10 Best Countertop Water Filter System: 2023 Consumer Report

Looking for the best countertop water filter system for your home?

Well, if you do not have any under sink space in your kitchen, a sink top type of water filter could be the best choice for you.

Even though the water filter options for countertop is fewer compared to under-sink, but after hours of researched and reviewed, I found some really great one in terms of filtration performance, space efficiency, portability, design, and functionality.

In this post, I’ll show and explain to you the top 10 countertop water filtration systems that excel in certain areas.

Why Countertop Water Filter

The countertop is one of the most popular types of water filtration systems available in the market and is preferred by many families due to its advantages over other types of water filtration:

Compared to the water pitcher filter:

• Greater filtration performance
• More options for filtration methods
• Faster water filtration rate
• No fill up is needed
• Last longer (higher capacity)

Compared to the faucet water filter:

• Greater filtration performance
• More options for filtration methods
• Last longer (higher capacity)

Compared to the gravity-fed water filter:

• Faster water filtration rate
• More options for filtration methods
• No fill up is needed
• Smaller in size

Compared to under sink water filter:

• Simpler installation
• Easier maintenance
• Occupy less space (usually)
• Cheaper
• Easier maintenance on countertop area

Compared to the water distiller:

• Faster clean water production rate
• No fill up is needed
• Not require electricity

To sum up, here are the 5 main benefits of using a countertop water filtration system:

• High water filtration performance
• Fast water filtration rate
• More options for filtration methods
• Countertop placement
• Last longer (higher capacity)

High Water Filtration Performance

Normally, a countertop water filtration system would consist of one to five stages of water purification, and more stages are usually better in filtering out contaminants in tap water, this flexibility allows them to have high water filtration performance.

Fast Water Filtration Rate

All the countertop water filtration systems except Reverse Osmosis have a fast water filtration rate.

Besides, you don’t have to refill the filtration system from time to time with tap water like using a water pitcher filter and gravity-fed water filter.

This allows you to fill up the cup or water bottle quickly and ensure no shortage of clean drinking water supply, especially for families with more members.

More Options of Filtration Methods

Another benefit of a countertop water filtration system is the choice of filtration methods.

You can choose a standalone activated carbon filter or a combination of filters like double activated carbon stages with a sediment filter, Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, RO with deionization (DI), RO with mineralization, and more.

Countertop Placement

The countertop placement is suitable for a kitchen with no or limited under-sink space to put the water filter.

Also, it’s easier to install and replace a countertop water filter compared to the under sink filtration system and is much quicker to spot a water leakage to prevent serious damage to house furniture.

Last Longer (Higher Capacity)

The countertop water filter has a larger capacity and lasts longer compared to the water pitcher and faucet filter, which reduces the annual replacement frequency (less hassle to you).

Top 10 Best Countertop Water Filtration System

1. APEC Countertop RO-CTOP-C Reverse Osmosis System – Best Overall
2. Revolution Countertop RO System with Deionization – Best Filtration
3. Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2 Countertop Water Filter – Best Non-RO
4. 0PPM POQ-4B-100 Countertop RO+Deionization System – Best Value
5. APEC RO-CTOP-PH Countertop Alkaline RO System – Best Alkalinity
6. Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filter – Best Design
7. Express Water Countertop RO Water Filter – Best Portability
8. LiquaGen Countertop RO+Deionization System – Best for Aquarium
9. CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filter – Best Budget
10. Brondell H2O+ Pearl Countertop System – Best Compact Size

How to Choose the Best Countertop Water Filter System (Buying Guide)

Want to learn how to choose the best countertop water filter system for your home?

Here are the 5 key factors to consider:

• Water source quality
• Water filtration method
• Additional features
• Design
• Cost

Don’t feel like learning now? It’s totally fine, just click HERE to skip to the best countertop water filter reviews section.

1. Water Source Quality

Before you start looking for a water filter, here are some questions you need to ask yourself:

• What’s your water source quality?
• What are the contaminants in your tap water that you want to get rid of?
• Is your water hardness level? Is it soft or hard?

The most accurate way to answer the above questions is to get your water test report from a certified lab.

From the water report, you’ll know the quality of your water such as the water hardness level, the contaminants, and the concentration of those contaminants.

Alternatively, you may get the information from your water supplier or estimate the water hardness level with the TDS meter.

2. Water Filtration Method

Once you know the quality of your water, the next will be deciding the most suitable filtration method to treat the water.

If your water’s hardness level is high, like more than 120 ppm (or 120 mg/L), it’s best to use the Reverse Osmosis system to lower down the total dissolved solids (TDS) in water.

But if your water’s hardness level is low, like less than 60 ppm (or 60 mg/L), then the Reverse Osmosis system is a bit overkill, and I’ll suggest you go for a combination of sediment filter and activated carbon block. 

If you want to completely remove the dissolved solids in water, like for aquarium purposes, then an additional stage of deionization is highly recommended to bring down the total dissolved solids (TDS) value to zero (or close to zero).

If your tap water contains excess amount of cations (eg: magnesium, calcium) or anions (eg: nitrate, arsenic), then Deionization (Ion-Exchange method) is an effective way to remove those ions.

Also, most of the time (if not all), you’ll need a sediment filter as a front layer of filtration to block the larger particles (eg: rust, sand, stone, etc.) and an activated carbon filter to treat chlorine taste and odor, so these two are like the defaults in a multi-stages water filtration system. 

For a standalone filter, it has to be the activated carbon filter, and you’ll have to replace the filter cartridge frequently due to the absence of the sediment filter.

3. Additional Features 

Do you love to drink alkaline or mineral-rich water?

In a multi-stage countertop filtration system, you can always add a mineralization stage at the end of the system to increase the alkalinity and mineral contents in the water.

4. Design

Since it’s a countertop water filter, the appearance does play as part of the deciding factors.

For instance, a countertop water filter with a nice design is more preferred here to make the kitchen looks nicer.

Also, in terms of size, the smaller the better as it occupies less countertop space (more space-efficient).

5. Cost

How much are you willing (or afford) to spend on a water filtration system?

Most of the time, you get what you paid for.

So if you have the budget, get the best water filtration system for your family, it’s definitely worth.

But if your budget is a constraint, just get the basic water filter will do, don’t put yourself into a financial dilemma.

The 10 Best Countertop Water Filter Reviews in 2023

Without further ado, here are the 10 carefully picked countertop water filters for your consideration.

1. APEC Countertop Reverse Osmosis System RO-CTOP-C [Review]  – Best Overall

The APEC Countertop RO-CTOP-C is a portable high-performance Reverse Osmosis water filtration system.

It can remove up to 99% of harmful contaminants in water including sediments, chlorine taste and odor, heavy metals, microorganisms, and more.

Here are the 4 layers of powerful filtration:

This APEC countertop system is great in terms of water filtration power, water flow rate, design, and portability.

You can detach easily from your existing faucet and bring it along when traveling. It’s also suitable for temporary stay, RVs, mobile homes, and small apartments.

Pros:

• Effectively remove majority of contaminants in water
• Compact size
• High water filtration rate
• Easy to set up
• Portable
• With casing option

Cons:

• Only fits standard faucets
• No water tank for storage, so you need to fill up water containers in advance

2. Revolution Countertop Reverse Osmosis System with Deionization [Review] – Best Filtration

The Revolution Countertop RO+DI is a 5-stage water filtration system that can effectively reduce a large number of contaminants like Chlorine, Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Zink, Sulfate, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Chloride, Fluoride, Aluminium, Herbicides, Cadmium, Nitrate, Insecticides, Cadmium, Viruses, Bacteria, VOCs, total dissolved solids (TDS), and more.

The filtration system also comes with a Deionization Ion Exchange Media filter to remove any residual ions from the water, leaving a close to 0 ppm pure filtered water.

Here’s the breakdown of the 5 stages of water filtration:

Also, the portability of this filter is great for travel, RVs, temporary home, and aquarium purposes.

There are only a few companies that make countertop type of Reverse Osmosis system, Revolution is one of them, and they produce one of the best countertop water filters in the market.

As a Reverse Osmosis system that without a water tank, its water filtration rate of 75 gallons per day is considered quite slow.

Thus, I’ll advise you to collect the filtered water into water containers in advance to avoid short of clean drinking water.

Also, with the combination of Reverse Osmosis and Deionization, it’s very effective in filtering water that is hard and with high ppm value.

Pros:

• Hugely reduce total dissolved solids (TDS)
• Fit most standard faucets
• Reasonable price
• Portable
• Fast and easy installation
• Long filter life

Cons:

• Diverter is vulnerable to leaking
• Slower water filtration rate compared to non-RO system

3. Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2 Countertop Water Filter [Review] – Best Non-RO

The Home Master Jr. F2 Countertop Water Filtration System is an advanced 3-stages granular filter that can effectively remove sediments, chlorine taste and odor, arsenic, fluoride, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and more contaminants while keeping the good minerals.

It’s designed to be compact and space-saving while maintaining its great filtration performance in getting rid of unwanted contaminants in tap water.

Here’s the breakdown of the 3 stages of filtration:

The activated alumina is a contact-dependent media, which mean a higher amount of contaminant can be removed by letting the water stay in the media for a longer time, like lower down the water flow rate.

Looking for a non-RO countertop water filter?

You may consider this Home Master TMJRF2 Jr. F2 countertop system, it’s a compact system with great filtration power and rapid filtration rate.

Due to its portability and lightweight design, you can move it around your kitchen sink easily and bring it along when traveling.

If you don’t have under sink space and limited countertop space, this is your best choice for non-RO system.

Pros:

• Great water filtration performance
• Retain essential minerals
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Portable
• Reasonable price
• Quick and easy to install
• Can filter fluoride
• Great water taste
• Good customer service

Cons:

• Short filter lifespan
• Cannot reduce total dissolved solids (TDS)

4. 0PPM POQ-4B-100 Countertop Reverse Osmosis+Deionization System [Review] – Best Value

The 0PPM POQ-4B-100 Countertop RO+DI Water Filtration System is designed to produce zero ppm pure water with the combination of Reverse Osmosis and Deionization.

Here’s the 4 filtration stages to make zero ppm water:

If you have a home aquarium, then this water filter is your friend.

The 0 ppm DI water it produced is suitable to use as reef water for your lovely fishes.

But take note that you will not get 100 GPD water filtration rate if the water pressure is below 65 PSI, and make sure you have at least 35 PSI water pressure in order for the system to function.

If you want to improve the taste for drinking purposes, you may add a standalone activated carbon filter right after the DI filter.

Besides, It’s quick to install and detach, allowing you to move it around your house and outside. The portability makes it a great choice for travelers, mobile home, RVs, temporary housing, apartment, and more.

Want to test your water quality with the TDS meter? Get it here!

Pros:

• Strong water filtration performance
• Capable to produce 0 ppm pure water
• Fast water filtration rate of 100 GPD
• Easy to install
• Portable and lightweight
• Space efficient
• Inexpensive
• The water produced is suitable for aquarium

Cons:

• Require high water pressure to operate and maintain high filtration rate
• Water taste is flat
• High wastewater production
• The DI filter need to be replaced frequently to produce 0 ppm water

5. APEC RO-CTOP-PH Countertop Alkaline Reverse Osmosis System [Review] – Best Alkalinity

The APEC RO-CTOP-PH is a 4-stage alkaline countertop Reverse Osmosis system with the US Made food-grade calcite (calcium carbonate) mineral cartridge to raise water’s pH level and alkalinity.

By using a high-performing Reverse Osmosis membrane, it can effectively remove up to 99% of contaminants like chlorine taste and odor, lead, arsenic, cadmium, fluoride, chromium, and radium.

Here’s the breakdown of the 4 stages of water purification:

Do you love alkaline water?

If yes, then this is the one for you.

It’s simply the best countertop Reverse Osmosis system that produces high purity alkaline mineral water.

Also, Its lightweight and no water tank design, installation-free setup, and portability make it a perfect choice for travel, RVs, short stays, apartments, and mobile homes.

Pros:

• High filtration performance
• Great water taste
• Simple installation and maintenance
• No water tank and lightweight
• Portable
• Produce alkaline water containing calcium minerals
• Good customer support

Cons:

• Compatible with the standard faucets only
• Expensive

6. Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress Countertop Water Filtration System [Review] – Best Design

The Brondell H630 H2O+ Cypress is a 3-stage countertop water filter that’s designed to provide you clean and safe drinking water with a push of a button.

It can effectively reduce water contaminants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, bacteria, viruses, atrazine, turbidity, and more.

Here are the 3 stages of H2O+ Cypress H630 water filtration system:

The Brondell H2O+ water filtration system is also tested and certified by WQA against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 372 to ensure filtered water quality.

If you like something that is elegant and nice looking, you’ll definitely like this Cypress countertop water filter.

Aside from its great exterior, the powerful filtration capability and fast water production rate are also something you don’t want to miss.

Besides, it’s slim and compact, allowing it to fit nicely into your kitchen without much hassle.

Last but not least, the system also comes with a water dispenser, so you can just connect it to the water source and start getting clean drinking water with a push of a button, on-demand.

How convenient is that?

Pros:

• Great water filtration capability
• Fast water filtration rate of 0.5 GPM
• Elegant design and nice looking
• Easy to install and replace filter
• Comes with water dispenser and a push-button
• Great water taste
• Inexpensive and value for money
• No wastewater
• Slim and compact

Cons:

• Ineffective in reducing total dissolved solids (TDS)
• Need careful operation as the push-button may stick in the ‘ON’ position
• The filters are required to replace frequently

7. Express Water Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter  [Review] – Best Portability

The Express Water Countertop is a 4-stage Reverse Osmosis water filtration system that utilizes a top-rated RO membrane to remove the majority of harmful contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, chromium, cadmium, bacteria, viruses, sulfate, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, and more.

Here’s the 4 stages of water filtration:

It’s rare to find a countertop multi-stages Reverse Osmosis system that comes with a faucet, and that’s one of the points I like about this water filter from Express Water.

You can just plug in the water source tubing to start getting countless clean RO water right from the faucet, simple as that.

Pros:

• Quick and simple to install
• Easy filter replacement
• Fast water filtration rate up to 90 GPD
• Great customer service

Cons:

• Fits standard faucet only

8. LiquaGen Countertop Reverse Osmosis + Deionization System [Review] – Best for Aquarium

The LiquaGen Countertop RO/DI Water Filter System is designed to produce zero ppm ultra-pure water that is ideal for the aquarium and laboratory-testing purposes.

The 0 ppm water is the optimal environment for marine life and plants like fish and coral.

Here’s the breakdown of the 4 filtration stages:

If you have a home aquarium, this is one of the best RO+DI water filtration systems that produce zero ppm water for your marine life.

It saves your money and time from going to fish stores to buy aquarium water.

Its portability allows you to use it outdoor and indoor according to your needs.

This water filter also comes with 3 filtration rate options to choose from, which is 50, 70, and 100 GPD, so you can pick according to your budget.

Pros:

• Strong filtration power
• Remove dissolved solids and produce 0 ppm DI water
• Long-lasting filters
• Fast water filtration rate
• Portable and space efficient
• Installation-free
• Great customer service
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Require high water pressure to operate
• High wastewater ratio if operate under low water pressure

9. CleanWater4Less Countertop Water Filter [Review] – Best Budget

The CleanWater4Less Sealed Countertop Water Filter is a large capacity 5-in-1 granular activated carbon (GAC) filter that provides safe and tasty water in a compact housing.

The 5-stages of filtration consists of a sediment pre-filter, a depth pre-filter, a high-grade granular activated carbon (GAC) media, a depth post-filter, and a final micron filter.

The two things I like about this sealed countertop water filter are the low-entry cost and its super-long filter life (10,000 gallons) with no filter replacement needed, which make it the best budget choice for individuals and families.

You just throw it away after use and get a whole new set will do.

Besides, the water filtration power is good too for its size.

Pros:

• Long filter life up to 10,000 gallons
• High water flow rate at 1 GPM
• Quick installation
• No filter replacement needed
• Compact and space-efficient design

Cons:

• Limited filtration capabilities
• The water flow rate will slow down before the 10,000 gallons mark
• Normal exterior design
• Do not fit on all faucets

10. Brondell H2O+ Pearl Countertop System [Review] – Best Compact Size

The Brondell H2O+ Pearl Countertop System consists of an advanced carbon block filter to get rid of chlorine taste and odor, industrial chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and more particulates.

The system comes with filter replacement indicator to remind you when it’s time to change your filter cartridge, which save your effort in tracking the time manually.

Just need a basic water filtration without occupying much kitchen countertop space?

If yes, then this Brondell Pearl Countertop System is all you need.

It gets the job done while being small in size, allowing it to fit easily around your kitchen sink.

Also, the sleek design of this countertop system make it look nice in your kitchen too!

Pros:

• Remove chlorine taste and odor, VOCs, and more contaminants
• Sleek and nice design
• Compact size and lightweight
• Fast water filtration rate of 0.5 GPM
• Great water taste
• With filter replacement indicator
• Easy and quick installation
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Limited water filtration power
• Short filter lifespan
• The filter replacement indicator is inaccurate sometimes

Summary

Here’s a comparison of the top 10 best countertop water filters:

Model	Stage	Flow Rate	Reason to Pick	Price
APEC RO-CTOP-C	4	90 GPD	Best Overall	Check
Revolution RO+DI	5	75 GPD	Best Filtration	Check
Home Master TMJRF2	3 in 1	0.5 GPM	Best Non-RO	Check
0PPM POQ-4B-100	4	100 GPD	Best Value	Check
APEC RO-CTOP-PH	4	90 GPD	Best Alkalinity	Check
Brondell H630 Cypress	3	0.5 GPM	Best Design	Check
Express Water RO	4	90 GPD	Best Portability	Check
LiquaGen RO+DI	4	100 GPD	Best for Aquarium	Check
Cleanwater4less	5 in 1	1 GPM	Best Budget	Check
Brondell H2O+ Pearl	1	0.5 GPM	Best Compact Size	Check

FAQ

Here’s the list of frequently asked questions about water filtration:

Conclusion

Have you decided which water filtration system to buy?

I hope the above guide and reviews did help you a little bit in making the right decision in choosing the best countertop water filter for your family.

Remember, healthy and safe drinking water plays a vital role in your life as you need to drink water every single day.

So, choose the best for yourself as well as your lovely family members.

Related Posts:

• Best Whole House Water Filter
• Top 6 Bottom Load Water Dispenser Cooler
• The Best Water Filtration System for Well Water

Sharing is caring!