This post may contain affiliate links so if you'll make a purchase, we may earn some commissions at no additional cost to you. Learn how it works.

9 Best Countertop Water Filters in 2022 – Clean Water at Your Fingertips

Countertop water filters are the best way to ensure you've access to clean, filtered water right on your kitchen counter.

They come in various sizes and designs, from compact faucet fitters to large filters that sit on your kitchen counter. These filters provide clear, great-tasting drinking water to quench your thirst.

We have compiled a list of nine of the best countertop water filters that money can buy. From stylish sink-top filters to large gravity filters, let's see which countertop water filters make the biggest impact.

Top Countertop Water Filters in 2022

Premium Choice
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed
  • Flow rate of 1.5 gallons/hour
  • Remove 99.999% of viruses and bacteria
  • Long-lasting filters
View on Amazon →
Runner-Up
Megahome
Megahome
  • Guarantees pure drinking water
  • Made with BPA-free plastics
  • Modern design
View on Amazon →
Best RO Filtering
APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP
APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP
  • Removes 99% of TDS
  • Longer lifespan filters
  • Industrial design
View on Amazon →
Best Value for Money
AlcaPure RO Filter System
AlcaPure RO Filter System
  • Chic design houses
  • Built with BPA-free plastics
  • Four-stage filtering
View on Amazon →
Best Budget
Brondell H630 H2O
Brondell H630 H2O
  • Space-age design
  • Three-stage filtration system
  • NSF-certified
View on Amazon →
Best Portable
Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2
Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2
  • Three-stage filtering
  • Easy to install
  • Budget-friendly
View on Amazon →
Best Bells & Whistles
AquaTru
AquaTru
  • One-gallon water tank
  • No need for plumbing knowledge
  • Removes 99% of chemicals
View on Amazon →
Best Space-Saving
iSpring CKC1
iSpring CKC1
  • Carbon-based filter system
  • Long-lasting filters
  • Affordable price tag
View on Amazon →
Best Faucet
APEX Countertop
APEX Countertop
  • Easy DIY installation
  • Compact footprint
  • Provides more nutritious water
View on Amazon →

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of countertop water filters – they’re sure to make a splash.

1. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter – The Best Of The Best

The Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter is an industrial countertop system that uses gravity to draw water through its powerful filters. Its capacity 2.25 gallons is enough to filter water for a thirsty family throughout the day.

Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Pros
  • Powerful filtering ability
  • Long-life filters save your wallet
  • Hefty capacity for your whole family
Cons
  • Horizontal filter mount can hinder sink access

The Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter is a hefty unit, standing at almost 20 inches. This may make it difficult to fit under the cabinets above your counter. However, if it does fit, you may have found a great product. With a flow rate of 1.5 gallons per hour, you won't have to wait for your water.

Thanks to its gravity-fed design, the Big Berkey filter doesn't require any power or plumbing. Simply fill the tank and let gravity do the work. However, don't forget to prime the Berkey’s filters before use by flushing them for a few minutes. This will optimize their performance.

One of the standout features of the Big Berkey filter is its powerful filtration system. In addition to removing typical contaminants such as heavy metals (lead and arsenic) and chemicals (chlorine), Berkey’s filter also promises to remove 99.999% of viruses and 99.9999% of bacteria. That leaves just 0.0001%!

Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter's filters are also exceptionally long-lasting. While other brands may require monthly filter replacements, the Berkey filters can last for up to 11 years or 6,000 gallons. This is a high-end unit and it may be a bit pricier upfront, but the long-life filters will save you money in the long run.

Bottom Line If you're looking for a top quality countertop filter, the Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter provides complete peace of mind with its well-built unit. View Latest Price on Amazon →

2. Megahome Countertop Distiller – Best For Home-Distilled Water

Old-school technology meets contemporary design with this professional countertop distiller. Back in the day, boiling your water was the only way to get pure drinking water from an unreliable source. However, filter technology has advanced, but Megahome distiller shows that you don't need to reinvent the wheel to get purified drinking water.

Megahome Countertop Distiller
Pros
  • Simple set-up
  • Charcoal filters are an optional extra
  • Built to last
  • BPA free plastic
Cons
  • 1-gallon capacity could leave you thirsty for more

By combining charcoal filtering with steam distilling, Megahome guarantees pure drinking water. The water is heated to 212°F before being moved to a cooling chamber and returned to room temperature. They've also included six optional charcoal filters which can be used for additional purity.

To run this countertop distiller, you will need an A/C supply so make sure you have a socket close at hand. There's no setup required, simply unbox the unit and you are ready to go.

However, because Megahome uses steam distillation technology, you'll have to wait for your water. It takes around 5.5 hours to distill a gallon of water – a long wait for hydration.

Overall, this distiller is well-constructed. Megahome has used exclusively BPA-free plastics and the cooling chamber is made of sleek stainless steel. The heater and cooling chamber fit neatly together with a modern design that will look great on your countertop.

Bottom Line Megahome has built a stylish unit with a purification method that’s stood the test of time. But, it may not offer a lot of value for the price. View Latest Price on Amazon →

3. APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP – Best For Reverse Osmosis Filtering

The APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP filter fits onto most standard faucets, providing purified water on-tap. This system is very easy to install. Simply plug the socket onto your regular faucet, and the water will flow through the filters into a jug of your choice. You can use it anywhere you find a faucet that fits.

APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP
Pros
  • Easy installation – filtered water right from the faucet
  • Reverse osmosis filter
  • Powerful flow rate means you won’t wait for water
  • Portable – you won’t be stuck at home
Cons
  • Incompatible with designer faucets
  • Paying extra for casing can sting

This filter system comes with three valves that can fit 7/8”, 13/16”, and 15/16” faucets. However, if you've spray or designer faucets in your home, you may find that the APEC system is not compatible.

The APEC filter system is lightweight at only 7 pounds and can be easily installed in seconds. It's also portable and can come with you on your travels.

The filter system has four stages of filtration, which remove particles, chemicals such as chlorine, and heavy metals from your liquids. It also has a reverse osmosis membrane that removes contaminants like lead and arsenic.

The APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP is effective at removing 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) from your water, resulting in a clean and refreshing drink. However, keep in mind that the filters need to be replaced regularly. You should replace the stage 1 and 2 filters every six months, and the others every 3-4 years. This can start to add up over time.

APEC Water Systems offers the option of purchasing the filter system with or without a casing unit. If you choose not to get a case, the filter system will have an industrial appearance that may not look aesthetically pleasing on your countertop.

Bottom Line Reverse osmosis is top-tier filter technology. For reliably pure water straight from the faucet, APEC Water Systems brings you an impressive unit. View Latest Price on Amazon →

4. AlcaPure RKIN-ZIPAL – Best Filter System For Fluoride Removal

This top-loading countertop system is stylish and features easy installation and full-spectrum filtering. It's built from opaque blue-and-gray plastic, which is all BPA-free. The design is chic and pleasing to the eye, but it also houses a comprehensive filter system.

AlcaPure RKIN-ZIPAL
Pros
  • Fluoride removal comes as standard
  • Remineralization of your water provides a great taste
  • BPA-free plastics
  • Four-stage filtering
Cons
  • Top tier filtering, but top tier pricing
  • Half-gallon tank capacity may require multiple refills

This system uses A/C power to draw water from a bottom tank into a purified upper chamber, rather than using gravity like some other systems. The top tank has a capacity of half a gallon, which may require frequent refilling if you have a large family. However, the smaller size also makes it a convenient unit that can fit into any kitchen.

The four-stage filtering process, including reverse osmosis, removes a wide range of contaminants from your water supply. This system also removes lead and fluoride as standard, ensuring the purity of your water.

What’s more, AlcaPure's RO System also offers optional filters for remineralizing your water, with options for low TDS purity or the addition of calcium and magnesium for alkaline pH and flavor.

Bottom Line Overall, this is a top-quality countertop water filter system with a corresponding price tag. The final result is great-tasting water that has been remineralized. View Latest Price on Amazon →

5. Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress – Best For Contemporary Kitchen Design

The Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress is a stylish and modern water filter system that will enhance the look of your kitchen. Its three-stage filtering process ensures that the output is exceptionally pure.

Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter System
Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Faucet attachment option for ease-of-use
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • A convoluted calendar of filter replacements

The design of the Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress is reminiscent of a next-generation audio assistant and will fit in perfectly with sophisticated kitchens. Installation is quick and easy, taking only ten minutes with the use of the faucet adaptor. Keep in mind that this is not a standalone unit and must be connected to your faucet to function.

The three-stage filter system of the Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress includes a composite filter, patented nanotechnology, and a carbon filtering layer. These filters work together to provide NSF-certified pure water. However, it's important to note that the composite filters need to be replaced every six months and the nanotechnology filters once a year. Make sure to keep track of these filter changes to ensure optimal performance.

Bottom Line The price tag for this product is appealing. It may make up for the complex filter-switching schedule. If you want free-flowing filtered water, this is a great option. View Latest Price on Amazon →

6. Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2 – Best Portable Water Filter

Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2's a compact, budget-friendly countertop water filtering system. The Home Master system weighs just over 4 pounds and can easily fit by your sink. Its cylindrical design saves space, with a small diameter footprint that won't clutter your kitchen.

Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2
Pros
  • Compact & portable
  • Best on a budget
  • 3 year warranty
Cons
  • Less than 95% efficacy on fluoride and chlorine
  • Leaves a high TDS residue in your water

Installation is easy, as long as it's compatible with your faucet. You can check if your home faucets have a removable aerator tip. If they do, the Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2's adaptor will simply screw on. It can be fitted in seconds and will start filtering water from your home faucet right away.

The filter itself consists of three stages. Compression discs remove solid particles, a coconut carbon shell eliminates chemicals such as chlorine and common herbicides and pesticides, and an activated alumina layer strips fluoride and arsenic from your water supply. The activated alumina layer is great because not all water filter systems include fluoride filtering as standard.

However, when it comes to filter efficacy, there is some doubt that the Home Master TMJRF2 is doing an effective job. It's not NSF certified, and because it doesn't have mesh filtering, it'll leave a high TDS (total dissolved solids) in your water. This can be made up of harmless particles like calcium and sodium, but there's no way of knowing for sure.

Bottom Line While this filter may not be the most powerful on the market, its attractive price tag and ease of installation make it an appealing option for shoppers on a budget. View Latest Price on Amazon →

7. AquaTru – Countertop Water Filtration – Best For Added Features

Backed by clean water campaigner Erin Brockovich, you can trust AquaTru countertop water filter. The AquaTru unit is built from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, demonstrating its solid construction. With clear plastic water tanks and a stylish design, this appliance is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. It's a hypermodern appliance that will surely take pride of place in your kitchen.

AquaTru - Countertop Water Filtration Purification System
Pros
  • Removable water tank lets you chill your pure water in the fridge
  • Filter change light means you’ll never forget to switch the filter
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • A bulky unit

Weighing in at over 16 pounds and standing 14 inches tall, AquaTru isn't to be underestimated. Its large size allows it to hold a one-gallon water tank, providing plenty of purified water without the need for plumbing.

The filter uses A/C power to pump the water through a four-stage system, ensuring that contaminants like chlorine, lead, and various chemicals are removed at a rate of over 99%. The filtered water is then stored in a removable tank, which can be placed in the fridge for a cool, refreshing drink.

The AquaTru's filters should be replaced every six months to two years, depending on usage. And yes, even rocket fuel is filtered out.

Bottom Line AquaTru offers powerful filtering. Thoughtful features. A surprisingly low price. Not to mention celebrity endorsement! View Latest Price on Amazon →

8. iSpring CKC1 – Best Space-Saving Design

Put some spring in your step with the iSpring CKC1 water filter system. It's a great value for a faucet-filtering countertop model. iSpring believes that everyone should have access to purified drinking water, so they've designed this compact countertop model to be affordable.

iSpring CKC1
Pros
  • Cheap and cheerful
  • Easy install
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • TDS count remains high
  • Limited filter system

The white or opaque blue plastic casing of the filter isn't very attractive, but it serves its purpose in a practical kitchen.

iSpring have included two faucet adaptors, the 7/8″ and 13/16″, to allow the device to work with a wider range of faucets. However, it won't fit faucets without a screw-off aerator.

Keep in mind that the iSpring's single-unit filter can't remove all contaminants, so you should ensure that local contaminants of concern are on the list. Its carbon-based filter system is effective in removing chemicals such as chlorine, resulting in great-tasting water.

The FC15 filter needs to be replaced about twice a year, which adds a long-term cost to the Spring CKC1 water filtering system. However, the filters are not very expensive, and considering the low price of the original unit, the overall system is relatively cheap.

Bottom Line For basic filtering, the iSpring CKC1 is an affordable option that puts flavor first. View Latest Price on Amazon →

9. APEX MR-1050 – Best Faucet-Mounted

This APEX MR-1050 sink-side water filter takes just a few seconds to install, giving you water filtering right from the faucet.

APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter
Pros
  • Easy-install
  • Re-alkalizes your water for a better taste
  • Compact footprint
Cons
  • More expensive than similar faucet filters
  • Expensive to replace the filter

The APEX MR-1050 is a compact countertop water filter that can easily fit in any kitchen, no matter how big or small. It works by being plumbed directly into your faucet, so there's no need to fill a tank. The filter is housed in a BPA-free plastic chassis and has a rust-resistant spout mounted on the base. It's designed so that you can easily fit a pan or glass underneath it.

Installing the APEX MR-1050 is easy – as long as you have an adaptable faucet, the valve simply screws on, linking the filter with your home water supply. However, make sure that your faucet is compatible before purchasing this product.

The filter itself is made up of a microfelt pad that reduces particles and an activated carbon layer that removes organic chemicals and common contaminants such as benzene and chlorine. It also includes a layer of alkaline beads that increase the pH of the water and add minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium to improve the flavor and nutrition of the water.

While the APEX MR-1050 is a high-powered filter, it does come at a cost and will need to be replaced every 4-6 months. Keep this long-term cost in mind when considering purchasing this product.

Bottom Line The APEX MR-1050 countertop filter system proves to be a great balance. It removes the contaminants you don't want to drink, while preserving the great-tasting water from your taps. View Latest Price on Amazon →

Find the Perfect Countertop Water Filter: A Buyer's Guide

Countertop water filters are essential kitchen appliances for several reasons. They provide peace of mind about the water you and your family drink and reduce your environmental impact by eliminating the need for plastic bottles. However, with so many brands on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start.

Countertop Water Filter
Countertop filter on the kitchen counter

Do you want ice-cold filtered water in the fridge or filtered water from the faucet? Let's explore the various types of countertop water filters available.

1. Gravity-Fed Filter Dispenser

For filtered water on the go, a gravity-fed countertop filter is a great option.

By locating the tap-water tank at the top of these devices, they let gravity do the work. Water is drawn down through a filter, to come to rest perfectly purified in a lower chamber.

They are easy to install, don't need to be plumbed in, and don't require a power source, making them portable. However, they can take up to a couple of hours to filter water and need to be refilled manually.

Also Read: 7 Best Gravity Water Filters On The Market – Reviews and Buying Guide

2. Water Distiller

For a tried and tested water filtering method, you may want to consider a water distillation system. This is a modern twist on the age-old method of boiling water to purify it. If it was good enough for the pilgrims, it should be good enough for us, right?

Water Distillers work by heating the water into steam and running it through a coil, leaving all contaminants behind. The pure water is then returned to a new chamber in a slow drip. The end result is pure H2O. However, keep in mind that distillers need to be located near an A/C power source in order to heat the water. They also usually require manual filling, so at least you won't have to call the plumber.

While distilled water is guaranteed to be safe to drink, it may not always taste great. The process can strip away elements like magnesium and calcium, which give water flavor. Additionally, poor-quality distillers may leave a bad taste in your mouth. It's important to invest in a high-quality unit to ensure delicious-tasting, pure water.

3. Sink-Top Filter

For convenience, a sink-top filter system is highly recommended. Not only is it easy to install – simply screw a valve onto your regular faucet – but it also provides a luxurious experience of drinking cool, filtered water straight from the tap. These filter systems are also space-savers, as they don't require a bulky water tank. Instead, a pipe draws your tap water into the filter, and purified water is dispensed from a spout. With a slim-line footprint that fits by your sink, you'll have filtered water flowing as fast as your household water pressure allows.

Clean Water On Tap

While clean drinking water is often something we take for granted in the global north, industrialization and privatization of water supplies have been slowly undermining our water quality nationwide.

When Flint, Michigan hit the news in 2014, it cast a spotlight on the quality of tap water in the USA. Do you know how much lead is leaking into your water supply from old pipes? Or whether farm run-off is seeping into your system? Have you considered the fluoride being added to your tap water, which keeps your teeth clean but may potentially harm your health?

As citizens become increasingly concerned about water quality, there are a wide range of devices to take matters into our own hands. Don't take any risks with the water that you and your family drink.

Great-Tasting Tap Water

When it comes to our health, we shouldn't take any risks. However, drinking pure, cool water can be one of life's great pleasures. Plus, it can keep you away from sugary soda.

Filtered water not only benefits your body, but it also tastes refreshingly pure. By eliminating contaminants such as chlorine, even lower-end countertop water filters can improve your drinking experience.

Smart Spending

Okay, let's do some quick math. If you're spending a couple of dollars a day on bottled water, that adds up to a lot of money. If you're buying bottled water when you're out and about and drinking expensive soda at home, this can easily cost over a thousand dollars a year. That's why many millennials can't afford to buy property.

But there's a solution: investing in a countertop water filter. Even when you factor in the cost of replacing the filters, it's still much more affordable than a bottled water habit. Just think about how much money you could save by drinking filtered water at home. And you can save even more by making it part of your routine – fill up a flask before you leave the house and you'll have clean, filtered water on hand all day.

Saving The Planet

Plastic water bottles might cost your bank account, but there's another hidden cost that accumulates with all that plastic. Single-use plastic bottles account for a vast proportion of the world's garbage – over a million of these bottles are bought every minute. (2)

Just think about all that plastic floating around in the Pacific Ocean. What would Greta Thunberg say? If you're concerned about the environmental impact of your lifestyle, swapping out single-use plastics is one of the biggest things you can do.

A bamboo toothbrush might look stylish above your bathroom sink, but plastic bottles are used day-in-day-out. That's why a countertop water filter system is such a great investment. It provides you with bottled-quality water, right on tap. Save your wallet and save the planet with a home filtering system you can trust.

Final Thoughts…

If you haven't already thought about it, it's time to consider a countertop water filtering system. The quality of water is a big concern, and providing your family with pure water is just as important as having a roof over their heads. It's essential to protect them from harmful contaminants such as lead, benzene, pesticides, and herbicides, especially when you don't know what's in your pipes.

There's a water filter for every kitchen, whether you want clean water straight from your faucet or a countertop distiller that guarantees clean water every day. If convenience is a top priority for you, sink-top devices may be appealing. Filling up a glass of freshly filtered water from the tap can be a truly enjoyable experience. Or perhaps you prefer a portable tank that filters water on the go, such as a gravity-fed device that you can take outside on a hot summer day.

Filtered water is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity in today's world. So, don't settle for less and consider chasing a countertop water filter with the help of this article.


Recommended Reading:

Eric Phillips

Hi, I’m Eric, a Plumber, Home Repair Expert and Chief Editor behind Dripfina. I first became interested in water purification and water safety when I spent a couple of years traveling the world. I not only learned the importance of keeping my own water fresh and pure (yes, sometimes the hard way…) but I also saw how important water is as a resource worldwide. Read more about me...