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Expert-recommended filtration systems to remove lead, PFAS, chlorine, and other contaminants from your tap water. All recommendations are NSF-certified and independently tested.
You need serious filtration. A reverse osmosis system removes 99% of these dangerous contaminants.
APEC RO System ~$200An under-sink system handles 365+ contaminants. Great for cities with below-average water quality.
Clearly Filtered ~$250A quality pitcher filter improves taste and removes chlorine, copper, and basic contaminants.
Brita UltraMax ~$35We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
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. Whether your water has lead, PFAS, chlorine, or other issues, we have a recommendation that fits your needs and budget.
| Product | Type | Best For | Removes | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEC Water Systems RO-90OUR TOP PICK | Reverse Osmosis | Lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrates | 99% of contaminants, TDS, heavy metals | ~$200 | ★★★★★4.7 | Buy on Amazon |
| Clearly Filtered 3-StageBEST UNDER-SINK | Under-Sink | Comprehensive protection | 365+ contaminants, lead, PFAS, fluoride | ~$250 | ★★★★★4.6 | Buy on Amazon |
| Aquasana Rhino Whole House | Whole House | Complete home protection | Chlorine, lead, mercury, VOCs | $625-850 | ★★★★★4.7 | View on Amazon |
| Big Berkey Gravity-Fed | Countertop | No plumbing, portable | Bacteria, parasites, heavy metals | $289-398 | ★★★★★4.8 | View on Amazon |
| Brita UltraMax DispenserBEST BUDGET | Pitcher/Dispenser | Budget-friendly basics | Chlorine, copper, mercury, cadmium | ~$35 | ★★★★☆4.5 | Buy on Amazon |
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Different filters remove different contaminants. Use this guide to find the right filter based on what's in your water.Check your city's water quality report first.
No safe level of lead. Requires NSF 53 certified filter. Reverse osmosis is most effective, removing 99%+ of lead.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →Full guide: Best water filter for lead →PFAS accumulate in the body over time. Requires reverse osmosis or activated carbon specifically rated for PFAS.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) → or Clearly Filtered (~$250) →Full guide: Best water filter for PFAS →Linked to multiple cancers. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for arsenic removal from drinking water.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →Full guide: Best water filter for arsenic →Most common water complaint. Even a basic carbon filter removes 95%+ of chlorine and dramatically improves taste.
Recommended:
Brita UltraMax (~$35) →Full guide: Remove chlorine taste & odor →Dangerous for infants. Boiling does NOT remove nitrates. Requires reverse osmosis or distillation.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →Full guide: Best water filter for nitrates →Carbon pitchers and faucet filters do NOT remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis (or distillation) is the effective method.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →Full guide: Best water filter for fluoride →Hexavalent chromium (the "Erin Brockovich" contaminant) needs reverse osmosis; standard carbon filters do not reliably reduce it.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →Full guide: Best water filter for chromium-6 →For broad-spectrum protection, an under-sink multi-stage filter covers the widest range of contaminants.
Recommended:
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage (~$250) →Full guide: How to choose the right filter →Best for: Lead, PFAS, Arsenic, Nitrates — Maximum Contaminant Removal
The APEC RO-90 is our top recommendation for anyone with serious contaminant concerns. This 5-stage reverse osmosis system removes up to 99% of contaminants including lead, arsenic, PFAS, fluoride, chromium, nitrates, and over 1,000 other pollutants. Made in the USA with premium long-lasting filters, it delivers bottled-quality water straight from your tap.
Price: ~$200 |Installation: Under-sink, DIY-friendly |Filter Cost: ~$40/year
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Comprehensive Multi-Contaminant Protection
The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage system is independently tested to remove 365+ contaminants, including lead, PFAS, fluoride, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and more. Its unique Affinity Filtration Technology targets contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals. Installs easily under your kitchen sink.
Price: ~$250 |Installation: Under-sink, DIY |Filter Cost: ~$70 per replacement
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Complete Home Protection at Every Faucet
The Aquasana Rhino filters water at every faucet, shower, and appliance in your home, removing 99% of contaminants including chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and VOCs. With a 1,000,000 gallon capacity and 10-year warranty, it's the best long-term investment for whole-house water quality.
Price: $625-850 |Installation: Professional recommended |Filter Cost: ~$50/year
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: No Plumbing Required, Portable
No plumbing required. Pour water in the top and gravity does the work. Perfect for renters, RVs, or homes where under-sink filtration isn't practical. Removes 99.9% of bacteria and parasites along with heavy metals and chlorine.
Price: $289-398 |Installation: None needed |Filter Cost: ~$50/year
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Budget-Friendly Everyday Filtration
The most affordable way to improve your tap water quality. The Brita UltraMax holds 18 cups of water, fits easily in your refrigerator, and uses long-lasting filters. While not as comprehensive as RO or under-sink systems, it's perfect for removing chlorine taste, improving water flavor, and basic contaminant reduction.
Price: ~$35 |Installation: None |Filter Cost: ~$7/filter (every 2 months)
Check Price on Amazon →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.
If you have lead or PFAS, you need reverse osmosis or a certified under-sink system. For chlorine and taste, a basic pitcher filter works well. Check the matching guide above.
NSF International independently tests and certifies water filters. Look for NSF/ANSI 42 (taste/odor), 53 (health contaminants like lead), and 58 (reverse osmosis) certifications.
Factor in replacement filters. A $35 Brita costs ~$42/year in filters. A $200 RO system costs ~$40/year. Our filter cost calculator can help.
Test your home's tap water before you buy. An at-home drinking water test kit screens for lead, chlorine, bacteria, pesticides and more — so you filter for what's actually there.
For lead, choose a filter NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead reduction. A reverse osmosis system like the APEC ROES-50 removes lead along with PFAS, arsenic and most other contaminants, while a pitcher such as Clearly Filtered is a renter-friendly option certified to reduce lead without any plumbing. Whichever you pick, verify the "NSF 53 — lead" claim on the model itself, since certifications are per-model, not per-brand.
Not all of them. The two filter types independently shown to reduce PFAS are reverse osmosis (e.g. the APEC ROES-50) and select high-capacity carbon-block filters like Clearly Filtered that are specifically tested against PFOA and PFOS. Standard fridge and basic pitcher filters are generally not certified for PFAS. See our guide to PFAS in drinking water for the current EPA limits.
A pitcher filter (like Brita) is the cheapest and needs no installation, but has the smallest capacity and removes the fewest contaminants. An under-sink or countertop carbon system handles more water and more contaminants. A reverse osmosis system removes the widest range — lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrates and fluoride — but costs more, installs under the sink and wastes some water. Match the type to the contaminants in your report, not the other way around.
A city grade describes the water leaving the treatment plant, not what comes out of your tap. Lead can enter from your home’s own service line or plumbing even in a top-rated city, so a filter is still worth it if your house predates 1986 or you want to remove chlorine taste. In a Grade A city with modern plumbing, a filter is optional and mostly about taste and peace of mind.
Start with your city’s water quality report to see what the utility detected, then confirm what’s at your own tap with an at-home water test kit — the only way to catch lead added by household plumbing. Once you know the specific contaminants, match a certified filter to them rather than buying the most expensive system by default.
Only if they remove what is actually in your water. A ~$40 pitcher certified for lead and chlorine is enough for many homes, while a ~$200 reverse osmosis system is worth it when you have lead, PFAS, arsenic or nitrates to remove. Factor in replacement-cartridge cost over a few years, not just the sticker price — a cheap filter with pricey cartridges can cost more long term.
Still deciding? Compare filter types in our pitcher vs. under-sink vs. faucet filter guide, or read up on lead and PFAS before you buy.
See what's in your tap water and get personalized filter recommendations based on your local water quality data.
Check Your Water Quality →US Water Grade is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us maintain our free water quality database covering thousands of US cities. Our recommendations are based on our independent analysis of water quality data and filter certifications. We only recommend products we believe provide genuine value to our readers. Product prices are approximate and may vary. See our editorial guidelines for more information.