Updated on Oct. 19, 2024
Looking for a simple water filter solution for your kitchen? Here are the best, editor-tested countertop water filters that’ll have you sipping the purest water in no time.
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Clean drinking water is more than just a trend. I mean, who doesn’t want healthier, better-tasting water? But not everyone who wants a new water filter wants the hassle of installing an under-sink water filter device. Sometimes, the most convenient solution is a countertop water filter.
Countertop water filters can help eliminate bacteria, heavy metals, chlorine and more from your drinking water. Better yet, they’re typically less expensive than under-sink filters, and they don’t come with the hassle of installation. Countertop water filters usually only involve unboxing, flushing a filter, filling with water—and you’re ready to go!
Our editors tested some of the most popular countertop water filters on the market to tell you how they really perform. Here’s what we found.
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At the top of our list is the ZeroWater Filtration Dispenser, a great-tasting filter that truly removes pollutants from your tap water. Senior Shopping Editor Nancy Snyder says, “I’ve always relied on pure hope that my water filter is doing what it’s intended to do. But I’ve had no way of really knowing—until now.”
The ZeroWater Water Filtration Dispenser not only comes with the promise of filtering your tap water, but its own water testing meter that beckons you to see for yourself. So that’s exactly what we did. “I first tested my tap water, which resulted in a reading of 569 TDS (total dissolved solids),” Nancy says. “Then I tested the filtered water from my ZeroWater dispenser. The result? 0 TDS!”
Plus, Nancy’s personal taste test confirmed that all metals and impurities had been removed, resulting in clean, pure drinking water. But she didn’t stop there. “I next tested water filtered from my pre-existing water dispenser that I purchased from a competitor brand (and to level the playing field, I did so just after replacing it with a new water filter). The results were hard to swallow: The TDS meter read well over 300. I think it’s safe to say I’ll be using my ZeroWater filter from here on out.”
Certified by NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) standards to reduce lead, chromium and PFOA/PFOS, the ZeroWater filter is our top choice. Featuring BPA-free materials, it sits directly on your countertop without the need of a plug and comes in multiple size options, so you can choose what’s best for your counter (or fridge) space.
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If you’re someone who likes a traditional pitcher water filter that you can leave out on the counter, take to the dinner table or keep in the fridge, then the Larq Pitcher is one to consider. It has a unique two-step filtering process to deliver the freshest tasting water by neutralizing contaminants rather than just trapping them. Senior Shopping Editor Megan Mowery tested the filter for herself. “I never knew water filters could be so high-tech until I met the Larq Pitcher,” she says. “In addition to its space-age look, the pitcher comes equipped with a blue light that glows when it’s filtering.”
The Larq Pitcher is powered by a USB charger and offers its own app so that you never have to guess when it’s time to change the filter. “If you’re a data fanatic, you’ll love the Larq even more, since its app also tracks your water intake, overall filter performance and carbon footprint,” Megan says.
The plant-based carbon filter on this pitcher pick has a 60-gallon capacity that’s been tested to remove lead, mercury, PFOA/PFOS, pharmaceuticals and bio-contaminants.
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When it comes to sleek, countertop water machines, the Aquasana Clean Water Machine is hard to beat. It delivers clean, fresh-tasting drinking water with the press of a button, is certified to remove up to 90% of contaminants and has as stylish, compact design. Plus, it’s another option certified to NSF standards.
Shopping Editor Mary Henn has used the Aquasana filter in her own kitchen for months. “I keep my Aquasana filter on my coffee cart, right next to my Nespresso machine,” she says. “That way, I can fill my tumbler or coffee machine without having to ever go to the sink—which is convenient when it comes to making that first cup of early-morning coffee.”
“I also love the way it looks,” Mary adds. “The filtering system is housed in black casing, so it’s not visible and doesn’t create an eyesore on your kitchen counter.” Additionally, the ease of a one-button machine makes operating it one-handed great for guests, children and multitaskers.
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Yes, this is a list of countertop water filters, but we wanted to include one water filter that is available in both under-sink and countertop options. The New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System is available on Amazon in both variations and Associate Product Tester Sheri Kaz tested the filter to see if it lives up to online hype.
“Knowing that this 10-stage water filter removes so many contaminants gives me peace of mind,” Sheri says. “The under-counter, slim design is great because I don’t have to give up counter space.”
If you’re looking for a water filter solution that isn’t visible, then an inline, under-sink option like this one is great, Sheri adds. “Installation is fairly simple for a handy DIYer. It connects to the cold-water line to filter water. No extra hardware or fixture needed, and the filter only needs to be replaced once a year. It’s a wonderful, low-maintenance solution for cold, clean water.”
We love that this filter pick is available in under-counter and countertop options, so you can choose what’s best for your needs. While our product tester Sheri tried out the under-sink version, the countertop option easily attaches to your faucet and allows you to change between tap water and filtered water right at your kitchen sink.
There are a few must-consider features to keep in mind when purchasing a countertop water filter. Ask yourself:
Our team of editors and product testers used the water filters listed above in their own kitchens to tell you exactly how each one performs. We went beyond reading reviews and product descriptions to deliver honest feedback to you before you buy.
Though we tracked how many stages each filter had and used contaminant readings as a guide, the most important factor we considered was how the filters made water taste. Nothing got past our checks if it didn’t produce clean, crisp drinking water.
We tested several models to compile this selective list of the best countertop water filters, using each filter for several weeks to ensure longevity of performance. Some of our product testers sampled water from their tap and compared it to water from our top filters and leading competitor filters. Others used their DIY expertise to install water filters directly to their water line. All our testers researched each filter before testing to ensure that it lived up to sanitation standards, then they reported on the effectiveness, design, convenience and taste each countertop water filter produced.
Activated alumina filters can reduce fluoride levels in tap water. However, not all water filters remove fluoride. If you want a countertop water filter that reduces fluoride levels specifically, read product descriptions to see if fluoride is on the list of ingredients a filter can remove before buying. Keep in mind that no filter can eliminate fluoride completely.
It depends on the filter. Some filters need to be replaced every couple of months, while others can last up to a year or longer. Some water filters let you know when it’s time to replace your filter. If you purchase one that doesn’t tell you when to replace the filter, keep track of filter replacement yourself to ensure you’re drinking the freshest water.
The most common standards and certifications to look for when shopping for a water filter come from the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and WQA (Water Quality Association).
