Picking a reverse osmosis filtration system for drinking water can be a daunting task. Finding the right product to suit your needs means getting a system that is durable over years of use, and that won’t run up the bills with constant filter changes.
Below we review the best reverse osmosis water filtration systems on the market today, including a relatively new category: No installation water filters that sit on a cabinet or countertop.
Jump to no install counter top systemsEditor’s Pick: iSpring 6-Stage Boosted Performance Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System – $279.99 at Amazon.com
Where to buy the iSpring Boosted Performance water filter
Our coveted Editor’s Pick goes to iSpring for it’s perfect balance of easy installation, price, and sophisticated aesthetic that looks great in any kitchen. Review pricing and read more below.
Best Value
Other Options
- $279.99 at Lowe’s: 7 to 10-day delivery
- $289.99 at Home Depot: 7 to 10-day delivery
- $341.49 at Overstock.com: 14 to 21-day delivery
So what makes the iSpring reverse osmosis filter the best for purifying drinking water?
Incredible value for the money. Reverse osmosis technology used to be out of reach of most Americans. Now a number of systems are available in the sub-$1,000 price range. But none offer the features of the iSpring at below $300.
Editor’s note: iSpring also offers an upgraded 7-stage model at nearly twice the price. The upgraded model includes a UV light stage as an additional filtration option.
6-stage filter adds back beneficial minerals. Reverse osmosis filters often produce “sterile” tasting water by removing helpful minerals with pollutants. iSpring includes a 6th stage alkaline remineralization filter which restores healthy minerals for a completely natural taste. Top that off with improved internals for 2020 including a boosted flow performance and faster recharge time.
Simple installation and helpful, US-based customer support. While the price is right, half the battle is installation and maintenance. Thankfully, the iSpring installs in about an hour, and features helpful videos as well as support by phone should any problems arise.
Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Filtration System with Smart Faucet – $549.00 at Amazon.com
Where to buy the Waterdrop reverse osmosis smart filtration system
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Why Waterdrop earns top placement in our reverse osmosis roundup
Excellent filtration features. Using reverse osmosis filtration technology with a filtration accuracy of 0.0001um, Waterdrop effectively removes most contaminants including fluoride, TDS, limescale, and heavy metals in tap water. While it does not offer a 6-stage system to add back in beneficial minerals, water still tastes fresh.
Simple to set up, install, and maintain. Complete setup can take as little as 30 minutes, and filters are easily changed in under a minute. The innovative, front-facing filter design allows you to quickly swap out old filter units for new ones with a simple twist and pull.
Includes advanced smart faucet. Techies may appreciate the included smart faucet, which indicates temperature and system readiness, providing a quick visual check of the system status.
Easy on the eyes. While the system is meant to be concealed under a sink, it doesn’t hurt that the housing design is discreet and pleasing to look at. While this has nothing to do with filter effectiveness, it’s worth mentioning.
Home Master HydroPerfection Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – $435.41 at Amazon.com
Where to buy the Home Master HydroPerfection Reverse Osmosis System
Best Value
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What makes Home Master a contender in the top reverse osmosis filters?
Quality components with no frills. Home Master includes advanced filtration and purification stages to remove 98 percent of iron, chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants. And while purification quality is high, this no frills system has no extras and gets no marks for design.
Added minerals for better taste. — its patented Full Contact technology adds calcium and magnesium minerals twice during the purification process. Advanced long lasting filters – 2,000 gallons or 1 year between filter changes.
Long lasting and easy-to-change filters. With regular use, you’ll change filters about once per year or 2000 gallons; filter changes are quick and painless, no wrenches required.
The best countertop no installation reverse osmosis units
Editor’s Pick: SimPure Countertop No Install Reverse Osmosis Filtration System – $379.99 at Amazon.com
Where to buy the SimPure Countertop Reverse Osmosis System
Best Value
Why SimPure earns our Editor’s Pick in no installation reverse osmosis solutions
No plumber required. Using the SimPure filter is as simple as unboxing, filling with water, and plugging in to a standard wall outlet. And while the unit takes up valuable counter space, the solution is well worth the cost for those who do not want to do any plumbing work under the sink.
3-stage filtration with UV light. Despite it’s compact size, SimPure effectively removes 99% of more than 1,000 pollutants and harmful substances commonly found in tap water including lead, arsenic, nitrates, chromium, selenium, fluoride, cadmium, phosphate, radium, chlorine, barium, bacteria, cysts, and viruses.
Near noiseless operation. We love the fact that SimPure stays quiet when not in use, and is barely audible when dispensing water, which has been a common problem with past reverse osmosis countertop filters. SimPure earns points for getting it right.
KFLOW Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System – $399.99 at Amazon.com
Where to buy the KFLOW countertop reverse osmosis system
Best Value
Why KFLOW is a serous contender for the best no installation reverse osmosis system
4-stage filter is best in class for countertop units. No installation reverse osmosis filter units typically offer 2 or 3-stage filtration. KFLOW takes it one step further by adding a fourth filter to the unit. Typically, under sink filters are the only way to get this level of water processing. We appreciated that KFLOW is thinking outside the box here.
Coffee pot style design is familiar and easy to use. While not the most aesthetically pleasing design, KFLOW has managed to create a feel that similar to a coffee pot. This style means the filtration system does not look out of place on your kitchen counter.
RKIN AlcaPure Zero Installation Purifier Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter – $469.95 at Amazon.com
Where to buy the RKIN AlcaPure Zero Installation Purifier
Best Value
Why RKIN brings the best combination of form and function to the table
Beautiful design with solid construction. RKIN gets design right. The modern, sleek filtration unit looks like a high end appliance including metal accents and an attractive blue water basin. Simple one touch button controls look sophisticated without being overly complex in design. Simply put: RKIN looks amazing on your counter (but you’ll pay for it).
Complete filtration system with options. Like other countertop systems, RKIN transforms ordinary tap water into clean, healthy and delicious drinking water. RKIN doesn’t stop there, offering two options that can be selected based on your water supply and needs. The AlcaPure edition is meant for Alkaline 7-8 pH while the OnliPure edition eliminates TDS (commonly known as forever chemicals).