The 8 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems of 2021

Best Overall: APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System

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The APEC ROES-50 is a great option for improving tap water quality. This five-stage reverse osmosis system removes up to 99 percent of the most common contaminants found in tap water, including lead, chlorine, bacteria, copper, fluoride, and iron. The filtration system includes double carbon blocks for enhanced performance. Take note that there is no remineralization filter, so the water may taste "flat" compared to untreated drinking water. 

This reverse osmosis system is most often used under kitchen sinks to provide filtered water for drinking and cooking. The output is 50 GPD, which is suitable for average household needs of three to four people. The APEC ROES-50 includes a 4-gallon storage tank, faucet dispenser, along with the filter set, necessary tubing, and an installation kit. Filter life is six to 12 months for stage one to three filters, and two to four years for the reverse osmosis membrane and carbon filter. 

Best Tankless: Waterdrop D6 RO Water Filtration System

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A tankless reverse osmosis system saves space under the sink, produces less waste water, and increases the system’s capacity to produce purified water. The Waterdrop D6 RO Water Filtration System is a great option if you’re looking to do all of that and enjoy easy maintenance of the system. Plus, it includes a smart faucet dispenser that provides real-time insights on water quality based on TDS. 

This option for a tankless reverse osmosis system measures about 16 x 6 x 12 inches, leaving room under most sinks for cleaning supplies and storage. It installs in less than 30 minutes according to the manufacturer and annual filter changes are super simple, thanks to the design of the five-in-one composite filter. Rated for 600 GPD, the Waterdrop D6 supplies even large families with fresh, purified water. It also does so with less water waste; the ratio is 1.5:1 for purified water to waste water. 

Best Under Sink: Home Master Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System with Permeate Pump TMAFC-ERP

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Under sink reverse osmosis systems are the most popular type, since the majority of the system—filter housing, storage tank, and plumbing tubes—is tucked away and out of view. Since purified water that has been stripped of natural minerals is stored in the holding tank, the slightly acidic water can cause holding tank degradation over time. However, the Home Master Artesian Reverse Osmosis System solves this dilemma by using a full contact system. This type of reverse osmosis system adds beneficial minerals to the water twice—once before it enters storage tank to avoid tank degradation and once before dispensing to ensure excellent taste and proper pH. 

Another notable feature of this under sink reverse osmosis system is Home Master’s easy-change filter cartridges. The canister and filter media are integrated into a single unit that you replace when its time for a filter change. This means no tools are needed and you’ll never worry about the filter housing cracking or becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. The trade-off is that a lack of housing means the modular filters and tubes are exposed under the sink, rather than being tucked into a sleek housing unit like some other under the sink reverse osmosis systems.

Best Countertop: AquaTru Countertop Water Filtration Purification System

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For a reverse osmosis system with no plumbing or installation requirements, check out a countertop purification system. AquaTru is a popular choice for renters or if you want to purify water without taking up space under the sink. The 18 x 18 x 15 inch unit sits on the counter and plugs into a standard household outlet. There are three cartridges that house the sediment, carbon, and reverse osmosis filters. Filter life is expected to last for 600 to 1,200 gallons of purified water, so your replacement schedule will depend on frequency of filtration. 

To use this countertop reverse osmosis system, you fill the tap water tank (1-gallon capacity), wait for the water to pass through all four stages of filtration, then dispense purified water from the clean water tank. For every 1 gallon of tap water, the AquaTrue produces about 3 liters of purified water. The entire process only takes a few minutes, so you can either leave the water in the dispensing tank or transfer it to a pitcher or other storage tank in the refrigerator. 

Best with Remineralization: iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

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Since a reverse osmosis membrane removes particles down to 0.0001 microns in size, purifying water in this way removes bacteria, sediment, VOCs, and other contaminants. However, it also removes minerals and alters the pH of the water. So if you’re looking for that familiar "hard water" taste, then choose a reverse osmosis system with a remineralization filter, like the highly-rated iSpring RCC7AK. 

This is a six-stage filtration system, with the final step being an alkaline remineralization filter. Instead of the slightly acidic water that results from standard five-step reverse osmosis systems, the last stage of the iSpring RCC7AK. Filters for stages one through three, along with the alkalinity filter, will need to be changed about twice a year. The reverse osmosis membrane will last two to three years before needing replacement, and the post carbon filter needs replacement annually. 

Best High End: Brio G20-U Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

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Filter your water two ways with this high-end reverse osmosis system from Brio. This slim, tankless RO filtration solution provides purified water for drinking or cooking, along with filtered water for general household tasks—like washing dishes. The result is longer filter life, since you’ll only treat water with advanced filtration methods when you want it. The included faucet dispenser features two handles; use one to send water through a general two-stage filter cartridge, and the other to start the flow of purified water through the more advanced five-stage reverse osmosis filter cartridge.

In addition, this advanced reverse osmosis system has an impressive 2:1 ratio of purified to waste water, especially when compared to some RO systems that produce 3 gallons of waste water for every 1 gallon of purified water. While the Brio Reverse Osmosis Filtration System might feel like a splurge, the extra expense is minimized when you consider longer filter life, less water waste, and the savings you might see if you stop buying bottled water. 

Best for Well Water: HomeMaster TMHP HydroPerfection Reverse Osmosis System

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Well water presents additional water purification concerns, including eliminating the presence of microorganisms like coliform bacteria or eradicating heavy metals such as iron. For this reason, you’ll want to choose a reverse osmosis system with advanced stages of water filtration. We’d also recommend a model with a UV light, since it’s a proven method of destroying viruses, bacteria, and fungi. 

The HomeMaster HydroPerfection is well-equipped as a reverse osmosis system for well water. It features nine stages of filtration, including reverse osmosis, sediment and catalytic carbon filtration. A UV light chamber sterilizes 99.99 percent of microorganisms and is the last step of the purification process. In addition, the system is equipped with a permeate pump which boosts clean water pressure and reduces waste water. 

There are five filter cartridges to replace on an annual basis (or every 2,000 gallons), along with the UV bulb. Like other HomeMaster filtration cartridges, these are all-in-one units that don’t require you to open the housing or use any tools for replacement. Discard the old filter cartridge and insert a new one with minimal effort. There’s also no opportunity for biofilm or bacteria to build up inside the filter housing.