12 Best Countertop Water Filters of 2023

Photo: Kor

Having the best countertop water filter makes a huge difference in the quality of water that you get for use in the kitchen and for drinking.

Countertop water filters are highly effective in not only getting rid of harmful contaminants but also improving water taste and smell. Hence, whether you use well water or treated municipality water, you will still need a one.

Regardless of the countertop water filter type that you prefer to use, this piece explains how to choose the best ones, and we also review 12 top-rated units to give you some useful recommendations.

12 Best Countertop Water Filters – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Megahome MH943TWS (Best Overall)	More user-friendly and intuitive design Highly durable overall construction Conveniently removable lid Automatic turn off after distilling
	2. Apec Water Systems RO-CTOP (Efficient Plug and Drink Water Filter)	Simple plug and drink design Efficient 4-stage filtration Compact, lightweight and more portable Will fit most standard size faucets
	3. Home Master TMJRF2 (Compact, Space-Saving Water Filter)	Smaller and more space-saving design Effective enough 3-stage filtration More portable unit Simple installation in a few minutes
	4. Apex MR-1050 (Effortless Installation and Use)	Straightforward to install and use Adds important minerals to water Works with almost any kitchen faucet Saves a lot of counter space
	5. Ecosoft FMV1BOBWEXP (Budget-Friendly but Still Highly Efficient)	Highly affordable countertop water filter Relatively higher filtration capacity More compact and space-saving Quick and hassle-free to install
	6. Kor 1002PKG (Elegant All-Natural Water Filter)	All-natural filtration with coconut shells Requires almost no assembly Sleek and elegant look 2 free glass carafes included
	7. WaterChef C7000 (Small but Powerful Water Filter with High Filtration Capacity)	Powerful filtration technology Relatively higher filtration capacity Handy intelligent filter monitor Space-saving size
	8. Aquaspree AQ-100-7 (Highly Reliable 7-Stage Filtration)	Efficient 7-stage filtration Mineralizes and alkalizes water Takes up little counter space BPA-free to prevent water contamination
	9. Aquasana AQ-4000W (Effective Filtration With No Water Waste)	Zero waste water during filtration Preserves the healthy water minerals Easy attachment with no installation required Straightforward filter replacement with a simple twist
	10. Zen 4G-MP (High Capacity Multi-Function Water Filter)	Multifunction design filter, mineralizes, alkalizes, magnetizes and purifies Up to 500 gallons filtration capacity Straightforward assembly Eliminates bad odors and tastes
	11. Paragon P3060W (Unbeatable High Volume Filtration)	An impressive 30,000 gallons filtration capacity Quick, straightforward setup Also eliminates bad odors and tastes Compact sizes takes up less counter space
	12. Berkey BK2X2FB (Built to Last a Lifetime)	Durable stainless steel construction Comes complete with everything you need Filters both treated and untreated water Includes filters for absorbing heavy metals

1. Megahome MH943TWS – Best Overall

Photo: Megahome

Being a UL approved product, you can be confident that this Megahome distiller is not only top-notch quality but will also produce the best water quality.

With the simple, user-friendly and intuitive design, this is an easy-to-use water filter, and it will also not require any significant assembly or installation.

The construction includes a 304 stainless steel interior for maximum durability and to ensure that you never contaminant your water with plastic. Also, it comes with a glass collector to minimize the likelihood of the water coming into contact with plastics.

This countertop water filter will remove up to 99.9% contaminants and toxins, and improves the water taste and smell.

While the 1 gallon per 5.5 hours capacity is one of the smallest or slowest on our list, the quality of the water that you get makes up for the slow filtration.

Pros:

• Durable stainless steel interior
• Safe and user-friendly
• Eliminates most toxins and improves water taste
• UL approved product

Cons:

• Small capacity water filter
• Relatively slow filtration

2. Apec Water Systems RO-CTOP – Efficient Plug and Drink Water Filter

Photo: Apec Water Systems

You can almost never go wrong with a water filter that uses reverse osmosis, and the high performance of this one from Apec is a clear evidence of this.

The top-rated countertop water filter comes in a simple “plug and drink” design to ensure that installation only takes a few minutes, and it will work with almost any standard faucet.

With the 4-stage filtration system, it will also get rid of up to 99% contaminants, unpleasant odors, and bad tastes to ensure that you get water quality that is as similar to bottled water as possible.

Because this is a lightweight and quite compact water filter, it is easy to transport to ensure you can use it almost in various places such as RVs, apartments and mobile homes.

Although this water filter has a relatively slower flow rate, the 90 gallons per day is still quite good, and it should be enough for most typical homes.

Pros:

• Installation-free system
• High performance reverse osmosis system
• Lightweight and compact
• Works with most standard faucets
• Produces refreshing and great tasting water

Cons:

• Slower flow rate
• There is a lot of waste water

3. Home Master TMJRF2 – Compact, Space-Saving Water Filter

Photo: Home Master

For those that do not have a lot of counter space near the sink, the compact and space-saving design of this Home Master filter makes it an excellent choice.

It uses a three-stage filtration system that is designed to ensure you always get highly pure water. For such a compact water filter the 500-gallon filter capacity is quite good.

This countertop water filter is simple and quick to install on any sink top, and you should have it in place working in just a few minutes.

When you buy this Home Master countertop water filter, you will also get a long reach chrome faucet to ensure that you have everything you need.

While this unit does not come with an on/off valve for the filter, it will still be easy to handle once you figure it out. And provided you have the appropriate wrench, the filter change should not be very hectic.

Pros:

• Compact and space saving design
• Highly efficient multi-stage filtration
• Great tasting and foul odor-free water
• Quick and easy installation
• Long reach faucet included

Cons:

• No on/off valve on the filter unit
• Filter replacement can be little hectic

4. Apex MR-1050 – Effortless Installation and Use

Photo: Apex

Ease of installation is always a key factor to consider when shopping for the best countertop water filter for home use as you do not want to have to pay someone to set it up. Luckily, this Apex unit is straightforward and quick to install.

Besides the ease of installation, it is also highly effective in filtering water as it will get rid of up to 99% of the harmful substances found on regular tap water.

Also, it will connect easily to most standard kitchen faucets, and it comes in a compact design to ensure that it will take up little counter space.

Like with most of their other products, Apex will provide all the necessary hardware that you need to install and use this water filter including some detailed installation instructions.

Although it still does not make the water alkaline enough, the alkalinity that you get is still good enough, and the water will be safe, healthy and have a great taste.

More Detailed: Apex MR-1050 Review

Pros:

• Easy to install and use
• Remineralizes water
• Removes most harmful contaminants
• Takes up little counter space

Cons:

• Does not seem to make water alkaline enough

5. Ecosoft FMV1BOBWEXP – Budget-Friendly but Still Highly Efficient

Photo: Ecosoft

This Ecosoft countertop water filter is our cheapest model and given its quality and performance, it is hard to get anything better at the same price.

Also, its 1,500 gallons filter capacity is the second highest on our list, and it is amazing how such a compact model will clean all that water before requiring a filter replacement.

Its small and compact size makes it ideal for setting up almost anywhere besides the kitchen. The quick hassle-free installation also helps to ensure this, and it will come with everything you need including a wrench.

The plastic tube that links the filter to the faucet is quite stiff and hard to lay flat on the counter, but this should not be a big issue as it will hardly ever come in your way. Even with the wanting instruction manual installation and use should be straightforward. 

Pros:

• Highly affordable
• High filter capacity
• Compact and portable design
• Quick hassle-free installation
• Comes with all the hardware

Cons:

• Plastic tube is quite stiff and will not sit flat on counter
• Instruction manual is a little misleading

6. Kor 1002PKG – Elegant All-Natural Water Filter

Photo: Kor

With an elegant and stylish countertop water filter like this one, you will not only get something that cleans your water but also one that looks amazing on your counter.

It is a small capacity water filter that uses an all natural coconut shells filter that will clean up to 80 gallons of water before you have to change it.

The unit comes with a couple of glass carafes with lids that will be very useful when you want to infuse your water with fruits or vegetables and for refrigerating it.

Since it does not require any significant assembly, this countertop water filter is quite easy to use and its compact design means that it will not take up any significant counter space.

The water flow rate is quite slow and the filter has a small capacity, but this is a still a great water filter for small families and individuals that live alone.

Pros:

• Uses all natural coconut filter
• Beautiful attention-grabbing design
• Easy assemble and use
• Takes up almost insignificant counter space

Cons:

• Relatively small filter capacity
• Slower flow rate

7. WaterChef C7000 – Small but Powerful Water Filter with High Filtration Capacity

Photo: WaterChef

WaterChef C7000 uses the powerful Big Block filtration technology to ensure superior removal of contaminants while also improving water taste. With this technology, this water filter will also remove up to 99% lead.

You can use the filter on this unit to filter up to 1,000 gallons or for up to 1 year which is quite good when compared to many other models.

There is no guessing when you need to change the filter as there is an intelligent monitor that will measure the actual usage to help you determine when it is time for a filter replacement.

The stylish and space-saving design ensures the countertop water filter will look great in your kitchen without taking up any significant space. Also, installation is super easy, and you will not need any tools to do it.

However, the long hose can be a pain to manage, and the unit seems to drip a lot after use, but these are minor issues to get used to and do not affect the water filter’s performance.

Pros:

• Powerful big block filtration 
• Intelligent filtration monitor
• Easy no-tool connection
• Stylish and space-saving design
• Lifetime limited warranty

Cons:

• Drips a lot after use
• The long hose can be a pain to manage

8. Aquaspree AQ-100-7 – Highly Reliable 7-Stage Filtration

Photo: Aquaspree

With the 7-stage filtration system on this Aquaspree countertop water filter, you can be confident that almost no contaminant will find its way to the water you end up drinking.

Apart from adequately cleaning the water, it also alkalizes and mineralizes it to improve the taste and make it even healthier for you.

Because this is a relatively compact water filter, it will not take up a lot of counter space, and it is also quite easy to carry along with you.

The BPA-free system ensures that you never contaminate the water when filtering, and you can easily monitor the filtration process and water level as the tank is partially clear.

The few issues with this water filter are that the bottom filter is a little hectic and the lid is not as tight as many users would want. But, you should still be able to install the filter quickly once you figure it out, and the lid is still quite tight to ensure no foreign substances get to the water.

Pros:

• Highly efficient 7-stage filtration
• Relatively compact and portable
• Mineralizes and alkalizes the water
• BPA-free purifier system

Cons:

• Bottom filter is a little tricky to install
• Lid should be a little tighter

9. Aquasana AQ-4000W – Effective Filtration With No Water Waste

Photo: Aquasana

There will be no waste water when using this Aquasana water filter, and it will also not add any harmful contaminant to the water

The fact that it also retains the healthy minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium helps to make it one of the best countertop water filters for the kitchen.

Setting it up and using it is also super easy as it does not require any permanent fixtures or installation as it attaches easily, and its compact design means that it takes up little counter space.

Filter replacement is equally easy as a simple twist is all it takes. Although the replacement filters are not always readily available and are a little pricey, they last long enough and produce great quality water hence making up for the extra cost.

Pros:

• No waste water
• Retains the healthy minerals
• Does not require any installation or permanent fixtures
• Removes 97% chlorine
• Simple filter replacement

Cons:

• Replacement filters are pricey 

10. Zen 4G-MP – High Capacity Multi-Function Water Filter

Photo: Zen

A good countertop water filter is one that will do more than just filter the water. This particular one from Zen will also alkalize, purify, mineralize and magnetize to ensure that your water is safe and healthy.

The assembly is quite straightforward as there is nothing much to do, and it will only take a few minutes which is just what you need in the best countertop water purifier.

With the numerous filtration agents that include micro ceramic filter and a 5-stage mineral filter, this water filter will remove bacteria, chlorine and many other impurities and man-made chemicals.

Bad water taste and odor should also not be a concern for you as the filtration system is designed to eliminate both. You can use it from almost anywhere thanks to its compact and portable design.

Cleaning and maintaining this water filter can be a little hectic, but it should be easy once you get used to it and follow the instruction. Also, the slow filtration is typical of this style of water filters and hence not a big concern. 

Pros:

• Multifunctional water filter
• Easy and quick assembly
• Highly efficient and durable ceramic filters
• Eliminates foul odor and bad taste
• Relatively compact and portable system

Cons:

• A little hard to clean and maintain
• Quite a slow filtration process

11. Paragon P3060W – Unbeatable High Volume Filtration

Photo: Paragon

Despite being the second most affordable countertop water filter on our review, this Paragon product has the highest filter capacity.

With a filter capacity of an amazing 30,000 gallons, you can be confident of getting many years of services.

Also, it is a straightforward filter to set up, and it will never require any cartridge changes for its lifetime which means you will not need to spend more money on it.

Besides filtering out most of the main contaminants, this countertop water filter also eliminates bad tastes and odors, and it comes in a compact size that will take up little space.

Although the length of the faucet and its location is not as good as what you get on other top-notch water filter, this does not affect the efficiency in any way and only requires users to get used to it.

Pros:

• Super high filtration capacity
• Easy to install
• Will not require any cartridge replacement
• Eliminates bad tastes and odors
• Relatively affordable

Cons:

• Faucet location and length not the best

12. Berkey BK2X2FB – Built to Last a Lifetime

Photo: Berkey

The highly polished stainless steel construction is a clear indication that this countertop water filter is designed to serve you for a long time.

Besides the highly durable construction, it also comes with everything that you will need for immediate use. This includes a couple of purification elements and all the necessary hardware.

Although it is the priciest model in our countertop water filter review, it is worth every coin as it will not only purify the water but also improves its smell and taste.

You can use it to filter both treated and untreated water meaning it will be useful for you regardless of your water source. It is our best countertop water filter that removes fluoride thanks to the unique fluoride and arsenic filters for absorbing heavy metals.

When you buy this water filter, you will get a bonus stainless steel water bottle that will be very useful for carrying the filtered water on the go.

While there are no clear directions for the assembly, this is still a quick and easy filter to assemble and there are many helpful videos online.

Pros:

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Purifies both treated and raw water
• Quick and easy to assemble
• Everything you need is included in the package
• Comes with a bonus water bottle

Cons:

• Relatively pricier filter
• Directions are not very clear

Advantages and Disadvantages of Countertop Water Filters

Photo: Kor

If you are still trying to decide whether to buy a countertop water filter or go for the other styles like the under sink water filters, here are some advantages and disadvantages of the countertop filters to help make your decision easier.

1. Advantages of Countertop Water Filters

Space Saving

While countertop water filters are definitely not the smallest options they will take up little counter space. Most standard size ones will use up only 6 inches of counter space unlike the under sink types that can take up almost an entire cabinet.

Easy Installation

Most countertop water filters are super easy to install, and you can have them running in just a few minutes. If you are using the faucet models, you will only need to connect them to the faucet, and they will be ready to use. For the fitcher types, there is almost no installation required besides assembling the unit.

More Affordable

These water filters will only cost a fraction of what you would pay for other filtration options such as the whole house systems. You can get a simple model for under $100 while the top-notch ones will only cost a little over $200.

Convenient

Because there are no containers that you will need to refill or have to wait for the water to drip through, these water filters are also quite convenient to use. All you need to do is turn on your faucet and you will get filtered and great tasting water.

2. Disadvantages of Countertop Water Filters

Slower Filtration Rate

While countertop water filters are quite convenient and efficient, they do not filter water very fast or at least not as fast as other more advanced systems. Faucet mount models will have a relatively faster filtration rate than the fitcher types but are still quite slow.

Works for Standard Faucets Only

For those that use a pull-down or pull-out faucet type, this will not be an ideal water filter for you as it is designed to work for standard faucets only.

Awkward Tubing

The tubing going from the faucet to the countertop filter can be a little awkward to deal with and will sometimes come in your way when working in your sink. Also, the long tubing is not very appealing if it looks to matter to you.

How to Buy the Best Countertop Water Filters

Photo: Home Master

When it comes to picking best countertop water filter system, you need to watch out for the following things.

1. Fitcher or Faucet Countertop Water Filter

The first decision that you will need to make when shopping for a countertop water filter is the type to buy. Here you will often need to choose between the fitcher and faucet countertop water filters.

Fitcher Countertop Water Filter

The fitcher water filter models such as Megahome MH943TWS are the kinds that will not be connected to your water filter directly but are still highly efficient when it comes to water filtration.

While it might be a little inconvenient to use a water filter that is not connected directly to your faucet as you have to refill it manually, it can also have some advantages.

Some key advantages of using fitcher water filters include the fact that you can use it away from the kitchen like in the office. Also, it is convenient for those with a small counter space near the sink as they can place it in a separate counter.

Faucet Countertop Water Filter

Perhaps the more popular of the two types, faucet countertop like Apec Water Systems RO-CTOP water filters are designed to be connected directly to your faucet.

These are easy to use water filters that will attach to your faucet easily, and you will never have to refill a tank periodically meaning you will have a constant supply of filtered water.

However, it is not always easy to tell how much water you have filtered if the faucet countertop water filter does not have an indicator, and they will also require more frequent maintenance.

2. Size

Before you buy any water filter, you need to consider the size and ensure it will be ideal and convenient for you. This is even more important for the faucet types because whatever you buy should fit the available space in your kitchen sink or the counter next to it.

Pitcher filters are also not an exception as their size should not only fit the space that you have but also not take up too much of it as you might still need to use the counter for other things.

3. Filter Capacity

Filter capacity is the amount of water that the filter on the countertop water filter can filter before it needs replacement.

Your water needs or the quantity of filtered water your family uses should help you in deciding whether the filter capacity is adequate for you or not.

However, the larger the filter capacity the better as it means you will go for many months or even years without having to replace the filter.

Some water filters will have a capacity of under 100 gallons while the larger and more expensive ones can filter thousands of gallons before they require replacement.

4. Ease of Use

The ease and convenience of installation and use of the countertop water filter will depend on the type that you choose.

Faucet types are easier to use than the fitcher types as there is no tank to refill as all it takes is to turn on your faucet to get filtered water.

However, whether you are buying a fitcher or faucet countertop water filter, it is important to note that those that come with detailed instructions are easier to use.

How to Install a Countertop Water Filter

Photo: Aquaspree

Though different brands and models of countertop water filters will come with specific installation instructions, here are few general steps that you need to follow when installing most countertop water filters.

Step 1: Place Filter Next to Faucet

The first step is to place your new filter next to the faucet and make sure that it is close enough for the water line to connect the two. You should also turn off your water supply using the shut-off valve before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Remove Faucet Aerator

Next, remove the faucet aerator because this is where you will install your filter. Here you can do it by hand or with a wrench depending on your faucet type or how tight the aerator is fixed.

Step 3: Check the Thread

You will need to check the thread before proceeding as it will determine whether you need an adapter or not. If your faucet has an outside thread, you can proceed to install the filter. However, if it has an inside thread, you will need to first connect an adapter before screwing on the filter.

Step 4: Attach Diverter Valve

Once the filter is screwed in, you can now attach the diverter valve and turn the swivel collar to tighten it. Also, make sure that the gasket inside the diverter valve is securely positioned between the faucet and valve. You should rotate the diverter valve to the desired position and you may need to retighten the swivel collar.

Step 5: Turn Water On

When you turn on your water it should flow through the faucet as it would normally do. But when you pull the diverter knob or turn the handle depending on the countertop filter model, water should flow through the filter.

Conclusion

With the best countertop water filter, you will have an efficient, easy to use and affordable way of getting filtered water for your family.

Choosing between the different brands and models should also not be hard as our 12 countertop water filter reviews above showcase some of the best options currently on the market.

And from these review, the Megahome MH943TWS is our top pick overall as it is simple, use-friendly, durable and also delivers superior quality water.