Meta Title: 4 Best Faucet Water Filters of 2024 | Water Defense
Meta Description: We reviewed the 4 best faucet water filters of 2024 and ranked them based on contaminant removal, filter life, flow rate, and much more!
Faucet water filters are the simplest type of filtration system you can get for your home. However, just because they’re simple doesn’t mean they’re ineffective.
Once you’ve attached one to the end of a faucet, it can remove many of the most common contaminants found in the US water supply. Plus, they take up no space in your kitchen and take minutes to install.
The best one we tested was the PUR Plus. It can remove more contaminants than any other faucet water filter we came across and it has a fairly long filter life of 100 gallons. It also has an impressive flow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute (GPM), miles better than any of its competitors.
The Brita Complete Faucet Filtration System was the runner-up because of its ability to remove over 60 contaminants, NSF certifications, and very low price. The ZeroWater ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount, on the other hand, simply can’t be beaten when it comes to filter longevity, with its filtration capacity of 400 gallons.
If aesthetic appeal is a prime concern for you, we recommend the Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter System, which looks good in almost any kitchen.
- Filtration technology: Natural mineral filtration, activated carbon, and ion exchange
- The number of reduced contaminants: 70
- What it removes: Heavy metals, microplastics, chlorine, and more
- Filter life: 100 gallons of filtered water per filter (approx. 3 months)
- Flow rate: 1.6 gallons per minute
- NSF certifications: Not specified
- Warranty: 2 years
- Filtration technology: Activated carbon block + non-woven filtration medium + ion exchange
- The number of reduced contaminants: 60+
- What it removes: Aesthetic impurities, heavy metals (except for mercury), VOCs, disinfection byproducts
- Filter life: 100 gallons of filtered water per filter (approx. 3 months)
- Flow rate: 0.58 gallons per minute
- NSF certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401
- Warranty: Limited one-year warranty
- Filtration technology: Carbon fiber
- The number of reduced contaminants: Not specified
- What it removes: PFOA/PFOS, Particulate Class 1, chlorine, and more
- Filter life: 400 gallons of filtered water per filter (approx. 6 months)
- Flow rate: 0.75 gallons per minute
- NSF certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
- Warranty: 90 days
- Filtration technology: Not provided by the manufacturer
- The number of reduced contaminants: 10+
- What it removes: Aesthetic impurities, lead, sediment, cryptosporidium, giardia
- Filter life: 200 gallons
- Flow rate: 0.5 GPM
- NSF certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
- Warranty: Limited 2-year warranty
Faucet Water Filter Reviews
PUR Faucet Filtration System
- Filtration technology: Natural mineral filtration, activated carbon, and ion exchange
- The number of reduced contaminants: 70
- What it removes: Heavy metals, microplastics, chlorine, and more
- Filter life: 100 gallons of filtered water per filter (approx. 3 months)
- Flow rate: 1.6 gallons per minute
- NSF certifications: Not specified
- Warranty: 2 years
PROS
- It has a 3-in-1 filtration system that removes 70 different contaminants, including lead and chlorine
- We found it easy to install and we didn’t even need to use any tools
- It comes with a filter change light that tells you when to change the filter
- It’s compatible with most standard faucets so you shouldn’t have an issue connecting it to yours
- Its filter has a 100-gallon lifespan so it only needs to be changed around once every 3 months
- Its flow rate of 1.6 GPM is exceptional and means it’s easily the fastest system on our list
CONS
- We were disappointed that PUR claims the unit is NSF certified but doesn’t actually provide any information about its certifications
The PUR Plus is the best faucet water filter we tested by some distance. It uses natural mineral filtration to remove 70 contaminants, such as lead and microplastics, and it has a very impressive flow rate of 1.6 GPM. Also, its filter lasts for around three months, which gives it as much longevity as every other unit on our list (apart from one).
Additionally, it only costs $34.99, so you can get the best faucet water filter on the market for a very affordable price.
Contaminant Removal
The PUR Plus has a 3-in-1 filter that uses natural mineral, ion exchange, and activated carbon filtration. This means it effectively removes heavy metals like lead and contaminants like chlorine. In fact, it can remove 70 contaminants, making it the most efficient filter on our list.
The Mineral Core™ technology is specifically designed to give your water a clean, crisp taste and, we have to say, we certainly found this to be the case when we tested it.
High Flow Rate
The PUR Plus has by far the fastest flow rate on our list at 1.6 GPM. To put that into context, the next-fastest filter on our list, the ZeroWater ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount, has a flow rate of 0.75 GPM. But why is this a good thing?
Well, it means that purified water is dispensed from your faucet really quickly. While this might not be that beneficial when you’re just filling up a glass, it’s very helpful when it comes to filling up large containers. We tried filling a gallon jug with water, and, as promised by the GPM, it took less than a minute.
Low Maintenance and Easy To Install
This unit was an absolute breeze to install. All we had to was remove the original washer and aerator from the faucet and then screw the PUR Plus into place, so there were no tools required.
In terms of maintenance, replacing the filter was even easier. We just removed the back cover, slotted the new filter in, and then replaced the back cover. The system comes with a filter light indicator that tells you when it’s time to replace the filter, which can also come in handy.
Brita Complete Faucet Filtration System
- Filtration technology: Activated carbon block + non-woven filtration medium + ion exchange
- The number of reduced contaminants: 60+
- What it removes: Aesthetic impurities, heavy metals (except for mercury), VOCs, disinfection byproducts
- Filter life: 100 gallons of filtered water per filter (approx. 3 months)
- Flow rate: 0.58 gallons per minute
- NSF certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401
- Warranty: Limited one-year warranty
PROS
- Removes 60+ contaminants, which isn’t quite as good as the PUR Plus but is still high for a faucet filter
- Reduces lead, asbestos, and benzene by at least 99%
- Independently tested and NSF-certified to verify its contaminant removal capabilities
- Has a spray water flow option so you can use it for various tasks like rinsing and cleaning dishes
- 0.58 flow rate, which is fairly high for a faucet filter
CONS
- Doesn’t remove mercury
- Only has a one-year warranty so you have to cover any repairs or replacements outside of this time period
When it comes to the best faucet filters, the Brita Complete faucet system is only second to the PUR unit. It can remove more than 60 contaminants and holds all the relevant NSF certifications (NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401).
At just $26.73, it’s also more affordable than the PUR Plus. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly faucet filter and are willing to sacrifice a small amount of quality, you might want to go for this unit instead of the PUR Plus.
Effective Filtration
Distinguishing itself from other Brita filters that only employ an activated carbon block, the faucet models have a non-woven filter medium with a microscopic pore size and the ability to perform ion exchange. That’s what makes the unit effective against heavy metals with ionic structures and chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds.
The performance data sheet of the Brita device shows at least a 99% removal rate for the most dangerous drinking water contaminants like lead, asbestos, and benzene. However, unlike the PUR product, Brita doesn’t hold a certification for mercury removal, which is one of the reasons why it’s only a runner-up on our list.
Spray Flow Options
While the Basic model from this brand features only a regular water flow option, the Complete model has two different water flows: regular and spray flow. The spray flow makes it suitable for dishwashing, too, but let us warn you, washing dishes with the filter on will significantly decrease its lifespan.
Filter Longevity
When it comes to the lifespan of the operating filter, there is no difference between the Brita and PUR systems. According to their respective manufacturers, both have a projected lifespan of 100 gallons. Still, in an average household with moderate water demands, the Brita Complete’s filter should last for around 3 months.
ZeroWater ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount
- Filtration technology: Carbon fiber
- The number of reduced contaminants: Not specified
- What it removes: PFOA/PFOS, Particulate Class 1, chlorine, and more
- Filter life: 400 gallons of filtered water per filter (approx. 6 months)
- Flow rate: 0.75 gallons per minute
- NSF certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
- Warranty: 90 days
PROS
- It has lead removal rates of up to 98%
- It’s been independently tested and has been NSF-certified to standards 42 and 53 which demonstrate its excellent contaminant removal capabilities
- It has a high flow rate of 0.75 GPM which makes it the second-fastest filter on our list
- It has, by far, the best filter longevity on our list at 400 gallons
- Like the PUR Plus, it’s very easy to install without the need for any tools
CONS
- The manufacturer doesn’t provide information on the number of contaminants it removes
- It has a very short warranty of 90 days—super disappointing for such a high-quality filter
The ZeroWater ExtremeLife™ Faucet Mount has a high flow rate of 0.75 GPM and can remove up to 98% of lead from water. This means it dispenses water faster than the Brita unit. With a price tag of $36, it’s also more expensive than the Brita filter. However, its filter lasts four times as long, which will save you money over time.
If long-lasting filters are your main priority (and we totally understand if they are) then you’ll really like this system’s 400-gallon filter capacity.
Key Features:
- NSF-certified: The unit is certified to NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53. This means its ability to remove aesthetic and health-related contaminants has been independently tested. We recommend looking for these certifications when choosing a faucet filter, as they show that its removal rates have been verified in a lab.
- Amazing filter longevity: This is where the ExtremeLife™ really stands out. While the Brita and PUR filters have a 100-gallon capacity, this system has a carbon fiber filter with a capacity of 400 gallons! Now, the manufacturer says that this means the filter should last for around 6 months. However, in a household with normal water demands, we’re pretty sure it could last for up to 2 years.
- Easy to install: It took us a matter of minutes to install this unit. We just had to screw it onto the end of a faucet and it was good to go!
- Fast flow rate: Although it’s nowhere near as fast as the PUR Plus, this unit’s 0.75 GPM rate is still impressive for a faucet filter. It means that it has the second-highest flow rate on our list which makes it quick and easy to fill large containers with water.
Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter System
- Filtration technology: Not provided by the manufacturer
- The number of reduced contaminants: 10+
- What it removes: Aesthetic impurities, lead, sediment, cryptosporidium, giardia
- Filter life: 200 gallons
- Flow rate: 0.5 GPM
- NSF certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
- Warranty: Limited two-year warranty
PROS
- Removes chlorine, lead, cryptosporidium, giardia, and turbidity
- Compatible with well water, which is surprisingly rare for faucet filters
- Compatible with almost all kinds of faucets so you can attach it to any faucet in your home
- NSF-certified with NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53
- 200-gallon filtration capacity is double the capacity of the Brita and PUR models
CONS
- Not compatible with drop-down faucets but this is common among faucet water filters
- 0.5 GPM flow rate is the lowest on our list
- It’s the most expensive unit we reviewed
If you’re looking for a high-end, high-quality, and nice-looking faucet filter for your sink, regardless of price tag, you’ll love the Culligan FM-25. Its compact and slick design goes well with any faucet type and is almost universally compatible.
Of course, the appearance of the Culligan FM-25 is not the sole reason we have it on our list. It’s also highly effective at removing contaminants from water and it has a pretty high filtration capacity of 200 gallons.
Key Features:
- Contaminant removal: The filter removes chlorine, sediment, lead, lindane, atrazine, and turbidity, as certified by the NSF and verified in its performance data sheet. The reduction rates are nothing short of exemplary. It has a lead removal rate of 98%, a chlorine removal rate of 97.4%, and a turbidity removal rate of 99%.
- Suitable for well water: Alongside the most common tap water contaminants such as lead, Culligan FM-25 is effective against well water pathogens like giardia and cryptosporidium. So, it’s one of the rare faucet kits compatible with well water.
- High filtration capacity: Although the filtration capacity of the Culligan FM-25 model is nowhere near the ZeroWater model, its 200-gallon lifespan is still better than the Brita and PUR products. If a family of two uses Culligan FM-25 only for drinking water, it’ll easily last them over six months.
- Amazing compatibility: Additionally, there’s another reason why Culligan FM-25 might appeal to more customers than the Waterdrop option, despite its cost. This filtration kit is compatible with almost all kinds of faucets except drop-down ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers the most commonly asked questions regarding faucet filtration devices.
A faucet filtration unit is designed to treat water for contaminants while running at only one faucet. Depending on their specifications, different devices eliminate different contaminants.
Of course, when purifying the water, the filtration media require a prolonged contact time with the water to be effective. This causes most devices to drop the water flow to 0.5 GPM.
The PUR Plus removes more than 70 contaminants, the highest rate among faucet filters. In addition to its efficiency in removing pollutants, the PUR faucet kit holds all the relevant NSF certifications. It also comes with a performance data sheet that lists the impurities it removes and at what reduction rate.
Faucet filters are usually the most straightforward water filtration units to set up as they don’t require any tools for installation. You only need to connect them to the faucet by twisting on its connector.
These devices need no power, so you don’t need to worry about plugging them in or how much of an impact they’ll have on your electricity bill.
More often than not, the filter of a faucet filtration system requires monthly or bimonthly replacements. However, all the filters on our list last much longer than this. The ZeroWater unit’s filter could even last for as long as 2 years.
Still, these numbers depend on the number of people in your household, how frequently you use it, and whether you use it for cooking, washing fruit and veggies, or even dishwashing.
Faucet filters range between $10 to more than $100. However, the filters included in our list range from around $27 to around $43.
The most affordable device we recommend is the Brita Complete at $26.73. On the other hand, the most costly one is the high-end Culligan FM-25 kit at $42.79.
Our favorite faucet filter, the PUR Plus, is also reasonably priced: $34.99.
Conclusion
Faucet filters treat water as it runs out of your faucet, and they’re among the most affordable water solutions in the water treatment niche. In that sense, they provide clean water for drinking and cooking in the least costly way possible.
Among faucet filtration kits, the PUR Plus emerges as the best, removing more than 70 contaminants, including lead and asbestos, as shown by its NSF certifications.
The Brita system is a worthy runner-up. It removes more than 60 contaminants, and like the PUR model, it holds all the relevant NSF certifications. Plus, it’s the most affordable option at just $26.73.
If you’d like to save more money in the long term, the ZeroWater unit is your best bet. The filter has a 400-gallon capacity, so you might not need to buy a replacement for up to two years.
Lastly, if you just want a sleek-looking filter, the high-end chrome-colored Culligan model is what you’re looking for.
