When it comes to ensuring that you and your family have access to clean, great-tasting water right from the tap, choosing the right water filtration system can make all the difference.
After all, you deserve the best when it comes to your health, and investing in a good filtration system is one of the simplest ways to safeguard your family’s well-being. But with so many options on the market, deciding which system to get can be a daunting task. That’s where this guide comes in.
Let’s dive into some of the top-rated water filtration systems available for home use, including those you can easily find on Amazon. Whether you need something for an entire home, a compact countertop unit, or something in-between, we’ve got you covered.
Why Consider a Water Filtration System?
Before we dive into the best options, it’s helpful to understand why water filtration is so important. While municipal water supplies are typically treated and safe to drink, they can still contain unwanted impurities.
Chemicals like chlorine, heavy metals such as lead, and even residual pesticides can sometimes be present in your tap water. Not only do these contaminants affect the taste, but they can also impact your health in the long term.
A water filtration system provides a simple, convenient way to eliminate these impurities, giving you clean, delicious water without the hassle of buying bottled water—all while reducing your environmental footprint.
Types of Water Filtration Systems
There are several types of water filtration systems available for home use, and each has its own unique features and benefits. Let’s explore a few options:
Whole-House Water Filtration Systems
If you want filtered water from every faucet in your home, a whole-house system is your best bet. These systems are installed where the main water line enters your home, ensuring that every outlet provides clean water—for drinking, cooking, and even showering.
Top Pick: Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Water Filter System
- Available on Amazon, the Aquasana EQ-1000 is a highly-rated whole-house water filtration system with thousands of happy customers. This unit uses a combination of activated carbon, catalytic carbon, and ion exchange to remove up to 97% of chlorine, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants.
- One of the standout features of the Aquasana system is its impressive longevity—it can filter up to a million gallons of water before needing maintenance, making it perfect if you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution.
- Customers rave about the difference in the water’s quality, especially in terms of taste and skin sensitivity, as it reduces chlorine, which can be harsh on the skin.
Under-Sink Water Filtration Systems
If you prefer filtered water for drinking and cooking only, under-sink systems are a great choice. These units connect directly to your cold water line beneath the sink and are out of sight.
Top Pick: APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series
- The APEC ROES-50 is an Amazon favorite, with thousands of positive reviews and a 5-stage reverse osmosis (RO) filtration process that removes up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, chlorine, fluoride, and more.
- This system is compact, relatively easy to install, and ensures your drinking and cooking water is of the highest quality.
- Users particularly love the noticeable improvement in taste, with many describing it as better than bottled water. Plus, it’s very budget-friendly when you compare the cost per gallon to constantly buying bottled water.
Countertop Water Filtration Systems
Countertop water filtration systems are perfect if you don’t want to go through an elaborate installation process or if you’re renting. These systems simply connect to your faucet or are placed on your counter.
Top Pick: Big Berkey Countertop Water Filter System
- The Big Berkey is one of the most well-known names in countertop water filters, and for good reason. Available on Amazon, it’s a gravity-fed filtration system capable of filtering viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
- Its portability and ability to filter both treated and untreated water (from lakes, ponds, and streams) make it a favorite for emergency preparedness enthusiasts.
- Users praise the Big Berkey for its versatility and reliability, with many mentioning that the water is crisp and clean, making it perfect for coffee, tea, and general consumption.
Faucet-Mounted Water Filtration Systems
For an easy, straightforward option that doesn’t require space under the sink or on your countertop, a faucet-mounted filter may be the perfect solution.
Top Pick: PUR Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
- The PUR Faucet Mount Filter is one of the best-selling faucet filtration systems available on Amazon, with an easy-to-install design and multi-stage filtration that reduces chlorine, lead, and over 70 other contaminants.
- It’s super convenient, as it attaches directly to your faucet without any tools required. You can easily switch between filtered and unfiltered water for washing dishes.
- This PUR model is praised for being budget-friendly while still delivering high-quality filtered water with a notable difference in taste and clarity.
Pitcher Water Filtration Systems
Pitcher water filtration systems are great for those who want filtered water with minimal cost and installation effort. Simply fill the pitcher with tap water and let the filter work its magic.
Top Pick: Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
- The Brita Everyday Pitcher is a household name and can easily be found on Amazon. It is affordable, easy to use, and ideal for families or small households.
- It reduces chlorine, mercury, copper, and more, all while being easy to store in the fridge.
- Users also appreciate the convenience and affordability of the Brita UltraMax Large Water Dispenser, along with its ability to improve the taste of tap water without taking up much space.
How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System for Your Home
Choosing the right water filtration system for your home depends on your unique needs and preferences.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Contaminant Removal: The contaminants present in your water will play a key role in determining which filtration system is best. You can obtain a water quality report from your local municipality to determine which impurities are most common in your tap water.
- Installation and Maintenance: Some systems require professional installation (like whole-house systems), while others are easy DIY projects (like faucet-mount or countertop systems). Maintenance varies too, with systems like reverse osmosis requiring more attention compared to a simple carbon pitcher filter.
- Cost: Different systems come at various price points, from budget-friendly pitchers to pricier whole-house filtration systems. Consider not only the initial cost but also the long-term cost of replacement filters.
- Water Usage: If you use a lot of water, a whole-house system might be the most efficient option. However, if you only need filtered water for drinking, a simple countertop or under-sink system will work just fine.
Benefits of Using a Water Filtration System
There are countless benefits to using a water filtration system at home. Let’s look at some key advantages:
- Healthier Water: By removing contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and other impurities, filtered water is healthier for you and your family.
- Better Taste: Water that has been filtered tastes noticeably better. It’s fresher, cleaner, and free from the metallic or chemical taste that sometimes comes with unfiltered tap water.
- Environmental Impact: By using a water filter instead of buying bottled water, you’re helping to reduce plastic waste and your overall environmental footprint.
- Cost Savings: Bottled water is expensive, especially over time. Investing in a filtration system means that you’ll save money while enjoying high-quality water at home.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Water Filtration System for Your Home
At the end of the day, the best water filtration system for home use is the one that suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
For those who want a comprehensive solution, a whole-house system like the Aquasana EQ-1000 will ensure that all the water in your home is filtered, from drinking to bathing.
If you’re looking for a more compact solution specifically for drinking and cooking, an under-sink option like the APEC ROES-50 is fantastic. Meanwhile, countertop systems like the Big Berkey provide both portability and excellent filtration, especially if you want a versatile option for emergency situations.
For smaller budgets or those who need ultimate convenience, the PUR Faucet Mount and Brita Pitcher are hard to beat.
Clean water is something we often take for granted, but it’s an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. By taking a little time to choose the right filtration system, you’re investing in your health and making a positive impact on your daily life. Whichever option you decide on, rest assured you’re making a great step toward improving your water quality—one glass at a time.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in, and your support helps us continue to provide valuable content. Thank you for supporting us!