Compare The 7 Best Countertop Water Filters & Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on November 24, 2022 by Ava

The Water you drink from your faucet or well (or any source) may contain more than you think. How do you know! If you are not a chemist or looking under a microscope with every glass of water filled, you may be polluting your body.

Some pollutants cause illness, disease, and even death. The results may surprise you when you discover more than just H2O in that glass of water.

7 Best Countertop Water filter Systems

To help you in your search, we’ve researched once, researched twice and with three being the winning number, a third time.

#1. Travel Berkey Water Filter 1.5 Gallon System Bundle

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Best For: For anyone looking to save money and to own a high-quality long-lasting countertop water filter, needs this – especially renters.

Not Best For: Berkey water filters are not ideal for people who live in areas with extremely hard water. Berkey filters can remove most contaminants, but they may not be able to completely remove all of the minerals in hard water. If you have hard water, it is best to use a different type of water filter.

Pros

• Constructed using stainless steel with a capacity to hold 2.5 gallons of water filtered over each hour, the Travel Berkey Water Filter Bundle is ideal for home or the outdoorsman.
• Designed using technology which completely removes all harmful contaminants from fresh or tap water.
• Included in the bundle are 2 Black Berkey Filters and 2 PF2 Fluoride Filters which cleanse untreated water removing all harmful bacteria and contaminants. The final product allows clean, safe water for consumption to flow.
• Water from your local water supplier, lakes, ponds, streams, and other sources is purified removing harmful bacteria, cyst, parasites and more.
• Not only convenient for the camper, but the Berkey is ideal for a small home, RV, apartment or any location with limited space.
• Does not require electricity or water pressure to clean and sanitize your water source.
• Made in the USA, approved by the EPA and accredited by their laboratories exceeding NSF/ANSI requirements.
• Supplies enough water for up to 30 cups of purified water.

Cons

• Water may become cloudy if filters are not thoroughly cleaned after each use.
• The size could take up a lot of countertop space.
• It cannot remove hard minerals from water.

My Take

Is there a perfect (100%) system guaranteeing all water for consumption will be eliminated so no contaminant remains? No! But these water purification systems are some of the best on the market. The best way to assure you are removing harmful live pathogens is to boil vigorously when possible.

When boiling is not possible, use chlorine tablets. However, the Travel Berkey is one of the best available and is used worldwide by missionaries going into foreign soil with a need to purify water.

Berkey Product Updates:

• Now offers a stainless steel spigot.
• Wire stand to mount your filter on top of.

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#2. Megahome Countertop Water Distiller

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Best For: The Megahome Countertop Water Distiller is best for those who want to have clean and pure water to drink. This distiller can remove impurities from water, making it safe for consumption. It is also easy to use and maintain, so you can be sure that your drinking water will always be of the highest quality.

Not Best For: For those who want to make large quantities of distilled water at one time.

Pros

• Approved by Underwriters Laboratories, the Megahome Distiller purifies by reaching 212 degrees Fahrenheit for every one gallon of water every 5.5 hours. At that temperature, toxins are removed, and pathogens are killed.
• Included in the package along with this countertop water filter system are six high-quality charcoal filters. The filters are optional; Meaning they can be used when chlorine or other toxins are present.
• The Megahome Countertop Water Distiller is very affordable and is a great value for the money.
• Research shows this filtration system does remove fluoride from water.
• The filter is ‘optional’ meaning there is no need to use it unless desired.
• The unit is dishwasher safe.

Cons

• The fan is a bit on the loud side.
• Plastic tab is not easy to remove. You have to squeeze the tab, then push the spout to one side, while pulling the other side.
• If not cleaned properly, water may sour but otherwise, no it does not create bitter water.

My Take:

The unit looks like a coffee pot which would go well with those concerned about uniformity and the appeal in the kitchen. Taking 5.5 hours per gallon may be considered a long time to distill water. However, the water is going into your body. Would you rather be safe or sorry?

Megahome Product Updates:

• Nothing new, yet.

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#3. Propur Countertop System w/ProMax Technology

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Best For: Anyone looking cost effective solution to water filtration without the need of a whole house system.

Pros

• Removes over 200 contaminants including lead, fluoride, heavy metals, disinfectants, inorganic non-metallics, pharmaceuticals, micro-organisms, pesticides, etc.
• Life expectancy of the filter is one year. Based on the contaminants in your water, life expectancy can increase or decrease.
• Easy installation. Just remove the attachment at the end of your faucet and screw this system on.
• Removes Fluoride and Chlorine from the water.
• Fits most standard faucets with a 55/64″ thread
• Comes with four additional faucet adapters
• The five stages of this sink water filter effectively reduce the most common impurities found in tap water, such as sediments, hydrogen sulfide, pesticides, chlorine, chloramine, and other harmful chemicals

Cons

• Does not have a way to indicate when your filter must be changed.
• The filter cartridge may only last 4-6 months even though the manufacture claims 1 year.

My Take:

While this unit is very attractive and can be attached to the kitchen faucet with ease, it does not claim to remove all contaminants. The list provided does name 200 contaminants known to be removed when using the Propur Countertop Water Purifier. Review the list to make sure you have a unit meeting your needs.

Propur Product Updates:

• Now offers 4 valve connectors
• Multiple shell styles

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#4. Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter

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Best For: Those looking to remove harmful contaminants with a affordable solution.

Pros

• Asbestos, chlorine, arsenic, lead, and sodium are just a few of the contaminants in tap water that Apex removes.
• Connect this countertop water filter to your faucet or sit it right on the kitchen sink.
• Easy installation. The package includes all the hardware necessary to connect easily to your household kitchen faucet.
• Eliminates the need to purchase disposable bottled water.
• Helps decrease the impact on the environment by eliminating the need and use of bottled water.
• Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter System is a great way to get clean, filtered water without having to install an expensive filtration system.
• This countertop water filter is very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
• Compact and takes up very little counter space.
• 30-day manufacture Warranty.

Cons

• Filtering capacity is said to be 750 gallons. Depending on the severity of contaminants, this number may decrease substantially.
• Some users report that the filter does not last as long as expected, needing to be replaced more frequently than other brands.
• System has been known to leak overtime.

My Take:

Reading the Apex Countertop water filter reviews, most consumers appear to love the unit when using it for household water purification. Consumers using this are basically connected to water suppliers and not to well water nor are they using natural water sources. So, when in need of a system to remove hard, dangerous contaminants this system is not recommended.

Apex Product Updates:

• Now offers 8 colors to choose from
• Easy hook up adapters
• 2 faucet adapters are included

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#5. Home Master Jr F2 Countertop Water Filter

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Best For: It’s best for small apartments, condos and offices with 1 to 4 people. This filter will provide clean drinking water for you and your family for up to 6 months before the filter needs replacing.

Pros

• Efficient for household use when cooking. Very easy to install and can be used in the kitchen, bathroom or when traveling.
• Uses a multi-stage granular filter system. Has been backed by ‘Perfect Water Technologies’ with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
• Can be installed without the use of tools. A video is provided to direct the
• installation process.
• Can be used underneath the sink to complete the water purification process.
• Does filter out fluoride.
• Compact design fits on almost any sinktop
• Advanced multi-stage granular filter removes up to 93% of fluoride and other contaminants
• Filter cartridge is replaceable, and housing does not require a wrench to open

Cons

• Has not been certified by the NSF (National Science Foundation.)
• This cannot filter well water, you would need the F2 Elite or plus models.

My Take:

Today, in order to be confident you are drinking and cooking with pure, clean water a filter is highly recommended. The Home Master Jr. F2 is designed for easy installation and takes up minimal space on your countertop. While recommended for countertop usage, it can be used under the counter as well.

When considering the appeal of a water filter over the benefits, this one is an absolute. However, remember it is guaranteed to remove only up to 93% of contaminants.

Home Master Product Updates:

• Nothing new, yet.

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#6. New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System

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Best For: It’s a great affordable choice for anyone who wants fresh, clean water on demand. It’s easy to install and use, and it’s designed to remove a wide range of common contaminants from your water supply.

Pros

• It works to also remove contaminants found in well water.
• The list of contaminants removed includes but is not limited to, herbicides, arsenic, mercury, pesticides, and chlorine.
• Installs easily on your sink faucet by attaching to the nozzle.
• Delivers great tasting odorless water.
• Family owned and operated, New Wave Enviro is focused on supporting and inspiring healthy lifestyles.
• Great tasting, odorless water delivered to your home faucet or anywhere needed.
• Lightweight at 4.06 pounds
• Works as a countertop or under the sink system.
• Filters up to 1500 gallons before filter needs replacing.

Cons

• Does not remove fluoride
• The replacement cartridge is more expensive than some other brands on the market
• Some customers have found that the unit leaks after a few months of use

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My Take:

For the price, this system offers a lot. The 10-Stage water filtration method is not provided by most water filter systems at this level. The stages highlight an important feature regarding removal of cyst and protozoa. Scientifically, the stages are instrumental in the filtration process.

While some or most systems today deliver similar, this system accelerates the process and increases the method by patenting their process. The 10-Stage filtration does work to filter lactose fermentation recipes.

New Wave Product Updates:

• Updated the visual look for the outer shell casing to be translucent.

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#7. CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System

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Best For: System is perfect for people who are health conscious and want to drink filtered water that tastes great. This unit is also good for those who want an alternative to more expensive under sink systems, or those whose faucets cannot accommodate one.

Pros

• Don’t let the small system, ease of use and installation fool you. It can provide contamination free water.
• The design requires no cartridges, sets up in minutes with no need to modify existing plumbing and produces 10,000 gallons of clean, delicious water.
• Very lightweight at 3.36 pounds.
• Adapts to filter hot water from the faucet.
• It’s a one-time use and when it has purified 10,000 plus gallons, simply remove and
• replace with a new CleanWater4Less.
• No need to consistently run to the local retail store to purchase bottled water.
• Fill your cup from the faucet.

Cons

• Not manufactured in the US. Made in China.

My take:

Purchasing bottled water on a regular basis can get costly. A family of six requires a lot of water. In addition, the waste from plastics having to be disposed of is creating environmental problems. By using this filter, and it is a little dynamo, you save money and reduce the need to dispose of plastic bottles.

At the maximum, 10,000 gallons of water is an extremely large amount. No other system states this type of ability. The technology to design the system is admirable. Even though manufactured in China, the US could take note to begin manufacturing similar in our country.

CleanWater4Less Product Updates:

• No updates, yet.

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Compare All 6 Countertop Filters

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Buyers Guide to The Best Counter-top Water Filtration System

When preparing to purchase a water filtration system, do your research first. Make a comprehensive list of chemicals or contaminants in your water. List your requirements/needs in a purifier, i.e. what you need removed from your water. Have you tested the water or had it tested to determine the contaminants and level? If not, have your water tested at a local lab. Your local water company may also have a list which is required annually with known contaminants and levels. The EPA requires water companies servicing over 100,000 customers create a Consumer Confidence Report and have it mailed to all customers annually.

Contact your local health department to see if they can provide materials to assist you in making a selection. They may have testing kits or resources to assist you in your needs. You can also call the Environmental Protection Agency Hotline at 800.426.4891.

Determine your budget, family size, total water consumption, maintenance requirements and placement of a purifier. A good idea is to also check online for consumer water filter reviews. Consumer water filter reviews are an excellent resource to help in the decision making process.

How Does a Countertop Water System Work?

Water Filtering systems are not that complicated. The majority if not all require little installation. A baby could do it. And we all know, baby’s today can use technology on a whim. But back to the way a Water Purification System works. Most are designed to remove up to 99% of contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, cyst, bacteria, parasites and carcinogens. In basic terms, water enters a “Diverter Valve” rather than the faucet aerator. Simply remove the aerator and replace with the filter diverter valve. This is done by unscrewing one and screwing on the other. The end of the faucet has a mechanism (aerator) which screws easily off. Replace it with the (diverter) which screws on.

The Water Filter System has a tube like mechanism which houses the ‘filter.’ When installed properly, water flows through this tube, through the filter out into a glass or container. Most systems can be turned off or on. Some however simply allow water to flow until the filter has to be replaced. Your job is to determine which works best for you. Purchase it, install it and then allow it to do its job.

When working 100%, water filters remove odors, bacteria, chemicals, cyst, parasites, and many other contaminants from your water. For a comprehensive list, review the product guide before making your selection. Make sure all contaminants of concern are listed.

I recommend that even after installation, if you are aware of dangerous contaminants in your water, collect enough to test or have tested before consumption. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

No one really wants to see microscopic ingredients in water. “What you don’t know may hurt you” is really an excellent way to put it. I would rather not know the little critters, contaminants or microscopic ingredients in my water. What I want to know is before consumption all contaminants or live pathogens have been safely and completely removed. I want to drink pure, clean water. How do I do this and what is the best way to prevent consuming anything you had no idea was there? You purify your water before consumption. How is that done, you ask? With a countertop water filtration system.

There are hundreds of countertop water filter systems available. To find the one which fits your needs, drive to your local home store (Home Depot, Lowes or Best Buy are just a few) and peruse the aisles for a large selection. Countertop water purifier products in all sizes, styles, and models are available. A consumer only has to decide from the many options available, the best system for them. In addition, hundreds of sites online offer varied countertop water filter reviews. Type “Countertop Water Filter System” in the search engine and the list begins. When you have narrowed the selection down to a few, click on a few of the hundreds if not thousands of consumer reviews to assist in making the final decision. Understanding other consumers experiences and why is valuable in the selection process.

If online is not something you enjoy, it’s fine to be a hands-on shopper. You’re sure to find the best countertop water filter for your money either way: Online or in the store.