7 Best Faucet Water Filters
If you want a quick and easy solution to filtering drinking and cooking water, then faucet water filters offer an attractive option. They are simple fit-on devices which are inexpensive, and can reasonably filter your source water. Most of the top models attach directly to the faucet head. They remove various types of contaminants depending upon the filter they use. Faucet water filters are very easy to install and you can do it yourself without having to call a plumber.
In this guide, we take a look at the best faucet water filters that you can buy.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Brita on Tap Faucet |
| 3.5/5.0 |
| Flow capacity 100 gallons |
| 1 year warranty |
| Reasonable filter process and has filter change indicator. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| PUR PFM400H |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Flow capacity 100 gallons |
| 2 years limited warranty |
| Excellent filtration process. 360 swivel head. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| DuPont WFFM350XBN |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Flow capacity 200 gallons |
| 4 years limited warranty |
| Switch between filtered and unfiltered water. |
| Check Amazon |
Some other good things about faucet water filters are their low cost of operation and their environmental friendly aspect. The only thing that you need to replace in a faucet water filter is the filter cartridge. Every faucet filter uses a certain type of filter which has a lifecycle. It can filter a certain number of gallons before it needs to be replaced. Faucet water filters also do not consume any electricity and they do not produce waste water like some complex, more extensive home systems do.
However, the faucet water filters do have limitations. They will not filter and add minerals in the way that a reverse osmosis system would. Reverse Osmosis systems and home filtration systems purify the water. Faucet systems simply filter the water. One is not a substitute for the other. Faucet-based systems are also limited in the fact that they will not filter the water for the entire house. They are single point filtration systems. After everything is said and done, faucet water filters are cheap, they filter most of the contaminants, and they are easy to use. These are its main strengths.
First, let us look at some of the features that faucet filter systems offer. Knowing these and understanding which particular features are important for your individual case will allow you to select the right faucet water filter system.
Capacity
Filtration process
Filter life indicator
Warranty
Material
Best Faucet Water Filters Comparison Table
Now that we have all the various metrics and features of faucet water filter systems listed out, let us compare various models and how they stack up against each other in terms of these metrics:
| Make and Model | Filter Capacity | Filter Life Indicator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brita on Tap Faucet Water Filter System | 100 gallons | Yes | Check Price |
| Culligan FM-15A Faucet Filter | 200 gallons | No | Check Price |
| InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES Faucet Mount Water Filter System | 200 gallons | No | Check Price |
| PUR PFM400H | 100 gallons | Yes | Check Price |
| Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter | 200 gallons | No | Check Price |
| PUR FM-3700B 3-Stage Advanced Faucet Water Filter | 100 gallons | Yes | Check Price |
| DuPont WFFM350XBN Electric Metered Drinking Water Filter | 200 gallons | Yes | Check Price |
Best Water Softener Systems By Budget:
Click below to get detailed information on each system by price.
- Water Softener Systems under $20
- Water Softener Systems between $20 and $30
- Water Softener Systems above $30
Water Softener Systems under $20
Budget faucet water filter systems with the minimum features are quite reasonably priced. They do not offer features like a swivel head, an extensive indicator system, an innovative filtration process, or a long warranty. What they do have is a fairly basic filtration process. There are two systems that we have reviewed in this price range. So, if a simple system and the lowest price are your requirements, then read on.
1. Brita on Tap Faucet Water Filter System
Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5
The Brita tap faucet water filter system is the lowest priced option in this entire buying guide. It has a good filtration process, helping reduce chlorine, lead, microbial cysts, and odor. It also reduces asbestos, benzene, and giardia. For a budget model, that is quite impressive. The Brita filter also comes with an LED indicator notifying you when to replace the filter.
The filter has only 100-gallon capacity. This means that you will be changing the filter on this model more frequently than some of the higher capacity models. On the warranty front, Brita offers a 1-year warranty. Given the low price of the model, that is something that we can expect. The body of the Brita faucet filter is not very sturdy, it is made of plastic. This model produces a fast flow of water. For $15, it is a very good purchase for the price conscious customer who wants to filter mildly polluted water. It is our top budget pick for this buying guide.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: 8273810 |
| Item Weight: 1.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.6 x 2.7 inches |
| Item model number: COMINHKR063772 |
| Flow capacity: 100 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: Yes |
| Warranty: 1 year |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Reasonable filter process |
| Has filter change indicator |
| Produces good water flow |
| Low Price |
| 1 year warranty |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Plastic material is not very high-quality |
| Sensor stops working as per some reviews |
2. Culligan FM-15A Faucet Filter
Editor’s Rating: 3.8/5
The Culligan FM-15A is our second low priced budget model. It combines low price with a decent filtration process. The NSF/ANSI certified filter helps reduce chlorine, lindane, atrazine, lead, and Class 1 particles. It also claims to reduce odor and improve the taste of the water. The filter will last you for 200 gallons, which is pretty good for a low priced model.
The warranty on the Culligan FM-15A is a 2-year limited warranty. That signals a reasonable amount of confidence from the manufacturer about the quality and durability of the FM-15A. No tools are needed to install this faucet filter, and it is quite easy to set up.
What the Culligan FM-15A lacks is a filter indicator. Without the indicator, there is no way for you to know when to change your filter. You have to either look for signs like reduced water flow or you have to manually mark the number of days that have passed since the last filter replacement. Not the most ideal thing to do, but if you want to save money or are on the budget, then it may not be such a hassle for you.
The body of the Culligan FM-15A is made of plastic. However, they offer the option of a chrome finish. Choose the chrome variant if your other kitchen decor is of a similar look. Some people will find the chrome finish very flashy and cheap. So, it is a personal preference.
At $15, the Culligan FM-15A is not a bad purchase at all. It will not offer you extensive features, but it is a solid filter with a solid warranty.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: FM-15A |
| Item Weight: 0.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 inches |
| Item model number: FM-15A |
| Flow capacity: 200 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: No |
| Warranty: 2 year limited |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Filter is NSF certified against ANSI 42 and 53 |
| Low Price |
| Chrome Finish |
| 2 year limited warranty |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Made of plastic |
| No filter change indicator |
Water Softener Systems between $20 and $30
Water softener systems priced between the $20-30 mark are considered mid-range systems. They are slightly more advanced than the budget models and offer a decent balance of features vs price. They do have some great features that are applicable to a large number of situations. However, they do not have long warranties or fancy additional features which the more expensive models have.
3. InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES Faucet Mount Water Filter System
Editor’s Rating: 3.2/5
The InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES is a mid-range faucet water filter. It comes with a useful on/off switch wherein you can alternate between filtered water and unfiltered water. It is quite easy to install the filter. The actual cartridge has a long life of 200 gallons. The filtration process is alright, but not the best.
The InstaPure is ANSI/NSF certified for chlorine reduction (Class 2). Besides chlorine reduction, there isn’t anything else that it claims to filter. The more advanced models are capable of reducing mineral and organic sediment content. However, there is nothing similar that InstaPure claims to be doing with the F2BCT3P-1ES faucet filter.
Another challenge we faced when reviewing this system is not being able to find any warranty information. Warranties are an important part of the purchase. If you are planning on buying one of these, then make sure you check with the retailer or manufacturer about the details of the warranty. During the review, we also discovered that this filter should not be used with hot water. Hot water can damage the filters.
The InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES is made of plastic but comes with a chrome finish. At $20 a piece, it is a lower end model offering very basic filtration functions. If chlorine filtration is what you are after, then get the InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES. You will get the job done by spending the least amount of money. However, if your filtration needs are more than just chlorine, then continue reading this guide further.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: F2BCT3P-1ES |
| Item Weight: 0.35 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 5.4 x 7.5 inches |
| Item model number: F2BCT3P-1ES |
| Flow capacity: 200 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: No |
| Warranty: N/A |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Chrome Finish |
| Can turn the filter on or off |
| NSF/ANSI certified filter process for chlorine reduction |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not suitable for hot water usage |
| Warranty information not clear |
| No filter indicator |
4. PUR PFM400H
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The PUR brand is a long time player in the water filter industry and a household name. It has established a reputation for delivering some of the best selling faucet water filters for home use. With that background, the PUR PFM400H does not disappoint. It packs an excellent balance of price and features. Hence, we have rated it as our best value pick.
The most unique feature of the PUR PFM400H is the three-stage LED indicator. Every faucet water filter system requires filters to be changed. The PFM400H not only indicates when you need to change it but gives you different colors depicting how close you are to replacement day. It uses three colors to signify ok, close-to-replacement, and replace-now modes. Besides the indicator, it also is one of the few systems in the guide which has a 360-degree swivel head. Having such flexibility makes life a lot easier in the kitchen when one is trying to wash dishes of varying sizes and shapes.
The filtration system on the PFM400H is top notch. It is certified for removing 70 contaminants, and it uses Maxion technology to do so. Its 3 stage filter system is one of the best in terms of efficiency. The PFM400H comes with a 2-year limited warranty. The filter capacity is a little bit on the downside, offering only 100 gallons before a replacement is needed. However, the replacement process is very simple and easy to perform. The material of the PFM400H is also not the best. It is made of plastic. But, it does come in Chrome and Stainless Steel finishes. So, in terms of looks, the PFM400H will not disappoint.
Overall, if you fancy having a faucet filter with a majority of the core features at a reasonable price, then the PUR PFM400H is the way to go.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: PFM400H |
| Item Weight: 1.15 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 6.8 x 2.9 inches |
| Item model number: PFM400H |
| Flow capacity: 100 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: Yes, 3-color |
| Warranty: 2 year limited |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent filtration Process |
| 2 year limited warranty |
| Available in Chrome and Stainless Steel finishes |
| 360 swivel head |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Price is relatively higher |
| Water pressure a little lower |
| Made of plastic |
5. Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter
Editor’s Rating: 3.8/5
The Culligan FM-25 faucet filter is the second Culligan model which we reviewed for this guide after the FM-15A. The filter in the FM-25 is NSF certified against ANSI standards 42 and 53. As far as the filtration process is concerned, the FM-25 offers a solid solution. It claims to filter out or reduce bad odor, lead, sediments, turbidity, lindane, and other Class 1 contaminants. The filter cartridge on the FM-25 lasts for a good 200 gallons, more than some other highly rated systems on this guide.
The body of the FM-25 is made of plastic. However, it offers the option of a chrome finish. So if appearance is an important factor for you, then the chrome-look will certainly look decent. This faucet filter does not have a filter-change indicator. That means you will have to keep track of when you last changed your filter and when you need to do so again. The Culligan FM-25 comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Overall, this faucet filter offers some important features but leaves out some other important ones. If you have used a Culligan filter before, then you will be quite comfortable in using the FM-25. If not, then it is still a good option because of its NSF certified filter and its relatively longer 200-gallon capacity, which will not require you to change the filter as often as a 100-gallon model would.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: FM-25 |
| Item Weight: 0.9 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Item model number: FM-25 |
| Flow capacity: 200 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: No |
| Warranty: 2 year limited |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Filter is NSF certified against ANSI 42 and 53 |
| Low Price |
| Chrome Finish |
| 2 year limited warranty |
| 200-gallon flow capacity |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Made of plastic |
| No filter change indicator |
Water Softener Systems above $30
In addition to having an excellent filtration process, some customers desire other additional conveniences such as a nicer finish, a filter on-off switch, or a flow meter. If you are one of them, then this section is for you. Bear in mind, packing-in all these additional comforts and features will cost you additional money. But if a limited budget is no concern for you, then we have a couple of higher-end options which are worth looking into.
6. PUR FM-3700B 3-Stage Advanced Faucet Water Filter
Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5
Another PUR water filter in our guide, the FM-3700B is a higher priced model. It comes with features to match the price. Firstly, even though the make is plastic, you get the option of going for a chrome or stainless steel option, similar to the PFM 400H. Hence, you will have options when it comes to the look and feel of the filter. This helps you blend it well with your kitchen’s look. Secondly, you get a 360-degree swivel head, which is very convenient when you are trying to wash utensils of varying sizes and shapes. Almost every faucet water filter that we reviewed did not offer this option. The two PUR models do.
In terms of the actual filtration, the PUR FM-3700B uses the proprietary Maxion technology to filter out 99% of lead and 96% of mercury from the source water. The filter uses coconut shells, carbon filters, and a unique ion exchange process to filter out the various contaminants and sediments from the water. Another selling point for the PUR FM-3700B is the three color filter indicator light. Like the PUR PFM 400H, the 3700B also has an LED light with three colors. The green signifies normal status, yellow signals that the time to change the filter is approaching, while red means the filter needs a replacement immediately.
For all the good things that can be said about the PUR FM-3700B, it also has some downsides. Firstly, the price is higher than the PFM 400H for features which are very similar. Secondly, the body is made of plastic. While the 3700B does offer various options in terms of finishes, the main body is still made of plastic which could be a dampener for high paying customers. Also, there are some reviews online where customers have complained that the water pressure coming out of the filter is a little bit on the lower side.
Overall, the PUR FM-3700B is a solid option in the high-end range, though not the best. If you are a fan of the PUR brand, then this system is for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: FM-3700 |
| Item Weight: 1 pound |
| Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 7.3 x 7.7 inches |
| Item model number: FM-3700 |
| Flow capacity: 100 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: Yes, 3-color |
| Warranty: 2 year limited |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent filtration Process |
| 2 year limited warranty |
| Available in Chrome and Stainless Steel finishes |
| 360 swivel head |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Price is relatively higher |
| Water pressure a little lower |
| Made of plastic |
7. DuPont WFFM350XBN Electric Metered Drinking Water Filter
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The DuPont WFFM350XBN Electric Metered Faucet Water filter is our top pick in this guide. It has almost every feature worth having. This is the only filter which shows the gallons of water already processed. Looking at the number will give you an indication of not just when you need to change the filter, but how much of filtered water usage your home has. Another aspect which is an industry first is a long 4-year warranty, a testament to the confidence the manufacturer has in the product. This DuPont model comes with a massive 4-year warranty which no other model offers.
In terms of the filtration process, the DuPont 350XBN offers a solid and efficient system, with the filters being WQA certified. The 200-gallon capacity filter is believed to greatly reduce sediments, chlorine, asbestos, mercury, microbial cysts, benzene, lead, and other Class 1 particulates. It also has a very convenient switch which can alternate between filtered and unfiltered water. In terms of material, the WFFM350XBN is made of plastic. However, it comes with nickel, chrome, and normal finishes. So, matching the filter to the kitchen decor is not going to be a problem.
On the downside, this faucet water filter does not come cheap. It can run above $40 depending on the finish material you choose. Additionally, the filter requires 2AA batteries, and though that isn’t such a big deal, it is a cost and a hassle to regularly change.
If you have the budget and are looking for a stellar all-inclusive package, then the DuPont WFFM 350XBN gives you all of that. Besides, you also get the benefit of buying a quality product under the DuPont brand name.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: WFFM350XBN |
| Item Weight: 0.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.5 x 2.9 inches |
| Item model number: WFFM350XBN |
| Flow capacity: 200 gallons |
| Filter Indicator: Yes (flow meter) |
| Warranty: 4 year limited |
| The Pros |
|---|
| WQA certified filters |
| 4 year warranty |
| Comes with nickel or chrome finish |
| Switch between filtered and unfiltered water |
| The Cons |
|---|
| High Price |
| Requires 2 AA batteries |
| Made of plastic |
After reading this guide, you will have a fairly deep understanding of what faucet water filters offer in terms of features, warranty, and other aspects. It will allow you to compare different models and select the best one for your particular application. The 7 models mentioned in this guide are some of the best that we have seen in different price ranges. Good luck!
Contents
- Capacity
- Filtration process
- Filter life indicator
- Warranty
- Material
- Best Faucet Water Filters Comparison Table
- Best Water Softener Systems By Budget:
- Water Softener Systems under $20
- 1. Brita on Tap Faucet Water Filter System
- 2. Culligan FM-15A Faucet Filter
- Water Softener Systems between $20 and $30
- 3. InstaPure F2BCT3P-1ES Faucet Mount Water Filter System
- 4. PUR PFM400H
- 5. Culligan FM-25 Faucet Mount Filter
- Water Softener Systems above $30
- 6. PUR FM-3700B 3-Stage Advanced Faucet Water Filter
- 7. DuPont WFFM350XBN Electric Metered Drinking Water Filter