Please note: Prices last checked on January 20, 2025 and May 30, 2024 (gravity filters), August 5, 2024 and March 4, 2025 (countertop ROs), May 5, 2025 (under sink ROs and regular under sink filters), January 20, 2025 and Aug 28, 2024 (regular countertop filters), January 20, 2025 and March 19, 2024 (pitchers), January 17, 2025 (faucet filters), and May 5, 2025 (whole house filters). Costs were adjusted if a company has provided us with a discount code (discounts requiring some kind of subscription didn’t count). We may also have adjusted annual cost if a manufacturer’s stated filter lifespan appeared unrealistic.
Key Takeaways
Based on our lab testing and comparison of dozens of different systems, a good water filter usually costs anywhere between $20 and $550 upfront (depending on the type of system), and about $50 to $400 per year in replacement filters.
A summary of our data:
- We tested 65 different drinking water filters of all types and found good systems in each category: gravity, reverse osmosis (tankless and tank-based, countertop and under sink), countertop, under sink, faucet, and pitchers.
- Upfront costs of all 65 filters ranged from $17.99 to $1,000+. We estimate the average upfront price across all filter types at ~$185 with ~$155 in annual filter replacement costs.
- Upfront costs in our gravity water filter comparison are $159 to $399.90 (using 2 or more filter candles). The average upfront price is about $265 with ~$205 in annual filter replacement costs. Our top pick gravity filters cost $159 and $348.65 upfront, and ~$140 and ~$185 annually.
- Upfront costs in our countertop RO comparison are $192.12 to ~$550, and upfront costs for our under sink RO comparison are $199.95 to $1,000+. We estimate the average upfront price of countertop ROs at ~$310 (without hot or cold water options). Tank-based under sink ROs cost ~$275.00, whereas tankless under sink ROs cost ~$450.00 on average. Average annual filter replacement costs for all countertop ROs in our comparison are about $150, and for under sink models it’s ~$200. Our top pick countertop RO system costs $349 upfront and ~$110 in annual filter replacement. Our top pick under sink RO systems cost $549 (tank-based) and ~$460 (tankless) upfront, and ~$200 (tank-based) and ~$145 (tankless) in yearly filter replacement.
- Upfront costs in our under sink water filter comparison (not counting RO systems) are ~$86.15 to $495. We estimate the average upfront price at ~$190 with ~$200 in annual filter replacement. Our top pick costs $128 upfront and about $175 annually.
- Upfront costs in our countertop water filter comparison (not counting RO systems) are $34.04 to $199.99. We estimate the average upfront price at ~$60 for models that connect to the faucet via a feed water hose, ~$45 for filter dispensers, and ~$145 for standalone countertop models that run on electricity. Average annual filter replacement costs across all 3 subcategories are ~$115. Our top picks cost $44.99 and $199.99 upfront, and ~$60 and ~$405 annually.
- Upfront costs in our water filter pitcher comparison are $17.99 to $90. We estimate the average upfront price at ~$50, with about $115 in annual filter replacement. Our 2 top picks cost $21.72 and $90 upfront, and ~$90 and ~$150 annually.
- Upfront costs in our faucet water filter comparison are ~$21.99 to $115. We estimate the average upfront price at ~$40, with about $110 in annual costs. Our top picks cost between $21.99 and $32.99 upfront and ~$50 annually.
- Whole house filters are different. Costs are difficult to compare because they vary greatly with water conditions and treatment goals. Generally, cartridge-based systems are cheaper upfront (a standard 3-stage sediment and carbon filter comes in at around $400) but cost more to maintain (~$200 for a standard 3-stage system), while large tank-based systems cost more upfront (usually $1,000+ for a carbon-based system) but last longer with much lower long-term maintenance.
From $20 faucet attachments to $1,000+ under sink RO systems, water filters span a wide price range. How much should you spend for a high-quality system — and does price actually track performance? This guide breaks down average upfront and annual maintenance costs across every major water filter category (gravity, countertop and under sink RO, regular countertop/under sink, pitcher, and faucet). We also highlight our top picks in each category based on laboratory-verified filtration performance, usability, and overall value.
Contents
Water Filter Cost Overview
We tested 65 drinking water filters and found strong performers in every major category:
- Gravity water filters
- Under sink reverse osmosis systems (tankless and tank-based)
- Countertop reverse osmosis systems
- Regular countertop water filters
- Regular under sink water filters
- Faucet water filters
- Pitcher water filters
Across all 65 models, upfront prices ranged from about $17.99 to over $1,000. We estimate an average upfront price at about $185, with roughly $155 per year in replacement filters.
Gravity Filters
| Home Gravity Water Filter | Big Berkey | Purewell | British Berkefeld (With Doulton Ultra Sterasyl Filters) |
ProOne Traveler+ (With Old G2.0 5″ Filter) |
Waterdrop King | Alexapure Pro | Santevia Gravity Water System |
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| Price (Jan 20, 2025, w/o Fluoride Filters) | $348.65 | $159 | $280 | $283 (Adjusted for 2 Filter Elements) | $206.10 | $399.90 (Adjusted for 2 Filter Elements) | $179.99 |
| Our Yearly Cost Estimate (May 30, 2024) | Using 2x Black Berkey Filters in Parallel: ~$186 (Based on Adjusted 500 gal Filter Life) | Using 2x Black Filters in Parallel: ~$140 | Using 4x Ultra Sterasyl Filters in Parallel: ~$300 | Using 2x G2.0 5″ Filters in Parallel: ~$270 | Using 2x Black Filters in Parallel: ~$80 (Based on Adjusted 500 gal Filter Life) | Using 2 Filters in Parallel: ~$240 (Based on Adjusted 500 gal Filter Life) | ~$214.50 |
| Final Rating | 4.08/5.00 | 3.83/5.00 | 3.16/5.00 | 2.26/5.00 | 2.79/5.00 | 3.55/5.00 | 2.65/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, NSF Certifications + Other Test Data, Taste & Odor Test) | 3.98/5.00 | 3.41/5.00 | 2.83/5.00 | 1.29/5.00 | 1.48/5.00 | 3.58/5.00 | 2.54/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 3.00/5.00 | 3.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 3.00/5.00 | 2.50/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 4.44/5.00 | 4.94/5.00 | 4.32/5.00 | 3.92/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.03/5.00 | 3.13/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 4.48/5.00 (w/o Fluoride Filters) | 4.41/5.00 (w/o Fluoride Filters) | 2.83/5.00 | 1.79/5.00 | 2.48/5.00 (w/o Fluoride Filters) | 4.08/5.00 | 2.79/5.00 |
RO Systems
| Reverse Osmosis System | AquaTru Classic | Cloud RO | Waterdrop G3P600 | AquaTru Carafe | Waterdrop X12 | Aquasana SmartFlow | US Water Systems All American 5-Stage RO | Home Master TMHP-L HydroPerfection Loaded | APEC ROES-50 Essence | Waterdrop A1 (Updated Version) |
NU Aqua 4-Stage Countertop RO System | Waterdrop C1H (Updated Version) |
Bluevua RO100ROPOT | APEC ROCT-PLUS | SimPure T1-400 ALK | Brondell H2O+ Circle | GE GXRQ18NBN | Frizzlife PD600-TAM3 | Frizzlife WB99-C | Crystal Quest Countertop Thunder | SimPure Y7P-BW |
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| Price (Mar 4 & May 5, 2025) | $349 | $549 | $458.15 | $259 | $1,035 | $239.99 | $579.45 | $530.04 | $199.95 | $550 | $427.45 | $250 | $434 | $349.95 | $227.49 | $449.99 | $229.99 | $349.99 | $259.99 | $192.12 | $295.99 |
| Our Yearly Cost Estimate (Aug 5, 2024 & May 5, 2025) | ~$110 | ~$200 | ~$145 | ~$150 | ~$175 | ~$360 | ~$185 | ~$160 | ~$100 | ~$130 | ~$100 | ~$120 | ~$150 | ~$140 | ~$252.50 | ~$205 | ~$320 | ~$165 | ~$172.50 | ~$200 | ~$120 |
| Final Rating | 4.83/5.00 | 4.66/5.00 | 4.65/5.00 | 4.66/5.00 | 4.49/5.00 | 4.11/5.00 | 4.52/5.00 | 4.45/5.00 | 4.53/5.00 | 4.42/5.00 | 4.38/5.00 | 4.39/5.00 | 4.42/5.00 | 4.21/5.00 | 4.40/5.00 | 4.18/5.00 | 4.26/5.00 | 4.24/5.00 | 4.16/5.00 | 2.97/5.00 | 3.68/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, NSF Certifications + Other Test Data, Taste & Odor Test) | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.74/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.42/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.25/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.40/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.89/5.00 | 4.14/5.00 | 4.18/5.00 | 2.83/5.00 | 3.40/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 3.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 3.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 4.16/5.00 | 4.82/5.00 | 4.73/5.00 | 4.08/5.00 | 3.95/5.00 | 3.32/5.00 | 4.58/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 4.90/5.00 | 4.58/5.00 | 4.65/5.00 | 4.45/5.00 | 3.62/5.00 | 4.29/5.00 | 4.28/5.00 | 3.91/5.00 | 3.38/5.00 | 4.79/5.00 | 4.25/5.00 | 3.37/5.00 | 4.23/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 4.97/5.00 | 4.84/5.00 | 4.87/5.00 | 4.49/5.00 | 4.96/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.92/5.00 | 4.73/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 4.95/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.65/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.64/5.00 | 4.39/5.00 | 4.68/5.00 | 3.33/5.00 | 3.40/5.00 |
Under Sink Filters
| Under Sink Water Filter | Epic Smart Shield (Incl. Faucet Kit) | AO Smith AO-US-200 | Culligan US-EZ-4 | Clearly Filtered 3-Stage | Waterdrop TSU | Frizzlife SK99-NEW & SP99-NEW | CuZn UC-200 | Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow (AQ-5300+) |
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| Price (May 5, 2025) | $128 | 139.99 | $86.15 | $495 | $170.99 | $107.09 | $199.95 | $224.99 |
| Our Yearly Cost Estimate (May 5, 2025) | ~$175 | ~$140 | ~$140 | ~$440 | ~$172.50 | ~$90 | ~200 | ~$175 |
| Final Rating | 4.62/5.00 | 4.28/5.00 | 4.16/5.00 | 3.78/5.00 | 3.10/5.00 | 3.26/5.00 | 3.74/5.00 | 1.51/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, NSF Certifications + Other Test Data, Taste & Odor Test) | 4.50/5.00 | 4.44/5.00 | 4.46/5.00 | 4.28/5.00 | 2.08/5.00 | 2.18/5.00 | 2.98/5.00 | 0.00/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 4.75/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 3.00/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 3.50/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 4.87/5.00 | 4.61/5.00 | 4.43/5.00 | 1.34/5.00 | 4.28/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.99/5.00 | 4.04/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 4.50/5.00 | 4.44/5.00 | 4.46/5.00 | 3.78/5.00 | 3.08/5.00 | 3.18/5.00 | 3.48/5.00 | 0.00/5.00 |
Countertop Filters
| Countertop Water Filter | Aquasana Clean Water Machine | ZeroWater 32-Cup Ready-Read Dispenser | Waterdrop ED04 | Waterdrop CTF-01 | Waterdrop WFD-22L | PUR PLUS 30-Cup Dispenser | Brita Ultramax Water Dispenser (w/ Elite Filter) |
Brita Hub Countertop Water Filter System | iSpring CKC1C |
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| Price (Jan 20, 2025) | $199.99 | $44.99 | $49.99 | $71.99 | $41.39 | $42.99 | $49.98 | $179.99 | $34.04 |
| Our Yearly Cost Estimate (Aug 28, 2024) | ~$60 | ~$405 | ~$60 | ~$64 | ~$88 | ~$110 | ~$62 | ~$125 | ~$46 |
| Final Rating | 4.32/5.00 | 3.89/5.00 | 4.07/5.00 | 2.97/5.00 | 3.07/5.00 | 3.04/5.00 | 3.56/5.00 | 3.52/5.00 | 3.16/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, NSF Certifications + Other Test Data, Taste & Odor Test) | 4.22/5.00 | 4.31/5.00 | 3.45/5.00 | 1.81/5.00 | 2.23/5.00 | 2.29/5.00 | 2.92/5.00 | 3.13/5.00 | 2.10/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 4.43/5.00 | 2.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.93/5.00 | 4.16/5.00 | 3.81/5.00 | 4.52/5.00 | 3.70/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 4.22/5.00 | 4.81/5.00 | 3.45/5.00 | 2.81/5.00 | 3.23/5.00 | 2.79/5.00 | 2.92/5.00 | 3.63/5.00 | 3.10/5.00 |
Pitchers
| Countertop Water Filter | Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher | Waterdrop Chubby | LifeStraw Home 10-Cup | ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour | Kirkland Signature (Costco) Filtered Water Pitcher | up & up (Target) Water Filtration Pitcher Navy 7 Cup | Brita Large 10-Cup (Everyday) Pitcher w/ Elite Filter | Aquagear | PUR PLUS 11-Cup | Epic Pure | ProOne (With Old G2.0 M Filter) |
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| Price (Jan 20, 2025) | $90 | $21.72 | $49.95 | $47.99 | $29.99 | $17.99 | $49.27 | $69.95 | $34.98 | $59.20 | $73.95 |
| Our Yearly Cost Estimate (Mar 19, 2024) | ~$150 | ~$90 | ~$150 | ~$265 | ~$30 | ~$35 | ~$57.50 | ~$125 | ~$100 | ~$112.50 | ~$157.50 |
| Final Rating | 3.95/5.00 | 3.37/5.00 | 3.71/5.00 | 3.64/5.00 | 4.08/5.00 | 3.78/5.00 | 3.65/5.00 | 3.50/5.00 | 3.85/5.00 | 3.91/5.00 | 1.40/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, NSF Certifications + Other Test Data, Taste & Odor Test) | 4.16/5.00 | 2.52/5.00 | 3.61/5.00 | 4.22/5.00 | 3.80/5.00 | 2.97/5.00 | 3.03/5.00 | 3.17/5.00 | 3.73/5.00 | 3.51/5.00 | 0.67/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 4.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 2.00/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 3.27/5.00 | 4.28/5.00 | 3.72/5.00 | 1.56/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.68/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.06/5.00 | 4.50/5.00 | 2.99/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 4.16/5.00 | 3.52/5.00 | 4.11/5.00 | 4.47/5.00 | 4.55/5.00 | 4.22/5.00 | 3.28/5.00 | 3.42/5.00 | 3.98/5.00 | 3.76/5.00 | 0.67/5.00 |
Faucet Filters
| Faucet Water Filter | PUR PLUS Horizontal Faucet System | PUR PLUS Vertical Faucet System | Brita Complete (Elite Advanced) | Brita Basic (Elite) | ZeroWater ExtremeLife | Culligan FM-15A | Waterdrop FC-01 | Filterbaby Skincare Water Filter 2.0 | Crystal Quest Faucet Mount Filter |
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| Price (Jan 17, 2025) | $32.99 | $21.99 | $37.79 | $37.79 | $37.99 | $33.99 | $26.99 | $115 | $37.95 |
| Our Yearly Cost Estimate (Jan 17, 2025) | ~$50 | ~$50 | ~$70 | ~$70 | ~$144 | ~$120 | ~$135 | ~$180 | ~$150 |
| Final Rating | 4.29/5.00 | 4.19/5.00 | 3.76/5.00 | 3.66/5.00 | 2.88/5.00 | 3.03/5.00 | 2.87/5.00 | 1.79/5.00 | 2.36/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, NSF Certifications + Other Test Data, Taste & Odor Test) | 3.99/5.00 | 3.99/5.00 | 3.39/5.00 | 3.39/5.00 | 2.32/5.00 | 2.44/5.00 | 1.91/5.00 | 0.93/5.00 | 1.15/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 4.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 3.50/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.64/5.00 | 4.64/5.00 | 3.43/5.00 | 3.84/5.00 | 3.64/5.00 | 2.17/5.00 | 3.33/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 4.24/5.00 | 4.24/5.00 | 3.64/5.00 | 3.64/5.00 | 3.57/5.00 | 3.69/5.00 | 3.16/5.00 | 1.43/5.00 | 2.40/5.00 |
Whole House Systems
| Whole House Water Filter | USWS Bodyguard Plus (Incl. Interceptor Pre-Filter) |
USWS Bodyguard Fluoride Removal Filter | SpringWell CF | Express Water 3-Stage Essential (WH-300RS-CGS) |
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| Price (May 5, 2025) | $1,376.55 to $1,851.55 (Depending on the Size You Pick) | $1,234.05 to $2,003.55 (Depending on the Size You Pick) | $1,106.73 to $1,738.49 (Depending on the Size You Pick) |
$349.99 |
| Our Maintenance Cost Estimate (May 5, 2025) | Interceptor Pre-Filter Cartridges: ~$100-340 Per Year (Depending on the Size You Pick) Gravel + Carbon Media: ~$210-320 (Depending on the Size You Pick, About Every 5 Years) |
Gravel + Bone Char Media: ~$600-1,150 (Depending on the Size You Pick, About Every 3 Years) | Carbon, KDF, Flex Bed: ~$335 (About Every 6-10 Years) Sediment Post-Filter Cartridges: ~$25-40 Per Year |
~$110-220 Per Year |
| Final Rating | 4.80/5.00 | 4.80/5.00 | 4.60/5.00 | 4.73/5.00 |
| Filtration Score (Lab Results, Taste & Odor Test) | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 | 4.75/5.00 |
| Usability Score | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 |
| Cost Score | 4.00/5.00 | 4.00/5.00 | 3.75/5.00 | 4.40/5.00 |
| Lab Results Score | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 | 5.00/5.00 |
Gravity Water Filters
Please note: We only covered countertop-style gravity water filters, not bag or pouch systems.
Gravity water filters push water through a filter element using gravity. Because flow is slow, these units pair a large upper tank with a lower reservoir for the treated water.
Average Upfront Cost
In our comparison, gravity filters range from $159 to $399.90 upfront (using 2 or more filter elements in parallel), with an average of about $265, so higher than the overall average across all filter types.
Average Long-Term Cost
Annual filter replacement costs run from roughly ~$80 to ~$300, averaging about ~$205 – again higher than the overall average.
Top Pick Costs
Our top picks in this category are the Big Berkey and the Purewell. Here’s what we consider a quality gravity filter and what it costs.
Big Berkey
The Big Berkey costs $367 upfront (5% off available with our discount code) – well above the category average of ~$265. For its premium price, the Big Berkey earns our top pick as the #1 overall gravity filter, delivering the most effective filtration in its class. It may also be the strongest option for waterborne pathogen protection in outdoor or emergency situations. Setup, everyday use, and maintenance are straightforward, and annual replacement costs are a reasonable ~$186, even after adjusting the brand’s overly optimistic 3,000-gallon lifespan.
Cons: Despite extensive testing against NSF standards, the Big Berkey has no actual NSF certifications for contaminant reduction. Black Berkey elements are hard to find in stock, and we don’t recommend the optional fluoride filters, which in our tests appeared to leach aluminum at or above the strictest health guidelines.
Purewell
The Purewell costs $159 upfront – well below the gravity average of ~$265 – earning our recommendation as the #1 budget gravity filter. It delivered decent filtration results and the best nitrate removal in its class. Setup and priming are easy, though priming is slow, and usability is strong thanks to a tank window, all-metal spigot and handle, and a tank stand that allows room for a glass underneath. Annual replacements cost about $140, making it one of the most affordable long-term options we tested.
Cons: Once again, we don’t recommend the optional fluoride filters, which in our testing appeared to leach aluminum into the filtered water, although at much lower levels than the Big Berkey did. What’s more, Purewell has minimal NSF-based testing and no NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, unclear warranty terms, and a website that doesn’t convey much trust.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems tend to cost the most but also delivered the best overall filtration in our lab testing. They use a semi-permeable membrane combined with several pre and post-filter stages to remove a wide range of contaminants. Because prices vary so widely, we’ve split ROs into countertop and under sink – further dividing countertop models into tank-based and tankless, and also by whether they dispense only ambient water or include hot and/or cold water on demand. Under sink models are split into tank-based and tankless as well.
Countertop RO
Average Upfront Cost
- Tank-based, ambient water: $259–$434 in our comparison, averaging roughly $310, which is reasonable for an RO system.
- Tankless, ambient water: averages about $175 based on market research (we tested one at $192.12, which performed poorly).
- Hot water on demand: About $250 to $427.45 in our comparison, averaging $360 (tested products plus market research).
- Hot and cold water on demand: Averages $550, based on product we tested (Waterdrop A1) and market research.
Average Long-Term Cost
Annual filter replacement costs for countertop ROs range from about $100 to $200, with an average of around $150 – pretty much the overall average for all filtration systems.
Top Pick Costs
Our top countertop RO picks are the AquaTru Classic, the AquaTru Carafe, and the Waterdrop A1. Let’s take a look at their costs and why they earned our recommendation.
AquaTru Classic
The AquaTru Classic is a tank-based countertop RO that dispenses ambient water. It’s our pick for the #1 overall countertop RO, earning the highest filtration score in our testing. It costs $349 upfront (just slightly above the category average) when using our $100 automatic discount with our direct link. Annual filter costs are very affordable for an RO at about $110. For that price, you get nearly perfect lab filtration results, excellent usability, easy setup and priming, fast dispensing, low wastewater, and more. The AquaTru Classic also holds 85 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction which is outstanding!
Cons: A standard water bottle won’t fit under the spout, and our test unit initially failed because water got into the front handle (though we resolved it quickly).
AquaTru Carafe
The AquaTru Carafe is another tank-based countertop RO that dispenses ambient water. It’s our #1 budget choice in this class and the top option for those wanting a smaller system or a glass container. It costs $259 upfront with the same $100 discount using our direct link. Annual filter costs are a bit higher than the Classic at ~$150, but still affordable. The AquaTru Carafe offers low wastewater, easy setup and day-to-day use, and very good filtration performance – though not quite as strong as the Classic. The Carafe holds 82 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction.
Cons: Minor stuff only – requires a tool (provided) to change the filter, and the feed tank’s slight yellow tint can make tap water appear yellow.
Waterdrop A1
The updated Waterdrop A1 is our top recommendation for those wanting hot and cold water on demand from a countertop RO. It costs around $550 upfront with our “A1BOS” discount code, which is average for this type of system. Annual filter costs are below average at ~$130. In our testing, the updated A1 achieved excellent filtration results, the highest TDS removal rate of all systems tested, and no detectable methylene chloride (the previous version leached alarming levels). It also offers low wastewater and a large, responsive touchscreen, and many other features including 6 water temperature presets, night mode, and vacation settings.
Cons: No NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, hot water could be hotter, cooling mode is noisy, and the tall, heavy design takes up significant counter space and can make filling awkward depending on placement.
Under Sink RO
Under sink RO models connect to the plumbing beneath your sink, with purified water dispensed through a dedicated faucet.
Average Upfront Cost
We separated costs into tank-based and tankless models:
- Tank-based: $199.95–$579.45 in our comparison, averaging $275 based on tested units and market research.
- Tankless: $227.49 to around $1,035, averaging $450 based on tested units and market research.
Average Long-Term Cost
Annual filter replacement costs for both types range from about $100 to $360, with an average of around $200.
Top Pick Costs
Our top picks in this category are the Cloud RO, Waterdrop G3P600, and Waterdrop X12. Here’s why they earned their spots.
Cloud RO
The Cloud RO is our under sink RO top pick and #1 tank-based model. It costs $549 upfront with our $50 discount code – about twice the category average. Annual filter costs are average at around $200. For that premium, you get a well-made, luxury design, excellent filtration results in our lab testing, remineralization, low wastewater, fast faucet flow, and very easy setup, priming, and everyday use. The system also features a handy app for monitoring TDS, water consumption, and more.
Cons: Limited contaminant reduction testing with only 1 NSF certification for contaminant reduction (TDS). Some app data is imprecise, providing only a “ballpark” reading – think mineral content.
Waterdrop G3P600
The Waterdrop G3P600 is our top-rated tankless under sink RO. It costs an approximate $460 with our “G3P600BOS” discount code – pretty average for the category – and has below-average annual filter costs at ~$145. In testing, it delivered excellent filtration, sleek build quality, fast faucet flow, great usability with digital TDS monitors, and more.
Cons: Minor issues during setup (drain saddle too large, narrow hose inputs), though customer service was helpful. Tested against NSF standards for 62 contaminants and holds 8 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, but misses key ones such as lead. The optional automatic flushing feature counters TDS creep and extends membrane life but wastes a lot of water.
Waterdrop X12
The Waterdrop X12 is the most expensive tankless under sink RO we tested – around $1,035 with our “X12BOS” discount code ($1,299 without). Annual filter costs are ~$175 so more affordable and a tad below average. In our lab testing, it achieved nearly perfect filtration, had a sleek, high-quality build, excellent usability, and the fastest dispensing speed with the lowest wastewater ratio (without automatic flushing).
Cons: Setup issues included an oversized drain saddle and pre-installed filters that leaked at first. Limited contaminant reduction testing with only 2 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction.
Also Worth Mentioning
There were so many strong systems in this category that a few more deserve mention:
- USWS All American RO: Costs an above-average $579.45 upfront with our “BESTRO-5” discount code, and about $185 per year in long-term maintenance. But, you get a system that’s mostly made in the US, achieved nearly perfect performance in our lab testing, and has excellent usability. However, wastewater is rather high and we lack NSF testing and certifications.
- Home Master TMHP-L: Priced at $530.04 upfront, with annual replacement costs of about $160. Also mostly made in the USA, it delivers very fast faucet flow, excellent usability, and nearly perfect filtration in our testing. Downsides include a more complex setup and filter replacement process for beginners, and no NSF certifications or testing for contaminant reduction.
- APEC ROES-50 Essence: Our #1 budget RO pick overall at just $199.95 upfront and ~$100 in annual filter costs. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers wanting a reverse osmosis system. It produced great filtration results in testing and is easy to set up and operate. However, we had leaking issues, wastewater is pretty high, and it holds just 1 NSF certification for contaminant reduction.
Regular Under Sink Water Filters
Now we turn to “regular” (non-RO) under sink filtration systems.
Average Upfront Cost
The average upfront cost of a regular (non-RO) under sink water filter is a pretty affordable ~$190, although prices in our comparison vary widely from a low of $86.15 to a high of $495.
Average Long-Term Cost
The long-term costs (filter replacements) for regular under sink filters also vary widely between ~$90 and ~$440, coming in with an average of about $200 annually.
Top Pick Costs
For our top picks, we’ll just discuss the Epic Smart Shield, since we already covered our favorite reverse osmosis under sink filters above.
Epic Smart Shield
The Epic Smart Shield is very affordable at just $128 upfront when using our “BOSEpic” 20% off discount code. Long-term costs also come in below average at approximately $175 per year. For such a low price, the Epic Smart Shield earned our recommendation for the #1 regular under sink water filter, and the #1 budget pick with effective filtration in our lab testing. The system is easy to set up and use, with a very fast faucet flow from its dedicated faucet, and the system holds 66 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, although these are mostly for easier-to-remove organics. The Epic Smart Shield also comes with a rare lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee, and an excellent filter recycling program where you get one free for every three you return.
Cons: No filter change indicator; feed water adapter made from plastic (though it appears well-made), and some customers have reported leaks from the plastic valve; replacement filters are sometimes out of stock.
Regular Countertop Water Filters
Here are the costs of regular (non-RO) countertop water filters that we tested.
Average Upfront Cost
We tested several types and broke down the averages to make fair comparisons:
- Faucet-connected models (via feed water hose): a low $34.04–$71.99 upfront, averaging ~$60 based on market research.
- Water filter dispensers: $41.39–$49.98 upfront, averaging ~$45, so highly affordable.
- Standalone electric countertop models: $49.99–$199.99 upfront, averaging ~$145.
Average Long-Term Cost
The long-term filter replacement cost in the regular countertop water filter category varies widely in our comparison between ~$45 and ~$405 annually. Averaged over all 3 subcategories, we calculated an affordable ~$115 annually.
Top Pick Costs
Again, many of our top picks in the countertop category are RO filters, which we already discussed above. But here are some regular (non-RO) countertop models worth mentioning.
Aquasana Clean Water Machine
The Aquasana Clean Water Machine is a standalone electronic countertop filter priced at $199.99 upfront with our “AQBOS50” 50% off discount code – slightly above average for its class. Annual filter costs are low at about $60. We rated the Aquasana Clean Water Machine, along with the ZeroWater 32-Cup, as arguably the #1 regular countertop water filter. In our lab testing, it delivered good filtration results, although some methylene chloride appeared in the filtered water (below the strictest health guidelines). The system has an attractive design and decent usability, though the high, narrow tank doesn’t fit tightly and can be knocked out of place. And while it comes with 77 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, they are mostly easier-to-remove organics.
ZeroWater 32-Cup
The ZeroWater 32-Cup is a water filter dispenser model that shares our top recommendation with the Aquasana Clean Water Machine. It has a slim design and a highly affordable $44.99 upfront cost. However, the low purchase price is offset by very high annual maintenance costs of about $405 due to its extremely short filter lifespan of only 15–17 gallons. Filtration results in our testing were very good.
More cons: Only has 7 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction; we don’t like the misleading “0 TDS” approach to filter lifespan; and the plastic reservoir feels thin and prone to cracking.
Waterdrop ED04
The Waterdrop ED04 is a sleek, budget-friendly electronic countertop system priced at $49.99 upfront, with equally affordable annual filter costs of about $60. Usability is excellent, and it holds 33 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, though these are mostly for easier-to-remove organics. In our lab testing, filtration performance was decent, though not as strong as the Aquasana or ZeroWater models. Still, it’s our #1 budget pick for a regular countertop filter with decent filtration if low cost is your main priority.
Water Filter Pitchers
Water filter pitchers are a good entry-level option for those new to water filtration or for anyone who wants easy access to chilled, filtered water without paying a premium.
Average Upfront Cost
Prices in our comparison range from $17.99 to $90, with a highly affordable average of ~$50, making them one of the best budget-friendly choices.
Average Long-Term Cost
Annual filter replacement costs range from about $30 to $265, averaging roughly $115.
Top Pick Costs
Our top pitcher picks are the Clearly Filtered and the Waterdrop Chubby.
Clearly Filtered
Nearly twice the category average at $90 upfront (with “BOS10” discount code), and above-average annual costs at about $150. In return, the Clearly Filtered earns our top pick as the #1 all-rounder pitcher, offering decent lab filtration results and usability. Downsides include priming issues, slow filtration, and a pour flap that doesn’t open easily. Still, it’s also the most extensively tested pitcher for contaminant reduction – 354 contaminants – though it holds only 4 NSF certifications.
Waterdrop Chubby
Much cheaper upfront at $21.72 (with “RCPT” 21% off discount code) and affordable annual costs of about $90 after adjusting for a more realistic filter lifespan. Filtration performance was less impressive – the Waterdrop Chubby failed to completely remove several contaminants but had no concerning increases. Usability is excellent, with fast pouring through a reliable pour-through tab, faster filtration speed than most, and an attractive design with a natural wooden handle.
Faucet Water Filters
Faucet water filters are budget-friendly and attach directly to your kitchen faucet, letting you switch between filtered and unfiltered water.
Average Upfront Cost
Prices range from $21.99 to $115 in our comparison, with a low average of ~$40, making them another strong budget-friendly option.
Average Long-Term Cost
The average long-term costs (filter replacements) for faucet water filters vary in our comparison between ~$50 and ~$180, with an affordable average of approximately $110 annually.
Top Pick Costs
Our two top picks in this category are the PUR PLUS Horizontal and PUR PLUS Vertical.
PUR PLUS Horizontal
Our top faucet filter pick costs $32.99 upfront. In our lab testing, it achieved the best filtration results in its class and holds 70 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction, mostly for easier-to-remove organics. Usability is decent, and it comes with an extended 2-year warranty. Annual replacement costs are very low at about $50.
Cons: Filtered water taste improved but wasn’t perfect, the unit is somewhat bulky and can get in the way, and filtration speed is modest.
PUR PLUS Vertical
Our runner-up and the cheapest faucet filter we tested at $21.99 upfront, with equally affordable annual filter costs of around $50. Filtration performance matched the Horizontal model, with the same 70 NSF certifications for contaminant reduction (mostly easier-to-remove organics), decent usability, and the same extended 2-year warranty.
Cons: Water taste improved but wasn’t perfect, and the plastic switch feels lower quality – we suspect it could break if handled too forcefully.
Whole House Water Filters
Whole house filters treat all the water entering your home, meaning your shower, washing machine, dishwasher, and all faucets get filtered water. The cost of these systems can’t be compared directly, since pricing depends heavily on your water quality, contaminants present, and your treatment goals.
That said:
- Cartridge-based systems are usually much more affordable upfront – around $400 for a standard 3-stage sediment and carbon filter – but cost more to maintain, averaging about $200 per year for a standard 3-stage system.
- Large tank-based systems typically cost $1,000+ upfront for a carbon-based unit but last longer and generally have much lower long-term maintenance fees.
Bottom Line
Our extensive testing shows you don’t need to pay a premium price to get a good water filter. While we did recommend some premium models, many of our top picks were average-priced for their category. Among budget models, some performed poorly, but others delivered surprisingly strong results – enough that we found at least one good budget pick in every filtration category.
Long story short, do you research! Start by deciding what type of system you want – faucet filter, under sink, reverse osmosis, etc. – which will often be determined by your budget.
- If you’re new to water filtration and on a very limited budget, consider decent low-cost models in the faucet filter, water pitcher, or regular countertop categories. But, just be aware that pitchers and faucet filters do not tend to filter as well as other categories do.
- If you have more to spend, gravity filters, regular countertop systems, and regular under sink models can offer stronger performance.
- If your top priority is filtration effectiveness, look into countertop and under sink reverse osmosis systems. They tend to outperform other types but usually cost more.
Once you’ve chosen a system type based on filtration needs and budget, narrow your options to 2–3 strong contenders, read our guides thoroughly, and check our dedicated reviews. Weigh out the pros and cons of each, and finally, choose based on what works best for your household.
Further Reading
About the Author(s)
Raoul has a background in mechanical engineering and has been writing about home water treatment since 2015. He designs our product review processes, analyzes the results, and ties everything together. As editor-in-chief, he tries hard to keep the whole operation running smoothly behind the scenes.