Countertop water filters are a great way to ensure that you have clean, filtered water at all times. They are easy to install and use, and they can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to buy bottled water.
With so many different options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Some factors you need to consider include: whether the filter removes lead and other harmful pollutants, if it has NSF certification, and how easy it is to find replacement cartridges.
In this article, I’ll help you choose the best countertop water filter based on your needs. I’ll take a close look at what each of these has to offer and how they can benefit you and your family. So let’s dive in, so that you can find the best countertop water filtration system for your family.
Considerations Before Buying a Countertop Water Filter
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a countertop water filter:
First, you’ll need to decide what type of contaminants you’re trying to remove from your water. The best way to find out and ensure that your water is safe to drink is to have it tested by a professional.
Second, what type of filtration system do you want? There are three main types of filtration systems: reverse osmosis, carbon filters, and ultraviolet light purifiers. Understanding the differences can help you pick the best countertop water filter system for your needs.
Third, you need to consider the size of the unit. The size will determine how much water it can filter and how often you need to replace the filter cartridge.
And finally, you’ll need to decide how much money you’re willing to spend on a countertop water filter. Now let’s see our results for the best water filter.
5 Best Countertop Water Filter Reviews
Best Overall
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Stainless Steel Countertop Water Filter System 2.25 Gallon with 2 Authentic Black Berkey Elements BB9-2 Filters
Best to Faucet
Waterdrop Countertop Water Filter, NSF/ANSI 42&372 Certified,5-Stage Stainless Steel Faucet Water Filter for 8000 Gallons, Reduces Heavy Metals, Bad Odor and 99% Chlorine,WD-CTF-01(1 Filter Included)
Best Reverse Osmosis
AquaTru Water Purification Unit - Certified NSF/ANSI Standards, Removes 83 Contaminants, No Plumbing Required, Cost-Effective, Environmentally Friendly
Best Budget
Epic Pure Countertop Water Filter Dispenser for Drinking Water. 36 Cup 150 Gallon Filter. BPA Free Removes Fluoride, Chlorine, Lead Water Purifier Large Water Jug Dispenser
Best Compact
Brondell H630 Cypress Countertop Water Filter System for Kitchen Sinks, Three-Stage Filtration System and Dispenser Attaches to Faucet, White
Waterdrop Countertop Water Filter, NSF/ANSI 42&372 Certified,5-Stage Stainless Steel Faucet Water Filter for 8000 Gallons, Reduces Heavy Metals, Bad Odor and 99% Chlorine,WD-CTF-01(1 Filter Included)
Epic Pure Countertop Water Filter Dispenser for Drinking Water. 36 Cup 150 Gallon Filter. BPA Free Removes Fluoride, Chlorine, Lead Water Purifier Large Water Jug Dispenser
ENJOY GREAT-TASTING TAP WATER EVERY DAY AT HOME- The 2.25-gallon Big Berkey System can be used on a countertop in your kitchen or office to transform tap water into delicious drinking water that's also ideal for making your favorite beverages or cooking.
INDEPENDENT TESTING- Black Berkey Elements (the original BB9-2) are composed of a unique, proprietary blend of multiple media types backed by testing from accredited, third-party labs. Black Berkey Elements remove or dramatically reduce over 250+ typical contaminants that could be present in freshwater sources—no electricity, tools, or plumbing are required.
INCLUDES AUTHENTIC BLACK BERKEY ELEMENTS (THE ORIGINAL BB9-2)- Don't fall for lookalike filters that use our Berkey BB9-2 model number or trademarks in their titles or product descriptions to legitimize their brand as replacements or "compatible", when they are not. Black Berkey Elements are designed to work synergistically and target specific contaminants that far exceed the reduction capabilities of black filters solely composed of activated carbon.
ECONOMICAL, LONG-LASTING- Black Berkey Elements provide filtered water for just pennies per gallon. Each pair of Black Berkey Elements lasts for up to 6,000 gallons before replacement is recommended. Elements may require replacement sooner based upon the quality of influent water. Each additional pair of Black Berkey Elements (sold separately) adds an additional 6,000 gallons of contaminant reduction.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN GRAVITY-FED WATER FILTRATION- Authentic Black Berkey Elements are capable of greater contaminant reduction and a longer lifespan than virtually any of the other filter elements on the market. Berkey systems are simple and easy to use and require no electricity, costly installation, or tools, providing economical, long-lasting water filtration for just pennies a gallon.
Filter Contaminants: 200+
Holding Capacity: 8.5 Liters
Filtration Method: Carbon + Ion Exchange
Filter Capacity: 6,000 gallons per cartridge
Dimensions: 8.5″L x 8.5″W x 19.25″H
Weight: 7.35 Pounds
If you’re looking for a water filter that is low-maintenance and has an impressive lifespan, the Big Berkey countertop water filter is a perfect choice.
Pros:
This filter uses gravity to clean water, so there are no electricity or manual pumps required.
It can filter up to 6000 gallons of water before it needs to be replaced, making it a great long-term investment. This is one key reason why the Big Berkey is our pick for best gravity fed water filter.
This portable water filter is made of a durable stainless steel body that can withstand years of use. This is another key reason why this unit is our pick for best countertop gravity water filter.
The filter is also highly effective, and able to remove over 200 contaminants from your water supply.
With a 2.25-gallon capacity, the Big Berkey can provide clean drinking water for your entire family.
This top-of-the-line filter is tested against NSF Standard 53. Plus, at less than $50 per year, it’s an affordable way to keep your family healthy and hydrated.
Cons:
This countertop filter is much larger than a standard pitcher filter.
#2. Best with Faucet Connection: Waterdrop Countertop Filter System
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐃𝐒! 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐭𝐬! Does 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐭 pull-out, hand-held, spray style faucets or faucets with sensor. Please verify if our product suits your faucet before purchase per the detailed instructions in product pictures. If you're not sure whether your faucet is compatible with the Waterdrop faucet water filter, please take a photo of your faucet and contact us.
Easy installation:For standard taps only. It is simple to install this filter system, with all the necessary hardware (wrench and adapters) included. Also, it connects easily to most standard kitchen taps and faucets. By twisting the switch, tap water and filtered water can be switched in no time. Operating Temperature: 41-100°F (5-38°C); Operating Pressure: 15-100 psi / 100-689 kPa. Note: Please keep the wrench for later use.
All for your health: The filtration process adds minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium that benefits your health, which is normal to get a higher TDS value. (Tested by a third party lab). The system is made from 304 food-grade stainless steel with sleek brushed appearance, fingerprint-free and BPA-free. Using only safe materials ensures you get clean and healthy drinking water.
Fast flow & long service life: When connected to municipal tap water, you can get up to 12 months service life or 8,000 gallons of filtered water. (This may vary based on water conditions). By using advanced filtration technology, the water flow can reach up to 1.6 gallons per minute.
Multi-stage filtration system: This 5-stage filtration system can effectively reduce impurities commonly found in tap water, such as colloid, sediment and up to 99% chlorine. It can also reduce heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, fluoride, providing safe, tasty and fresh drinking water.(Tested by a third party laboratory)
Filter Contaminants: chlorine, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, fluoride
Filtration Method: 5 stages with activated carbon block
Filter Capacity: 8,000 gallons per cartridge
Water Outlet: Separate Faucet
Dimensions: 4.92″L x 3.51″W x 12.51″H
Pros:
This countertop water filter is a five-stage filtration system that can be easily installed by anyone. This makes it our pick as the best faucet water filter.
It provides fresh, great-tasting water by removing contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria. In addition, it adds minerals to your water such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Making it healthier and more delicious than water from traditional filtration systems.
The filter has an impressive 8,000 gallons capacity. It can also reduce your reliance on single-use plastics by providing high-speed water filtration, up to 1.6 gallons per minute!
This countertop water filter has a 1-year replacement cycle, which means you won’t have to waste time or money replacing your filter every few months.
Since it’s electric-free, you’ll save even more money on your energy bill.
Cons:
The filter housing is not user friendly
#3. Best Reverse Osmosis: AquaTru Countertop Water Filtration System
Is your water safe to drink? Studies continue to pour in regarding Toxins, Hormones, Microplastics, Cancer-linked contaminants, known Carcinogens and other toxins discovered in our Tap Water, Filtered Water…and yes, even Bottled Water. AQUATRU's patented Ultra Reverse Osmosis water filtration system is CERTIFIED to remove harmful contaminants.
Certified NSF/ANSI Standards - Tested & certified by IAPMO to meet NSF/ANSI standards 41, 53, 58, 401, and P473 for water filters, which include 83 contaminants and PFAS “forever chemicals.”
No plumbing or installation required - takes just minutes to set up. AquaTru’s Trusted & warrantied RO countertop system costs considerably less than fully installed under-the-counter RO systems, while at the same time, delivering often Cleaner, Purer, and Better Tasting Water. Why waste money & add to landfills with bottled water (93% recently found to contain microplastics)?
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly: AquaTru has affordable filters that are made to last for 600-1200 gallons – that’s only a filter change every 6 mos. to 2 yrs.
Quick change and twist filters come included with your first AquaTru water purifier and last from 6 months to 2 years. 1 set of filters replaces 4,500 plastic water bottles, so you can forget about the hassle & cost of buying bottled water.
Filter Contaminants: 82+
Holding Capacity: 3.7 Liters
Filtration Method: Reverse Osmosis
Filter Capacity: 600 – 1,200 gallons
Dimensions: 14″L x 14″W x 12″H
Weight: 22.84 Pounds
Pros:
AquaTru’s 4-stage reverse osmosis technology makes it one of the most efficient countertop RO systems on the market, and our pick as the best countertop RO system.
The filter removes 82 contaminants, including Lead, Fluoride, Chromium, Chlorine, and Radium.
Not only will AquaTru filtered water taste better than tap water, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that it’s safe and healthy for your loved ones.
The filter system is certified by IAPMO as per NSF standards. This means that it has been tested by an independent organization and shown to reduce contaminants in water.
It has a handy digital display that tells you when it’s time to change the filter, so you’ll always have safe and fresh water on hand.
The AquaTru countertop water filter gives you one gallon of clean water in as little as 15 minutes, without any plumbing or installation required.
Not to mention, you’ll save money in the long run as filtration refills are only necessary every 6-12 months, and the RO unit will only need to be replaced every 2 years. That means fewer trips to the store and more time enjoying fresh, filtered water at home. This is another reason why we choose the AquaTrue as the best countertop reverse osmosis water filter.
Cons:
Need a power source to work
No remineralization filter
#4. Best Budget: Epic Pure Countertop Water Filter
Filtered Dispenser for Refrigerator: This large water filtration dispenser for refrigerator is easy to pour and refill. This space efficient dispenser fits perfectly on refrigerator shelves and is great for families. This solid carbon block water purifier pitcher with filter will keep your family drinking filtered water for years to come. Rigorously tested against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401, and P473 (NSF 53 Water Filter) | Countertop water filter dispenser includes 1 filter
Tap water filter: Proprietary solid carbon block filter removes 2000% more contaminants than the leading water filter pitcher including Total Trihalomethanes, Chromium 6, Fluoride, Chloramines, Bromodichloromethane and much more. 6mm thick solid carbon block water filters protect you and your family from contaminants that other filters miss. Smart filter media keeps healthy trace minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water, which a reverse osmosis system will strip out.
Water purifier dispenser with filter: Each premium quality gravity water filter produces 150 gallons of fresh, contaminant-free drinking water (lasting 4 times longer than the leading water filter pitcher. Remove 99.99% of all tap water contaminants. 100% BPA-free, 100% Approved Food Grade Materials, 100% Recyclable, 100% Vegan. 0% Pretentious, Kids call it "Next Level" in Spanish they say, Filtros de Agua Para la Cocina,Filtros de Agua, Purificador de Agua.
The Pure Dispenser also comes with a LED timer, which counts down from 90 days, integrated into the front that reminds you when it is time to change the filter. Never again will you have to guess about your filter. Got city tap water? Want to remove both lead and forever chemicals? Then, this is the dispenser for you.
Filter Contaminants: 200+
Holding Capacity: 6.5 liters
Filtration Method: Carbon Block
Filter Capacity: 150 gallons
Dimensions: 12.01″L x 8.46″W x 8.07″H
Weight: 4.1 Pounds
With this countertop water filter, you can enjoy clean, fresh-tasting water without breaking the bank. This powerful filter removes up to 99.99% of common tap water contaminants, including fluoride, lead, herbicides, and bacteria.
Pros:
The Epic Pure water filter has been put through its paces against NSF standards 42, 53, 401, and P473. This means that you can be confident in the quality of your filtered water.
This filter is also efficient on space, making it a great choice for small kitchens.
It has an opaque design that is easy to clean and maintain. Plus, the built-in filter reminder ensures you always have access to fresh, filtered water.
This powerful filter has a water filtration capacity of 150 gallons each, and an annual cost of just $140.
Cons:
Cartridges will need replacement 3-4 times a year
#5. Best Compact: Brondell Countertop Water Filtration System
FILTER WATER ON-DEMAND: This three-stage water filter dispenser gives you peace of mind & cleaner, better-tasting water from the tap; It holds Water Quality Association Gold Seal certification & is certified under NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 372
ADVANCED 3-STAGE FILTRATION: The composite-plus filter, a patented nanotrap filter, & carbon block filter make the perfect combination for your drinking water.
ELEGANT COUNTERTOP DESIGN: Enjoy filtered water without an under-counter system; The sleek, stylish water dispenser provides healthy water at the push of a button and also opens up refrigerator space by not requiring a water filter pitcher
CONVENIENT FAUCET ATTACHMENT: Easily attaches to your faucet without compromising power of filtration, fits most faucets with provided adapters; Does not work with pullout or adjustable spray type faucets; Filters can be replaced easily
PRODUCT INFO: Dimensions – 3.75”(W) x 10.5”(H) x 13.5”(D); Weight – 4.8 lbs; Rated Service Flow 0.50 gallons per minute; Water filter replacement – Composite Plus (HF-31): 6 months; Nanotrap (HF-32): 12 months; Carbon Block (HF-33): 6 months
Filter Contaminants: Fluoride, lead, PFOS, chlorine, PFOA, heavy metals, others
Tested and Certified: WQA (Water Quality Association)
Filtration Method: 3-stage carbon filtration
Dimensions: 11.5″L x 4.25″W x 11″H
Weight: 6.2 Pounds
Brondell water filter is very easy to install, so you can get started using it right away. The compact design means it won’t take up a lot of space on your countertop, and it’s easy to find a spot for it in your kitchen.
Pros:
The Brondell countertop water filter uses three-stage patented Nanotrap technology to immediately and effectively filter your water.
It is certified by the Water Quality Association for NSF Standards 42, 53, and 372. This means that it meets rigorous third-party testing standards for safety and quality.
With three filters included for each of the three filtration stages, the composite plus filter, nanotrap, and carbon block filter, replacements are necessary every six months. While the nanotrap filter (stage two) only requires replacement once a year.
Plus, it takes a couple of minutes to replace the filter – so it’s easy to stay on top of your filtration needs.
Cons:
Filtration stage one and three need replacement every six months
Frequently Asked Questions
Do countertop water filters remove fluoride?
Yes, but not all of them. While countertop water filters vary in design and function, many of them are effective at removing fluoride from water. This is because most countertop water filters use activated carbon to remove impurities from water, and fluoride is one of the impurities that can be effectively removed with activated carbon.
In addition, many countertop water filters also have a filter media that is specifically designed to remove fluoride, such as ion-exchange resins.
What is the best way to filter tap water?
The best way to filter tap water depends on your personal preference and the specific contaminants present in the water. For example, if the water contains high levels of lead, then using a reverse osmosis system would be the best way to filter the water. However, if the water contains high levels of chlorine, then using a carbon filter would be the best way to filter the tap water.
What common contaminants does a countertop water filter remove?
A countertop water filter is a drinking water filter system that can remove a variety of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, parasites, chlorine, and pesticides. Additionally, many countertop water filters are designed to remove sediment and other particulate matter from your water.
Which one should I buy, a countertop or under sink water filter?
There are several factors to consider when making this decision:
The first factor is the cost. Countertop filters tend to be less expensive than under sink filters.
The second factor is the installation. Under sink filters require professional installation, while countertop filters are easy to install yourself. Thus, a water filter for sink requires more investment up front.
The third factor is the filtration quality. Both types of filters are capable of removing impurities from your water. However, under-sink filters (or water filter for sink) tend to be more powerful and provide higher-quality filtration.
Can I use my countertop water filter in my RV?
Yes, you can use your countertop water filter in your RV. However, you will need to make sure that it is the right size for your RV’s sink and that you have enough space on the countertop for it. Additionally, ensure that the filter is compatible with your RV’s faucet.
Water filter pitchers are also a good option for those who want to have filtered water on hand while they are traveling.
What is a Water Filter for Sink?
A sink water filter is a convenient and efficient solution to purify your tap water. It attaches easily to your sink faucet, removing impurities and contaminants, providing you with clean and safe drinking water. Invest in a reliable water filter for your sink to ensure the health and well-being of your family.
What is a countertop water filter dispenser?
A countertop water filter dispenser is a convenient and space-saving solution for clean drinking water. These units efficiently remove impurities, including chlorine and heavy metals, ensuring a fresh and refreshing taste. Easy to install and use, they are a reliable option for households seeking an accessible and affordable way to enhance their water quality.
