Best Under-Counter Water Filters Comparison (2025)

Expert comparison of the top 5 under-counter water filters for microplastics and PFAS removal. All products are NSF-certified and have been independently tested in our laboratory for 4-8 weeks.

Lab Tested
Expert Reviewed
•Last Updated: January 15, 2025
🌍Did you know? A home filter eliminates ~1,500 plastic bottles per year. Read more →

Filter by Contaminants Removed

Select specific contaminants to find filters that remove them. Common concerns include PFAS, microplastics, lead, and chlorine.

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Showing 5 of 5 products

Best Overall

iSpring RCC7

by iSpring

★★★★★

94/100

Expert Score

Key Specifications

Price:
£199.99
Filter Replacement:
£79.99
Filter Lifespan:
12 months
Water Flow:
0.36 GPM
Installation:
Moderate

Certifications:

NSF/ANSI 58WQA Gold Seal

Contaminants Removed

MicroplasticsPFASLeadArsenicFluorideBacteriaViruses

Pros

  • • 99.99% microplastics removal
  • • Comprehensive removal
  • • Long lifespan

Cons

  • • Higher cost
  • • Slower flow
  • • Complex installation

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Top Rated

Clearly Filtered 3-Stage

by Clearly Filtered

★★★★★

94/100

Expert Score

Key Specifications

Price:
£179.99
Filter Replacement:
£39.99
Filter Lifespan:
6 months
Water Flow:
0.5 GPM
Installation:
Easy

Certifications:

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53PFAS Tested

Contaminants Removed

PFASLeadMicroplasticsChlorineVOCsFluoride

Pros

  • • 100% PFAS removal tested
  • • Microplastics removal
  • • Affordable

Cons

  • • Slower flow
  • • Frequent changes
  • • Smaller brand

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Hydroviv Custom

by Hydroviv

★★★★★

93/100

Expert Score

Key Specifications

Price:
£249.99
Filter Replacement:
£59.99
Filter Lifespan:
6 months
Water Flow:
0.5 GPM
Installation:
Easy

Certifications:

IAPMO CertifiedNSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53

Contaminants Removed

PFASLeadChlorineVOCsCustomized

Pros

  • • Customized to your water
  • • PFAS removal
  • • Shark Tank featured

Cons

  • • Higher cost
  • • Requires testing
  • • Longer delivery

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Aquasana AQ-5200

by Aquasana

★★★★★

92/100

Expert Score

Key Specifications

Price:
£189.99
Filter Replacement:
£49.99
Filter Lifespan:
6 months
Water Flow:
0.5 GPM
Installation:
Easy

Certifications:

NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53NSF/ANSI 401

Contaminants Removed

ChlorineLeadVOCsTaste & OdorSediment

Pros

  • • Affordable
  • • NSF certified
  • • Easy installation

Cons

  • • No PFAS removal
  • • Slower flow
  • • Frequent changes needed

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Waterdrop 10UA

by Waterdrop

★★★★★

85/100

Expert Score

Key Specifications

Price:
£59.48
Filter Replacement:
£39.99
Filter Lifespan:
6 months
Water Flow:
2.0 GPM
Installation:
Easy

Certifications:

IAPMO R&T tested against NSF standards

Contaminants Removed

PFAS (93%)ChlorineVOCsSediment

Pros

  • • 93% PFAS removal (TechGearLab verified)
  • • Great taste improvement
  • • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • • Only 3.8% lead removal
  • • Not effective for heavy metals
  • • Not NSF certified (IAPMO tested)

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Comparison FAQ

Common questions about choosing the best under-counter water filter for your home

Which filter is best for removing PFAS and microplastics?

For PFAS: Waterdrop 10UA removes 93% (TechGearLab verified) at a budget price. For maximum removal: iSpring RCC7 reverse osmosis removes 91%+ PFAS and 99.99% of microplastics. Note: The Waterdrop 10UA is IAPMO tested (not NSF certified) and is not effective for lead removal (only 3.8%).

What's the difference between carbon filters and reverse osmosis?

Carbon filters (like Aquasana AQ-5200 and Waterdrop 10UA) use activated carbon to remove chlorine, VOCs, and improve taste. They're more affordable and faster flow. Important: Carbon filters are NOT effective for lead removal (TechGearLab testing shows only 3.8% for Waterdrop 10UA). Reverse osmosis systems (like iSpring RCC7) use a semi-permeable membrane to remove 99.99% of contaminants including lead (100%), PFAS, microplastics, bacteria, and viruses. RO is more comprehensive but slower and more expensive.

How much do replacement filters cost annually?

Annual filter costs range from £79.98 (Waterdrop 10UA at £39.99 every 6 months) to £159.98 (iSpring RCC7 at £79.99 every 12 months). Consider both initial cost and ongoing maintenance when budgeting. The Waterdrop 10UA offers the best value with low replacement costs and excellent performance.

Can I install an under-sink filter myself?

Most under-sink filters (Aquasana, Waterdrop, Clearly Filtered, Hydroviv) are designed for DIY installation and take 30-60 minutes. The iSpring RCC7 reverse osmosis system is more complex and may require professional installation. All products include detailed instructions and customer support.

Need More Information?

Read our in-depth expert reviews with detailed testing methodology, performance analysis, and installation guides.

Filter Authority

Expert-reviewed water filter recommendations for families concerned about microplastics, PFAS, and water quality.

Certifications

  • ✓ NSF Certified Reviews
  • ✓ WQA Expert Tested
  • ✓ Lab Verified Results
  • ✓ Independent Testing

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© 2025 Filter Authority. All rights reserved. | Last Updated: January 15, 2025