7 Best Faucet Water Filters 2021 [Reviews & Buying Guide]

Most people don’t like the odor and taste of tap water, and if you remember the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, it makes sense that you don’t trust your local water supply source. No one wants to be near water that smells weird, let alone drinking it. The good news is that you don’t need to put up with bad-smelling and bad-tasting water anymore, as faucet water filtration systems provide you with the easiest solution. These faucet mount filters are gadgets that can be directly installed onto your tap and work to purify the tap water you drink.

The water will start filtering as soon as you open the tap. In this article, we will be sharing all the options for faucet water filters on the market. We know that a lot of people won’t know how these water filters work, the benefits of using them, and how to install them, which is why we ensured that this guide is as comprehensive as it can get.

Faucet water filters are an environmentally friendly way of getting your drinking water, and unlike other filter technologies, they don’t require electricity to work or produce any wastewater. Most faucet water filtration systems come with filtration materials, which allows them to eliminate dozens of contaminants from the tap water.

Some can not only neutralize or absorb chlorine but can also purify toxic heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead. A couple of types have been built with materials that increase the pH level of the water, which makes it more alkaline. The end result is that you get to enjoy pure, fresh, safe, and crisp-tasting water with bottled quality right from your tap.

Best Faucet Water Filter

We reviewed dozens of the water filtration systems on the market and selected the ones we found the most effective in removing toxic contaminants and chemicals from tap water. We also focused on affordability, quality, and proven designs that will last for years. Let’s check them out:

DuPont WFFM100XCH Premier Faucet Water Filter

The DuPont Premier Faucet Water Filter is the most affordable water filter we reviewed, which is why it features at the top spot on our list. This water filter may only start at a low-price range, but it has one of the highest overall ratings, and that’s what makes it such a great buy. The water filtration system can be easily installed and has a 100-gallon filtering capacity, which allows you to change the filters once every two months tops.

The water filtration system is not only effective but also filters out most contaminants, and you will notice a distinct difference in the taste and purity of your water after installing it. This water filter has been certified to reduce the bacteria, sediment, cysts, microorganisms, chlorine, and most contaminants from your water. It has also proved to remove any foul tastes or odors from the water source, which makes it a prime choice in today’s market.

When looking at its price range, most people will assume that a faucet water filter this cheap isn’t going to be as good as the pricier models on the market. However, our tests proved that it offers the best value for money easily.

iSpring DF2-CHR Faucet Mount Water Filter

The iSpringFaucet Mount Water Filter is from a renowned brand and also among the most affordable water filter systems on the market. We believe that it offers amazing value for money as the filter can last you for over 8 months. It can easily filter 500 gallons of water, depending on the level of sediment and contamination in the water.

This water filter system removes the most common chemical compounds and heavy metals like VOCs, lindane, and atrazine, which may irritate your skin. You can’t put a price on getting months of clean and pure drinking water from your tap. For that reason, this is one of the great options on the market. This water filter has everything you need for installing it, which includes a universal adapter for various types of faucets. It also makes it easier to replace the filter, take it apart, and re-install it.

The water filter model is more advanced than others, and you can easily feel the quality of the construction when you take the unit out of the box. The good news is that this water filter can withstand heat up to 176 degrees, so hot water won’t damage it. Anyone who is searching for their first water filter system or wants to replace their older model will find this to be the ideal product for them.

PUR 3-Stage Advanced Faucet Water Filter

The PUR 3-Stage, Advanced Faucet Water Filter, is among the most popular water filters in its category and also currently among the top-selling ones on the market. The great thing about this water filtration system is that it offers a nice and steady flow of water and affordably priced.

The best thing about using this water filter system is how effective it is when it comes to removing more than 70 different contaminants from tap water. It is extremely efficient, and this model is certified to remove up to 92% of pesticides, 96% of mercury, and 99% of lead from your tap water.

A major advantage of this faucet water filter is that it is easy to install, and you can connect and remove the filter to your faucet in a couple of minutes. You can easily take it off whenever you want, and the filter is constructed from premium quality materials, so it is quite durable.

Brita On Tap Faucet Water Filter System

The Brita On Tap Faucet Water Filter System is a great water filtration system and effective in cleaning polluted water sources. This water filter can be installed directly on your existing faucet and gives you separate access to filtered and unfiltered water.

One of the things about using this water filter is that it helps improve good water flow, and, unlike other water filters, which cut back on water flow, this model increases it. The filtered water system ensures you get increased pressure from the tap, so you can easily refill your glasses quickly.

There is also a light sensor with the model that notifies when it will be the right time to change the filters. When the light turns green, it signifies that the filters are still good. When it turns yellow, it suggests that the filters need changing soon, and when the light turns red, you must replace the filter immediately.

InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES Faucet Water Filter System

The InstaPure Faucet Water Filter System is an amazing choice for every house and comes with everything that you need to install it. The filter can also be mounted on most kitchen faucet models, thanks mainly to its chrome finish. A great thing about this water filter is that it will blend right in with the rest of your appliances and fixtures as well.

One of the things about using this water filter system is that it is extremely easy to use. You can instantly turn the filter on or off whenever you want to choose between filtered and unfiltered water. This feature is also going to allow you to fully appreciate the difference in taste between the two types of water.

Unlike other filters, the model is going to be easy to install and sleek, and it will be easier to mount on to another faucet. Another massive advantage is that the filters are going to be cheaper. Even if you need to change them once every three months, you won’t need to break the bank to do it.

Culligan FM-25 Faucet Water Filter

The Culligan FM-25 Faucet Water Filter is another solid choice. It is also one of the most-rated units on the market. To be honest, once we checked the efficiency of this filter for cleaning water, we couldn’t resist adding it to the list. This water filter also has one of the most basic installation processes out of all the filters we have reviewed on this list.

After the installation, you can also choose when you want filtered or unfiltered water from the tap. A major advantage is that the filter comes with two separate finishes, so you can decide what finish matches your other fixtures and appliances.

Another great thing about this filter is that it comes with an extended 2-year warranty period, which clearly signals the confidence the manufacturer has in this water filtration model.

Kabter Healthy Faucet Water Filter System

The Kabter Healthy Faucet Water Filter System is among the most energy-efficient units in its category. The activated carbon charcoal filter it comes with will remove most of the contaminants from the water. The carbon filter it comes with also reduces chlorine, mercury, lead, sediment, and cysts, while the KDF55 particle filter also removes bacteria, lime, mold, scale, and fungi from it as well.

One of the greatest things about this water filter is its durable and sturdy construction. However, unlike most other filters, it is made from a cheap, flimsy plastic material. The model is made out of food-grade ABS plastic, which is also BPA-free.

Another great advantage is the longevity of the filters that it uses, and the model can easily filter nearly 200 gallons of water before the filters require changing. So, you will only be replacing them after 4 to 5 months, and the filter cartridge is very easy to replace as well.

How Do Faucet Water Filter Systems Work?

Before we dive head-first into the intricacies and mechanics of water filter systems, there is something else we would like to divert your attention towards. Faucet water filter systems only filter water; they don’t purify it. Most people consider the two terms synonymous, but they’re not the same thing.

Just to be clear, water filtration systems produce filtered water, but even reverse osmosis systems in the past did the same thing. The difference between both is notable, but here is a quick explanation of what’s different between them.

When you’re using a water purifier, you don’t need to use it for treated water. You can simply use it for untested water or water you suspect is contaminated. Water purifiers are similar to reverse osmosis systems, as they can easily remove up to 99% of the contaminants in the water. To be called a water purifying or filtration system, the unit must be capable of removing around 95% of the contaminants.

Water filters shouldn’t be used on highly contaminated or untreated water sources as they don’t work that way. Whenever you’re using a water filter such as a faucet water filter system, you can improve the quality of the water by nearly 20%.

That automatically means the water is going to be healthier than it was before filtration, but it doesn’t mean it is going to be good for you. A highly contaminated water source may still be dangerous for your health, even if you have filtered it.

The Mechanics of Faucet Water Filters

Faucet water filters tend to rely on cartridge filters, but the cartridge has a lot more components that will work together to filter out the contaminants in the water.

There are going to be major differences between the models made by different manufacturers, but most of them employ the same components that end up working in the same way.

• Sediment Removal

The first step in the filtration process is generally done with the help of a non-woven screen that is wrapped around the cartridge. That screen is specially designed to stop large and small particles such as debris, dirt, rust, and sand.

• Activated Carbon Block

After the water has been cleared of any rust and sediment, it will reach the activated carbon block, which is a porous surface that is filled with nooks and crannies. When the water flows through the block, the contaminants in the water are trapped in the crannies through a process known as absorption.

Once in a while, the porous surface of the activated carbon will get filled with contaminants, so its efficiency will drop. That’s why you should always ensure that you use clean filters.

Most manufacturers nowadays tend to use treated activated carbon for their cartridges, which means that another substance will be impregnated into the carbon to give it different features. Silver may sometimes be added to kill off any bacteria and fungi that may escape the carbon filter. At other times, some chemicals may be used, but their purpose is going to be the same.

• Chemical Removal

The next step is going to be in the filtration process that ensures the chemical contamination level will be reduced. These activated carbon filters are great at removing usual contaminants such as chlorine, but they can’t filter out chemicals such as heavy metals like calcium and magnesium.

That’s why most manufacturers ensure that this filter removes the contaminants that may find their way into your water source such as, nitrites, lead, nitrates, or mercury. That filter also blocks out bad tastes and odors, and the amount of time the water stays in contact with the cartridge filter will determine how many contaminants are trapped inside it.

If the water remains in contact with the activated carbon filter, more contaminants will be trapped in the porous surface of the filter. That’s why most faucet water filters tend to produce slower water flow.

The Advantages of Faucet Water Filters

Everyone deserves to drink clean water, and there are several benefits to using faucet water filters, which we are inclined to share right here.

• Blocks Heavy Metals

Faucet water filtration systems are extremely efficient at reducing the number of heavy metals that are present in your water. These heavy metals can start leaking into the water from the contaminated soil and can sometimes even get into the pipes distributing water from the municipal source that contains it.

• No Nitrates and Nitrites

These filters are not only efficient at removing nitrites and nitrates from the water source, but the compounds found in the insecticides and pesticides can start leaking into the water source. Ingesting these compounds can be dangerous for the elderly and the young as well.

• No Plastic

Not only is reducing your plastic consumption good for the environment, but it is also healthier as well. Not every mineral water manufacturer uses food-grade plastic for their containers, so after some time, the plastic may start leaking into the water. Drinking that water can also lead to some serious health problems over time.

• Environmentally-Friendly

Faucet water filters don’t waste any water during the filtration process, and they also don’t need electricity to run, so they don’t have any carbon footprint. These filters are more environmentally-friendly than buying bottled water as they don’t use plastic containers.

• Blocks Usual Microorganisms

A faucet water filter is going to stop Cryptosporidium and Giardia from reaching your drinking water, and ingesting these microorganisms may result in a rapid deterioration of your health. People with giardiasis may start experiencing symptoms that will last for up to 6 weeks.

• No Foul Taste or Smell

Faucet water filters are extremely good at removing weird tastes or smells from the water source. If you think that the water coming out from your faucet has a funny smell or taste, the filters are for you.

• No Chlorine

It doesn’t matter what faucet water filter model you’ve chosen, they will remove the chlorine from the water. Chlorine is a disinfectant in municipal water filtering facilities, and it has been linked to numerous diseases over the past decade.

• Easy Install

Most people avoid buying water filters because they’re afraid they wouldn’t know how to install them. That’s not a problem for faucet water filters as they are easier to install, and most people can easily install them themselves in 5 minutes.

• Healthier Water

We saved the most obvious benefit for last, and even though these are only water filters, not purifiers, they will start producing healthier water than what generally comes out of your faucet.

It doesn’t matter if you’re connected to a municipal water source or a tested well, the filters are going to block most contaminants from entering your drinking water.

Buying Guide for Faucet Water Filters

Just because most faucet water filters tend to work similarly, it doesn’t mean they will be built in the same manner. Most of them have features that are vastly different from the res, but how do you know what features are going to be good for you? That’s a riddle we’ll solve right here:

• Filter Longevity

The longer your filters are going to last, the less frequently you’ll have to change them. That may seem like a big advantage as the filter change generally shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes, but it can still irritate you that you need to change a filter every month.

If you know that you don’t have the patience, it may be better to choose a unit that requires a less frequent filter change from the beginning.

• Filter Change Sensitivity

Faucet water filters are low-maintenance units, but one constant maintenance operation you must do regularly for every filter is filter change. Having clean filters is essential if you only want to drink clean water at all times. That’s why you must change the filters before they are blocked by filth.

A filter change sensor will help you with that, but most models use a sensor that will notify you when the filters approach the changing period. However, others are only going to notify you when the filter requires immediate change. It doesn’t matter what kind of sensor your filter has, and if you don’t want to choose a filter with this kind of sensor, you’ll be marking every change of filter manually.

• Different Finishes

Getting to pick the water filter’s finish is going to help you maintain the décor of your kitchen. You should choose the same pattern and finish as your other fixtures and appliances, while the faucet is going to blend right into the design of your kitchen.

• 360-Degree Swivel

Most faucet water filters won’t swivel at all, and that may prove to be an inconvenience, especially when you do the dishes. If you’ve got larger trays or pots. Having a filter that swivels is only going to remove that problem completely.

Faucet Water Filter Installation

Even though there are different manufacturers producing faucet water filters, most of them have the same installation process. Before you can start the installation process, you should ensure that you have an adjustable wrench, along with some Teflon tape close at hand.

Most faucet water filters come with necessary components for the installation, and some of them come with Teflon tape, but it’s best to be prepared. Here’s how you can install a faucet water filter:

• Remove the aerator of the faucet. That aerator is going to be tightly screwed on, so ensure that you use the adjustable wrench if you can’t twist it off by your hand.
• Now place the original aerator over the inserts that come in the water filter’s box to ensure that you find the right one.
• Now screw the new aerator on the faucet.
• You can then mount the faucet water filter over the new insert.
• If the filter cartridge hasn’t been pre-assembled, you can insert it into the filter.
• Turn on the water and let it run for around 10 minutes before you taste the water.
• That will allow you to use the filter to activate.
• Check for any leaks, and if there aren’t any, you’re all done. If anything is leaking, you should try fixing it by applying some Teflon tape over it.

Faucet Water Filter Cleaning & Replacement

Changing the faucet water filter is going to be done differently, which depends on the manufacturer and the model. However, this operation shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes. If you’ve selected a faucet water filter that uses a filter change sensor, you should acknowledge what it is indicating and change the filters appropriately.

Most manufacturers will remind you through mail when it is going to be time to change the filters. If your faucet water filter doesn’t have a filter change indicator, you can always mark the date you changed the filters on your calendar. Most water filters come with a capacity indicator, so you should know that it lasts for about 100, 200, or more gallons, but you don’t know how long that means.

On average, an American household should consume up to 2 gallons of drinking water per person per day. So, if you’re living in a household of three individuals, that would amount to 6 gallons per day. That means you will need to change the water filter with a capacity of 200 gallons roughly once every 30 days, and this period may change depending on your consumption.

If you notice any limescale deposits on the faucet water filter, you can start cleaning them by using a clean rag and some vinegar or lime/lemon juice. All you need to do is fill a bowl of water with a mix of ½ water + ½ vinegar or lemon juice, dip the rag in the mix, and then use it to remove the limescale.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs about Faucet Water Filters

We understand that not everyone is going to understand how faucet water filtration systems work and how they should go about setting them up. That’s the reason why we have decided to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about faucet water filters. Here are the top ones:

1. Does my water filter eliminate limescale?

Every water filtration system is different, but usually, faucet water filters don’t remove the calcium and magnesium from the water. As these are the main components of limescale buildup, the straight answer is “no, it doesn’t.”

2. What should I do with the used filters?

You should be recycling the filters, and most manufacturers will send you a return shipping label so that you may send them the used filter for recycling. If your filter’s manufacturer doesn’t provide you with this kind of service, you should look for a recycling campaign in your area.

3. How often do I have to change the filters?

If your faucet water filter has a filter change indicator, you should be following its instructions. If it doesn’t have that, you should always keep track of how often you are changing the filters and change them accordingly.

You should also calculate the amount of water that you are filtering in the first week of using the filter and then use that as a reference so you can calculate how much water is filtered every week.

Conclusion

Nowadays, faucet water filters are extremely effective at removing and blocking different contaminants from your water source. Most models are so technologically advanced that they remove more than 70 contaminants, which was only possible through the reverse osmosis system in the past.

Unlike most other filtration systems, these models won’t produce wastewater, which only makes them cheaper to use and more environmentally friendly. Their affordable price and good filtering capacity make them extremely valuable units.

The best tap faucet water filters aren’t only going to remove contaminants from your water; they will also produce better-tasting water that may even be better than bottled water. We’re sure that after reading our reviews of faucet water filters, along with the comprehensive buying guide we have shared, you will be prepared to make an informed decision.

As always, the perfect choice comes down to preference and budget, and we have ensured that we tick all the right boxes in the options that we have shared.