BEST OVERALL

Bluevua Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• The easy to use countertop filter delivers clear and clean-tasting water in a matter of minutes.

Keep in Mind

• The leftover water from each cycle might feel wasteful to some users.

The Bluevua impressed me over six months of testing with its ease of use, comprehensive filtration, and design. The filtered water comes out consistently clear and clean-tasting, even with frequent cycling thanks to several teenagers and adults who constantly fill travel mugs and water bottles in our kitchen.

As a plug-and-play system, the device is easy to set up—it took me about 30 minutes from unboxing to first use. It uses five levels of filtration, including a remineralization filter, to deliver purified water into a carafe made of high borosilicate glass. 

Speed is another plus with the system, as it runs a cycle in a matter of minutes. The display panel gives a clear numerical "before" and "after" reading on the front of the machine so you know exactly when the water is ready to drink. 

I love how easy the system is to use, but there is a decent amount of leftover water from a cycle that is not for consumption. While I use it to water plants and mix homemade cleaning solutions, some might find this aspect a bit wasteful. 

Replacement filters are $50 and one filter should last about a year, so I haven’t needed to change it yet. The ongoing cost is reasonable to me, especially since it’s replaced the cost of buying bottled water on a regular basis.

Product Details: Dimensions: 10.9 x 15.4 x 14.3 in. | Contaminants Removed: Heavy metals, lead, mercury, chlorine, PFOA, PFOS, fluoride ,sulfates | Filtration Process: Reverse osmosis | Certifications: WQA, NSF, ANIS | Tank Capacity: 1.05 gal. | Filter Capacity: 1,050 gal. | Warranty: One year

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST BUDGET

Brondell Countertop Water Filtration System

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• This simple countertop filter removes the chlorine taste and odor from our tester’s tap water.

Keep in Mind

• The device’s upfront costs are lower, but the replacement filters are $150 per year.

The Brondell filter system is both more affordable and more attractive than other options we tested. It’s minimal, with few controls, and compact, so it’s a good option for anyone short on counter space. Our tester keeps it in the kitchen of their short-term rental property, and guests have no problem figuring out how to use it. 

Installation is simple—the most complicated part is attaching the faucet adapter to divert water directly from the sink, but even this takes us no more than five minutes. All in all, it was about 20 minutes from opening the package to drinking our first glass of filtered water, including running the water for 10 minutes before using.

The Brondell uses three stages of filtration, including a composite filter for sediments and a carbon filter to improve water taste and smell and remove VOCs and other contaminants. The filtered water tastes better than our tester’s unfiltered tap, which usually tastes and smells like chlorine.

Despite the positives, we noticed a few downsides as well. The water feed line that connects to the faucet is exposed, which isn’t our favorite aesthetically, and though the upfront cost of the device is lower than many, the maintenance cost for buying replacement filters is $150 a year.

It’s also worth noting that the faucet attachment only works with traditional faucets, not more modern pull-out or spray faucets. You can, however, purchase a compatible T-valve that lets you connect the filter directly to the water supply underneath the sink. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 10.5 x 3.75 x 13.5 in. | Contaminants Removed: Heavy metals, chlorine, VOCs | Filtration Process: Carbon | Certifications Water Quality: WQA Gold Seal, NSF/ANSI | Tank Capacity: NA | Filter Capacity: 5,000 gal. (aesthetic chlorine); 150 gal. (VOCs) | Warranty: One year

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• We connected the filter with an adapter valve.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Despite a more involved setup, it took only about 30 minutes to assemble.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Because it connects through the faucet, the Brondell Cypress is limited when it comes to placement.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FILTER LIFESPAN

Sans Water Purifier

Credit: Sans

Why You Should Get It

• You can prepare hot water for tea or coffee directly from the device without transferring it to a kettle or microwave.

Keep in Mind

• The carbon and VOC filters need to be replaced more often than the reverse-osmosis filter.

If you are looking for a low maintenance countertop water filter with long-lasting filters, the Sans Water Purifier is a great choice. We appreciate the sleek, modern design and the ability to heat the water directly using the device instead of transferring it to a kettle or microwave. 

It arrives fully assembled—all you have to do before use is run four cycles with water to flush out the system. Our tester uses the filtered water to prepare green tea and in their recipes for sourdough bread. Beverages made with the Sans purified water have a cleaner, less chemical taste.

Making hot water with the purifier is super easy; just place a mug on the tray and press the hot water button on the machine. The water takes a few seconds to heat up, but once it does, it’s the perfect temperature for a warm beverage. 

We love that the reverse-osmosis filter can last for up to two years (when most filters need to be replaced about once a year), though the carbon and VOC filters need to be changed approximately every 12 months. A pack of all three filters is available for $125, which is fairly cost effective.

Product Details: Dimensions: 17.3 x 6.7 x 12.2 in. | Contaminants Removed: Fluoride, heavy metals, PFAS, antibiotics, arsenic, hormones, minerals, microplastics | Filtration Process: Reverse osmosis | Certifications: NSF | Tank Capacity: 0.9 gal. | Filter Capacity: 600 gal. (carbon and VOC filters); 1,200 gal. (reverse-osmosis filter) | Warranty: Three years

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FOR NITRATES

AquaTru Countertop Water Filtration System

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• The water purification system brought the high nitrate level of our tester’s tap water down to zero.

Keep in Mind

• The spout is too low for larger bottles to fit underneath.

The AquaTru system uses four-stage reverse-osmosis filtration to remove toxins, heavy metals, and dissolved solids from your tap water. We were immediately impressed by the easy setup process, which uses color-coding to simplify the installation of the three filtration tanks.

After installing the tanks, you run four cycles (each takes 10 to 15 minutes) before drinking the water. The water test strip our tester used to evaluate their tap water prior to filtration showed a high level of nitrates; when they repeated the water test after filtration, the level had gone down to zero.

The system is a nice size for our tester’s kitchen, which has plenty of counter space, but it may be too bulky for small kitchens. Unlike some of our other top picks, it doesn’t include a pitcher—instead, you dispense the water directly into your preferred drinking vessel. The spout is too low for larger water bottles to fit underneath.

As with other multi-stage models, the different filters have different expected lifespans (between six months and two years). You can purchase a pack of replacement filters designed to last two years for $150, which we think is a pretty good value. The manufacturer suggests cleaning the reservoir about once a week.

Product Details: Dimensions 14 x 12 x 14 in. | Contaminants Removed: PFOA, PFOS, lead, fluoride, chlorine, microplastics | Filtration Process: Reverse osmosis | Certifications: NSF | Tank Capacity: 1 gal. | Filter Capacity: 600 gal. (pre-filter); 1,200 gal. (reverse osmosis) | Warranty: One year

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The dispenser is lower than on other models, so you'll need to hold taller cups or pitchers while filling.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST LARGE

Big Berkey Water Filter

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• It can hold more than two gallons of filtered water, making it great for large, busy households.

Keep in Mind

• The design is a bit clunky because it hangs over the lip of the counter.

This viral filter is beloved by homeowners and office managers alike because it can hold 288 ounces of filtered water. And it lives up to the hype. It’s perfect for larger households—especially those with kids in sports—where you’re filling up lots of water bottles for work, school, and travel. 

Before filtration, our tester's tap water had a noticeable metallic scent. After filtering with the Berkley, their tap water is odor-free. The taste, however, still has a slight metallic bite. It's far better than the unfiltered tap water, but not as tasteless as bottled water. 

One thing to note about the Berkey design is that the spigot isn’t as countertop-friendly as other models. It hangs off over the counter like a party decanter which means you can’t push the filter back against a wall or backsplash and it could also potentially hang over a drawer, which is awkward as you likely don’t want anything brushing up against it. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 21 in. | Contaminants Removed: Chlorine and chloramines, herbicides and pesticides, and VOCs | Filtration Process: Ion exchange resin | Certifications: Not listed | Tank Capacity: 2.25 gal. | Filter Capacity: 3,000 gallons | Warranty: Lifetime

• The Big Berkey water filter can hold up to 288 ounces of water.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It's not ideal for those with limited counterspace, and the spigot sits at the bottom of the filter.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Despite its large size, we were able to fill it under our kitchen faucet without any trouble.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

For fast filtration, great-tasting water, and simple setup, the Bluevua Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter stands out as our top choice for the best countertop water filter. If you’re on a tighter budget, we love the Brondell Cypress—an effective filtration system that costs less than $200.

Our Testing Process

To find the best countertop water filters, we evaluated seven options. We first tasted our unfiltered tap water, noting any cloudiness or smell. Then we set up the devices, paying close attention to the instructions. Next we sampled the filtered water, noting changes in appearance or taste. 

At least once during the testing period we used water test strips to compare the unfiltered tap against the filtered water. This helped us see if the filtration process removed contaminants and determine whether the results aligned with the marketing claims.  We also compared upfront costs with the costs of the replacement filters to help determine a machine’s overall value.

Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know About Countertop Water Filters Before Shopping

Freestanding vs. Faucet-fed

Countertop water filters come in a couple of variations. According to Lowe’s store manager Gary McCoy, “They may be attached directly to a faucet to provide filtered water straight from the tap or come as a standalone dispenser with a reservoir that can be placed anywhere.”

Faucet-fed filters mean you don’t have to worry about manually refilling, but they tend to be less renter-friendly, as most manufacturers recommend drilling a hole in your counter to feed the tube from under the sink. This more effectively hides the unsightly water feed line. 

If you’re short on counter space and don’t have room right by your kitchen sink, a freestanding countertop water filter is more portable and practical. It’s also great to use on your nightstand if you’d like to have fresh water more easily accessible in the middle of the night.

Most of the best countertop water filters on our list are freestanding, with the Brondell Cypress being the exception. While we enjoyed this feature, we didn’t love the visible water feed line, since we were unwilling to drill a hole through the countertop for the test. Another con is that it’s not compatible with pull-down faucets.

Dimensions

Most countertop water filters on our list are between the size of a toaster and a large coffee maker. In addition to counter space, you need enough clearance above the filter to fill or remove the tank. If you’re placing it underneath low kitchen cabinets, like we did with the Sans Countertop Water Purifier, the appliance may need to be moved when it’s time to refill.

Capacity

There are two different capacities listed for most countertop water filters—tank capacity and filter capacity. These numbers are easily confused but mean different things. Water tank capacity refers to how much filtered water the appliance can hold. The options on our list range from 0.9 to over 1 gallon.

Filter capacity, on the other hand, indicates roughly how much water the appliance can filter effectively before it needs replacing. If you can’t find a specific number, some manufacturers list the approximate filter lifespan instead. This varies from six months to two years, and differs depending on the type of filter.

Certifications

There are so many contaminants that can show up in tap water, and manufacturers make wildly different claims about what filters can reduce or eliminate. So, what’s the best countertop water filter for removing the most dangerous contaminants? And how do you know if a manufacturer’s claims are legit? 

“You can look for National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification, which indicates the filter has been independently tested to verify, among other things, that it reduces the contaminants it claims to reduce,” McCoy says. All of the filters on our list have the NSF certification.

Another common certification is from the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. You’ll often see NSF or ANSI certifications listed with a specific number. Standards 42, 53, and 401 are considered the industry trifecta for removing tastes and odors (42), traces of medicines and other chemicals (401), and major health concerns (53) such as asbestos, lead, and mercury. 

It’s important to look for these specific numbers if a manufacturer lists an appliance as being NSF certified to understand which contaminants the water filter will actually remove. However, Sydney Evans, senior science analyst at the Environmental Working Group, notes that not all filters work on all contaminants. 

“Some organizations like NSF and WQA provide some level of third-party verification that the filter actually meets the manufacturer's claims. But it is important to find out exactly what those manufacturer's claims are when shopping for a water filter,” Evans says.

Filter Lifespan

Like with a water filter pitcher, the filter components don’t last forever. Most of the countertop water filters we tested estimate that you’ll need to replace the filters every six months to two years. However, many devices have multiple filters that have different requirements depending on the type. 

It’s all dependent on how much water has gone through the filter; the older the filter gets, the less powerful it becomes. “Over time, contaminants take up more and more space and these filters become less and less effective, and the filter cartridge needs to be replaced,” Evans says. 

Evans notes that the lifespan of a countertop water filter cartridge can vary significantly depending on the brand, model, and filter type. “It's essential to take into account both the initial cost of the filter and how often replacement cartridges are required,” she says. 

“It's reasonable to expect that filter efficacy may decrease over time, highlighting the importance of regular cartridge replacement to maintain optimal water quality.” All of this impacts the overall cost of the device. To look at value, we evaluated the upfront cost of the unit, replacement frequency, and estimated annual filter maintenance cost.

The annual cost of maintenance ranged from $62 per year for the Sans Countertop Water Purifier to $150 per year for the Bluevua Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter, which features three filters that are replaced at different times.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

The best countertop water filters should be as easy to use in terms of refilling water. We tested several different designs, noting which appliances were too big to fit under the sink and fill directly with faucet water. And for removable water tanks, we noted how easy they were to grip, fill, and pour. 

If low mobility is a concern, you may want to consider a faucet-fed filter to bypass carrying heavy water tanks. However, for faucet-fed filters, the initial installation can be a pain, and fitting a hose to your kitchen sink may not be ideal. 

Regardless of ergonomics, it’s important to note the specific cleaning instructions for the water reservoir and filtered water tank, as they vary by brand and design. A water filter system’s ease of use is an important indicator of how much use a machine will get.

Better Homes & Gardens

Your Questions, Answered

What are the advantages and disadvantages of countertop water filters?

“Countertop and dispenser-style filters are generally easy to set up,” Evans says. “They can be more affordable on average compared to more complex systems like whole-house or under-sink filters. However, they do by nature have a limited capacity and require refilling, they take up space on your counter, and filters have to be maintained and replaced for them to be effective.”

Another pain point for some: temperature. While the best countertop water filters save you fridge space, they don’t chill filtered water. Most countertop water filters keep filtered water at room temperature.

What common contaminants do countertop water filters remove?

“Some are certified to simply reduce contaminants that affect taste and smell, while others can reduce contaminants that impact your health,” McCoy says. “The most common contaminants the countertop water filters can remove are lead, mercury, and chlorine, although this can vary based on the filter you purchase.”

Can I connect a countertop water filter to multiple faucets?

If you’re hoping to use a countertop water filter at home as well as in an RV or another room in your home, double check the installation kit for adapter accessories. “Some water filters can be connected to multiple faucets, but it really will depend on the model you are purchasing,” McCoy says.

Who We Are

Alice Knisley Matthias is a writer who covers kitchen products and appliances for Better Homes & Gardens. To write this article, she consulted insights from our in-house touchless countertop water filter testing and tested one in her home. She also spoke with water sommelier Martin Riese, Sydney Evans, senior science analyst at the Environmental Working Group, and Gary McCoy, store manager at Lowe’s.