Countertop filters are one of the most cost-effective ways to remove a wide range of contaminants, both harmful as well as aesthetic. Below we will discuss the most important considerations in choosing a countertop water filtration system.
Here are some of the best countertop water filters you can purchase at the moment, and our guide to choosing the best fit for you.
If you want an easily installed water filtration system that allows you to filter large quantities of water without any under-sink alterations, then a countertop water filter should be on your radar.
You can easily install a countertop system yourself, just remove your faucet aerator, screw the filter onto your faucet, and voila! Some models are even easier to set up, just unbox and pour water directly into them.
What to look for in a Countertop Water Filter
The top factor in choosing a countertop water filter, like any water filter, is the number of contaminants it removes, or how much of a specific contaminant a filter can remove.
Here are some of the contaminants that countertop filters can remove, with associated certifications, and products.
| Contaminants | Certification to remove | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Harmful contaminants: Lead, Asbestos, Arsenic, Mercury, Cysts, VOCs, etc.* | NSF 53, 58 | Aquasana AQ-4000W, AQUA TRU AT2000, DOULTON-W9331032, Brondell H20+ Pearl |
| Chlorine and Chloramines | NSF 42 | Aquasana AQ-4000W, AQUA TRU AT2000, DOULTON-W9331032, Brondell H20+ Pearl |
| PFAs | P473 | Aquasana AQ-4000W, AQUA TRU AT2000 |
| Emerging contaminants | NSF 401 | Aquasana AQ-4000W, AQUA TRU AT2000 |
*Check with product performance data sheets if you are concerned about a particular contaminant.
The top factor in choosing an under sink water filter is the number of contaminants removed, or how much of a specific contaminant a filter can remove.
If you are worried about the quality of your water and are unsure of what is in it, then you should aim for the best product available that eliminates the most contaminants possible. If you know exactly what contaminants are in your local water source, you can be more precise in your purchase.
For example if your local water source has trace amounts of lead in it, then you will want a water filter that can filter over 99% of lead, and other contaminants may not be as much of a worry for you. Under-sink water filters commonly remove the following contaminants: chlorine, iron, lead, asbestos, TDS (total dissolved solids), bacteria, cysts, and fluoride along with many others.
We recommend finding out what contaminants are in your water source by checking your local Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), or getting your private well water tested. This is because different systems remove different contaminants so choosing your product should be based on your specific needs. Here are our main contaminants of concern and reasons why:
Here are our main contaminants of concern that a countertop systems can reduce:
There are also many other contaminants (too many to list), but if you get a quality countertop water filter you can do your best to protect yourself and your loved ones from any adverse health effects.
Certifications
Aquasana AQ-4000W
Main Contaminants reduced
Lead, Chlorine, Cysts & Giardia, Mercury, PFAS, Asbestos, VOCs, Turbidity, MTBE
NSF
42, 53, 401, P473
Annual filter Cost
$60
Ease of use* (/10)
9/10
Number of contaminants
77
AQUA TRU AT2000
Main Contaminants reduced
Lead, Fluoride, Cyst, Radium Selenium, TDS, Copper, Barium, Chromium, PFAS
NSF
42, 53, 58, 401, P473
Annual filter Cost
$75
Ease of use* (/10)
8/10
Number of contaminants
82
DOULTON-W9331032
Main Contaminants reduced
Lead, Chlorine, Bacteria, Cysts
NSF
42, 53
Annual filter Cost
$70
Number of contaminants
14
Brondell H20+ Pearl
Main Contaminants reduced
Chlorine, VOCs
NSF
42, 53
Annual filter Cost
$100
Number of contaminants
45
To be sure filter systems are filtering out what they claim to, look for products that have NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or WQA (Water Quality Association) certifications that are the gold standards in the USA for water filtration systems.
NSF and WQA marks are meant to provide proof that a product was “impartially reviewed to established standards or guidelines,” states the NSF.org website. NSF and WQA marks also confirm that product labels and their claims have been objectively verified by a trusted third party and demonstrate a company (or organization’s) commitment to quality, compliance, and safety.
The mark, which is recognized in more than 180 countries around the world, has varying associated numbers that range from the automotive industry, retail products, lab equipment, nutritional products, sustainability, and of course, water, wastewater, and food safety.
For countertop water filters, look for the following certifications:
NSF 42: For chlorine removal, taste and odor, iron, manganese, and zinc.
NSF 53 and/or NSF 58: These can both reduce or eliminate contaminants that have known negative health effects. NSF 53 products have a carbon filter and can reduce contaminants to various degrees depending on the quality of the filter. These contaminants include heavy metals (e.g., lead), Cryptosporidium, Giardia, pesticides, herbicides, benzene, MTBE, radon, trihalomethane, and PCBs.
NSF 58 refers to reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filters, which can remove perchlorate, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, radium, bacteria, cysts, and heavy metals. It is important to note that carbon filters and RO systems have many crossovers, but they do not filter out all of the same contaminants, as such they can be used in conjunction with one another in the same system.
NSF 401: This is for new and emerging compounds, mainly as a result of pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, chemicals, flame retardants, and detergents being found in tap water that were previously not present.
NSF P473: Removes PFAS including PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoate). To make this claim the product must be below to EPA healthy advisory limit of 70 parts per trillion
Look for multiple certifications when searching for a water filter, and make sure they line up with the contaminants you either know, or suspect are in your water source.
Best overall
Aquasana AQ-4000W
NSF: 42, 53, 401, P473
Price: $99.99
Countertop water filter fans love the Aquasana AQ-4000W for its ease of use and powerful filtering capabilities.
Pros:
Great value
Removes harmful contaminants
Reduces taste and odor issues
NSF 42, 53, 401, P473 certified
Faucet attachment
Good flow rate
Three-stage filtration
Cons:
None
Description
Certified to NSF 42, 53, 401, and P473, this three-stage filtration removes harmful contaminants, PFAS, emerging contaminants, and makes water taste and smell better. Here are the main contaminants it removes:
- Chlorine: >97.4%
- Lead: >99.3%
- PFAS: 96%
- Cysts (Giardia): >99.99%
- Asbestos: >99.99%
- MTBE: 86.6%
- Mercury >96.5%
- VOCs: 99.4%
Performance data sheet
Brand reputation cannot be ignored with this product, we like to be objective with our assessments of different water filters, but Aquasana has a history of providing water filters that adhere to industry standards, and are known around the world.
The Aquasana AQ-4000W easily attaches to your faucet, with no permanent alterations to your plumbing needing to be made. Water is dispensed continuously at the push of a button without wastewater like with complex reverse osmosis systems.
With a good flow rate of 0.5 gpm and a price of $99.99 up front, and a total 5 year cost of ~$640 you will be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck when looking at filtering capabilities.
You can find products such as the Doulton or Brondell products on our page, and they offer a better price point.ongoing costs, but also don’t have near to filtering capabilities or certifications as the Aquasana AQ-4000W. Knowing a year’s worth of filtering will only cost you $60, below the average of ~$75 for countertop filters, and will make every glass of water taste a little better.
You’ll need to change filters twice a year, and you have a one year warranty which all of the products we have listed come with, and is typical for countertop water filtration systems.
From improving taste and reducing harmful contaminants at a good price, the Aquasana AQ-400W is our choice for the best overall countertop water filters of 2020.
Specs
- Minimum working water pressure: 20 psi
- Maximum working water pressure: 80 psi
- Minimum water feed temperature: 40ºF
- Maximum water feed temperature: 90ºF
- Number of stages: 2
- Fitting style: Threaded
Runner-up
AQUA TRU Countertop Reverse Osmosis System
Our runner up is actually our most powerful countertop filter in terms of pure contaminant removal. It removes 82 contaminants.
AQUA TRU’s reverse osmosis system is marketed at being able to filter 15 times more contaminants than other countertop competitors while giving an endless supply of clean, great-tasting, purified drinking water.
Pros:
Removes harmful contaminants
Reduces taste and odor issues
NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 certified
Portable
Modern look
Durable
Long filter life
Cons:
Have to refill system manually (not plumbed in)
Description
Like the Aquasana it removes harmful contaminants, PFAS, emerging contaminants, and makes water taste and smell better. Here is a list of the top contaminants it can remove or reduce:
- Chlorine: 96.6%
- Lead: 99.1%
- PFAS: 97.5%
- Cysts (Giardia): >99.99%
- Fluoride: 93.5%
- TDS: 87.1%
- Radium: 96.4%
- Chromium: 97.2%
- Copper: 95.2%
It’s certified to remove 82 contaminants by IAMPO (The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) who can certify to NSF standards.
What’s equally intriguing is the system needs no required plumbing or installation, simply plug-in and start filtering. For some this may be a positive as you don’t need to play around with attaching it to a faucet, and for others it could be annoying to have to fill up your countertop system.
It has a holding tank capacity of 1 gallon, meaning it should last a couple days of drinking water, depending on your usage of course. The AQUA TRU RO system does not attach to your faucet making it easily portable and ideal for campers, RVs, or water drinkers on the move.
The four-stage filtration system comes with a full set of filters that are said to last between six months and two years and between 600 to 1,200 gallons.
At 14” x 14”’ x 12”, this system is compact enough to fit anywhere on kitchen counters and not be an eyesore.
The AQUA TRU will run you back $435 (with approximately $85 filters), but you’re paying for a good-looking, effective, and efficient RO system. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
In terms of RO countertop systems, it doesn’t get much better than the AQUA TRU – give it some serious consideration, even at its price.
Specs
- Minimum working water pressure: N/A
- Maximum working water pressure: N/A
- Minimum water feed temperature: 39ºF
- Maximum water feed temperature: 100ºF
- Number of stages: 4
- Fitting style: No faucet connection
Best for Value and Taste
Brondell H20+ Pearl Countertop Water Filtration System
NSF 42, 53
Price: $65.00
Beside being very simple and straightforward, Brondell H20+ Pearl is also the best bang for your buck. At $65.00 it’s inexpensive to buy and filter replacements are affordable at $100 a year, which is slightly higher than the other products on the list.
Pros:
Cheap purchase price
Removes chlorine
Removes VOCs
NSF 42, 53 certified
Cons:
Higher filter replacement costs
Not certified to filter out lead, PFAS, and many other harmful contaminants.
Description
It removes over 98% of chlorine and can reduce harmful VOCs. It’s NSF certified to 42 and 53 by the WQA. The unit’s capacity is an impressive 5,000 gallons for aesthetic chlorine and 150 gallons for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The system removes:
- Chlorine: 98%
- VOCs: 99.8%
The system comes with a solid flow rate of 0.5 gpm, and is the most compact unit we have listed. So if you are looking for something that won’t stick out on your counter, then the Brondell H20+ Pearl could be for you.
Specs
- Minimum working water pressure: 10 psi
- Maximum working water pressure: 58 psi
- Minimum water feed temperature: 41ºF
- Maximum water feed temperature: 95ºF
- Number of stages: 1
- Fitting style: Quick connect
Best for Bacteria
DOULTON-W9331032 UltraCarb HCPS Countertop Filter System
NSF: 42, 53
Price: $130
Chlorine and Chloramine do a great job of taking care of most harmful bacteria and viruses in our water supplies. However if you have well water, or you see E.Coli, salmonella, cholera or other bacterial warnings by your municipal water source, then having the right protections in place can be key.
Pros:
Removes bacteria
Removes harmful contaminants
Reduces taste and odor issues
NSF 42, 53 certified
Great long term value
Long filter life
Cons:
Does not reduce a large amount of contaminants
Description
The Doulton UltraCarb made our list because it removes over 99.99% of bacteria. It not only virtually eliminates bacteria, but it reduces chlorine, lead, and herbicides. Here are the main contaminants it removes:
- Bacteria: >99.99%
- Chlorine: 97%
- Lead: 98%
- Cysts (Giardia): >99.99%
- Insecticides and herbicides: >85%
The Doulton UltraCarb is great for specific needs, it does not have the wide range of contaminant removal that the Aquasana AQ-4000W or AQUA TRU AT2000 have. But if you know you want solid bacteria, lead, chlorine, and other select contaminants removed then this is your pick.
The other options do not offer bacteria removal, so they rely on water treatment plants removing bacteria with chlorine. It uses a sterasyl ceramic outer shell, and carbon filter block with ion exchange to accomplish is solid filtering capabilities.
The system is easily attached to your faucet using a diverter valve. It has a self-sterilizing build, which reduces the likelihood of any bacteria growing inside the filter casing.
The flow rate of this filter is 0.9 gallons/minute, so it is actually the standout on our list. Simply put this system is best for bacteria, best for well water with bacteria, and the best flow rate countertop filter.
Filters on the Doulton UltraCarb last for 600 gallons (6-12 months). The price of the system is affordable at $130, and the 5-year running cost is actually the cheapest on our list at $445, so add the best long term value moniker to this product as well.
Specs
- Minimum working water pressure: 10 psi
- Maximum working water pressure: 125 psi
- Minimum water feed temperature: 41ºF
- Maximum water feed temperature: 100ºF
- Number of stages: 4
- Fitting style: Quick connect
Additional Information…
Among many home water filter products on the market today, countertop water filters might just be the most user-friendly. Not only do they take little to zero effort in terms of installation, but their larger cartridges mean that replacements are required less often.
Countertop models source their water either from a large reservoir that you’ll need to manually fill, or from a hose and directional valve attached directly to the faucet. For faucet models, filtered water is created simply by turning on the water, and allowing it to flow through the filter (which will normally have its own dedicated tap). Countertop filters that use reservoirs may take some time to build up a ready supply of filtered water, but can be easily topped-up.
In terms of exactly how countertop systems remove contaminants from your water, this category of filters may have the largest range of filtering mechanisms. From activated carbon cartridges that operate similarly to Brita-style pitchers, to purifiers and sediment removers, to silver and ceramic methods that can effectively remove major health concerts such as lead from your water. Some larger, premium countertop filters even utilize reverse osmosis membranes, which will filter your water on a molecular level.
Countertop filters are one of many options when it comes to home water treatment solutions. If you’re still trying to decide which model works for you, here’s our comprehensive article Comparing the different types of water filters.
Countertop filters: Frequently Asked Questions
Most countertop filters can be separated into two types: those that contain a reservoir to store a large amount of prefiltered water, and those that operate on-demand, sourcing water straight from the tap, as and when is needed.
Occasionally, you’ll also see faucet-mounted filters classified as a ‘countertop.’ Seeing as these designs do live in plain sight in the kitchen, there’s some sense in this categorization. However, a true countertop filter is one that sits firmly on the counter surface.
These two common filter designs are very similar. Both (mostly) use carbon filtration to turn water that’s already certified as drinkable into a premium-tasting product. Differences emerge in the way that these carbon cartridges are packaged.
Because they’re attached to the faucet, some countertop filters can utilize water pressure to provide a slightly more powerful filter mechanism, when compared to a pitcher’s gravity-based pour-through system. Of course, pitcher designs are more portable, allowing them to be carried to a table or desk, as well as refrigerated. On the other hand, countertop filters are often more easily accessible, being stored right next to the water source.
If your countertop filter needs to attach the faucet, the most you’ll need to do in terms of installation is swap out your tap’s aerator. This is the ring of metal, brass, or plastic at the very end of the faucet, which is responsible for creating a steady, even stream of water, shaping the flow through a sieve-like structure.
Countertop filters take advantage of the way that aerators attach the faucet end, using the pre-existing threading to screw in their own valve. For this purpose, most filters will come supplied with several adaptors to fit differently sized appliances.
By the same token, not all faucets will be compatible with countertop filter valves. Those with retractable spray hoses, for example, as well as heritage or bespoke models, may not work with this filter type.
Yes. For those filters that do attach to your faucet, there should be a directional valve integrated into the design, which will allow you to change the flow of water from the filter hose to the sink. When the valve is switched off, water should run (unfiltered) into the sink as normal—although so countertop filter owners do report a slight decrease in flowrate.
Countertop water filters are a convenient trade-off between the low price of basic pitcher-style filters (think: Brita) and more robust under-sink models, which often require professional installation and considerable space inside your cupboard.
Like faucet-mounted filters, these devices sit on or near your sink, with some models attaching directly to the tap via a hose. This means no annoying trips between the fridge and the tap to refill reservoirs, nor the need to wait while water cycles through the device.
Unlike faucet and pitcher filters, however, countertop water filters don’t need to fit onto your tap or in your fridge, so they’re less constrained in terms of cartridge size, and the components that will up filtering power and flowrate.
All of which goes to say that a countertop filtering is a smart choice for home treatment. Based on our review process, these are the best countertop water filters you can purchase at the moment:
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What’s different about countertop water filters?
Among many home water filter products on the market today, countertop water filters might just be the most user-friendly. Not only do they take little to zero effort in terms of installation, but their larger cartridges mean that replacements are required less often.
Countertop models source their water either from a large reservoir that you’ll need to manually fill, or from a hose and directional valve attached directly to the faucet. For faucet models, filtered water is created simply by turning on the water, and allowing it to flow through the filter (which will normally have its own dedicated tap). Countertop filters that use reservoirs may take some time to build up a ready supply of filtered water, but can be easily topped-up.
In terms of exactly how countertop systems remove contaminants from your water, this category of filters may have the largest range of filtering mechanisms. From activated carbon cartridges that operate similarly to Brita-style pitchers, to purifiers and sediment removers, to silver and ceramic methods that can effectively remove major health concerts such as lead from your water. Some larger, premium countertop filters even utilize reverse osmosis membranes, which will filter your water on a molecular level.
Countertop filters are one of many options when it comes to home water treatment solutions. If you’re still trying to decide which model works for you, here’s our comprehensive article Comparing the different types of water filters.
What do they filter out?
Activated carbon countertop filters can be counted on to remove carbon-based contaminants, or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), from the mains supply. This includes common chemicals and gases such as chlorine and sulfur, which can significantly affect how your water tastes and smells.
Countertop filters that incorporate carbon blocks, ceramic cartridges, or reverse osmosis membranes will filter the above pollutants, plus a more worrying set of particulates, such as heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and even fluoride and minerals.
FAQs
Most countertop filters can be separated into two types: those that contain a reservoir to store a large amount of prefiltered water, and those that operate on-demand, sourcing water straight from the tap, as and when is needed.
Occasionally, you’ll also see faucet-mounted filters classified as a ‘countertop.’ Seeing as these designs do live in plain sight in the kitchen, there’s some sense in this categorization. However, a true countertop filter is one that sits firmly on the counter surface.
These two common filter designs are very similar. Both (mostly) use carbon filtration to turn water that’s already certified as drinkable into a premium-tasting product. Differences emerge in the way that these carbon cartridges are packaged.
Because they’re attached to the faucet, some countertop filters can utilize water pressure to provide a slightly more powerful filter mechanism, when compared to a pitcher’s gravity-based pour-through system. Of course, pitcher designs are more portable, allowing them to be carried to a table or desk, as well as refrigerated. On the other hand, countertop filters are often more easily accessible, being stored right next to the water source.
If your countertop filter needs to attach the faucet, the most you’ll need to do in terms of installation is swap out your tap’s aerator. This is the ring of metal, brass, or plastic at the very end of the faucet, which is responsible for creating a steady, even stream of water, shaping the flow through a sieve-like structure.
Countertop filters take advantage of the way that aerators attach the faucet end, using the pre-existing threading to screw in their own valve. For this purpose, most filters will come supplied with several adaptors to fit differently sized appliances.
By the same token, not all faucets will be compatible with countertop filter valves. Those with retractable spray hoses, for example, as well as heritage or bespoke models, may not work with this filter type.
Yes. For those filters that do attach to your faucet, there should be a directional valve integrated into the design, which will allow you to change the flow of water from the filter hose to the sink. When the valve is switched off, water should run (unfiltered) into the sink as normal—although so countertop filter owners do report a slight decrease in flowrate.
