We Tested the Best Countertop Water Filters for Delicious Water on Demand (2024)

Bottled water is convenient, but having a countertop filtration system at home is a much more sustainable option that can give you clean, crisp, refreshing water whenever you want it, without having to make a trip to the store.

We tested popular countertop filters to get you the best-tasting water possible, and some are even certified to remove pharmaceuticals, asbestos, and other contaminants. All of the included products are NSF certified, which is the standard for making sure products filter exactly what they say they will.

Our Top Picks

How We Tested Countertop Water Filters

We purchased nine of the most popular countertop water filters and spent a total of 1,395 hours testing them. There were two types included: ones that hook up to your sink faucet and, when turned on, direct tap water through a small hose; and freestanding ones that do not need to connect to your water supply. Editors who participated in testing used their local tap water in New York City, San Francisco, and multiple cities in Iowa, Colorado, and Alabama.

Please note that this test was performed for aesthetic purposes only and not to evaluate how well products filtered lead, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other non-aesthetic contaminants. That said, all products included on this list are NSF certified or certified by a third party to NSF standards Please see individual certifications to see exactly what contaminants each filter is confirmed to remove. You can also check NSF's online listings to verify that a specific product is certified.

We Observed

• Smell and taste: You want your water to taste clean, crisp, and refreshing, not like rotten eggs or pennies. We smelled and tasted our unfiltered tap water first before comparing it to the filtered water, which, in theory, should have taken away the unpleasant smell and taste of chlorine, sulfur, metal, and other unwanted substances.
• Filtration speed and life: Some water filters filter water faster than others (say that 10 times fast). We timed how long it took for water to run through the filter. We also made note of if and when the filter needed to be replaced and whether that was easy or difficult to do.
• How often refills were needed: If you're drinking a lot of water throughout the day (or have a multi-person household) and your freestanding filter has a small reservoir, it's going to need a lot of refilling. We looked at how often we needed to refill each water reservoir so you know exactly how much filtered water you can get out of it before needing to start up the sink faucet.
• Counter real estate: These are countertop water filters, which means that the product of your choosing is going to stay out on your countertop. Not only did we observe how much space it took up on the counter, but we also looked at whether it fit under the sink faucet when it came time for refills. If a model didn't fit, the extra step of using a separate container to transport water from the sink to the water filter reservoir was required.

We Rated

• Smell: Since this test was based on aesthetics, the filter should be able able to alter the smell of the water into a more pleasant or undetectable aroma.
• Taste: The filter should also get rid of unwanted tastes and dispense crisp-, clean-tasting water with no off-putting aftertaste.
• Ease of Use: This included how involved or time consuming it was to assemble the water filter, how long it took to run water through the filter, how easy it was to change the filter, how often the reservoir needed to be refilled, how easy it was to operate the product, and any helpful (or unhelpful) features.
• Design: We took into account how much space the product took up on the countertop and whether it would be better suited for a smaller or larger kitchen. We also noted whether the reservoir fit under the sink faucet or if it was necessary to transfer water from a separate container/cup to fill it. Lastly, we observed whether the product signaled when the filter needed to be changed and if that was easy to understand or not.
• Value: Only after the testing period was over were the prices revealed to us. (These ranged from $148 to $489, with a median price of $321.)

About Our Testers

• Daniel L. McCurry, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, was consulted before this test. He says tap water as it comes to your home is compelled to be safe and is extensively regulated, so if you're worried about things from a safety perspective, it's probably OK. Wanting to remove algae, iron, and other substances for aesthetic purposes is valid, but "anything with fantastical claims about, you know, improving the healthiness of water are probably unsubstantiated."
  

Other Options We Tested

• Lang TheWell: We were excited by the mineral-reducing filtration of this machine but ultimately found its small pitcher didn’t last long and delivered filtered water more slowly than an in-fridge filter. Handy features like temperature control were outweighed by its large, cumbersome size. The company says this device has NSF 42 and 58 certifications, but you need to contact it directly for details. The product is not listed in the NSF database.
• Santevia Gravity Water System with Fluoride Removal Filter: This system stood out from the others we tested because it uses mineral stones to actually add essential minerals to the filtered water. Unfortunately, the stones gave the filtered water an off-putting earthy taste. The company says this filter is tested in-house to NSF standards, but it is not certified. If you choose this system, we recommend watching the interactive video on the company’s website to get you through the long and intensive setup process, which includes boiling the mineral stones.

What to Look for in a Countertop Water Filter

Style

There are two styles of countertop water filters: faucet diverters and freestanding.

Countertop filters that connect to the faucet direct tap water from your sink through the filter via a small hose. The filtered water is dispensed through a tap built into the water filter instead of your sink faucet. This type of water filter requires user installation, but the process is usually quick, easy, and requires minimal tools.

Freestanding countertop filters don’t connect to your water supply. Instead, they need to be manually filled with water from your faucet. A pitcher usually works well for this or a hose, if your faucet is equipped with one, can be used to fill a water filter reservoir.This type of countertop filter tends to be larger and takes up more space than faucet diverters. However, freestanding water filters can be placed anywhere and don’t need direct access to a water source.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a freestanding water filter is the capacity of the water reservoir. If there are several people in your household who will be drinking filtered water, a model that can hold several gallons will cut down on frequent refilling.

Purpose

There are two main reasons to invest in a countertop water filter: to improve the taste of your drinking water and/or remove unwanted substances. Water filters designed primarily to remove odor and chlorine, which can affect the taste of your water, tend to be less expensive than filters designed to remove long lists of substances. The only way to know whether a more expensive filter is worth your while is to research your water quality. Don’t worry—it’s not as tough a job as it sounds.

If you have city or municipal water, water quality reports detailing contaminant levels are available to you. If you have trouble locating them, contact your water supplier. If you have well water, you can have your water quality tested independently. Once you know what contaminants are in your water, you can decide what kind of filter you want and need.

Basic countertop filters are equipped with a single carbon filter that improve the odor and taste of water by absorbing contaminants from the water. Other countertop filters have multiple filters designed to remove contaminants through a combination of carbon absorption and ion exchange. Reverse osmosis filters also include a semi-permeable membrane that separate contaminated water from clean water.

Filter Life

All countertop water filters require filter replacement. How often you have to change the filter depends on the estimated filter life span. A filter's life span is typically provided to consumers in months. Most of the countertop water filters on this list use filters that last an average of six months. However, you should also pay attention to the amount of water the filters can process before they need replacing. If your household goes through a large amount of filtered water, you might need to replace the filters more frequently that what is recommended.

You should also take note of the cost of replacement filters before purchasing a countertop water filter. Countertop water filters can last a long time when the filters are routinely changed. Be sure to check whether branded or generic replacement filters are recommended with your model.

Certification

Choosing a countertop water filtration system that has been independently certified can provide peace of mind that the filter is doing what it's intended to do—proof product claims can be trusted. The most common certifications to look for are NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and WQA (Water Quality Association).

When considering a countertop filter or any type of filtration device, consumers should read packaging carefully. There is a difference between “certified to NSF/ANSI standards” and “tested to or meets NSF/ANSI standards.” The latter may be true of uncertified products, but they cannot use the NSF mark or imply that the product is certified by NSF if they have not been tested and approved by NSF.

Water Filtration Speed

While faucet diverter water filters are connected directly to tap water, freestanding filters require manual filling. It takes some time for the water to trickle through all the filters in order to drink, but how much time it takes depends on a number of factors including capacity, the number of filters, the material used in those filters, the size of the holes in the filter, the quality of the water, and the age of the filter. For example, a large-capacity freestanding water filter with five-month-old fine mesh membranes will take longer to filter than a smaller-capacity model with brand new filters and soft water to filtrate.

Ultimately, it comes down to preference. Models with finer filters may be able to trap more contaminants, but take longer to fully filtrate. Models with larger holes in the filters can be quicker and more convenient, but may not clean the water as thoroughly.

FAQs

What is the best way to filter tap water?

This is a matter of personal preference, the space you have available, and the contaminants you want to remove from your water.

A countertop water filter is a good choice if you're just looking to filter enough tap water for drinking and cooking. If you have plenty of counter space, you may opt for a free-standing water filter. If you want to filter water directly at the faucet, a countertop filter that diverts water from your faucet be a better choice.

If countertop filter options don't appeal to you, there are also pitcher water filters, under-the-sink water filters, and whole-house water filtration systems.

The most important consideration in choosing a water filter is what you want to reduce from your tap water. Reviewing a water quality report from your water supplier or an independent party is the first step in identifying potential contaminants and/or impurities in your water. Then, choose a filter that can reduce your top concerns.

Do countertop water filters remove fluoride?

Not all countertop water filters remove fluoride from tap water, but some can. If fluoride removal is a must-have for you, be sure to read through the list of compounds a filter can remove before buying a countertop water filter. Reverse osmosis water filters are typically the best choice for reducing the amount of fluoride in your water. Keep in mind no water filter is capable of removing 100 percent of fluoride—or anything for that matter.

Are there any filters that can remove all contaminants?

Not all filters remove all contaminants, says Rick Andrew of NSF International's Global Water program—that's why it's important to first know exactly what's in your water. You can find out from your local water utility's annual water quality report, a resource available to all residents. If you suspect a problem with the plumbing in your home or are using well water, you can have it tested in a private lab.

How often do you need to change countertop water filters?

Most countertop water filters are estimated to last for about six months, but some need more frequent replacing every three months and others are rated to last approximately one to two years. You should keep track of when you change your filter and stick to the recommended replacement schedule to prolong the life of your filtration system. Some water filters do come with an indicator that lets you know when it's time to replace your filter.

Do water filters work for well water?

While most Americans get their water from municipal sources, people in rural areas may draw it from groundwater through wells. Municipal water is regulated by federal law, but private well water is regulated by state law, so regulations on maintaining wells vary by location. Be sure to check with your state’s natural resource department for more information.

The quality of well water can be impacted by two factors: non-natural contaminants and natural soil pollutants. There are tests available at state-certified labs to check the potability of well water, looking for such contaminants as coliform bacteria, pesticides, dissolved solids, VOC, and nitrates. The EPA recommends conducting these tests at least once a year. You should also ask your health department what contaminants are common in the local groundwater. States may have regulations in place dictating what makes water safe to drink, but it’s the responsibility of the property owner to maintain their wells to that regulatory standard.

So, getting back to the question: Do water filters work for well water?

Yes! In fact, most water filters that work with municipal water will also work with well water. Many models are whole-house systems, though there are some under-sink filters, too. There is also a variety of filtration methods ranging from eliminating bacteria with UV bulbs, fine filters to block out physical sediment, and reverse osmosis systems, among others. You’ll want to aim for a model that filters out both chemical and physical contaminants.

How do you know if a water filter is counterfeit?

When buying a water filter, watch out for red flags. The number one indicator of a fraud? Price. Counterfeit filters and replacement cartridges usually cost significantly less than authentic certified products, Andrew says. Some other red flags include a light weight (because they don't contain the proper materials to do the job), small certification marks as to not draw attention, and glossy packaging to appear high-quality.

What do you need to know about reverse osmosis filters?

"Reverse osmosis filters remove a large number of contaminants but are generally more expensive," says Sydney Evans, Science Analyst at the Environmental Working Group. "Most models come with an activated carbon filter to remove additional contaminants and protect the sensitive membrane of the reverse osmosis filter. One drawback of these types of filters is that they can waste three to five times the amount of water they treat."

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

As a longtime user of home water filters, Taylor Rock, The Spruce Eats' Commerce Editor, is always looking for ways to reduce her carbon footprint. She has never really liked the taste of tap water and currently uses a Brita water filter pitcher that she keeps nice and cold in her fridge.

Julie Laing has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and is the author of the weekly newspaper column and food blog, Twice as Tasty. She published her first cookbook, "The Complete Guide to Pickling," in 2020. Several years ago, Julie realized that she disliked the taste of her well water, which is safe but high in trace minerals, and wasn’t drinking enough water. Her tap water also affected her pickles and ferments, an issue solved by using filtered water.

Sources

• Rick Andrewis the Director of Global Business Development of Water Systems at theNational Science Foundation. He has 30 years of experience in preserving and maintaining clean drinking water and is responsible for NSF’s global sales and structuring of water-related programs.
  
• Daniel L. McCurry, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California.
• Sydney Evans is a Senior Science Analyst for the Environmental Working Group.

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