Best Countertop Water Filters: 2020 Buyers’ Guide

If you are looking for purified water for your home (which you definitely should!), countertop water filters are the most economical and easiest to use options. As long as you go with a high quality option like our highly recommended Berkey Countertop Water Filter, you may not need any other type of filtration system.

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To make sure you get the right countertop water filter, we’ve gone ahead and reviewed the most popular and affordable options below. Clean water is only a small step away!

Why Do I Need a Countertop Filter?

Though tap water goes through the normal chemical process before getting to our homes, it is not always safe to drink. Statistics show millions of US citizens are exposed to unsafe water every year. Though the problem is prevalent in rural areas, a few cities report such cases from time to time. Some contaminants in tap water make it unsafe for human consumption.

One way in which drinking water gets contaminated is through local land usage. For instance, some of the pesticides that farmers use on their farms tend to leak into water sources leading to contamination. Apart from that, manufacturing processes such as sewer overflows and malfunctioning septic systems also lead to the contamination of drinking water.

Recommended Countertop Water Filters

Now that you’re aware of the dangers of unfiltered water, let’s look at the best reviewed countertop water filters according to our water experts.

Best Budget Countertop Water Filter

Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Water Filter

The Aquasana Clean Water Machine is meticulously engineered for superior water purification.

The large dispenser is capable of holding a gallon of water. The filters are much finer compared to many others that you will find in the market. The electric-powered filtration system forces water through the premium-grade filters for faster flowrate and exceptional filtration.

The filters can remove upwards of 70 pollutants. They can reduce chloramines and chlorine up to 96% and slash neurotoxic asbestos and lead by 99%. The filters are capable of reducing several detrimental substances from your water like heavy metals, pathogens that can resist chlorine (such as cryptosporidum and giarda), organic compounds, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs and pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen and estrone. With the Aquasana you can finally drink fresh clean and pure water rather than a toxic soup of the most deleterious substances.

The unit conforms to several standards and regulations to give you the drinking water quality that you deserve.

Besides tasting delicious and refreshing, your drinking water can now be healthy thanks to the Claryum filtration process that imbues your pure water with magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

The superior filtration mechanism can shift the pH of your drinking water to make it more alkaline and thus healthier for your body.

This is not just another average pitcher that relies exclusively on gravity for filtered water to seep through drop by drop. The unit leverages an electrically driven system to force the water through the filters for fast, efficient and rapid filtration.

The Aquasana takes advantage of catalytic carbon, ion-exchange process, and ultra-fine mechanical filters to cut down on harmful pathogens, organic compounds, heavy metals, and more.

As the unit is slim and compact, it will easily fit in your fridge door. You can place it on your counter and still have plenty of space for other appliances. You can now get refreshing and healthful drinking water with the Aquasana water purification system.

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Most Effective Countertop Water Filter

Berkey Countertop Water Filter

The Imperial Berkey has several features worth considering. With its 3.25 gallon capacity, the model is sufficient for the daily needs of up to 4 adults. You can also increase the flow rate of the system by adding extra purification elements. The entire system has a maximum height of 23 inches and is just 9 inches in diameter.

The Imperial Berkey is not just another water filter. It has excellent water purification capabilities since it can remove more than 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria. The water purification system can, to a great extent, eliminate pathogenic bacteria, viruses, pharmaceutical drugs, heavy metals, and inorganic minerals.

This water purification unit can purify up to 6,000 gallons of water before it needs replacement. You can buy the replacement elements easily from the company to replace the used parts. Not only are the elements long-lasting, but their costs are also relatively low. Each element pair costs merely 2 cents per gallon of water that it purifies.

You can drink your purified water with confidence knowing that the manufacturer subjects the purification system to rigorous testing procedures. The elements display good purification performance even against tough contaminants like PFCs and lead.

You can take this purification system with you anywhere you like. Not only is it highly portable thanks to its lightweight and compact size, but it also does not require any plumbing or electricity to operate.

Since this is a gravity-driven system, you don’t have to worry about having an electrical outlet nearby for this unit to work. Installation is therefore very simple.

The Imperial Berkey is fabricated from high-grade material – AISI 304 stainless steel. The metal has very good corrosion resistance. Therefore, the unit will prove to be very durable and is capable of serving you reliably for a long time without undergoing corrosion. The unit can purify around 4 gallons of water every hour. You can double this figure by having a total of 4 elements.

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Runner Up Countertop Water Filter

Frizzlife Countertop Water Filtration System

The Frizzlife Countertop Water Filtration System can purify a gallon of tap water in just under 15 minutes. Since the system is very speedy and efficient, you don’t have to wait for a long time for the purification process to complete, unlike other systems.

One really good aspect of this system is that it goes about its task quietly. Since it does not create any sound, it will not disrupt the peaceful environment of your kitchen.

Since the device is compact and lightweight, you can carry it around anywhere you like. You can place it without any problems on your kitchen countertop and also your office if you prefer.

You can install and detach the filters rapidly with their quick and easy twist action. Since you will likely need to replace the filters around 2 times each year, the cost of operating this device is minimal. It is quite a bargain compared to bottled water. Other cheaper models might need a filter replacement every month.

You can drink with confidence and peace of mind knowing that your water is almost free of plastic and other harmful contaminants. It is a healthier option than bottled water which is laced with plastic.

The unit can remove contaminants from your tap water at the following rates.

• Lead – 99%
• Copper 95.2%
• Chromium – 97.2%
• Radium – 96.4%
• Fluoride – 93.5%
• Chlorine – 96.6%

The device is capable of substantially reducing several other contaminants and pollutants from your tap water. For instance, Frizzlife Countertop Water Filtration System is certified to remove dangerous substances like disinfection byproducts, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, fuel additives, rocket fuel, and fracking chemicals. Hence, the unit can remove turbidity, odor and bad taste from your tap water. With this unit, you can perform the same reverse osmosis process that the big bottled water brands carry out. The Frizzlife Countertop Water Filtration System will carry out this gold-standard purification process on your countertop. You can also install this product easily and start using it right away since no plumbing is necessary.

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Also Reviewed Countertop Water Filters

Santevia Gravity Water System

The Santevia Gravity Water System is a reliable countertop filter that provides high value for money. The economical unit is a cost-effective model for those who cannot more expensive systems. Even though it has a lower price tag, the Santevia Gravity Water System has a wide array of impressive capabilities.

The water purification system is efficient for the removal of contaminants commonly found in city water supplies like chlorine, arsenic, and fluoride. Since this unit is an alkaline water filter, it provides water that is suitable for your health besides having a good taste.

The unit has a high visual appeal that makes an attractive addition to kitchen countertops. Since the system requires minimal installation, you can set it up quickly and start using it almost immediately.

The Santevia Gravity Water System is just what you need for an urban environment. The model can purify, alkalize and add back healthful minerals to your drinking water. The system gradually exposes your tap water to naturally occurring minerals and rocks so that you get water with a natural mineral profile minus the harmful contaminants. This is the closest that you can get to healthy and natural water in an urban landscape. The Santevia Gravity Water System makes this possible.

You can rest assured that the system dramatically reduces the concentration of harmful contaminants like chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals.

Using this water purification system is very simple. You just have to load the system with tap water and then let it take over from there. The Santevia Gravity Water System will prove to be cost-effective in the long run especially when compared to the high cost of buying bottled water in plastic containers. The unit also has a very low operating cost since it does not require any electricity to function. 

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Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter

The Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter delivers what its manufacturer promises. It can increase the pH of the water to a range between 7 and 8.5 for mildly alkaline water. The filter can also substantially reduce chlorine concentration and eliminate the nasty taste and odor of chlorine from your tap water.

The system also mimics natural processes by exposing your purified water to naturally occurring minerals and rocks. Healthful minerals can be included in your water through this process.

The company is based in Southern California and has a reputation for making quality filtration systems. 99 percent of the components are manufactured in-house. You can feel good about buying this product since it is almost fully manufactured in the USA.

The Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter relies on a single filter cartridge for carrying out its purification function.

By making the water alkaline, you get water that can neutralize acidity in your body. It also imparts a pleasant taste to water.

The remineralization system is capable of dissolving magnesium and calcium into your drinking water. Besides adding healthful minerals to the water, the system can substantially reduce the heavy metal content from your water. The system is capable of greatly reducing harmful minerals from your water like lead, mercury, arsenic, chlorine and more.

The unit makes use of a 5-stage filtration system to remove harmful minerals from your water. Here are the details.

MicroFlet Pad – reduces impurities like dust, rust, and sand

5 Micron KDF layer – substantially reduces heavy metals, bacteria, and pathogens

Granular Carbon Layer – removes organic chemicals, chloramine and chlorine thus driving away their foul taste and odor

Alkaline Layer – adds magnesium and potassium to the water

Calcite Layer – adds calcium to the water

The APEX Countertop system is portable since it is not too heavy or big. Furthermore, it does not need any electricity to function nor does it require plumbing for installation. You can, therefore, take it along with you anywhere and install it without much fuss. To get the system running, you just have to connect the adaptor with the faucet and fill it up with tap water. The filter system will then do the rest.

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Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser

The Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser has a large water filtration capacity of 18 cups per refill. This dispenser is hence suitable for both home and office use.

Made by one of the most prestigious names in water purification, the Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser is effective at substantially reducing the concentration of dangerous pollutants and chemicals from your drinking water.

This dispenser can eliminate most of the cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury, chlorine as well as many other chemicals and elements that are detrimental for your health.

Due to its effectiveness at removing harmful pollutants, the water that you obtain is odor-free and clear. 

The design of the device is such that you can store it in almost all kinds of fridges without trouble.

With design features like a flip-top lid and the easy pour spigot, you can take out the purified water and refill the container conveniently.

The device can carry out effective filtration thanks to the installed mesh screen and the aeration unit. The device also utilizes activated carbon and ion-exchange resin to extend its filtering capabilities. This way, you won’t have to fear tap water anymore.

You can put your mind at ease with the knowledge that the plastic container is BPA-free. Installing the unit is very easy and quick.

This purification system can serve you well instead of bottled water which is far more expensive and not always pure. You can feel good about your decision to install this device since you will not be polluting the environment with plastic bottles. Besides being environmentally-friendly, the device provides top-quality purified water.

You can install the device without hassle on your kitchen countertop or even keep it in your fridge if cold water is what you prefer. Another extremely useful feature of this unit is the filter change indicator, which is a sticker that you can install at the front to keep track of the new filter installation date. You should change the filter every 2 months.

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AmazonBasics AMZN-G30CR Filtration System

The AmazonBasics Filtration System greatly brings down the concentration of harmful substances from your water to leave you with safe and clean water. Thanks to its effectiveness at removing pollutants and particles from water, you can drink odor-free water that does not taste bad.

One convenient aspect of this device is that it has a valve installed that you can utilize to divert water that does not need filtering. You can leave this device connected to your faucet and not worry about interference of any kind since the valve provides unrestricted access to tap water for washing and other purposes. 

The high-performance filter can purify up to 30,000 gallons before it needs replacement. The AmazonBasics Filtration System, therefore, has very durable filters that can provide satisfactory and reliable service for long periods. You won’t have to worry about changing your filter that often.

The versatile design of the system means that you can integrate easily with all kinds of faucets in your kitchen or bathroom. You don’t need to worry that the unit will not connect well with your faucet and leak water. The unit has two adapters fitted with rubber O-rings that will fit seamlessly across all kinds of faucets.

The AmazonBasics Filtration System has a 5-step filtering mechanism to greatly reduce particles and contaminants so that you are left with pure and freshwater. Even if you have slightly murky or turbid looking water, you can notice the change easily with the unit since the water will be sparkling clean.

You will have enough water for your needs that looks clear and tastes clear too. You need not tolerate the bad odor and smell of chlorine anymore, nor will you have to fear its side effects since the device can remove chlorine very effectively.

PUR DS1800Z Classic 18 Cup Dispenser

The PUR Classic 18 Cup Dispenser is designed with ease-of-use and convenience in mind. A cursory glance at the purification system is enough to prove this point. The container has an unusually long and narrow shape. Such dimensions allow you to store this nifty container in the door shelf of your refrigerator without any trouble. Although the design may appear unusual at first sight, it is a clever idea for you to have filtered cool water at hand.

As the filters are designed to purify up to 40 gallons of tap water, you will have to change the filters every 1 to 2 months. You should purchase filters from the manufacturer since they are designed to work optimally with the unit.

Although the water supply in your home may appear pure, you should make use of a reliable filter system to remove invisible substances that can harm your health. The PUR Classic 18 Cup Dispenser is one such reliable device that you can trust for the health of your family.

Thanks to water filters that employ ion exchange and activated carbon, you can expect a substantial removal of industrial pollutants, pesticides, copper, mercury, heavy metals, and other toxins.

The PUR water purification system can serve as a cost-effective solution to bottled water since all you need is tap water to refill it. There are no electricity costs nor is there a complex installation process involved.

Just how effective is the filtration system? The filters can eliminate mercury by up to 95%. You can do away with the foul taste and smell of chlorine since the device can remove this harmful substance with similar effectiveness.

The presence of dangerous pharmaceuticals in the water supply is a major cause for concern. You will be glad to know that the PUR filter system can reduce these substances by 96% so that you won’t have to slurp away at a toxic soup of dangerous pharmaceutical drugs in the name of drinking water.

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AlcaPure Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter

The AlcaPure Countertop Water Filter is a high capacity water purification device that you can install on many standard water faucets. You can install this versatile device even on your showerhead.

Since the AlcaPure water purification device relies on reverse osmosis, it is the most efficient solution for the removal of PFCs from your municipal water. The AlcaPure also works well for the reduction of several other kinds of hazardous chemicals from your tap water to make it fit for drinking.

The device utilizes a premium-grade RO membrane and carbon filters to perform reverse osmosis.

With its sleek and elegant design, the AlcaPure makes for an attractive addition to any kind of contemporary kitchen décor.

The unit is a very cost-effective solution to minimize the levels of chlorine and other chemicals from your municipal water supply. Since it removes several chemicals, you won’t have to fear drinking foul-tasting water. The device can remove harmful and detrimental substances like pesticides, herbicides, lead, mercury, arsenic, TDS, chlorine, pharmaceuticals and several other chemicals.

Thanks to its design, the unit is easy to maintain, operate and install. There is almost no installation required. You just have to connect the device to your faucet without any need for plumbing and fill up the container with tap water. The device will then work on its own without any need for your intervention.

The device does not wastewater at all. It will process and purify every single drop of water that you put into it without causing any wastage.

The adapter is certified for quality. You just need to plug it into your electrical outlet and let the device take over from here.

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Waterdrop RO Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System

The Waterdrop RO filtration system is a sophisticated device for water purification. The smooth contours and elegant design of the unit along with its appealing construction details point towards its high-performance capabilities.

The sleek and compact configuration of this unit lets you install it anywhere you like with ease. The unit saves on space since it does not include a storage tank. With a height of just 5.7 inches, this device is not going to give you much trouble anywhere that you choose to install it.

But don’t let the slim shape of the unit deceive you into thinking that it is light on performance. The filter is an ultrafine RO membrane that can stop particles as small as 0.0001 μm thereby allowing this device to filter out 99% of all pollutants.

There are also 2 displays on the device. One is for showing the water quality level and the other for the total dissolved solids level.

Although you can integrate this model with your fridge, you must have a separate drain ready as well. Besides this factor, installation is a cinch. You can start using the device right away after setting it up quickly.

Filter change is also a very simple process. You just have to twist and turn one of the 3 filters to unscrew it. You can fit in the replacement with similar ease.

One caveat that you must bear in mind is that this model cannot alkalize your water and improve its pH.

This mid-range device may not be the cheapest in the market but with its 3 super-efficient filters, you are getting terrific value for your money.

The high-performance device, despite its compact size, is not short on features. You can get up to 400 gallons per day of purified water. You won’t have to wait for your water as is the case for other cheaper devices.

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Kinetico KUBE Advanced Water Filtration System

You can count on the KUBE to remove a myriad of harmful contaminants from your tap water like volatile organic compounds, pathogens, heavy metals, and other toxins. Since the KUBE is so good at removing toxic substances and particulates, you get pure water free of nasty odor and bad taste.

You can install the KUBE quickly and conveniently under just about any kind of sink and integrate it easily with the faucet. You will thus have in place a dependable source that you can rely on for pure drinking water for yourself and your loved ones.

There is an indicator to warn you when the filter is at the end of its service life. This removes any guesswork from the process and gives you an accurate timeframe.

You can get superior quality water of exceptional purity thanks to its advanced filters that are better at removing pollutants than many other models on the market.

Due to its compact size, you can fit this nifty apparatus with ease to get a steady stream of fresh pure water from your faucet.

The system is very cost-effective and the expense works out to be 4 cents for every gallon of pure water. You can install new filters easily without a fuss since removing the old filter is as simple as twisting it free and pulling it out.

Thanks to its key feature, the bypass knob, you can continue to get unfiltered water from the faucet that you can use for cleaning and other purposes besides drinking.

The well-designed plastic tubing and connectors integrate seamlessly with your faucet. You don’t need any professional help to install this device. With just a little DIY, the device is ready for service.

If you are worried about the odor and poor taste of your municipal water, then you should think about installing this device to make your bad experience with lousy quality water a thing of the past.

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Brita Ultra Max Filtering DispenserGREATWELL 400 GPD Tankless Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Filtration SystemBrita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser

The GREATWELL purification system impresses with its ability to deliver around 0.4 gallons per minute which translates to around 400 gallons per day of fresh pure water.

This is far more than what you will ever need for pure drinking water. The biggest benefit of this super quick flowrate is that you won’t have to count in terms of minutes and hours while waiting for pure water.

You know that there can be hardly any complaints with a device that is the winner of the prestigious Deutsch iF design award.

Thanks to its advanced water filtration system, the GREATWELL can greatly cut down on water waste.

The tankless device is modeled with the intent of saving space under your sink – a job that it does admirably well with its 70% space-saving design.

An indicator shows you the due date for a filter change. Thus you will not continue with the old filter when it is due for replacement. Changing the filter is as easy as it gets since you just have to unscrew the old filter and place the new filter in its stead.

Just how good is the 3 stage filtration process of this high-performance RO system? The process can remove up to 99% of hundreds of harmful chemicals and toxins like viruses, giardia, bacteria, asbestos, hormones, arsenic, fluoride, chloramine, chlorine, lead, mercury, heavy metals, and many more substances.

The model includes only FDA-compliant materials and all its components are tested independently to conform to regulations and standards.

At 19 pounds and 15 inches of height, the model is not exactly the most portable or compact, but it certainly is a heavy-duty purification system that delivers superior quality filtration service for domestic purposes.

You can turn your kitchen sink into a well of pure water with the GREATWELL water filtration system.