The Top Water Filters in 2022 | Top Reviews by Bestcovery

We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

The Best Water Filter For Pure Refreshment

  1. Culligan FM-15A Water Filter
  2. DuPont Faucet Mount Water Filter
  3. Watts Premier WP-2 LCV Two-Stage Water Filter
  4. Aquasana AQ-5200.55 2-Stage Under Counter Water Filter
  5. Home Master HMF2SdgC Whole House Two Stage Water Filter
  6. iSpring CU-A3 3-Stage Ultra-Filtration Water Filtration System
  7. Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher
  8. Waterdrop 2.25-gallon King Tank Gravity Water Filter System
  9. Buyer's Guide

Faucet water filters are a simple and inexpensive alternative to a more extensive under-counter water filtration system. They offer the convenience of filtered water right away when you turn on the tap without having to keep track of filling up pitchers or dispensers, not needing tools or expertise to install and affordable to purchase and maintain.

However, they’re not a perfect solution as faucet water filters are prone to leaking with improper installation/age and water flow from the tap can be slowed down considerably by needing to pass through the filter, Additionally, filters often need changing quite frequently, especially if one forgets to switch off the filter before using hot water which damages the filter and shortens its lifespan.

The leading water filters of 2022 do their best to overcome these potential downfalls, although no single system is perfect. We've selected the best faucet water filters that have a switch to allow for choosing between filtered water or regular tap water to extend the life of the filter, as well as good water flow so filling up a larger item doesn't take an excessive amount of time. Our selections also need to be easy to install and use without requiring tools or knowledge of plumbing, as well as being affordable to purchase with all of our picks available through online retailers for under $50.

Comparing the Top Water Filters of 2022

Culligan FM-15A Water Filter - Best Water Filter Overall

The Culligan FM-15A is extremely popular due to its simple design, reliable performance, and affordable price. Although very basic, the FM-15A is NSF Certified and proven to reduce unpleasant odors and tastes as well as the amounts of lead, chlorine, cryptosporidium, and giardia cysts present in the water. Filters are rated to last for about 200 gallons, the amount of time this adds up to depends on individual usage, and could be anywhere from two to six months.

A switch to disengage the filter and use regular tap water helps to preserve the filter when purified water isn't needed, especially when using hot water. With a low cost of entry/filter replacement and a two-year warranty, the Culligan FM-15A is an excellent basic and affordable choice for a faucet water filter.

DuPont Faucet Mount Water Filter - Runner Up

The DuPont WFFM350XCH incorporates several features adding to the convenience of a faucet water filter. These include a generous four-year warranty, an easy-to-use switch to engage or disengage the filter, and an electronic display to show how many gallons of water have passed through the filter. The WFFM350XCH is rated for 200 gallons of water, which averages to about two months although your individual water usage will determine whether the filter lasts for more or less time.

The filter included in the WFFM350XCH is the only faucet-mounted four-stage filter, including the ability to prevent the accumulation of bacteria within the filter. It has the ability to reduce many contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, cysts, asbestos, and lead. This level of filtration results in water with a better taste, odor, and clarity. For a price of around $30, the WFFM350XCH offers a lot of performance and value.

Watts Premier WP-2 LCV Two-Stage Water Filter - Best 2 Stage Water Filter

The Watts WP-2 LCV offers NSF certified water purification, with effective reduction of contaminants and chemicals such as lead, cysts, and chlorine. This results in water that is safer and more pleasant to drink, with a great taste and inoffensive odor. Installation is simple, although like with all undercounter systems, some users might feel more comfortable having a professional do the job.

The filters are easy to find and replace, making it easy to do yourself when the time comes. Thankfully, the WP-2 LCV is rating up to 600 gallons so depending on your usage, the filters won't need replacing too often. Water flow isn’t greatly impacted by this filtration system, so there's no risk of a frustratingly long wait to fill up larger items. With a three-year warranty and a price tag of under $100, the Watts WP-2 LCV is an excellent choice.

Aquasana AQ-5200.55 2-Stage Under Counter Water Filter - Best 2 Stage Water Filter

Aquasana is top-rated for their water purification. This NSF certified water filtration system promises to remove many contaminants commonly found in tap water, including both chlorine and chloramines. The Aquasana AQ-5200.55 offers a two-stage filtration system that not only effectively removes impurities, but also produces clean and crisp-tasting water.

Like most undercounter systems, the AQ-5200.55 is easy to install for most individuals and a filter replace indicator makes it easy to know when it's time to swap out the easy to replace filters. This water filtration system also features a faster flow rate than many of the competition, so you'll notice less of an impact on the wait times to fill up larger items. For around $150, this two-stage water filter delivers everything one would expect from performance to daily ease-of-use.

Home Master HMF2SdgC Whole House Two Stage Water Filter - Best 2 Stage Water Filter

This two-stage water filtration system is on the pricier side, costing nearly $400 at major online retailers. However, the Home Master HMF2SdgC delivers performance almost without any of the imperfections commonly found with less expensive models. Thanks to oversized filters, the HMF2SdgC can provide approximately a full year of clean water for a family of four. This greatly reduces the frequency of having to replace filters and makes this system incredibly low-maintenance. The oversized filters also address another issue commonly found with water filters, the flow rate. While smaller filters can restrict water flow and result in more waiting for items to fill up, the HMF2SdgC has strong water pressure and a better flow rate.

Despite the large size of the filters, this filtration system remains relatively compact in size. Though installation of a system such as this can be accomplished by a non-professional, it can take some time and knowledge to ensure everything is installed correctly to avoid future issues. However, the HMF2SdgC has excellent purification performance, removing up to 95 percent of sediment, chlorine and other chemicals, and many other contaminants commonly found in tap water. This results in water with a clean odor and taste.

iSpring CU-A3 3-Stage Ultra-Filtration Water Filtration System - Best 3-Stage Water Filter

The versatile and effective iSpring CU-A3 water filtration system can be installed different ways, such as under the sink or as a refrigerator filter. The three-stage filtration of the CU-A3 removes not only larger impurities such as sand, but also smaller contaminants such as bacteria and odors. Herbicides, pesticides, and more contaminants often found in water are effectively reduced, resulting in clean and good-tasting water.

Installation is simple, although some people may prefer to have a profession handle installing a system like this. The CU-A3 lacks a filter change indicator so some diligence is required although the one-step filter change procedure requires no tools. Water flow is good and resulting water quality is excellent, making this a solid choice for those seeking a more extensive three-stage water filtration system.

Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher - Best Water Filter Pitcher

Brita's basic water filter pitcher is a best seller for a reason. Its popularity is due to its ability to provide a simple, easy to use water filtration system from a trusted brand for an affordable price. The Brita Everyday water filter pitcher has a ten-cup capacity with a BPA-free pitcher with a single filter to reduce the bad tastes and odors commonly found in tap water.

This pitcher is well-suited to sitting on a countertop or in the fridge, offering a good balance between capacity and overall size. This basic water filter pitcher doesn’t have anything fancy, using a simple sticker filter indicator to track when it's time to change the filter, and offering overall ease-of-use and affordability.

Waterdrop 2.25-gallon King Tank Gravity Water Filter System - Best Gravity-Fed Water Filter

If you’re looking to add style to your purified water, the Waterdrop King Tank series is the perfect solution. This large capacity filtration system can hold 2.25 gallons of water, which can suit the needs of a 4-person household. The system includes two carbon filters that can purify 6,000 gallons of water. If you purchase the optional defluorination filter, that will last 1,000 gallons, saving you hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing bottled water. While other companies charge for some accessories, Waterdrop includes one of the most important ones – a water level spigot. Since the two buckets are made of thickened stainless steel and are not transparent, the water level spigot will keep you informed as to when you’ll need to add more water so you’ll never run out. There’s also a non-slip, elevated stand available.

Purified water is an at-home must have but this purifier is also great for RV road trips or camping. The upper bucket fits into the lower bucket, taking up less space when packing it up to go. The water tastes fantastic and clean. Setup is a breeze, thanks to the instruction video. It certainly looks more aesthetically pleasing than a plastic water pitcher but you need some extra space for this unit. If you have an RV or farmhouse décor, the Waterdrop King Tank is the perfect and practical accessory for clean, purified water.

Buyer's Guide

Most of the time, it is not okay to drink water directly from the tap. For people with sensitive stomachs, you might want to think about getting a water filter. It will not only clean the water you are drinking, but it will also improve the taste and free your water from harmful contaminants, such as lead and other chemicals you don’t want to consume. If you are worried about the price of water filters, they are reasonably priced but have more benefits than you probably know.

This section of the article will let you in on some of the essential things you should know about water filters, as well as the buying considerations and everything else in between.

What is a Water Filter?

A water filter is a device that you can install on your kitchen sink. It filters the water to make it potable. You can fill up your water pitcher and have safe and cold water ready for you and your family to drink. If you don’t like drinking cold water from the fridge, you can drink water from the faucet directly as well.

What is in your water?

What does a water filter filter? Even if the EPA provides “safe” water, you can never be too sure. Just by looking at the water coming out of the faucet, you will probably notice that it isn’t as clear as distilled mineral water that you can buy from the store. Plus, the EPA does not regulate private wells, which is another reason for getting a water filter instead of trusting water from a deep well.

One of the most harmful contaminants you should worry about is lead. Even if these agencies tell you that your water is safe, getting a water filter will give you peace of mind every time you drink water from the sink.

Why Do You Need a Water Filter?

To filter potable water

Water filters are used to make water from the faucet potable and safe for you and your family to drink. It is not like a water distiller, but since the water coming from the sink is already potable, a water filter can make it much safer for you and your family.

To improve the taste


Aside from making the water potable, it will also improve the taste. Many people believe that tap water contains fluoride and other chemicals, which can affect the taste. You want your water to be plain with no taste or aftertaste, and water filters can do that for you.

To clear your water from toxic chemicals

A water filter will filter the chemicals out of your tap water, such as lead, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals you don’t want to consume. These chemicals will not just upset your stomach, but they will also cause long-term health issues you don’t want in the future—especially when you get older. No matter where you live, and even if the people in the neighborhood or apartment complex say that the water is safe, it is still better to get a water filter.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Filter</h3>

Effectiveness


A water filter should do the job right. Sometimes, cheap water filters are unreliable when it comes to clearing the water you are drinking from harmful chemicals. So, make sure you get a filter that is well-trusted and recommended on our list.

Ease of Installation

Some options are very frustrating to install, so make sure you get the ones that you can install in a matter of minutes if you don’t want to get a headache.

Compatibility

Some filters are universal and will fit most faucets, but make sure you read the description just to be sure—especially if you have an older sink.

Durability

Water filters need to be changed, especially if you notice that the pressure is reducing and the water is tasting a little bit differently. Some water filters last longer than others, so make sure you choose a durable option with replaceable filters.

Warranty

Some options come with warranties, which is a sign of a trustworthy product. Sometimes, people break them because of improper installation, and it is good to buy one with a warranty in case this instance happens to you.

Water Filter Price Ranges

The best water filters are relatively cheaper than you think. Anything that costs between $20 to $40 should be good enough, but it is still ideal to choose trustworthy brands and all the recommended options.

How we Choose the Best Water Filters

Why should you trust us? Well, we go through the trouble of doing in-depth research for every product we recommend. We like to make sure that our readers find only the best of the best products in the market, and this is how we choose them:

Brand

We choose the products based on the brands. Some brands have made a name for themselves, and we have our go-to recommendations, especially for water filters. Because health is essential, we don’t do half measures.

Reviews

For some of the products that we are not familiar with, we always check reviews or ask people what they think about the products, especially in practical day-to-day situations.

Prices

Prices are essential for every consumer, so we make sure we include a versatile list with different price ranges to match your budget.

Current Trends

We are constantly updated with the newest trends. We like to recommend the hottest products, but before we do that, we always check and see for ourselves if a specific product is worth the hype.

FAQ

Are water filters effective?

Yes, water filters are effective for filtering harmful chemicals to make water more potable and safe for people to drink.

Can you install a water filter yourself?

Yes, it is very easy to install a water filter, and there is no need to hire a professional and pay extra money for the installation. If you have a disability or have motor skills issues, you can probably ask one of your housemates to do it for you.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top