The 8 Best Expert-Recommended Water Filters for a Healthier, Hydrated Home

Similar to the concept behind faucet-mount filters, a countertop filter like the Brondell Cypress Three-Stage Countertop Water Filter System offers the benefits of under-sink water filtration without the full installation of a system to your water line. You hook the Cypress up to your faucet above your sink, typically sitting it next to your sink on your counter, and simply press a button to dispense filtered water. It has three separate filters, including one “nanotrap” filter made with aluminum oxide that reduces cloudiness in water and removes bacteria and viruses. It’s also certified by the WQA that it meets NSF-ANSI requirements for its stated contaminants.

Also similar to faucet-mount filters is the biggest downside of countertop filters: They’re only compatible with standard sink faucets, not spray hose faucets or any other unconventional style. But the Cypress is versatile in other ways: Several online reviewers mention hooking it up to their refrigerator water line with a few hardware tweaks and a little plumbing know-how. (We’re not saying everyone can use it this way, but if you’re handy or willing to contact a plumber, you might be able to get creative with what the Cypress can do in your kitchen.)

Overall, reviewers like the way the Cypress looks on the counter and how it functions, noting that it’s a good compromise between a full under-sink installation and pitchers or dispensers that need frequent refilling. However, because there are three separate filters, there’s more maintenance than usual: The composite plus and carbon block filters need to be replaced every six months, while the nanotrap filter needs replacing every 12 months.

This ZeroWater pitcher features a five-stage filter to remove heavy metals, PFAS, total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine, and other contaminants from your tap water. In addition, the parts are easy to clean, making maintenance and refills a breeze. It’s NSF/ANSI certified and has a comfortable handle for pouring.

However, there are some downsides: It’s hard to tell how long a single filter will last; ZeroWater says it depends on the quality of your water, with the filter having a shorter lifespan if your water has more contaminants. It’s also harder to tell when your filter needs to be replaced — it doesn’t have a built-in filter indicator. ZeroWater includes a handheld water meter that you place in a glass of water to determine whether your filter needs to be replaced.  

Keep in mind that the potential risks of microplastics are still being studied. There’s currently a lot of research interest about microplastics, and some findings are concerning, says Scott Bartell, PhD, professor of Environmental & Occupational Health at the University of California at Irvine’s Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, but it’s a difficult issue to study, and we don’t have evidence yet to help us understand just how harmful microplastics are.

If you have multiple people in the house or just like drinking a lot of water, the UltraMax dispenser holds 27 cups at a time and comes with an Elite filter that lasts for six months, or about 120 gallons. It comes with plenty of other simple-but-useful features: a handy spigot that even kids can use, a locking lid with a filter replacement light, and BPA-free construction. It’s also NSF/ANSI-certified for the stated contaminants.

In our research, we found that users appreciate the size and water capacity, and note that it’s easy to refill the dispenser and replace the filter. But like the Brita Tahoe pitcher, some reviewers wish the plastic container was more durable, and others note that it’s prone to slow, continuous drips or leaks. It’s a decent choice if you need an affordable container that holds more than the average pitcher.

If you like the idea of an under-sink unit but don’t want to install one, a faucet-mounted filter like the Pur Plus Faucet Water Filtration System is a good alternative. When the Pur Plus is attached to your faucet head, the water passes through a filtration system that removes lead, chlorine, microplastics, and more. We like that the filter can be switched on or off without having to remove the unit itself from the faucet.

The combination filter with activated carbon, ion-exchange material, and natural minerals has a variable lifespan, lasting up to 100 gallons of water or 3 months of use, whichever comes first. There’s a convenient filter light included that lets you know when your filter is getting close to needing replaced. It also comes in a variety of finishes, including black, brass, chrome, metallic grey, stainless steel, and white. Plus, it’s certified by the NSF and the Water Quality Association (WQA) to be NSF/ANSI certified.

Note: The Pur Plus requires a faucet with an external aerator (the mesh screen that controls water flow). It’s not compatible with pull-down hose faucets or faucets with internal aerators.

Sometimes a pitcher isn’t enough. You need something like this Waterdrop water dispenser, which holds 40 cups of filtered water in its extra-large tank. This dispenser has a multi-layered filter combining carbon layers and an ion exchange layer, allowing it to help improve the taste and smell of your water while filtering out contaminants like lead, chlorine, and PFAS. It’s also NSF/ANSI certified for its stated contaminants.

Despite its size, the Waterdrop is still convenient — our research found that users like the size and shape, noting that it fits well in most fridges. The dispenser includes a spigot for easy access, and a handy filter replacement light so you know exactly when it’s time to change your filter.

Users also like how easy it is to change the filters and its overall value, considering how much water it holds. That said, this is a heavier filter than many others when full, so if you have dexterity issues, it could be tricky to move it back and forth to the fridge.

The ROPOT-Lite (UV) operates via a simple touchscreen, with options to check the filter’s lifespan, self-cleaning, and choosing how much water to filter at once. The glass water carafe only holds 5 cups, but the built-in tank — where your tap water goes before filtering — also holds 5 cups, so you can get a fairly steady stream of filtered water going if you’re thoughtful about it. It’s worth noting that there will be some “waste” water left over in this tank — this is water that didn’t pass through the membrane and will need to be regularly discarded before using the filter again. The unit has a small footprint, with sleek, clean lines and it’s available in blue and white. It’s also certified by the WQA that it meets NSF-ANSI requirements for its stated contaminants.

It’s important to note, though, that RO filters can also remove beneficial minerals from tap water, says Policastro, like calcium and magnesium. Most people get enough of these minerals with a balanced diet, he adds, but people who rely exclusively on reverse osmosis water should be aware of the potential for mineral deficiencies over time.