9 Best Water Filters, Tested by Experts (2024)

Get filtered water for up to six months by simply turning on the tap. This under-the-sink filter system eliminates chlorine, heavy metals, cysts, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs and more. It's also the one used in the home of former GH Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

“I use filtered water for absolutely everything from cooking to coffee-making, so tabletop water filters can’t keep up with my use,” she said. “With this one, there's no need to refill any carafes or tanks.” It has a high flow rate, however it requires installation.

As one of our top-tested water filters, Brita's Longlast+ filter removed more than 30 contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and more. We appreciated its speedy filtering, coming in at 38 seconds per cup. Compared to its predecessor, it lasts six months rather than two, and it doesn’t leave black carbon specks in the water.

Former GH Institute Chief Technologist and Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman used this water pitcher in her five-person household. She loved the taste of the water and that she did not have to constantly change the filter. One minor downside is that it needs to be washed by hand.

Unofficially dubbed the "shower head of the Internet," Jolie has certainly become one of the most popular, particularly for its sleek design. Our extensive home testing confirmed that it does live up to the hype. Unlike other shower filters we've tested, the Jolie Filtered Showerhead is an all-in-one design that takes minimal effort to set up. GH Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin said it took her about 15 minutes to set up.

We found that it offers excellent chlorine filtration. Its filter contains a proprietary blend of KDF-55 and calcium sulfate, which the brand claimed is better than typical carbon-based filters at capturing contaminants from hot, high-pressure shower water. After nearly a year of use, Saguin noticed "less scale buildup near the drain of the tub," adding that the "water feels softer without any sacrifice in pressure."

Keep in mind that the cost of the shower head itself is steep as is the price of the replacement filters.

Weighing in at a mere 6 pounds when filled, this small but mighty glass water filter pitcher was lightweight and easy to hold and pour during our tests. Also available in plastic, it improves the taste and clarity of water. Just note that you'll need to refill it more often since it only holds 2.5 cups of tap water. We also found that it filtered slowly.

What's more, this water pitcher uses two types of filters: a membrane microfilter and an activated carbon and ion exchange filter. Our review of the brand's third-party lab test data confirmed that it removed more than 30 contaminants, including chlorine, microplastics, sediment, heavy metals, VOCs, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, E.coli bacteria and cysts.

Brita is a brand that consistently performed well in our Lab tests. One tester said they loved this bottle for travel because they could fill it up anywhere and know that their water would taste fresh. The bottle is available in stainless steel or plastic — testers found the double-walled stainless steel kept water cool and crisp all day long.

It's also available in a 26-ounce size, which fits most cup holders, or a 36-ounce size, which is handy if you're on a longer trek or can’t refill as often. Its built-in carrying loop makes it easier to tote around too. Some users noted that the design of the straw made it harder to drink through.

Winning a GH Kitchen Gear Award, the Brita Hub impressed our panel with its countertop water machine that can dispense water manually or automatically. The brand stated that you can go six months until replacing the filter. However, GH Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou has only had to change the filter once every seven months.

Papantoniou added: "It has a large capacity, so you don’t need to fill it up as often. [I] love the automatic pours because I can walk away while it fills up." The one negative flagged by our pros? Once the red light turns on to change the filter, it stops working. Just make sure you have extra filters in stock.

The Larq PurVis Pitcher filters over 45 contaminants such as microplastics, heavy metals, VOCs, endocrine disruptors, PFOA and PFOS, pharmaceuticals and more. This pick also takes it a step further by using UV light to deactivate E. coli and Salmonella, which can build up in water filter pitchers when chlorine is filtered out.

In testing, we loved that the Larq app was easy to use and that it keeps track of when you need to change the filter, so there’s no guessing. It pours smoothly without splashing, and it’s dishwasher safe, except for the small rechargeable wand, which we found easy to wash by hand. Take note: The filters can be pricier than others.

You can proudly display this water filter pitcher on your table when company is over, thanks to its sleek, modern appearance. Not only does it stand out with its unique design, but our pros love that the hourglass shape makes it easy to hold.

It filters out chlorine and four heavy metals including cadmium, copper, mercury and zinc with its cleverly disguised cone filter at the top of the carafe. Our pros found this was easy to set up, fill and pour, however it needs to be washed by hand.

“It’s easy to install, inexpensive and tested to ANSI standard 42 and 53, so it is built to do a solid job filtering many contaminants,” said GH Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab Director Dan DiClerico. He especially liked the design and the fact that Culligan is a well-established brand.

This filter allows you to switch easily from unfiltered to filtered water with a simple pull of a diverter valve, and no tools are required to install this faucet filter. It filters out chlorine, sediment, lead and more. One drawback is that it makes the faucet bulkier.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute, our team of engineers, chemists, product analysts and home improvement experts work together to determine the best water filters for home. We've tested more than 30 water filters over the years and continue to scan the market for new options.

To test water filters, we take into account their capacity, how easy they are to set up and, if applicable, how easy they are to pour from. We also read each instruction manual for clarity and look at whether pitcher models are dishwasher safe. We test performance factors like how quickly it filters a cup of water and measure how much water the tap water reservoir can hold.

We also verify contaminant removal claims via third-party data. We review how long each filter lasts as well as the yearly cost to replace filters when changing filters on the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

✔️ Type and capacity: For pitchers, water bottles and other dispensers that hold water after it’s filtered, you’ll want to keep in mind size and weight. Larger containers are ideal for refilling less often, but they will often be heavier and may take up more space in the fridge or your backpack. A countertop model saves space in the refrigerator and often holds more water, but it requires room on the counter and will be room temperature water.

With under-the-sink water filters, faucet filters, shower filters and whole-house filters, there’s no need to worry about size or capacity as these instantaneously filter water as it flows through.

✔️ Filtration method: One thing to note is that many filters incorporate multiple filter types to achieve various contaminant removal. With some, the contaminants they remove can vary widely, so it's best to check what the model actually filters, so it suits your needs. The surest way to determine this is by checking which NSF standard the filters are certified for. For example, some standards cover only lead, like NSF 372, while others also include agricultural and industrial toxins, like NSF 401. Otherwise, here are the different water filtering methods:

• Activated carbon is the most common water filter. The carbon-based filter acts like a magnet, absorbing contaminants from the water. Multi-stage filters, or 2-stage filters, might also include a pre-filter to remove larger sediment, as well as a second carbon filter to improve odor and taste. If necessary, sometimes there is even a third filter, maybe with an additional carbon block or a UV sterilizer to kill bacteria and viruses.
• Reverse osmosis (RO) is a newer type of filter that captures contaminants by pushing pressurized water through a semi-permeable membrane. While extremely effective, it's more expensive and less efficient — many systems require a tank that won't fit under your sink. Reverse osmosis filters are only seen with water systems because it needs pressure to work. Our experts first recommend testing your water to determine whether a conventional filter can cover your filtering needs. Most water filters use either a carbon filter or a reverse osmosis water filter, which can also include a carbon filter.
• Ultrafiltration (UF) is another technology you might also hear about. Like RO, it forces water through semipermeable membranes. Because the pore size of the UF membranes is bigger, these systems don't capture all contaminants, including total dissolved solids (TDS) like chlorine and fluoride; we did not review any UF systems for this reason.
• Mineral/alkaline filter adds minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium. According to the Mayo Clinic, alkaline water has a higher pH level than plain tap water. Some studies also suggest that alkaline water might help slow bone loss. However, further studies are needed to determine whether these benefits are long-term.

✔️ Filter replacement frequency: Check how often you have to replace the filter. If you dread changing the filter or simply forget, you may want to look for a long-lasting filter. Also, if you buy filters for the shower, water pitcher and sink, you’ll have to remember to change each of those separately, so it might be smart to consider a whole-house filter that requires only one filter replacement for the entire home.

No matter which water filter you opt for, it’s no good if you don’t change the filter as recommended. “The performance of the water filter depends on the quality of the water source and whether or not the filters are replaced regularly,” Aral said. Some models come with indicators, but if a model doesn’t include one, a slower flow rate or different-colored water are signs that you need to change the filter.

✔️ Price: Consider both the upfront price of the water filter device and the filter refill costs. A water filter could cost more initially, but the price and frequency of the filter refills may save money over the long term. But that’s not always the case, so be sure to calculate the yearly cost of replacements based on the recommended schedule for changing.

Access to safe drinking water is an issue across the globe, and it affects communities in the United States. If you’re not sure about your water quality, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) updated its Tap Water Database in 2021. It’s free and easy to search, and it has information for all states.

Enter your zip code or search your state to find details on your drinking water quality based on EWG standards (which are stricter than those of the government). If your tap water does exceed EWG health guidelines, it may be a good idea to consider buying a water filter.

Opting for bottled water is a short-term solution to potentially unsafe drinking water, but it creates a larger problem with serious long-term implications around pollution. Americans throw away a whopping 30 million tons of plastic a year, only 8% of which is recycled. The majority ends up in landfills because there are many different regulations about what can be recycled. Your best bet is to get a water filter and a cute reusable water bottle — some even have filters built-in.

This article was written and tested by Jamie (Kim) Ueda, who is an analyst (and consistent user!) of water filtration products. She’s a freelance writer specializing in product testing and reviews. For this list, she tested several water filters and worked with experts across several Good Housekeeping Institute Labs: Kitchen Appliances and Innovation; Beauty, Health, and Sustainability; Home Improvement and Outdoors; and Media and Tech.

Nicole Papantoniou contributed insight on the ease of use of pitchers and bottles. Birnur Aral, Ph.D. helped evaluate the contamination-removal claims behind each of our picks. Dan DiClerico and Rachel Rothman provided expertise on installed filters.