Our team has tested the fluoride removal capability of hundreds of filters, and these are the best performers.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Waterdrop G3 P800 Reverse Osmosis System
RKIN U1
Things You Need to Know
- Fluoride is one of the most difficult-to-remove contaminants, and complex filter media blends are needed to significantly reduce this contaminant – standard activated carbon won’t do.
- Only filters that use reverse osmosis, activated alumina, or bone char carbon are capable of reducing fluoride.
- Key considerations to keep in mind are the filter’s percentage of fluoride removal and other contaminants removed, your budget for the upfront purchase and ongoing maintenance, and the filter lifespan.
- We update our reviews every year to include the best emerging fluoride filters (and remove those that no longer match up to their competition).
Table of Contents
- 🥇 Best Fluoride Water Filters
- 📊 Comparison Chart of Fluoride Water Filters
- ⭐ Reviews – Best Water Filters That Remove Fluoride 2023
- 🧾 Fluoride Water Filter Buyer’s Guide
- 🤔 What is fluoride?
- 🚰 How are people exposed to fluoride from drinking water?
- 🩺 What are potential fluoride health risks?
- ⚙️ How a Fluoride Filter Works
- 🔠 Water Filters That Remove Fluoride
- 💭 Other considerations when purchasing a fluoride water filter
- ❔ Frequently Asked Questions
🥇 Best Fluoride Water Filters
- Best Pitcher:
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher - Best Under Sink: Waterdrop G3 P800 Reverse Osmosis System
- Best Countertop RO: RKIN U1
- Best Dispenser: Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
- Runner Up Countertop RO: AquaTru Countertop RO
- Best Non-RO Under Sink: Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System
- Best Distiller: Pure Water Mini-Classic CT
- Best Faucet: Waterdrop Water Faucet Filtration System
- Best Bottle: Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle
📊 Comparison Chart of Fluoride Water Filters
| System | Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher | Waterdrop G3 P800 | RKIN U1 | Epic Pure Dispenser | AquaTru Countertop RO | Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System | Pure Water Mini-Classic CT | Waterdrop Water Faucet Filtration System | Clearly Filtered Water Bottle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
| Ratings | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $ |
| Fluoride Reduction Rate | 99.5% | 99% | 98% | 99% | 93.5% | 90.7% | 99.9% | 94.2% | 99.5% |
| Total Contaminants Reduced | 365+ | 1,000+ | Chlorine, fluoride, lead, other heavy metals | 200+ | 83+ | 232+ | 1000+ | 10+ | 220+ |
| Certifications or Testing | NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473 | NSF 58 & 372 | NSF 58 (in progress) | NSF 42, 53, 401 & P473 | NSF 42, 53, 58, 401 & P473 | NSF 42, 53 & 401 | - | NSF 42 & 372 | NSF 42, 53 & 401 |
| Filter Life | 100 gal. | 6, 12, 24 months | 6, 12, 24 months | 150 gal. | 600 – 1,200 gal. | 2,000 Gal. | n/a | 320 gal. | 25 Gal. |
| Annual Cost | ~$140 | ~$145 | ~$180 | ~$140 | ~$80 | $396-$440 | n/a | $30 – $45 | $25 – $50 |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 1 year | 1 year | Lifetime | 1 year | Lifetime | 15 years on stainless steel 2 year on electronics | 1 year | Lifetime |
⭐ Reviews – Best Water Filters That Remove Fluoride 2023
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
In our opinion, the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is the best overall fluoride water filter and the most capable fluoride water filter pitcher. Why? Because this pitcher is tested to NSF standards for the reduction of365 contaminants from water – including up to 99.5% fluoride. That’s more fluoride than any other filter on this list!
What else makes the Clearly Filtered pitcher the best for fluoride reduction in our eyes? It’s a pitcher filter, which means it costs a fraction of most other filter types (that’s less than $100 upfront and around $50-$75 on annual maintenance), and it’s super convenient to quickly assemble, disassemble, and take with you as a fluoride reduction solution on the go.
Key Features:
- Reduces 99.5% fluoride – The Clearly Filtered pitcher can reduce fluoride up to 99.5%. You don’t have to take the manufacturer’s word for it, either – the proof is in the independent test results.
- Also reduces 365 contaminants – You’re looking for a filter that predominantly reduces fluoride, but that probably means you’re concerned about the other contaminants in your water too. The Clearly Filtered water pitcher comes out on top in this regard, using proprietary filter media and granular activated carbon to reduce more than 365 impurities from drinking water.
- Reduces chlorine, lead, VOCs, and more – Some of the filter’s most impressive contaminant reduction percentages are for chlorine and chloramine, (99.9%), VOCs (99.9%), pharmaceuticals (99.9%), bacteria, cysts and microorganisms (99.9%), and lead (99.5%).
- Retains healthy minerals – It’s rare to find a filter that can reduce unwanted minerals like fluoride but still retain the likes of magnesium, calcium, and other healthy minerals. The Clearly Filtered pitcher can do this.
Best For:
Folks looking for the very best fluoride water filter pitcher, offering the convenience and affordability of a water pitcher and the reassurance of third-party testing for fluoride reduction.
Pros:
- Since fluoride is seen as a “beneficial” mineral, there are no NSF Standards for filters that can reduce fluoride. If there was one, we’re pretty sure the Clearly Filtered pitcher would be tested to it, since the filter is currently tested to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, and P473 (essentially all the NSF Standards for contaminant reduction!).
- The Clearly Filtered pitcher is more convenient than most other filters in this guide. You don’t need to install the filter at your water line – just assemble the pitcher in less than five minutes and fill it with water. Changing the filters is a simple matter of two clicks. Filter life: about 100 gallons or four months.
- Plus, this pitcher filter model is cheaper than most other fluoride reduction filters, costing just $90 upfront. It’s the best choice for small budgets.
- We love the lifetime guarantee for the Clearly Filtered pitcher, giving the reassurance of guaranteed protection against the manufacturer’s faults throughout the lifetime of the pitcher.
Cons:
- Compared to all the fluoride water filters on this list, the Clearly Filtered is one of the slowest to filter water. It’s a gravity filter, so you’ll have to wait several minutes for the water to filter through the jug, rather than having filtered water on demand.
- The four-month filter life is great for a pitcher, but a bit lacking compared to some of the 6-12 month filter lifespans of other products on this list.
Read the full review: Clearly Filtered water pitcher
Waterdrop G3 P800 Reverse Osmosis System
Our top pick for under-sink reverse osmosis systems that remove fluoride is the Waterdrop G3P 800 reverse osmosis system. We love this system because it’s NSF 58 and 372 certified to reduce a whole host of contaminants in drinking water, including 99% fluoride, and offers the most superior, efficient performance we’ve ever seen in an under-sink RO system.
What are the downsides? Well, it’s a lot more expensive than the Clearly Filtered pitcher, and it does waste a bit of water (although its 3:1 pure water to wastewater efficiency ratio is one of the best ratios we’ve seen for reverse osmosis).
Key Features:
- Reverse osmosis filtration – TheWaterdrop G3P 800 is a reverse osmosis system, meaning that it sends water through a semipermeable membrane, providing superior contaminant removal compared to other forms of filtration. The unit uses a DOW® reverse osmosis membrane that has a higher quality and a longer life, helping it to remove all contaminants with accuracy.
- Certified for fluoride removal – This Waterdrop model is a rare case, having obtained an official NSF certification for 99% fluoride reduction. In fact, the system’s NSF 58 certification covers the reduction of more than 90% total dissolved solids (TDS), so you’re protected against virtually all water impurities.
- Removes hundreds of contaminants – Curious about what else this under-sink RO system can remove? Anything larger than 0.0001 microns is targeted by the G3P 800, including heavy metals, VOCs, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. This Waterdrop model one-ups the Clearly Filtered pitcher with not just third-party test results for contaminant removal, but an official NSF certification.
Best For:
Anyone who has the budget for the very best of the best under-sink reverse osmosis system with an official NSF certification for fluoride removal (very rare!).
Pros:
- When a manufacturer applies for an NSF 58 certification, they can ask that this certification is backed by tests that verify certain claims made by the manufacturer, including fluoride reduction. That’s exactly what Waterdrop has done for the G3P 800, enabling it to obtain a rare certification for its fluoride reduction abilities.
- Reverse osmosis is quite a wasteful process, but the G3P 800 helps you to save money on fluoride-free water production, wasting just 1 gallon of water for every 3 gallons produced. Compare this to the traditional RO wastewater ratio of 1:4 (that’s 4 gallons wasted for every 1 gallon produced).
- Waterdrop beats Clearly Filtered by a mile when it comes to flow rate. The G3P 800 has one of the best flow rates we’ve seen for an under-sink RO filter – it delivers up to 800 gallons of filtered tap water per day.
Cons:
- You definitely pay the price for one of the best, most efficient under-sink RO filters. The Waterdrop G3P 800 costs just under $1,000 – that’s more than 10x more expensive than the Clearly Filtered pitcher. The annual maintenance is pricey, too – about $150.
- The G3P 800’s 1:3 pure water to wastewater ratio might be good for a reverse osmosis system, but there are plenty of fluoride water filters on this list that waste no water whatsoever. You might not want a system that wastes water.
Read the full review: Waterdrop G3 P800 Review (2023)
RKIN U1
Based on our research, the RKIN U1 is our top choice for the best countertop RO filter that can remove fluoride.
This modern countertop filtration system is in the process of obtaining an NSF certification for its water purification performance and has been officially tested by IAPMO to NSF 58 for up to 98% fluoride reduction. Plus, this machine has a more exciting, forward-thinking design than most other countertop RO systems, with hot and cold filtered water dispensing, hydrogen technologies, remineralization, and more.
Key Features:
- Up to 98% fluoride removal – The U1 passed tests performed by IAPMO for the removal of various contaminants, including fluoride. Results indicated fluoride reduction of up to 98%.
- Purifies drinking water – Like all the best RO systems, the RKIN U1 doesn’t just filter water; it purifies it. Testing indicates a TDS reduction of up to 94%.
- Hot & cold fluoride-free water – You won’t find many other filtration systems that purify your water, then deliver it at the ideal temperature for your needs. The U1 does just that, offering hot, cold, and ambient water temperatures.
- 1-year warranty – You get guaranteed protection for your purchase with the manufacturer’s 1-year warranty and 1-year money-back guarantee for the U1 – about average for a system of its kind.
Best For:
Folks who want a modern, convenient countertop RO fluoride removal solution that’s more high-tech and offers more performance features than similar models.
Pros:
- We love the thoroughness of the U1’s water treatment. You don’t just get RO purification – you also get hydrogen infusion and remineralization to further improve your water’s taste and health properties.
- It’s great to see official IAPMO testing for the U1’s fluoride reduction abilities, and even more promising that an NSF certification appears to be imminent.
- If you want to remove fluoride and virtually every other impurity in your water, the RKIN U1 is the obvious solution.
- What else do we love? The fast 75 GPD water flow, the filtered water temperature selection, and the unit’s sleek, modern design – to name a few.
Cons:
- Customer reviews are still pretty limited for this product since it’s new to the market. This might be off-putting if you use reviews to help you decide on a purchase.
- The U1 has a 1:1 efficiency ratio, meaning that 1 gallon of water is wasted for every 1 gallon produced – great for an RO system, but more wasteful than non-RO alternatives
Read the full review: RKIN U1 Countertop Reverse Osmosis System Review
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Based on our research, the Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser is the best water pitcher dispenser for fluoride removal. This fluoride water filter is NSF tested to Standards 42, 53, 401 & P473372, and is capable of removing up to 97.88% fluoride from drinking water, as well as another 200+ contaminants.
The Epic Pure dispenser removes fewer overall contaminants than our top choice, the Clearly Filtered pitcher, but its fluoride reduction abilities are still great, it has a bigger filtered water capacity of 1.5 gallons, and it has the same lifetime warranty – plus a slightly longer 150-gallon filter lifespan (the Clearly Filtered’s filters last for 100 gallons). Like the Clearly Filtered pitcher, the Epic Pure dispenser is affordable at less than $100 for the entire system.
Key Features:
- Reduces up to 99% fluoride – Don’t you love it when a filter manufacturer shares their test results online? According to Epic’s testing data, the Pure dispenser can reduce up to 97.88% fluoride. That’s about as reassuring as it gets.
- Excellent contaminant removal abilities – Fluoride is far from the only contaminant that the Epic Pure dispenser targets. This filter reduces 99.99% of more than 200 contaminants, including lead, PFAS, microplastics, chromium-6, chlorine, and VOCs, using a single solid carbon block filter.
- Tested to NSF/ANSI Standards – Like all the best fluoride filters, the Epic Pure dispenser has been tested to NSF 42, 53, 401 & P473372 for its contaminant reduction abilities.
Best For:
Anyone looking for the best-value, most convenient, portable fluoride water filter that has a bigger filtered water holding capacity than the Clearly Filtered pitcher, at the same great value for money.
Pros:
- As a water dispenser, the Epic Pure is one of the easiest-install and simplest-use fluoride water filters on this list. You can put it together and take it apart in a matter of minutes. Plus, maintenance is a breeze thanks to the built-in 90-day filter reminder timer, which takes the guesswork out of filter changes.
- It’s super handy that you don’t need a separate fluoride filter when you buy the Epic Pure (as you do with the Epic Pure dispenser’s biggest competitor, the Berkey). Spend less upfront for excellent results – no need for additional filters.
- What else do we love about this system? The 150-gallon filter lifespan is great, and the lifetime warranty is exactly what you want to see when you’re making any investment – even if that investment is less than $100 on a great-value system like the Epic Pure.
Cons:
- The filter’s 150-gallon lifespan might be better than the Clearly Filtered pitcher’s, but it’s not quite as good as the average countertop water filter lifespan (which can be more than 3 years, if the unit uses a reusable ceramic filter).
- Like the Clearly Filtered pitcher, the Epic Pure dispenser is a gravity filter, providing slow filtration. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for an on-demand fluoride water filter solution.
Read the full review: Epic Pure Filter Dispenser Review
AquaTru Countertop RO
Our favorite countertop reverse osmosis fluoride water filter is the AquaTru, which uses ultra reverse osmosis technology to filter 93.5% fluoride and hundreds of other contaminants.
There are 4 AquaTru models to choose from:
- The Classic (AquaTru’s baseline model and the product we have reviewed here)
- The Classic Connect (the same as the Classic but connects via WiFi to the manufacturer’s app and provides info on filter lifespan, water consumption, and more)
- The Alkaline Classic (like the Classic but with an alkaline VOC mineral boost filter, rather than the standard VOC filter)
- The Alkaline Connect (comes with both the WiFi compatibility and the alkaline VOC mineral boost filter)
The Classic is the most affordable model and removes just as much fluoride as the other models, so if you’re not bothered about extras or add-ons, there’s no need to spend your money. However, we recommend considering the upgrades – especially the models offering remineralization (with calcium and magnesium, NOT fluoride) to further improve your water quality.
What makes the AquaTru unit a standout for fluoride removal? It’s officially certified to NSF standards for the removal of 83 contaminants total, including fluoride. Plus, it has a better pure water-to-wastewater ratio than our top under-sink RO system, the Waterdrop G3P 800 (4:1 versus 3:1), the same 1-year warranty – and more NSF certifications.
Key Features:
- 93.5% fluoride reduction – The AquaTru has been certified to reduce 93.5% fluoride to NSF Standards by IAPMO (check out the test results here). That’s not the absolute top score for fluoride removal on this list, and it’s not as good as the Waterdrop RO system’s 99% fluoride reduction. But less than 7% of fluoride should remain in your water after using this system, which is a fantastic result for most people.
- 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Technology – There are four filter stages involved in the AquaTru: a mechanical pre-filter, a reverse osmosis pre-filter, a semi-permeable membrane, and an activated carbon post-filter. Combined, these filters remove virtually all TDS, including fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, chemicals, minerals, salts, and much more.
- IAPMO R&T Certified – The AquaTru has been tested and certified by IAPMO to NSF standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 to remove up to 99 percent of 82 contaminants.
Best For:
People looking specifically for a reverse osmosis fluoride water filter that has a certified performance without the time-consuming, permanent installation of an under-sink RO filter.
Pros:
- The biggest benefit of the AquaTru is that it doesn’t require a plumbing connection or any complex installation to filter fluoride. You can enjoy the benefits of pure RO water without the hassle of an under-sink system.
- It’s super easy to use this water filtration system, too. Simply pour unfiltered water into the holding tank and let the system run. Purified water will then be ready for drinking at the push of a button.
- A few other highlights of this system are its numerous NSF certifications, its long-lasting filters (6-24 months, depending on the filter in question), its highly efficient 1:4 pure water to wastewater ratio, and its 1-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- The AquaTru has the best pure water to wastewater ratio we’ve seen for a reverse osmosis system – but it still wastes more water than non-RO fluoride water filters.
- This is the only fluoride water filter on this list to need a power connection to work. That means it’s no use for emergency preparedness or camping trips.
Read the Full Review: AquaTru Countertop RO Filter Review
Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System
Another Clearly Filtered product to make our list of the best fluoride water filters is the Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System. This unit is our top pick for under-sink non-RO fluoride filtration thanks to its impressive 90.7% fluoride reduction, its testing to NSF Standards 42, 53 & 401, and its 2,000-gallon filter lifespan.
The Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System might not reduce quite as much fluoride as our top choice, the Clearly Filtered pitcher, (just under 91% vs 99.5%), but it offers the perks of on-demand filtration (just turn on the tap for instant access to water), and has Clearly Filtered’s exclusive lifetime warranty and fantastic customer support.
Key Features:
- 90.7% fluoride reduction – Third-party test results prove the Clearly Filtered Under Sink system’s promising fluoride reduction abilities, alongside its 232+ other contaminants greatly reduced, including lead, VOCs, chlorine, chloramine, and PFOS. The best news? Healthy minerals like magnesium and calcium are retained.
- Tested to NSF Standards – You get the reassurance of laboratory testing to NSF Standards 42, 53, 401 and 473 with this system, so you know you’re spending your money wisely on a fluoride water filter that has been proven to work.
- Lifetime warranty – It’s great to know that if you buy the Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System, your investment is protected with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing errors.
Best For:
Folks looking for an on-demand fluoride filtration solution that reduces more than 90% fluoride and costs about half the price of the best under-sink RO system.
Pros:
- You get all the benefits of on-demand filtration with the Clearly Filtered system, but without the hassle of most under-sink systems. It’s compatible with most standard faucets – no need for a separate faucet installed at your sink.
- Don’t be afraid that this system will be difficult to install at your water line. According to customer reviews, installing the CF Under Sink System is extremely simple, taking less than 10 minutes. There are just two lines to connect – no permanent installation required.
- What else should you know about this system’s benefits? It’s tested to various NSF Standards and has an impressive 2,000-gallon (9-15-month) filter lifespan.
Cons:
- This Clearly Filtered system might cost 50% less than the Waterdrop G3P 800, but $500 for an under-sink system is still a big upfront investment. The $200/year maintenance costs are also high.
- It might offer on-demand filtration, but the Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filtration System still reduces water pressure by about 20%.
Read the Full Review: Clearly Filtered Under-Sink System Review
Pure Water Mini-Classic CT
We’re confident that the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT is currently the best water distiller available for fluoride removal. Unlike a standard water filtration system, the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT doesn’t use filter cartridges to remove contaminants. Instead, it distills water by boiling it until it evaporates, then condensing it in a separate container, leaving the contaminants behind.
There are a few features that make this distiller better than the other filters on this list – and a few setbacks, too. Distillation reduces up to 99.99% of all total dissolved solids, including fluoride, making it one of the most effective choices on this list. BUT, it takes this unit 3.5 hours to produce just 0.8 gallons of water, so it’s the slowest water purification method by far. The distiller isn’t cheap, either, costing $750 upfront.
Key Features:
- Removes 99.9% of contaminants – We couldn’t find any test results for the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT online, which is a shame. But like all distillers, this countertop distiller reduces virtually 100% TDS, including waterborne pathogens, minerals, salts, chemicals, metals, and more.
- Water distillation process – The Mini-Classic CT uses the standard distillation process: it boils water, causing steam to rise. The steam travels into a condensing coil, where it is cooled by a fan and condenses back into purified water droplets.
- Optional carbon filter – There’s also an optional carbon filter in the spout that removes lingering VOCs and polishes water, giving a better overall taste.
Best For:
Anyone who’s happy to spend more money for the guarantee of high-quality, pure water that can only be achieved with distillation. If you want to remove fluoride and almost every other drinking water contaminant, and you’re happy to wait a long time for the results, the Pure Water Mini-Classic CT is the best pick for you.
Pros:
- We love that the Pure Water Mini-Classic has virtually no maintenance cost because it doesn’t use filters. It’s the cheapest of all the fluoride water filters on this list. The carbon post-filter is optional, so it’s up to you whether you want to pay for replacements.
- There are plenty of features that make this countertop distiller safe and easy to use. The boiling chamber is removable for quick cleaning, the safety shut-off and automatic timer prevent potentially dangerous system faults, and the 1-gallon glass jar is easy to carry and pour from.
- You don’t have to install the Pure Water Mni-Classic CT at your water line, so it’s ideal for renters, RV use, and taking to your office or vacation home.
Cons:
- The upfront cost of around $750 is expensive, even if you don’t have to pay for maintenance or filter changes over the years.
- It takes a really long time for this filter to produce not a lot of water. You’ll need to have it running all day if you want to drink distilled water all the time. Since the system runs off electricity, this will end up adding to your energy bill.
Waterdrop Water Faucet Filtration System
The Waterdrop AFC faucet filter system is our top pick of the best fluoride water filters that attach directly to your faucet. This compact filter acts as an extension to your current faucet and produces instant filtered water at your kitchen sink, reducing up to 94.2% fluoride.
Most faucet filters can only remove a few basic contaminants (such as chlorine, tastes and odors, and lead). The Waterdrop AFC filter is already winning thanks to its fluoride removal – and, even better, the filter is officially NSF certified for its contaminant reduction abilities.
Key Features:
- 94.2% fluoride reduction – The Waterdrop AFC uses a 0.5-micron carbon filter to reduce up to 94.2% fluoride in tap water. That’s an unheard-of statistic for a faucet filter.
- NSF-certified performance – This faucet water filtration system is NSF certified to Standard 42, for 94.2% chlorine reduction, and Standard 372, for lead-free material.
- Faucet filtration – As a faucet filter, the Waterdrop AFC provides filtered water on demand. You can switch between filtered water and tap water by moving the dial on the filter housing, so you can protect the filter when using hot water and get the most out of its use for drinking water.
Best For:
Anyone looking for a small, non-invasive, budget-friendly and easy-to-use means of reducing fluoride in tap water. The Waterdrop AFC is the cheapest filter on this list, costing just $20.
Pros:
- If your budget is small or you’re hesitant to commit to a big investment for fluoride removal, the Waterdrop AFC is ideal for you. It costs about one-third of the Epic Pure Dispener, and is the most affordable filter on this list.
- Just because you’re paying less, you don’t compromise on quality. The Waterdrop AFC is NSF certified, so it has third-party proof of reliable performance. Yes, you pay for fewer contaminants removed – but if fluoride is your main target, you’ve got what you asked for.
- You don’t need a plumber or a DIY expert to install the Waterdrop faucet filter at your kitchen sink faucet. Providing the unit fits your faucet (with or without an adapter), you just click it in place and have access to clean drinking water instantly.
Cons:
- The filter’s 320-gallon or 3-month filter life means it’s the highest-maintenance fluoride water filtration system on this list, requiring around 4 filter changes per year.
- For a faucet water filter, the Waterdrop AFC filter’s contaminant removal abilities are good. But compared to the other products on this list, there’s simply no competition.
Read the full review: Waterdrop Water Faucet Filtration System
Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle
Our top choice for the best portable bottled water fluoride filtration solution is the Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle, which reduces more than 220 contaminants – including 99.5% fluoride – using Clearly Filtered’s Affinity Filtration technology. That’s better fluoride reduction than you’ll find from any other bottled water filter available today.
The filter lifespan is about 25 gallons, or 6 months – so about average compared to the filter lifespans for products on this list. Like all Clearly Filtered products, the Filtered Water Bottle has the perks of independent testing to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, and a lifetime warranty. You can buy the bottle in two sizes: 20 ounces and 32 ounces. There’s also a 12-ounce kids’ version.
Key Features:
- 99.5% fluoride reduction – According to test results helpfully shared by Clearly Filtered, the Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle can reduce up to 99.5% fluoride. That’s incredibly impressive for a water bottle filter.
- NSF tested for contaminants reduced – This Clearly Filtered bottle has been tested by an EPA-approved third party to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, to reduce 220 contaminants, including >99.5% chlorine, >99.3% lead, >99.2% pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, and more.
- Straw filtration – Like many water bottle filters, the Clearly Filtered Bottle uses straw filtration to send water through the straw, giving you instant access to filtered water.
Best For:
Anyone who wants the most convenient, portable fluoride reduction solution from a reliable brand, which is ideal for vacations, hiking and camping trips, or simply taking to work.
Pros:
- The Clearly Filtered Bottle filter is one of the most convenient fluoride reduction solutions. It’s super easy to use – just suck on the straw to send water through the filter whenever you want it.
- Clearly Filtered offers filtered water bottles in a few different materials, but the stainless steel bottle is our favorite because it’s the sturdiest and most durable, and it keeps water cold for up to 24 hours.
- A few other things we love about this filter: it comes in three sizes (two for adults and one for kids); the 6-month filter lifespan minimizes maintenance to twice per year; and the bottle gives you filtered water on demand.
Cons:
- We noticed that numerous customers complained about the suction force required to send water through the filter. It takes a bit of effort to drink from this bottle.
- Regardless of the water bottle size you choose, the capacity is pretty small. It’s ideal for personal use, but not a fast solution for families.
Read the full review: Clearly Filtered Water Bottle Reviews
🧾 Fluoride Water Filter Buyer’s Guide
🤔 What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that’s found in rocks and soil. It’s often added to water by municipalities, and can also be found in naturally occurring levels in certain foods.
🚰 How are people exposed to fluoride from drinking water?
In some states, fluoride is added to water to minimize the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride can also make its way naturally into drinking water supplies, and during the treatment process, it is never fully removed.
If you don’t know whether your local water supply contains fluoride, search online for a water quality report. You’ll be able to see the exact level of fluoride in your drinking water, and how this compares to the average.
Drinking water is the primary source of fluoride, but you can also find it in some dental products.
🩺 What are potential fluoride health risks?
Some of the health risks of fluoride are:
Dental fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is characterized by white spots or discoloration on the teeth. It’s caused by consuming large amounts of fluoride.
Fluorosis doesn’t affect the functioning of the teeth, but it creates aesthetic damage and significantly changes the appearance of the teeth. Severe dental fluorosis can even cause pits to form in the teeth.
Only children under 8, whose teeth are still developing, are at risk of the condition. The more fluoride a child is introduced to, the more at risk they are of developing fluorosis.
Skeletal fluorosis
Skeletal fluorosis is caused by too much fluoride in the bones. This disease can cause irreparable damage to the bones and joints, which may be accompanied by pain and reduced joint mobility.
A high level of fluoride causes the bones to become hardened, reducing their flexibility. As a result, people with skeletal fluorosis are more at risk of broken bones and solidified cartilage and ligaments.
One of the most common causes of skeletal fluorosis is drinking water containing a high level of fluoride.
Thyroid problems
Fluoride mimics TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, enhancing the effects of this hormone needlessly. Fluoride may also force iodine to leave the thyroid gland.
There’s also concern that fluoride intake might be linked to an increased rate of under-active thyroid issues, characterized by tiredness, weight gain, and depression.
Neurological problems
Scientists are only now starting to understand the neurological side effects of an excess of fluoride. Fluoride is a neurotoxin, which means that it can cause damage to the brain. One study has even found that moderately high fluoride exposure can lead to reduced intelligence.
Fluoride is linked to an impaired capacity to remember and learn, and may harm brain development in unborn babies. It can also lead to neurobehavioral deficits and disorders.
Fluoride poisoning
Fluoride poisoning, otherwise known as fluoride toxicity, is caused by elevated levels of fluoride in the body.
It’s very unlikely that you will experience fluoride poisoning in the US from drinking water, where fluoride is regulated. However, if you drink from a well water source, and don’t measure the fluoride content in your water, you’re more at risk.
Other health issues
High fluoride consumption levels are linked to several additional health issues. There is a possible link between fluoride and cancer, with some studies finding that fluoridation may cause plates in the bone cells to grow faster, eventually forming tumors. However, more studies are needed to support this theory.
Fluoride has also been found to cause an increased risk of arthritis-like joint pain and stiffness, which may be diagnosed as arthritis, but is actually a symptom of low-grade fluoride poisoning. Additionally, fluoride has been linked to hypersensitivity of the skin, gastric distress, headaches and weakness.
One study has found that skeletal fluorosis may lead to abnormalities in the heart and cardiovascular disease. Plus, fluoride has been found to disrupt normal endocrine response and function.
⚙️ How a Fluoride Filter Works
The role of a fluoride filter is to trap fluoride in its media while allowing the water particles, which are much smaller, to pass through the filter. There are also filters that replace fluoride with another ion. This produces cleaner, fresher drinking water containing a much smaller amount of fluoride.
🔠 Water Filters That Remove Fluoride
Countertop fluoride filter
Countertop water filters are placed on your kitchen countertop and connected to your kitchen faucet or a power source.
Often, a countertop fluoride filter will contain a bone char activated carbon filter. This filter exchanges fluoride ions for hydroxide ions, greatly reducing the amount of fluoride in water.
Under sink fluoride filter
Under-sink water filters are connected to the cold water line underneath the kitchen sink. When you turn your faucet on, water flows through the filter and back into the pipe, where it comes out of the kitchen sink faucet.
Under sink water filters that remove fluoride usually consist of multiple filters, including a sediment filter and some form of carbon filter.
Distiller
A water distiller works by boiling water and evaporating it into steam, and condensing that steam back into liquid form. During the evaporation process, many contaminants – including fluoride – remain left behind in the boiling chamber.
The distillation process for 1 gallon of water takes between 4 and 6 hours in a countertop water distiller. But distillation is one of the most thorough and effective means of removing fluoride.
Faucet fluoride filter
Faucet water filters are small, compact filters that attach to the end of a kitchen faucet. When a faucet is turned on, water flows through the faucet, and then the filter, before coming out of the filter’s spout. The larger particles in the water become trapped in the filter media, leaving cleaner, purer water for drinking.
The majority of faucet water filters don’t reduce fluoride, so be sure to read a product’s description and reviews before committing to a purchase.
Filtered Pitcher
Water pitcher filters are the cheapest option for removing fluoride. To use, you simply fill the pitcher with water, then leave the water to pass through the filter (usually taking 10-20 minutes), which traps contaminants.
Again, not all water filter pitchers can effectively filter fluoride, so do your research carefully.
Reverse Osmosis
Some reverse osmosis filter units are positioned underneath a kitchen sink, and have the same exterior set-up of an under sink filter. They’re connected to the cold water line, filtering water that leaves your faucet. Other newer models sit on your countertop and don’t need a direct plumbing connection.
RO filters use a reverse osmosis membrane that reduces up to 99.9% of total dissolved solids (TDS). This makes it one of the most effective methods of removing fluoride.
💭 Other considerations when purchasing a fluoride water filter
Filter lifespan
Not all fluoride removal filters have the same lifespans. Some filters last 3 months, while others last a year. If you buy a product that has a lower up-front price, consider whether making double the number of filter replacements per year might make it more expensive in the long run.
You’ll know when your filter needs replacing as it’ll become much slower at filtering water, or it won’t work at all.
Other contaminants in water
Your main goal might be to remove fluoride from your water, but it’s always worth looking into the other contaminants that a fluoride removal filter can remove. Look for a water quality report for your local area, and note which contaminants are highest in your drinking water.
If your chlorine content is high, you may want to opt for a filter that is NSF certified for chlorine removal. The same goes for lead, VOCs, herbicides and pesticides, or BPA.
Investment (long term vs. short term)
Some different types of water filters, like reverse osmosis filters and water distillers, are very high in price. You might feel nervous at the thought of spending so much money upfront for any product – but the investment should always pay itself off over the years.
When you pay hundreds of dollars for a reverse osmosis filter, you’re investing in something that will last virtually forever (providing you treat it well and service it when needed). Faucet water filters, on the other hand, are much cheaper, but tend to become faulty after several years of use.
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know that a filter removes fluoride?
You will read it somewhere in the product description and manufacturer’s marketing. Some products may be certified to NSF Standard 53, the reduction of contaminants that are known to cause health effects. Filters without an NSF certification should ideally have third-party test results that prove fluoride reduction.
Is it dangerous to drink fluoride?
In small quantities, no, fluoride isn’t dangerous. However, you may prefer not to drink water containing fluoride for your own personal health reasons.
What types of filters remove fluoride?
The filters that can remove fluoride are bone char carbon filters, which remove around 60% of fluoride, reverse osmosis systems, which remove almost every single fluoride ion from water, and distillers, which reduce virtually 100% fluoride.
