Safe clean water is a cornerstone of modern life. It’s critical for health and makes a huge difference in the life and growth of children. But, even in the most modern countries, clean reliable water isn’t always available.
Even where the water is reliably treated, the chemicals used to treat it can themselves be health hazards.
Whole-home water filters take care of potentially harmful contaminants at the point-of-use. They guarantee you safe and clean water regardless of the source. Different filters have different strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to investigate your options. Your water source, family size, and other considerations should all impact your decision.
This list is designed to help you narrow down the list to the best options on the market right now. We’ve done the research for you, so you can save time and still be confident that your decision was the right one.
Table of Contents
Best Whole Home Water Filtration Systems – Comparison
| Image | Product Name | Capacity | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.5 | 1056.68 Gallons | 11.95 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | APEC Top-Tier 5-Stage | 50 gallons | 25 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Aquasana 10-Year Whole House | 1,000,000-Gallon | 86 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0 | 1 year: 1,585 gal | 11.35 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Express Water Reverse Osmosis | Par day: 50 | 31 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Aquasana Whole House Water | 500,000 gallons | 9.85 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Culligan WH HD200 Whole | 24,000 gallons | 3 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Aquasana 3-Year Whole House | 300,000 Gallon | 35 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | GE GXWH40L High Flow Whole | 30.000 Gallon | 4.1 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | EcoPure ECOP30 Water Filtration | 24 Hours: 18.4 gallon | 13.25 pounds | Check Latest Price |
10 Best Water Filters for a Healthier Home
1. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.5
The Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.5 is one of the few water filtration systems on the market that offers many settings. Multiple settings allow you to customize your filtration to your preferences and water source.
It’s also a low energy filtration system, at 110 volts. Energy efficiency is an important part of the long-term costs of a water filtration system. It’s durability, and how often the filters need to be replaced should also be considered.
The 7.5 is rated to be able to filter 4,000 liters before its filters need replacing.
You can also use the settings to change the alkalinity of your water. You can add minerals and antioxidants depending on your preferences.
This filter only weighs about 12 pounds. That is significantly lighter than most comparable whole home water filtration systems.
The 7.5 is also designed for ease of installation. On average, most users report installation taking about 10 minutes total.
What We Like:
- 4,000-liter capacity means about a year of use before filters need replacement
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Many water settings for total control of your water
What We Didn’t Like:
- Meant to be installed above a faucet
- Cluttered user display
2. APEC Top-Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
APEC is the United State’s # 1 highest rated water filtration brand. They have maintained a high level of performance throughout their 20 years as a company.
They also create high-quality products that are reliable and consumer-oriented. The 2-year manufacturer warranty on this filter means that if something does go wrong, the company will make it right.
5-stage water filtration systems are also some of the most thorough home filtration systems available. APEC’s 5 stage filter can protect you from common water contaminants. Examples are: chlorine, lead, and heavy metals. It also filters 99% of bacteria and viruses as well.
5 stage filters are also the most protective when it comes to mineral and chemical contamination. They remove all but the tiniest particulate (smaller than a single blood cell), easily.
The fill-tank, where filtered water collects for immediate use, so you don’t have to wait for the water to filter when you need it quickly.
This filter has a 30-50 gallon capacity, depending on your water system’s PSI. APEC’s filter is suitable for even the largest families. It can serve both drinking and cooking water needs.
Since the filter also comes with a lead-free faucet, you can be doubly sure that you’re not getting contaminants in the water after filtration.
This filter also comes with leak-guard and quick connection fittings. It protects your home from leakage directly instead of relying on leak detection systems that can fail.
What We Like:
- 4-gallon holding tank for ease of use
- Protects from bacteria and viruses
- Removes the vast majority of chemical and mineral contaminants
- High per-day gallon capacity
- Leak-Protection easy-install connections
What We Didn’t Like
- Not designed to be visible, easy to forget to replace filters
3. Aquasana 10-Year Whole House Water Filter with UV Purifier and Salt-Free Descaler
Aquasana’s whole house water filter is another premium water filter designed to eliminate all contaminants from any water source.
It’s also among the longest-lasting filtration systems. It’s rated for 10 years use before it needs to be replaced. The UV system also sterilizes your water. It kills contaminants vulnerable to UV like bacteria and viruses.
And since this system comes with a descaler, it’s an all-in-one package. You don’t need to buy a separate water softening system to get the most from this filter. Your appliances will enjoy the softened water, giving them a longer functional life. That saves you more money in the long term.
One weakness in this system is that it can’t reduce the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count in your water. Contaminants must be small for this filter to be effective. If you know you have large dissolved solids in your water this may not be the right system for you.
Maintenance on this unit is easy. Only the pre- and post-filters need to be replaced. They need replacement every three months. The easy install system means you can take the filters out to replace them quickly, without needing to back-flush or flush the system.
What We Liked:
- All in 1, 3 function filter for cleanest water.
- UV protection against bacteria and viruses
- Long-lasting filter
- Easy filter replacement
What We Didn’t Like:
- Parts sometimes arrive in separate packages
- Doesn’t help TDS count
- More expensive than most water filtration systems
4. Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 7.0
This is a slightly less advanced version of the 7.5 we already talked about, but it’s a similarly advanced water filter at a more economical price.
The built-in activated carbon filter is good for up to one year of use. It may need replacing sooner depending on how much water you need to filter. The quality of the water you’re starting with also makes an impact. If you have poor water quality, like on an untreated well system, it will need replacing sooner.
This filter comes with one of the longer warranties of the filters. It has a 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Like the 7.5 the 7.0 water filter offers 7 different PH and filtration settings. You can customize your water for the exact health benefits and taste you want.
Also, like the 7.5, the 7.0 is designed for ease of installation. But, it’s also similar in that it must be installed above a faucet and in a visible area. Since you can see the filter, it’s cluttered, and unattractive display matters more.
But, it’s slightly lighter than the 7.5, significantly lighter than most water filtration systems.
What We Like:
- 7 water filtration settings
- Lightweight design
- Easy to install
- Thorough and effective filtration
- Long manufacturer warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Installs above a visible faucet
5. Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Express Water is another trusted name in water filtration. They only offer a 1-year warranty on this filter, but the quality of their products is high enough that a 1-year warranty shouldn’t concern you.
This is another 5-step water filtration system, with all the benefits. Express Water’s filter is a little more than a 5-step filtration system. Each of their filters is specifically designed to work with their other filters, for best performance.
Since all filters have weaknesses, designing filters to work together helps further cut impurities and contamination.
Express Water also provides tech support in case you run into difficulty during installation, or while the filter is in operation.
Their carbon filters are made from coconut fiber. Coconut fiber is more environmentally friendly than traditional carbon filters.
The leak-stop detector also immediately shuts off operation if there is a leak, protecting your home from water damage.
The Express Water filter is rated for 50 gallons of purified water a day, at .8 gallons of purified water per minute. Like the other filters on this list, this filter should be able to provide more than enough purified water for cooking and drinking.
This filter is NSF certified. You can check NFS certification for any water filter on their website. It’s also fully compatible with Express Water’s upgrade systems.
What We Like:
- Fully Upgradeable, add more features whenever you need them
- Tech support for questions and concerns
- High volume of purified water
- Filters designed to function together
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t add minerals
- No way to alter water PH or hardness
6. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter 5-Year Well-Water Filter
Aquasana offers several tiers in their home filtration products. While their filters are more expensive than most other filters, they also last significantly longer. This 5-year filter has largely the same features and benefits of their 10-year version, although at a slightly lower price point.
It’s also a whole-home filtration system. That means every tap in your home will have the same water quality and have received the same filtration.
Well-filtered water throughout your home can also help preserve your appliances. It’ll also make for a better shower. Your skin and hair can is irritated by the same contaminants that cause problems in your drinking water.
Eliminating those contaminants helps improve your health and can help to clear your skin. Some users also report that their hair started growing stronger and faster as well.
Like the 10-year filter system, the pre- and post-filters need to be replaced every 3 months. But, the main filtration system only needs to be replaced once every 5 years.
Since this is designed to be a comprehensive whole-home filtration system, it eliminates common and uncommon mineral and chemical contaminants.
This version also still has the UV filtration, adding another layer of protection on top of traditional filtration systems when dealing with bacteria and virus contamination.
It also still has the water-softening system, so you don’t need additional equipment for fully treated water.
What We Like:
- Complete water filtration and softening system
- UV protection against bacteria and viruses
- Filters all the water in your home.
- Long-lasting and cost-effective
What We Didn’t Like:
- Big upfront investment
- Can arrive in separate boxes
- Requires shipment signature.
7. Culligan WH HD200 Whole House Clear Water Filter
The Culligan whole house filter is one of the simpler filters on this list. It’s easy to install. It only has one intake and outlet port each, and you simply install one of the compatible filter cartridges to start filtering.
It’s also among the more customizable filtration options since several filters work with this unit. Choose the filter that best fits your water and taste preferences.
However, since it’s a single-filter system it won’t pull as many contaminants out of your water.
These filters also need to be replaced more often than many of the filters on this list. You should replace every few months depending on which filter you use and the water quality you’re starting with.
Yet, it also has some advantages. The Culligan filter works as a sediment filter, making it a great option if you’re using untreated well water. This filter is good at reducing the large-particulate sand and sediment that can build up in well water and other untreated sources.
Large sediment is also the hardest contamination for your appliances. The Culligan water filter will also extend the life of your appliances.
This is one of the most affordable home house filters available. This unit is a good option if you want to improve the quality of your water but aren’t yet ready to commit to a bigger system.
What We Like:
- Takes care of large sediment
- Many filter options
- Can treat high volumes of water with good pressure
- Affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- No bacteria or virus protection
- Filters need to be replaced more often
8. Aquasana 3-Year Whole House Filter
This is the last Aquasana product on this list. It doesn’t offer the UV system but is still a great overall value.
This filter is a whole home water filter and softener. Because it’s a complete system that will filter all the water in your home, it also improves your air quality.
Your water filter can improve your air quality by pulling the chlorine out of your water. Chlorine is anti-bacterial in addition to several other water-improving functions. But when it’s heated past a certain temperature it can vaporize into a small amount of chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is damaging for your lungs and airways and is damaging and drying on your skin and hair.
The main filter is good for 3 years or 300,000 gallons of water. It removes pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical solvents common in treated water. It will also remove rust, silt, and sediment and also to up to 97% of the chlorine used in treatment.
Like all Aquasana’s filters, this one is also NFS certified for quality and effectiveness.
What We Like:
- More affordable version of Aquasana’s filters
- Long life
- Highly effective contaminant filter
- Filters for bacteria and viruses
- Eliminates Chlorine
What We Don’t Like
- Complicated installation
- Softener needs replacement more often than filters
9. GE GXWH40L High Flow Whole Home Water Filtration System
General Electric’s High Flow filter is another canister filter option like the Culligan filter earlier on the list. Like the Culligan filter, it’s an easy install, with only a single filter cartridge.
There are only two approved compatible filter cartridges for the cannister. Both are certified to last for 3 months. Replacing the filter regularly is key to getting good results from any water filtration system.
However, like the Culligan filter, this one is best suited to removing large sediment and debris. But it is less effective for chemical contaminants. Cannister filters, like this one, don’t filter for chlorine. They also don’t filter for viruses or bacteria. If you live somewhere with regularly treated water you don’t need to worry about viruses or bacteria.
It also has an optional bypass system, letting you customize your install. The installation itself is quick and easy with easy to use no-leak valves. This filter has the advantage of being designed to be installed out of sight. You should put it as close to your water main point of entry as possible. That way, it protects every tap and appliance in your home.
You will need to remember to check on the filter every three months. But it makes remembering to change the filter easy with a magnetic light. The biggest challenge is remembering to check the filters. It will need to be installed in the utility closet or basement to be effective.
The system is rated for ¾ inch and inch wide pipe systems, if you have a different setup, you’ll need an adapter.
What We Like
- Large filtration system
- Canister filter preserves your water pressure
- No leak valves protect your home from flood damage
- Extends appliance life
- Compatible with most pipe systems
What We Didn’t Like:
- Easy to forget to change the filter
- Doesn’t filter for viruses or bacteria
10. EcoPure ECOP30 Water Filtration System
EcoPure’s triple filtration system is another NFS certified option that will take care of most water contaminants.
This filter is a great option if you need a more visible reminder when it’s time to change out the filters. It comes with a lead-free faucet with an LED light indicating when you need to replace the filters.
Since you need to stay on top of filter replacement to get the best results from your filter, the LED reminder is a good addition.
Installation is more complicated on this unit than a canister filter. But all the connections are color-coded. This filter is still easy to install.
The filters themselves are also clearly marked for which canister they go in. Replacing filters is quick and easy after the initial installation.
All filters are also fully enclosed. You won’t need to touch the dirty filters when it’s time to change them. You also don’t need to worry about dripping dirty water on the floors, since there are no leak points. These filters will keep your hands, floor, and trash bin totally dry.
All three stages of this filter use reverse osmosis for superior filtration, protecting you and your home.
You do need some tools and hardware for installation. The filter system will arrive with everything you need, but they don’t include extras of some hardware.
Things We Like:
- Triple filtration
- The LED indicator light is easy to see and use
- Color-coded connectors
- Clearly marked filters and canisters
- NFS certified
- Enclosed filters for easy changes
Things We Didn’t Like:
- Needs a lot of hardware
- Requires some basic technical skill to install
Conclusion
Whole-home water filters are a significant benefit to your home and family. A good filter will improve your health, air quality, and appliance life.
Removing chlorine from your water removes chlorine gas from your home, the result of heating chlorinated water. It’ll improve the air quality in your shower, and while you cook.
If you have very hard water, like most of the USA, some filters also come with built-in softening systems. Softening your water improves its quality and reduces limescale buildup in appliances and pipes.
Water filtration protects your home from sediment and mineral contamination. It also protects you and your family from lead contamination, pipe corrosion, and heavy metals.
The NFS, an international regulatory board, certifies some filters. You should always look for NFS certification to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product.
Ultimately, while getting a water filter can be a big investment, it’s a critical step to maintaining a happy healthy home. Getting virus and bacteria protection is a bonus. Plus, filtered water usually tastes significantly better than unfiltered water. And it’s better for you.
Hopefully, this list gave you a better idea of what kind of filter you need, and which companies and products you can trust. Take your time choosing a good filter.
If you aren’t sure what your water quality is or what kind of filter you need, testing is a good first step.
There are home-test kits available. Home kits can usually tell you if a contaminant is in your water, but won’t indicate the concentration. They can only test for a limited number of contaminants and tend to focus on the most impactful substances.
You can also lookup your state and town to find out more about regional water quality.
The best option is to send an annual water sample to a water test facility in your state. They’ll be able to perform a comprehensive test for more contaminants and will offer you a complete summary. Some water testing facilities will also provide recommendations as well.