6 Best CounterTop Reverse Osmosis Systems

We thoroughly researched and carefully curated the six best countertop reverse osmosis systems in 2022 while keeping in mind all your possible needs, from their flow rate, performance, and life expectancy, to ease of installation and cost efficiency. 

DISCLOSURE: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

Our Top Pick

4.4/5

Aquatru

This cost-effective product is the ideal countertop filter for you and your family. It removes a wide range of 83 types of contaminants, tested and certified in accordance with the NSF standards, and requires no plumbing for installation! It filters a gallon in mere 15 minutes!

Are you wondering if the water you drink is actually pure? Maybe you are afraid you might contract a disease through unsafe water? Drinking and cooking using tap water is not a good choice. The water you drink can contain toxic chemicals and hundreds of contaminants you are unaware of. 

This is why you need to make sure your drinking water is free of impurities and all sorts of pollutants and contains all the minerals your body needs.

A reverse osmosis water filtration system is a modern technology used by the latest water purifiers for clean and healthy drinking. This is why you need to opt for this newest addition to your kitchen. 

Below we have listed the best countertop reverse osmosis system along with their details for you to choose from:

Best CounterTop RO Systems Comparison

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Top PickComparing Aquatru AquatruFiltration Capability: 99 percent, removes contaminants like lead, chromium, copper, fluoride, radium, and chlorine
Price: $$$
Gallons per day: 54 gallons
Warranty: 1 year
Review: 4.4 stars 
Read Full Review
Budget PickComparing Crystal Quest Portable RO Crystal Quest Portable ROFiltration capability: 99% of all contaminants including silt, sediment, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, sand, rust, dirt
Price:
$$
Gallons per day:
50 gallons
Warranty:
1 year
Review:
4.8 stars
Read Full Review
Trusted PickComparing Waterdrop WD-G2-W Waterdrop WD-G2-WFiltration capability: Can filter contaminants including heavy metals and chemical residues
Price: $$
Gallons per day: 400 gallons
Warranty: 1 year
Review: 4.7 stars
Read Full Review
Comparing Frizzlife WA99 RO Water Filtration Frizzlife WA99Filtration capability: 99.99% removal of 1000+ contaminants including lead, chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, mercury, chloramine, chromium, arsenic, radium, asbestos.
Price: $$$
Gallons per day: 400 gallons
Warranty: 2 years
Review: 5 stars
Read Full Review
Comparing Brondell Circle Brondell CircleFiltration capability: Removes industrial and harmful chemicals, lead, chlorine, radium, mercury etc
Price: $$$
Gallons per day: 56 gallons
Warranty: 1 year
Review: 4.3 stars
Read Full Review
Comparing APEC RO-CTOP APEC RO-CTOPFiltration capability: Removes up to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) and contaminants such as arsenic, lead, fluoride, chromium, radium, and much more.
Price: $$
Gallons per day: 90 gallons
Warranty: 1 year
Review: 4.5 stars
Read Full Review

Best Countertop Reverse Osmosis Systems Reviewe

1. Aquatru Countertop RO Water Filtration System

review of Aquatru Countertop RO Water Filtration System

Features

Rating 4.2/5
Price$$$
Contaminants 80+
Capacity 54 GPD
Purification method Reverse osmosis 
Annual maintenance cost $120
Certification/testing NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, P473
Production rate 1 GPM
Material Plastic 
Warranty 1 year

Aquatru Countertop RO system is the most powerful water purification system, with the ability to remove more than 82 hazardous contaminants in your tap water. 

Featuring ultra reverse osmosis technology followed by a four-stage filtration process, the system can remove 1000 different pollutants in addition to those 82 that are just a testified amount. 

Based on our in-depth research, the most significant feature that people love about Aquatru is its incredible speed which they were a bit paranoid about. A simple, compact, and sleekly designed AquaTru is all your kitchen counter needs. 

Furthermore, it also comes with a one-time push button. Also, the unit has a simple setup. It is effortless to install it manually, which means no need for plumbing required! The installation takes just a few minutes. 

The most relieving thing about the filter is that it is tested to NSF standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and p473, so you can rest assured about its functionality and reliability. Few of those targeted contaminants include 99% chlorine and lead, fluoride, cysts, chromium, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and much more. 

The filter costs you an annual maintenance price of $120. One year of incredible warranty and filter life indicator makes it one of the best RO filters. 

simple to install and use aquatru

Pros 

  • NSF-certified RO filter 
  • No installation needed 
  • Filter life indicators 

Cons 

  • Has a smaller tank than the standard sink RO filter
  • Not equipped with the additional remineralization filter

2. Crystal Quest Portable RO

review of Crystal Quest Portable RO

Features

Rating 4.8/5
Price$$
Capacity 50 GPD
Purification method Reverse osmosis 
Annual maintenance cost $65-$100
Certification/testing 
Production rate 0.3 GPM
Material Plastic 
Warranty 1 year

Are you looking for a portable RO water filter with zero installation? The Crystal Quest Portable RO system is suitable for homes, apartments, recreational vehicles, and laboratories. 

The filter goes through a 10-stage filtration process to ensure that all the contaminants have been removed. The outcome is delicious, cleaner, and odorless water for you to consume. 

Based on our research on customer reviews, most people are impressed by the fact that it doesn’t need electricity to run, making it portable and the most convenient filter ever. 

Since the Crystal quest can filter 2 gallons of water every hour, the speed might be slower than other RO systems. It is known for efficiently removing various contaminants, including heavy metals like lead, copper, mercury, cadmium, aluminium, and total dissolved solids by the electrochemical process. 

Furthermore, it is designed to remove much TDS from tap water, making it safe to drink and use daily. The filter is highly compact and lightweight so that you can carry it everywhere without too much space. 

Speaking of the price, it is pretty affordable. The estimated maintenance cost of this amazing filter is $65-$100. 

Being 16x7x7 inches in size, it is the most compact and portable countertop RO water filter we know. Plus, it can be attached or detached from any standardized faucet in no time without any hassle.

Pros 

  • 10-stage filtration
  • Highly portable 
  • It comes with different optional filter cartridges

Cons 

  • Not NSF certified 
  • A bit slower than other RO systems

3. Waterdrop WD-G2-W

review of Waterdrop WD-G2-W

Features

Rating 4.7/5
Price$$
Capacity 400 GPD
Purification method Reverse osmosis, carbon black 
Annual maintenance cost $115
Certification/testing NSF 58
Flow rate 0.28 GPM
Material Plastic + metal  
Warranty 1 year

If you are looking for an ultra-efficient RO water purifier system, Waterdrop WD-G2-W is an ideal choice. It is a tankless RO water system. The water flows straight to the faucet immediately after the system turns on. 

Furthermore, it saves far more under-sink storage space than any ordinary RO system. Its 3-stage filtration process is the highlight of the product. Combining the potential of powerful composite filters, the system provides excellent performance. 

Since it doesn’t take too much space, it can be the best option for tenants with limited space to install additional appliances in their homes.

The most significant feature people keep talking about is its ultra-fast speed. It has a built-in booster pump that provides appropriate pressure and produces a standard-sized drinking water glass in 12 seconds. 

Some customers tested the filter and found it effective in removing high TDS levels from tap water. 

Another feature that is worth highlighting is the smart and lightweight design. The Waterdrop RO water purifier system is engineered to be easy to install and use. Therefore, people who don’t have good experience using complex water filters before are satisfied with the system. 

The filter has an annual maintenance cost of $115-$120. Since the filter is NSF-certified to standard 58, it is qualified to remove some significant pollutants such as heavy metals, fluoride, chlorine, rust, dust, and much more. 

Also, it doesn’t foster the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, ensuring a rich taste. This filter reintroduces minerals to the RO purified drinking water to minimize acidity and remove unpleasant odor and smell. 

Pros 

  • The tankless design ensures water is always fresh 
  • BPA-free plastic construction 
  • Produces much less wastewater than the ordinary reverse osmosis membrane filters

Cons 

  • Slightly more costly than other countertop water filters on the market
  • Being tankless, it takes more time if you need to fill big jugs

4. Frizzlife WA99 RO Water Filtration

review of Frizzlife WA99 RO Water Filtration

Features

Rating 4.8/5
Price$$$
Capacity 400 GPD
Purification method Reverse osmosis
Annual maintenance cost $100
Contaminants removed 99%
Water pressure 58-130 psi 
Certification/testing WQA Certified to NSF/ANSI 58
Warranty 2 years 

Frizzlife WA99 is the market’s most innovative and efficient reverse osmosis water filtration system. It is supported by advanced water recycling technology that efficiently reuses wastewater. The ratio for filtered water to wastewater is just 5:1.

The system is based on four stages of water filtration to ensure that the water comes out in the best state. With its exceptional performance, Frizzlife WA99 is the perfect solution for people living in areas with limited water supply as it barely wastes any water during filtration. 

The most appealing is its built-in smart screen that tells the remaining lifespan of each water filter cartridge so that you know when to replace it. In addition, it comes with a TDS meter that keeps you aware of the TDS level of both filtered and unfiltered water. 

Frizzlife claims to eliminate 99.9% of 1000s of contaminants from water including lead, heavy metals, fluoride, radium, arsenic, and many more.

Frizzlife comes with an annual maintenance cost of $100. An internal water reservoir inside the system holds filtered pure water of the best quality until your next glass of water.

Pros 

  • Produces very little wastewater when compared to conventional RO systems
  • Easy installation 
  • An accurate TDS meter 

Cons 

  • The water tank is small 
  • It doesn’t chill water

5. Brondell Circle

review of Brondell Circle

Features

Rating 4.1/5
Price$$$$
Capacity 56 GPD
Purification method Reverse osmosis, carbon black 
Annual maintenance cost $150-$200
Certification/testing NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 58, and 372
Water pressure 40-120 psi 
Material Plastic 
Warranty 1 year

Brondell Circle reverse osmosis system is one of the finest RO water purification systems that employ patented new technology to avoid back pressure making it 10x times more efficient than others. 

The most striking feature of these countertop RO systems is their smart valve. In addition to preventing backflow of water, it speeds up the process, provides purified water more efficiently with less tap water loss, and guarantees excellent tasting water. 

It can remove VOCs, heavy metals, cysts, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, and many more, making it a perfect choice for people who live in cities and use untreated tap water regularly. 

People love its sleek and compact design as it perfectly matches the aesthetics of any kitchen, providing a modern and classy look. 

Moreover, it is electricity free and can refill the tank in just one hour, which never lets you go out of clean drinking water even for a second. 

This reverse osmosis countertop water filter comes with a sleek designer faucet. The faucet has a built-in LED indicator that alerts the user when a sediment filter in the system requires filter replacement. The system is simple to install and relatively easy to maintain.

The Brondell RO system has an estimated annual cost of $150-$200. It might feel a bit expensive, but its elegant design and top-of-the-world performance do justice. You will be thrilled to know that the filter is certified not only from NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 58, and 372 but has also received gold seal certification by Water Quality Associated.

Pros 

  • 4 stages of outstanding filtration 
  • LED filter life indicator 
  • Sleek and compact design 

Cons 

  • It does not include a remineralization filter
  • Installation might be a bit tricky 

6. APEC RO-CTOP

review of APEC RO-CTOP

Features

Rating 4.4/5
Price$$
Capacity 90 GPD
Purification method Reverse osmosis, alkaline 
Annual maintenance cost $80
Certification/testing NSF certified 42
Water pressure 40-80 psi 
Material Aluminium, Calcium carbonate
Warranty 1 year

APEC RO-CTOP is an epic RO, an alkaline filtration system that can eliminate 99% of water contaminants, providing you with a crispy, refreshing, and healthy water supply daily. 

APEC Water systems use the highest grade 4-Stage ultra-pure system. It gives the purified water a refreshing crisp taste better than bottled water after getting rid of most of the contaminants, including TDC and heavy metals. 

The system can remineralize nutritional elements such as calcium carbonate and increase its pH and making it more beneficial to drink. It is a perfect alkaline filter for people living in apartments, retirement homes, motor homes, or dorms.

While going through the testimonials of APEC regular users, we realize that the most significant aspects people love about it are its convenience, portability, and effortless controls. 

Additionally, you can fix it quickly into any standard faucet without many installations. However, it is incompatible with pull-out faucets, sprayer faucets, and special-size designer faucets. The countertop water filter also features an optional silver aluminium case, so your countertop looks great! 

The RO water filter system is compact and lightweight. So, it is easy for you to move from apartment to apartment. Thanks to its high-quality filter, it can provide you with a substantial amount of fresh water, up to 90 gallons per day. With APEC portable reverse osmosis system, you are expected to pay an annual maintenance cost of $80.

Pros 

  • No installation required 
  • Remineralize calcium
  • Remove a large amount of TDC

Cons 

  • The waste to drinking water ratio is 3:1
  • A bit slower than other RO filters in the market

How Does a Countertop RO System Work? 

You can connect a countertop RO to any sink faucet with the help of a faucet head adapter. Once it is connected and the faucet is turned on, the countertop RO will directly take water from the faucet through a tube connected. The water will go through several filtration stages before the pure water comes out from the nozzle.

Generally, this is the process of filtration in a RO water filter:

First, when the water flows, the sediment like sand, dust particles, or any other insoluble substance is drawn by a sediment pre-filter filter. This is the most crucial step of filtration.

Next, the activated carbon filter removes chlorine and some other chemicals along with the bad taste and odor from the water. This is done during the process of absorption.

Then comes the main role of reverse osmosis membrane. After coming through the activated carbon filter, water is forced through the membrane, and 99% of all the dissolved contaminants are extracted. Here the water is almost purified.

Again, there is a second carbon filter for the post-filter that removes any remaining sediment in the water.

Some RO filters have an alkaline remineralization filter too, which adds beneficial minerals to the filtered water before it comes out for drinking. 

The countertop RO filters are not automated. You will need to monitor the whole process. Once the water has purified, it will come out of the nozzle. After collecting it, manually turn off the faucet.

Countertop RO filters also waste water during the reverse osmosis process. This is something that you cannot prevent because it is part of the process. This is how only reverse osmosis water is made.

What Is a Countertop Reverse Osmosis? 

A countertop reverse osmosis is a specifically designed countertop water filter system that can be conveniently placed on kitchen countertops. It combines several stages of reverse osmosis into one. The portable countertop RO is super-efficient for eliminating 99% of the total dissolved solids in drinking water and provides better quality, pure, healthy, and great-tasting water.

Mainly reverse osmosis systems are designed for under-the-sink installation. Those are not usable for people renting their homes because of the permanent modifications required to be made to the drain system and kitchen sink counter. The portable countertop reverse osmosis system is the best solution to it. 

The compact design for countertop RO is beneficial in domestic use and traveling due to its versatility. It is easy to install without any specific tools or drilling. You can instantly attach or detach a countertop RO from any existing faucet in just a few minutes.

Not only the countertop filtration system but all RO systems are increasingly getting popular due to their unique feature, RO semi-permeable membrane, which contains tiny pores throughout the surface. The pores are so small that it only allows water molecules to pass through them, and filtration is done in the best way.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System  and Traditional RO Compared in the frame

How to Choose a Countertop RO System for Your Home? 

Following aspects must be considered when choosing a countertop RO system for the home:

Counter Space Available

Whatever kind of reverse osmosis countertop you are looking for, you should consider the space required for it. Whether you have enough space available or not?

If the space on your countertop is inadequate, go for a smaller system without a tank that does not take up much space. 

Measure the space you have available. Then compare it with the dimensions of the reverse osmosis countertop you are considering and make a wise decision.

Water Pressure

Water pressure plays a vital role in reverse osmosis water filter systems that connect to kitchen faucets. The higher the water pressure, the better the results. If the flow rate of water is reasonable, the water will speedily pass through the RO membrane, limiting water waste.

But if you use the RO water filtration system powered by electricity, the water pressure should not be your concern. Electricity will power the process at a suitable speed itself.

Water Produced vs. Water Wasted 

It is inevitable for the water to waste in the process of reverse osmosis. When water is produced on the back end, it is destroyed as well.

When the unfiltered water goes through the RO semi-permeable membrane, some water contaminants are unable to pass through. The system sends these down to the drain instead of stacking up onto it. This is how it wastes water unwillingly. 

Mostly these RO filter systems have a ratio of 4:1 of water produced to water wasted. However, the systems are being improved in an attempt to lower the percentage of water wasted.  

Saving money with Countertop RO system illustrated

Faucet

Check the faucet to which you will be attaching the RO filtration system. It should be standardized so that the faucet head adapter of the faucet water filter system can be easily joined.

Storage Capacity

You need to consider the storage capacity only if you are going to buy a RO filter that does not attach to a faucet. These kinds of filters are stand-alone and have a storage tank that needs to be filled with water. They are not automated. It would be your duty to refill it once all the water is consumed.  

Then you must be looking forward to getting the one with the maximum storage capacity to reduce your work. Usually, RO filter systems come with a standard storage capacity of 1 gallon.

The Lifespan of the Filter

You must always know about the lifespan of an RO water system before getting one. Filters having short lifespans are not beneficial in the long run. They cost more than they should be. Try to get a pre-filter and a post-filter having six months of lifespan at least. And reverse osmosis filter membrane with a lifespan of 2 years minimum.

Remineralization Needs

Some of the countertop reverse osmosis filters have a filter for remineralization, while some do not. The alkaline remineralization introduces beneficial minerals to the water post-filtering before it comes out.

So, if you prefer remineralization and want to maximize the benefits of water, you will need to look for a countertop RO that offers room for remineralization. 

Style

Well, we all want only the products that are stylish and have a great design to be placed on our kitchen countertops. You should look for the RO filter with a great design and goes with your kitchen theme. 

Certifications

The certification will let you drink your water peacefully, and you will have in your mind that the portable RO filter system has been checked and approved by a third party for its claim of filtering contaminants.  

Price

After all, price matters in everything. Think about all the pros and cons. Analyze them. Make a decision if the price matches the features. If it suits you, go with it!

FAQs on 10 Best CounterTop Reverse Osmosis Systems

What contaminants do reverse osmosis filters remove?

A reverse osmosis filtration system can filter up to 99% of all dissolved contaminants, including traces of heavy metals, dissolved salts, bacteria, and pyrogens.
The RO filter membranes refine contaminants that are relatively larger than water molecules and are highly ionized.
However, you cannot expect it to remove 100% bacteria and viruses.

Is a reverse osmosis system more efficient than other water filtering methods?

There are numerous kinds of water filters. These water filtration systems commonly use activated carbon.
The carbon filters tend to remove volatile organic compounds, but they fail at filtering other contaminants. At the same time, reverse osmosis filtration systems can reduce a wide range of contaminants thoroughly. But, they are less effective at purifying organic chemicals.

Is a reverse osmosis system more affordable than bottled water?

Suppose a household consumes three ¼ gallons per day at $0.96/gallon. On the other hand, a standard reverse osmosis filtration system takes $1100 as the initial investment + $260 for annual service for five years. In that case, the budget for RO filtration will be $2,140. In contrast, bottled water will cost $5,635.
The choice is clear.

Is a tankless reverse osmosis system better than one with a tank?

A tankless reverse osmosis system requires little space. ­Furthermore, the water tastes fresh as it is processed at the moment. But tankless RO filters are costly without storage tanks and require electricity.
Contrarily, reverse osmosis filters with a tank are more affordable, store filtered water, and require no electricity. However, they do take more space.

Conclusion

Water filtration is not a choice but an absolute necessity in today’s times. Health is a priority and is something that cannot be gambled on. So the next time you are out looking for reverse osmosis filters worth your money and health, choose one from our closely surveyed list and make a smart purchase!

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