Welcome to Water Filter IQ: the authority in water filter reviews.
Our site contains over 150+ reviews of the best water filters in the market today, in every format from water filter pitchers to whole house water filters.
Water Filter Pitchers
Water Filter Pitchers are a very common and inexpensive type of water filter. Their purpose is primarily to improve the taste of tap water and provide a convenient container to store in the refrigerator.
Water Filter Pitchers vary in quality and price, however in general they are not ideal for improving the safety of water or removing harmful contaminants. They are best suited for people who already have access to safe drinking water.
Faucet Water Filters
Faucet water filters are attachments that mount directly to a faucet, to filter water in real time. They are also inexpensive and serve the purpose of improving the taste of drinking water.
It’s important to note that faucet water filters do not improve the safety of drinking water and are only suitable if your tap water is safe to drink.
Countertop Water Filters
Countertop Water Filters are similar to water filter pitchers, except they are larger and generally not stored in the refrigerator. Because of their larger size, more water weight can be exerted on the filter, allowing more contaminants to pass through.
Some countertop water filters are able to remove fluoride, chlorine and lead from water, which most faucet and pitcher water filters cannot.
Under-sink Water Filters
Under-sink water filters are a small contained water filtration system that is installed under a sink. These filtration systems are usually between 3-7 stages and offer the widest range of filtration options.
The ideal setup for drinking water is generally have to have a 5+ stage undersink water filter, which can guarantee drinking safety, purity and offers the best tasting water!
Whole House Water Filters
Whole house water filters are the largest filters available for residential use. They are installed at the water’s point-of-entry and filters water before it reaches any faucet in your home.
These water filters are a must if you are drawing water from a well, lake or other untreated water source. If your area is known for having poor water quality, it makes sense to invest in a whole house water filter.
Fluoride Water Filters
To many people, the removal of fluoride is of critical importance. We’ve compiled our list of water filters by any type that are certified in their removal of fluoride:
For more information, visit our Fluoride Water Filter Guide
Filtered Water Bottles
Filtered water bottles are a great way to always have purified water on the go. Perfect water bottle for work or school!
Whether traveling, camping or on the go, it can always make sense to have a filtered water bottle handy.
Water Coolers & Dispensers
Many water coolers & dispensers come with built in filters, in addition to having the ability to purchase filtered water to load in the water dispenser.
![Primo Bottom Loading Water Cooler - 2 Temperature Settings, Hot & Cold - Energy Star Rated Water Dispenser with Child-Resistant Safety Feature Supports 3 or 5 Gallon Water Jugs [White]](data:image/svg+xml;u=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpbWFnZXMtbmEuc3NsLWltYWdlcy1hbWF6b24uY29tJTJGaW1hZ2VzJTJGSSUyRjIxTjZkaUNXLWRMLl9TTDE2MF8uanBn;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMSAxIiB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)
We have guides on a variety of dispensers, including our epic guide water water cooler dispensers, bottom-loading water dispensers and hot water dispensers.
Water Softening
Often confused with water filtration, water softening is a method of changing the chemical properties of water, without removing any contaminants. The purpose of water softening is to improve the performance of your water appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, etc) as well as improving the feel of your showers.
Water softening is not required in all homes, only where the local water source has hard water. In the United States, 85% of homes have hard water and would benefit from a water softener.
Buying the Right Water Filter and Home Treatment System
Selecting the right water filter is vary tremendously from household to household, depending on your incoming water source, your existing equipment and your personal preferences.
By far the most important factor that will drive your decision is where your water is sourced, the quality and the hardness.
You can use a water test kit to make determinations if you aren’t sure.
Well Water & Lake Water
If you draw water from a well or a lake, we recommend you install a whole house water filter as well as an undersink water filter.
The whole house water filter will keep you safe from pathogens while showering and brushing your teeth, while the undersink water filter is ideal for drinking purposes. If you can afford a few extra bucks, opt for a reverse osmosis undersink filter.
Municipal Water
Assuming you live in an area with hard water, you’ll want to invest a water softening system, your appliances and your skin will thank you. They are relatively inexpensive considering how important the job is and how long it lasts.
Depending on how well your municipality treats water, you may or may not need additional water filtration solutions. A general rule of thumb is if your water has any kind of distinct smell or taste, you should get a whole house water filter to be on the safe side.
If your water tastes and smells neutral, but your water test shows total dissolved solids over 150ppm, then you may want to get an undersink water filter solely for drinking water.
What is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters is the most powerful type of water filtration available in the market; it’s capable of removing virtually 100% of all contaminants from water. In fact, it’s so effective at removing particles from water that you may have to think about adding vital minerals back into your water!
RO works by forcing water through an extremely thin membrane, which captures all contaminants. It also continuously flushes the membrane to prolong it’s life. Normally, for every 1 gallon of filtered water, 3 gallons are required to flush to membrane, making it somewhat wasteful.
