Faucet water filters come in a wide variety. A faucet mount filter, however, is among the most practical, user-friendly, and straightforward install water filters you can get. They don’t require any plumbing, drilling, or water shutoff; they simply attach to your kitchen faucet as it is. They are a fantastic option for renters because they are temporary. They’re a great option for everyone, and they’re also reasonably priced.
Since we’ve been using faucet filters for years, we decided to test out as many of them as we could find to see if there was anything better. We thoroughly tested each one before settling on the top three, which we now recommend. The ten reviews that follow, however, compare some of the best choices so you can make an educated decision.
Table of Contents
Top 11 Best Faucet Water Filters
Brita Basic Faucet Water Filter System
This Brita faucet water filter is made of simple, corrosion- and rust-resistant white plastic. It uses an activated carbon filter cartridge that can hold up to 100 gallons of water or last up to 4 months, and it has a flow rate of 0.5 GPM. The filter can be connected to regular kitchen faucets but not pull-out or spray-style faucets.
The well-known Brita faucet water filter is a constant favorite due to its simple, no-tools-needed assembly. The Brita faucet water filter enhances the taste, odor, and clarity of water while being incredibly effective at removing lead and chlorine. A filter’s green light will turn on when the filter cartridge needs to be changed because it is useless without routine replacement.
Product Specs
- Model: FM-3700
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 100 gallons of water
Pros
- Removes chlorine, chloramines, lead, mercury, and 70 other contaminants
- Easy to install
- Sleek chrome finish
Cons
- Less durable plastic components
Not suitable for pull-out or handheld faucets
Culligan FM-15A Faucet Mount Filter
The Culligan FM-15A Faucet Mount Filter, which is small and of excellent quality, screws onto most faucets with ease. The design is intended to minimize the physical size of the filter so that it does not get in the way.
To lessen the taste of chlorine, lead, sediment, lindane, and particulate class 1, this system has been certified against two ANSI standards.
Before it needs to be replaced, the filter should last approximately 200 gallons or 4-6 months.
Along with the Culligan FM-15A, the manufacturer also includes a number of standard faucet adapters.
Product Specs
- Model: FM-15A
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.6 GPM
- Lasts for: 200 gallons of water
Pros
- No tools necessary for installation
- ANSI-certified to reduce the number of contaminants
Cons
- Culligan replacement filter cartridges are a bit more pricey
- No electronic filter change indicator
Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter
The Culligan FM-25 is made of stainless steel and has a stylish chrome-plated finish. It has a 0.5 GPM flow rate. According to the amount of water used, the filter cartridge lasts for 200 gallons or about 2 months. All members of the family can safely drink water thanks to the carbon block cartridge’s reduction of atrazine, chlorine, lindane, lead, turbidity, and bad tastes.
High marks for Culligan’s sturdiness, simplicity of installation, and usability. This might be the best option if high performance is the main priority rather than aesthetics. Although this faucet water filter works with the majority of faucet models, drop-down faucets are not supported.
Product Specs
- Model: FM-25
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 200 gallons of water
Pros
- Reduces lead and chlorine
- Durable stainless steel build
- Easy to install
Cons
- Does not fit drop-down faucets
Home Master HM Mini Plus Sinktop Faucet Filter
A filter like this Home Master faucet water filter, which can remove up to 99 percent of lead from drinking water, may be worth investing in for people with lead water lines. Additionally, it can get rid of sediment, chlorine, industrial and agricultural runoff, cryptosporidium, and giardia cysts. Depending on which occurs first, the carbon filter cartridge has a long lifespan of up to one year or 750 gallons of water.
A maximum flow rate of 0.5 GPM is offered by the faucet water filter, which also enhances the water’s flavor and odor. It is made of plastic that won’t corrode and has two long tubes that can be used to connect the sink to the filter and back to the sink for a discreet use that blends in with the kitchen.
Product Specs
- Model: N/A
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 100 gallons of water
Pros
- Removes lead and chlorine
- Filter change indicator light
- Easy to install
Cons
- Less durable plastic components
Waterdrop NSF Certified Basic Faucet Filter
The affordable Waterdrop faucet water filter uses an activated carbon filter cartridge to filter out contaminants like lead, chlorine, and other impurities from the water. Up to 320 gallons of water or 3 months are covered by each filter cartridge’s lifespan. This faucet water filter is made of corrosion-resistant plastic and has a maximum flow rate of 0.5 GPM.
This affordable filter has a white plastic exterior and a plastic chrome fitting that can match the plumbing in place, which is typically made of stainless steel or chrome. It installs without the use of any tools and is compatible with regular kitchen faucets. Pull-out or handheld faucets, including those with sprayer hoses, cannot be connected to this filter, though.
Product Specs
- Model: WD-FC-01
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 320 gallons of water
Pros
- Affordable option
- Removes lead, chlorine, and other contaminants
- Easy to install
Cons
- Less durable plastic components
- Does not connect to pull-out or handheld faucets
Engdenton Faucet Water Filter Stainless-steel
Due to its premium stainless steel housing, which is made to be crack-proof and prevents leaks, this filter is a particularly wise choice. Stainless steel faucet water filters typically last longer than plastic filters. It has an activated carbon filter that lowers the levels of chlorine, lead, sand, and rust in the water and prevents the development of bacteria.
With a flow rate of 0.5 GPM, this filter can fill seven or eight standard-sized glasses in about a minute. It can be turned 360 degrees, allowing the user to filter water in any direction, even using it upside down like a drinking fountain. About 320 gallons of water can be filtered through the filter cartridge in 3 months, or until it needs to be replaced.
Product Specs
- Model: N/A
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 320 gallons of water
Pros
- Durable stainless steel build
- Reduces chlorine, lead, sand, and rust
- 360-degree swivel
Cons
- Some reports that the unit does not filter out chlorine
PUR PFM150W Faucet Water Filtration System
This PUR product is an excellent choice for people who use well water because it can get rid of up to 70 contaminants that can get into groundwater and well water from industrial and agricultural runoff. Lead, mercury, and agricultural pesticides are all removed by the activated carbon filter, bringing the drinking water back up to safety standards.
Before needing to be replaced, the activated carbon filter cartridge can filter up to 100 gallons of water. In order to avoid bacteria buildup, the manufacturer advises replacing the cartridge even if it has been in place for three months but hasn’t filtered 100 gallons. A 0.5 GPM flow rate is provided by the plastic filter.
Product Specs
- Model: PFM150W
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 100 gallons of water
Pros
- Removes lead, mercury, pesticides, and up to 70 contaminants
- Filter change indicator light
- Easy to install
Cons
- Less durable plastic components
iSpring DF2-CHR Faucet Mount Water Filter
The iSpring DF2 has a massive filter lifespan of 500 gallons, lasting up to 8 months if not longer.
This faucet filter has a distinctive design and a transparent filter cap that allows you to see the filter inside.
Before it needs to be replaced, the filter lasts for about 200 gallons or roughly 2-3 months.
This product is priced lower than many of its competitors, but this is not apparent in the performance of the system.
Product Specs
- Model: DF2-CHR
- Maximum Flow Rate: 1.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 200 gallons of water
Pros
- NSF/ANSI certified to reduce lead and chlorine
- Low-cost filter replacements
Cons
- Has a tendency to leak
- Plastic faucet adapters
DuPont WFFM 100XCH Premier Faucet
The DuPont WFFM100XCH Faucet Mount Drinking Water Filter reduces common contaminants in drinking water, such as sediment, benzene, chlorine, asbestos, lead, and mercury, with an average filter capacity of 100 gallons.
There are washers, a faucet mount, two adapters, plumbing tape, and everything else you need to install the system included.
On average, the filter should last for two to three months before needing to be replaced.
The filter is WQA certified for the reduction of lead, mercury, asbestos, sediment, and cysts.
Product Specs
- Model: WFFM100XCH
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.45 GPM
- Lasts for: 100 gallons of water
Pros
- WQA certified filter
- Made from durable material
Cons
- Filter life is on the shorter side
Instapure F2 Essentials
The Instapure F2 Essentials is ANSI/NSF 42 and 372 certified to reduce 97 % chlorine, and 99% lead and Drinking water now taste much better thanks to VOCs.
This faucet filter has a distinctive design and a clear filter cap that allows you to see the filter inside.
Before it needs to be replaced, the filter lasts for about 200 gallons or roughly 2-3 months.
This product is priced lower than many of its competitors, but this is not apparent in the performance of the system.
Product Specs
- Model: F2-CHROME-CAP-SYSTEM
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.75 GPM
- Lasts for: 200 gallons of water
Pros
- NSF/ANSI certified to reduce lead and chlorine
- Low-cost filter replacements
Cons
- Has a tendency to leak
- Plastic faucet adapters
ESOW SUS304 Faucet Mount Water Filter
The ESOW SUS304 Faucet Mount Water Filter caught our attention at first glance. It’s got a stylish design and looks great next to a sink. Due to the stainless steel used in its construction, this filter feels high-quality. However, a water filter’s appearance isn’t its most crucial component. The water that it filters is what matters most, and this is where this filter fell short.
Our regular sink flow had become erratic, which was the first thing we noticed after connecting this filter to our sink. Our water sprayed everywhere when we used the standard faucet, creating a mess. The majority of the issue was resolved after we switched the aerator on the filter for the one that originally came with our faucet. We then made the decision to test the filtered water. It didn’t taste very good. It was a slight improvement over tap water, but not enough for us to suggest this product.
Product Specs
- Model: SUS304
- Maximum Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
- Lasts for: 100 gallons of water
Pros
- Attractive looks
- Made from stainless steel
Cons
- Hardly improved the taste of our water
- Causes erratic sink flow
What Is A Faucet Water Filter?
A kitchen faucet water filter is a point of use (POU) water filtration system that provides clean, filtered drinking water right at your kitchen sink, similar to a refrigerator filter.
The majority of sink faucet water filters don’t have their own storage tanks because they are made to produce water as needed.
The filter starts to produce filtered water as soon as the faucet is turned on. Every drop of water that enters the system exits as potable drinking water, so this kind of water filter doesn’t create any waste.
If you’re looking at reverse osmosis water filters, keep in mind that they typically have a tank for holding an average of 3 gallons of water at a time and come with their own faucet.
Water filtration systems for kitchen faucets are installed right on the faucet at your sink. You can install your water filter yourself, but if you’d prefer, you can also hire a plumber or handyman.
Benefits Of Using Faucet Water Filters
Installation of a faucet water filter in your home has a wide range of advantages. Key advantages include the following:
Produces Great-tasting Water
Because they dislike the flavor of their home’s tap water, many people spend money on bottled, filtered water. Clean, fresh, delicious-tasting water can be produced by a kitchen faucet water filter by filtering out the chemicals and contaminants that give water its bad taste.
The removal of impurities like rust and sulfur, which can give water a distinct flavor, odor, and discoloration, is particularly effective with faucet water filtration systems.
Running your water through a faucet water filter will significantly improve the quality of your water if it contains significant amounts of any of these contaminants.
Removal Of Harmful Contaminants & Impurities
A faucet water filter’s primary goal is to create pure, clean drinking water. Lead, bacteria, rust, dirt, heavy metals, and chemicals like chlorine are just a few of the harmful contaminants that tap water filters can get rid of.
These shouldn’t be a safety concern in household drinking water, but they can affect the water’s quality, and some people might just prefer not to drink them.
Faucet water filters can successfully remove the bacteria and other contaminants that are typically present in a well if you use well water for your home or business. Before making a purchase, check with the manufacturer to see if a particular faucet water filter will get impurities out of your well water.
Can Choose Between Filtered And Unfiltered Water
Some people prefer having the option to choose between using filtered water and unfiltered water.
It might seem wasteful to use filtered water, for instance, if you wanted to use cold water for things other than drinking, like cleaning surfaces or watering your plants.
In this scenario, you could simply use the unfiltered water from your regular kitchen faucet and only use your special faucet for drinking if you had a faucet water filter.
Cost Effective
Although a water filter has a higher initial cost than buying filtered water in bottles, you can save quite a bit of money over time.
Your water bills won’t be affected by a faucet water filter purchase because, unlike reverse osmosis systems, they don’t waste any water while filtering the water.
You only need to buy replacement filters every six months or so, and they are reasonably priced.
Space-saving
You can conserve counter space while getting access to clean drinking water by storing faucet water filters under your sink.
You don’t have to worry about the appearance of your faucet water filter because it is hidden in your under-sink cabinet, unlike countertop water filters, which can be fairly bulky and unattractive. Most faucets can be placed on their sides to save even more space if necessary or mounted to a wall.
Doesn’t Require Professional Installation
You won’t have to spend money on a plumber or handyman by installing your faucet water filter yourself, even if you’re not particularly mechanically skilled.
In-depth installation instructions are provided with every filter, and they are typically already partially assembled. It only takes a minimal amount of skill to install the faucet and attach your filter to the cold water pipe under your kitchen sink.
Personal To Your Water Filtration Tastes
There are typically several standard filtering options included in kitchen faucet water filters for removing contaminants like lead and bacteria, as well as larger grains and sediment, chemicals like chlorine, and sediment.
You can locate the filter you need if you’re looking for a filtration system that provides more specialized filtration, like the removal of rust.
You can also add additional filters to the faucet water filter you already have, such as a remineralization filter, which brings back calcium and magnesium minerals to the water to lessen acidity.
Some faucet water filters are designed specifically to treat well water to make it safe for consumption if your drinking water comes from a good source.
How To Chose The Best Faucet Water Filters?
Filter Type
While impurities can be removed by all water filters to some extent, some filter types are more efficient than others. Following are some examples of the various water filters:
CTO Carbon Block
Low production costs for CTO carbon block filter mechanisms make them an affordable filtration choice. They are used in filtration equipment to improve water odor and remove chlorine, fine impurities, and chemical pesticides. Due to its shorter service life than other filters, the lower cost may be offset by the need for more frequent replacement. Additionally, it does not remove some chemicals, as well as other filter types, do.
Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF)
ACF is a type of carbon that has been engineered to have tiny, low-volume pores. While activated carbon is typically found as a fine powder or granule, activated carbon fiber has a clearly defined porous structure and fiber shape. It effectively reduces lead, fluoride, and other pollutants by having the capacity to absorb organic gasses. It also has a rapid absorption rate due to the uniform micropores. The material can be used to its full potential because it is consistently in contact with absorbed substances. Longer service life of three to six months is typical for these filters.
Alkaline Filters
Some filters replenish electrolytes and necessary minerals that may have been lost during the filtration process in addition to removing harmful substances from the water. You can drink better-tasting, healthier water thanks to these filters. The pH of tap water is raised by the addition of trace minerals, which also help the immune system and neutralize acidity.
Ceramic Filter
The treatment of drinking water is frequently started with a ceramic filter, despite the fact that it is not nearly as effective as ACF and CTO carbon block filters. It can enhance taste and odor while removing chlorine and suspended impurities. Heavy metals and inorganic salts cannot be removed using this method.
Ease Of Installation
You must make sure that the faucet water filter you buy is compatible with the style of faucet you have installed in your home. When necessary, adapters are included with some filters. You can switch between using filtered water for drinking and tap water for dishes or cleaning with a relatively simple installation.
Certification
The precise effectiveness of a water filter can be difficult to predict. You want to make sure that the filter will do more than just remove any random bits of grit or dust, in addition to making sure that the filter’s actual housing is devoid of any potentially harmful plastics or metals.
For drinking water filtration systems, two American institutions established minimum standards. These are the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Remember that the standards are a minimum requirement and that certification does not require the device to completely purge contaminants. If the manufacturer meets the minimal requirement, they will be certified.
As a minimum requirement for your home, NSF Standard 42-Aesthetic Effects, which addresses chlorine, particle filtration, and taste and odor regulation, should be looked for when evaluating the filtration capacity of the device.
Service Life
When buying a filter, consider how long it will last because some mechanisms are built to last a lot longer than others. Certain filters need to be changed every 100 gallons, or every two to three months. Some can produce 320 gallons of fluid or last up to 6 months. The caliber of your tap water will also affect how long your filter lasts. You will need to replace the mechanism sooner if there are more impurities to filter.
Additional Nsf Requirements Include:
- Mercury, lead, and other hazardous contaminants like pesticides and herbicides are all covered by NSF Standard 53-Health Effects.
- Emerging compounds and incidental contaminants are covered by NSF Standard 401. This standard specifically covers 15 contaminants found in public drinking water at trace levels. Medication, pesticides, herbicides, plastics, and detergents may all fall under this category.
Check the performance datasheet for the particular model to get the most precise information on the filter’s efficacy. This will show the degree of contaminant reduction and the number of contaminants eliminated. Since the certification only covers the bare minimum, different filters with the same certification might perform better than others.
Conclusion
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to obtain virtually endless amounts of filtered water in the comfort of your kitchen is with faucet-mounted water filters. But we wanted the best filter possible, not just any filter. We’ve narrowed it down to just three faucet filters that we believe are the best options after testing as many as we could find and writing reviews to compare them.
The PUR FM-3700 Advanced Faucet Water Filter was our favorite overall. You can eliminate up to 70 contaminants from your water for a safe and satisfying drinking experience with a quick, one-click installation process. A two-year warranty safeguards your investment, and the cartridges are simple to locate.
We recommend the Brita Faucet Water Filter as a more cost-effective substitute. Replacement cartridges for this one are inexpensive and widely accessible. Additionally, it is one of the options that are more compact and won’t take up much sink space.
The Invigorated Water Faucet Water Filter is our premium recommendation, to wrap things up. It purges the undesirable impurities and replaces them with beneficial minerals to increase the body’s alkalinity. It also requires less maintenance than nearly every other faucet filter we’ve seen thanks to filters that last a full year.
