Water Purification Systems: Everything You Need To Know

Comparison Table

Best Water Purification Systems

water purification systems

Let’s face it: there’s a lot of known toxins in many of our water systems. Between heavy metals, diseases and dirt, any number of contaminants could be in your water. Thankfully, most cities have already cleaned a great deal of them before the water ever reaches your sink. However, if you are concerned with the quality of your water, particularly if you live in the country without the help of city purifiers, then a water purification system can be exactly what you need. These water purification systems can give you the peace of mind and quality of water that you’ve wanted, hopefully at an affordable price. This guide will show you the best household water purifiers, as well as briefly discuss some of the pros and cons of each system.

What Is a Water Purifier?

Water purification is a process that eliminates different toxins and contaminants in water. Although there are several different ways to achieve this, water purifiers usually remove around 90-99 percent of contaminants in water. This is critical if there are any toxins in your water. It’s also handy if you have water with lots of minerals or other substances that you wish to remove. There are several in-home versions, so this isn’t something that has to be done on a large scale or in a factory setting.

Water Purifier or Water Filter?

What’s the difference between a water purifier and a water filter? They have roughly the same goal in mind but use different ways to achieve it at different levels of success. Water purifiers attempt to remove as much as possible to give you the purest water. Good systems will remove up to 99 percent of all contaminants in your water. This is great if you want the purest water possible.
Water filters use a slightly different process but remove far less from your water. A water filter uses activated carbon or other material to strain the substances out of your water. It’s a cheaper, more portable system, but lacks the power of a water purifier. If you want to improve the taste and smell of your water, a water filter may be enough. However, if you have concerns about the safety of your water, or wish to drink pure water, you’ll want to invest in a water purification system.

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

While there are several other ways to purify water, this list focuses on these two variations of water purification systems. Reverse osmosis works like a filter. It uses low pressure to move water through a membrane in order to remove most of the contaminants. It’s a great way to remove up to 99 percent of the toxins in your water, but it also requires filters to be replaced at least every two years, depending on use. All of the filters on this list are designed to be very easy to remove and replace. However, they can also be quite expensive, so consider the amount of water you need and be prepared to buy filters early. An old filter severely limits the amount of toxins that are removed, which dramatically decreases the purity of your drinking water.

Does Water Ionization Work?

Some of the more popular water purifications are water ionizers. These systems use electrolysis to create alkaline water. The systems claim that this is a more pure and healthy water, and it gives you the valuable antioxidants you need. In theory, there are some questionable claims to these systems. They have lots of satisfied customers but little scientifically proven results. If you are looking for a purifier to give you cleaner tasting and more enjoyable water, these systems may be a great choice for you. However, it is not proven that a water ionizer can purify your water, so don’t use them as a way to remove harmful toxins from your drinking water.

How We Chose Our Ratings

Each purification system was researched in-depth to provide an accurate picture of the current market. The systems were rated out of five stars. Each rating includes a number of factors, such as professional reviews, customer opinions, affordability and quality of the purification system. At the end, the buyer’s guide will help you determine which of the top-rated brands are right for you and your household needs. Whether you need pure or great-tasting water, this list has an option for you.

Best Water Purification Systems

APEC 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis


APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter…

  • Supreme quality – designed, engineered, and assembled in USA to…
  • Only technology to remove up to 99% of contaminants including arsenic,…
  • Premium long-lasting filters used to treat tap water, well water….

A leading company with a high-end filtration system, the five-stage reverse osmosis system removes 99 percent of all contaminants in your water. This system uses high-quality filters and multiple stages to create very pure drinking water. It takes some setup, but there are lots of guides and instructions included to install yourself. This system comes with a two-year warranty and includes a new faucet for your drinking water. At $184.95, it’s less expensive than some of the other purifiers. If you want a long lasting and affordable filter, and don’t mind some DIY work, this is a great system. 

It receives 4.7 out of 5 stars.


EDEN 5-Stage Alkaline Reverse Osmosis Water System – Removes…

  • 100 gallon per day TFC Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane
  • Automatic Shut-Off Valve and NSF listed 3.2 gallon storage tank
  • Chrome finish Upgraded Faucet included with its mounting hardware. Non…

Another great reverse osmosis option, this slightly more affordable model uses the same technology to provide excellent water at a good price. This model is only rated to 95 percent and only has a one-year warranty. However, the materials used are nearly identical, and it is a high-quality filter for only $169.00. This system has an auto shut-off valve, which helps reduce unnecessary water use. It also comes with detailed instructions and a new water spout, and there are lots of videos on EDEN’s website to guide you through the process. 

For a good, budget-friendly option, this receives 4.5 out of 5 stars.


If you want a powerful purifier and additional antioxidants in your water, this machine is an excellent choice. An ionizer purifies your water but also uses electrical AC and DC currents to provide H2 antioxidants. It includes five alkaline settings and cleans itself. The warranty is one year, but if you register your ionizer your warranty increases to five years. However, this costly machine will set you back $2,395.00. Be sure to thoroughly research free radicals and ionization. While it is healthy to drink alkaline water, you still need water with the correct mineral content. You should also monitor the alkaline levels of your water and your body to be sure you are using the correct setting. If you understand the process and are looking for a high-end ionizer, this is a great choice. Otherwise, it may be too expensive and have too many options for your purified water needs. 

It receives a 4.0 out of 5 stars.


AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration Purification System with…

  • IS YOUR WATER SAFE TO DRINK? Studies continue to pour in regarding…
  • CERTIFIED to NSF Standards by IAMPO to remove 15X more contaminants…
  • NO PLUMBING OR INSTALLATION required – takes less than 3 minutes to…

If you want the benefits of reverse osmosis water but don’t have the time or energy to install an under-the-sink model, try this easy-to-use countertop design. This mid-priced model uses a four-stage system to remove 96-99 percent of all contaminants, depending on which toxins you are looking to remove. It is a bit tricky to set up exactly right, but it is much easier than installing a full under-the-sink unit. The filters on the side are easy to replace and can last for up to two years. There’s also a display that will alert you when you need to change a filter. The convenient button on the front is great for filling a glass, but you can’t use a pitcher or larger container easily. Customers enjoy the ease of installation and taste of this highly filtered water. It’s a great option if you don’t have room for a sink installation system. However, it is more expensive than most under-the-sink models. 

This system earns 4.5 out of 5 stars.


Kenmore Osmosis System Pre/post Filt

  • Easy twist and pull design requires no wrenches
  • Filters should be replaced every 6 months or when system monitor…
  • Kenmore 38056 Pre Post Filters for Reverse Osmosis System

This under-the-counter model uses three stages to provide reasonably pure water for home use. While it isn’t as pure as some other reverse osmosis systems, it is still far more effective than a filter-only model. This unit comes with a 4-gallon storage tank, so you won’t easily run out of purified water. The filters are easy to change, and it comes with a new spout for your drinking water. At $169.99, it’s one of the more affordable options available. Some customers felt the additional filters were expensive, but many liked how easy it is to use and the size of the storage tank. 

Overall, it receives 4.3 out of 5 stars.


Aqua Ionizer Deluxe 9.0 Aqua-Ionizer Pro Alkaline Water Ionizer…

  • HAPPY, HEALTHY & HYDRATED: Alkaline Water may help detoxify the body,…
  • MORE THAN DRINKING WATER: 7 water settings allow you to adjust the…
  • FILTRATION AT ITS FINEST: Advanced filtration technology purifies &…

Another ionization option, the Air Water Life unit comes at a much more reasonable $1,295.00. It includes a full seven levels of alkalinity and an easy to read display that clearly explains what each level is best used for. It has many of the same features as the AlkaViva model, including a self-cleaning capability. If you need water between pH3 and 11.5, this is one of the more versatile units available for countertop use. However, if you aren’t sure about ionizing water, this is much more expensive than a reverse osmosis system. 

For its unique capabilities and versatile features, this model receives 4.6 out of 5 stars.


Olympia Water Systems OROS-80 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration…

  • Complete system certified and tested by NSF International
  • 5-Stages of filters purify tap water and well water to provide clean,…
  • 80 Gallons Per Day (GPD) reverse osmosis membrane

 

The most cost-effective model on this list, the $135.79 model features five stages of filtration and a 50-gallon-per-day membrane. The tank can store up to 3.2 gallons, and the filters are reasonably easy to replace. It comes with a one-year warranty and is easy to install if you have some DIY skills. If you are unsure about installation, there are manuals and videos available. It has a great filtration rating, removing anywhere from 93 to 99 percent of all toxins and contaminants. It’s perfect for a budget option that doesn’t sacrifice quality for affordability. 

If you are able to install it yourself, it’s the cheapest option for high-level purification. It earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Buyer’s Guide

Now that you’ve looked at the list of best water purification systems currently available for home use, take a look at these different features. Carefully consider which one is most important for you and your household needs. There are several reasons to look for a water purification system, and each system covers those needs in a slightly different way. Some models are more effective than others but require installation. Others provide adequate purification and don’t need any installation. Here are some key areas to consider before purchasing your water purifier.

Under-the-Counter or Countertop?

Cost

Pure or Pure Tasting?

Each of these systems have their pros and cons. Determine your water needs, and carefully look through this list to find the best choice for you. Whether you are looking for healthy-tasting water or chemically pure water, there is a great water purification system for you on this list.

Hi I'm Jamie, teacher and owner/chief contributor at waterfilteranswers.com. We strive to bring you the most informative water filter reviews in the most intuitive and user friendly way. Besides offering advice on the water filter to suit your needs, we also post topical articles on water pollution and the environment. Stay connected and follow us on, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and more!

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