10 Best Inline Water Filter

Water filtration systems prove essential for every home because the water quality straight from our taps is not always the greatest.

In order to ensure that you and your family are getting clean water, we have come up with this list of the best inline water filters.

Finding the best inline water filter from your house can be a difficult task, which is why we are here to help you out. We will make sure that this article answers all your questions regarding finding an inline water filter that suits your needs perfectly!

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

4.9/5

Clearly Filtered

This inline water filter connects directly to your refrigerator or ice maker and filters water straight from there. It is a universal model compatible with every model out there, which is what makes this such a special product.

Types of Inline Water Filters

For many people across the globe, installing inline water filters is becoming more of a need rather than a want to live a healthy toxin-free life.

According to an NSF report, the most common filters used nowadays by people are refrigerator filters.

Many people prefer to use inline filters as they are more cost-effective and beneficial to the health of the people using them and their surroundings.

Mainly the inline filters used for water are identical looking on the outside; they have a basic cylindrical shape with various fittings on the sides of it that connect all the way up to your main water line.

Even though they are identical on the outside, the filters used inside are entirely different as different inline water filters use different insides to remove contaminants. Some of these include activated carbon, charcoal, and carbon block.

The most commonly used of the three is activated carbon.

The absorption process to trap contaminants is used in activated carbon inline water filters and is also highly effective in removing any odor or bad taste from the water.

Secondly, charcoal inline water filters are a part of activated carbon filters as they also use the process of absorption to remove toxins from the water.

During the process of absorption, the charcoal helps the toxins bind to the media preventing it from being flown through the water stream.

Lastly, carbon block inline water filters include compressed carbon that is usually finer than normal carbon that is used, which helps prevent flow channels to start forming in the media. Due to this, the water is purified enough to drink.

Best Inline Water Filters Comparison

Image PRODUCT/ Features Rating  
Top PickComparing Clearly Filtered Clearly FilteredFiltration Type: Activated Carbon Filter
Contaminant removed: Chlorine, chloramine, metals, radiation, pharmaceuticals, radiation, herbicides, arsenic, pesticides, and fluoride.
Flow rate: ‎n/a
Micron Rating: n/a
Warranty: ‎Lifetime guarantee
Price: $$
Read Full Review
Budget PickComparing GE GXRTDR GE GXRTDRFiltration Type: Carbon-spun fiber filtration
Contaminant removed: Chlorine, sediment, bad taste, and bad odor.
Flow rate: n/a
Micron rating: 30-50 microns
Warranty: n/a
Price: $
Read Full Review
Trusted PickComparing PureWater Inline Water Filter PureWater Inline Water FilterFiltration type: Affinity Filtration Technology
Contaminants removed: chlorine, tastes, odors, and a wide range of VOCs
Flow rate: 0.5 gallons per minute
Micron rating: n/a
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on filter kit parts
Price: $
Read Full Review
Popular PickComparing Waterdrop Refrigerator Filter Waterdrop Refrigerator FilterFiltration Type: Carbon Block
Contaminants removed:
Chlorine, taste and odor, cysts, rust, corrosion, and more.
Flow rate:
0.5 gallons per minute
Micron rating:
n/a
Warranty:
30-days return, no worries guarantee
Price
: $
Read Full Review
Comparing Woder WD-10K Woder WD-10KFiltration Type: Reverse Osmosis
Contaminants removed: Lead, Heavy Metals, Chlorine, Chromium, Mercury, Carcinogens, and other contaminants.
Flow rate: 3 gallons per minute
Micron rating: n/a
Warranty: n/a
Price: $$
Read Full Review
Comparing AquaCrest GXRTQR AQUACREST GXRTQRFiltration Type: Carbon filtration
Contaminants removed: Fluoride and other harmful contaminants
Flow rate: n/a
Micron rating: n/a
Warranty: n/a
Price: $
Read Full Review
Comparing EcoPure EPINL30 EcoPure EPINL30Filtration Type: n/a
Contaminants removed: Sediment, chlorine, taste, and odor
Flow rate: n/a
Micron rating: n/a
Warranty: n/a
Price: $
Read Full Review
Comparing 3M Aqua-Pure AP717 3M Aqua-Pure AP717Filtration type: Carbon filter
Contaminants removed: Chlorine and sediment
Flow rate: 0.5 gallons per minute
Micron rating: 5 microns
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Price: $
Read Full Review
Comparing OmniPure K2533JJ OmniPure K2533JJFiltration Type: Carbon filters
Contaminants removed: Chlorine, taste, and odor
Flow rate: 0.75 gallons per minute
Micron rating: n/a
Warranty: n/a
Price: $
Read Full Review
Comparing Culligan IC 1-EZ Culligan IC 1-EZFiltration type: n/a
Contaminants removed:
Reduces chlorine
Flow rate:
0.5 gallons per minute
Micron rating:
n/a
Warranty:
2-year limited warranty
Price:
$
Read Full Review

Best Inline Water Filtration Reviews

Now you know a bit about some of the best inline water filters in the market. This next section focuses on more details about each of them so you can make an informed purchase.

1. Clearly Filtered (Top Pick)

review of Clearly Filtered

Usually, a built-in refrigerator water filter is not serious at its job, but this refrigerator filtration system is out to change the game.

Connect this refrigerator filter directly to the waterline and get clean drinking water straight out of the refrigerator ice makers.

Because it connects to the mainline, this refrigerator ice maker filter is a universal fit and will be compatible with whatever model you might have.

It removes over 200 harmful contaminants from your water while simultaneously retaining the essential nutrients.

You can easily switch out the filter after it reaches its filtration capacity without requiring any fancy tools.

The compact design of this inline water filtration system makes it easy to install anywhere without much hassle.

It has a 3-stage filtration process, unlike most inline water filters, and hence, filters out a number of harmful chemicals from your water.

Specifications:

  • Filter life: 365 gallon
  • Push fittings: 1/4 inches
  • Filter casing: 2 inches deep

Other features:

  • Affinity filtration technology
  • Installs in 5 minutes
  • 3-stage filtration

Customer Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Great water taste
+ Easy to install
+ Great fridge or ice maker filter
CONS
Expensive

2. GE GXRTDR (Budget Pick)

review of GE GXRTDR

This inline water filtration system is great for providing ice for all your beverages. It also works great as an internal fridge filter for refrigerators that come without a built-in filtration system.

This refrigerator water filter is also NSF-certified which really makes it stand out as a safe product.

In order to get the best filtration results from this inline water filter, it must be replaced at least once every six months.

Ice maker water filters like these prove extremely beneficial in providing you with clean, transparent-looking ice. This ice maker filter also removes chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants that might damage your water.

This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an ice maker water filter.

Specifications:

  • Weight: ‎11.7 ounces
  • Dimensions: ‎‎12.5 x 2.3 x 2.1 inches
  • Filter life: 6 months

Other features:

  • NSF-certified
  • The minimum pressure is 25 psi
  • Reduces chlorine by 70%

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Easy installation
+ Simple instructions
+ Perfect for good-quality ice
CONS
Leakage complaints

3. PureWater Inline Water Filter (Trusted Pick)

review of PureWater Inline Water Filter

This is one of the best inline filter that really helps in reducing chlorine, taste, and odor. It comes up to NSF standards for these reductions.

This water filter ensures that you get better-tasting ice from your ice machines.

The inline water filter kit works easily with most ice makers and refrigerators. The life of this water filter for ice is 1500 gallons.

This in line water filter also ensures that no heavy metals reach your water or ice. They usually contaminate your water supply, and this filter system drives them out.

This inline water filter also contains special additives that ensure that scale and corrosion do not affect your pipes and appliances because these two things can combine to form hard rust that causes a lot of damage.

This inline water filter will be the perfect addition to your ice makers.

Specifications:

  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 2 inches
  • The service life of filter: 1500 gallons

Other features:

  • Quick-connect fittings
  • Two 1/4 inches Quick-Connect Water Line Adapters
  • 1/4 inches shutoff valve

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Easy to install
+ Good value for money
+ Great quality ice cubes
CONS
Some people had issues with fittings

4. Waterdrop (Popular Pick)

review of Waterdrop Refrigerator Filter

You can consider this the best inline water filter because of its high efficiency during water filtration. It reduces chlorine, taste and odor, corrosion, cysts, and other issues by 97%.

People often worry about replacement filters being good enough; this one comes with a 100% guarantee of being the same as the original one.

The filter life of this water filter is 300 gallons or six months. After which, filters should be replaced for optimal functioning.

The carbon block filters really uplift the working of this product. This carbon shell technology is imported and is BPA and lead-free.

This inline filter has passed more than 1 NSF test and came up to many of their standards. This speaks volumes about the quality of this product.

Specifications:

  • Filter capacity: 300 gallons
  • Pressure: ‎20-100 psi
  • Temperature: 33-100 °F

Other features:

  • International certification
  • Compatibility guarantee
  • Long service life

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Cheap
+ Easy installation
+ Fit well
CONS
Not original

5. Woder WD-10K

review of Woder WD-10K

Prior to contrary belief, this is not a filter replacement cartridge; you connect it directly to the water supply lines. This inline filtration system removes a number of contaminants from your water supply like chlorine, lead, heavy metals, mercury, carcinogens, and others.

This inline water filtration system only connects with the cold-water line; it will not work with well water.

It has an ultra-high capacity of 10,000 gallons. Another good feature about this filtration system is that it removes 99% of the harmful contaminants while still maintaining the essential nutrients, which really upgrades your water quality.

It works on a reverse osmosis purification method which is great for removing certain harmful particles.

Specifications:

  • Weight: ‎1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎‎12.2 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
  • Material: Plastic

Other features:

  • Outside diameter: 1/4 inches
  • Temperature range: 3-50 degrees celsius
  • Installation process and method: Wall-mounted

Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Easy to install
+ Water smells great
+ Good customer service
CONS
No documentation provided

6. AquaCrest GXRTQR

review of AquaCrest GXRTQR

This is an activated carbon filter that reduces bad taste and odor (among other harmful contaminants) to provide you with fresh water. It always removes fluoride, which is great because it prevents a number of damages that fluoride might cause.

Another factor that makes this the best inline water filter is that it always prevents scale from building up on your pipes.

The design is such that you do not need tools to install the inline filter.

The optimal capacity to replace this filter after is six months or 1400 gallons. The filter has been with premium materials that help it make your water extremely fresh. It uses multiple filtration techniques to make sure your drinking water is free of contaminants.

Specifications:

  • Weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 11.6 inches
  • Lead-free material

Other features:

  • Advanced Activated Coconut Carbon Block
  • Scale inhibitor
  • Fluoride removal

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Great as filter replacements
+ Good value for money
+ Water tastes great
CONS
Some people had issues with fittings

7. EcoPure EPINL30

review of EcoPure EPINL30

These are long-lasting inline filters that fit with most big brand names. This inline filter has a robust design that removes bad taste and odor and a number of other harmful contaminants from your drinking water.

This inline filter for ice maker would be perfect in this role and works great with ice makers.

This inline filter is built to be a universal fit, so it fits a number of brands and also can be installed in a number of places around your refrigerator.

These EcoPure water filtration systems are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an ice maker water filter, a water filter for their RV, or one for their motor homes. This is a diverse inline filter that will work nicely in a wide range of applications.

Specifications:

  • Weight: ‎1 pound
  • Dimensions: ‎13.5 x 7 x 3 inches
  • Material: Plastic

Other features:

  • 1/4 inches compression and push-to-connect fittings
  • Replacement filters
  • Robust design

Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Works instantly
+ Cheap
+ Good value for money
+ Simple filter replacement
CONS
Not durable

8. 3M Aqua-Pure AP717

review of 3M Aqua-Pure AP717

This filtration system is the best for refrigerators that do not have their own in-built filtration. This filter provides you with better tasting water as well as ice cubes.

This inline water filter kit reduces sediment as well as scale, and tests have proved this.

The best part about this filter is that it can be used for such a diverse range of reasons, for water fountains, drink dispensers, ice makers, and even coffee machines.

The filter cartridge has a sanitary design and requires no contact with filter media during the change-out. The ideal time for replacement is six months, but you should do it earlier if you notice any visible changes in the water quality through your filter.

This filter system also protects your appliances against buildup. So, it can be an all-in-one solution to a number of problems you have with your tap water.

Specifications:

  • Weight: 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 8.4 inches
  • Contains activated carbon

Other features:

  • Single filter cartridge
  • NSF Standard 42 certified
  • Reduces Sediment

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Great for ice machines
+ Good water taste
+ Prevents scale
CONS
Not highly durable

9. OmniPure K2533JJ

review of OmniPure K2533JJ

This inline filter is a cheaper alternative to much more expensive inline filters, but it works just the same as them. You do not need to always invest in original and the most expensive products. Products like these can often do wonders for you as well.

This unit comes with 1/4 inches quick-connect fittings and uses activated carbon to remove a number of harmful contaminants. You do not need any kind of special tools to install this inline filter and can easily do it on your own with minimal effort.

You horizontally mount this filter over the reverse osmosis membrane. You can also use this as a polishing filter on reverse osmosis systems in general.

You generally need to change the cartridge once every year, on every 2500 gallons.

The mounting clips are included, and the whole process of installation is fairly easy, even for beginners.

If you’re looking for an inline filter system, this is one of the best options that you should definitely look into.

Specifications:

  • Weight: 1.45 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎10.8 x 4.3 x 2.1 inches
  • 1/4 inches quick connect fittings

Other features:

  • Mounting clips included
  • Change after 2500 gallons, once annually
  • Great for refrigerators

Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Easy to install inline water filtration systems
+ Good value for money
+ Affordable
CONS
Instructions a little unclear

10. Culligan IC 1-EZ

review of Culligan IC 1-EZ

This Culligan filter is great for providing clean water for multiple purposes but specifically for drinking water and cooking food. It comes with quick-connect fittings, filter head with mounting hardware, double water shutoff, and EZ change replacement filter cartridge.

Depending on how much, how often, and on how much load you use this filter, it will need to be replaced once every 12 months on average (or after 3000 gallons). These figures are essential to follow for optimal running of your filter system.

The filter comes with a twist-on/twist-off mechanism and other unique features. This filter works great for providing you with clean drinking water, but it is also amazing as an ice maker filter.

You do not need any hardware or great tools to install this; everything is already included in the package.

Culligan is a well-known name when it comes to water treatment systems. They have created a trustworthy brand name for themselves, and anyone looking for ice maker filters or inline filters, in general, must surely look into their products.

Specifications:

  • Weight: ‎1.68 pounds
  • Dimensions:‎ ‎4 x 4 x 12.5 inches
  • Style: Basic filter

Other features:

  • 3000 gallons capacity
  • NSF-Certified
  • Handy fittings

Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

PROS
+ Cost-effective
+ No additional supplies needed
+ Economical
+ Good as a replacement filter
CONS
A little fragile

What is an Inline Water Filter?

Directly installed into your cold main water line is the new inline water filter, which helps deliver clean water throughout your house without dependence on any other house appliances.

The inline water filter has been recommended as highly reliable, and unlike usual under-sink filtration systems, does not require any tap installation system to be used.

One of the significant uses of installing an inline water filter is that it directly fits your main water line without any additional hassle. Another reason why inline water filters are highly recommended is that they last up to twelve months without having to change them and are also very cheap compared to regular sink filter models.

Although it may have multiple advantages, the downside of using inline water filters is that they can only be used in the main line that they are connected with. If you need filtered water in any other parts of the house, installing taps is necessary, increasing installation costs.

Drinking filtered water decreases the risk of being contaminated with different toxins and pollutants. Since the ratio of chlorine is less compared to other filter models, the taste of the water is cleaner.

fridge with an inline water filter

How Does an Inline Water Filter Work?

We all want the best when it comes to home appliances, and choosing the most suitable and finest inline water filter may take up a lot of your time.

But it is also necessary to consider aspects like the different components in water filters, the capacity of the water it can hold in it, and many other things.

After getting an inline filter that caters to all your preferences, you next think about how it works.

An inline water filter is directly attached to the main water line of your house, after which it opens a path for effectively removing all different sorts of toxins or pollutants that may be contaminating the water.

 Secondly, after the water filter is installed, it goes through chemical and mechanical filtration stages as any other water filter does.

The two major stages that the water filter goes through include first purifying the water, after which it can be drunk.

After that, it goes through the chemical filtration stage, which is also considered to be the most crucial part because, in this stage, it removes all the toxic chemicals that may be a risk to our health and to the surrounding in general.

Hence, this process is mandatory to follow, after which the chances of contracting any health issues or water-related diseases decrease a fair amount.

After the chemical filtration process, the water is clean enough to drink, the taste of the water is also enhanced. It also removes contaminants that start from viruses all the way up to different bacterias.

Installing an Inline Water Filter?

Different purity checks are made before the water is supplied to the home in which the inline water filter is installed.

Water that is used is usually supplied through different channels like the river, etc.

This water is not safe for drinking, due to which the water is first tested and then allowed to be consumed by the public, even after which sometimes the water stays contaminated, which is why an inline water filter is used, since it is the most effective way to remove toxins from the water.

Inline water filters can be installed in your house for better and safe drinking water.

Different steps are involved while installing an inline water filter, which includes finding the perfect location where it can be installed, mainly on the pipe underneath your sink.

Secondly, the most important aspect that needs to be considered is that you need to turn off the cold supply of water from your home after finding the perfect location.

Then, start to remove the pipes under the sink, which are usually up to 3 inches long. After removing the pipes an opening needs to be cut between the tap and water supply valve.

Once an opening is created, the inline water filter needs to be placed in that opening.

The word ‘In’ is written on top of the filters, which need to be connected to the water connection lines, after which you have to connect it to the main pipe.

Lastly, multiple openings need to be drilled on the wall where the filter needs to be fixed.

After that, the filter can easily be placed into a stable position which you can further strengthen with the help of different screws.

After the filter is installed, you have to check for leaks by running the water, and it is preferred that you purchase a filter with a certified flow rate.

How to Pick an Inline Water Filter?

Many different variables are supposed to be taken into consideration before choosing a suitable inline water filter for a person.

Several factors are to be kept in mind while picking out a water filter which includes the following:

Different types of Filters:

Firstly the essential part of any inline water filter is the type of filter you choose.

Based on your specific use of the filter, you should pick your inline water filter; for example, if you’re looking for cleaner ice coming out from the fridge, you’ll need a different filter compared to if you need one to get clean drinking water from the sink.

An RV camper may need a different filter for his water supply since his water filter needs are different compared to a person who might be getting one for the sake of just purifying existing water in their household.

inline water filter

Various water supplies:

Secondly, you need to map out your water supply and try to understand it since everyone has a different water supply running in their homes.

The supply of water in your house may be dependant on one thing, and that is the location.

Water supply varies from place to place, the people living in urban areas have a different water supply which may have other chemicals and toxins in it compared to people living in rural areas, due to which both areas require different inline water filters to remove the toxins in their specific water supply.

In city environments, people are more exposed to water with high sulfur and minor other toxins.

While people living in rural areas may test positive for having more metal and corrosive elements in their water, due to which they need to find a filter that deals with such types of water.

The only accurate way of knowing what type of water supply you have is through getting a water test done, after which you can make a conclusion of what type of inline water filter you need to get.

Water usage and filter life:

One of the most common questions that run through a person’s mind while buying an inline water filter is how many gallons of water can be passed through the filter before it needs to be changed or a new one has to be bought.

This is why the life of a filter matters a lot for a person wanting to buy one.

Most companies advertise their water filters by saying they last a lifetime before they have to be changed or replaced.

But, the truth is it is solely based on how much water is consumed by a household and how hard the pressure of the water is that is run through them.

An example to justify the statement above is: if you are a family of three people, the filter life is expected to last longer than a house with six to eight people living in it.

Since the usage of water varies, which is why before purchasing a water filter, evaluate the number of people living in your house, the pressure of the water in your home, and how much it will be used.

An important tip that should be considered while buying a water filter is purchasing a water testing kit since it will help determine if it is working fine or not.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of Installing an inline water filter are many from which some are:

  1. The inline water filter can directly be installed onto your cold water main water line. This implies that there is no need for any other item to be used; hence the reliability of the product is superb.
  2. Another advantage is that inline filters are carefully designed to last longer compared to other water filters. Hence, the durability of the inline water filters is remarkable. Even though these filters also have a shelf life, they are likely to last up to twelve months before they need to be changed again.
  3. Since they are designed to adapt to small places, they take up minimal space. Since they have to be attached to the main water line pipes, they do not take much space. Because of this distinctive feature, they can be installed anywhere in the house, such as refrigerators, water coolers, etc.

Disadvantages include:

  1. Since it does not have a dependency factor, it has to be entirely replaced if it stops working or any other fault is found, which can be expensive.
  2. Not everyone may be aware of how to set up an inline water cooler in their homes, due to which they will have to seek help from a professional, which is costly.
  3. Since they are directly installed into the main pipeline of the house, if a person wants to purify other water outlets in the house, they will have to install a different inline water filter as one is only restricted to the area it is attached to.

FAQs on Inline Water Filter

How often should I change my inline water filter?

Depending on the usage and quality of your inline water filter, you should change them.
It may vary from person to person, based on the things mentioned above.
But in general, they should be changed every 5-6 months; every inline water filter has five different stages according to which the filter should be changed.

Should I clean my inline water filter?

Since they are installed underneath the sink and typically behind refrigerators, vending machines, etc., it is essential to clean your inline water filters.
Even though they purify the water before it can be consumed by the person, there is still sometimes a chance that it may need to be changed.

What is an NSF certification, and why is it important when choosing a filter?

The National Institute of Standards says certification is important while choosing a filter because it helps you understand the quality of the purchase you made.
It also helps evaluate the uniform standard of measure, helping you decide what is worth the purchase and what is not. So it is necessary to consult the NSF certification before making a purchase.

What contaminants do inline water filters remove?

Since the inline water filter is installed into the water system, it is continuously purifying all the water passing through it.
This water includes different contaminants/toxins like chlorine, parasites, trace metals, and other bacterias and viruses that may be harmful to health.

Is a refrigerator filter essential for my fridge?

It may not be essential for your fridge.
Still, suppose you do not install an inline water filter.
In that case, you need to have a water filter bypass to help purify the air inside your fridge which helps keep the food and water inside it pure from any toxins from the surroundings because, without it, your food may stale and will not be worth eating.

Conclusion

Finding the best inline water filter must not seem like such a daunting task now; at least, we hope so. Once you get your hands on the perfect filter system for your home, you can always enjoy clean water according to your needs.

This article discussed all the important considerations, questions, and concerns surrounding the purchase of an inline water filter. We hope this helps you make the best decision for yourself.

Think of investing in a water filter today, because it is an essential part of your home water system.

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