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Expert-recommended filtration systems to remove lead, PFAS, chlorine, and other contaminants from your tap water. All recommendations are NSF-certified and independently tested.
You need serious filtration. A reverse osmosis system removes 99% of these dangerous contaminants.
APEC RO System ~$200An under-sink system handles 365+ contaminants. Great for cities with below-average water quality.
Clearly Filtered ~$250A quality pitcher filter improves taste and removes chlorine, copper, and basic contaminants.
Brita UltraMax ~$35We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Based on our analysis of water quality data from thousands of US cities, we've identified the most common contaminants and selected the best filtration systems to address them. Whether your water has lead, PFAS, chlorine, or other issues, we have a recommendation that fits your needs and budget.
| Product | Type | Best For | Removes | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEC Water Systems RO-90OUR TOP PICK | Reverse Osmosis | Lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrates | 99% of contaminants, TDS, heavy metals | ~$200 | ★★★★★4.7 | Buy on Amazon |
| Clearly Filtered 3-StageBEST UNDER-SINK | Under-Sink | Comprehensive protection | 365+ contaminants, lead, PFAS, fluoride | ~$250 | ★★★★★4.6 | Buy on Amazon |
| Aquasana Rhino Whole House | Whole House | Complete home protection | Chlorine, lead, mercury, VOCs | $625-850 | ★★★★★4.7 | View on Amazon |
| Big Berkey Gravity-Fed | Countertop | No plumbing, portable | Bacteria, parasites, heavy metals | $289-398 | ★★★★★4.8 | View on Amazon |
| Brita UltraMax DispenserBEST BUDGET | Pitcher/Dispenser | Budget-friendly basics | Chlorine, copper, mercury, cadmium | ~$35 | ★★★★☆4.5 | Buy on Amazon |
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Different filters remove different contaminants. Use this guide to find the right filter based on what's in your water.Check your city's water quality report first.
No safe level of lead. Requires NSF 53 certified filter. Reverse osmosis is most effective, removing 99%+ of lead.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →PFAS accumulate in the body over time. Requires reverse osmosis or activated carbon specifically rated for PFAS.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) → or Clearly Filtered (~$250) →Linked to multiple cancers. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for arsenic removal from drinking water.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →Most common water complaint. Even a basic carbon filter removes 95%+ of chlorine and dramatically improves taste.
Recommended:
Brita UltraMax (~$35) →Dangerous for infants. Boiling does NOT remove nitrates. Requires reverse osmosis or distillation.
Recommended:
APEC RO System (~$200) →For broad-spectrum protection, an under-sink multi-stage filter covers the widest range of contaminants.
Recommended:
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage (~$250) →Best for: Lead, PFAS, Arsenic, Nitrates — Maximum Contaminant Removal
The APEC RO-90 is our top recommendation for anyone with serious contaminant concerns. This 5-stage reverse osmosis system removes up to 99% of contaminants including lead, arsenic, PFAS, fluoride, chromium, nitrates, and over 1,000 other pollutants. Made in the USA with premium long-lasting filters, it delivers bottled-quality water straight from your tap.
Price: ~$200 |Installation: Under-sink, DIY-friendly |Filter Cost: ~$40/year
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Comprehensive Multi-Contaminant Protection
The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage system is independently tested to remove 365+ contaminants, including lead, PFAS, fluoride, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and more. Its unique Affinity Filtration Technology targets contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals. Installs easily under your kitchen sink.
Price: ~$250 |Installation: Under-sink, DIY |Filter Cost: ~$70 per replacement
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Complete Home Protection at Every Faucet
The Aquasana Rhino filters water at every faucet, shower, and appliance in your home, removing 99% of contaminants including chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and VOCs. With a 1,000,000 gallon capacity and 10-year warranty, it's the best long-term investment for whole-house water quality.
Price: $625-850 |Installation: Professional recommended |Filter Cost: ~$50/year
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: No Plumbing Required, Portable
No plumbing required. Pour water in the top and gravity does the work. Perfect for renters, RVs, or homes where under-sink filtration isn't practical. Removes 99.9% of bacteria and parasites along with heavy metals and chlorine.
Price: $289-398 |Installation: None needed |Filter Cost: ~$50/year
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: Budget-Friendly Everyday Filtration
The most affordable way to improve your tap water quality. The Brita UltraMax holds 18 cups of water, fits easily in your refrigerator, and uses long-lasting filters. While not as comprehensive as RO or under-sink systems, it's perfect for removing chlorine taste, improving water flavor, and basic contaminant reduction.
Price: ~$35 |Installation: None |Filter Cost: ~$7/filter (every 2 months)
Check Price on Amazon →Visit your city's water quality page on our site to see what contaminants are present in your tap water. This will help you choose a filter that targets your specific concerns.
If you have lead or PFAS, you need reverse osmosis or a certified under-sink system. For chlorine and taste, a basic pitcher filter works well. Check the matching guide above.
NSF International independently tests and certifies water filters. Look for NSF/ANSI 42 (taste/odor), 53 (health contaminants like lead), and 58 (reverse osmosis) certifications.
Factor in replacement filters. A $35 Brita costs ~$42/year in filters. A $200 RO system costs ~$40/year. Our filter cost calculator can help.
Get a certified lab test of your home's tap water. Tap Score tests for 100+ contaminants and provides detailed, easy-to-understand results with personalized recommendations.
See what's in your tap water and get personalized filter recommendations based on your local water quality data.
Check Your Water Quality →US Water Grade is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us maintain our free water quality database covering thousands of US cities. Our recommendations are based on our independent analysis of water quality data and filter certifications. We only recommend products we believe provide genuine value to our readers. Product prices are approximate and may vary. See our editorial guidelines for more information.