Are you in the market for the best countertop water filtration system, but don’t know where to start?
It can be challenging to choose a water filtration system when there’s so much variety. Some use refillable water tanks, others connect right to your kitchen faucet, and many use electricity (though not all).
Despite their differences, water filtration systems all have one thing in common: reducing contaminants in your tap water to make it cleaner and taste better.
Keep reading for our reviews of water filtration systems intended for everyday use in your home.
Reverse Osmosis
Table of Contents
What exactly is reverse osmosis?
To start, let’s talk about osmosis. You may remember this term from high school biology, but here’s a quick refresher. Osmosis is the natural process of liquids flowing from areas of low concentration (of dissolved components) to areas of high concentration. An example of this is red blood cells balancing their salt and nutrient levels; fluid will pass through the cell’s semi-permeable membrane to equalize the concentration of nutrients inside and outside the cell.
Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, uses electricity to work. The process applies pressure to unclean water (high concentration of contaminants) and forces the water molecules through many layers of semi-permeable membranes special filters. The result is cleaner water with a significantly reduced number of contaminants like microorganisms and heavy metals.
Osmosis moves water from places with a low concentration of dissolved components to a high concentration. In contrast, reverse osmosis forces water from a high concentration of dissolved components to a low concentration.
Installation & Use
Water filtration systems cost a pretty penny, so you’ll want to make sure you install and care for them properly. Some filtration systems are hooked directly to your kitchen faucet, either at the tap or under the sink. Don’t worry if you’re not a plumber: these systems are relatively quick and easy to set up. However, make sure you read the instructions and have any necessary tools before starting installation.
Maintenance for water filtration systems isn’t complicated, but it’s crucial to keep things chugging along. Make sure you empty and clean the water tank often (if your system has one) to prevent the buildup of scale and mildew; wastewater needs frequent emptying as well. Manufacturers do try to reduce the amount of water their systems create, but having some is inevitable. Removing wastewater according to the manufacturer’s instructions will ensure your drinking water is clean and tastes great.
Filters are the most crucial part of a filtration system, and sometimes they need to be replaced. All the filters in the systems we reviewed last for some time, usually for months or years. Some of the systems use smart technology to let you know when it’s time for a filter change, but it’s a good idea to order replacement filters before your system needs them, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Is a Countertop Water Filtration System Right for You?
If you’re looking to improve the taste and quality of your tap water, a countertop water filtration system is one way of doing so. The systems we reviewed are compact and long-lasting. You won’t have to drink water out of disposable plastic water bottles anymore, nor will you be sacrificing much counter space.
The big thing that will either make or break your choice to buy a filtration system like the ones we’ve reviewed is their power use. All systems that use reverse osmosis to filter water need electricity. Though manufacturers do their best to make their systems efficient, a reverse osmosis filtration system could affect your power bill. Even if you’re on municipal water supply and still have access to tap water during a power outage, your filtration system will not work.
If you’re looking for an electricity-free way of filtering water, a system powered by gravity might be a better choice for you.
You can check out our article on gravity water filters here!
Filtration System Reviews
Countertop Water Filtration Purification System by Aqua Tru
This filtration system uses reverse osmosis and a carbon filter to process a gallon (3.8 liters) of water in 12-15 minutes.
This system will not only make your tap water taste better by reducing chlorine, but it will also reduce the levels of lead, chromium, copper, and other substances found in water.
The purchase of this filter includes a bottle of Perfect Minerals Drops. According to Aqua Tru, adding Perfect Minerals to your filtered water will alkalize your water and make even healthier for you.
Alkalized water does not yet have scientific research backing up its health benefits, so take Aqua Tru’s health claims with a grain of salt.
Pros
- Easy to set up, as no plumbing hookups are needed to use this countertop water filtration system.
- The system will let you know when it’s time to change its carbon filter (as indicated on the digital display).
- The plastic used in this filtration system is free of BPA (bisphenol A) and BPS (bisphenol S).
Cons
- Alkaline water may not have any health benefits.
- Aqua Tru’s filtration system is one of the more expensive ones we reviewed.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System with Smart Faucet by Waterdrop
This sleek and slim water system won’t take up too much space under your kitchen sink, though it’s a filtering powerhouse.
Waterdrop’s reverse osmosis filter claims to reduce or remove hundreds of contaminants from water, including heavy metals, organic and inorganic pollutants, known carcinogens, and much more.
The smart faucet included with Waterdrop’s system has a light-up ring at the base that tells you when a filter needs replacing.
Because this system connects to your kitchen sink, there’s no need for a water storage tank. Being tank-free means, you won’t have still water sitting in the system. Even better, this system will flush itself out regularly to keep your filtered water safe and clean for you and your family to drink.
Pros
- Uses three filters to clean tap water quickly for your family.
- Compact and modern design means the system looks as good as it works. It will fit nicely under the kitchen sink.
- Smart technology lets you know when to change the filters, and can even cut off its water supply or power usage in case the system detects a leak or emergency.
Cons
- Does make some noise when filtering and flushing water, though the system is relatively quiet.
- This is the most expensive filtration system we reviewed.
- This system works best with the smart faucet, and it might not work as well with other faucets. If you want to keep your current kitchen faucet, this filter system might not be the right choice for you.
H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter System by Brondell
Brondell’s affordable 3-step water filtration system connects to your kitchen faucet and pours great-tasting water with the push of a button. This system is easy to install and use, and it fits most kitchen faucets with adapters.
Brondell’s filtration system connects to your faucet with a tube and an adapter screwed into the tap.
Though this filtration system doesn’t use a reverse osmosis process like the other systems we reviewed, it still will reduce or remove contaminants from your water supply, such as rust, waterborne microorganisms, and chlorine.
Pros
- Compact size means this system won’t take up too much space on your kitchen counter.
- Compatible with most faucets.
- Much more affordable than the other filtration systems we reviewed.
Cons
- Not suitable to use for harder tap water.
- If you just want unfiltered water from the tap, you’ll have to twist a knob on the connection for the tap and filter for water to come out, which may make this filter a little fiddly and inconvenient for some.
- Unlike the other filtration systems we reviewed, this system doesn’t have filter replacement indicators. You’ll have to remember when to change the filter yourself.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System by Frizzlife
Frizzlife’s reverse osmosis filtration system is a bit like the Aqua Tru, since it doesn’t have a plumbing hookup. Instead, you fill up a tank at your kitchen sink and set it inside the system, which makes this filtration system suitable for not only your kitchen counter, but also for your bedroom, office, or living room end table.
The filters in this reverse osmosis system will remove 99.9% of contaminants, including asbestos, chlorine, lead, mercury, radium, and more.
This filtration system has settings to pour 5.1, 8.5, or 11 ounces (150, 250, 330 milliliters) of water to fill up your glass up just right. Or, if you’d prefer, the system can also pour water continuously.
Pros
- Suitable for use just about anywhere in your home or workplace that has an electrical outlet (kitchen, living room, study, bedroom, etc.).
- Can be programmed to pour water out continuously or in set amounts.
- Smart screen will display the time, water refill notifications, and much more.
Cons
- Since this system doesn’t connect to your plumbing, you’ll have to fill it up with water manually.
- Not intended for filling up anything that isn’t a drinking glass (cooking pots, kettles, etc.).
Our Choice
Out of all the water filtration systems we reviewed, our favorite was Waterdrop’s. We like Waterdrop’s reverse osmosis system because not only is it easy to install, but there’s not much to clean.
There’s no holding tank for water like Aqua Tru and Frizzlife’s systems, which means you don’t have to worry about emptying excess water. Waterdrop’s system uses smart technology to flush and clean itself out at least once daily. This smart filtration system will also let you know when it needs a filter change and can turn itself off in case of a leak or emergency.
Though Waterdrop’s filtration system is the most expensive of the ones we reviewed, we believe its high-tech, tankless design is an excellent investment for better-tasting and cleaner water straight from your kitchen tap.
We hope Waterdrop’s reverse osmosis filtration system (or the others we reviewed) will be of use to you and your family!