What Are the Best Countertop Water Filters?

Clean drinking water is a fundamental need. You might be surprised by just how much water we need to drink to stay healthy. However, many people lack access to it, and you may be one of them, even if you don’t realise it. Tap water is often contaminated with everything from rust to sediment. A high-quality, long-lasting filter is an easy fix, but hundreds are on the market. What are the best countertop water filters?

The Unfiltered Truth About Tap Water

Some cities are infamous for water quality problems. Flint, Michigan, in the US, is an excellent example. However, these issues often go unnoticed, and they are more common than you may realise. The tap water you use for washing dishes, boiling food and drinking might be contaminated. 

According to National Geographic, around 90% of the people in the United States get tap water from public utility providers. While regulators are strict about minimising contaminant levels, things slip through the cracks. Whether due to a lack of funding or oversight, some public water treatment plants don’t clean their water effectively. 

As a result, unsafe and even illegal amounts of pollutants are often present in drinking water. Moreover, there are numerous unregulated substances, compounding the problem. Forever chemicals — harmful, long-lasting human-made compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — are a good example. 

Experts believe tap water is heavily contaminated with forever chemicals, even though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits two particularly toxic and common types — PFOS and PFOA — to 0.02 parts per trillion and 0.004 parts per trillion, respectively.  This is because some 12,000 types are unregulated. Also, it doesn’t mandate nationwide testing for PFAS.

If you’re concerned about these and other toxins, you may be wondering what is the best system for removing lead from drinking water to improve your home’s water quality.

Why Bottled Water Isn’t Much Better

Like many people, you may think switching to bottled water is better. However, research shows it is just as bad, if not worse. One report — one of the largest, most accurate studies on the topic to date — found approximately 100,000 plastic particles per litre of bottled water, most of which are nanoplastics. This is two to three times more than previously reported. 

These findings raise health concerns because nanoplastics are considerably smaller than microplastics. Since they are tiny and don’t degrade naturally, they will remain in your body for a lifetime. They can even cross the blood-brain barrier, which has largely unknown — but presumably bad — neurological effects.

You may still be willing to risk it since nanoplastics sound safer than heavy metals and forever chemicals. However, bottled water may have the same impurities since it comes from the same place. 

In the US, there’s an ongoing lawsuit accusing Nestle of defrauding consumers by knowingly mislabeling its Poland Spring water as “natural spring water,” for example. The plaintiffs allege it bottles common groundwater and even pond water while claiming to use a natural spring — one that dried up before it bought the Poland Spring brand. Even if you do your due diligence, inaccurate labels and loose regulations complicate things. How can you ensure your tap water is clean and safe?

Some people prefer the purity of distilled water for this very reason. Here’s a look at the benefits of drinking distilled water and why it might be worth considering, or read on for a look at water filtration.

Home Water Filtration Is Worth It

In the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1.1 million people in the United States fall ill annually from germs in drinking water, which averages out to one in every 300 individuals. Even more experience lasting health effects from long-term exposure to harmful contaminants that build up in their system. 

You can avoid this fate with an effective water filtration system. While you may be tempted to get a simple water filter pitcher, countertop machines work best — they are more effective at trapping potentially harmful compounds.

Besides, according to Anna Reade, a senior scientist and the director of PFAS advocacy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, it could even release contaminants back into the water if you let it sit for too long. Frankly, they are cheap for a reason. You are better off with the best countertop water filters, which will eliminate almost all common impurities. 

The 7 Best Countertop Water Filters

An effective filtration system should remove the most common organic and inorganic substances with a multistage filter. Ideally, it should last a long time and be easy to replace. With these factors in mind, what are the best countertop water filters?

1. Aqualuxe 

Aqualuxe by Multipure is an advanced water filtration system backed by cutting-edge technology, science and engineering. It removes around 105 potentially harmful contaminants while leaving healthful, naturally occurring minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium untouched. 

The countertop kit includes a dual-hose diverter valve that connects the system to your sink faucet. This way, you can switch between filtered and unfiltered water as needed. Since water flows directly from your tap, you don’t need to constantly refill a tank. 

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.75 GPM	N/A	500 gallons	8.46 pounds (with filter)	Lifetime warranty

What Makes It the Best?

This model has a nanomesh filter that removes microscopic and nanoscale contaminants and impurities. Thanks to the quick-change cartridge design, you can replace it in under 30 seconds. It filters up to 500 gallons of water, reducing 99.7% of lead, 97.5% of chlorine, 99.8% of microplastics, 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses. 

An independent, rigorous testing regimen — NSF/ANSI 42, 53, P231 and Standard 401 certifications — backs every Multipure machine. The company trusts in its products so much that it provides a 90-day money-back guarantee. Undoubtedly, this is the best countertop water filter on the market.

2. Aquapremier

Aquapremier is another Multipure product. The countertop kit is assembled the same way, so you don’t have to worry about refilling a water tank. It reduces harmful contaminants, pharmaceuticals, forever chemicals, disinfection byproducts and bacteria, making it among the best countertop water filters money can buy. 

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.75 GPM	N/A	340 gallons	9.6 pounds (with filter)	Lifetime warranty

What Makes It the Best?

Aquapremier has the same certifications and quick-change nanomesh filter as Aqualuxe, but it is more affordable because it has a smaller capacity and a different design. This is your best option if you are on a budget but want a high-end countertop water filter. If you are unsure, you can take advantage of the 90-day money-back guarantee to convince yourself.  

Financing through Sezzle is a great option if you want it but can’t pay upfront. Seeing whether you are eligible takes seconds and does not affect your credit score in the slightest. You can make four interest-free payments every two weeks or spread the payments out over 48 months. 

3. SMART Countertop Water Filter System

Over 1 million people have used Crystal Quest products. Its countertop water filters are particularly popular because they can connect to any kitchen faucet and be installed in seconds. A diverter valve switches between unfiltered and filtered water so you don’t use the filter when you don’t want to. 

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.50 GPM	N/A	10,000 gallons	4 pounds	One-year limited warranty

What Makes It the Best?

The SMART filter contains micron filter pads, catalytic carbon GAC, granulated activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange resin, Eagle Redox Alloy 9500, Eagle Redox Alloy 6500, and a ceramic and tourmaline layer. When water flows through, it reduces inorganic substances, chlorine, pharmaceutical byproducts, pesticides and heavy metals.

You can add a carbon block filter to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like insecticides and industrial solvents. The third cartridge add-on filters sediment, dirt, silt and sand, trapping particles larger than 5 microns. Together, they extend your system’s lifespan. 

4. A1 RO Hot Cold Dispenser

The A1 reverse osmosis (RO) hot and cold water dispenser from Waterdrop doesn’t connect to your faucet. However, it has a huge 136-ounce water feed tank and a 34-ounce ice water tank. It may not be portable, but you can get hot or ice-cold water on demand. It can reach 41 or 203 degrees Fahrenheit within seconds.

It resembles a coffee maker. You place your cup under the automated pour spigot and then select the temperature and amount of ounces you want using the smart OLED display. It tracks total dissolved solids (TDS), so you can see how clean your water is in real time.

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.07 GPM	1.55 gallons	CF: 500 gallonsRO: 1,100 gallons	38.5 pounds	One-year warranty

What Makes It the Best?

The seven-stage filtration process consists of nonwoven fabric, activated carbon, a scale inhibitor, an RO membrane, cotton, a precarbon block and dual ultraviolet sterilization. It reduces TDS, chlorine, PFOA/PFOS, heavy metals, sediment and chromium. It is NSF/ANSI 372 certified, meaning it reduces at least 20 contaminants and 1,000 impurities. 

This machine is designed for families of six. It has a huge water tank. It is a plug-and-play system, meaning you only need to fill it and plug it in to start using it. When it comes time to replace the filter, you can switch it in seconds. 

5. AquaTru Classic

Since AquaTru’s classic model does not connect to your faucet, you do not have to worry about plumbing or a complex installation process. The countertop unit has a pour spigot on the front and a water tank in the back. It weighs 17 pounds before you fill it, so it is not portable. However, it doesn’t take up much space.

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.04 GPM	0.75 gallons	RO: 1,200 gallonsVOC: 600 gallons	17 pounds	One-year warranty

What Makes It the Best?

In the four-stage RO system, water flows through a prefilter, carbon filter, RO filter and VOC filter. It captures inorganic chemicals, rust, sediment and forever chemicals, leaving pure drinking water. This patented technology is 80% more efficient than traditional RO. It reduces 84 contaminants, including fluoride, chloramines, lead, microplastics and chromium.

While the filters are long-lasting, you must change them at different times, which can be inconvenient. However, the maintenance is worth it for peace of mind. For reference, around 98% of AquaTru customers agree their drinking water is cleaner and safer.

6. 80,000-Gallon Countertop Water Filter System

Crystal Quest’s 80,000-gallon water filter system has a 24-inch stainless steel housing, making it almost twice as tall as its 10,000-gallon counterpart. It connects directly to your kitchen faucet and sits on your counter for water on demand. It can withstand temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.50 GPM	N/A	80,000 gallons	10 pounds	One-year limited warranty

What Makes It the Best?

According to the U.S. EPA, the average household in the United States uses over 300 gallons of water daily, roughly 20% of which comes from the faucet. Annually, this adds up to around 21,900 gallons. Based on that data, you could get almost four years of use out of this 80,000-gallon filter. The flow rate may slow down as it reaches its end-of-life stage, but it will still be effective.

The single cartridge model uses a SMART filter. You can add carbon and sediment filters to extend your system’s lifespan and improve efficiency. The optional washable prefiltration cartridges are compatible with all countertop setups. 

7. 30-Cup Ready-Pour Dispenser

The 30-cup ready-pour dispenser from Zero Water features a convenient push-to-pour spigot on the front. While it doesn’t connect directly to the faucet, it has one of the largest reservoirs you can get, so refills shouldn’t be tedious. 

Product Specifications 

Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Weight	Warranty
0.001 GPM	1.875 gallons	8 to 40 gallons	5.21 pounds (portable)	30 and 90-day warranties

What Makes It the Best?

This filtered dispenser is relatively light, so you can move it around your counter or keep it in your fridge. While it is relatively slow and small compared to the other options on this list, it is bigger and better than many similar alternatives.

The five-stage filter comprises a mesh screen, foam distributor, granulated activated carbon layer, ion-exchange resin and ultrafine mesh screen. It removes organic and inorganic compounds for better clarity and taste. It is NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified, proving it reduces at least two dozen contaminants. 

Comparing the Best Countertop Filters

Now that you know what the best countertop water filters are, you need to decide which one meets your needs. Consider factors like flow rate, filter capacity and housing, which affect how long you can go between filter replacements and how durable your machine is. If you have a larger family or use a lot of water, a higher capacity will save you money in the long run.

Product	Flow Rate	Tank Capacity	Filter Capacity	Housing
Aqualuxe Countertop Filter System	0.75 GPM	N/A	500 gallons	Stainless steel
Aquapremier Countertop Filter System	0.75 GPM	N/A	340 gallons	Stainless steel housing with an acrylic base
SMART Countertop Water Filter System	0.50 GPM	N/A	10,000 gallons	BPA-free plastic or stainless steel
Waterdrop A1 RO Hot Cold Water Dispenser	0.07 GPM	1.55 gallons	CF: 500 gallonsRO: 1,100 gallons	Plastic
AquaTru Classic Countertop Water Dispenser	0.04 GPM	0.75 gallons	RO: 1,200 gallonsVOC: 600 gallons	Plastic
80,000-Gallon Countertop Water Filter System	0.50 GPM	N/A	80,000 gallons	Stainless steel
30-Cup Ready-Pour Dispenser	0.001 GPM	1.875 gallons	8 to 40 gallons	Plastic

Whichever option you choose, don’t forget there are easy ways to improve the taste of your water so you’re more likely to stay hydrated every day.

Alternative Ways to Purify Water at Home

In addition to the countertop filters already covered, there are several other effective ways to clean drinking water at home. These methods are used globally and can be especially useful if you want more control over the quality of your water or if you’re concerned about tap water safety.

In our own home, we use both a Berkey gravity-fed filter and a Megahome water distiller, which gives us the option of drinking either filtered or distilled water depending on the situation. We’ve trusted these methods for years, and both systems are excellent at reducing a wide range of contaminants. We’ve had our Megahome water distiller since 2018—discover why it still works hard in our full Megahome distiller review, packed with real results.

Reverse osmosis is another highly effective method. It works by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane that traps most dissolved solids, fluoride, heavy metals and other impurities. Many under-sink systems use this technology, although they typically require installation and can produce waste water as part of the process.

Distillation, like we use at home, involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which leaves behind most contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals and microplastics. While this method takes time and uses electricity, it produces very pure water and can give peace of mind if you’re unsure about what’s in your tap supply.

Gravity-fed filters such as Berkey systems don’t require electricity or plumbing. They use powerful carbon and specialty filters to remove over 200 common contaminants, including chlorine, lead, pesticides and some pathogens. They’re portable, reliable, and ideal for everyday use or emergencies.

Other methods include activated carbon filters, often found in jug-style systems or tap attachments. These are good for reducing chlorine, odours and some basic contaminants, though they don’t offer the same level of purification as distillation or reverse osmosis. Ceramic filters are also available, particularly in travel or outdoor filtration systems, and can help remove bacteria and sediment.

Each method has its strengths, so the best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle and concerns. Many people find that using more than one method—like we do with our Berkey and Megahome—offers the most flexibility and confidence in the water they’re drinking.

Final Word on How To Choose the Best Countertop Water Filter 

Choosing between the best countertop water filters is relatively easy if you estimate your tap water usage. All of these options are proven to remove numerous contaminants. However, only some have multiple certifications. The best models filter out harmful compounds while leaving healthful natural minerals untouched. Whatever you decide, you’ll enjoy clean, safer water.

For even more peace of mind, you might like to learn how to make distilled water at home using a simple method that ensures control over your water’s purity.