Water Filter Types
Seven categories, very different trade-offs. The right filter depends on your contaminants, budget, and how much installation you want to deal with.
Pitcher
7 filtersGravity-fed, no installation. Fill the top, pour from the bottom. The simplest way to start filtering.
Price
$20 - $100
Filters
Every 2 - 6 months
Faucet Mount
4 filtersAttaches directly to your kitchen faucet - no tools required. Flip a switch between filtered and unfiltered.
Price
$25 - $55
Filters
Every 2 - 4 months
Under-Sink
6 filtersInstalled under your counter with a dedicated faucet or inline connection. Better flow and capacity than pitchers.
Price
$50 - $550
Filters
Every 6 - 12 months
Reverse Osmosis
7 filtersUnder-sink or countertop systems that force water through a semi-permeable membrane. Removes the broadest range of contaminants.
Price
$190 - $1,000
Filters
$70 - $200/yr in filters
Whole-House
9 filtersTreats every drop of water entering your home - kitchen, showers, laundry, and all. Professional install recommended.
Price
$350 - $2,000
Filters
Varies by system
UV Disinfection
3 filtersUses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Essential add-on for well water systems.
Price
$200 - $670
Filters
$60 - $200/yr lamp
Gravity
3 filtersCountertop gravity-fed systems with large capacity. No installation, no electricity. Popular for off-grid and emergency use.
Price
$180 - $405
Filters
Varies by system
How we categorize filters: We group products by installation type and filtration technology, not brand marketing. "Reverse osmosis" includes both under-sink and countertop RO systems. "Whole-house" covers carbon, sediment, and specialty systems designed for point-of-entry installation. Product counts reflect filters in our verified database with active status.