Water Filter Reviews
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It depends on your water source and contaminants. For most municipal water, a pitcher or faucet filter handles chlorine taste. For well water or lead concerns, an under-sink reverse osmosis system is recommended. Start with our buying guide to narrow down the best option.

Budget pitchers start at $24, quality under-sink systems range from $150–$500, and whole-house setups can exceed $1,000. Consider the total cost of ownership including replacement filters — a cheap pitcher with expensive cartridges may cost more long-term than a pricier system with affordable refills.

Carbon filters use activated carbon to adsorb chlorine, some chemicals, and improve taste. Reverse osmosis (RO) forces water through a semipermeable membrane that removes 90-99% of dissolved solids, including lead, fluoride, and PFAS. RO is more thorough but produces wastewater and is slower. See our full comparison.

Not all filters remove PFAS. Reverse osmosis systems are the most effective, typically removing 94-99% of PFAS compounds. Some premium activated carbon filters like the Brita Elite and Waterdrop Plus also reduce PFAS. Check for NSF 53 or NSF 401 certifications, which test for emerging contaminant reduction.

Replacement frequency varies by type: pitcher filters every 1-2 months (40 gallons), under-sink systems every 6-12 months, and refrigerator filters every 6 months. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and replace sooner if you notice decreased flow rate or taste changes.

NSF-certified aftermarket filters are generally safe for basic chlorine and taste improvement. However, they typically carry fewer certifications than OEM filters — most are NSF 42 only (taste/odor) without NSF 53 (health contaminants like lead). For homes with water quality concerns, OEM filters provide more certified protection.

In most cases, yes. A quality home filter produces water equal to or better than bottled water at a fraction of the cost and without plastic waste. A family of four can save $500-1,000 per year switching from bottled to filtered water, while reducing their environmental footprint significantly.