Top 8 Water Purifiers to Buy in 2025: Expert Buying Guide

Clean drinking water is essential for health and well-being. With numerous water purifiers available in the market, selecting the best one can be challenging. Contaminants such as bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and even microplastics can lurk in your tap water, posing a potential threat to your health. The solution? Investing in a top-notch water purifier that can turn your regular tap water into a crystal-clear and pure liquid. This guide explores the top 8 water purifiers for 2025, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and real-world testing scenarios to help you make an informed choice.

Top 8 Water Purifiers for 2025

1. ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher

It scored at the top for contaminant removal and taste and is relatively inexpensive to operate. The ZeroWater 10-Cup 5-Stage Pitcher scored well for both taste and contaminant removal. The filter is uniquely certified to remove PFOAS, a chemical used to manufacture water and stain-resistant fabrics and nonstick cookware. A 2023 EPA study estimated at least 42% of United States tap water sources contain this chemical. The ZeroWater removed 100% of chlorine, fluoride, lead, copper, and sulfate. It also removed 99.46% (626.6 of 630 mg/l) of iron. The impressive filter brought the 3004.2 mg/l sample to a mere and potable 3.4 mg/l of water. The ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher comes with a TDS meter, which allows you to assess the quality of water pre- and post-filtration.

• Pros: Excellent contaminant removal, certified for PFAS, includes TDS meter.
• Cons: Slower filtration rate, frequent filter replacements needed.
• Test Scenario: In side-by-side tests, it reduced a 3004.2 mg/l sample to 3.4 mg/l, removing 100% of lead and copper.

Buy on Amazon

2. APEC Essence 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System

This under-sink filter is quiet and efficient, and the combination of reverse osmosis and activated carbon can handle the dirtiest water. You’ll have to drill a hole to accommodate the additional tap required for the filtered water. This top-rated brand earned its reputation for a reason: it uses reverse osmosis to filter out up to 99% of contaminants, including fluoride, arsenic, lead, chlorine, and many more pollutants that not all filters address. During our metal removal tests, all filters we tested successfully removed 100% of the lead. The APEC Essence and the Bluevua managed to remove 100% of the copper and iron.

• Pros: Removes 99% of contaminants, quiet operation, long-lasting filters.
• Cons: Requires installation, including drilling for a faucet.
• Test Scenario: Removed 100% of lead, copper, and iron in controlled lab tests with prepared challenge samples.

Buy on Amazon

3. Bluevua RO100ROPOT Countertop RO System

The Bluevua RO100ROPOT is a countertop reverse osmosis system that uses four-stage purification to remove impurities. It scored well for both taste and contaminant removal. During our metal removal tests, the Bluevua removed 100% of copper and iron, matching the performance of the APEC Essence.

• Pros: No installation required, effective four-stage purification, portable.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost, takes up counter space.
• Test Scenario: In lab tests, it removed 100% of copper and iron from a contaminated sample.

Buy on Amazon

4. Aquasana AQ-5200 Under-Sink Filter

We recommend the Aquasana AQ-5200 because its certifications are among the best of any system we’ve found; they include chlorine, lead, mercury, PFAS, multiple pesticides, and microplastics. Certified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS.

• Pros: Extensive ANSI/NSF certifications, compact design, affordable.
• Cons: Installation required, lower flow rate (0.5 gpm).
• Test Scenario: Certified to remove PFAS and microplastics in real-world usability tests over six months.

Buy on Amazon

5. Brita Tahoe Pitcher

The Brita Tahoe sounds more like an SUV, but it’s one of the highest-rated water filter pitchers in our ratings. We found it to have a solid flow rate and it resists clogging, meaning it won’t slam the brakes on your water flow over time. It also did a very good job of improving flavor and reducing odors in our tests. CR tested this pitcher using Brita’s Refillable Filter, which is certified to NSF standards for the removal of chlorine.

• Pros: Fast flow rate, resists clogging, improves taste.
• Cons: Limited contaminant removal compared to RO systems.
• Test Scenario: Improved flavor and odor in tap water samples with high chlorine content.

Buy on Amazon

6. HUL Pureit Eco Water Saver RO+UV+MF

The HUL Pureit Eco Water Saver RO+UV+MF+Mineral is a high-tech water purifier designed to save water and provide safe, clean drinking water. With its advanced filtration system that includes RO, UV, and Mineral Enhancement, this purifier ensures that your water is free of harmful contaminants while enriching it with essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. It features 8 stages of purification, including RO, UV, and UF technologies, along with a Taste Adjuster (MTDS) for sweet-tasting water.

• Pros: Saves up to 60% water, enriches with minerals, suitable for multiple water sources.
• Cons: Higher maintenance costs, requires regular servicing.
• Test Scenario: Purified borewell water with high TDS levels, retaining essential minerals.

Buy on Amazon

7. Urban Company Native M1

The Urban Company Native M1 comes with an advanced 10-stage purification process, which removes bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals while giving you alkaline and copper-charged water. Its multi-micron filters and 3-leaf membrane ensure pure water and balanced mineral retention. The innovative smart rinse technology requires service only once every 2 years, saving up to ?18,000 on total ownership costs.

• Pros: Low maintenance, 10-stage filtration, copper and alkaline enhancements.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost, limited availability in some regions.
• Test Scenario: Filtered municipal water with high chemical content, producing alkaline water with a pH of 8.5.

Buy on Amazon

8. Santevia Gravity Water System

The Santevia Gravity Water System is the best gravity filter because it removes 99% of lead and 90+ other contaminants while also adding essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Filters 99% of lead, chlorine, and fluoride + microplastics. It’s a convenient alternative to whole-house water filters, which connect to your main water lines and provide filtered water to every tap in your home.

• Pros: Adds minerals, removes 99% of lead, no plumbing required.
• Cons: Slower filtration, not ideal for well water.
• Test Scenario: Removed 99% of lead from city water samples in a 7-step testing methodology.

Buy on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Water Purifiers

Model	Type	Contaminant Removal	Filter Life	Price Range
ZeroWater 10-Cup	Pitcher	100% chlorine, lead, PFAS	2-3 months	$30-$50
APEC Essence	Under-Sink RO	99% of contaminants	6-12 months	$150-$200
Bluevua RO100ROPOT	Countertop RO	100% copper, iron	6-12 months	$200-$300
Aquasana AQ-5200	Under-Sink	Chlorine, PFAS, microplastics	6 months	$100-$150
Brita Tahoe	Pitcher	Chlorine, odors	2-3 months	$20-$40
HUL Pureit Eco	RO+UV+MF	Bacteria, heavy metals	6-12 months	$200-$250
Urban Company Native M1	RO+UV+UF	Bacteria, viruses, chemicals	2 years	$250-$300
Santevia Gravity	Gravity Filter	99% lead, chlorine	6-12 months	$100-$150

Buying Guide for Water Purifiers

Key Factors to Consider

• Contaminant Removal: Identify the specific contaminants present in your water. Look for a water filter that is effective at removing those contaminants. Common contaminants include bacteria, viruses, chlorine, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), pesticides, and more.
• Water Quality: You can use water quality testing kits or sensors designed to measure parameters like pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
• Family Size: Choose a purifier with adequate storage. Maintenance: Look for low-maintenance options.
• Features: Smart alerts, copper infusion, etc.
• Budget: Consider both upfront cost and TCO.

Types of Water Purifiers

• Pitcher Filters: Easy to use, require no installation, and take up less space than a more permanent option. They’re also relatively economical, with most costing less than $50.
• Under-Sink Filters: Unlike pitchers, under-sink filters provide a continual supply of water on demand.
• Countertop Filters: Faucet-mounted water filters attach directly to your tap, while countertop water filters attach to your tap by a hose that diverts water through a small sink-side purifying device equipped with a spout.
• Gravity Filters: Gravity water filters are a convenient alternative to whole-house water filters, which connect to your main water lines and provide filtered water to every tap in your home.

Maintenance and Costs

The upfront cost of the purifier, annual maintenance, and servicing, filter replacements (every 6-12 months, or 2 years for Native M1) are critical. The Urban Company Native M1’s 2-year service interval reduces maintenance costs, making it a value-friendly choice in the long run.

Real-World Testing Scenarios

• ZeroWater Pitcher: In side-by-side tests, it reduced a 3004.2 mg/l sample to 3.4 mg/l, removing 100% of lead and copper.
• APEC Essence: Removed 100% of lead, copper, and iron in controlled lab tests with prepared challenge samples.
• Bluevua RO100ROPOT: In lab tests, it removed 100% of copper and iron from a contaminated sample.
• Aquasana AQ-5200: Certified to remove PFAS and microplastics in real-world usability tests over six months.
• Brita Tahoe: Improved flavor and odor in tap water samples with high chlorine content.
• HUL Pureit Eco: Purified borewell water with high TDS levels, retaining essential minerals.
• Urban Company Native M1: Filtered municipal water with high chemical content, producing alkaline water with a pH of 8.5.
• Santevia Gravity: Removed 99% of lead from city water samples in a 7-step testing methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a water filter and a water purifier?

A water filter removes impurities like sediment, chlorine, and some bacteria, while a purifier eliminates a broader range of contaminants, including viruses and chemicals, often using advanced technologies like RO and UV.

How often should I replace water purifier filters?

Filter replacement depends on the model and usage. Pitcher filters typically last 2-3 months, while under-sink and RO systems may last 6-12 months. Some, like the Urban Company Native M1, require servicing only every 2 years.

Are RO purifiers better than UV purifiers?

RO purifiers are ideal for removing dissolved solids and heavy metals, while UV purifiers excel at killing bacteria and viruses. A combination of RO+UV, like the HUL Pureit Eco, offers comprehensive purification.

Can I use a water purifier for well water?

Yes, but ensure the purifier is designed for well water, which may contain higher levels of contaminants like iron or sulfur. The APEC Essence and HUL Pureit Eco are suitable for various water sources, including well water.

Where can I test my water quality?

You can use home water testing kits or send samples to EPA-certified labs like SimpleLab or WaterCheck for detailed analysis. Learn more at EPA’s website.

Conclusion

Investing in a reliable water purifier adds to your healthy lifestyle. These 2025 top picks not only provide clean water but also offer innovations that make purification easier and more efficient. Whether you need a compact pitcher like the ZeroWater or a robust RO system like the APEC Essence, this guide helps you choose the best purifier for your needs. For more information on water safety, visit CDC’s water safety page.