The countertop water filter faucet is called a “faucet-style hook-up.” It comes with a dispenser that sits right on the kitchen countertop next to sinks and a diverter valve or adapter that is attached directly to your existing kitchen tap or faucet.
Countertop water filter faucet comparison chart
How Countertop water filter faucet works
The countertop water filter faucet comes with a dispenser and a diverter valve or adapter. Inside the dispenser is where the filters are installed and are designed to sit on the kitchen countertop next to the sink.
The diverter valve or adapter connects directly to your existing kitchen tap and lets you easily switch between filtered and unfiltered water.
Water from the kitchen tap passes through the filters in the dispenser, removing all contaminants, and the adapter lets you easily select filtered or unfiltered water.
There is no need for an extra hole in your sink to enjoy filtered water; attach the diverter to the existing tap, and the countertop unit takes up a small space on your counter.
See our page about countertop water filter replacement cartridges to get the right replacement filter for your system.
Countertop faucet water filter system reviews
1. Watts 500315 countertop drinking water filter
Summary
- Filtration stage: 1-stage
- Filter duration: 3000 gallons
- Size: 16″ H x 6″ W x 4″ D.
- Impurities removed: chlorine tastes and odors, sediment, silt, sand, and rust.
With a high-quality coconut shell carbon filter, it reduces chlorine tastes and odors, sediment, silt, sand, and rust.
It is capable of being used at home, camping, and hiking.
It operates by the use of a diverter valve attached to the main sink faucet.
This filter design fits into a small area on the countertop.
The Watts countertop filter accepts all standard 10-inch replacement filter elements, or you can buy Watts MAXETW-975 10-Inch 5-Micron for Multi-Cartridge Whole House Water Filter with Solid Block Activated Carbon right from Amazon.
2. Aquasana AQ-4000W countertop water filter system
Summary
- Filtration stage: 3-stage
- Filter duration: 6 months or after 450 gallons.
- Size: 12 x 7 x 4 inches
- Impurities removed: chlorine, cysts, particulates, turbidity, asbestos, Cryptosporidium, mercury, lead, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and Giardia
This water filter is easier to install. You just attach a diverter to the existing tap and the countertop unit takes up a small space on the counter.
It filters water in three stages. This includes:
- combination of carbon filtration
- Activated carbon: Removes VOCs, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides, and MTBE.
- Catalytic carbon targets chlorine and chloramine.
- Ion-Exchange: Help filter heavy metals like lead and mercury.
- Absolute Sub-Micron Mechanical Filtration: Captures asbestos and chlorine-resistant cysts like cryptosporidium and giardia.
Aquasana twin cartridges use a combination of carbon filtration, sub-micron, and ion-exchange which reduces contaminants such as chlorine, cysts, particulates, turbidity, asbestos, Cryptosporidium, mercury, lead, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and Giardia
It is NSF certified and uses Selective Claryum filtration technology to remove harmful contaminants and preserve beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium for optimal hydration.
If you are in a rental house or you don’t need to install permanent water, a countertop water filter is a solution to your water problems.
The countertop water filter is affordable, doesn’t require professional experience to install, and filters out most of the most common contaminants in the water.
The Aquasana filter lasts for 6 months or 450 gallons. The Aquasana Replacement Filter Cartridges for Aquasana Countertop Water Filtration System is found in the Amazon store nearby.
Aquasana AQ-4000 Countertop Water Filter Installation
Brondell replacement filter
All Brondell filters are tested and certified by WQA (Water Quality Association)
Brondell H2O+ HF-25 Water Filter Replacement
This is the replacement filter for the Brondell Pearl H625 water filtration system.
It is an activated carbon filter that lasts for 6 months.
The filter is tested and certified by WQA (Water Quality Association).
Brondell H2O+ Cypress Composite Plus Water Filter (HF-31)
This is the first stage of the Brondell H2O+ Cypress (H630) 3-stage water filtration system.
The first stage is a pre-filter that removes particulates.
It lasts for 6 months.
Brondell H2O+ Cypress Nanotrap Water Filter (HF-32)
This is the second stage of the Brondell H2O+ Cypress (H630) 3-stage water filtration system that lasts for 12 months.
Brondell H2O+ Cypress Carbon Block Water Filter (HF-33)
This is the third stage of the Brondell H2O+ Cypress (H630) 3-stage water filtration system that lasts for 6 months.
5. Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2
Summary
- Filtration stage: 3-stage
- Filter duration: three months or 500 gallons
- Size: 12H x 4.5L x 4.5W
- Impurities removed: fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, sediments, and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
With three-stage filters, it removes contaminants such as fluoride, chlorine, and other chemicals that create a foul taste and odor in your tap water.
Filtration stage
- Activated alumina removes fluoride and arsenic.
- Coconut shell carbon: removes pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, VOCs, and other chemicals.
- Five-micron compression disks filter sediment down to 5 microns.
It is easy to install, and the installation is done with no tools.
Its compact design makes it portable; fits the most sink top and takes up minimal space.
The filter should be changed after every three months or 500 gallons and you can buy Home Master CFF2E-10 Jr F2 Elite Replacement Water Filter, Activated Alumina/GACC/KDF85 Fluoride Filter from Amazon.
8. iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System with Carbon Filter
The iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System includes a 5-micron, 10-inch carbon filter that removes chlorine, odors, sand, silt, sediment, rust, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals from your drinking water.
The filter is tested by an independent third party to meet NSF/ANSI standards. It is ideal for city water.
It has a see-through housing that allows you to see the filter and know when to change it.
Included in the pack are a standard 10-inch CTO cartridge, a plastic wrench, two faucet adapters, tubing, and an O-ring.
iSpring CKC1C uses CTO carbon block, making it ideal for city water. You can use DuPont whole house carbon or Simpure carbon filter.
iSpring CKC1C is available in two colors clear and white.
iSpring CKC2 Multi-Stage
This includes two different countertop water filtration dispenser systems.
It has two different forms of carbon filtration in a single system, using both activated carbon and carbon block filters.
The unit removes sediment and rust, chlorine taste and odor, and scale.
The multi-stage include
- 1st Stage: Sediment Filter: With a five-micron rating, it is effective for removing dirt, rust, sand particles, and other pollutants.
- 2nd Stage: GAC Carbon Filter: Adsorbs chlorine, halides, organic contaminants, odors, and other impurities that contribute to bad taste and odor.
- 3rd Stage: CTO Carbon Filter: Removes remaining chlorine, halide, organic contaminants, and odors.
Recommended to replace the filter every 6 months.
9. AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW Filtration System
The AmazonBasics AMZB-G30CW is a 5-stage water filtration system that helps reduce particulates, chlorine, and unpleasant odors.
It is available in two finishes: Black Finish and red finish.
The filter has a lifespan of 30,000 gallons. After the filter runs 30,000 gallons, you don’t replace it, but throw it away and buy a new one. It requires no replacement filter.
If your water has lead, you can add Amazon Basics AMZN-GMPB Guardian Max to your countertop system. This add-on filter helps remove lead.
This add-on water filter has a 1000-gallon lifespan. It has been tested and certified against NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53.
10. Ronaqua One-Stage Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System
Ronaqua One Stage includes a 10-inch 5-micron Block Activated Carbon Filter that helps remove sediment, scale, rust, dirt, coarse sand, fine sand, extra fine sand, and silt and removes chlorine, odors, particles, and tastes.
The 5-micron block carbon cartridge is wrapped and sealed and meets NSF Standards and Regulations.
Replace the filter two to three times a year (12,000 gallons), but this depends on water quality.
The Ronaqua countertop water filtration system is available in different stages
- Stage 1 includes a 5-micron carbon filter.
- Stage 2 includes a 5-micron sediment filter and a 5-micron carbon filter.
Ronaqua countertop water filtration system replacement filter
11. Ifilter Countertop Ultra Drinking Water Filter
Ifilter Countertop Ultra Drinking Water Filter utilizes a coconut shell carbon filter that removes contaminants down to 0.5 microns.
The system helps remove contaminants such as
- Heavy metals like lead and mercury
- Chlorine-resistant cysts like giardia and cryptosporidium
- Organic chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and VOCs
- Asbestos
- Chlordane
- MTBE
- PCB
- Radon
- Toxaphene
- Turbidity and many more.
It is made from NSF/ANSI-approved materials and is available in two colors: White and clear.
Replace your filter every 750 gallons or 6–12 months
Ifilter replacement filter- Ifilter Coconut Shell CTO, Cyst Carbon Block Drinking Water Filter, 2.5 x 10, 0.5 micron
Stainless steel countertop water filter faucet
- Lake Industries The Stainless Steel Countertop Water Purifier Filter
- CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System
- Coway Aquamega 100 Water Purifier, 15.8 x 5.1 x 12.1, Black/Silver
- ESOW Countertop Water Filter, 304 Stainless-Steel Drinking Water Purifier
- WaterChef C7000 Premium Countertop Water Filtration System with Intelligent Monitor (Black)
Read our article on Stainless steel countertop water filter
Alkaline Countertop Water Filter faucet
12. APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter (MR-1050)
Summary
- Filtration stage: 5-stage
- Filter duration: filters replaced after 750 gallons
- Size: 12H x 4.5L x 4.5W
- Impurities removed: heavy metals, chloramines, chlorine, odor, control microorganisms, calcium, magnesium, and potassium
filters water in the 5-stage water filtration system.
- Stage 1 KDF: This removes heavy metals, and chloramines, and controls microorganisms.
- Stage 2 Coconut Shell Activated Carbon: This removes chlorine and odors.
- Stage 3 Alkaline Beads remove impurities and hydrate your body while adding minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium that our body does not produce.
- Stage 4 Coconut Shell Activated Carbon: removes further chlorine and odor
- Stage 5 increases alkalinity and neutralizes water with calcite.
It is a slim, portable, easy-to-install, and compact design that will fit right on your kitchen counter.
Made in the USA, the Apex countertop filter meets all the strict guidelines of the National Safety Foundation (NSF) and FDA.
It accepts all 10-inch standard replacement filter elements, but you can buy an APEX RF-1050 Alkaline Filter Cartridge from Amazon.
Each filter can clean up to 750 gallons of water before a replacement filter is needed.
APEX EXPRT MR-2050 Quality Dual Countertop Drinking Water Filter
This is the Apex EXPRT MR-2050 5 stage.
The five stages include
- Stage 1: KDF 85 removes chloramines, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
- Stage 2: coconut shell activated carbon (removes chlorine and odor).
- Stage 3: alkaline beads: removes impurities and hydrates your body while adding minerals that our body does not produce, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Stage 4: Coconut shell-activated carbon removes chlorine and odor.
- Stage 5: Neutralize your water with calcite while increasing alkalinity.
This filter accepts all standard 10-inch replacement filter elements.
APEX EXPRT removes bad odors in your water, chloramine, benzene, radon, and heavy metals. It also helps prevent the buildup of microorganisms.
This filter will also add magnesium, potassium, and calcium, raising the alkalinity of your water.
APEX materials and components comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 42.
Each filter can filter up to 750 gallons of drinking water before a replacement filter is needed.
APEX EXPRT MR-2050 is available in different colors.
APEX EXPRT RF-2050 and RF-1010 countertop replacement cartridges 5 Micron Carbon Block and 5 Stage Mineral Filter-Best Alkaline Filtration System-for Healthier, Safer Purified Water
APEX Quality Countertop Drinking Water Filter (Apex Legend RF-1050)
Apex legend RF-1050 is available in different colors
Replacement filter Apex legend RF-1050
13. Waterdrop WD-CTF-01 Countertop Water Filter
Waterdrop WD-CTF-01 is a 5-stage Countertop Faucet Water Filter. It comes with 1 filter that includes 5 stages. The five stages include
- The activated carbon block reduces the chlorine taste and odor.
- KDF inhibits the growth of bacteria and microorganisms.
- The polyester membrane reduces large particles and sediment.
- Mineralization media-add beneficial minerals to your health, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Pp membrane –improves the water taste
Waterdrop WD-CFF-01 Replacement Filter
Read our article on the best countertop alkaline water filter
APEC water systems Countertop Water Filter system
14. APEC Water Systems CT-2000 Countertop Water Filter System
APEC Water Systems CT-2000 is a 4-in-1 ceramic filter that combines ceramic media, silver ion media, activated carbon block, and ion exchange media.
4-Stage Water Filtration Process:
- Stage 1: Sterasyl Ceramic reduces particulate matter, bacteria, cysts, and turbidity.
- Stage 2: Silver Ion Media gives enhanced bacteriostatic and self-sterilizing properties.
- Stage 3: Activated Carbon Block removes chlorine, bad tastes and odors, and organic compounds.
- Stage 4: Ion Exchange Resin reduces lead and other heavy metals.
It filters up to 1000 gallons.
The package includes a Certified Filter Housing with 1/4″ Inlet and Outlet, Ceramic Filter Cartridge, Diverter Valve, and Tubing.
APEC Water Systems CT-2000 Replacement Filter
APEC Water Systems CT-2000 Countertop Drinking Water Filter System Replacement Filter (FI-CERAMI)
The APEC Water Systems CT-2000 replacement filter is a 3-in-1 filter that includes ceramic activated carbon and an ion exchange filter.
The Multi-stage filter helps remove bacteria, chlorine, lead, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and cysts.
The ceramic filter is silver-impregnated and inhibits bacterial growth.
It is certified to NSF 42 and 53 standards for contaminant reduction.
This filter is designed to fit a 10-inch standard housing and treats up to 2000 gallons.
APEC Water Systems CT-1000 Countertop Water Filter System, White
It filters up to 6000 gallons.
Our 7 top picks for 2023
- Best alkaline: Waterdrop WD-CTF-01 Countertop Water Filter
- Best pick: APEX Countertop Drinking Water Filter
- Second pick: Aquasana AQ-4000W Countertop Water Filter System
- Best stainless: CleanWater4Less® Countertop Water Filtration System
- Best plastic: Ecosoft Countertop Water Filter System for Faucet Mount with Extra Filtration Cartridge
- See-through housing: iSpring CKC1C Countertop Drinking Water Filtration System with Carbon Filter
- 10 stages remove more contaminants: New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Plus Water Filter System
- Good choice too: Ifilter Countertop Ultra Drinking Water Filter
How to install most countertop water filter faucets
- Remove the aerator from the existing faucet.
- Install diverter.
- Switch the diverter to allow water to pass through the filter.
