Clean water is essential in order to provide a healthy environment for our families, as we use it to drink, cook, wash 
and clean. In most cases, however, the supply to our homes has been contaminated by chlorine, impurities and chemicals, which may be harmful to our wellbeing in the long run. Installing a whole house water filter can help.
What Is It and Why Do You Need One?
Many people are unaware that it’s not only what we drink, but also what we wash with that affects our health, as chemicals may evaporate in the shower and affect air quality. Showering with filtered water will promote better hair and skin, and provide safe drinking water for the household, pets and plants.
There are generally two types of filters, the first being point-of-use, which is installed at specific outlets where the water is used, for example, at the kitchen sink. A whole house system, on the other hand, connects to the main water pipe entering the house, and dispenses clean water to taps, toilets, showers or sinks without having to install separate filters over each. We have also written a complete guide about the best water purifiers.
Convenience aside, it typically works to remove substances such as chlorine and chloramine, which are used to treat water at treatment plants, as well as contaminants such as lead, mercury, industrial solvents and more. Well water, for example, needs to be disinfected and filtered because some areas do not get their water treated municipally.
Key Things To Consider
Type of Water – Before installing any filtration system, test the water entering your house to determine what sort
of impurities are in them. This allows you to choose a filter best suited to your needs. For example, cities like LA, Dallas and Washington in the USA use chloramine – an aggressive disinfectant – to treat it’s municipal water supply. Therefore, a user should look for a filter that is effective at reducing chloramine, such as those with catalytic carbon. If you have ‘hard’ water that is high in mineral content, avoid using fine filters as it will cause them to clog faster.
Type of Filter – Depending on the results of the water test, you might choose a particular type of filter to remove specific substances. If chlorine is a problem, for instance, go for a carbon or KDF filter. UV filters are ideal for treating well water as they get rid of bacteria, while iron and manganese filters work to remove these two elements effectively.
Performance and Use– The common consensus is that the more filter ‘stages’, the better, since there are multiple layers to ‘catch’ impurities. Most designs are typically three-staged, but two-stage filters may sometimes suffice for those who live in areas with lightly contaminated municipal water. They are also less costly. Users might also want to look at the filter’s overall performance, not just in terms of removing impurities, but also descaling and softening.
Lifespan – Another factor to look at while selecting a whole house filter system is its capacity and lifespan. Some units are made with a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons and can last up to 10 years under normal use, while others have a life expectancy of 100,000 gallons which is about one full year. However, there are also models that need to be changed every three months, which can be a hassle for some.
Pipe size – Most houses have a ¾ or 1” diameter pipe feeding water into the house. The filter’s pipe size should be the same as the main line or larger, as installing a smaller pipe will result in clogging. Choosing the correct pipe size will also reduce problems with water pressure.
Check out our complete guide about the best reverse osmosis water systems.
Top 10 Best Whole House Water Filters in 2022
1. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter
Performance
Comprising two filtration tanks, the Aquasana removes up to 97% of chlorine. The top tank contains a KDF-55 
medium, which is a mix of 55% copper and 45% zinc mineral alloy – effective for reducing chlorine and water-soluble heavy metals. Also in the top is a crushed mineral filter stone to enhance the water’s PH and control scale on internal plumbing. Both are effective at prohibiting the growth of bacteria and algae.
Meanwhile, the bottom tank contains an activated, carbonised coconut shell medium that reduces the presence of synthetic chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and VOCs. The only thing that the Aquasana is unable to filter is flouride.
Performance-wise, the filter produces clean, odour-free water for drinking. Shower in peace knowing that it reduces exposure to harsh chemicals that can damage and cause excessive drying of hair and skin.
However, if you are looking for a soft, ‘silky’ texture to the water, then the Aquasana falls short. It works well as a descaler to prevent mineral scale buildup in the plumbing, but the water remains hard. A separate softener might need to be installed. This is available as an add-on for the Aquasana, but it underperforms and is not worth the extra money.
Despite its relatively low flow rate of seven gallons per minute, there are no issues with water pressure.
Design and Maintenance
The Aquasana can last up to 10 years, thanks to its 1,000,000 gallon filtration dual tank. It features a unique upflow dual tank design, which prevents clogging whilst increasing water contact time with contaminant grabbing media. Both the filters and long-lasting tanks are made for quick, easy replacements.
The system’s ‘pro-grade installation kit’ includes a 20” pre-filter that lasts twice longer than standard 10-inch units, while a sub-micron post filter provides added protection from organic particles and microscopic cysts. Fittings for the 0.75” pipe are made from brass fittings and will not rust, making it easier to maintain over time. Meanwhile, bend supports and shut-off valves create a bypass loop for easier filter changes.
Additional Features
The Aquasana comes with optional upgrades, such as a Simplysoft Salt-Free water softener, touted to prevent scale formation and protect pipes and plumbing from corrosion.
Another upgrade that can be done is the UV Sterilight Filtration, which kills 99.99 percent of viruses and bacteria such as E-coli, in addition to chlorine resistant cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. There is a 10-year warranty for the system.
Pros
- Long lasting, up to 1 mil gallons
- Quick and easy maintenance
- Reduces up to 97% chlorine
- Effective filtration for some heavy metals and synthetic chemicals
Cons
- Cannot remove fluoride
- Water remains hard, requires additional softener
2. iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Performance
Ideal for those who rely on well water or have heavy metals in their water supply, the iSpring’s flagship WGB32BM
water filtration system is particularly effective at reducing iron and manganese, up to 99%, thanks to an iron and manganese filter that lasts up to three times longer than greensand, as the catalytic media is not consumed in the process. In a test of water with an iron level of 6, the filter was able to reduce it to less than 0.01 parts per million (ppm., and manganese from 3 to 0.01 ppm.
It is capable of reducing arsenic from 1 to 0.01ppm, although this varies depending on the specific isotope. Another heavy metal that undergoes efficient purification using the system is lead, from 500 parts per billion (ppb. to 15 ppb. It also helps to remove up to 98 percent of sediment, chlorine, chloramines, chemicals, heavy metals and other contaminants that create colour, foul tastes and odours. It can handle up to 0.25 gallons flow per second.
Design and Maintenance
The iSpring runs on a three-stage filter design, the first of which houses a 5-micron high-capacity polypropylene sediment filter which removes dirt and larger-sized particles. Next, a 5-micron coconut shell carbon block filter that helps to remove bad tastes and odours, up to 90% of chlorine from water, as well as VOCs such as pesticides, herbicides and industrial chemicals. As block carbon is more solid and denser than regular carbon filters, it is effective at removing targeted contaminants. Finally, an iron and manganese filter for removing heavy metals.
Each filter features a multi-layered design for less clogs and minimal pressure loss, while its large size of 20 x 4.5” is made to improve flow rate and reduce the need for maintenance. Also included are one inch input and output ports
With its 100,000-gallon capacity, the iSpring is poised to provide a full year’s worth of clean water for the entire household. However, this means that it has a shorter lifespan than other whole filter systems on the market, and some users might find it not worth the hefty price tag for a system that lasts only a year.
Additional Features
The iSpring has a 30-day money back policy and one-year limited warranty for manufacturing defects. All its filters are tested by independent third parties to meet NSF and ANSI standards.
Pros
- Three stage filter
- Removes heavy metals effectively
- Reduces bad tastes, odours and chlorine
- Good flow rate
Cons
- Short life span
- Expensive
3. Express Water Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter System
Performance
Improve on the quality of life for your household with the Express’s 3-Stage filtration system, which provides quality
drinking water for people and pets, chlorine and odour-free showers, clean water for indoor and outdoor plants, as well as protection for home appliances.
A three-stage design ensures effective filtration. The first stage, comprising a melt-blown filter with thermally bonded polypropylene microfibers, catches sediment such as coarse sand, rust, silt and scale. The second filter is a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF. filter, with KDF 85 at the bottom and catalytic carbon on top to filter out chlorine, organic chemicals, suspended particles and dirt. It also helps to remove chloramine, hydrogen sulfate, iron and certain types of heavy metals, whilst inhibiting growth of algae, bacteria and fungi.
The final stage involves a 5-micron carbon block CTO filter with a fine coconut shell core, for finer filtration and to remove VOCs as well as unnatural tastes and odours, leaving you with clean-tasting tap water. Do note however that the unit does not soften water. It has a flow rate of 7 to 15 gallons per minute.
Design and Maintenance
The Express’s design features an easy-to-use water pressure test gauge, with a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI. This helps users to easily determine incoming water pressure from the whole house system. A pressure release button, installed in the inlet side of the housing cap, is used for easier cartridge replacement,. However, take note that the release buttons tend to shoot water everywhere when pressed, so be prepared for a minor inconvenience.
The filters are large at 4.5 x 20” and have a 1” female thread. Also included is a 6” filter housing wrench, which fits most 1-4 stage filter housings, countertop water filters and whole house water filters. Each of the filters lasts up to 20,000 gallons, so they may need frequent replacing.
Additional Features
The Express is manufactured and tested to comply with NSF/ANSI 58 standards. It comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Three-stage design
- Effectively filters sediment, chlorine, some types of heavy metals
- Pressure gauge
Cons
- Messy filter change process
- Filters have short lifespan, might require frequent replacement
4. Home Master HMF3SDGFEC Whole House 3-Stage Water Filter
Performance
Potential buyers should note that this Home Master unit is not recommended for city water. It is made for treating
non-chlorinated well water, with iron levels up to a 3ppm combined contaminant load. It should not be used where iron bacteria is present or with acidic water that has a pH less than 7.0.
These conditions aside, the HMF3SDGFEC delivers clean, clear water throughout the home, without drawing down water pressure. It works best for well water with iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide and has excellent purification capabilities, removing up to 95 percent of iron, manganese, sediment, chemicals and contaminants that create foul tastes and odours. The Home Master achieves this through a three-stage system, system, the first of which features a multi-gradient depth sediment filter. With four layers of filtration from 25, 10, 5 and 1 micron respectively, it produces a finer filtration and has greater dirt-holding capacity, shilt maintaining bacterial and chemical resistance.
The second stage carries a radial flow iron reduction filter that reduces iron in water up to 3ppm, and lastly, a radial flow granular-activated coconut shell carbon filter removes chemicals, foul tastes and odours. In total, the whole house system is effective at removing up to 95 percent of sediment, chemicals and other contaminants. Its 15-gallon per minute flow rate ensures no clogging occurs.
Design and Maintenance
The Home Master is easy to install, with a patent-pending steel mountain bracket that can be mounted on 16 inch studs. It measures 25 x 24 x 9 inches, and the massive filter housings with one inch ports provide not only the strongest water pressure possible, but also helps to improve flow rate and reduce maintenance frequency, saving users on time, money and effort. However, there seems to be some issues with leaking, both from the plastic on the copper fittings, as well as the canisters themselves.
The replaceable coconut shell carbon filter has a 100,000-gallon capacity, which provides a full year of clean water for a family of four.
Additional Features
The Home Master comes with a two-year limited warranty, as well as a free 24-oz BPA-free water bottle with each purchase, while stocks last.
Pros
- Three-stage design
- Good filtering capabilities
- High flow rate
- Large filter tanks
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Not for city water
- Average lifespan
- Leaking issues
5. Express Water Whole House GAC Carbon Sediment 3 Stage Water Filter System
Performance
Like the other Express Water model on this list, the GAC Carbon Sediment 3-Stage Filtration system is designed to
improve the quality of drinking water, remove chlorine for odour-free showers and thus give users healthier hair and skin in the long run. Its excellent filtration properties mean clean water for plants and pets.
The main difference between the two models is the second-stage filter. In the previous model, it was a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF. made from KDF 85 and a catalytic carbon, whereas this unit features a 5 Micron Granular Activated Carbon (GAC., proven to remove organic chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide and chlorine, that give odours or taste to water, There are downsides however, as KDF is a prohibitor against bacterial, fungal and algae growth, whereas the GAC is not.
Meanwhile, the first stage features a sediment filter for reducing silt, dirt, rust, scale, coarse sand and larger particles from the water up to 5 Microns, while the third stage is a 5 micron carbon block CTO filter, also made from pure coconut shell carbon that offers a much finer filtration to get rid of suspended particles, dirt, VOCs and any bad taste or odours that have slipped past the second stage. It has a flow rate of 7 to 15 gallons per minute.
Design and Maintenance
The design of the GAC model is almost identical to the KDF, with a water pressure test gauge that can withstand levels of up to 150 PSI and gives users an indicator to the incoming water pressure. To replace cartridges, utilise the pressure release button on the inlet side of the housing cap. However, the design suffers from the same flaws as its predecessor, in that water tends to spill in all directions. The ¾ FPT inlet and outlet are also tapped too loose and require a lot of tape or pipe sealant to stop leakage.
The filters are a standard 4.5 x 20” size. Also included is a 6” filter housing wrench. Each of the filters lasts up to 20,000 gallons, and will have to be replaced on a regular basis.
Additional Features
The Express is manufactured and tested to comply with NSF/ANSI 58 standards. It comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Three stage design
- Granular Activated Carbon filter effectively removes organic chemicals and chlorine
- Includes water pressure test gauge
- Easy release button
Cons
- GAC does not inhibit algae, fungi or bacteria
- Leakage issues
- Requires regular replacement
6. iSpring WGB22B 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
Performance
When it comes to filters, common consensus is the more the better, which is why some users invest in fancy and
expensive filtration systems. However, if the water in your municipality is just lightly contaminated and lacks heavy metals, a two-stage design may suffice.
The iSpring’s WGB22B works well for this purpose, and is less costly. It removes up to 95% of sediment, chlorine, rust, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, VOCs and other contaminants. The first stage of defense is a 5-micron high capacity polypropylene sediment filter, which removes dirt and larger sized particles. Meanwhile, the second stage houses a 5-micron CTO coconut shell carbon block filter, effective at removing up to 90% of chlorine, VOCs such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, as well as helping to reduce bad tastes and odours, including water with a sulphur (rotten egg. smell. Each filter also features a multi-layer gradient, which means that it is less likely to clog or lose pressure. Do note however that if your water supply is highly chlorinated, this particular model will not be an effective option.
Depending on your household’s needs, the system comes with other filter options, including an iron and manganese filter, and a lead and iron filter. It can handle a flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute.
Design and Maintenance
The WGB22B’s capacity of 100,000 gallons provides a full year’s worth of clean water for a family of four, and last twice as long as a normal sediment filter. The tanks are standard big blue 20 x 4.5 inch cartridges, allowing for minimal pressure reduction and extended filter life. The filter connects to the piping through 1” input and output ports.
There are some downsides, however. Although it features a pressure release button for installation and filter change, many users have stated that it is difficult to do so for those with no plumbing experience. There are also issues with leakage, despite its reinforced construction.
Additional Features
The system comes with a one year warranty.
Pros
- Removes sediment, chlorine and VOCs
- Other filter options for certain types of heavy metals available
- More affordable
Cons
- Only for lightly contaminated water sources, not suitable for well water
- Difficult installation for those with no plumbing experience
- May face leakage issues
7. Aquasana 300,000 Gallon Rhino Whole House Filter
Performance
The Aquasana brand has a reputation for long lasting filters, and their 3-year gallon whole filter is no exception. 
Built for high performance, the system provides healthy, great tasting water for the entire home, with no drainage, back flushing or water waste. It is capable of removing up to 97% of chlorine, thus giving users healthier skin and hair by reducing the body’s exposure to harsh and synthetic chemicals that may cause damage and excessive drying. This also means better quality air, as chlorine can evaporate in the shower steam. Meanwhile, cleaner water ensures that clothing is preserved, and requires less detergent.
Although it does not have a water softening function and can’t perform as well as salt-water softeners, the Rhino does a decent job at reducing the hardness of water. The all-in-one convenience it offers, coupled with its affordable price compared to other whole house filter systems, makes it an attractive option to consider.
Design and Maintenance
Unlike conventional three-stage filters, which are built horizontally in a row, the Rhino features two tanks, each with a copper zinc and mineral stone filter. The top has a bacteriostatic blend to reduce chlorine, water soluble heavy metals and scale, whilst inhibiting growth of bacteria and algae, while the bottom features high-grade activated carbon to reduce herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals.
A 0.35 micron post filter helps to remove particulates 60 times smaller than the eye can see, while a 10” pre-filter reduces rust, sediment, silt, dirt and other larger-sized contaminants. It works well, but a clear chamber would help to indicate when the filter needs to be changed. As a rule of thumb, the pre-filter should be changed every two to three months, while the post filter should be changed every six months. Also included in the system are couplings, valves and fittings made for a 0.75 inch pipe.
Additional Features
The Rhino is highly customisable, with options to add a water softener or upgrade to higher capacity filters of 500,000 gallons, 600,000 gallons, 1mil gallons or a well water-specific filter, depending on your household’s needs. The 300k model comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
- Large capacity water filter
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Helps to soften water
- Various upgrades available
- Removes chlorines, metals and various impurities
Cons
- Difficult to install
8. 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration System – Model AP902
Performance
Single stage filters are typically less effective than those with two or three-stage filters, but 3M’s Aqua-Pure AP902
does the a decent job, especially with well water applications. Not only does it provide clearer and better tasting drinking water at a fraction of the price of expensive models, it also captures sediment, dirt and rust for cleaner water for bathing and washing. Consisting of a carbon filter media made from polyester material, it reduces chlorine and impurities as small as five microns in size, in addition to eliminating sulphur which gives water that rotten egg smell and taste. However, the single filter has limitations as it is unable to filter certain elements such as flouride.
With a high flow rate of 20 gallons (75.7 litres. per minute, the extra large capacity system is capable of providing water for larger homes and light commercial applications, without losing water pressure.
Design and Maintenance
As the 3M does not have a backwashing design, the filter needs to be disposed of after a certain volume, in this case, 100,000 gallons of water or roughly a year’s worth of use for a family of four. One of its most convenient features is the easy installation and filter change-out. The 3M has a non-corrosive stainless steel head, while its sanitary cartridge design keeps filter material enclosed during changing. Cartridges simply twist off for replacement, forgoing the need for tools. Meanwhile, 1” NPT connections with 1” centre cores provide unrestricted flow.
Additional Features
Besides a one-year warranty, the system’s materials are FDA CFR-21 compliant.
Pros
- Easy installation and filter change process
- Reduces chlorine
- Captures sediment, dirt and rust
- High flow rate
- Best for well water
Cons
- Single stage filter
- unable to filter certain elements such as flouride
9. Reverse Osmosis Revolution Whole House 3-Stage Water Filtration System
Performance
Possibly the most bang for your buck whole house filtration system on this list, the Reverse Osmosis Revolution is an
inexpensive solution to your household’s water woes. A three-stage system, it helps to remove dust, dirt, silt, sand, rust and scale particles at the first stage through a premium quick-connect 5 micron sediment filter. This is followed by a second stage premium 10” GAC Granular Activated Carbon filter for removing chlorine, radon, VOCs and other common chemicals, as well as cloudiness, unpleasant odours, colours and tastes. Finally, the third stage consists of a premium CTO carbon block filter to further remove missed chlorine and VOCs, insecticides, pesticides and industrial solvents.
While the filter helps with hard water stains, there will still be some deposits as the water is not completely softened. It only reduces sulphur slightly, so users may find their water still retains a rotten egg smell. The carbon cartridges can be replaced with a KDF-85 media, which works better against sulphur. The filter does not remove nitrates, fluoride or arsenic. It has a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute.
Design and Maintenance
The price to pay for the filter’s affordability is that users will have to change the cartridges regularly, about once every three months, as their capacity is limited to 6,500 to 8,000 gallons. The system comes in a regular 10” blue, white or clear housing, which easily attaches to the plumbing, as well as a ¾ port with two valves.
However, do note that there are issues with water pressure, as some users have reported that the pressure in their homes were affected after the system was installed. The valves are also prone to leaking.
Additional Features
Designed and assembled in the USA, the company allows for upgrades to replace one of its GAC cartridges with a softener. Included is the set are three extra filter sets.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Three-stage design
- Reduces chlorine, VOCs, sediment and scale
Cons
- Short lifespan, requires frequent replacement
- Water pressure drops after installation
- Unable to filter fluoride, arsenic
- Valves prone to leaking
10. iSpring RCC7 High Capacity 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System
Performance
The iSpring offers the all-in-one convenience of a reverse osmosis-based filtration system coupled with a point-of-
use water softener, which removes 99.9% of contaminants to provide crystal clear, soft tasting water. Boasting not one or two but a 5-stage design, it is capable of reducing over 1,000 types of contaminants, including lead, chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, asbestos, calcium and sodium, in addition to preventing bacteria and viruses. Suitable for both municipal and well water, it consists of a multi-layered filter system with three pre-filters. The first stage is a polypropylene sediment filter, then a granular activated charcoal which helps to reduce the ‘hardness’, and last but not least, a carbon block CTO filter. The mainstay of the system is its Reverse Osmosis filter, made to remove contaminants down to 0.0001 microns.
Design and Maintenance
The RO membrane has a capacity of 75 gallons per day, which should be able to handle the drinking water needs of larger households. Installation is quick and easy, and can even be attempted without a plumber for those with basic plumbing skills. The unit fits under a standard kitchen sink and features a clear housing pre-filter to alert users to when they need to change it. The system connects by pushing the tubing ½ inch deep into quick fitting connectors and lock. Also included is an European-designed brushed nickel all-metal faucet.
The only downside is that the filter tends to leak upon initial installation until the system has stabilized, which make take a few weeks. To avoid ruining cabinets, place the system in a tub to catch the water.
Additional Features
The iSpring comes with a 1-year money back guarantee, a three-year manufacturer warranty and lifetime technical support. Its premium quality components are certified Gold by the Water Quality Association, in line with NSF/ANSI 58 standards.
Pros
- Reverse osmosis system
- Removes up to 99.9% contaminants
- Reduces hardness
- High capacity
- Easy installation
Cons
- Initial leaking