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10 Best Faucet Water Filters in 2023 – Clean, Clear, and Delicious Water

Filtered water can provide your family with clean, crisp water straight from the source. One convenient option is a faucet water filter. These attachments are easy to install and can give you instant access to filtered water at the tap.

When shopping for the best faucet water filter, consider factors such as the filter's lifespan, effectiveness at removing contaminants, and ease of installation and maintenance.

By investing in a high-quality faucet water filter, you can ensure that your family has access to clean and healthy water on demand. Not only is this convenient, but it can also have a positive impact on your overall health and the environment.

There are many faucet filters on the market, so it can be difficult to know which one to choose. We have compiled a list of the top ten rated faucet water filters to help you make a decision.

The Best Faucet Water Filters of 2023

1. PUR FM-3700 – Best Tasting Filter

PUR is a well-known brand in the water filtering system market. They offer a range of products including filter pitchers and filtering faucets. Their top-selling faucet filter is the PUR FM-3700.

PUR FM-3700
Pros
  • Easy installation
  • On/off switch to extend your filter lifespan
  • Filter change indicator
Cons
  • High price tag
  • Incompatible with certain faucets

The PUR FM-3700 is a stylish and functional faucet attachment. Its stainless steel finish and pod design add a unique touch to your kitchen. The company has made installation easy, as long as your current faucet is compatible. Keep in mind, the attachment will not work with pull-out or hand-held faucets.

The carbon-activated filter inside the PUR FM-3700 removes various contaminants, including heavy metals and pesticides, from your water. The filter has a capacity of around 100 gallons and should last three months before needing to be replaced. It's worth noting that replacements can be purchased in discounted multi-packs. Many people report that the filtered water from the PUR FM-3700 tastes great.

The PUR FM-3700 also has some convenient extra features. A warning light will let you know when it's time to change the filter, so you don't have to keep track yourself. Additionally, there is an on/off switch on the filter that allows you to extend its lifespan by only filtering water that you will drink. This is helpful for those who want to ensure their drinking water is pure, but don't need to filter all the water for their plants.

Bottom Line The PUR FM-3700 is a water filter faucet that includes everything you need. It may be pricey, but its quality workmanship makes it a good investment. View Latest Price on Amazon →

2. Engdenton Faucet Filter – Best Durable Faucet Filter

Engdenton has invested heavily in high-quality materials to create a faucet filter that is designed to last a lifetime.

Engdenton Faucet Filter
Pros
  • Long-life filters
  • 360-degree rotation mounting
  • Extra-durable materials
Cons
  • Basic design
  • Limited compatibility – check your faucets

The Engdenton faucet filter may not win any style awards, but it has a stainless steel finish that will fit most kitchen aesthetics. Its 304 stainless steel housing and food-grade materials make it a durable choice that can handle rough handling. It is also crack-proof and leak-proof.

Installation is quick and easy, and doesn't require tools. However, it's only compatible with standard water filters that have a screw-on aerator cap. If your faucet is compatible, the mount can rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to create a water fountain in your kitchen.

The internal filter contains a standard mesh and carbon-activated filtration. It can purify common contaminants such as lead and arsenic, as well as pesticides, while also trapping grit and sand in the mesh. The filter has a 320-gallon capacity, which is a long lifespan and can save you money on filter replacements.

Bottom Line Engdenton is a sturdily constructed faucet filter. It has an impressively long lifespan. View Latest Price on Amazon →

3. PUR PLUS Mineral Core Faucet Mount Water Filter – Best Replacement Filters

PUR PLUS Mineral Core's top tier replacement filters are important for your faucet filter system. PUR is ready to provide them.

PUR PLUS Mineral Core Faucet Filter Replacement
Pros
  • Great value for money
  • A year’s supply of filters in one go
  • Great tasting water
Cons
  • Faucet mount sold separately

PUR PLUS Mineral Core's replacement filters fit inside your faucet filter. They are housed in plastic and designed to be leak-free. To replace the filters, simply twist off the cap of your filter system and replace the old ones with the new ones. It's a quick and easy task that can even be done by children.

PUR PLUS Mineral Core filters are a bit more expensive than basic filters, but they offer more benefits. The carbon-activated filter purifies your water and removes contaminants such as lead, herbicides, and pesticides found in farm run-off. In addition, the filters have a layer of calcium carbonate that adds flavorful minerals to your water, giving it a clean and crisp taste.

PUR PLUS Mineral Core's filters have a capacity of around 100 gallons. It's recommended to replace them every three months to ensure the best quality of your water.

Bottom Line PUR PLUS Mineral Core is a good-tasting water and a good value for the pack of filters. View Latest Price on Amazon →

4. PUR PFM400H – Best Aesthetic For A Modern Kitchen

PUR's PFM400H is an updated version of the FM-3700 faucet filter. What has changed in the redesign?

PUR PFM400H
Pros
  • Filter life indicator with a lithium-ion battery
  • Easy installation
  • Super stylish design
Cons
  • Horizontal filter mount can hinder sink access
  • Compatibility issues with certain faucets

The PUR PFM400H filter has a new, horizontal design that replaces the traditional vertically-mounted filter. It has been reshaped into a sphere and has a stainless steel chassis. While the design is attractive, it can sometimes inhibit sink access and prioritize style over function.

Installation of the PUR PFM400H filter system is unchanged and it can be mounted to a wide range of existing faucets. However, it's not compatible with hand-held or pull-down faucets. If you wish to use this model, you may need to purchase a new faucet.

The PUR PFM400H has an on/off switch that allows you to disable the water filter when it's not needed. This can extend the filter lifespan and allow you to give your pets and plants unfiltered water as desired.

There is also a filter life indicator on the PUR PFM400H. The filters should last around 3 months or 100 gallons, but the light will turn red when it's time to replace them. This light is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which extends its lifespan.

The PUR PFM400H is compatible with all of PUR’s faucet filters and comes with the premium MineralClear filter. This activated carbon filter removes lead and a range of chemical contaminants, and also runs the water through a remineralization process to improve its flavor.

Bottom Line The PUR PFM400H is a stylish faucet filter that prioritizes form over function. View Latest Price on Amazon →

5. Culligan FM-25 – Best Compact Water Filter

The Culligan FM-25 is a compact, powerful faucet filter mount. It's designed to save space in your kitchen.

Culligan FM-25
Pros
  • Advanced compatibility with extra adaptors
  • Compact and easy installation
  • 200-gallon lifespan
Cons
  • Limited impact on pesticides and herbicides
  • No filter change indicator

The Culligan FM-25 has a clean, cylindrical design that won't stand out in your kitchen. It fits seamlessly into any contemporary kitchen look and is one of the more compact and subtle faucet filters. The company has included adaptors for all standard faucet designs, so you can mount it on a wide variety of faucets. However, it's not universal and won't fit drop-down faucets.

Installing the filter system is easy and takes just a few seconds. You won't even need to use any tools. Simply screw it onto your existing faucet. Inside the sleek, stainless steel chassis is the filter unit. It uses a carbon block filtration method to eliminate a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine and lead, from your water supply. This improves the taste of your water.

The Culligan FM-25 has a capacity of 200 gallons per filter, depending on your local water quality. This means you won't need to change the filters too often. However, you should mark the calendar to remind yourself to do so, as there is no filter change indicator.

Bottom Line The Culligan FM-25 is a straightforward filter that effectively performs its function. It's a compact and uncomplicated option for those seeking a basic filter. View Latest Price on Amazon →

6. Brita 7540545 On Tap Faucet Water Filter System – Best On A Budget

The Brita 7540545 faucet filter is convenient and versatile. It also includes additional features. However, it doesn't have extensive filtering capabilities. Despite this, it's still a useful product.

Brita 7540545 On Tap Faucet Water Filter System
Pros
  • Great value
  • On/off filtering and spray setting
  • Filter change indicator light
Cons
  • Plastic housing
  • Shorter filter lifespan

The Brita 7540545 faucet filter comes in two options: a chrome finish to match stainless steel faucets or a white finish for an industrial setting. Its design is basic with a simple vertical fixing and no shapely swoops or curves. The chassis is made of plastic to keep costs down, but this also makes it more prone to leaks and cracks. The unit comes with a one year warranty.

Despite its cost-cutting construction, the Brita 7540545 is easy to install and compatible with most standard faucets. Brita also includes adaptors for fixtures with non-traditional screw-on methods. To install, simply twist it on with an adaptor if needed and flush the filter with water for five minutes.

The filter media inside the chassis is made of activated carbon and a mesh layer. It removes 99% of lead and reduces chlorine and asbestos. However, it only filters a small spectrum of contaminants so you should check if it meets the needs of your water supply. The filter has a 100-gallon capacity and should be switched out every few months. Brita includes a filter change indicator light to help you remember when to change it.

Bottom Line Basic is right for this limited filter. Brita 7540545 has additional spray features and an indicator light, making it a great choice for those on a budget. View Latest Price on Amazon →

7. PUR RF3375 – Best Budget Replacement Filters

We previously discussed the Mineral Core replacement filters from PUR and their discounted, slimmed-down filter options. The PUR RF3375 falls into this category.

PUR RF3375
Pros
  • Easy replacement
  • Over 70 contaminants filtered
  • Premium product
Cons
  • No remineralization
  • 100-gallon capacity means frequent replacements

Finding the best replacement filters for your faucet filter system is important. Water filters don't last forever and it's necessary to have a steady supply of filters to provide purified water for your family.

PUR RF3375's replacement water filters are compatible with PUR's faucet filters and many other off-brand systems. However, PUR only guarantees performance when used with genuine PUR products.

The PUR RF3375 filter doesn't have added mineralization, which may cause a difference in taste compared to more premium filter replacements.

Despite this, these PUR RF3375 replacement filters are effective in removing a wide range of contaminants. They use a combination of ion exchange and activated carbon media to remove up to 70 physical and chemical contaminants from your water.

While these filters have strong filtration capabilities, their lifespan is shorter. Each filter can provide around 100 gallons of pure water.”

Bottom Line The PUR RF3375 is a budget filter that targets a wide range of contaminants. View Latest Price on Amazon →

8. PUR FM-4000B – Best For Powerful Filtration

PUR offers a wide range of faucet filters. The FM-4000B is an easy-to-install, vertical water filter. Its vertical design saves space around the sink, making it a good option for compact kitchens and outhouses.

PUR FM-4000B
Pros
  • Filter life indicator with a lithium-ion battery
  • Includes remineralization filters for a crisp taste
  • Vertical mount saves space
Cons
  • Limited lifespan for filters
  • Plastic components can crack and leak

The PUR FM-4000B is a stylish faucet filter system. Its filter chassis is hugged by a curved basin and has a stainless steel finish that will fit well in any kitchen design. However, it's important to note that the faucet is primarily made of plastic components, not solid metal.

Installation of the PUR FM-4000B is easy if you already have a compatible faucet. Check for a screw-on aerator cap to ensure compatibility. Non-traditional pull-down and hand-held faucets will not fit.

The PUR FM-4000B filters can remove a wide range of contaminants including lead, chlorine, and 70 other chemical and physical contaminants. The filters use a combination of activated carbon, ion exchange, and mesh layers to provide pure water. These filters should be replaced every three months to ensure they continue to function effectively.

The PUR FM-4000B also has a filter light indicator and on/off function, providing additional features to the broad-spectrum filter.

Bottom Line The PUR FM-4000B is a stylish model with powerful filtering. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that some cost-cutting has been done in the construction. View Latest Price on Amazon →

9. Waterdrop WD-FC-01 – Best Longlife Filtering

The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 faucet filter may not be the most stylish, but it has an exceptional lifespan and is budget-friendly.

Waterdrop WD-FC-01
Pros
  • Over 300 gallons of filtering
  • On/off switch
  • Great value
Cons
  • Less durable materials/li>
  • Limited filtering

The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 faucet filter comes in white. While it may not match your kitchen's color scheme, it's an affordable option. The company has chosen to use plastic components, which keeps costs low but may lead to leaks over time.

One of the standout features of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01 is its long lifespan. It can purify up to 300 gallons of water, which is three times longer than many competing brands. It's effective at removing lead and chlorine, two common contaminants. Plus, it doesn't remove essential minerals from your water.

The Waterdrop WD-FC-01's on/off switch allows you to pause purification and extend the filter's life. However, there is no filter change indicator light, so it is important to keep track of when you need to change the filter. With a capacity of 300 gallons, Waterdrop WD-FC-01 could be easy to forget.

Bottom Line Waterdrop WD-FC-01 has an impressive lifespan. This makes it a great pick for those who like to set and forget. View Latest Price on Amazon →

10. PUR 3-Stage FM-9400B – Best For Easy Installation

The PUR FM-9400B filter has a 3-stage system that targets many contaminants. It's a powerful filter and a good choice for those concerned about the quality of their water.

PUR 3-Stage
Pros
  • One-click installation
  • Remineralization filtering for a crisp, clean taste
  • Electronic filter life indicator
Cons
  • Horizontal mount takes up sink space
  • Hard water can compromise attachment mechanism

The PUR FM-9400B has a clean design with a chrome finish that reflects the shine of your existing faucet. However, the horizontal mount can take up extra space in small sinks and may hinder access to the washing up area.

The PUR FM-9400B includes four separate attachment types, providing a wide range of compatibility. The most common attachment is a hard-wearing metal, while the other three are made of plastic.

Faucet filters are generally easy to install, but the PUR company has gone one step further by providing additional attachment mounts for one-click installation. This means you can easily attach and remove the filter as needed. This is particularly useful if you frequently use unfiltered water from your faucet.

One of the main benefits of the PUR FM-9400B is its powerful filtering capabilities. The 3-stage filter, which includes remineralization, protects you from a wide range of contaminants and improves the taste of your water.

However, the downside of such effective filtering is a shorter filter life, around 100 gallons. An electronic filter life indicator will remind you when it's time to change the filter.

Bottom Line The PUR FM-9400B is a powerful filtering system. It's also easy to install. View Latest Price on Amazon →

Get the Best Faucet Water Filter for Your Home: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

Stop right there! We have selected the ten best faucet water filters on the market. However, it's important for consumers to research and learn as much as possible before making their choice. Here is more information about faucet filters.

Before we dive into the details, let’s have a quick overview of what faucet filters are – and how they work.

What is a Faucet Water Filter?

A faucet water filter is a system that attaches to your existing faucet and filters the water before it reaches the tip. It consists of a filter housing unit that screws into the base of the faucet and an internal filter. The internal filter, which is made of mesh layers and a specialized filter media such as activated carbon, ion exchange, or KDF, removes impurities from the water as it runs through the faucet. The faucet filter dispenses purified water wherever it is needed.

How Faucet Filters Work

Inside the housing unit is the filter, which purifies the water. There are several filtering methods used in different faucet filters.

Mesh Layers

Mesh layers, made of ceramic or polypropylene, catch sediment and grit in the water. However, they can't catch smaller chemical compounds.

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon captures chlorine and other chemicals through adsorption. However, its effectiveness decreases over time because of its finite surface area. However, with a finite surface area, activated carbon filters have limited lifespans, and become less effective over time.

Ion Exchange Method

Ion exchange removes charged particles from water, specifically to soften hard water. While it removes heavy metals such as lead, it also removes beneficial minerals like calcium ions.

KDF

KDF, or kinetic degradation fluxion, uses a copper-zinc blend to remove heavy metals and chlorine from water. It works through redox reactions.

The Benefits of Using a Faucet Filter

Faucet filters are useful for many reasons. Here are six reasons why you should consider adding one to your kitchen setup:

Purified Water

The main reason to use a faucet filter is to have easy access to purified drinking water. Statistics in the United States show that water quality is decreasing, and contaminants such as fluoride, lead, and grit can be found in tap water. A faucet filter ensures that you and your family have clean water to drink. Don't risk drinking water from old lead pipes or contaminated by farm runoff – get a faucet filter instead.

A Cleaner Taste

A refreshing glass of cold water is one of life's simple pleasures, but chemical contaminants in our water supply can make it taste less enjoyable. Faucet filters remove chlorine and other contaminants, improving the taste of the water. Some even add minerals like calcium to create the pure taste of water we remember from childhood.

Reducing Your Plastic Footprint

As people become more environmentally conscious, reducing our use of plastic is a priority. Disposable plastic water bottles contribute to landfills and pollution in our oceans. A faucet filter allows you to have bottled-quality water at home, eliminating the need to buy plastic water bottles.

Easy Installation

If you're not comfortable with DIY projects, you'll be happy to know that faucet filters are easy to install. No handy skills or tools are required. In fact, faucet filters are one of the easiest home water filter systems to install – you can have filtered water flowing in under 10 minutes.

Flexible Filtration

Faucet filters also offer the most flexibility at home. They have easy-access on/off switches that allow you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water. In contrast, whole-house filter systems filter all the water in your home, including water used for watering plants or washing the car. A faucet filter only filters the water you use.

Great Value For Filtered Water

Faucet filters are also some of the most affordable home water filter systems. When you consider the cost of buying bottled water, a faucet filter can even save you money in the long run. Choose a faucet filter to filter your own water and save money while helping the environment.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Faucet Water Filter

To make the best decision for your home and family, consider these factors before buying a faucet filter.

Your Purification Needs

Water quality can vary greatly depending on location. Some countries add fluoride to their water supply while others don't. Contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and arsenic can also vary from state to state, as can pesticides and herbicides from farm runoff. It is important to identify your purification needs before purchasing a faucet filter by finding out what is in your water supply.

Taste

Don’t think water has a taste? You’ve been drinking too much Coca-Cola! Contaminants and minerals in water can alter its taste from chemical to clean. Some filters can also add minerals such as sodium and calcium to improve the taste while removing chemical contaminants. Some faucet filters may only remove sediment and add flavor, which can be a good value option if you aren't concerned about water purity.

Certification

Ensuring that a reputable body has certified a faucet filter gives you peace of mind. Many brands have obtained independent lab reports from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), while some big-name brands argue that NSF certification isn't necessary. Decide what is important to you when it comes to certification.

Construction Quality

Construction quality affects the longevity of a water filter system and can also affect the aesthetic of your kitchen. Plastic is often used to house the internal filter system due to its lower cost, but it's prone to cracks, breaks, and leaks. Stainless steel is more durable and stylish, but also more expensive. If you choose a plastic faucet filter, make sure it's made with BPA-free plastic to prevent chemicals from seeping into your water supply.

Compatibility

Most faucet filters mount onto your existing faucet, making installation easy. However, it's important to check if your faucet is compatible with the filter. Handheld faucets and pull-down faucets may not be compatible and may require an under-sink water filter instead.

Installation

Faucet water filters are easy to install, requiring only a screwdriver. However, make sure to prime the filter media by flushing water through it for up to ten minutes according to the manufacturer's specifications. This removes sediment and ensures optimal performance before use. Tapping your filter into the water line can also be a consideration, as it allows for a continuous water supply without needing to turn the filter on and off.

Flow Rate

Flow rate refers to the volume of water that your faucet can produce. In the United States, water-saving measures limit faucet flow rate at 2.2 GPM (gallons per minute) at 60 psi. (1)

Without a water filter, the average flow rate of a faucet is between 1 and 1.5 GPM. Faucet filters direct water through filter media, which slows flow rate down. Standard filter flow rate is around 0.5 GPM, which is half the flow rate without a filter.

Maximize the flow rate your faucet filter can handle, within your budget, to save time at the sink.

Filter Lifespan

One important thing to consider when buying a faucet water filter is that filters have fixed lifespans. Filter lifespan varies dramatically, from around 100 gallons to 300 gallons or more. The longest-life filters often limit the contaminants they target, which may not provide broad-spectrum filtering. Filter lifespan can also be affected by the initial quality of your water supply. A high TDS (total dissolved solids) level can halve filter lifespan.

Warranty

A warranty can provide peace of mind in case your filter is faulty. Warranties range from one year to lifetime. It's important to note that when purchasing a faucet filter, you are also getting a filter housing system and an internal filter. These products often have different warranties, so it's important to distinguish between them.

Conclusion

Purified water brings us closer to nature and can provide relief from the stress of modern life. It also reduces our reliance on single-use plastic, helping to protect the planet. If you are concerned about your health, it is important to filter lead and chemicals from your water. Faucet filters are a convenient and affordable way to do this.

Thanks to easy installation and use, making it simple to provide your family with pure water. Overall, faucet water filters are a necessary addition to any home.

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...

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