7 Best Water Filters for Apartment Living of 2024

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In this best water filters for apartment living guide, we’ve reviewed 7 filters that are suitable for use in apartments and condos. We ranked these filters based on their most important factors from an apartment owner’s perspective, including ease of installation and use, maintenance and costs involved, certifications, and, of course, contaminants removed.

Which apartment water filter is best? In our 10+ years of testing water filters of all kinds, we’ve learned that the answer to this question is rarely straightforward. Some water filters are better than others based on affordability, features, and performance – but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different systems are often best for different people and situations, and picking out an apartment water filter should be a personal choice. 

It’s not easy, but with water filters costing from tens to hundreds of dollars, you want to get it right the first time around. So, using our combined 70 years of experience in the water treatment industry, we’ve meticulously researched, reviewed, compared, and shortlisted the best apartment water filter systems available today. You’ll find them all in this list. 

🥇 Best Apartment Water Filters

📊 Comparison Chart of Water Filter for Apartment Living

SystemRKIN U1
RKIN U1
AquaTru
AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis water filtration purification system
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
ProOne Big+
ProOne Big+ gravity-fed water filter
PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System
PUR Advanced Faucet Filtration System
Waterwise 4000 Water Distiller

Waterwise 4000 water distiller
Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle
Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle
Ranking1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th
Ratings5/55/55/54.5/54/54/54/5
Price$749.95$449.00+$90.00229.95+$48.95$449$58+
Contaminants Reduced99% all contaminants83+365+200+70+99% all contaminants220+
Certifications or TestingNSF 58 (in progress)NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473NSF 42, 53, 401 & 473NSF 42, 53, P231NSF 42, 53, 401NSF 42, 53 & 401
ProcessMechanical + Carbon + RO + Alkaline + Hydrogen infusionMechanical + RO + CarbonMechanical + Carbon + Ion ExchangeCeramic + CarbonCarbon + Ion ExchangeDistillationCarbon + Ion Exchange
Filter Capacity792 – 1,200 gallons600-1,200 gallons100 gallons1,000 - 1,200 gallons100 gallons6 gallons/ day25 gallons
Holding Capacity0.5 gallon0.75 gallons10 Cups2.25 gallons1 gallon20 or 32 ounces
Annual Cost~$100~$100~$150~$100~$100~$40$25 – $50
Warranty1 year1 yearLifetime1 year2 years1 yearLifetime

⭐️ Apartment Water Filter Reviews 2024

Specs

We were attracted by the U1’s unique perks, including filtered water temperature control, hydrogen infusion, and remineralization. With it being a reverse osmosis system, there were a few additional things for us to consider, including water production rate and efficiency ratio. Keep reading to get our take on these performance features as offered by the RKIN U1.

For apartment use, the thing that sold the U1 to us was that it requires virtually no installation. It was shipped to us partially assembled, and we were able to follow the instructions for the setup process in a matter of minutes. It measures 9.5 inches wide, 17 inches high, and 19 inches deep, making it small enough to fit on our kitchen counter underneath our shelf units. When we got the system for testing, it was around $575. So yes, it is a premium product, and it’s definitely intended for folks who have bigger budgets and want to invest in the most comprehensive apartment-friendly water purification solution. Our anticipated spend on filter replacements was $100-$150 a year. 

UpgradesPrice
2-Year Filter Bundle$290
Turntable $260

Best For:

Folks who are happy to pay a bit more for all the perks and conveniences of the best countertop reverse osmosis system’s numerous unique performance features.

What We Like:
  • Removes up to 99% of all contaminants
  • IAPMO tested performance
  • Adds minerals and hydrogen to water
  • Easy assembly & minimal installation
What We Don’t Like:
  • Costlier upfront & higher-maintenance
  • Wastes water
Brian holding the RKIN U1 from end to end

Reverse Osmosis + Unique Features

The RKIN U1 is a reverse osmosis system, which means it purifies water with a number of filtration stages: sediment and activated carbon filters, and a semi-permeable reverse osmosis membrane. The RO treatment process removes more contaminants than the typical water filtration process because the membrane has tiny pores that trap the majority of TDS. We’ve tested tens of reverse osmosis systems over the years, but something that excited us particularly about the RKIN U1 is that it has a few additional unique water treatment processes: an alkaline post-filter (most RO systems only offer this as an optional upgrade as an extra expense) and a hydrogen infusion filter (which is typically only offered on systems that cost thousands). We felt that these additional treatment stages gave the system the edge over others we tested and further improved the quality and taste of our purified water. 

The U1’s unique offerings go further than performance features, too. One of the most appealing aspects of using the system for us was the ability to select presets and custom water temperatures on the system’s smart display screen. We found it super helpful to be able to dispense water for our hot beverages without having to dispense it cold before boiling it ourselves, as with other systems. Plus, we could keep track of the system’s performance and didn’t have to make our own notes about filter changes thanks to the built-in TDS monitor and filter life indicator. The only slight setback of using the system was that we had to fill the tap water tank and empty the wastewater tanks regularly, as a result of it being a standalone unit rather than being hooked up to a water supply and drain line. 

Excellent Performance Features

We knew that reverse osmosis was one of the best purification methods, and we wanted to see for ourselves what the U1 was capable of. We tested the unit’s ability to remove contaminants from our water supply in Steamboat Springs, CO. In our before test, our water contained trace levels of fluoride, lead, uranium, zinc, copper, and fluoride – and the U1 effectively removed all these contaminants by 100%. It also reduced our water’s TDS by about 79.5%, from 112 to 23 mg/L, and gave our water a pure, fresh taste, with a nice mineral after-taste thanks to the remineralization post-filter. If you’re someone who feels more comfortable investing in a certified system, you’ll be pleased to know that the U1 already has IAPMO testing for the reduction of TDS, lead, PFOA and PFOS, fluoride, chromium 3, and chromium 6. The manufacturer is also in the process of obtaining an NSF certification for the unit. 

Below is a table displaying our third-party laboratory testing data for RKIN U1.

ContaminantMeasurementPre-FiltrationPost-Filtration% Change
BariumPPM0.0140.0087-37.86%
CalciumPPM23.93.6-84.94%
ChloridePPM9.20-100.00%
CopperPPM0.05250-100.00%
FluoridePPM1.50-100.00%
LeadPPM0.00090-100.00%
MagnesiumPPM6.080.39-93.59%
MolybdenumPPM0.00470-100.00%
Nitrate (as N)PPM2.10.2-90.48%
PhosphorusPPM1.10-100.00%
SodiumPPM9.911.2-87.89%
StrontiumPPM0.1082.422140.74%
SulfatePPM7.61.6-78.95%
Total Dissolved SolidsPPM11223-79.46%
UraniumPPM0.01820-100.00%
ZincPPM0.5590-100.00%

In terms of water flow, a lot of the systems we tested used slow-and-steady gravity filtration, but the U1’s 75 GPD water production rate meant that we didn’t have to wait too long to access purified water. Like all RO systems, the U1 does produce water waste during the purification process. However, its 1:1 efficiency ratio (meaning that 1 gallon of water is wasted for every 1 gallon purified) is much better than the average for a conventional system (1:4, meaning that for every gallon purified, 4 gallons of water are wasted).

In all, we thought the U1 was ideally suited for our apartment, with its slim design and its super convenient setup – and it offered a superior performance compared to any of the other systems we tested.  

Read the Full Review: RKIN U1 Countertop RO Filter Review


Specs

Out of the box, there were a few differences between this AquaTru system and the RKIN U1: the AquaTru only dispenses cold water (NOT hot), and it doesn’t produce negative ORP water like the RKIN U1, so it’s not as capable. Plus, it didn’t look quite as nice in our modern kitchen. We had four different models to choose from: 

  • The Classic (AquTru’s standard base model)
  • The Classic Connect (exactly the same as the Classic but with WiFi connection, which gives it the ability to share information on your water usage and filter life through an app)
  • The Alkaline Classic (the same as the Classic but with an all-in-one VOC and mineral-boost filter, rather than a simple VOC filter. We’ve reviewed this model here)
  • The Alkaline Connect (the Classic, but with WiFi compatibility and a VOC and mineral-boost filter)
AquaTru ConfigurationsInclusionsPrice
ClassicRO + VOC Filter$449
ConnectWifi RO + VOC Filter$499
Alkaline ClassicRO + Alkaline Boost VOC Filter$469
Alkaline ConnectWifi RO + Alkaline Boost VOC Filter$519

There’s only a $70 price difference between the lowest-cost model (Classic) and the highest-cost unit (Alkaline Connect), so if any of those extra features appeal to you, definitely consider the upgrade. We went for the Alkaline Classic because we don’t like the taste of RO water without the added minerals – it’s a bit flat. The cost of this model at the time of our review was $470, making it slightly more affordable than the U1. We worked out that we’d spend around $100 on annual filter changes.

Best For:

Folks who don’t want to pay for the RKIN U1, or don’t want quite so many fancy features and add-ons, but still want to enjoy the purest water from a convenient, no-install apartment water filter. 

What We Like:
  • IAMPO certified performance
  • Very good efficiency ratio – only wastes 1 gallon for every 4 gallons purified
  • Option to upgrade to WiFi models and remineralization filters
  • Another no-install apartment-friendly option
What We Don’t Like:
  • Remineralization isn’t included in the base model (it costs extra)
  • Also wastes water (although more efficient than the U1)
Brian pouring filtered water from Aquatru

Officially Performance Certified

As we mentioned, the AquaTru is a reverse osmosis system, like the U1, so our expectations were similar for performance and contaminant removal. But one of the main performance benefits of the AquaTru in our eyes was its IAPMO performance certification, which gave us much clearer expectations of exactly how the system could improve our water quality based on official testing. The unit holds certifications to NSF Standards 42, 53, 401, and P473, for its ability to reduce fluoride, copper, lead, barium, arsenic, chromium, nitrate, nitrite, radium overall TDS, and more (a total of 82 impurities).

Aquatru contaminants with possible health effects detection part 1
Aquatru contaminants with possible health effects detection part 2

The IAMPO certification definitely gave us more confidence that we were investing in a reliable system, rather than having to rely on the manufacturer’s claims or third-party performance testing. As with the U1, our purified water tasted clean, chemical-free, and with a slight mineral crispness (thanks to the remineralization VOC filter).  

Find our third-party laboratory testing data for AquaTru Countertop RO System in the table below.

ContaminantMeasurementPre-FiltrationPost-Filtration% Change
BariumPPM0.0140-100.00%
CalciumPPM23.90.7-97.07%
ChloridePPM9.20-100.00%
CopperPPM0.05250-100.00%
FluoridePPM1.50-100.00%
LeadPPM0.00090-100.00%
MagnesiumPPM6.080.36-94.08%
MolybdenumPPM0.00470-100.00%
Nitrate (as N)PPM2.10-100.00%
PhosphorusPPM1.10-100.00%
SodiumPPM9.910-100.00%
StrontiumPPM0.1080-100.00%
SulfatePPM7.60-100.00%
Total Dissolved SolidsPPM11212-89.29%
UraniumPPM0.01820-100.00%
ZincPPM0.5590-100.00%

High-Efficiency RO Purification

Appearance-wise, the AquaTru RO system is a little shorter but wider than the U1, with a 14-inch height, a 12-inch width, and a 14-inch depth. It’s also lighter than the U1, weighing just 16 pounds versus the U1’s 26 pounds. We don’t think these differences are super important given that most units are designed to sit on your kitchen countertop, but the measurements are still worth knowing before you buy. 

Let’s look at how the AquaTru compares to the RKIN U1 performance-wise. The obvious difference we noted was the unit’s 4:1 efficiency, meaning that it wastes just 1 gallon of water for every 4 gallons of water purified, which helped us to limit water waste compared to the U1. Still, as with the U1, manual tank filling and emptying was still a part of owning this system – just slightly less frequent. And accessing our purified water was slower with the AquaTru, which stores the water in a pressurized gravity tank. This essentially gave us access to our water at the same speed as a gravity water filter. The unit didn’t quite have the U1’s wow factor, but it still boasted a number of genuinely helpful features, including a digital display with filter lifespan readings. The WiFi Connect system also gives you insight into your water quality, consumption, and filter lifespan from your phone, which is pretty handy.

Read Our full AquaTru review


Specs

The Clearly Filtered pitcher is a much more simplistic alternative to the more complex multi-stage countertop RO systems we’d tested. This water filter pitcher uses just a single filter cartridge, which sits in a specially designed pitcher with two separate compartments: an unfiltered tap water top compartment and a filtered water bottom compartment. We identified the system as being ideal for our apartment because of its small size and easy setup (it doesn’t require an electricity connection, unlike the countertop RO systems). We had the opportunity to test the pitcher on our tap water in Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 

When we reviewed the pitcher, the cost with one filter included was $90. That’s around 5x cheaper than any of the RO systems we tested, which is mostly down to the system’s more basic design and not its performance. We noted that it was around $30 more expensive than other pitchers due to its ability to remove hundreds more contaminants than any of its competitors. A penny-saving purchase option is to upgrade to select Autoship, which brings the upfront pitcher cost down to $81 and auto-ships your replacement filters every 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 months (your choice) at a 10% discounted cost. With each filter’s lifespan being up to 100 gallons, we found that on average, our filters lasted around 14-15 weeks, and our estimated annual spend was around $140. 

BundlesPrice
Pitcher Only$90
Pitcher + 3 Pack$245
Pitcher + 6 Pack$395

Best For:

Anyone who’s looking for an affordable apartment water filtration system with a small footprint that won’t take up too much space – but doesn’t want to compromise on performance. 

What We Like:
  • Smaller, easier to use, and more portable than the U1 and AquaTru systems
  • Removes more contaminants than any other gravity water filter
  • One of the most affordable countertop filtration options
  • Doesn’t take up much side space & requires no plumbing connection or electricity
What We Don’t Like:
  • Doesn’t hold as much water, needs regular refills
  • 3-4-month filter lifespan isn’t as long as RO system filter lifespans
Brian pouring filtered water from Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

Simple Setup & Use

One of the advantages of most apartment-friendly filters is that they’re significantly easier to assemble and use than systems connected to your waterline – and this definitely applies to the Clearly Filtered Pitcher. We only had to assemble the pitcher, then prime the filter (made quick and easy thanks to the included priming bag) and attach it in place. As we’d anticipated, the filtration rate was pretty slow and steady, like any gravity filter. But we appreciated being able to pour from the jug once enough water had filtered to fill a glass, with no need to wait until the entire batch was filtered. Plus, we knew that the pitcher’s filtration media was complex, enabling it to remove hundreds of contaminants, and we would personally prefer to wait a bit longer in the knowledge that our water is having plenty of contact time with the media and more contaminants are being removed.

How does the CF pitcher compare to the U1 and AquaTru in terms of water holding capacity? We could filter around 80 ounces of water in the Clearly Filtered pitcher, while the AquaTru holds around 91 ounces and the U1 holds around 66 ounces. So, while the CF pitcher is a lot smaller and can be carried from one surface to another, we were actually refilling it at a similar rate to the RO systems we tested. 

Removes 365+ Contaminants

Focusing on contaminant removal, the Clearly Filtered pitcher isn’t a reverse osmosis system, so we knew it wouldn’t treat our water quite as thoroughly as the U1 or AquaTru systems. That said, a big reason why we were so keen to review this system was because it has been tested to remove more contaminants than any other pitcher on the market, including many of the other pitchers we’ve tested (PUR, Brita, ZeroWater, and so on).  

We checked out the test data on Clearly Filtered’s website, which gives a detailed rundown of exactly what the pitcher has been tested to remove, and by what percentage. Listed contaminants included chlorine and chloramine, (99.9%), VOCs (99.9%),  PFAS (99.9%), pharmaceuticals (99.9%), and lead (99.5%). Reassuringly for us, the filter now also holds a WQA certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 42, for the reduction of aesthetic contaminants, and 53, for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS. Our water tasted cleaner and more refreshing, but it didn’t have the flat taste of RO water and remineralization wasn’t required because the CF filter retained the natural minerals in our tap water. 

Read the full review: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher Review


Specs

Like the Clearly Filtered pitcher, the ProOne Big+ is a gravity system. There were a couple of obvious differences we noted between the two, aside from their contaminant removal (the Clearly Filtered pitcher has been tested to remove 100+ additional contaminants): the ProOne Big+ is made from stainless steel, not plastic, and has around 3.5x the storage capacity of the CF pitcher. So it’s a great choice for folks who want an easy-use, plastic-free, no-electricity apartment water filtration solution that needs fewer refills. 

When we got the Big+, we had the option to choose 1, 2, or 3 filters with the unit. The only difference was performance speed – the more filters in the unit, the more water could be filtered at once. We went for the 2-filter model (priced at around $290 – not bad given that the filters last around 9-18 months) for our apartment, but if you have a big family, you might prefer the 3-filter unit. On average, we expected we’d spend less than $100 annually on filter replacements, making the Big+ one of the more affordable long-term solutions we tested. 

ProOne Big+ OptionsPrice (Polished)Price (Brushed)
1 G2.07 Filter Element$229.95$239.95
2 G2.07 Filter Element$289.95$299.95
3 G2.09 Filter Element$369.95$379.95

Best For:

People looking for the best standalone apartment water filter unit that has a high water-holding capacity but is still easily portable due to its gravity filtration process.

What We Like:
  • Removes 200+ contaminants
  • No plumbing or electricity connections required
  • Also treats non-potable water
  • Third-party performance tested
What We Don’t Like:
  • Bigger than the other countertop units we reviewed (just under 23 inches tall), so it won’t fit on the countertop underneath your kitchen units
  • No official certifications for contaminant removal
Brian next to ProOne Gravity Filter

High-Capacity Gravity Filter

The ProOne Big+ stood out for us because of two combined reasons. First, like the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher, it didn’t need an electricity connection, which made it even more convenient for setup because we could put it wherever we had free counter space – great for folks in apartments with limited available surface space. Plus, its high water storage capacity meant that we could fill it less frequently than any of the other water filtration systems we’d reviewed so far, saving us a bit of effort. The unit works like most gravity filters we’ve tested: we added unfiltered tap water to the top chamber, and it gradually filtered down through the filters and into the bottom chamber, with the contaminants being trapped in the filter media along the way.

The rate of water production exceeded our expectations given that the system uses gravity rather than sending water quickly through the filters with a pump. We went for two 7-inch G2.0 filters, and that gave us a water flow of around 0.5 gallons per hour. What worked best for us was filing the unit in the morning and dispensing water as and when we needed it, then topping up around midday (give or take, depending on our water usage). 

Independently Tested Performance

We always look for proof of performance when we’re researching any type of water filter, and we were pleased to see that the ProOne Big+ has been independently tested to NSF Standards 42, 53, P231, P401, and P473 to reduce 200+ contaminants, including lead, arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, pharmaceutical drugs, and inorganic minerals (read the datasheet here). Unlike many of the other stainless steel countertop water filters, the Big+ doesn’t need a separate fluoride filter – its main G2.0 filter removes fluoride and arsenic 3 & 5, as proven by our own testing. While we know most folks will want this system for apartment use only, we were also impressed to learn that the Big+ can also be used to treat natural water sources, so you could take it on a camping or RV trip and use it just the same as you do at home. 

We were able to test the Big+ on our water in Steamboat Springs, CO, which had trace amounts of lead, aluminum, fluoride, copper, and manganese.

Proone lead and manganese detection using city water test
Proone aluminum, fluoride, and copper detection using city water test

The system exceeded our expectations, addressing 100% of these impurities. Our water also contained two types of disinfection byproducts – THMs and chloroform – which the Big+ reduced by around 50%. If you prefer official certifications, this system doesn’t have any for performance, but it does have an NSF certification for its component quality. We’re hoping ProOne makes the jump and gets an official performance certification soon. 

Below is a table of our third party laboratory testing data for the ProOne Big+.

ContaminantMeasurementPriming WaterTest 1 Pre-FiltrationTest 1 Post-Filtration% ReductionTest 2 Pre-FiltrationTest 2 Post-Filtration% Reduction
AluminumPPMND0.0520-100.00%0.030-100.00%
BariumPPM0.02650.01270.0275116.54%NDNDND
BromodichloromethanePPB0.0028900.00319n/aNDNDND
CalciumPPM35.18.819.3119.32%NDNDND
ChloridePPM14.46.98.320.29%NDNDND
ChloroformPPB0.01410.03520.0155-55.97%NDNDND
CobaltPPM0.0013NDNDNDNDNDND
CopperPPM0.04240.04340-100.00%NDNDND
E. coliCFU/100mlNDNDNDND150-100.00%
EnterococcusCFU/100mlNDNDNDND40-100.00%
FluoridePPM0.10.10-100.00%NDNDND
IronPPMNDNDNDND0.10.02-80.00%
LeadPPM0.00090.00060-100.00%NDNDND
MagnesiumPPM10.62.197.91261.19%NDNDND
ManganesePPMND0.0010-100.00%0.020-100.00%
PhosphorusPPMNDNDNDND0.010.212000.00%
PotassiumPPM1.9101.27n/aNDNDND
SodiumPPM12.510.414.236.54%NDNDND
StrontiumPPM0.1930.0620.09858.06%NDNDND
SulfatePPM24.11016.969.00%42.2927.4-35.21%
Total ColiformCFU/100mlNDNDNDND750-100.00%
Total THMsPPB0.016990.03520.01869-46.90%NDNDND

👉 Read our full ProOne Big Plus review


Specs

To be completely transparent, we haven’t always had the best experience with faucet filters in the past due to their poor design quality and somewhat basic performance. But the PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System was so much better than the other water filtration systems we’d tested, with a quality build and an official IWQA and NSF certification to reduce or remove more than 70 harmful contaminants – that’s over 7x the number of contaminants removed by the average faucet water filter. 

We got the PUR Plus Faucet Filter in the horizontal configuration when it was priced at just under $49, making it the most affordable system of all those we tried on this list. So it’s ideal for folks who want an apartment water filter for less than $50 – but why exactly is it cheaper than the rest? We determined that it’s mostly down to capacity and design – the filter’s lifespan of up to 3 months is shorter than others, and, while excellent for a system of its kind, the filter cartridge doesn’t remove anywhere near as many contaminants as reverse osmosis systems or the even Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher. On average, our expected annual spend on replacement filters is $100, based on how long the filters lasted with our own personal use (just over 10 weeks).

Best For:

Folks who are budget-conscious and don’t want to spend a fortune on a capable, compact apartment water filtration system with a certified performance.  

What We Like:
  • Performance-certified by NSF and WQA
  • Better contaminant removal than any other faucet-mounted water filters we’ve tested
  • 5-minute install that’s non-invasive and suitable for rentals
  • Good flow rate
What We Don’t Like:
  • Only compatible with traditional faucets
  • Filter needs replacing frequently
Brian holding the PUR faucet mount filter

Filters Cold Water From Your Faucet

The PUR Plus faucet filter was the first apartment-friendly filter we tried that required some level of basic installation, rather than simply being assembled on our countertop. We initially couldn’t test this filter at all due to having a sprayer faucet – while the filter came with three adaptors, it can only fit standard faucets. We could only install the system after we moved to a new apartment with a conventional faucet, and then the installation process couldn’t have been easier: we simply removed our faucet aerator and screwed the filter housing onto the end of the spout. We were done in less than 5 minutes.  

If you’re renting an apartment, you might have thought that your only option was to use a separate countertop water filter rather than being able to filter the water from your kitchen faucet. But, unlike an under-sink water filter, the PUR Plus Faucet Filter doesn’t require a permanent install, making it suitable for apartments. We appreciated being able to filter our water on demand whenever we wanted to, rather than having to make sure that a countertop unit was topped up with water. We found the filter super-easy to use: we just turned on our faucet and waited for cold water to flow through the filter and into our glass. We were able to divert water through the filter or straight out of our faucet depending on whether we wanted hot water for washing dishes or cold water for drinking, which meant we were only using the filter when necessary to help prolong its lifespan (hot water is damaging to the filter media too).

Performance-wise, the PUR Plus system exceeded our expectations from the moment we learned that it has official WQA and NSF certifications to Standards 42, 53 & 401 for its ability to reduce lead, volatile organic compounds, mercury, pesticides, chlorine, disinfection byproducts, and more (70 contaminants in Although the system hasn’t been tested to remove hundreds of contaminants, as with a reverse osmosis system or the Clearly Filtered pitcher, it still targeted all the contaminants we were concerned about in our water, and we noticed an improvement in our water taste and quality post-filtration. 


Specs

Unlike the other water treatment systems for apartments we’ve featured in this guide, the Waterwise 4000 isn’t a water filter system – it’s a water distiller. That means it doesn’t use filter cartridges and has a different design to the other systems on this list: it has two separate containers, one where the actual distillation process takes place, and one that catches the distilled water, ready for drinking. It’s still a great choice for apartments because it can be assembled on any free counter space near an electricity connection – no permanent plumbing changes needed. 

At the time of our review, the Waterwise 4000 cost just under $370, so it’s on the pricier side for a point-of-use system. That said, there are definitely money-saving benefits to be had, which you won’t get with systems that use physical filter cartridges. We could run the Waterwise again and again without having to worry about changing any filters – we just had to clean the boiling tank, which we could do with a dedicated descaler or a simple white vinegar solution. Optionally, we could pay for a 6-pack of replacement activated carbon filters for the spout. This filter isn’t essential, depending on your water quality – it traps contaminants that might be able to vaporize and condense with the water molecules, like some VOCs. Our anticipated annual cost was less than $40.

Best For:

Folks who prefer the reduced maintenance and thorough water purification perks of a water distiller and are specifically looking for a unit that’s space-saving and apartment-friendly. 

What We Like:
  • Easy setup & simple to use
  • Purifies water – eliminates most impurities
  • Lower-maintenance than water filters
  • Affordable running costs
What We Don’t Like:
  • Takes a long time to purify water
  • Leaves water tasting flat due to its lack of minerals and salts

Countertop Water Purification

Aside from reverse osmosis, distillation is a top method of water purification. We knew that some folks would want to purify their apartment tap water without the water waste and filter change requirements of a reverse osmosis system, so we set out to find a water distiller that was the most suitable for apartments. With its compact, space-saving design, easy-clean components, and ability to produce pure, clean water, the Waterwise 4000 was our top pick in this category. The unit is just 15 inches tall and has a 9-inch diameter (about the size of a large coffee maker), so it’s a good option if space is lacking and a tall countertop water filter won’t do.

In up to 4 hours, the Waterwise 4000 produces 1 gallon of steam-distilled water. Water is heated until it vaporizes in the boiling chamber (electricity is required for this process), and the water vapor is carried into a separate cooling corridor, where it exits the main distiller unit and collects in the 1-gallon glass collection pitcher. You might think that 4 hours for 1 gallon is a long time, but this is pretty standard for a water distiller. Unfortunately, there’s no speeding up the distillation process, so this is something to keep in mind when you’re determining whether this unit offers the best solution for your situation. 

What kinds of contaminants can this system remove? While Waterwise doesn’t share a list of contaminants that the 4000 Distiller has been specifically tested to target, the distillation process works the same regardless of the water distiller you use, and our research and testing tells us that everything from chlorine and lead to bacteria, nitrates and water hardness minerals are removed by this filtered water solution. You don’t just get a filtered tap water supply with the Waterwise 4000 – your water should be as close as possible to being completely purified. That means it doesn’t contain any impurities, so it’s safe to drink and use for any purpose around your home.


Specs

Clearly Filtered also sells glass and plastic bottle filters, but the stainless steel bottles are our personal favorite because we appreciate the fact that stainless steel is definitely BPA-free, and it’s sturdy and tough enough to withstand daily use (including the occasional accidental drop!). 

There were two sizes available to us at the time of our review: 20 ounces and 32 ounces. We chose the bigger 32-ounce bottle (costing just over $68) because we preferred the slightly larger 1-liter water holding capacity, which meant we wouldn’t need to refill it as often. If you prefer a smaller, lighter bottle that takes less space, the 20-ounce version (costing just under $60) is worth considering instead. Filters last up to 25 gallons on average, which is equal to around 6 months – impressive given their size and contaminant removal abilities. We estimated that we’d only be spending around $25-$50 on filter changes, making this Clearly Filtered bottle another great affordable filtration solution for long-term use. 

LifeStraw Go OptionsPrice
BPA-Free 22 oz$44.95
2 Pack- BPA-Free 22 oz$75.95
BPA-Free 1L$49.95
2 Pack- BPA-Free 1L$84.95
Stainless Steel 18 oz$49.95
Stainless Steel 24 oz$59.95
Stainless Steel 1L$64.95

Best For: 

Anyone looking for a personal apartment water filter with a basic design but comprehensive filtration process that they can easily take from room to room or even beyond their home. 

What We Like: 
  • Removes 220+ contaminants
  • Two bottle sizes to choose from
  • BPA-free stainless steel keeps water cold
  • Long filter lifespan
What We Don’t Like: 
  • Sipping from the straw takes effort
  • Filter design means bottle can only be used with straw
Features of the clearly filtered water bottle

Personal Apartment Filtration Solution

As a water bottle filter, this Clearly Filtered offering has some obvious benefits for apartments: it doesn’t need to be installed anywhere in your home, so you can easily take it from room to room and there’s no risk of violating rental terms. Plus, with its 20 or 32-ounce capacity and a small, slim design, it takes up far less counter space than any of the other systems we’ve reviewed here, and it’s small enough to take with you as a personal filtration solution beyond your apartment. The bottle’s stainless steel exterior also meant that our water stayed cold for longer while we were out and about. 

The bottle has a filter built into the straw – the idea is to sip through the straw to send water up through the filter and into your mouth. In our personal testing, we found that this took more effort than sucking a standard straw, but this wasn’t a deal breaker for us. Given that the bottle has a relatively small water holding capacity, we’d recommend it for personal use – it’d be more convenient if each member of your family had their own.

Clearly Filtered’s third-party test results for the Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle are incredibly promising: the filter has been tested to NSF Standards 42, 53, and 401, to reduce 220 contaminants, including >99.3% lead, >99.2% pharmaceuticals, >99.5% chlorine, plus fluoride, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, VOCs, and more. While our own water supply didn’t contain every single one of these contaminants, it was reassuring to know that if we encountered them in our local public water supply, the CF filter would effectively reduce them. 


📚 Methodology: How We Shortlisted & Tested The Best Apartment Water Filters

We used the following ranking factors when testing, comparing, and shortlisting the best apartment water filters in this guide:

  • Water Quality: First off, we considered our own apartment water quality and how we wanted to improve it with a water treatment solution. We’ve tested our water supply more times than we can count, so we know which contaminants we need to be concerned about. If you haven’t already, we recommend that you get your water tested to learn exactly what you’re dealing with, and what type of filter you’d benefit from most. Proper testing will give you a breakdown of everything your water contains.
  • Filter Type: Before we settled on a specific system, we wanted to know exactly what filtration technologies and types were available to us, so we could determine which types of filters were suitable for which situations. We identified the following systems as being suitable for apartment use:
    • Gravity-fed countertop filters, which are capable of holding high volumes of water but don’t require an invasive installation. You simply set them up on your preferred countertop, click the filters in place, and you’re good to go.
    • Countertop RO filters, which use an electric pump to send water through multiple filtration stages. These countertop filters are more expensive due to their ability to purify water, and have a wastewater tank that needs to be emptied regularly.
    • Water filter pitchers, which we identified as being an affordable low-commitment option. They’re smaller than countertop filters, so they’re better for apartments with limited side space, or for folks who want a filtration solution that can be transported from one room to another. 
    • Faucet systems. These filters attach directly to the end of your kitchen faucet. We identified these as being ideal for apartment use because they don’t require a permanent change in your water pipes but they’re the only filters on this list that give you the convenience of filtered water straight from your faucet.
    • Water distillers, which are electricity-using countertop water purification systems that offer a lower-maintenance alternative to reverse osmosis countertop systems. 
    • Filtered water bottles, which offer one of the best on-the-go filtering options. These filtration systems look like a typical water bottle, but contain a filter inside, usually built into the straw. We identified these as being ideal for folks who want a personal apartment water filter solution that can also be taken on the go. 
  • Contaminants removed: We knew that apartment owners would ideally be looking for a water filter that could remove as many contaminants as possible, so contaminant removal was our main ranking factor when selecting and shortlisting the filters in this guide. Different water filtration systems have different designs – and that means they each remove a different spectrum of contaminants. It’s pretty much a given that a water filtration system will remove chlorine and lead, with these being two of the most common impurities. Some offer a more thorough filtration than others, offering a better value for money. We thoroughly researched the different filter categories for our guide and made a note of those that removed more contaminants than their competitors. 
  • System Portability: We noted that portability was one of the most important features of a water filter system for apartments. Not only was it essential that the system wasn’t tethered to a water supply line in a way that could violate rental terms, but having a portable water filtration system that you can take with you from home to home is convenient for apartment rental situations. When shortlisting the filters for this guide, we focused predominantly on systems that required only an electricity connection, or used gravity filtration, eliminating the need for an invasive install.  
  • Physical Size: While our aim was to find apartment filters that were smaller in size, we knew that different living situations would determine the most suitable filter system size, so we kept our options diverse. For larger families living in apartments with more space, we looked for higher-capacity countertop filter systems that would require fewer refills. For apartments with limited side space, we reviewed smaller-capacity filters or those that took up no space at all, like faucet water filters. 
  • Performance Testing/Certifications: Certifications are the easiest way for manufacturers to prove to customers that their water filters perform as advertised. Since official certifications (e.g. NSF/ANSI, WQA, IAPMO) are the best proof of contaminant removal, we prioritized certified filters when selecting the systems for this guide. For folks who don’t think certifications are absolutely essential, our next priority was systems that had been third-party tested to NSF/ANSI Standards by an accredited laboratory. 
  • Installation & Maintenance: One of our favorite features of the apartment water filters we tested was that they didn’t require installation at all, and could simply be assembled and put to use in a matter of minutes. We only needed basic DIY skills to assemble or install the systems in this guide. Maintenance was a bit more varied – it depended on the number of filters in the system we were testing, as well as the filter capacity and lifespan. Most systems we tested needed a filter replacement at least once or twice a year. 
  • Budget/Costs Involved: On average, the water filters for apartments that we reviewed cost between $50 and $500. We noted that price depended on the system type, size, filtration complexity, and design. Rather than looking for the cheapest systems possible, we aimed to source the systems that offered the best value for money given their features and contaminants removed. We also compared annual costs when shortlisting our selected apartment-friendly filters, and determined that the average cost per year on replacement filters was $40-$160.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to filter water in an apartment?

The best way to filter water in an apartment depends on your budget and the contaminants you want to remove. If you can stretch your budget for the most thorough water purification solution, go for a countertop reverse osmosis system. Unlike under-sink filters, countertop RO systems are apartment-friendly because they don’t need to be connected to your plumbing, so they don’t violate rental terms. If you want a more affordable alternative, go for a water filter pitcher like the Clearly Filtered pitcher, which removes hundreds of contaminants and offers the convenience of portability. 

Can you put a water filter system in an apartment?

Yes, you can put a water filter system in an apartment, even if you’re renting and you can’t make any permanent changes to your plumbing. You can still consider faucet-mounted filters and various different types of countertop water filters, even if an under-sink filtration system isn’t an option for you. 

Can you install a reverse osmosis filter in an apartment?

Yes, you can install a reverse osmosis filter in an apartment, but if you’re renting, you probably won’t be allowed to install an under-sink water filter system. Our advice is to go for a countertop RO system, which offers the same performance benefits without the need for permanent changes to your plumbing. 

How do I filter all the water in my apartment?

If you want to filter all the water in your apartment (including the water that’s delivered throughout your plumbing system and to all your fixtures and appliances), you need a whole-house filter. However, if you rent, it’s essential to check that you can legally make this permanent change to your plumbing before you buy a POE water filtration system. Be sure to have a discussion with your landlord before you spend your money.

🤓 About Our Experts

Brian Campbell, WaterFilterGuru.com’s Founder and Water Filter Specialist, and Jennifer Byrd, Water Treatment Specialist, put in the hours of research and testing required for this guide. You can learn more about Brian and Jennifer in the author bio below.

  • 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.

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