When it comes to ensuring clean, pure water for your entire home, whole house reverse osmosis systems are an effective solution. These systems target a range of contaminants, including dissolved solids and chemical contaminants such as chloride, lead, arsenic, and fluoride.
While some contaminants, like limescale, may be visible, others may require a more advanced method of filtration like reverse osmosis to effectively remove. These microscopic contaminants can be dangerous and are not easily detected by the naked eye.
Let's take a look at the best whole house reverse osmosis systems on the market to ensure the safety and purity of your home's water supply.
Top Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems in 2023
- Six-stage filtration system
- 75-gallons capacity
- Guarantees 99% of contaminants removals (including fluoride, arsenic, lead etc)
- Great value for money
- Six-stage filtration
- 75 gallons capacity
- NSF certified quality
- Affordable
- 400 gallons capacity
- NSF certified performance
- Easy installation
- Expensive
- 3-stage filtration system
- Produces better than bottled water
- Long-lifespan filters
- Four stage filtration
- RO membrane has five-years lifespan
- Space saving design
- Whopping 1000 gallons per day capacity
- Efficient 2:1 wastewater ratio
- Easy DIY installation
- Expensive price tag
Whole house reverse osmosis systems are a surefire way to reduce the total dissolved solids in your water supply, leaving you with exceptionally pure water. Here are the best options for microscopic purity.
1. APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 – Best For Great Tasting Drinking Water
The APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 features a six-stage, mid-capacity RO filter system. It is made in America, ensuring its premium quality and durability.
- Handles up to 2000 ppm total dissolved solids
- Comes with a high-grade faucet
- Quality materials
- 4-gallon storage tank
- 2-year warranty
- Limited capacity at 75 GPD
- The whole system lacks NSF certification of purity standards
APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 is a great option for people with diverse filtering needs. It removes 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) and other contaminants with its reverse osmosis membrane and double carbon blocks. The final stage is a calcium mineral cartridge that remineralizes the water to a healthy pH, resulting in pure and tasty drinking water.
APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 has a capacity of 75 gallons per day (GPD), suitable for couples. However, larger families may find it insufficient in the evening. It is possible to increase the capacity to 90 GPD, but only if the water pressure is at 60 psi.
APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 is designed for self-installation and comes with detailed instructions. Although it is a complex job, it does not require DIY skills. Just make sure to set aside enough time, as it requires patience to understand.
2. iSpring RCC7AK – Best Multiple-Stage Filter System For Easy Installation
The iSpring RCC7AK whole house filter system has a mid-capacity and includes six stages of filtration and remineralization.
- Six-stage filtering
- Remineralization for a great taste
- NSF certified quality
- Only compatible with iSpring’s own filters
- Limited capacity & smaller holding tank
The iSpring RCC7AK RO filter features a premium membrane which blocks contaminants larger than 0.0001 microns. It's sandwiched between three pre-filter and two post-filter units which remove a wide range of contaminants and remineralize the water for a clean taste. It's NSF certified.
However, the iSpring RCC7AK RO whole system is limited to 75 GPD, which may not be sufficient for larger families or individuals with high water use.
The installation system is simplified with color-coordinated attachments, making it easy for DIYers. The system is more compact than similar models, but this comes with a smaller water tank.
The base price is good value, but replacement filters must be purchased separately and will add to long-term costs. It comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.
3. Waterdrop G3 RO Water Filtration System – Best For Additional Filter Stages
The Waterdrop G3 is an innovative tankless system that saves space and is easy to install. However, its cutting-edge whole house reverse osmosis technology comes at a premium price.
- 400 GPD capacity
- Multi-stage filtering & NSF certification
- Tankless design for seamless installation
- Digital water quality monitor and filter replacement alerts
- Efficient 1:1 wastewater production
- Serious price tag
The Waterdrop G3 RO is a powerful reverse osmosis system that produces filtered water on-demand using an internal pump. With a capacity of up to 400 gallons per day, it can meet the needs of a family or small business.
The Waterdrop G3 features three internal filters that provide seven stages of filtering. These multi-purpose filters effectively reduce TDS through the reverse osmosis membrane, as well as remove lead, fluoride, and a range of other chemicals. The system is certified to multiple NSF standards.
Installation and maintenance of the Waterdrop G3 is simple due to its streamlined design. An intuitive warning light system will let you know when it's time to change the filter.
4. Whirlpool WHER25 – Best Whole House RO System For Long-Life Filtering
The Whirlpool WHER25 has a compact design that saves space without sacrificing filtration.
- Great value
- Pre- and post-filtering stages
- Longer lifespan filters
- Compact design
- DIY installation, but not the easiest
- Smaller capacity
The Whirlpool WHER25 uses activated carbon pre- and post-filtering to reduce chemical contaminants, and its reverse osmosis membrane removes total dissolved solids larger than 0.001 microns. However, this is 10 times larger than the size of TDS that other models can remove, which may lead to less effective TDS removal. Despite this, the Whirlpool WHER25 is NSF certified, giving you peace of mind about the water quality.
One advantage of the Whirlpool WHER25 is its long-lasting filter system. The RO membrane can perform optimally for years, and the activated carbon filters last for six months. However, the system has a capacity of only 22 GPD, so it may not be suitable for families. It's a good, compact option for single-person households on a budget.
5. Watts Premier WP531411 RO Filtration System- Best For Easy Maintenance And Filter Replacement
The Watts Premier WP531411 RO system has four stages of filtering. It also has a smart filter replacement system, which means you don't have to shut off the water to replace the filters.
- Four stage filtering
- Premium air gap faucet
- Easy filter replacement
- Finicky installation
- Limited capacity at 50 GPD
The Watts Premier WP531411 is a whole house reverse osmosis system that features sediment and pre-carbon filters to reduce contaminants in your water before it reaches the reverse osmosis membrane. This helps to effectively remove total dissolved solids and provide you with crisp, great-tasting drinking water.
The filters on this system are long-lasting, and the RO membrane has a maximum lifespan of five years, depending on your water quality.
The Watts Premier WP531411 system is designed for self-installation and comes with all the fixtures and plumbing fittings you need. However, installation can be tricky and it's important to follow the directions carefully to avoid leaks.
6. Hydro-Logic 31023 – Best For High Water Consumption
Hydro-Logic 31023 is a whole house reverse osmosis system with a capacity of 1000 gallons per day. It's suitable for families and small businesses that want an ample supply of purified water.
- Incredible 1000 GPD capacity
- Efficient 2:1 wastewater ratio
- 95% reduction in total dissolved solids
- DIY installation
- Hefty price tag
- May struggle to achieve the advertised capacity in suboptimal conditions
The Hydro-Logic 31023 has a multi-stage filtering system that includes a KDF/carbon dual-material filter. This filter can remove a wide range of contaminants, such as fluoride, pesticides, and lead. It also extends the lifespan of the RO membrane by preventing chlorine and other chemicals from reaching the reverse osmosis stage.
The Hydro-Logic 31023 also has a dual reverse osmosis filter stage with a double membrane. This filter removes 95% of TDS.
In terms of efficiency, the Hydro-Logic 31023 has a 2:1 ratio of wastewater to purified output. This means that it produces a lot of purified water while using a small amount of wastewater. This can help to lower your water bill and make the price tag more reasonable.
The Buyer's Guide to Choosing Right Whole House RO System
When it comes to finding the right whole house reverse osmosis system, there are several key factors to consider. Here are the most important things to keep in mind as you shop for a system:
Flow Rate
Flow rate measures how much purified water you'll get in real terms. It's important to consider this when determining if a whole house RO system is right for you. Flow rate is typically measured in gallons per day (GPD) and can range from around 20 to 500. A mid-capacity 75 GPD system will generally be sufficient for a couple without children.
Keep in mind that a single individual can use up to 100 gallons of water per day for activities like bathing and flushing the toilet.
Pre-Filtering
While reverse osmosis is effective at removing microscopic particles from your water supply, most RO systems also come with additional stages of filtering. The more stages there are, the purer the water will be. Pre-filtering stages may include water softeners to reduce mineral content and activated carbon to remove pesticides and chlorine. These stages can help protect the RO membrane and improve the overall quality of the system.
Post-Filtering
Reverse osmosis is so effective at reducing total dissolved solids in water that it can strip away valuable minerals, leaving the water tasting bland. To address this, some RO systems include post-filtering stages that add trace micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium back into the water. This helps to improve the taste and gives you bottled-quality water from your faucet.
Membrane Lifespan
Eventually, the membrane in an RO filter will degrade and need to be replaced. The lifespan of the membrane will depend on the quality of the water you're starting with. An RO filter typically lasts between one and five years. Pre-filtering contaminants like chlorine through activated carbon can help to extend the lifespan.
Faucets
Many RO systems come with a faucet as part of the system. This is because the contaminated wastewater produced by the RO system needs to be kept separate from your drinking water. To prevent contamination, an air-gapped faucet is typically used. This type of faucet has an additional drainage point that allows wastewater to escape. Air gap faucets are a premium feature and a sign of a high-quality system.
Installation
Most RO systems are designed to be self-installed without the need for plumbing expertise. Some systems are easier to install than others, with color-coded fittings and clear instructions. Keep in mind that air-gap faucets require a larger hole in your countertop for installation.
Efficiency And Wastewater
RO systems produce wastewater in the form of brine as a byproduct of the filtration process. The efficiency of the system, or how much purified water it produces compared to the amount of wastewater it generates, can impact your water bill. Premium systems can offer a maximum efficiency of 1:1 in 2023, which means they produce one gallon of purified water for every gallon of wastewater.
Size
When shopping for a whole house reverse osmosis system, it's important to consider the size and installation requirements. These systems can be bulky, especially those with large freshwater tanks, so make sure you have enough space to install the system in your home. Whether you're planning to install it under the sink or at the in-flow of your water supply, be sure to measure the space and choose a system that will fit.
Cost
The cost of a whole house reverse osmosis system may be a deciding factor for you. Compact units with limited capacity are more budget-friendly, but they may not have the same gallons-per-day capacity or filtering options as more expensive systems. Keep your budget in mind as you shop for a reverse osmosis system.
Conclusion
Reverse osmosis systems are effective at reducing common contaminants and are easy to install and low maintenance.
Whole house RO systems offer even more protection by removing microscopic contaminants that could potentially harm your family.
In addition, these systems often include pre-filtering and post-filtering stages to provide bottled-quality water straight from your faucet. Not only is this water hydrating and high quality, it also saves you money on store-bought water.
Overall, a whole house reverse osmosis system offers a new level of purification for your home.
