Summary of The Best Water Filters 2021 Winners
1. Brita Everyday Pitcher – The Best Water Filter Pitcher Available
Unlike some other water filters, which can be prohibitively expensive, the Brita Everyday water filter pitcher provides healthful water at a reasonable price. This one comes with Brita’s Longlast filter, which is good for more than 100 gallons of water usage. Because you should replace these filters only once every six months, you’ll save money in the long term by using them instead of disposable filters. It’s also a straightforward filter to use. The water is simply poured into the container from the top, where gravity will draw it down through the filter and into the drinking reservoir.
The water that comes out of this pitcher filter is crisp and pure. However, Brita filters are not capable of removing fluoride. If you want fluoride filtration, you’ll have to search elsewhere. Aside from that, these filters do not eliminate bacteria, so the Brita pitcher isn’t the best option if you are concerned about bacteria in your water. This Pitcher is an excellent entry point into the world of filtered water because it is simple to use and reasonably priced.
Pros
- Long-lasting filters are capable of handling more than 100 gallons.
- Water filtration at an affordable price
- Easy to understand and use
- The taste of water is excellent.
Cons
- Fluoride is not removed by this method.
If you want to learn more about other Brita water filter pitchers, you can check out our article about the topic:
Best Brita Water Filter Pitchers – Reviews & Top Picks for 2021
2. iSpring RCC7 Water Filtration System – The Best Under-Sink Water Filter
Reverse osmosis is a highly effective method of water purification. It is capable of removing up to 99 percent of more than 1,000 distinct pollutants, resulting in an extraordinarily pure drinking experience for the user. Water filtration using this approach is one of the most expensive methods on our list, but it’s also one of the most effective. This will effectively eliminate almost everything from your water supply.
In order to ensure that nothing gets past your filters, the iSpring RCC7 High Capacity RO system has five stages of filtration. You will never be without an adequate supply of clean drinking water again because to its ability to filter up to 75 gallons per day.
Despite the fact that it is somewhat expensive, you can save money by installing it yourself. Fortunately, this model is rather simple to set up, and it comes with everything you need to complete the installation. If you have a little amount of DIY experience, you can remove it with relative ease. Once you’ve done this, the filters will only need to be changed every six months, resulting in minimum maintenance.
When it comes to purifying the water that comes out of your kitchen faucet, it’s impossible to beat the convenience of use that this system delivers.
Pros
- This product can remove up to 99 percent of more than 1000 pollutants.
- This package contains everything you’ll need to complete the installation.
- Can filter up to 75 gallons of water every day.
Cons
- It is not the most inexpensive filtration technology.
3. CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter – The Best Under Counter Water Filter for Large Capacity
It’s possible that the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter would meet your needs if you want a filter that you can install and then forget about. This tank is designed to last for an astonishing 50,000 gallons, allowing you to install it and forget about it for a long period of time. The initial investment is more than the expenses of most of the other solutions on this list, but you will save money in the long term because you will not have to change cartridges as often. This filter also ensures that beneficial elements such as calcium remain in the water, allowing you to continue to reap their benefits. As a result, it will have no effect on reducing the total dissolved solids in the water.
Compared to an under-sink RO system, this system is less expensive and simpler to install. It does, however, connect to the main water line in your sink, allowing you to have unlimited filtered water available at your kitchen faucet. It is simple to install, requiring only an adjustable wrench and a few minutes of your time, which may be appealing to many individuals.
Pros
- It is less complicated to install than the RO system.
- This container holds 50,000 gallons of water.
- It saves money in the long run.
- It helps to keep minerals in the water.
Cons
- Initial investment is prohibitively expensive.
- TDS is not reduced by using this product.
4. Apex Countertop Water Filter – The Best Countertop Water Filter
For those who dislike the notion of filling up a pitcher multiple times a day but aren’t ready to make the financial commitment to a full-on under-sink RO system, the Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter may be an option worth considering. Located next to your sink on your countertop, this filter is a great addition. It comes with a hose that runs to your sink and connects to a nozzle on your faucet head that has a lever that allows you to choose whether you want the water to travel through the sink or through the filter. In addition to being simple to set up, it is reasonably priced for the amount of filtered water it generates.
The most significant drawback of this filter is that it is not particularly appealing, but it is highly apparent when placed next to your sink. If you can get past it, the installation is very straightforward. It also helps to raise the pH of your water, allowing you to get the health benefits of drinking alkaline water. The filter removes silt, chlorine, mercury, giardia, and other contaminants; however, it does not filter fluoride or lead out of the water.
Pros
- It is simple to connect to your kitchen faucet.
- It removes silt, chlorine, Giardia, and other contaminants.
- At a reasonable price
- Increases the pH of alkaline water.
Cons
- It takes up valuable counter space.
- This is not appealing.
5. LifeStraw Go – The World’s Most Advanced Water Filter Bottle
In the case that you’ve heard anything about personal water filtration, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about LifeStraw. They are one of the most well-known names in emergency filtration, but with the Go Water Filter Bottle, they have expanded their reach into the daily drinking market. With this bottle, they have combined their popular LifeStraw technology into a portable bottle that filters your water as you drink it. It is a cost-effective approach to begin drinking filtered water immediately.
It is estimated that the LifeStraw filter removes more than 99 percent of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites. It does not require the use of batteries or chemicals. The bottle can hold up to 23 ounces of water, which will keep you hydrated throughout the day. However, it is insufficient to provide fuel for more than one person. A side clip with a carabiner makes it feasible to fasten to your side and leave your hands free for other activities. This is useful for convenience. This bottle is the only one that may be used with this filter. Due to the fact that it is a custom fit, you will not be able to use it on another bottle. Fortunately, the bottle is available in a variety of fashionable color variations, allowing you to select the one that most suits your style.
Pros
- There are numerous color variations.
- Filtration of drinking water on the go
- It gets rid of bacteria and protozoa.
- Filtered water that is reasonably priced
Cons
- The 23-ounce capacity is barely sufficient for one person.
You can also read our detailed article about the Best Portable Water Filters.
6. The Sawyer Squeeze – Best Water Filter for Backpacking & Camping
When it comes to trekking, hiking, or camping, the weight, size, and dependability of a water filter are all important considerations to consider. The Sawyer Squeeze ticks all of those boxes and then some. It is small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. With a weight of only two ounces, you can categorize it as being extremely lightweight. It is extremely dependable because it has no cartridges to fill up and replace, and it has no moving parts that can break. The Sawyer Squeeze filter has a capacity of 100,000 gallons and is made of polypropylene. Backflushing it will restore it to full output if it starts to lose some of its flow.
The Squeeze filters down to 0.1-micron in size, allowing for extremely thorough filtering. It can remove silt, bacteria, protozoa, and a slew of other contaminants, but it will not remove viruses. It’s a pretty reasonably priced piece of equipment that also happens to be incredibly adaptable. Squeeze water through it to fill a container with clean water, as shown in this video. Another application is in-line installation for a gravity system or a hydration bladder. However, our preferred method is to screw it onto a bottle filled with dirty water and drink right through it, which saves us a lot of time sitting at the trailside filtering out our water.
Pros
- It has a capacity of 100,000 gallons.
- With a weight of under 2 ounces, it is extremely portable.
- There are numerous applications for it.
- At a reasonable price
- Filtration down to one micron
Cons
- It does not have a virus filter.
7. PUR FM-3700 – Faucet Walter Filter Attachment – Best Performance
PUR, along with Brita, is one of the most well-known brands in the world of water filtration systems. This faucet filter fits directly to the head of your kitchen faucet, eliminating the need for any additional hardware. When you turn on the PUR device’s selection level, you can choose between filtering water from it or letting typical kitchen flow from the sink to pass through for normal kitchen use. While you can still easily do dishes and other routine sink duties while this filter is attached, it is pretty bulky and cumbersome, and it tends to get in the way a little.
The PUR FM-3700 Advanced is one of the most cost-effective options to begin receiving filtered water in your house right away. In addition, because it is a very popular filter, you should have no trouble finding new cartridges. Having said that, each filter cartridge has a capacity of 100 gallons, so you won’t have to replace them very frequently. When you do, you’ll have no trouble locating them either online or in your immediate area. These filters eliminate lead, chlorine, and other toxins, for a total of more than 70 contaminants that can be avoided by not drinking.
Pros
- Each filter has a capacity of 100 gallons.
- At a reasonable price
- Filters are easily accessible.
- Removes lead and chlorine from the water
Cons
- The sink’s usual operation may be hampered by this obstruction.
Buyer’s Guide – How To Choose The Best Water Filter
Now that you’re familiar with filters, let’s talk about how to choose one. Note that each of these devices filters water in a unique way, making it ideal for a specific situation. How do you pick the best filter for you? Our quick buyer’s guide will assist you in making the best decision.
Where Will You Use Your Water Filter?
How Many People Are You Expecting to Drink From Your Filter?
What Does the Best Water Filter Remove?
While certain toxins are present in most of our tap water, some contaminants are specific to each place. As a result, you might not have the same filtration requirements as someone else. On the other hand, filters differ in what they remove. If your tap water has high amounts of lead and you choose a filter that does not remove lead, it will not solve your problem. The contaminants in your water should match those mentioned on the filter.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to choose just one filter option when there are so many to choose from. Nonetheless, after reading our reviews and buyer’s guide, you should have a better understanding of which water filter system is ideal for you or your family.
With its capacity to filter up to 75 gallons of water per day, the iSpring RCC7 High Capacity RO was our favorite under-sink system. The Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter was our favorite faucet filter since it was simple to install and had inexpensive replacement filters that could be found anywhere. The Sawyer Squeeze, which weighs only two ounces and lasts 100,000 gallons, is the filter we trust in the backcountry.
The Brita Everyday water filter pitcher was our top selection filtration pitcher. If you want to filter water for your entire house, we recommend the CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter, which fits standard 20-inch filter cartridges and features built-in pressure gauges.