Best Water Filters for Your Home
Expert-recommended filtration systems to remove contaminants and improve your tap water quality. All recommendations are NSF-certified and tested.
Based on our analysis of water quality data from thousands of US cities, we've identified the most common contaminants and selected the best filtration systems to address them. All recommendations are independently tested and NSF-certified.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Removes | Price Range | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana Whole House | Complete home protection | Chlorine, lead, mercury, VOCs | $625-850 | ★★★★★4.7/5 | Learn More → |
| Berkey Water Filter | Countertop, no plumbing | Bacteria, parasites, heavy metals | $289-398 | ★★★★★4.8/5 | Learn More → |
| Aquasana Countertop | Kitchen sink, easy install | Chlorine, lead, asbestos, cysts | $189-249 | ★★★★☆4.6/5 | Learn More → |
| Brita Water Pitcher | Budget-friendly option | Chlorine, copper, mercury, cadmium | $25-45 | ★★★★☆4.5/5 | Learn More → |
🏆 Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter
Best for: Complete Home Protection
The Aquasana Rhino is our top recommendation for whole-house water filtration. This system filters water at every faucet, shower, and appliance in your home, removing 99% of contaminants including chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and VOCs.
What It Removes:
- ✓ 97% of chlorine
- ✓ Lead and heavy metals
- ✓ VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- ✓ Herbicides and pesticides
- ✓ Industrial solvents
Key Features:
- ✓ Filters 1,000,000 gallons
- ✓ 10-year warranty
- ✓ NSF certified
- ✓ No salt or chemicals needed
- ✓ Maintains water pressure
Price: $625-850 depending on size |Ideal for: Homes with municipal water, families concerned about chlorine and contaminants
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💧 Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Best for: No Plumbing Required
The Big Berkey is the gold standard for countertop water filtration. No plumbing required—just pour water in the top and gravity does the work. Perfect for renters, RVs, or homes where whole-house filtration isn't practical.
What It Removes:
- ✓ 99.9% of bacteria and parasites
- ✓ Heavy metals (lead, mercury, aluminum)
- ✓ Chlorine and chloramine
- ✓ Fluoride (with optional filter)
- ✓ Pesticides and pharmaceuticals
Key Features:
- ✓ Holds 2.25 gallons
- ✓ Filters 6,000 gallons per element
- ✓ Stainless steel construction
- ✓ No electricity needed
- ✓ Portable and durable
Price: $289-398 |Ideal for: Renters, RVs, emergency preparedness, homes without water line access
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🚰 Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter
Best for: Easy Kitchen Installation
Perfect for kitchen sinks with easy attachment to your existing faucet. Provides filtered water on demand without taking up counter space or requiring professional installation.
What It Removes:
- ✓ 99% chlorine
- ✓ Lead and asbestos
- ✓ Cysts and bacteria
- ✓ Pharmaceuticals
- ✓ Herbicides and pesticides
Key Features:
- ✓ Filters 450-600 gallons
- ✓ Installs in 5 minutes
- ✓ NSF certified
- ✓ Sleek modern design
- ✓ 1-year warranty
Price: $189-249 |Ideal for: Apartments, small kitchens, those wanting filtered drinking water
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💰 Brita Large Water Filter Pitcher
Best for: Budget-Conscious Families
The most affordable way to improve your tap water. While not as comprehensive as whole-house or countertop systems, Brita pitchers are perfect for drinking water and are trusted by millions.
What It Removes:
- ✓ Chlorine (taste and odor)
- ✓ Copper
- ✓ Mercury
- ✓ Cadmium
- ✓ Zinc
Key Features:
- ✓ 10-cup capacity
- ✓ Filters 40 gallons per filter
- ✓ Fits in fridge door
- ✓ BPA-free plastic
- ✓ Filter change indicator
Price: $25-45 (pitcher + filters) |Ideal for: Budget-conscious shoppers, college students, basic filtration needs
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How to Choose the Right Water Filter
1. Check Your Water Quality Report
Visit your city's water quality page on our site to see what contaminants are present in your tap water. This will help you choose a filter that targets your specific concerns.
2. Consider Your Budget
Whole-house systems cost more upfront but provide comprehensive protection. Countertop and pitcher filters are more affordable but only filter water at one point.
3. Look for NSF Certification
NSF International independently tests and certifies water filters. Look for NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401 for removal of specific contaminants.
4. Calculate Long-Term Costs
Consider filter replacement costs. Some systems have expensive annual filter replacements that can add up over time.
Find Your City's Water Quality Report
See what's in your tap water and get personalized filter recommendations based on your local water quality issues.
Check Your Water Quality →