Best Countertop Water Filters in 2022

If you are drinking contaminated water, chances are that it is affecting your health adversely. Thanks to the best countertop water filter, you can purify and filter your drinking and cooking water to a great extent. Contaminated and unfiltered water contains plenty of toxins.

These toxins accumulate in our kidneys and even enter our bloodstream. Overtime, these toxins cause a host of health issues like fatigue, lethargy, confusion, constipation, allergies, gastric irritation, vomiting, nausea, headaches, etc. Even regular tap water that is ‘filtered’ by municipal corporations is not completely pure.

Even if they manage to remove most pathogens and chemicals, you simply cannot get rid of the chlorine taste that tap water has. Tap water is also very ‘heavy’ and hard owing to salts dissolved in it. Often, tap water has pollutants in it. All these elements can cause acne, hair loss, and other health and beauty issues in men and women.

The more pure and clean water you drink, the better it will be for your system. Pure drinking water will also lessen your chances of developing ailments like bloating, constipation, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, amoebiosis, and other infections.

Water Filter: A Great Way to Access Safe Water

Thankfully, water purification is not an expensive task. There are cost-effective ways to purify water and you need not go out of your way to change your home’s plumbing. When you switch to drinking and cooking with filtered water, you will also be saving money that would otherwise be spent on doctor’s bills. Therefore, selecting the best water filter is a must.

Countertop water filters are a cost-effective way of filtering water. They do not need any plumbing nor do they need any expensive cartridges. They also help you save money on bottled water which is also bad for the environment due to their plastic containers. These cause harm to animals and birds and take years to degrade.

Many countertop water filters can be directly attached to the faucet and need no extra plumbing. Moreover, they effectively reduce contaminants and volatile compounds to give you fresh, healthy, and tasty water. If you are looking to buy the best countertop water filter, you have come to the right place. Here, we will discuss the top-rated countertop water filters so you can make an informed choice.

We will also discuss the benefits of using the best rated water filters and the different types available in the market. Finally, we will cover some frequently asked questions and features to consider when selecting countertop drinking water filters. Here are our top picks in best countertop water filters.

Comparison of 10 Best Countertop Water Filters in 2022

Top 10 Best Countertop Water Filter Reviews in 2022

1. iSpring Countertop Water Filtration System

The beautiful-looking best countertop water filter dispenser has a transparent housing that lets you see when the filter needs replacement. iSpring CKC1C comes with a 5µ cartridge that removes Volatile organic compounds, harmful herbicides and pesticides, dirt, mud, sediments, chlorine, sand, silt, odors, and other harmful substances.

Its multi-stage filtering gives you pH-balanced water that is free from iron, atrazine, and asbestos. It also removes rust, dust, and particles. The filter is sleek, small, and efficient and can suit any kitchen décor; it also comes in different colors to suit your walls. iSpring CKC1C does not need any arduous installation, plumbing, or tools.

The portable countertop water filter can also be carried around with ease when you want to install it in dorms, offices, RVs etc. Everything needed for the filter’s setup and assembly is available in the package so you won’t need any professional to assist you. You get cleaner, tastier, and purer water straight from the tap. Its portable and compact size makes it ideal for campers, RVs, boats, homes, dorms, and offices.

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2. Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter

Provide healthier drinking water to your loved ones with Apex top rated countertop drinking water filter. It is made with high-quality BPA and lead-free plastic body which is sturdy, durable, and attractive. Apex countertop water filters can even remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts which are known to cause diseases in humans and pets.

It also works on chlorine, sediment, and radon. You will experience sweeter and purer tasting water which is free from mercury, pesticides, and other chemicals and herbicides. The resulting water also has a sparkling appearance.

The 5-stage water filtration process does the following:

1. Filters out chloramines, heavy metals, microorganisms
2. Removes chlorine and odors
3. Raises body pH, removes impurities, and improves hydration levels
4. Chlorine and odor filtration
5. Lowers acidity and increases alkalinity

The cost-effective countertop water filter is easy to install and connects to standard faucets without the need for additional hardware or plumbing.

Additionally, the alkaline water filter will prevent the need for buying expensive filter/mineral/spring water bottles which also end up in the landfills once empty. As a result, you’d be doing yourself and the world a favor by installing this top-rated countertop water filter.

Alkaline water from APEX filters mineralize the water with necessary minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also promotes better hydration than bottled water. Alkaline water reduces acne, hair fall, and fatigue. It balances pH levels of the blood and supports healthy bones as well as the immune system.

3. cleanwater4less Countertop Water Filter

cleanwater4less easily fits on any existing plumbing system. You do not need any special tools and can install it on the existing faucet within minutes. Worry not: this filter will maintain water flow at 1 gpm, so you won’t experience any drop in pressure. cleanwater4less has been around since the 1970s, so you get decades of experience in water purification.

cleanwater4less filter removes dissolved impurities, chlorine, and class I particulates. You get 97% reduction in chlorine taste which will result in sweet-tasting water. The filter is designed to work for 10,000 gallons of water before you need to replace it.

The best part is that this eco friendly water filter does not need any replacement cartridges as well. Cleanwater4less water filter is made of stainless steel and its compact design can suit any décor. It works fast and filters 1 gallon of water in a minute.

4. Aquasana Countertop Drinking Water Filter

Aquasana AQ-4000W filter needs no complicated plumbing or installation. Replacing the filter is also very easy; simply twist and turn to remove and add the new cartridge. This best cheap countertop water filter removes 97% chlorine and nearly 75 other contaminants. It is also NSF certified by third parties and guaranteed to remove lead, mercury, iron, and other heavy metals.

The filter is also effective against chlorine, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides. This results in fresh and pure tasting water. You get pure filtered water straight from the tap – it attaches quickly and easily without any tools or professional plumbing.

The cost of getting healthier and purer water with Aquasana is just 11 cents per gallon – think about all the money you’d save on buying plastic bottles! Here is a list of contaminants that Aquasana removes: lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, chlorine, giardia and cryptosporidium cysts, atrazine, PFOA and PFOS, VOCs, etc.

The 3-stage filter has the following stages: activated carbon to remove VOCs etc., catalytic carbon to remove chlorine and chloramine, ion-exchange to remove heavy metals, and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration for cysts, sand, and sediments. Also, its selective claryum technology retains beneficial and healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, etc.

5. AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration System

AquaTru protects your family from lead, chromium 6, carcinogens, herbicides and pesticides, fuel additives, fracking chemicals, industrial solvents, fluoride, rocket fuel, taste, odor, and turbidity. It has a 4-stage filtration system that also includes reverse osmosis. The best countertop water filter has been certified by IAMPO to NSF standards.

This removes 15 times more contaminants than other countertop and faucet filters. AquaTru is also easy to install and does not need any special plumbing – simply plug and start enjoying pure and great-tasting water. It also costs much less compared to other fully-installed Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter systems.

Changing the filter is also quite easy and you need to do it only once every 6 months to 1 year depending on how much you use it. You get filtered pure water in 12-15 minutes. AquaTru’s 4-stage filter system consists of mechanical pre-filter, RO pre-filter, US-made reverse osmosis membrane, and stage 4- activated carbon filter.

These 4-stages combine to remove all toxins that other filters fail to remove. It is certified to NSF standards and removes 83 contaminants. AquaTru’s best water filter is sleek, compact, and elegant, and sits easily on any countertop. It comes with a digital display that tells you when to change the filter. The filter comes with a removable storage pitcher so you can store water in the refrigerator.

6. RKIN AlcaPure Countertop Water Filter

For pure-tasting reverse osmosis water, this filter by RKIN is an excellent choice. It comes in quite a few editions: alkaline water, 7-8 pH, or OnliPure edition for zero TDS water. This machine is capable of removing up to 99% of all contaminants. Unlike many other bulky, unwieldy water filters, this one has a modern and stylish design.

It is space-saving and compact, fitting right at home on your countertop with all the other applications. It’s made of BPA-free materials and is easy to install and use. Despite all the positive features, some users end up unhappy with the filter. That’s primarily because they fail to understand how it should be used.

It’s advised that you empty the leftover water from the bottom tank after each filtration cycle, and the system works like a dream. If you don’t empty the bottom tank regularly, more and more dirty water will end up in the bottom tank, and the machine will stop working soon. So follow this step, and you can enjoy your AlcaPure water filter for a long time.

7. Brondell Countertop Water Filter System

There is a new countertop water filter on the block! The Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress water filter system uses the patented nanotrap® filter technology that can be installed within 10 minutes! Brondell H630 Cypress has been independently certified and lab tested by WQA (the Water Quality Association) and it meets/exceeds NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 372 standards.

(NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 standards cover chlorine, taste, odor, and contaminants in water while the 372 conforms to the USA Safe Drinking Water Act). The Cypress filter easily attaches to the faucet and its elegant and slim profile can suit any kitchen décor. It does not contain a storage tank and dispenses filtered water continuously.

You only need to push a button to get filtered water. Replacing the filter of the Brondell H630 is also easy and takes just a few minutes. (There is no filter change indicator though). The Cypress uses 3-stage filtration: composite, nano-trap, and carbon block. These three levels remove turbidity, microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted contaminants. It also removes industrial contaminants, fluoride, chloramine, VOCs, etc.

Details of the 3-stages:

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8. APEX EXPRT Countertop Drinking Water Filter

The human body is more than 60% water so it makes sense that we choose to drink only the purest and freshest water. With the APEX EXPRT top-rated and cheap countertop water filter, you can make sure you always have fresh and healthy water for drinking and cooking.

APEX EXPRT removes nearly 99% contaminants found in water including chlorine, THM, benzene, radon, and other harmful solvents. It also alkalizes the body and provides health benefits like balancing the blood’s pH level, reducing fatigue, promoting beautiful hair and skin, and at the same time, retains calcium, magnesium, and other beneficial minerals.

APEX connects easily to the faucet and its installation does not need any plumbing or special tools. Compared to the other APEX model of water filter reviewed above, this model has an extra filtration unit.

Apex best countertop water filter’s 5-layer system includes KDF-55 layer which removes heavy metals, bacteria, and microorganisms, a granulated activated carbon layer which removes benzene, chloramine, chlorine, and radon, a layer of alkaline beads which adds calcium and other beneficial minerals, and a microfelt pad and calcite for removing bad taste and odors.

9. Avalon Countertop Self Cleaning Filter

Avalon countertop water filter is also a hot and cold- water dispenser. This multipurpose and versatile unit is easy to install and comes with filters and installation kit. You also get detailed illustrated instructions for its installation. Thanks to its storage option, this is a bottle-less filter so you can drink hot or cold-water inline.

It utilizes self-cleaning ozone technology which keeps the filter performing longer. Avalon is a well-designed water dispenser-filter that even comes with an in-built leak-detector. The Energy-star rated appliance prevents high energy bills, so you can rest assured you won’t be seeing any spikes in yours.

You get two filters in the Avalon Countertop water dispenser: one is a sediment filter that removes sand and sediments and the other is a carbon block filter that removes odors and other impurities. These filters need to be changed after every 6 months of 1500 gallons.

Impurities that Avalon Countertop dispensers eliminate:

The best part is that you can choose between filtered hot and cold water. This way, you get pure and fresh water for your noodles, tea, coffee, juices, oatmeal, etc. The cold water is about 47° F and the hot water is about 180° F. Use the self-cleaning facility to clean the dispenser and remove the accumulated germs, bacterial, mold, and mildew.

The dispenser-cum-filter also comes with a night light so you always know where the unit is when you need a drink at night. Avalon hot and cold filtered water dispenser also comes with a child-lock facility that lets you prevent toddlers from operating the unit.

10. SimPure Y6 Countertop Water Filter

SimPure’s plug and play operation makes this top-rated countertop water filter very easy to use – just fill in the tank, connect to an electrical outlet and start enjoying fresh and healthy water.

This filter uses reverse osmosis technology along with UV sterilization. As a result, it helps remove nearly 99.9% of contaminants. No assembly, no leaky valves, no difficult installation or plumbing changes; plug and start using the filter wherever you go! As a result, you get pure, fresh water in seconds.

No more wasting money on bottled water! Because the SimPure’s UV and RO technology removes pollutants, microorganisms, bacteria, chlorine, lead, and other harmful toxins with ease. It also comes with a 5-liter tank and 1.5-liter internal storage so your family’s daily drinking water needs are met with ease.

The filter also reduces hardness of water. Its Recycling Multi-filtration tech tells you when to replace the water in the tank through a blinking light. The NSF certified water filter needs replacement every 2 years. Being portable, you can easily take it along wherever you move and especially in RVs, camping trips, etc.

Benefits of Best Countertop Water Filter

The best countertop water filter has the following advantages:

Does Not Need Plumbing Changes

The ease of installation is one of the greatest features of the top-rated countertop water filter. You need to simply attach the filter to the faucet or plug in the filter and start enjoying pure, fresh water in minutes.

Removes Contaminants From Tap Water

Best-rated countertop water filters can remove disease-causing cysts like giardia, cryptosporidium, and other microbes. It can also remove fluoride, chlorine, benzene, radon, chloramine, and other chemicals from water.

Some high-quality filters also remove mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. By regularly consuming healthy drinking water, you will notice many health benefits like fewer gastric issues, healthier skin and hair, reduced bouts of nausea and vomiting, etc.

Adds Back Beneficial Minerals and Trace Minerals

Many top-rated countertop water filters add back minerals and trace minerals in the water. These include calcium, magnesium, and potassium and they are beneficial for health. However, these minerals can increase the TDS or Total Dissolved Solids reading. Some users do not want this feature.

You Save the Environment

Filtered water is healthier water and many people use bottled mineral or spring water for their drinking and cooking needs. However, the plastic bottles do not always get properly recycled and they end up in the landfills taking years to degrade completely.

You Save Money

There is no doubt that you can save a ton of money on buying packaged filtered water. By having your own filtered water, you can easily save a lot of money otherwise spent on bottled water.

Types of Countertop Water Filters

The three types of water filters for the countertop are:

Faucet Based Filters

Carbon-based faucet water filters are quite effective in reducing pollutants, chlorine, and total dissolved solids. They also remove lead, mercury, sand, and sediments as well as disease-causing cysts. Most faucet-based filters are easy to install and you do not need any major plumbing changes.

In most units, you need to screw the faucet’s head screw with the hand or a wrench, and add the filter. The advantage is that you get instant filtered water which you can use for drinking and cooking etc., although some units do reduce the flow rate of water.

Electrical Filters

Electrical water filters for the countertop need to be plugged into standard electrical outlets. Simply fill in the water in the reservoir and the filter will start working its magic. Meanwhile, high-quality countertop electric filters can remove most of the common contaminants including lead, mercury, chlorine, chloramine, etc.

Dispensers

Dispensers-cum-water filters have the facility to dispense hot and cold water. Thus, you get filtered water for your oatmeal, tea, coffee, or juices, etc. Many even come with fancy nightlights, sounds, alarms to notify you of filter change, and a self-cleaning ozone technology that removes algae from the reservoir.

Features to Look for in Countertop Water Filters

Here are some features to look for in countertop water filters:

Removes Most Contaminants

Check the types of contaminants the filter can remove. Also, find out if the filter of your choice can improve the taste and smell of water. Read top-rated countertop water filter reviews to find out users’ experiences regarding that filter’s TDS (total dissolved solid) readings.

Read up about the technology the filter uses: generally, RO or reverse osmosis is considered superior as it removes most contaminants, bacteria, and heavy metals while retaining beneficial minerals.

Is Easy to Install

First, the filter should be easy to use and install. You should not need any plumbing changes. Second, if it is electrical and needs plugging in, find out its voltage requirements. Finally, make sure that the filter gives you pure water at desired temperature in minutes and not hours.

Comes With Adequate Storage Capacity

If possible, select a unit having a reservoir that meets your family’s daily drinking water needs.

Has a Long-Lasting Filter

The last thing you want is a filter that needs frequent replacement of its cartridge which can be quite expensive. A high-quality water filter can last several 1000 gallons or up to 2 years.

Ease of Filter Replacement

This is also an important feature to consider while selecting best countertop water filters. Make sure that the filter is easy to replace, not too expensive, and is as easy as turning the unit and screwing in the filter.

What Contaminants Can Water Filters Remove

The EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency classifies contaminants into the following types:

Pathogens

Pathogens include parasites, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They also include cysts of protozoa such as Giardia and Entamoeba as well as cryptosporidium. The recommended absolute filter pore size for removing these pathogens is 1 micron. Most countertop water filters listed above are known to eliminate these pathogens.

For removal of bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, the recommended pore size is 0.2 to 0.4 microns. Viruses like rhinovirus are very small and many filters are unable to remove them. Filters with Reverse osmosis and UV technology can kill some of these viruses.

Organic and Inorganic Chemicals

Petroleum, plastic, coal, herbicides, rust, corrosion from plumbing, and the erosion of natural deposits can, overtime, cause certain cancers. These chemicals also damage the delicate organs. Distillation and reverse osmosis can remove most chemicals.

Disinfectants

Water treatment plants add chlorine to the water to disinfect it. However, chlorine, chloramine, and other by-products and additives can, over time, cause cancer as well as diseases of the liver, kidneys, and neurological systems.

Radionuclides

The good news is that US water does not contain too much radioactive contaminants. However, the ones that are present are the result of erosion of natural deposits of minerals. Although filters with ion exchange, Reverse osmosis, and lime softening can remove these contaminants to an extent.

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Difference Between Water Filter and Water Purifier

Often, the terms water filter and purifier are used interchangeably. In general, a filter is any device that removes contaminants from water. This can be as crude as a coffee filter although, these days, filters mean devices that have some sort of membrane. Most basic water filters remove protozoa, bacteria, and some other common contaminants.

However, contrary to popular belief, they do not remove minerals, heavy metals, and salts. Lastly, according to the EPA, a water purifier is a special type of water filter that reduces all contaminants to 99.999% levels. That is why; a certified purifier or filter is the best because it is sure to offer protection from most water contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When Is the Appropriate Time to Replace My Countertop Water Filter?

A: Not all countertop water filters come with a way to know how long you have been using them. However, one practical and simple method you can use is stickers. With the sticker system, you can mark the new filter’s date so that you can know the exact time to replace it. Some systems come with virtual countdowns or LED light indicators.

Q: Do Countertop Water Filters Eliminate Arsenic?

A: Yes, most of them do. Several countertop water filters take out arsenic the same way they remove fluoride. However, before you buy the best countertop water filter, it is essential to do proper research before opting for the ideal one to go for that will suit your needs.

Q: What Is the Primary Difference Between a Countertop Filter Water and an Alkaline Water Ionizer?

A: Some people make the mistake of attributing the features of each to the other. It is important to note that even though they have close similarities, they are very different. Some countertop water filters can impact the PH of your water and make it alkaline, which is quite different from an alkaline water ionizer.

The Verdict – Best Countertop Water Filter

The best countertop water filters are easy to install, inexpensive, and remove most contaminants and pollutants from municipal water. They also effectively improve the taste and odor of tap water. Additionally, many of the top-rated countertop water filters can remove cysts, lead, chlorine, and particulates. They also have readily available replacement filters.

We recommend the filters that have the ability to filter out rust, sand, sediments, lead, and other contaminants. It should also dispenses hot and cold water for beverages, has self-cleaning ozone technology, and comes with filter-change indicators as well.