtration
Buying Guide: Home Water Filtration Systems
Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential to staying healthy — and a home water filtration system is the perfect way to ensure your family gets the water they need. Home water filtration systems come in various shapes and sizes, so countless options are available on the market.
In this buying guide, we'll discuss the key features of home water filtration systems to help you make an informed decision on the right one for your needs and budget. Keep reading to choose a filtration system that can offer peace of mind about the safety and quality of your drinking water.
Type of filtration
The type of filtration a home water filtration system uses significantly impacts water quality. Carbon filters predominantly limit chlorine and sediment, while reverse osmosis systems employ multiple stages to eliminate contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. Sediment filters help remove physical impurities like dirt and sand particles. Assessing the filtration level provided by each filtration system alongside the contaminants in your water is critical in determining an optimal solution for your specific water needs.
Size of system
When choosing a residential water filtration system, it's important to review the specifications and confirm the available sizes and capacity. To ensure the system will accommodate your needs, consider its installation space requirements and water capacity and compare them to your household needs.
Ease of installation
While shopping for a home water filtration system, evaluate its ease of installation and use. Some systems call for professional installation, whereas others can be easily set up by homeowners. You'll also need ample space around the unit for proper operation and servicing. Beware of obstructions, such as tight plumbing and piping behind walls, that could impair access and serviceability.
Maintenance costs
When it comes to water filtration systems, ease of maintenance is just as important as the simplicity of installation. Regular maintenance, such as filter replacements, component cleaning, and system checks (if required) are crucial. To avoid frequent filter changes and costly professional assistance, opt for affordable and simple filter replacements.
Warranty
When searching for a residential water filter, carefully assess the manufacturer's warranty coverage. Reviewing the terms and conditions in advance prepares you for what the warranty will cover during the filter unit's lifespan and provides additional peace of mind for any issues that may arise.
Cost
If you're considering a home water filtration system, it's important to remember that costs can vary greatly depending on the system's size and complexity. To make an informed decision, be sure to factor in all expenses, including the initial investment, installation fees, and the cost of maintenance and replacement parts over time. By taking a carefully thought-out approach, you can make sure that the system you choose is both cost-effective and capable of meeting your needs.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of using a home water filtration system?
Home water filtration systems offer numerous benefits. They can improve the taste and odor of water, remove heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria and improve health due to exposure to fewer contaminants. These systems can also reduce or eliminate the need for bottled water, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
How do water filtration systems work?
Water filtration systems work by using physical barriers or chemical processes to remove unwanted particles, microorganisms, and dissolved contaminants from the water. Most systems contain filters or cartridges filled with filtering media, such as activated carbon or other materials, that can trap contaminants as the water passes through the filter. In addition to the filter or cartridge, many systems also contain a sediment pre-filter to reduce larger particles in the incoming water.
What types of contaminants can a home water filtration system remove?
Home water filtration systems remove various contaminants, including but not limited to lead, chlorine, bacteria, particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dirt particles, sediment, and other chemicals. These systems also effectively filter harmful substances such as metals like copper and lead, pathogenic bacteria, microorganisms like parasites and cysts, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and herbicides, radon gas, and inorganic minerals like fluoride and nitrates.
How can I find out which types of contaminants are in my water?
You can find out which types of contaminants are in your local tap water by contacting your local municipality or utility provider for a copy of their annual consumer confidence report (CCR). This report will provide you with information about any potential contaminants that may be present in your drinking water, as well as recommended solutions for removing them.
What should I look for when purchasing a new home water filtration system?
Selecting a water filtration system for your home requires careful consideration of several critical factors. These include your budget, the filtration area's size, the kinds and concentrations of pollutants to remove, how often you plan to use and maintain the unit, the potential need for professional installation, and the potential advantages and disadvantages of different filter types and sizes. Be mindful of applicable certifications and standards in your region (such as NSF/ANSI criteria), factors like manufacturer warranties, available replacement filters and parts, and customer service or technical support options.
What maintenance does a home water filtration system require?
The maintenance requirements for a home water filtration system will depend on its design and features. Generally speaking, most systems require regular filter replacements every three to six months to maintain optimal performance levels. Other maintenance tasks may include cleaning hoses or faucets, checking for leakage or clogs in pipes or fittings, and keeping valves adjusted, tightened, or lubricated as necessary.
How much do home water filtration systems cost?
Home water filtration systems can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the type and complexity of the system. While under-sink filters may be cheaper, larger whole-house systems are generally more effective at removing contaminants. So, before you make a choice, keep the trade-offs in mind.
Why Trust Us
Our commitment to customers begins with a carefully curated product selection process, ensuring we provide high-quality and reliable options. We meticulously vet each home water filtration system, analyzing quantitative aspects, such as star ratings and review count, and qualitative factors, including review content and product features. Our dedicated team of bargain hunters consistently prioritizes your budget by meticulously scouring the market and identifying the best home water filtration systems available without compromising quality or performance. Our panel focuses on presenting the pros and cons of each home water filtration system and converting technical specs into understandable insights. We aim to offer unbeatable value by providing high-quality residential water filtration, ensuring a remarkable upgrade to your household’s water supply.