Best Countertop Water Filter in 2024?! 26 Brands (Lab-)Tested + Reviewed

[@boswater6065]

*Countertop Water Filter Recommendations* *1. Best Overall: AquaTru Classic* → Buy Here (Deal 1 - Incl. Free Replacement Filter Set!): waterwellness.pxf.io/RG52k2 - Use code “BOSAQUATRU” for an Additional 15% Off! → Buy Here (Deal 2 - $100 Off!): aquatruwater.com/product/countertop-reverse-osmosis-water-purifier/?oid2=50&affid2=1286&c=boswater - No Code Needed. $100 Discount Already Applied With Link! *2. Best Countertop RO for Lower Budgets: AquaTru Carafe* → Buy Here ($100 Off!): aquatruwater.com/product/carafe-countertop-reverse-osmosis-water-purifier-variation/?oid2=50&affid2=1286&c=boswater - No Code Needed. $100 Discount Already Applied With Link! *3. Most Effective “Regular” Countertop Filter: Aquasana Clean Water Machine* → Buy Here: bos-water.com/youtube/aquasana-cwm - Use Code “AQBOS50” for Up to 50% Off! *4. Most Effective “Regular” Countertop Filter: ZeroWater 32-Cup Ready-Read Dispenser* → Buy Here: amzn.to/3MzQT6Y *5. Best Budget Pick for “Regular” Countertop Filters: Waterdrop ED04* → Buy Here: www.waterdropfilter.com/products/water-filter-pitcher-ed04?ref=aqhvda420xp - Use Code “ED04BOS” for 3% Off on Top of Any Current Waterdrop Sale!

[@jaketepper252]

no test of the Philips water filters???? PHILIPS GoZero Next-gen Instant Water Filter Pitcher

[@wavelength3856]

What a fantastic video! Love how thorough, objective, and knowledgeable it was, and it helped me make a decision to go for one of the AquaTru RO systems. Thank you!!

[@boswater6065]

Thank you. This is so great to hear!

[@chrisdevries9646]

Great video! I hope others find this. I went with Bluevua because too many reviews reported aquatru leaking.

[@boswater6065]

Thank you, and thanks for sharing!

[@fvnt0miix953]

@@boswater6065 Have you found any info about Bluevua as a company? Like how many years they’ve been in business or which country it’s from? There’s no such info on their website and when I called, the agent couldn’t give me a clear answer. He just said they have offices in Canada, USA and China. Strangely, on Bed Bath & Beyond, the country of origine for the Bluevua LITE is Vietnam on one link, and Italy for the other link… How can I trust a company with such unclear origine? What are they hiding?

[@boswater6065]

Check out their test reports (bluevua.com/pages/reports). They list a US address, but I'm assuming the systems are made in China, because there's also test data from "SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd. Ningbo Branch" - but this is just me guessing.

[@AGILISFPV]

Wow, what a well-put-together informative video. Nobody even comes close to this level of quality analysis, so thank you very much for everyone’s time that was put into making this happen. Not to mention it’s beautifully presented by a drop-dead gorgeous person! I wish you guys would discuss/test countertop distillers. I was too concerned with contaminants, so I ended up going with a distiller instead of RO, plus it wastes next to no water (only energy lol). I went with the Megahome MH943SBS (had it for a little over 6 months now, and it seems to work great), but right after I got it, I saw the Waterwise 4000, and I wished I had gotten that one instead. It has a higher-grade stainless steel (316 instead of 304) and it comes with a borosilicate glass container instead of regular glass. I’m not positive, but it looks like the way it incorporates the activated carbon filter is better. With the Megahome, I quickly learned that AC is really needed with these distillers because the VOCs (which make it taste/smell bad) come out into the water. I ended up putting 2 of the AC packets instead of 1, and the bad smell/taste immediately went away. I learned that distilled water is “aggressive,” so it slowly absorbs whatever it’s stored in. So because of that, I also had to buy a glass storage reservoir with a stainless steel spicket, which was so hard to find because most glass containers have some form of plastic in the spicket. I can’t help but wonder if the Megahome/Waterwise are equally as effective though, and your team seems the best equipped to handle that question. Again, thanks for all your work.

[@boswater6065]

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're definitely planning on doing a comparison of water distillers in future. But I can't make any promises for when we'll publish such a video.

[@s1ayde]

Would love to see a review on the waterdrop D6 due to it's price!

[@boswater6065]

Noted!

[@cathy349]

How do we know they are not sponsored by AquaTru?

[@boswater6065]

I guess the only thing you can do is trust us - or not. But that's exactly why we publish all the lab reports as part of our Google Sheet, so that you can make your own comparison.

[@fvnt0miix953]

They have discount codes for many RO systems, not just Aquatru. Also, Aquatru IS the only company with the most certifications, therefore the safest. Imo it’s also important to know the origine of the company. Aquatru’s “about us” page is very clear, whereas on Bluevua’s website, you can’t find any solid info about their company. You just gotta compare things objectively yourself to know if they are sponsored or honest in their reviews.

[@robkhoomd]

Great video….couldn’t get link to Google spreadsheet to open….keeps telling me to check address and try again

[@boswater6065]

Thank you! Hm, weird. Here is the link one more time, maybe it works: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E7ZS0bPmHeKEUK8I7-v8OqTNtUbM91UnxJ68zQzpObY/

[@cathy349]

Hello! Could you also test Sans countertop water purifier? I keep getting Instagram ads...it looks very neat and upscale, but I wonder if the water quality is also there. Thanks

[@boswater6065]

This one is on our list!

[@eslafalbayati6340]

Is testing the direct connection one stage undersink water filter on your list any soon ,like the APEC water filter and other brands? interested to know what they can achieve!!

[@boswater6065]

We're testing a bunch of non-RO under sink filters right now with some being single-stage and some multi-stage.

[@eslafalbayati6340]

Thank you

[@college6276]

Hey thanks!, I actually am interested in comparing the different types of filters (RO, countertop, pitcher,… which is best at filtering over all these categories + other things to think about). I also wonder if these RO or gravity systems might be less impacted by bacterial build-up compared to something like a carbon filter (which is replaced as guided but will still build up bacteria and lead to more contaminated water in that regard than regular tap). Although very big countertop systems which hold still water for a long period also have this problem, especially as many people won’t clean it (enough) and biofilm formation.

[@boswater6065]

We will compare all the different filter types eventually! As for biofilm formation, like you said this really depends on how you're using a water filter, and I'd think water conditions also play their part so it's harder to test.

[@screwydrewy7027]

I would like to see this kind of information as well. Uv sterilizer at the beginning of the entire system could help to kill of any bacteria and spores in the water column but I’m unsure of what location is best for this device. Also a hole house filter can have this problem as well which can lead to bacteria blooms in your entire system if not done properly. I’d love to see some educational videos on this why it happens etc great question

[@boswater6065]

@screwydrewy7027 Noted!

[@paulettemcfarlane9815]

We are now drinking our softebed water as our biggest concern was high manganese levels. Our softener removes manganese so we were advised to drink our softened water. Now our concern is sodium. Does R/O remove sodium or what is our best option to get the sodium level down and improve taste. All other levels of everything test good

[@boswater6065]

Yes, RO is highly effective at removing sodium.

[@manfredodepaz4991]

I'm moving from my Zerowater to a waterdrop that is similar to the WFD-22L. I notice that there is an upgrade version for this dispenser filter that is certified 53, 42 and 372. Is the upgraded filter the same one used for testing? If not can you test to see if the increased price for the upgraded filter is even worth it?

[@boswater6065]

Could you provide a model number, please? I'm not sure which filter you are referring to.

[@PinelliSC]

For the Aquatru Classic how do you recommend to sanitize it

[@boswater6065]

support.aquatruwater.com/hc/en-us/articles/360049751413-How-do-I-clean-algae-or-mold-found-in-the-closed-areas-of-the-water-dispenser-on-the-clean-water-tank

[@ABCD-ug6xz]

Do you have any options tested that avoid using plastic chambers?

[@boswater6065]

The AquaTru Carafe and the Bluevua use glass collectors. And the gravity filters are stainless steel although their lab results weren't that great.

[@rekosko]

Why there are no Philips RO systems in any of the lists :)? For example something like: ADD6920BK/10 ? Are Philips RO's so bad that there's no point in testing?

[@boswater6065]

No, it's just that our budget is limited. But someone else also asked about Philips RO systems, so they're on our list!

[@rekosko]

@@boswater6065 ok, that's a valid point :) I'm really into buying this Philips product or Waterdrop A1 because it's just available where I live. I think I will be waiting for a test of Philips (hopefully not for too long :) )

[@boswater6065]

Just know that we won't review more RO systems anytime soon, because we've reviewed 21 units already and so we want to focus on other types of water filters first. Also, our list of water filters including RO systems that people have asked us to review is pretty long by now, so I can't promise that we will include a Philips RO in the next round of testing - we will prioritize the systems with the highest demand.

[@Sara-od2li]

Could you please test the Echo Viva mate4 Reverse Osmosis System? Also the Pro 1 gravity filter, thanks

[@boswater6065]

I've added the MATE4 to our list, but the ProOne gravity filter was part of this video and our top 7 gravity water filter comparison.

[@Sara-od2li]

@boswater6065 Thank you

[@Studiovette]

Why would I want to buy any water filtration system that stores its water in plastic? I understand the water is not heated but could the plastic still be leaching into the water long term. Am I missing something? I want better and safer water for my house and looking for a suitable RO system. Leaning towards tankless.

[@boswater6065]

In this case you might be interested in our under sink RO comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ25gZxonJWJfas - That said, the AquaTru Carafe uses a glass carafe to store the filtered water. Same for the Bluevua. Both are mentioned in the video.

[@meganmahlberg4714]

What are your thoughts on Sans Water Purifier?

[@boswater6065]

Haven't tested it yet but it's on our list.

[@mrsupchurch2987]

Have y’all ever tested the Radiant Life gravity filter?

[@boswater6065]

No

[@harshaan_singh_grewal13]

so does these filters remove estrogen hormones in water in any form ?

[@boswater6065]

Yes. Hormones are organic compounds and I'm pretty sure they are relatively easy to remove using activated carbon. But I also checked our top picks and the AquaTru Classic, AquaTru Carafe, Waterdrop ED04, and Aquasana CWM are all NSF-certified for estrone reduction (around 96%).

[@eslafalbayati6340]

Can ispring Faucet connect ckc1c be good at removing pfas,pfoa

[@boswater6065]

Possibly, yes. PFAS and PFOA can be removed using activated carbon and that's what the iSpring CKC1C uses.

[@eslafalbayati6340]

Which is better activated carbon or granular carbon for removing pfas

[@boswater6065]

It's always activated carbon but some is in granular and some in block form. And some brands also advertise with activated carbon fiber. I'm not sure if one type is better than the others when it comes to PFAS. I'd say the most important factor is probably contact time.

[@eslafalbayati6340]

Hi,Which filter media in aquasana leeched methylene chloride do you think is it catalytic carbon or activted carbon? And how the floride increased due to the testing method can you clear it abit more because i always thought activted carbon can't leech chemicals as well as can't increase floride

[@boswater6065]

Please remember that we didn't repeat the lab testing so maybe the methylene chloride didn't even come from the Aquasana CWM. But if it did, it's impossible for us to determine where it came from - doesn't even need to be the filter media. As for the increase in fluoride, we think this is just due to uneven contaminant distribution or maybe it has to do with the testing method. In other words, we highly doubt that the Aquasana CWM added any fluoride into our water.

[@eslafalbayati6340]

Could the floruide increase because this system is not RO system, so it mostly filtered other continments but not floruide, and that's why floruide popped up among the other continments Is it even logical to think like that

[@boswater6065]

We're pretty sure that the Aquasana CWM basically doesn't add or remove any fluoride from the water. The level just stays the same.

[@stannstation7]

Do you work for AquaTru??

[@boswater6065]

No, but we do take part in their affiliate program which is also the case for almost all the other products tested in this video. This is the only way we can afford to make these videos.

[@sarahparker3790]

Why does the Aquatru classic have 100% nitrate reduction, but the carafe says n/a

[@boswater6065]

Great question! As you may know, we calculate the reduction rates for impurities/contaminants by comparing the unfiltered with the filtered water. But because for the AquaTru Carafe there wasn't any nitrate detected in the unfiltered water, we couldn't calculate a reduction rate, so it says "not tested". That said, the AquaTru Carafe is actually NSF-certified for nitrate reduction with an average reduction rate of 98.3%, so highly effective.

[@sarahparker3790]

Nitrates and lead are my major concerns as our city drinking water is at a level 9 for nitrates right now and also is testing positive for lead. Thank you for the response.

[@boswater6065]

I see. Well, both AquaTru units are the only systems part of this comparison that are NSF-certified for both lead and nitrate. And the AquaTru Carafe seems to be the more effective one for nitrate. A lot of the other systems are also NSF-certified for lead, but not for nitrate. That doesn't mean that those other systems aren't effective targeting nitrate as our test data has shown, but in our opinion an actual NSF certification simply adds that extra layer of certainty.

[@SherriTrapanese]

What about Sans? Thoughts?

[@boswater6065]

Not tested yet.

[@robertbird3754]

I've been using zero for 5 years. I replace the filter 4 x a year. Unless you're filtering sewage your don't need to change it that much. The thing the zero does is remove fluoride. No other shelf filter comes close. It really depends what your goal is.. I run my water through the zero. Use the water to dilute my dueterium depleted water. I give zero 5 stars .

[@boswater6065]

Thanks for sharing! It would be really interesting to know how much fluoride is being reduced if you only replace filters 4 times a year.

[@gregthompson9237]

♦️🌊 gave it a °like°, but ended up completely confused. inundated w/ info of comparisons, stats, performance, features. Then after recommending two particular unit/models, she began listing the - "what's wrong with this picture" - reasons you wouldn't want to buy the very two models of which she'd just recommended ? 🙄 ❓ Now i don't trust ANY of 'em

[@revbikerbigd8664]

We been using zero water for 14 years or more with city water, very happy. Cost $100 a year 👍

[@boswater6065]

Thanks for sharing! At $100 a year, about how many gallons do you filter per cartridge?

[@AlexJOHNSON-s5c]

Can you test bluevua RO100ROPOT-LITE? it has the perfect size but hardly any real test out there! thank you. what is more, have you tested their waste water? I noticed that when I add 0 tds water as input water to these system, some will return 50 ppm tds water consistently. these system could be leaking things.

[@boswater6065]

The Lite is on our list! Also, thanks for sharing your TDS findings. Which system(s) did you test this way?

[@AlexJOHNSON-s5c]

@@boswater6065 I tested RO100ROPOT-LITE abd another friend tested RO100ROPOT and it has the same issue. it seems carbon filter of these machines have been leaking!

[@boswater6065]

So just for me to understand, you added 0 TDS water into the RO100ROPOT/RO100ROPOT-Lite and then you measured the wastewater and it read 50 ppm? Are you sure that there wasn't any "old" water in the systems that wasn't 0 TDS?

[@AlexJOHNSON-s5c]

@@boswater6065 to make sure there is no old water pollution from its hidden tank, I repeated this experiment 14 times now... the waste water from it is still 25, 30 TDS consistently... that is almost 30L TDS 0 water flushing and filtering ! I assume it is carbon filter is releasing carbon but we dont know for sure.

[@boswater6065]

Could be. After all, 0 TDS water has a very high affinity to dissolve stuff because it's completely "empty".

[@fatemaabdulqadir870]

Why don't you disclose which filter systems were handed out to you guys for free rather than 'some' were provided free.

[@boswater6065]

No particular reason, and it doesn't influence our ratings anyway.

[@Shae-pe9dd]

You talk too much, get to the point

[@SherriTrapanese]

What about Sans? Thoughts?

[@boswater6065]

Not tested yet.

[@paulettemcfarlane9815]

Our water was perfect for all minerals and bacteria except for manganese. We determined that our softener removed all manganese so we were advised to drink our softened water. Now our concern is the sodium is above recommended guidelines, also taste is not as good as pre softened water. Do r/o systems remove sodium or what do you recommend

[@boswater6065]

@paulettemcfarlane9815 I just replied to your previous comment on this!