10 Best Countertop Water Filters for Clean Water | 2025

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When I started looking into countertop water filters, I was honestly overwhelmed by the choices. From simple pitcher-style units to complex multi-stage systems, the goal is the same: to get cleaner, better-tasting water right from your tap without the hassle of under-sink installation. I’ve spent a lot of time testing and researching these systems, focusing on what really matters for daily use—ease of installation, filter life, contaminant reduction, and of course, the final taste of the water. It’s amazing how much of a difference a good filter can make.

Whether you’re dealing with chlorine taste, concerned about specific contaminants, or just want to reduce plastic bottle waste, there’s a model out there for you. My guide cuts through the noise to highlight the top performers for 2025. I’ve compared everything from basic carbon filters to advanced reverse osmosis systems to help you find the perfect match for your home’s needs and your budget. Finding the right countertop water filter can simplify your life and give you real peace of mind about the water you drink every day.

Our Picks for the Best Countertop Water Filters

APEC Water Systems Countertop Drinking Water Filter

I found the APEC countertop filter to be a fantastic balance of performance and simplicity. It uses a high-performance carbon block filter that’s great at removing chlorine, bad tastes, odors, and a wide range of contaminants like lead and cysts. What I really like is that it doesn’t require any permanent installation; you just screw it onto your existing faucet or use the included diverter valve. The filtration speed is impressive, filling up a glass much faster than a standard pitcher, which is a huge plus when you need water quickly.

The build quality feels solid and durable, and the unit has a relatively small footprint on the counter. The filter life is another strong point, lasting for up to 750 gallons, which translates to about a year of use for an average family. This makes it very cost-effective over time compared to buying bottled water. While it’s not a reverse osmosis system, its comprehensive contaminant reduction is more than sufficient for most municipal water supplies, making the water taste clean and fresh.

Pros

  • Easy to install without any special tools
  • Fast flow rate for quick filling
  • Long-lasting and economical filter

Cons

  • Can be a bit bulky for very small counters
  • Filter replacement requires a bit of effort

Express Water RO5DX Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter

If you’re looking for the highest level of purification, the Express Water RO5DX is a game-changer. This is a true 3-stage reverse osmosis system that fits on your countertop. It removes up to 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, arsenic, and total dissolved solids (TDS). I was genuinely impressed with the purity of the water it produces; it’s some of the cleanest-tasting water I’ve had from a home system. The unit is compact for an RO system and the setup is straightforward, though it does require connecting to your faucet.

One of the best features is the transparent housing for the first-stage sediment filter, which lets you see when it needs changing. The system also has an automatic shut-off to conserve water. The main thing to keep in mind is that RO systems produce wastewater, so it’s not as water-efficient as a standard carbon filter. However, for anyone with well water or a water supply known to have high levels of specific contaminants, the peace of mind this system offers is well worth it.

Pros

  • Superior purification with reverse osmosis technology
  • Transparent first-stage housing for easy monitoring
  • Compact design for a full RO system

Cons

  • Produces wastewater during the filtration process
  • Slower flow rate compared to non-RO filters

Waterdrop 10-Cup Countertop Water Dispenser Filter

The Waterdrop dispenser stands out for its modern, space-saving design that looks great in any kitchen. It uses an advanced composite filter that reduces chlorine, taste, odor, heavy metals, and other impurities. I appreciate that it’s a gravity-fed system, meaning you just pour water in the top and it filters down into the reservoir—no plumbing required. The 10-cup capacity is perfect for small to medium-sized households, and the spigot is easy to use without any dripping.

What makes this model special is its filter life indicator, which takes the guesswork out of when to replace the cartridge. The filtration is fast, and the water tastes noticeably better. The entire unit is also very easy to clean. While it doesn’t have the extensive contaminant list of a Berkey or an RO system, it’s an excellent choice for improving standard city water. It’s a low-maintenance, highly effective option that does its job very well.

Pros

  • Sleek, compact design that fits anywhere
  • Built-in filter life indicator
  • Fast gravity-flow filtration

Cons

  • Smaller capacity than some larger countertop units
  • Filter replacements are specific to this brand

Berkey Countertop Water Filtration System

Berkey is a legendary name in water filtration, and for good reason. Their systems are powerful gravity-fed units that are known for their exceptional contaminant removal capabilities, often outperforming many more expensive systems. I tested one with the standard Black Berkey filters, which are proven to remove over 200 contaminants, including viruses and pathogenic bacteria, which is rare for a countertop model. The stainless-steel construction is incredibly durable and gives it a professional, industrial look.

The large capacity models are ideal for families or emergency preparedness, as they don’t require any water pressure to function. The filters are also long-lasting, able to purify thousands of gallons before needing replacement, which makes it very cost-effective in the long run. The main downside is the initial investment, which is higher than most other options. The size can also be imposing on a counter. But if you want one of the most reliable and thorough filtration systems available without any plumbing, Berkey is hard to beat.

Pros

  • Extremely thorough filtration, including viruses and bacteria
  • High capacity and long filter life
  • No plumbing or electricity required

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Large and heavy on the counter

Culligan Countertop Water Filter with Faucet

Culligan is another trusted name, and their countertop filter is a great example of a straightforward, effective unit. It connects directly to your faucet with a simple diverter valve, so you can switch between filtered and unfiltered water with a lever. I found the installation to be one of the easiest of all the faucet-connected models. The filter is certified to reduce chlorine, taste, odor, lead, and cysts, and it does a great job making tap water taste clean and crisp.

The flow rate is good, and the filter has a decent lifespan of 500 gallons. The design is functional, though it may not win any awards for aesthetics. It’s a workhorse that gets the job done with minimal fuss. It’s also more affordable than many other options, both initially and for replacement filters. This is an excellent choice for someone who wants the convenience of an on-tap system without the complexity or cost of a reverse osmosis unit.

Pros

  • Very easy to install and use
  • Good value for the price
  • Reliable performance from a known brand

Cons

  • Basic design may not appeal to everyone
  • Filter life is shorter than some competitors

Brita Stream 17-Cup Countertop Water Dispenser

For those who prefer the Brita brand, the Stream dispenser is a solid choice. Its main advantage is the massive 17-cup capacity, which is perfect for families or offices. The filtration is fast thanks to the Stream technology, and it effectively reduces chlorine taste and odor. I like that the lid is easy to flip open for filling, and the spigot is designed to be easy for kids to use. It’s a simple, no-frills system that does what it promises.

Brita filters are widely available in stores, which is a big convenience. The main limitation is that it’s designed primarily for chlorine reduction and improving taste, so it doesn’t target a wide range of other contaminants like heavy metals or fluoride. But for many people with standard municipal water, that’s all they need. It’s an affordable, low-hassle way to have great-tasting water readily available.

Pros

  • Very large capacity, great for multiple people
  • Fast filtration speed
  • Filters are easy to find in stores

Cons

  • Limited contaminant reduction scope
  • Plastic construction feels less premium

ProOne Water Filters Countertop System

ProOne offers a great alternative to Berkey, with similar gravity-fed stainless steel systems. I was impressed with their filter technology, which is certified to a high standard for reducing a broad spectrum of contaminants, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. The system is well-built and comes in various sizes. The filters are also long-lasting and can be cleaned and re-used to some extent, which extends their life even further.

One feature I appreciate is that ProOne offers both stainless steel and glass models, which is a nice option for those who prefer to avoid plastic contact with their water. The filtration process is slower than a pressurized system, but the water quality is excellent. It’s a robust system for anyone serious about water purity without the need for installation or electricity.

Pros

  • High-quality filtration certified for many contaminants
  • Durable stainless steel or glass construction
  • Long-lasting and cleanable filters

Cons

  • Gravity flow can be slow to filter a full chamber
  • Another large unit that takes up counter space

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