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The Best Water Filter

Last updated on January 12, 2022

We looked at the top 10 Water Filters and dug through the reviews from 27 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Water Filters.

Best Water Filter

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Water Filters

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Amazon Basics Pitcher WQA-Certified Water Filter

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Amazon Basics

Pitcher WQA-Certified Water Filter

Your water has never tasted so good as when you run it through this water filter. The unit is certified by the Water Quality Association and designed to replace as many as 300 plastic water bottles. All you need to do is pour 10 cups of water in the unit at a time and let the filter do the rest of the work for you.

Overall Take

Easy to UseThis water filter system comes with a complimentary replacement filter.

 Lasts A Long Time

Waterdrop Pitcher TDS Long-Lasting Water Filter

Waterdrop

Pitcher TDS Long-Lasting Water Filter

This water filter lasts five times longer than other models, providing filtration for up to 200 gallons of water. You'll also get fast operation, as you can fill the pitcher in just 60 seconds. There's a handy indicator light on the lid that will let you know when the filter needs replacing.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalWith this water filter, you'll be able to enjoy a refreshing glass of water without the expensive price tag.

 We Also Like

Brita Standard Chlorine Reducing Water Filter, 3-Count

Brita

Standard Chlorine Reducing Water Filter, 3-Count

With this pack, you'll get three filters, each of which fits all Brita pitchers and dispensers except the Brita Stream line. Brita filters reduce chlorine and get rid of the taste and smell of any copper, mercury, zinc and cadmium in your water. Unlike earlier versions of Brita filters, these filters are easy to install and require no presoaking be...

Overall Take

Universal FitIf you have Brita pitchers and dispensers, these universal replacement filters are a great buy.

Pros
" One filter can replace 300 standard water bottles, moreover, you don’t need pre-soaking as the replacement filter changes quickly and it’s easy to use."
Cons
"But with only six ANSI/NSF certifications, it’s less effective on many potential contaminants."
 Strong Contender

ZeroWater Lead Removing Water Filter, 2-Count

ZeroWater

Lead Removing Water Filter, 2-Count

This two-pack will work with all ZeroWater pitchers and water dispensers, no matter the size. These filters use a five-stage process that reduces lead and other heavy metals in your water, and filters 99.6% of total dissolved solids. You can buy them in other multi-set configurations or with a pitcher if you don't yet have one.

Overall Take

Comes With A SpareIf you have a ZeroWater pitcher or dispenser, this two-pack will give you a spare to keep on hand.

Buying Guide

Bottled water can get expensive, and all those plastic bottles are bad for the environment. You can save serious money and ease your conscience by investing in a water filtration system for your home. Even if you don’t drink all your water at home, there are insulated tumblers and thermoses that you can fill with water and take with you on the go.

Water filtration is not a complicated, involved process. In fact, you can spend a small amount of money and have water filtration right away. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a water pitcher that holds a filter. You will have to refill it periodically, but pitchers are a great option if you live alone or your household doesn’t consume much water each day.

Another option is an under-sink water filter. You simply hook it up and enjoy tasty water from the tap. This is the route to take if you just want filtered water from one sink in your house. Or, if you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, one that has a filtered water dispenser built into the door may provide the same benefits.

Some households choose to invest in whole-house filtration systems. This can be costly and involved, but it could also increase the value of your house. The main reason to do this, though, is that it gives you the convenience of having filtered water no matter which tap you choose. You’ll also get filtered water in the bath or shower, which can be nice.

No matter what type of filtration system you choose, you’ll need to occasionally change the filter. A whole-house system won’t need it as often as a smaller system, so that’s another convenience. Look into how often the filters have to be changed, as well as how expensive and easy to buy they are, before you choose a filtration option.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the water filters available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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27

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Best Reviews Guide, World Of Water Filter, Water Filter Answers, The Safe Healthy Home, Wiki EZ Vid.

209,765

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Water Filters and also dug through the reviews from 27 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Water Filters.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Brita Standard Chlorine Reducing Water Filter, 3-Count

Key Takeawy

With this pack, you'll get three filters, each of which fits all Brita pitchers and dispensers except the Brita Stream line. Brita filters reduce chlorine and get rid of the taste and smell of any copper, mercury, zinc and cadmium in your water. Unlike earlier versions of Brita filters, these filters are easy to install and require no presoaking before use.

What other experts liked

One filter can replace 300 standard water bottles, moreover, you don’t need pre-soaking as the replacement filter changes quickly and it’s easy to use.
- All True Stuff
The inexpensive basic Brita Pitcher and Dispenser Filter makes good-tasting water.
- The New York Times

What other experts didn't like

But with only six ANSI/NSF certifications, it’s less effective on many potential contaminants.
- The New York Times

What to Look For

  • When you turn on your tap, you’re getting water from the municipal water supply in your town. While local governments do what they can to keep things safe, occasionally violations are cited, which means contaminants may be present without you knowing it.
  • The water coming through your pipes isn’t the only concern, as the pipes themselves can contain contaminants.
  • There are multiple types of filters, but the most popular is carbon. Carbon is a low-cost but effective way to filter particles.
  • Most filters are sold in sets of two or more. This can help you save money, and it also gives you one or more extras to keep on hand so you aren’t always rushing to buy a new one when it’s time to change your filter.
  • Look at the specific types of particles that are caught by your filter. Chlorine, lead, copper, mercury, zinc and cadmium are just some of the contaminants you can battle with a filter.
  • You’ll have to double-check that the filter you’re buying works with the filtration system you have in place. Some are universal, but not all of them are.
  • Some filters require that you soak them first for a period of time. Others let you skip that step, which makes changing out your filters much quicker and more convenient.
  • Check the instructions on how to change your filter. With some, you’ll need to run water through it a few times before you can drink it. The early rounds of water can be used for things like watering plants if you don’t want to toss it out.
  • Water filtration systems can build up bacteria and mold over time, as is the case with any moisture-rich environment. Some filters are designed to resist this buildup to keep you and your family safer.

More to Explore

If you’ve been buying bottled water with the assumption that it’s straight from a natural spring, you may have been misled. About half of the bottled water sold in the U.S. comes from actual spring water, which is defined as water flowing naturally from an underground source.

The other half comes from the municipal water supply, just as your tap water does. The water is filtered and/or treated — similar to the process you’d use to filter your own water at home — then put in a bottle, labeled and shipped to the store where you bought it.

If you want to make sure you’re getting spring water with your next bottled water purchase, take a look at the fine print on the label. You can find the source there, including information on the location of the spring or water supply.

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