🔍 Which Water Filters Actually Remove Microplastics? Here’s What Works

We’ve already called out the top performers — but a filter that’s “best overall” doesn’t always mean it’s best for you.

Here’s the complete list of systems we put to the test—our top choices and a few other impressive contenders.

Because honestly, it’s not just about specs. Your setup, how much space you have, whether you’re okay drilling into cabinets — that stuff matters. So here’s the complete rundown, based on real-world use, not just lab numbers.

✅ Expert Picks

1. 🏆 Waterdrop G3P800 — Best Overall System: Great for under-sink installs where space, speed, and fine-particle removal matter most.
2. 💧 AquaTru Classic — Best Countertop RO: Perfect for renters, offices, or anyone avoiding plumbing work but still wants high-end filtration.
3. 🚿 Epic Smart Shield — Best Budget Inline Option: A solid choice for small households or renters — discreet, easy to install, and no electricity required.
4. 🫗 Clearly Filtered Pitcher — Best for Simplicity : Ideal for individuals or minimalists looking for a portable way to reduce plastic particles from drinking water.

#1. WaterDrop -G3P800 Undersink RO System

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💧 Best Fit For: Busy households, renters, or anyone who wants fast, reliable filtration without a bulky tank.

I’ve been using the G3P800 daily — it handles peak demand easily and keeps up when the whole family’s filling water bottles or pots. It’s quick, quiet, and fits neatly under the sink. For a compact system, it pulls more weight than you’d expect.

Let’s look at where it delivers — and what you’ll want to know before buying.

✅ Pros
🚀 Handles high usage — no lag when everyone’s filling bottles or boiling water
🧪 Submicron filtration — catches the stuff your basic filter misses
🔇 Quiet enough to forget it’s running
🛠️ Installs fast — no tank, no plumber, no headache
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-approved — easy access and no waiting for clean water
🛡️ Comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind

❌ Cons
🔩 Faucet can loosen over time — may need occasional tightening
⚙️ Doesn’t include a remineralization stage
🧼 Filter changes can get a little messy if rushed

#2. AquaTru Classic – Countertop RO System

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Most people I know don’t want to drill holes or deal with plumbing — and honestly, neither did I. That’s why I originally picked AquaTru. It sits right on the counter, filters well, and feels more like a kitchen gadget than a plumbing project. For shared spaces or setups where you just want something that works, it’s a solid pick.

Now, let’s dig into some pros and what you should know going forward:

✅ Pros
🧃 Removable reservoir makes filling and cleaning super easy
🎯 Tight footprint — only 14″ of counter space needed
📊 Digital display shows when filters need changing
🧩 Color-coded filters snap in without tools
🛡️ Covered by a 1-year warranty

❌ Cons
🐢 Takes 10–15 minutes to filter a full gallon
📏 Spout height can make filling tall bottles tricky – unless you position the spot over the edge of the counter.

#3. Epic Smart Shield – Best Budget Inline System

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Now that it’s installed, what stands out most is how quietly it blends into the routine. You don’t have to think about it — which is exactly what you want from a daily-use system. But beyond ease, we’re especially curious to see how well it holds up over time with smaller particles and everyday use.

So let’s get to the pros and what you should know:

✅ Pros
🧰 Install takes 15–20 minutes max — even with zero plumbing skills
🚿 No drop in water pressure — flow feels the same as unfiltered
🔇 No noise or electrical parts — runs silently in the background
📦 Comes with everything you need — no run to the hardware store
🔁 Swapping filters takes under 2 minutes, no mess

❌ Cons
🧼 You’ll need to clear some space under the sink to mount it cleanly
🧪 Doesn’t reduce TDS — so the “clean” taste depends on your source water
🔧 Not ideal if your faucet threads are non-standard — may require an adapter

#4. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher – Best Budget

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Not everyone needs a whole-house setup or under-sink system — sometimes, you just want something simple that works. If you’re in a small space or want a grab-and-go solution, this pitcher checks a lot of boxes. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut down on unwanted stuff in your glass without overcomplicating your routine.

Let’s break down where it shines — what to know before buying:

✅ Pros
🧪 Actually filters out more than just the basics — even tiny stuff like plastic particles
🥤 Water tastes clean, no weird after-flavor or plastic hint
🚫 No setup — just fill it and toss it in the fridge
🔎 Comes with third-party lab results, not just bold claims
🙌 Easy to grip, pour, and refill — kid-proof and hassle-free

❌ Cons
💧 Small reservoir — you’ll be refilling often if more than two people use it
⚠️ Lid feels a little fragile — handle with care when cleaning
⏳ No real-time flow — takes patience when filling multiple bottles

Read full review: Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher

🧠 How We Picked (And Why It Matters)

We don’t just toss in products based on specs or affiliate hype. Every filter on this list earned its place by doing one thing well: actually removing tiny plastic particles in real-world use — not just in a lab.

We’ve tested some firsthand. For others, we looked at certifications, scrutinized user feedback, grilled brands directly, and sifted through third-party lab results. If it didn’t meet the mark, it didn’t make the cut.

💡 Good to Know: We don’t just rely on manufacturer claims — we test systems ourselves and adjust our picks when the data shifts. If something better comes along, you’ll see it here.

🛒 Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in a Microplastic Filter

Not all filters are created equal — and most aren’t built with microplastics in mind.

Some systems shine on paper but fall short in real kitchens. Others filter impressively well but clog too fast, cost too much, or don’t work for your setup. That’s why we don’t just look at lab results — we test, compare, and factor in the real-world trade-offs.

So if you’re trying to figure out which system actually works for your home, this guide will walk you through:

• What actually blocks microplastic particles (and what doesn’t)
• Filter types and how they stack up
• What to check before you buy
• Real-life tradeoffs (budget, flow rate, maintenance)

🔍 First up? Know what’s in your water.

Let’s start with testing…

🧪 Test Your Water First

Before you commit to any filter, test your water.

What’s coming out of your tap might be totally different from someone else’s — even across the street. Microplastics might be a concern, but you could also be dealing with chlorine, PFAS, lead, or bacterial issues, especially if you’re on a well.

That’s why a good water test isn’t just helpful — it’s step one.

You’ve got a couple options:

• City water? Check your utility’s annual water quality report (they’re public and free)
• Private well? Get your water tested at least once a year — especially after heavy rain or drought
• Want full details? A lab test like this one will break down everything from plastic particles to heavy metals

💡 Good to Know: Some filters excel at chlorine and taste issues — but won’t touch tiny plastic particles. A quick test helps you avoid overbuying (or under-filtering).

🧪 What Are Microplastics, Really?

You’ve probably heard the term thrown around, but most people don’t realize just how small — and sneaky — these particles can be. Microplastics are bits of plastic debris less than 5mm in size. Some are so tiny, they pass right through standard filters.

• 🧴 They break off from packaging, cosmetics, and clothing
• 🚿 Even home plumbing can shed plastic particles
• 🌬️ Found in tap water, bottled water, and even the air

📌 Worth Knowing:

Microplastics don’t break down in the body — and while research is ongoing, early studies link them to hormone disruption, inflammation, and other health concerns. Better to play it safe.

🚰 How Do Microplastics Get Into Tap Water?

It’s not just industrial runoff or ocean pollution — microplastics enter our drinking water through everyday systems you’d never expect.

• 🏭 Break down in the environment, then travel via rain or runoff
• 💧 Slip through outdated municipal treatment plants
• 🚿 Leach from plastic pipes or fittings inside your home
• 🚛 Shed from plastic containers during water transport and storage

📎 Worth Noting:

Many public utilities aren’t required to test for microplastics yet, which means they could be present in your water — even if your annual report looks fine on paper.

🔍 What To Look For in a Microplastics Filter

Not all filters are built to catch plastic particles. In fact, many common models focus only on taste, chlorine, or sediment — and completely miss the tiny stuff. Here’s what actually matters when shopping for a filter that can handle micro-level contaminants:

• Micron Rating: Look for filters rated 1 micron or smaller — submicron filters (~0.5 or lower) are ideal
• NSF/ANSI Certifications: Especially 53 (health-related contaminants), 401 (emerging compounds), and P473 (PFAS — often overlap with plastic filtration capabilities)
• Tested Claims: Filters backed by third-party lab results are far more trustworthy than vague “removes contaminants” marketing
• Cartridge Design: Pitchers and under-sink units often use carbon block — good for plastic particles if the micron rating is tight enough
• Maintenance: Filter changes should be doable without special tools or plumbing — especially for renters

🧠 Worth Knowing:

TDS meters can’t detect microplastics — so even if your “numbers look good,” that doesn’t mean those particles aren’t in your water.

⚙️ Filter Types That Work (and What Doesn’t)

If microplastics are your concern, not every filter will cut it. Some systems are great for taste or chlorine, but their pores are just too big to block plastic particles. Here’s how the main types stack up:

📌 Heads Up: Even filters labeled “removes contaminants” might skip over plastic entirely unless the specs mention particle size or testing.

🤔 Do You Really Need To Filter for Microplastics?

That depends. If you’re drinking municipal water, your exposure might be low — but “low” doesn’t mean zero. Studies have found plastic particles in both tap and bottled water — still there’s a lot we don’t know about the long-term effects.

If you already have a filter, check the micron rating. If it’s above 1 micron, it’s probably not catching much. If you’re shopping for your first system — or upgrading — it’s smart to get one that’s been tested for smaller particles. Especially if you’ve got kids, use a lot of plastic plumbing, or just want peace of mind.

🔍 Real Talk:

There’s no such thing as a perfect filter — but if a system can reliably catch plastic fragments and improve taste without wrecking your water pressure, that’s a win.