6 Best Countertop Water Filters of 2025

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The best countertop water filters are generally easy to install, have the advantage of portability, and use an electric pump or gravity to pass water through one or several filters, reducing dozens of common contaminants. 

We evaluate and compare water filters based on our own hands-on testing. As a WQA Certified Water Specialist (CWS) and Certified Water Treatment Representative (CWR) I’ve reviewed dozens of countertop filtration systems in my time running Water Filter Guru. Here, I’ve shared my top recommendations based on my own data-driven analysis.

Our Testing & Selection Process

The 6 Best Countertop Water Filter Systems

SystemAquaTru countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system
AquaTru
Waterdrop King Tank
Waterdrop King Tank
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Epic Pure Dispenser
RKIN U1
RKIN U1
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
ProOne Big+ gravity-fed water filter
ProOne Big+
Score9.549.108.908.868.788.56
Price$449.00+$249.00$75.00$749.95$90.00229.95+
CertificationsNSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473NSF/ANSI 372--NSF/ANSI 42, 53NSF 42 (materials safety only)
Filter Capacity600 – 1,200 gallons3,000 gallons150 gallons792 – 1,200 gallons100 gallons1,00-1,200 gallons
Cost per Gallon$0.11$0.06$0.31$0.08$0.55$0.41
Warranty1 year1 yearLifetime1 year2 years5 years
ReviewAquaTru reviewKing Tank reviewEpic Pure reviewRKIN U1 reviewClearly Filtered reviewProOne Big review

AquaTru Performance

The AquaTru scored a 9.90 for reducing health-related contaminants in our water. In our testing, it eliminated 100% of all contaminants with possible health effects, including fluoride, lead, strontium, uranium, molybdenum, and barium.

The system also reduced 100% chlorine in our water, giving it an equally high score of 9.90 for reducing aesthetic contaminants. 

Plus, it’s been IAPMO certified to NSF Standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 for the reduction of all 83 contaminants that AquaTru claims it can reduce, which incorporates a materials safety certification. It also has an NSF 372 certification for lead-free design. 

Brian installing the water tank of aquatru

Conventional RO systems waste up to 4 gallons of water per 1 gallon purified, but the AquaTru’s 4:1 recovery rate is much better and meant that we weren’t constantly emptying the wastewater tank.

The AquTru also received high scores from us for setup and maintenance – 10.00 and 9.75 respectively. Our unit arrived partially assembled and didn’t require a difficult filter priming process. We found it easy to keep up with its servicing requirements, and the display screen notified us when replacement filters were needed. 

We think the AquaTru is the best countertop water filtration system for folks who want to reduce as many contaminants as possible in their water. Anyone who sees performance certifications as a non-negotiable should find AquaTru’s extensive IAPMO certifications reassuring.

CriteriaResults
Health Related Contaminants9.90
Aesthetic Related Contaminants9.90
Performance CertificationCertified for 100% of reduction claims
Filtration Rate0.04 GPM
Component QualityOutstanding
Component CertificationCertified
SetupExceptional
Servicing RequirementsOutstanding
Costs$0.11/ gallon
Warranty Length1 year
ShippingFree shipping
Returns30 days

Waterdrop King Tank Performance

The Waterdrop King Tank received a 9.51 score for contaminant reduction. Our test data showed that it had reduced 100% aluminum, chloroform, manganese, total THMs, and lead in our water, as well as 93% copper, 40% barium, and 28% sulfate. 

The separate fluoride filters also reduced fluoride by 100%, and the system reduced 100% chlorine, effectively addressing any taste and odor issues. 

Our only disappointment was that the King Tank isn’t performance-certified, which is one reason why Waterdrop’s overall contaminant reduction score was slightly lower than AquaTru’s.

We awarded the King Tank a score of 9.4 for design. Many of the other countertop water filters we tested store filtered water in a plastic tank, but the Waterdrop system limits water’s contact with plastic. It comes with a steel/glass sight spigot (many competitors sell these as add-ons), although this isn’t entirely plastic-free.

Waterdrop King tank water level spigot

Setup and maintenance were trickier with the King Tank, and its scores in these categories (6.50 and 8.50 respectively) were lower. The user manual was clear and we didn’t need any special knowledge, but the filter priming process was time-consuming and tedious. Replacing the filters wasn’t technically difficult, but we had to follow the same priming process. However, the King Tank has one of the lowest ongoing costs of all the countertop systems we tested: just $0.06/ gallon.

We recommend the Waterdrop King Tank to anyone who wants a more affordable alternative to reverse osmosis, which doesn’t waste water or use electricity, and reduces contaminants without also removing healthy minerals. 

Waterdrop Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
Overall Score: 9.03

Waterdrop N1

Another great offering by Waterdrop in the countertop water filter category is the N1. This system is a high-performing countertop RO unit, and reduced 100% of 10 health-related contaminants in our water. It’s around $150 cheaper than AquaTru’s base model and its 3:1 efficiency ratio is only slightly lower than AquaTru’s.

Read our full Waterdrop N1 review here

CriteriaResults
Health Related Contaminants9.60
Aesthetic Related Contaminants9.90
Performance CertificationNot certified
Filtration Rate4 GPH
Component QualityExcellent
Component CertificationNSF/ANSI 372
SetupFailing
Servicing RequirementsWeak
Costs$0.06/gallon
Warranty Length1 year
ShippingFree shipping to continental US
Returns3 days

Epic Pure Performance

The Epic Pure’s overall contaminant reduction score was 9.00, putting it only slightly behind Waterdrop and AquaTru. It reduced 8 contaminants in our water, including 100% chlorine, uranium, copper, and phosphorous, 57% molybdenum, 41% barium, 27% fluoride, and 20% nitrate. 

Like Waterdrop, Epic hasn’t obtained a performance certification for its dispenser, which we were disappointed about. 

The system got a 10.00 score from us for its filtration rate. It filtered 0.453 gallons of water in just over 12 minutes, giving it a filtration rate of 2.23 GPH – pretty quick for a gravity-fed system. 

We couldn’t have been happier with the filter setup process. We awarded it a 9.50 in this category because assembly took less than 5 minutes – we just washed and assembled the dispenser and reservoir, then inserted the filter. We didn’t have to prime the filter, but we needed to discard the first batch of dispensed water. 

Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser on countertop

We think the Epic Pure dispenser is the ideal countertop water filtration system for folks with smaller budgets who want a comprehensive water treatment solution without the expense of a system costing hundreds of dollars. It’s affordable to maintain, too, with a cost per gallon of $0.31.

CriteriaResults
Health Related Contaminants9.30
Aesthetic Related Contaminants9.90
Performance CertificationNot certified for any reduction claims
Filtration Rate2.23 GPH
Component QualityUnsatisfactory
Component CertificationNot certified
SetupOutstanding
Servicing RequirementsOutstanding
Costs$0.31/gallon
Warranty LengthLifetime
ShippingFree shipping for the Clean Water Club only
ReturnsLifetime

RKIN U1 Performance

We awarded the RKIN U1 a 9.00 for contaminant reduction. It did a great job of removing 100% fluoride, lead, uranium, chlorine, copper, zinc, and molybdenum, and greatly reducing barium, nitrate, and sulfate. But its overall score was impacted by its lack of a performance certification. 

The system excelled in the setup and maintenance categories, with 10.00 and 9.75 scores respectively. Like the AquaTru, the U1 is a plug-and-play system, and its push-button flush feature meant that we didn’t have to worry about priming or flushing the filters manually. We estimated its ongoing cost as $0.0809/ gallon, making it slightly cheaper to maintain than the AquaTru.

The U1’s filtration rate was only a little slower than AquaTru’s, at 0.07 GPM (AquaTru’s measured at 0.08 GPM). 

As for design, we were generally pleased with the U1’s component quality, but we gave it a slightly lower score of 7.50 because of its majority-plastic design and lack of a materials safety certification. 

We loved being able to dispense hot or cold water and take advantage of the different presets on the touchscreen control panel. In our opinion, the U1 is ideal for anyone who enjoys the convenience and unique benefits of high-tech gadgets, especially folks who use a lot of hot water for cooking and beverages.

CriteriaResults
Health Related Contaminants9.30
Aesthetic Related Contaminants9.90
Performance CertificationNot certified for any reduction claims
Filtration Rate0.07 GPM
Component QualityOutstanding
Component CertificationNot certified
SetupExceptional
Servicing RequirementsExceptional
Costs$0.08/gallon
Warranty Length1 year
ShippingFree shipping on orders over $175 to lower 48 states
Returns30 days

Clearly Filtered Performance

The Clearly Filtered Pitcher got a score of 8.24 for contaminant reduction. We were pleased to see that it reduced 100% fluoride, uranium, chlorine, and copper in our water, as well as 86% barium, 67% strontium, and 53% molybdenum. But it only reduced 11% nitrate and 3% sulfate, and 0.0054 PPM of cobalt actually appeared in our filtered water. 

We felt reassured by Clearly Filtered’s WQA performance certifications, although it has only been certified to reduce 3 out of the 365+ contaminants it’s claimed to reduce, so it didn’t impress us as much as AquaTru here.

The pitcher’s 2.27 GPH filtration rate, based on its ability to filter 0.5 gallons of water in 13 minutes and 12 seconds, meant that we had access to filtered water fairly quickly – something that isn’t a guarantee with gravity filters

We awarded Clearly Filtered a score of 9.70 for its design, putting it in line with AquaTru. We noted that the pitcher (which is made of BPA-free Tritan plastic) felt sturdier, better-quality, and more durable than the majority of other water filter pitchers we tested. The pitcher is also WQA certified for lead-free design and holds a materials safety certification as a component of its performance certifications. 

We think the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is a great choice for folks who want to effectively address many contaminants in their water with a smaller, more portable, and more affordable countertop filter. Its 10-cup capacity satisfied our two-person household without the need for constant refills, and we could easily carry it from room to room – it wasn’t tied to one location like the larger dispensers we tested.

CriteriaResults
Health Related Contaminants83
Aesthetic Related Contaminants99
Performance CertificationCertified for 0.82% of reduction claims
Filtration Rate2.27 GPH
Component QualityOutstanding
Component CertificationCertified
SetupOutstanding
Servicing RequirementsOutstanding
Costs$0.55/ gallon
Warranty Length2 years
ShippingFree shipping all orders
Returns30 days

ProOne Big+ Performance

The Big+ reduced 100% of lead, copper, fluoride, aluminum, and manganese in our water. However, what pulled its contaminant reduction score down was its failure to effectively address disinfection byproducts – it reduced just 47% of total THMs and 56% chloroform.

A unique benefit of this system is that it can also be used to filter untreated surface water, like river or lake water. We awarded it a 10.00 in our untreated water test because it eliminated all three bacteria types present in our test water. 

The Big+ hasn’t been performance certified, but its filter has an NSF 42 certification for materials safety. The system did better than any other countertop water filter we tested in the design category, with tens across the board. Only the filter cartridges use plastic components, so the Big+ should tick your boxes if you want to avoid plastic where possible.

We found this ProOne unit easier to set up than the Waterdrop King Tank. The process took us less than 20 minutes, and we didn’t have to prime the filters – we just ran them under cold water and scr\ubbed the ceramic with a scouring pad for 2 minutes each. That made maintenance easier, too, although its ongoing servicing cost of $0.41/ gallon was significantly higher than Waterdrop’s $0.06/gallon.

The system’s 0.77 GPH filtration rate was slower than the King Tank’s, so it got a lower score of 7.00 in this testing category. 

The ProOne Big+ might have let us down slightly on the contaminant reduction front, but we recommend it over the Waterdrop King Tank for anyone who values materials safety certifications and wants to avoid the hassle of priming filters.

CriteriaResults
Health Related Contaminants8.71
Aesthetic Related Contaminants9.9
Performance CertificationNot certified for any reduction claims
Filtration Rate0.77 GPH
Component QualityExceptional
Component CertificationExceptional
SetupGood
Servicing RequirementsGood
Costs$0.41/gallon
Warranty Length5 years
ShippingFree shipping on orders over $69.95 to the lower 48 states
Returns30 days

Considerations Before Buying a Countertop Water Filtration System

Before you buy a countertop water filter, you should consider the things that are important to you in a water filter, or those that may affect your purchasing decision.

Contaminants Present – Know What is in Your Water

If you want to buy a countertop water filter that filters out a specific set of contaminants, you first need to know what your water contains.

Water quality reports are available to the general public, and you should receive a report from your local water supplier at least once a year. These reports tell you what your water contains after it has been treated.

You can also do your own water test to gather more accurate data for your own home’s water supply.

These kits usually come with strips that change color depending on the contaminants in your water. You can compare the color of the strip to the included color chart to determine what your water contains.

System Process

Not all countertop water filters use the same process to filter your water. Some of the most common processes amongst the best countertop water filter models are listed below:

  • Carbon Adsorption – A granular or activated carbon filter grabs onto particles and pulls them out of water. Adsorption is best for trapping harmful chemicals like chlorine, pesticides and herbicides.
  • Reverse Osmosis – Reverse osmosis water filters use a semi-permeable membrane to trap contaminants as small as 0.001 microns. The RO system process can remove up to 99% total dissolved solids.
  • Distillation – Distillation is a water purification process that involves boiling water until it evaporates, then condensing the water into a clean container. The majority of water’s impurities, including minerals, salts, chemicals, metals, and microorganisms, are removed.

Filter Testing & Certifications

The best countertop water filters have either a WQA or NSF International certification to prove that the filter works as advertised by the manufacturer. These certifications can only be obtained through third-party testing, and are difficult to achieve.

Common certifications to look out for include:

  • NSF 42 – For removing aesthetic contaminants that affect water taste and odor, like chlorine.
  • NSF 53 – For the removal of heavy metals like lead, and other health-harmful contaminants like VOCs, asbestos, and mercury.
  • NSF 401 – For removing emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals.

Unit Size and Space Available

It’s wise to measure the space near your kitchen sink if you’re planning on buying a faucet water filter. There’s no use in buying a countertop filter that doesn’t fit in your available space.

If you plan to store your filter in a cupboard when not in use, you should check that the unit isn’t too tall or wide to fit in the cupboard space you have spare.

Filter Capacity (Lifespan) & Maintenance

No matter what type of filter you buy, it will require regular maintenance if you want it to last for a long time.

Different filters have different maintenance requirements, so it’s important that you read a specific filter’s user manual carefully to be certain of what’s needed.

Some filters require changing after 1 or 2 months of use, while others last for between 6 and 12 months before they need replacing.

Some models use more filters than others, which makes maintenance more costly. You’ll need to make sure you can afford to buy new filters whenever you need them to maintain your system’s performance.

Ease of Use

Some countertop filters are easier to use than others. Following installation, a faucet water filter is the easiest filtration system to use. You’ll only need to press a button to instantly dispense water into a drinking glass.

Water filter pitchers, on the other hand, become heavy when they’re full, making it more difficult to pour water into a glass. You’ll also need to refill your pitcher manually whenever you want to benefit from clean drinking water.

Filtration Speed

The filtration speed of a countertop filter depends on the system type.

A countertop water filter system that’s connected to your faucet has the advantage of water pressure on its side. This type of system will provide filtered water instantly.

Countertop filters that use gravity filtration will take longer to filter water. You’ll need to wait around five to ten minutes for a pitcher filter to produce a full jug of filtered water.

Connection to Faucet

Some countertop water filters need to be connected to your faucet to provide filtered water from your tap. This means you won’t need to fill the filter with water manually, because when you press the button to dispense water, the system will draw water from your faucet.

If you plan to buy a system that connects to your faucet, you should make sure you have the available space next to your kitchen sink. Faucet-connecting filters can only work when they’re hooked up to a water supply, so they’re not suitable for you if you need a portable countertop filter.

Remineralization/ Alkalization

Not all countertop filters will remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water. However, filters that offer a more thorough filtration, like reverse osmosis filters, probably will. Some people would rather these minerals weren’t in their drinking water, but others find that without them, water tastes plain.

Some of the best countertop water filters remove healthy minerals naturally with the rest of the water’s impurities, but add these minerals back into the water before drinking. This gives water a more alkaline taste.

Costs & Your Budget

The cost of a countertop filter is influenced by a number of different factors.

Countertop filters that are manufactured by a certain popular brand name, or offer a more complex water filtration process, are more expensive.

Water filter pitchers tend to be on the cheaper end of the scale, costing between $30 and $80.

Standard faucet countertop filters cost slightly more, usually ranging between $150 and $300. Some filters may even come in at over $1000, especially if they use reverse osmosis filtration.

What Are the Advantages of a Countertop Water Filter?

Affordable Option

If you spend a lot of money on single-use plastic bottles of water, a countertop water filter can help you to make huge savings month by month.

With a countertop water filtration system, you’ll only need to buy the initial unit and the replacement filters every couple of months.

Whatever filter you’re after, there are plenty to suit your budget. You won’t need to compromise for a good product.

Low Maintenance

Unlike most whole house or faucet water filters, a countertop water filter requires virtually no set-up and very little maintenance, making it a convenient option for anyone who would rather avoid a DIY situation.

You’ll be able to get your water filter started with just a few insertions and presses of a button, as most arrive already pre-assembled.

Once your filters are in place, the system is ready to run.

Changing your filters is a simple job, and your filter’s user manual will give you clear guidelines on when to replace them.

Don’t Occupy Much Space

Countertop water filters are designed to be compact and space-saving.

While most under sink water filtration systems are large and bulky, countertop water filters are slim and elegant, and won’t take up too much side or storage space.

Some countertop water filters, like water pitcher filters, are even more space-saving. You’ll be able to store them wherever is most convenient for you, like your fridge, and put them in a cupboard out of sight when you’re not using them.

Portable

Water pitcher filters, the lowest-cost countertop water filtration solution, are the easiest type of filter to move.

A water filter pitcher doesn’t need to be connected to a sink, so once you’ve filled your pitcher with tap water from your faucet, you can take it to whichever location suits you.

Faucet countertop filters require more setup, but can still be moved around. It’s easy enough to disconnect the filter and move it to a new location, as long as there’s a faucet to connect it to. You can even take your filter on a vacation for clean, safe drinking water while you’re away from home.

Easy, Non-Permanent Installation

Countertop water filters aren’t a permanent fixture in your kitchen. You don’t need to cut into your water line to install a countertop water filtration system.

A countertop water filter can provide you with clean tap water as and when you need it, but there’s no pressure for you to keep it in one place, or make use of it, for the rest of your life.

Clean Water

Countertop water filters can provide you with a high quality of drinking water from the convenience of your own home.

Your countertop water filter should, at a minimum, be able to filter out chemicals like chlorine from your water, helping to give it a more pleasant taste.

The best countertop water filtration systems can remove up to 90% of all contaminants and impurities from water.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • brian headshot
    President & CEO, CWS, CWR

    Brian Campbell, a WQA Certified Water Specialist (CWS) and Certified Water Treatment Representative (CWR) with 5+ years of experience, helps homeowners navigate the world of water treatment. After honing his skills at Hach Company, he founded his business to empower homeowners with the knowledge and tools to achieve safe, healthy water. Brian's tested countless devices, from simple pitchers to complex systems, helping his readers find the perfect fit for their unique needs.

  • Jennifer Byrd
    Water Treatment Specialist

    For 20+ years, Jennifer has championed clean water. From navigating operations to leading sales, she's tackled diverse industry challenges. Now, at Redbird Water, she crafts personalized solutions for homes, businesses, and factories. A past Chamber President and industry advocate, Jennifer leverages her expertise in cutting-edge filtration and custom design to transform water concerns into crystal-clear solutions.

2 thoughts on “6 Best Countertop Water Filters of 2025”

  1. Avatar for Brian Campbell

    Have you tested the new PROoNE G3.0 filters that their gravity systems use? Having used the G2.0 for a couple of years… I would say there is a difference in taste and texture making the new G3.0 filters superior. I imagine that the reduction of toxic contaminants has been reduced as well. JMO.

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