10 of the Best Water Filters and Purifiers for Cleaner, Better-Tasting Water (2024)

When it comes to getting your daily dose of water in, ensuring you’re drinking clean, safe water is key. But how can you be sure your water is safe? The best water filters and purifiers will not only help remove unwanted contaminants from your glass, but they’ll also offer peace of mind.

“We’ve all heard the horror stories of the things found in our drinking water, everything from lead and chlorine to industrial contaminants, pesticides, and even pharmaceuticals,” says Kellyann Petrucci, MS, ND., celebrity nutritionist and author of Bone Broth Diet. These contaminants can lead to extreme sickness and health issues, making it crucial to drink the cleanest water possible.

And one of the best ways to do so is by adding a water filter or purifier into your daily routine. “Most filters work by trapping and absorbing contaminants and other substances in the filter,” explains Dr. Petrucci. “More advanced filtration systems can also remove pesticides and bacteria.”

Some systems work to remove even more. “Some products use a reverse osmosis process,” says Dr. Petrucci. “This involves a tool using pressure to push water through a semipermeable (only certain particles) membrane layer that has pores small enough to trap contaminants but big enough to allow water to pass through,” she explains.

How to choose the best water filter and purifiers

When it comes to shopping for water filters and purifiers, experts say there are a few things to consider:

✔️ Research your tap water. “You should research the quality of the water that comes out of your tap,” advises Dr. Petrucci. “Knowing the source of your water and the contaminants in your particular source will help you choose what type of filter or purifier you will need to get the level of clean water you want.”

✔️ Look for special features. Different water purifiers and filters will offer various features like special carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and more. Look for one that will best fit your specific needs.

✔️ Weigh the costs. “Look at the cost of the water system and the replacement filters,” says Petrucci. “This will help you determine what pick filters out the most contaminants within your budget,” she adds.

Ready to quench your thirst with some clean water? We’ve rounded up top-rated and expert-approved water filters and purifiers that will take your water to the next level.

“This is what I use, it’s inexpensive, fits easily in my small NYC refrigerator, and it’s certified to reduce chlorine, copper, mercury, and cadmium,” says Keri Gans, R.D., nutrition consultant and author of The Small Change Diet. “Plus, the water tastes great,” she adds.

“This is a stainless steel countertop water filter with a 2.25-gallon fresh water capacity, providing more filtered water than pitchers and dispensers designed for the refrigerator,” says Dr. Petrucci. “In addition, the filter also improves the taste of tap water, filters out lead and chlorine, as well as viruses, bacteria, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals,” she adds.

With a whopping 4.7-star rating and over 25,000 rave reviews, this water bottle is worth every penny. It can hold up to 36 ounces of water and features a built-in carrying loop, an easy to open lid, and a unique Brita filter that fits inside the straw. The brand notes that it reduces chlorine and gives you fresh-tasting water in every sip. Plus, it’s even a Prevention Pick—so you know it’s good.

“This APEC water system has a very affordable reverse osmosis technology, but it does require installation,” says Dr. Petrucci. It also has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, making it a customer favorite. This filter delivers twice the amount of cleaning and bacteria removal, thanks to the large size, according to the brand.

If you enjoy the ease of drinking water straight from the tap, you’ll definitely need this handy tool. It’s designed to be attached to the faucet and includes a unique mineral core technology that filters water over natural minerals for a refreshing, clean taste. Certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), this water filter will help remove 70 contaminants, including lead and mercury (according to the brand).

“This is a countertop reverse osmosis (RO) unit that is a fraction of the cost of whole house systems and does not require under-the-sink installation,” says Dr. Kellyann. This pick is also certified by IAPMO (The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) according to NSF standards and works to remove 82 contaminants.

“I love Berkey and the fact that they have a portable water bottle is truly amazing. It’s easy to use and just requires a little bit more suction,” wrote one Amazon customer. The bottle also uses the same special filtration design found in the brand's popular outdoor gravity filtration systems. From streams to lakes, the brand notes that this water bottle filter will work to remove many harmful contaminants.

Unlike a traditional water pitcher, this pick can fit a large amount of water—and clean up to 150 gallons before replacing! It’s designed with advanced filtration technology that helps remove chlorine, mercury, and lead. The filter is also infused with Japanese activated carbon technology, proven to work 10-12 times better than any other carbon filters, according to the brand.

Ideal for those always on the go, this filter pick is lightweight, can fit into the palm of your hand, and is super powerful. The brand notes that it can remove 99.9% of bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, and E. coli. The best part? It can be screwed onto any standard-size disposable water bottle.

This beautiful water pitcher will make a great addition to your countertop! It has a sleek and lightweight design, made from 100% coconut shell carbon (making it an environmentally friendly pick). And the spout was designed to prevent spills and drips. The filter also helps to reduce 90% of chlorine.