Best Reverse Osmosis Systems of 2018
Reverse Osmosis or RO systems are water purification systems found quite extensively in homes, offices, and other domestic settings. Osmosis is a process in nature where clean water flows towards water which is not pure. So, reverse osmosis is the opposite of that process. It simply means that impure water is made to flow towards pure water after passing through a membrane (filter). The water is made to flow in this direction by applying pressure.
In this guide, we look at the top 12 reverse osmosis systems that you can buy right now.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| iSpring RCC7AK |
| 4.5/5.0 |
| 20 pounds |
| 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Re-mineralization present and 6 stages of filtration. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Home Master TMAFC-ERP |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| 14.5 pounds |
| 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Re-mineralization present and 7 stages of filtration. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Home Master Hydro |
| 5.0/5.0 |
| 18.75 pounds |
| 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Re-mineralization present and 9 stages of filtration. |
| Check Amazon |
Reverse osmosis systems have a wide variety of features besides the filters or membranes. They have different stages of purification, UV light sanitization, re-mineralization, and pressure (permeate) pumps. Different models have different designs and warranty periods. All of these factors have to be looked into before purchasing the right RO system for your needs. This guide will help you in making an informed decision about purchasing the best RO system, and you will also learn how to compare various systems that are available on the market. First, let us look at some of the features that RO systems offer:
Stages of filtration
RO membrane
Taste
UV light
Permeate pump
Waste to Water ratio
Capacity
Warranty
Design
Now that we have all the various metrics and features of RO systems listed out, let us compare various models and how they stack up against each other in terms of these metrics:
12 Best Reverse Osmosis Filters Comparison Table
Best Reverse Osmosis filters By Budget:
Click below to get detailed information on each filter by price.
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters under $250
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters under $400
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters above $400
Best Reverse Osmosis filters under $250
Reverse Osmosis systems that are reasonably priced have basic features. While they may not have certain filtration stages or a good waste water ratio, they certainly offer a fairly decent purification process. If you are looking for a simple system, then these models below will interest you.
1. iSpring RCC7
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The iSpring RCC7 is a very economical, no thrills, no frills RO system with minimal functionality for maximum value. It has 5 stages of filtration and a very respectable capacity of 75 gallons per day. This number is respectable because the RCC7 does not have a permeate pump to push up the flow rate.
Additionally, there is no re-mineralization phase or a UV light purifier either. So, if the taste of your water is important, then this system might not make the cut. Similarly, if your water source has a possibility of microorganism/bacteria presence, then you must be aware that there will be no UV filter to kill of those microorganisms.
The iSpring RCC7 produces 3 gallons of waste water for every gallon of purified water, which is not too bad considering that there is no permeate pump present. The waste water ratio is actually a little bit better than that of the Home Master TMAFC Artesian, which also does not have a permeate pump, but produces 4 gallons of waste water. The best part of this system is the price, it is very economical. Given the features you get for the price you pay, we have given this system a rating of 4.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: RCC7 |
| Item Weight: 25 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 5.2 x 17.5 inches |
| Item model number: RCC7 |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Included Components: RO System, Brushed Nickel Faucet, Storage Tank and Filter Cartridges with RO Membrane |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 5 stages of filtration |
| 75 GPD capacity |
| Low Price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| Re-mineralization absent |
| UV filter absent |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
2. iSpring RCC7AK
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The iSpring RCC7AK is a slightly better yet more expensive version of the iSpringRCC7. It has the exact same features as the iSpringRCC7 with the addition of a re-mineralization filter. Hence, this model has 6 stages of filtration as opposed to the 5-stage iSpring RCC7.
Re-mineralization is important not just for the taste, but also the pH level of the water coming out of the RO system. After the basic filtration in stages 1 through 5, the pH level of water turns a bit acidic, and the taste is a little different than natural pure water. Stage 6 is the re-mineralization phase, which balances out the pH levels, making the water alkaline.
The iSpring RCC7AK has a capacity of 75 gallons per day, which is adequate for most domestic uses and a small family. The waste water ratio of 3 gallons is the same as that of the iSpring RCC7. We have given this system a rating of 4, the same as the rating for the RCC7. The reason for this similar rating is the fact that even though you get the additional re-mineralization feature in the RCC7AK, you still end up paying for it. Overall, it is a solid system, requires about 1 hour for installation and gives you a decent set of features.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: RCC7AK |
| Item Weight: 20 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 5.2 x 18.5 inches |
| Item model number: RCC7AK |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Included Components: RO System, Brushed Nickel Faucet, Storage Tank and Filter Cartridges with RO Membrane |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 6 stages of filtration |
| Re-mineralization present |
| 75 GPD capacity |
| Reasonable Price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| UV filter absent |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
3. Apec Top Tier Essence ROES-50
Editor’s Rating: 3.0/5
Similar to the iSpring RCC7, the Apec Essence ROES-50 is a simple RO system with no fancy features. It packs in the bare minimum for a low price. It handles 50 gallons per day in terms of capacity. The ROES-50 does not have a UV filter or a re-mineralization phase in its filtering. It offers a 5 stage filtration system. This Apec model does not have a permeate pump either, which probably explains the low 50-gallon capacity. However, the Apec Essence ROES-50 does quite well with the waste water ratio, giving out 3 gallons of waste water for every gallon of purified water.
The cool thing about this RO system is that it comes with a faucet and a storage tank in spite of being a low-cost RO system. If you just want to get on with it and install a simple, easy-to-use RO system that gives you reasonably pure water, then the APEC Top Tier Essence ROES-50 is your model.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: ROES-50-A |
| Item Weight: 25 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 16 x 5.2 x 17.5 inches |
| Item model number: ROES-50-A |
| Warranty Description: 1 Year APEC |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Certification: Not Applicable |
| Included Components: ROES-50 |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 5 stages of filtration |
| Low Price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| UV filter absent |
| Re-mineralization absent |
| Only 50 GPD capacity |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
4. Apec Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+
Editor’s Rating: 3.5/5
The ApecTop Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ gets solid reviews from users. It is an upgraded version of the Apec Top Tier Essence ROES-50. There are 2 major upgrades: First is the capacity, which is 75 gallons per day as opposed to 50 on the ROES-50. Second is the presence of a re-mineralization filter. The name of the model (Mineral pH+) is kind of a giveaway that this is a 6-stage filtration system with re-mineralization as opposed to a 5-stage system. One thing you can be sure of with this system is that the water will taste great and it will have all the healthy minerals which get filtered out in the reverse osmosis process.
This system does not have a permeate pump, but still gives out a healthy flow rate and capacity. It also does a reasonable job with the waste water output, producing 3 gallons for every gallon of purified water. It is easy to set up, requiring about 1 hour of DIY time. The Apec Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+ system is another great low-cost option with some good features for your water purification needs.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: ROES-PH75 |
| Item Weight: 25 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 16 x 5.2 x 17.5 inches |
| Item model number: ROES-PH75 |
| Warranty Description: 1 Year APEC |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Certification: Not Applicable |
| Included Components: ROES-PH75 |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 6 stages of filtration |
| Re-mineralization present |
| 75 GPD capacity |
| Low Price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| UV filter absent |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
Best Reverse Osmosis filters under $400
Reverse Osmosis systems that are priced in the mid-range offer a balance of features vs price. They do have certain features which budget models do not offer, but the price is also a bit higher. If certain features of filtration stages are important for you, then select the models with those particular options. The information listed below will allow you to compare the pros and cons of mid-range models.
5. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian RO system is one of the best systems in this entire list. Firstly, it has a capacity of 75 gallons per day. Secondly, it has 7 stages of filtration and that includes a re-mineralization phase. The water coming out of this system has a good taste and it also includes healthy minerals. This system also has a permeate pump, which filters the water well and also reduces waste water. The Home Master TMAFC-ERP system has only 1 gallon of waste water. The most unique aspect of this system is that it comes with a long 5-year warranty. So, once you purchase and install this system, there is little that you have to worry about in terms of maintenance and repairs.
What this system lacks is a UV filter. Depending on your water source, having a UV filter might be important. If your water source is a water well or a non-municipal source, then there could be a higher possibility of the presence of bacteria, e-Coli, fungi, algae and other microorganisms. UV filter will kill these types of organisms and provide you with safe drinking water.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: TMAFC-ERP |
| Item Weight: 14.5 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 20 inches |
| Item model number: TMAFC-ERP |
| Color: White |
| Style: Standard w/ Pump |
| Warranty Description: 5 year limited warranty against manufacturer defects |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| Spout Height: 8.25 inches |
| Spout Reach: 6 inches |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 7 stages of filtration |
| Permeate Pump present |
| Re-mineralization present |
| Only 1:1 wastage ratio |
| 75 GPD capacity |
| The Cons |
|---|
| No UV light filter |
| Higher Price |
6. Home Master TMAFC Artesian
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
If you want a solid RO system which has an affordable price tag on it, then the Home Master TMAFC Artesian is worth a look. This system is very similar to the TMAFC-ERP Artesian. The major difference, however, is the absence of a permeate pump. The TMAFC Artesian does not have a pump, which means that there is no extra pressure to push for a higher flow rate.
Secondly, a higher amount of waste water is produced as well. This system offers a capacity of 50 gallons per day. The waste water ratio is 4 gallons for every gallon of water produced. If your source of water has high pressure, then maybe the flow rate is not such a big deal after all. There is no UV filter on this system. It does have a re-mineralization filter, so the taste of the water coming out of this system is pretty good.
The modular design allows for smooth replacement of old filters. Lastly, as with the other two Home Master systems above, this one also comes with the trademark 5-year warranty. If affordability is a concern, and if you are not too fussy about having a permeate pump or dealing with a higher amount of waste water, then the Home Master TMAFC Artesian might be the right choice for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: TMAFC |
| Item Weight: 14.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 13 inches |
| Item model number: TMAFC |
| Color: White |
| Style: Standard |
| Spout Height: 8.25 inches |
| Spout Reach: 6 inches |
| Plug Format: A- US style |
| Warranty Description: 5 year limited warranty – parts |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 7 stages of filtration |
| Re-mineralization present |
| Reasonable Price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Only 50 GPD capacity |
| Permeate Pump absent |
| UV Light filter absent |
| High 4:1 wastage ratio |
7. iSpring RCC7AK-UV
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The iSpring RCC7AK-UV is the top of the line model in the RCC7 series. As compared to the base model RCC7, the RCC7AK-UV has a re-mineralization phase and a UV filtration phase. With 7 stages of filtration, it packs in all the features that RO systems have. Seeing the progression of the RCC7 series, one thing that becomes clear is the fact that iSpring listens to its customers and upgrades its system with features that are desired. This system can handle 75 gallons per day, enough to take care of family and domestic use. Waste water ratio is 3 gallons for every gallon of purified water, which is pretty good considering that there is no permeate pump in this system.
The filters of the iSpring RCC7AK-UV and the RCC7 series, in general, tend to last for 6 months to a year. However, iSpring filters are known to be one of the cheapest in the industry and hence they are easy to replace. The re-mineralization filter makes sure your water tastes great and the pH levels are balanced as well. This system has been awarded the WQA gold seal. This seal is awarded to systems whose components have been tested thoroughly. They also meet rigorous safety standards and are known for their durability.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: RCC7AK-UV |
| Item Weight: 28 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 5.2 x 19.5 inches |
| Item model number: RCC7AK-UV |
| Color: White |
| Style: Alkaline & UV |
| Included Components: RO System, Brushed Nickel Faucet, Storage Tank and Filter Cartridges with RO Membrane |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 7 stages of filtration |
| Re-mineralization present |
| UV filter present |
| 75 GPD capacity |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
8. Apec Top Tier Supreme High Flow RO-90
Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5
The Apec Top Tier Supreme High Flow RO-90 is similar to the Essence ROES-50 reviewed above. The only difference is the capacity, which is upgraded to 90 gallons per day in the RO-90 as opposed to a relatively meager 50 gallons in the ROES-50. This system is an under-the-sink 5 stage filtration system. It does not have a permeate pump. Yet it only gives out 3 gallons of waste water. There is no re-mineralization stage or a UV filter either. So, if the killing of bacteria and fungi is important to you, or if your water source is a non-municipal source, then maybe this is not the right system.
Given the lack of these features, the price of the Supreme High Flow RO-90 is not as high as some of the more expensive systems mentioned in this guide. In conclusion, if you are looking for a simple basic setup, but have a large family or need a high flow rate, then the Apec Top Tier Supreme High Flow RO-90 is the system to go with.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: RO-90 |
| Item Weight: 25 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 16 x 5.2 x 17.5 inches |
| Item model number: RO-90 |
| Certification: Not Applicable |
| Included Components: RO-90 |
| Warranty Description: 1 Year APEC |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 5 stages of filtration |
| A high 90 GPD capacity |
| Reasonable Price |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| UV filter absent |
| Re-mineralization absent |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
9. Apec Portable Countertop RO-CTOP-C
Editor’s Rating: 3.2/5
If you are space-constrained or if you cannot install an RO system under the sink, then the Apec Portable Countertop RO-CTOP-C is going to be your favorite RO system. This system is compact and it does not require any installation. All you have to do is connect this RO system to your faucet and you are good to go! The whole setup sits on your kitchen countertop. There is a waste water tube which allows you to divert the waste water produced by the system down the sink drain. You can even switch between sending the normal source water through the faucet and sending the source water to the Apec Countertop system for filtration.
This system has only 4 stages of filtration. There is no permeate pump, re-mineralization stage, or a UV filter. The compact size also means that there is no storage tank to store all the filtered water. So, you have to rely on the pressure of the source of your water for getting a fast refill. If that pressure is low, then you will have to wait for some time until your glass or jar fills up.
This system is quite efficient in terms of waste water production. It only produces 2 gallons of waste water for every gallon of purified water, which is quite good as compared to other more fancy RO systems that we reviewed. Overall, this is a great RO system if space is an issue. Due to the compact design, there is a lack of certain features. But, you do get a really simple RO system ready for use.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: 43235-227015 |
| Item Weight: 10 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Item model number: 43235-227015 |
| Style: With Case |
| Certification: Not Applicable |
| Warranty Description: 2 Yearsafter registering with APEC |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| A high 90 GPD capacity |
| A low 2:1 wastage ratio |
| Compact design for countertop use |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Permeate Pump absent |
| UV filter absent |
| Re-mineralization absent |
| Only 4-stage filtration |
Best Reverse Osmosis filters above $400
Reverse Osmosis systems with extensive features are priced higher as well. They do cost a lot of money, but they offer you pretty much everything that you would need in an RO system. The models listed below are some of the best in the industry, and if price is not a concern, then this section is for you.
10. Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection
Editor’s Rating: 5.0/5
The Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection is the master of all RO systems. It has pretty much all the features and scenarios covered. The all-inclusivity does cost you more money, but you can be sure that you are ready for any situation with the TMHP HydroPerfection system. It has an incredible 9 stages of filtration.
Your filtered water is not only clean and germ-free thanks to the UV filter, but it also tastes great with re-mineralization taking place in one of the 9 stages. The system has a capacity of 75 gallons per day and a low waste water ratio of 1 gallon for every gallon of purified water. This low waste ratio is a credit to the permeate pump of the Home Master TMHP.
This system uses a 3/8″ diameter tubing, which improves the speed and flow of the water when it reaches the faucet. The design of the TMHP HydroPerfection is great for changing filters, as a modular set up makes it easy to pull out an old filter and stick in a new one. Lastly, this system also comes with a massive 5-year warranty. There is not much to dislike about this system other than the price, which is a bit on the higher side. But with so many features packed in, it may be well worth the money to buy one of these.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: TMHP |
| Item Weight: 18.75 pounds |
| Product Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 20 inches |
| Item model number: TMHP |
| Power Source: Corded-Electric |
| Wattage: 6 watts |
| Style: Standard |
| Spout Height: 8.25 inches |
| Spout Reach: 6 inches |
| Plug Format: A- US style |
| Warranty Description: 5 year limited warranty against manufacturer defects |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 9 stages of filtration |
| Permeate Pump present |
| Re-mineralization present |
| UV Filter Present |
| Only 1:1 wastage ratio |
| 75 GPD capacity |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Very High Price |
11. iSpring RCS5T
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The iSpring RCS5T is all about capacity. It can handle a massive 500 gallons per day. That is enough flow for an entire house with a large family or for commercial use. You may have to add in a storage tank and a delivery pump to hit the 500-mark, but even without them, you will still get some huge flow rates. Thanks to the built-in permeate pump, you may not need a tank. You can pretty much enjoy supply-on-demand.
The iSpring RCS5T has a patented Side-Flow RO membrane, which is very efficient, and it allows the system to produce only 1 gallon of waste water for every gallon of purified water. This high-quality membrane is also better than the ones found in smaller RO systems, and it can filter much smaller-sized particles than what a regular RO system can filter.
This system has a 5-stage filtration system. There is no re-mineralization stage or a UV filter. The huge flow rate does come at a price, as this system is not the cheapest. However, if you are a heavy user or require an RO system for commercial use, then the iSpring RCS5T is worth looking at.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: RCS5T |
| Item Weight: 38 lbs |
| Product Dimensions: 14″w x 11″d x 17.5″h |
| Item model number: RCS5T |
| Certification: WQ Gold Seal |
| Warranty Description: Manufacturer 1 year |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 5 stages of filtration |
| Massive 500 GPD capacity |
| Low 1:1 wastage ratio |
| Permeate Pump present |
| The Cons |
|---|
| UV filter absent |
| Re-mineralization absent |
| High Price |
12. iSpring RCC1UP
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The iSpring RCC1UP is another model with a huge flow rate. It can do 100 gallons per day. That kind of supply is enough for a house with a medium to large family. It also has 6 stages of filtration, a permeate pump, and a UV filter. The low water pressure coming to your home is not a problem with this system. You can be sure of the quality and reliability of this system as it comes with a WQA Gold Seal.
The iSpring RCC1UP produces 3 gallons of waste water for every gallon of purified water. The taste of the water coming out of this system will be fairly good thanks to the re-mineralization filter. The pH level of the water will be balanced as well. Overall, this is a great system to purchase if a big flow rate is important for you.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Part Number: RCC1UP |
| Item Weight: 34 lbs |
| Product Dimensions: 17w x 14d x 23h |
| Item model number: RCC1UP |
| Certification: WQ Gold Seal |
| Warranty Description: Manufacturer 1 year |
| Temperature Range: 40-100 degrees fahrenheit |
| The Pros |
|---|
| 6 stages of filtration |
| A very high 100 GPD capacity |
| Permeate Pump present |
| Re-mineralization present |
| UV filter present |
| The Cons |
|---|
| High Price |
| 3:1 wastage ratio |
So there you have it, we have reviewed 12 amazing Reverse Osmosis Systems to help you decide which one is the best for your needs. Remember to compare the different features, warranty periods and pricing. With all the information mentioned above, you are sure to make an informed decision. Good luck!
Contents
- Stages of filtration
- RO membrane
- Taste
- UV light
- Permeate pump
- Waste to Water ratio
- Capacity
- Warranty
- Design
- 12 Best Reverse Osmosis Filters Comparison Table
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters By Budget:
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters under $250
- 1. iSpring RCC7
- 2. iSpring RCC7AK
- 3. Apec Top Tier Essence ROES-50
- 4. Apec Top Tier Alkaline Mineral pH+
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters under $400
- 5. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian
- 6. Home Master TMAFC Artesian
- 7. iSpring RCC7AK-UV
- 8. Apec Top Tier Supreme High Flow RO-90
- 9. Apec Portable Countertop RO-CTOP-C
- Best Reverse Osmosis filters above $400
- 10. Home Master TMHP HydroPerfection
- 11. iSpring RCS5T
- 12. iSpring RCC1UP