Which Water Filter Do I Need?

Start with your primary contaminant concern -- that single variable eliminates most options immediately.

By contaminant

Any NSF 53 carbon filter works. Renter? NSF 53 pitcher ($35-$50). Homeowner? Under-sink carbon block ($150-$250).

NSF P473 or reverse osmosis. Under-sink RO ($300-$449) is most reliable. Clearly Filtered pitcher ($80, P473) as budget option.

Carbon does not remove fluoride. RO (90-95% removal), bone char, or activated alumina. Add remineralization to keep minerals.

Any NSF 42 carbon filter. Cheapest pitcher available solves it.

Only RO covers metals, chemicals, fluoride, and PFAS. Under-sink 4-5 stage ($300-$449) with remineralization. $60-$120/year filters.

Renter, no plumbing: pitcher or countertop gravity-fed.

Renter, landlord approval: faucet-mount or simple under-sink. Usually reversible.

Homeowner: under-sink RO or whole-house. Professional install for whole-house.

Stop. Test your water first. Buying without knowing what you filter is guessing.

City water: check your CCR, then test at tap for lead and copper.

Well water: test bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals at minimum.