Water’s obviously essential, but let’s be real—not all tap water tastes great, and some of it isn’t as clean as you’d hope. A water filter can help by pulling out stuff like chlorine, sediments, and sometimes even chemicals or bacteria you really don’t want to drink.
With a filter, you get better-tasting, safer water for everything—drinking, cooking, making coffee, whatever you like. That’s a win in my book.
You’ll find tons of filter types out there: pitcher filters, faucet-mounted, under-sink—each one’s got its quirks. Pitcher filters? Super easy and you can move them around. Under-sink ones clean more thoroughly but, yeah, you have to install them.
Think about what you actually want filtered out, how long the filter lasts, and how easy it is to use. Some filters target specific contaminants, so check that. Also, how often do you want to buy replacement filters? And how much water do you go through anyway?
We sifted through a bunch of options to find filters that make water taste good and don’t make life complicated.
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
Best Water Filters
We pulled together some of the best water filters out there to help you get clean, safe water. There’s a mix here—different types, different price points.
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
Amazon Basics Water Filter
If you’re running a Brita-style pitcher, these filters are a solid, no-fuss swap. They’re affordable and get the job done.
Pros
- Snaps into most Brita pitchers
- Knocks out chlorine and weird tastes
- Cheaper than the big-name filters
Cons
- Lasts about two months
- Won’t fit Brita Stream models
- Needs a rinse before first use
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
We tossed the Amazon Basics filter into our Brita pitcher and honestly, it worked well. The tap water tasted a lot better—less chlorine, just fresher overall.
Setup was easy, though you do need to rinse it a few times first. We got about two months out of each filter, which matched how often we go through a pitcher.
It’s nice not buying bottled water and cutting down on plastic. The flow rate stayed steady, so we never had to stand around waiting.
Just a heads-up: don’t try to use this with a Brita Stream, and you’ll have to swap it out every couple months. Still, for the price, it’s hard to complain.
LG LT1000P2 Water Filter
This LG filter keeps fridge water tasting clean and is easy to swap in.
Pros
- Installs fast, no leaks
- Noticeably better water taste
- Certified to reduce a bunch of contaminants
Cons
- Sometimes tough to twist in
- Costs more than some alternatives
- Lasts about six months
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
[Buy on Amazon]
We popped this filter into our LG fridge and the difference was clear right away. Water tasted fresher, no weird aftertaste.
The install was simple—just twist and lock. No leaks, no tools. It also cut down on chlorine taste better than other filters we tried.
It fit perfectly, felt sturdy, and swapping it only took a few minutes. One thing that bugged us: sometimes it’s a bit stiff when you screw it in.
It’s not the cheapest, but with the NSF certification and the improvement in taste, we felt it was worth it.
GE RPWFE Water Filter
If you’ve got a GE French-door fridge, this filter slots right in and gives you fresh water with minimal effort.
Pros
- Fits GE fridges perfectly
- Removes lead, some meds, and more
- Easy to swap—no tools or water shutoff needed
Cons
- You need to flush the first 20 oz to clear charcoal bits
- Needs replacing every six months
- Only works with certain GE models
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
We slid this filter into the fridge and it just worked—no extra plumbing or drama. Water tasted cleaner, and odors faded away, which made grabbing a glass way more appealing.
The flow stayed strong for months, but we stuck to swapping it every six months to keep things working right. We liked how it handled lead, chlorine-resistant cysts, and even some pharmaceuticals.
Don’t forget to flush out the first bit of water after installing—otherwise you’ll get some charcoal bits. If you’ve got a compatible GE fridge, this one’s reliable.
Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher
This little pitcher is perfect if you want better water but don’t have much space or patience for plastic bottles.
Pros
- Fits easily in the fridge
- SmartLight helps you track filter changes
- Cuts chlorine taste and heavy metals
Cons
- Small, so you’ll refill a lot if you drink tons of water
- Filter might wear out faster with hard water
- Pouring can be slow or awkward at first
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
We used this Brita pitcher every day and the water tasted way fresher. Chlorine smell was gone, and it just felt smoother.
The SmartLight was actually helpful—no guessing when to change the filter. At 6 cups, it fits nicely in the fridge, which is great for small kitchens.
Filling it is easy, the lid locks down tight, and it didn’t spill. Pouring is a little slow, but not a dealbreaker.
If your water’s really hard, you’ll probably need to change the filter more often than two months. Still, it saves money and keeps you from buying plastic bottles.
EveryDrop by Whirlpool Fridge Water Filter 4
This filter makes fridge water taste better and safer—my family noticed the difference.
Pros
- Removes 99% of lead and lots of other stuff
- Installs with a quick twist
- Fits many Whirlpool and related fridges
Cons
- Needs changing every six months
- Only fits certain models, so double-check
- Using off-brand filters might void your warranty
To check the product and buy on Amazon, just click on the photo or the title of the product.
We installed it without any tools, which was a relief. The water flavor improved a lot—no more weird aftertaste.
Regular replacement every six months kept our water fresh, and it never felt like a chore. Just make sure you get the right model number.
If you try using non-Whirlpool filters, you could run into warranty problems, so we stuck with EveryDrop. It’s reliable and does what it promises.
Brita UltraMax Water Dispenser
If you want a big, simple filter for the fridge, the Brita UltraMax is worth a look.
Pros
- Holds a lot—fewer trips to refill
- Cuts chlorine and some metals
- Spigot is easy, filter change alert is helpful
Cons
- Takes up a lot of fridge space
- Needs a new filter every two months
- Plastic body feels a bit flimsy
Click on the photo or the title to check the product and buy on Amazon.
We liked how the UltraMax holds 27 cups—seriously, you fill it way less often. The lid locks on tight, so no spills or funky fridge smells.
With the filter, the water tasted much better. Chlorine flavor vanished, and even that weird metallic taste from tap water disappeared.
The spout pours smoothly, which is nice because nobody likes drips all over the counter. The downside? It hogs fridge space, and the plastic isn’t super sturdy, so don’t be rough with it.
Swap out the filter every two months, or the taste gets dull. For a big family or anyone who drinks a lot of water, it’s a fridge-friendly solution that just works.
Brita UltraMax Water Dispenser
The Brita UltraMax dispenser is perfect if you want easy access to filtered water and solid contaminant removal.
Pros
- Holds a lot of water, so you refill less
- Improves taste by cutting chlorine and odors
- Fridge-friendly design fits in smaller spaces
Cons
- Sometimes the filter comes loose while using it
- Not big enough for large families
- Filter replacement timing isn’t always clear
We really like the 27-cup capacity. It means fewer trips to the sink, and it fits in the fridge without hogging all the space.
The water tastes fresher and cleaner, especially if you’re picky about tap water’s aftertaste.
The Elite filter removes lead and mercury, which is a relief. We honestly noticed a big difference in taste compared to regular tap water.
Setup is simple, and the electronic indicator gives a nudge when it’s time to change the filter.
Occasionally, the filter holder needs a quick adjustment to prevent leaks. While it holds plenty for a couple or single person, it might fall short for a big household.
To check the product or buy it on Amazon, just click the photo or the product title.
Amazon Basics 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
This pitcher is a good pick if you want a big, reliable water filter that fits in your fridge and gives you clean water every day.
Pros
- Holds enough water for bottles or cups
- No leaks thanks to a secure lid
- Compatible with Brita filters, so replacements are easy
Cons
- Filter needs changing about every two months
- Plastic feels a bit lightweight
- Lid can be tricky to snap on at first
If you need a simple pitcher for home or a dorm, this one works well. The 10-cup size means you won’t be refilling constantly.
It fits in most fridge doors without a problem.
Filtered water tastes better, cutting down on chlorine and other chemicals. The electronic memo on the lid is handy for remembering filter changes.
Some parts feel less sturdy than metal pitchers, but overall, it’s reliable. Leak protection is solid—no spills when pouring, which is honestly a relief.
To check the product or buy on Amazon, just click the photo or the product title.
EveryDrop Fridge Water Filter
This filter gives you clean, fresh-tasting water and ice with a super easy install. It’s a top pick for Whirlpool fridge owners.
Pros
- Fits perfectly in several major fridge brands
- Removes lead and lots of other contaminants
- Simple to install and replace every 6 months
Cons
- Filter price feels a bit high
- Water flow slows as the filter ages
- Only works with genuine EveryDrop filters
Just click the photo or product title to check it out or buy on Amazon.
We popped the EveryDrop filter into our fridge with no trouble at all. It fits right in and instantly made our water taste better.
No strange smells or flavors—just fresh, clean water and ice.
As the filter gets older, the water flow slows down, which is a pretty clear sign it’s time to swap it out. We stick to the six-month schedule for the best results.
It’s not the cheapest filter out there, but the convenience and quality feel worth it. Sticking with genuine filters gives us some peace of mind about our fridge and water.
ZeroWater 5-Stage Replacement Water Filter
If you want cleaner, better-tasting water at home, these filters work wonders for removing almost everything that affects taste and safety.
Pros
- Filters out nearly all dissolved solids
- Certified to reduce lead, mercury, and PFOA/PFOS
- Lasts longer than a lot of other filters
Cons
- Filter life depends on your local water quality
- Filters water more slowly than some simpler models
- Costs more than basic carbon filters
We noticed the water tastes super fresh after using these filters. The five-stage process really helps, especially if your tap water has a lot of minerals or chemicals.
It’s nice knowing it cuts down on heavy metals too.
Sometimes the filtering takes a bit longer, especially if your water’s got more stuff in it. Honestly, that feels like a fair trade for cleaner water.
The filter doesn’t always last the full 15 gallons—it really depends on what’s in your water.
If you’re tired of plastic bottles and want safer drinking water, this is a great pick. It’s easy to swap out and fits several ZeroWater pitchers we’ve tried.
To check the product or buy on Amazon, just click the photo or title.
Buying Guide
When we pick a water filter, we first think about what kind of water we’re dealing with. Some filters target chemicals, while others focus on dirt or taste.
Figuring out the main problem helps us narrow things down.
We also look at the filter type. The usual options:
- Carbon filters: Tackle bad taste and chemicals
- Reverse osmosis: Remove tons of impurities but use more water
- UV filters: Kill bacteria and viruses
Next up is filter capacity—how much water a filter can handle before you need to swap it out. Higher capacity means fewer replacements and can save you a bit of cash.
Ease of installation matters too. Some filters, like pitchers or faucet models, are a breeze to set up, while others might need a plumber.
Here’s a quick table to compare key features:
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | Matches your water issue | Ensures effective cleaning |
| Filter Capacity | High capacity is better | Saves money and time |
| Installation | Easy to install or professional | Fits your comfort and skills |
| Maintenance | Frequency of filter changes | Affects cost and convenience |
| Certification | Look for NSF or similar | Shows filter is tested and trusted |
It’s smart to factor in price and filter lifespan. Sometimes a cheap filter ends up costing more if you’re replacing it all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
We all wonder which filters actually make water taste better, how often to swap cartridges, and whether certain filters remove harmful metals. The right pitcher or countertop system makes a difference, especially for well water or easy setups.
What are the best water filters for improving drinking water taste?
Filters with activated carbon usually help the most by removing chlorine and odors. Brita and PUR are popular, affordable picks.
How often should I replace my home water filter system cartridges?
Most cartridges need changing every 3 to 6 months. Always check your filter’s instructions, since usage and water quality can change things.
Can a water filter for the sink remove lead and other heavy metals?
Some filters use special cartridges to reduce lead and metals. Look for models certified for heavy metal removal for better safety.
What should I look for when choosing a water filter pitcher?
Go for a pitcher with a carbon filter that matches your family’s size and drinking habits. Filtering speed and ease of use matter, too.
Is a Brita water filter effective enough for well water?
Brita can help with taste, but it might not catch all contaminants in well water. For safety, a more advanced filter is probably a better call.
Which countertop water filters are easiest to install and maintain?
You’ll find that countertop systems like the APEC or AquaTru, which hook right up to your faucet, are a breeze to set up. Just look for models with straightforward instructions and easy-to-swap parts—trust me, it makes life easier.