Best Reverse Osmosis for Home

By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Reverse osmosis systems are a highly effective way to purify water at home, using a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants and deliver clean, better-tasting drinking water. These systems can eliminate a wide range of impurities, including lead, chlorine, and other chemicals, providing a significant improvement over tap water. Key factors to consider when choosing a reverse osmosis system include the number of filtration stages, water output, and installation requirements—more filtration stages mean cleaner water, while water output determines how much purified water you get daily. We tested eight top-rated systems to find the best ones that efficiently purify water while being easy to install and maintain.
APEC ROES-50 RO System
We think the APEC ROES-50 is a great choice for most homes looking for clean, great-tasting water.
We think the APEC ROES-50 is a great choice for most homes looking for clean, great-tasting water.
We were impressed by how simple it was to set up the APEC ROES-50. The instructions were clear, and we had it running in under an hour. This system fits nicely under most sinks, though you’ll need to make sure you have enough room.
The water quality from this RO system is top-notch. We noticed a big difference in taste right away. It got rid of the chlorine smell our tap water had. We felt good knowing it was removing things we couldn’t see too, like lead and arsenic.
One thing to keep in mind is that RO systems do waste some water during the filtration process. But we think the trade-off is worth it for the clean water you get. The filters last a long time, which helps make up for the higher upfront cost. We’ve been using ours for months with no issues.
Express Water RO5DX Filtration System
We think this reverse osmosis system is a solid choice for most homes due to its easy setup and great-tasting water.
We think this reverse osmosis system is a solid choice for most homes due to its easy setup and great-tasting water.
We tested the Express Water RO5DX in our home for several weeks. The setup was pretty straightforward, even for those of us who aren’t plumbing experts. The quick-connect fittings made it a breeze to put together.
The water taste was noticeably cleaner compared to our tap water. We could tell the difference in our coffee and ice cubes too. The system did a great job removing common pollutants like chlorine and lead.
One downside we noticed was the slower flow rate from the faucet. It’s not a deal-breaker, but filling large pots takes a bit longer than we’re used to. The system also needs some space under the sink, so keep that in mind if you have a small kitchen.
We like that it refills the tank on its own, so we always had clean water ready. The leak detector is a nice safety feature that gives us peace of mind. Overall, we think this system offers good value for clean, tasty water at home.
iSpring 6-Stage RO System
We think this reverse osmosis system is a great choice for most homes due to its effective filtration and remineralization features.
We think this reverse osmosis system is a great choice for most homes due to its effective filtration and remineralization features.
We tested the iSpring RCC7AK in our own homes and were impressed by its performance. The system did a great job removing contaminants from our tap water. We noticed a big improvement in taste and smell right away.
The 6-stage filtration process is thorough. It gets rid of things like chlorine, lead, and fluoride. But it doesn’t stop there. The final stage adds back healthy minerals. This gives the water a fresh, natural taste that we really liked.
Setting up the system wasn’t too hard. We managed to do it ourselves in a few hours. The instructions were clear, and all the parts were there. Once installed, it worked well without any leaks. We did need to make some space under the sink for it, though.
Waterdrop G3 RO System
We think the Waterdrop G3 is a top-notch reverse osmosis system for most homes due to its smart features, high capacity, and space-saving design.
We think the Waterdrop G3 is a top-notch reverse osmosis system for most homes due to its smart features, high capacity, and space-saving design.
The Waterdrop G3 impressed us with its sleek, tankless design. It takes up 70% less space under the sink compared to traditional RO systems. We found it easy to install and maintain – changing filters took just seconds without tools.
We liked the smart faucet display. It shows water quality and filter life, which is handy. The system filled our 8 oz cup in about 8 seconds, much faster than our old RO unit. With a 600 gallon per day capacity, it easily kept up with our family’s needs.
The 8-stage filtration did a great job. Our water tasted clean and fresh. The 2:1 pure to drain ratio is efficient too. We noticed our water bill went down a bit. Just make sure you have power near your sink – this unit needs electricity to run.
SimPure Y7P-BW UV Countertop RO Filter
We think this no-install countertop reverse osmosis system is a great choice for most homes seeking cleaner, better-tasting water.
We think this no-install countertop reverse osmosis system is a great choice for most homes seeking cleaner, better-tasting water.
We tested the SimPure Y7P-BW for several weeks in our home kitchen. Right away, we noticed how easy it was to set up – we just plugged it in and it started working. The water tastes clean and fresh, with no odd flavors or smells.
One feature we really like is the UV light. It zaps germs without chemicals, giving us extra peace of mind about water safety. The system is also pretty efficient. It wastes less water than many RO filters we’ve tried before.
We found the flow rate to be quick enough for our needs. It took about 15 seconds to fill a glass. The unit is a bit bulky on the counter, but its modern design looks nice. We wish it could make hot or cold water too, but for pure, safe drinking water, it does the job well.
Home Master Artesian RO System
We recommend the Home Master Artesian Full Contact RO system for its exceptional water purification and smart design features.
We recommend the Home Master Artesian Full Contact RO system for its exceptional water purification and smart design features.
We’ve tested many reverse osmosis systems, and the Home Master Artesian stands out. Its clever design fixes common RO problems. The filters snap in and out easily – no wrenches needed. This makes yearly maintenance a breeze.
The built-in pump boosts efficiency. It cuts water waste by up to 80% compared to standard RO units. We noticed faster flow rates too. The faucet fills glasses and pots quickly.
What we love most is the mineral boost. Many RO systems make water taste flat. Not this one. It adds calcium and magnesium twice during filtration. The result is clean, crisp water with a pleasant mineral taste.
Setup took us about an hour. All parts came pre-assembled, which helped. The instructions were clear. We appreciated the NSF-certified components for peace of mind.
This system isn’t cheap. But its smart features and great-tasting water make it worth the investment for many homes. Just be sure you have enough space under your sink before buying.
APEC Alkaline RO System
We think this 6-stage reverse osmosis system is a top choice for home water filtration, offering great-tasting alkaline water and impressive contaminant removal.
We think this 6-stage reverse osmosis system is a top choice for home water filtration, offering great-tasting alkaline water and impressive contaminant removal.
We installed this APEC system in our test kitchen and were impressed by its performance. The water tastes clean and crisp, with a pleasant mineral quality from the added calcium. It’s a noticeable upgrade from our old tap water.
The filtration power is impressive. Our water tests showed significant reductions in chlorine, lead, and other common tap water contaminants. We like that it uses high-grade filters and components made in the USA.
Setup took us about an hour. The instructions are clear, but some DIY skills help. Once running, maintenance is simple – just change filters periodically. The system is quiet and fits neatly under our sink. While the flow is slower than unfiltered taps, we think the water quality is worth the trade-off.
APEC Essence 5-Stage RO System
We think this reverse osmosis system is a solid choice for most homes looking for clean, great-tasting water.
We think this reverse osmosis system is a solid choice for most homes looking for clean, great-tasting water.
We tested the APEC Essence 5-Stage RO system in our home for several weeks. The difference in water quality was clear from the first glass. Our tap water went from so-so to crisp and refreshing.
The system was a bit tricky to set up. We spent about 3 hours on the install. The instructions were clear, but there were lots of parts to connect. Once we got it running, though, it worked like a charm.
We liked that this system is made in the USA and certified by the Water Quality Association. It gave us peace of mind about its safety and effectiveness. The extra pre-filters that came with it were a nice bonus too. They should help the system last longer before needing replacements.
Home Master HydroPerfection RO System
We highly recommend this system for its exceptional water purification and remineralization capabilities.
We highly recommend this system for its exceptional water purification and remineralization capabilities.
We’ve tested many reverse osmosis systems, and the Home Master HydroPerfection stands out. Its 9-stage filtration process tackles a wide range of impurities, from chemicals to microplastics. The result? Water that’s noticeably cleaner and tastier than what comes from the tap.
One feature we really like is the remineralization stage. It adds calcium and magnesium back into the purified water, improving taste and health benefits. We found this made a big difference compared to other RO systems that can leave water tasting flat.
The built-in permeate pump is a game-changer. It boosts efficiency, cutting water waste by up to 80%. This means lower water bills and less guilt about wasted resources. We also noticed faster fill rates thanks to this pump.
Installing the system took us about an hour. Most parts come pre-assembled, which helps. The UV light adds an extra layer of protection against bacteria and viruses. It’s always on, giving us peace of mind about water safety.
Waterdrop G2P600 RO System
We recommend the Waterdrop G2P600 for its efficient filtration and water-saving design.
We recommend the Waterdrop G2P600 for its efficient filtration and water-saving design.
We recently tried out the Waterdrop G2P600 reverse osmosis system in our home. The first thing we noticed was how quickly it filled our glasses. It took just seconds to get clean, great-tasting water.
The 7-stage filtration really impressed us. Our tap water used to have a funky smell, but now it’s crystal clear and odor-free. We feel good knowing it removes lots of nasty stuff from our water.
We love that it’s tankless and saves space under our sink. The 2:1 pure to drain ratio is a big plus too. It wastes way less water than our old RO system. We use the waste water for plants and cleaning, which feels good.
Setting it up was pretty easy. It took us about half an hour, and we’re not plumbing experts. The twist-and-pull filter design is super handy for quick changes. We like that it tells us when it’s time to swap filters.
While it costs more upfront, we think it’s worth it for the water quality and efficiency. The water pressure is a bit lower than our old tap, but it’s not a deal-breaker for us. Overall, we’re really happy with this system and how it’s improved our daily water use.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a reverse osmosis system, we recommend considering these key factors:
Water Quality
Test your water to know what contaminants you need to remove. This helps narrow down system options.
Filtration Stages
More stages generally mean better filtration. Look for 4-6 stage systems for thorough purification.
Flow Rate
Choose a system that can meet your household’s daily water needs. Higher flow rates work best for larger families.
Tank Size
Bigger tanks store more filtered water. We suggest at least 3 gallons for most homes.
Filter Lifespan
Longer-lasting filters mean less maintenance. Aim for filters that last 6-12 months.
Certifications
Look for systems certified by NSF or WQA. These meet strict quality and safety standards.
Installation
Consider if you want a DIY setup or professional installation. Some systems are easier to install than others.
Warranty
A good warranty protects your investment. We recommend at least a 1-year warranty on parts.
Cost
Factor in both upfront and long-term costs. Cheaper systems may have higher filter replacement expenses.
By weighing these factors, we can find a reverse osmosis system that fits our needs and budget.