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The Best Water Filter Stores

Where Can You Buy the Best Water Filters?

That may depend on the type of filtration you're looking for. Are you trying to install a new whole-house system? Or maybe your biggest need is to have chemical-free drinking water on demand? While some water filter retailers sell all of that and then some, most online stores focus on a particular filtration need.

For example, many customers shopping for water filters are looking to replace a cartridge in their refrigerator; in that case, it's important to determine if you need an OEM filter that matches your fridge's brand or if an aftermarket filter compatible with your model would be enough. Most off-brand filters are designed to perform as well as or better than their brand-name counterparts, but make sure that using one won't void any warranty coverage still remaining on your appliance.

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Water Filter Store Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award Home Depot Review 5 Star Rating

Home Depot

5 Star Rating
  • Over 2,000 products, from entire filtration systems to replacement cartridges
  • Easy-to-use website
  • Convenient to buy online and pick up in store
  • 5% discount on subscriptions
  • Free delivery or ship-to-store on most water filters and filtration systems
  • Free in-home water test
  • 90-day return policy on unopened, unused items
  • "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Home Depot is probably the most hassle-free way to buy water filters. It doesn't matter if you're shopping for a whole-house filtration system or a basic replacement for your fridge's water and ice, you're not going to have any trouble finding options with this big-box retailer.

Website is a breeze to use

Right from the main water filter page, Home Depot clearly lays out your choices. Want to start with water testing? Done: do it yourself with a kit or sign up for a free in-home water test. Trying to filter out a specific contaminant like iron or bacteria? Jump right to the products that match. Favorite brand? You've got it. No other water filter store in our evaluation makes it that easy.

Lots of customer reviews

Another big plus of buying water filters here is the ample customer feedback. On the Samsung refrigerator we used to make an apples-to-apples comparison across several retailers we evaluated, we found that Home Depot carries both OEM and aftermarket replacement filters - and it was reassuring to see dozens (if not hundreds) of shopper ratings showing that both types performed equally well. That positive customer feedback is part of why the Better Business Bureau gives Home Depot an "A+" rating and accreditation, despite the thousands of complaints filed there (which is par for the course with such a large company).

Competitively priced

Pricing is very comparable too: you can be pretty confident that you're not going to overspend if you buy your water filters here without checking the competition's prices first. Another way to save is by subscribing to automatic delivery on replacement filters: just look for the option on the product page, usually right underneath the "How to Get It" delivery selections. Whether you set your water filters to come every month, every few months, or just once a year, you'll get a 5% discount on the purchase.

Best Water Filters

Buy online, get it delivered or pick up in store

And, with so many in-store locations, Home Depot gives you added convenience: check inventory at your preferred local store, order online, and pick it up whenever you like. Most water filters and systems can also be delivered to your home for free, or take advantage of complimentary ship-to-store for pickup if it's not in stock at your nearby Home Depot.

Free - yes, free - water testing

One of our favorite features of using Home Depot for water filters is their Water Treatment Service. Start by requesting a free water test: you'll get a call within a day to set up a time with a Home Depot partner in your area. At your appointment, the specialist will conduct the testing and go over your results. If there are any concerns with your water quality, the technician will be able to recommend the best water treatment system. At the time of our review, Home Depot was even offering 24 months of financing on any installed water treatment services priced over $600. All of that can save you the hassle of finding a licensed installer on your own: that's what you'll have to do with many of the whole-house water filter retailers in our evaluation, after all.

Good overall return policy

Home Depot's stated return policy is pretty decent. You'll have 90 days to return any unused, unopened merchandise - so if that filter arrives and you realize that you got the wrong one, you can send it back or take it to a Home Depot in your area. What if you don't realize it until you install it? There's nothing in the store's stated policies that addresses that, but in our experience this retailer errs on the side of "keep the customer happy (even if it was the customer's mistake)" . Would that apply even for a large-ticket item like a whole-house water filtration system? Maybe. We suggest asking that question via Home Depot's live chat if you've got one of those in your online shopping cart, just in case.

Best choice for water filters

Home Depot earns our first-place ranking among retailers of water filters and filtration systems. Their inventory is vast, the website is super-easy to shop, and their complimentary in-home water testing and recommendations from a professional adds so much value to what this top-notch store already offers. With more than 2,000 products to choose from, Home Depot is the logical place to shop for all of your water filters.

Discount Filters Review 4.5 Star Rating

Discount Filters

4.5 Star Rating
  • 1-year satisfaction guarantee on all water filters
  • Free shipping over $50
  • Free returns on all orders for up to a year
  • 90-day low price guarantee
  • "A+" rated by the BBB

Discount Filters is a terrific resource for water filters, whether you're looking for OEM cartridges or a proprietary aftermarket brand that is made in the USA. Based in Indiana, this company goes to great lengths to help you keep your water clean (and your air too, by the way).

No problem finding what you need

It's really easy to find the water filters you need. Our favorite way is to type in the brand we're trying to match. For example, typing in Samsung brings up a list of refrigerator style images, like French 4-Door and Side-by-Side. From there, you walk through a series of images showing where the filter might be located, how it might be removed, and so forth. You'll be taken to the filter it thinks is the right match for your fridge; you can always enter the part number or model number if you'd like to double-check.

Save by bundling HVAC/water filters

This is also a great way to do some one-stop shopping: when we went to check out with our refrigerator water filter, we were given the option of adding an HVAC filter and getting $10 off our order. You can get humidifier filters here as well, and all of them can be set to auto-ship every six months. There's no discount if you do (unlike Discount Filters' competitors who often give a savings of 5-15% when you set up a refill subscription), but it's still pretty handy. And, if you don't opt into the auto-delivery program, you'll still get emails reminding you that it might be time to order a replacement filter.

Several ways to get discounts

As we browsed the Discount Filters site, we got a pop-up offering a 20% discount on our order if we provided our email address and mobile number. Then again, there was a 20% discount code right at the top of the page, no contact info required; we recommend that you look there to see if there are any promos in effect when you're ready to make your purchase. Plus, all purchases automatically earn you rewards points that can be cashed in for a discount later.

Best Water Filters

Plenty of customer-friendly guarantees

This retailer offers tons of perks. Many of them are included under the umbrella of their Purchase Guarantee Program. It starts with a refund policy covering up to $1,000 in products if they don't meet your standards, and it lasts for a full year. Need to make a return? You've got up to a year to do it, and Discount Filters will even cover the return postage. Next, this company guarantees you're getting your filters at the lowest price for up to 90 days; if the price drops, they'll refund the difference. Finally, if you wind up with a filter compatibility issue - even after using the site tools and/or reaching out to their customer service team for help - you're still covered by that 100% money-back guarantee. We love it all.

Over 10,000 five-star reviews

Where Discount Filters really shines is their reputation. The company enjoys a perfect "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau - but then again, so do most of the retailers in this review. How about nearly 11,000 five-star reviews from their customers? Not many of Discount Filters' rivals can even come close. Reading through the glowing praise this retailer has received, you'll often see comments describing budget-friendly pricing on aftermarket filters that work just as well as (or better than) the brand-name items, phenomenal experiences with Discount Filters' support team, and consistency over years of purchases from loyal repeat shoppers.

Not always the lowest price

The one downside of shopping here is that there's no price matching. On that Samsung water filter we used as an example, we found them for half as much money on a competitor site; even with a discount code, we could get two filters from Discount Filters' rival for less than what we would have paid for one - though the jury is still out on whether or not the competitor's filters were OEM or aftermarket. You can't match the customer service you'll get here, but you may very well be able to beat the price somewhere else (but, points to Discount Filters: we were able to reach a rep via live chat almost immediately and get the order canceled).

Terrific overall choice for water filters

Although Discount Filters doesn't earn our first-place ranking because of the lack of price matching, the company still gets our highest rating of five stars. We're impressed with the overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, the easy-to-navigate online store, and the ample product selection. You can't go wrong buying your water filters from this store.

Water Chef Review 4.5 Star Rating

Water Chef

4.5 Star Rating
  • Lifetime limited warranty on all point-of-use water filtration systems
  • 5-year limited warranty on whole-house filtration systems
  • 3-year limited warranty on shower filter systems
  • Systems and cartridges made in the USA
  • 60-day return policy, return postage covered by WaterChef (doesn't apply to whole-house products)
  • 1% of sales donated to earth-friendly organizations
  • "A+" rated by the BBB

WaterChef is the online retail brand of Water Safety Corporation, a company with a 30-year history of designing, manufacturing and distributing top-notch water filters and filtration systems. All of their filter cartridges are designed and manufactured in the USA.

Only sells its own brand

Because WaterChef only sells its own brand of products, you're not going to find a huge selection here - and definitely no brand-name, OEM water filters. Don't let that keep you from seeing everything this company has to offer, though. WaterChef makes something for just about every water filtration need you might have, like a countertop system (available in black or white for $120), a shower filter system with a handheld wand (available in chrome, brushed nickel and white for just over $75), and a whole-house water filtration system for just under $1500. Almost everything sold here has 50-100 customer reviews, almost all of which are a flawless five-star rating.

High-quality aftermarket water filters

And yes, if you're looking for an aftermarket filter replacement for your fridge, you'll probably find that as well. For the Samsung fridge we used as a reference point across several water filter retailers, the equivalent WaterChef filter was priced at a very reasonable $9.95: a huge savings compared with the $50+ you'd pay for the brand-name replacement.

Save with automatic deliveries

You can also save money by signing up for WaterChef's auto-ship program. For example, if you purchase a filtration system and set the filters up to be resupplied according to your preferred frequency, you'll save 10% off on the initial purchase and 15% on all future filter deliveries, as well as free shipping. You can cancel this subscription at any time.

Best Water Filters

Excellent warranty and satisfaction guarantee

You'll get great warranty coverage from WaterChef. Shower filter systems come with a three-year limited warranty, whole-house filtration systems have a five-year limited warranty, and all point-of-use drinking water systems have a lifetime limited warranty. You're not likely to find that with any other water filter retailer. Even their return policy is generous: with the exception of whole-house filtration systems, your products are covered by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and WaterChef even covers the return postage.

Outstanding reputation

WaterChef has maintained its fantastic reputation over the years. It continues to hold an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints registered there. Shopper feedback online is enthusiastic, with hundreds of customers describing water filters that work as promised - and responsive, helpful interactions with WaterChef reps when they don't. Clients also appreciate WaterChef's commitment to a healthy, sustainable planet with 1% of sales going to organizations like Reef Relief and The Turtle Conservancy.

Put WaterChef on your list of companies to consider

Clean water for a single faucet or for your whole home: WaterChef can make that a reality, with affordable prices on effective systems and on replacement filters that exceed the performance even of the original brand-name parts. This is a fantastic retailer with many satisfied customers, and we encourage you to give WaterChef a look when you're shopping for water filters or filtration systems.

US Water Systems Review 4.5 Star Rating

US Water Systems

4.5 Star Rating
  • "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
  • Almost all products made in the USA
  • Low price guarantee
  • Save money with an automatic subscription
  • 60-day return policy on new, unused, unopened items in original packaging

US Water Systems prioritizes water filters and products that are made in the USA: about 95% of what they sell fits the description. Both their sales department and tech support team have a number of Certified and Master Water Specialists as well as former installers; there's over 300 years of combined field experience here.

Wide range of filters to choose from

This is an excellent place to buy replacement water filters: reverse osmosis, carbon block, whole-house systems, even cartridge filters. There were over 360 filters to choose from at the time of our most recent visit to the US Water Systems' online store. Their most popular item is the 5-Stage USA-Made Standard Reverse Osmosis Filter Pack, priced at $49.95. Designed to fit most sump-type filters, including several models by Watts, Flowmatic, Goldline, WaterLogix and other five-stage models of reverse osmosis systems, this package has earned a rating of almost 5/5 stars from over 50 happy customers.

Save money by subscribing to recurring deliveries

You know that feeling when you thought you had a filter on hand and then you realize you're completely out? US Water Systems can make that a problem of the past: just click the option for "regular delivery" and set it to be shipped every 3, 6 or 12 months. It even comes with a 10% discount. This subscription isn't available on every product sold here, but it's a nice perk if you can take advantage of it.

60 days to get a refund, you pay shipping costs

If you're buying replacement water filters from US Water Systems, you've got 60 days to return them in original packaging if you need a refund (like if you bought the wrong size). You're responsible for the return shipping costs, and your refund will have the original delivery fee deducted as well.

Best Water Filters

Unique water filtration systems too

As you might guess, US Water Systems also sells filtration systems, ranging from whole-house set-ups (both reverse osmosis and traditional) to drinking water faucets and under sink water filters. We even found specialty filters for RVs, home brewing, reefkeeping, and pond/surface water. The only common water filter sold elsewhere that we didn't spot here was the shower filter.

Positive customer feedback = trustworthy retailer

You can count on this company to deliver an excellent customer experience. Not only do they have the Better Business Bureau's highest rating and accreditation, but their shopper feedback is also very positive. Whether commenting on small items like filters or large purchases like whole-house reverse osmosis systems, clients say that US Water Systems goes above and beyond to get items there on time, to fix any problems quickly, and to provide high-quality equipment that is almost 100% US-made.

High recommendation

As if you couldn't tell, we really like US Water Systems. If you can find the filters you need here - and chances are good that you will - you should feel confident in becoming a US Water Systems customer.

Discount Filter Store Review 4 Star Rating

Discount Filter Store

4 Star Rating
  • "A+" rated by the BBB
  • Free shipping on orders over $39
  • 60-day return policy on undamaged and unused products (OEM)
  • 60-day return policy for any reason on Tier1 products
  • Free returns on orders under $100

Discount Filter Store sells "the filters you need: high quality, great value" . That includes not just water filters for your fridge or your reverse osmosis system, but also your HVAC system and beyond.

Are they still in business?

We weren't sure the lights were still on at Discount Filter Store at first, during our most recent trip to their online storefront: we got a pop-up offering a 35% seasonal discount... for a season that was several months' past. Fortunately, after a 10-minute wait, we heard from one of their reps via live chat who assured us that they are indeed still in business (and that they needed to update that banner ASAP).

Filter finder not 100% accurate

If you're looking for a replacement water filter for your fridge, it's easy to click on the brand dropdown and go from there: matching the style of the fridge and where the filter is located. Unfortunately, following those steps didn't lead us to the right water filter we needed for the Samsung refrigerator we used as a test case across several retailers. Maybe you'll have better luck with the filters you need? If you know the part number, we suggest entering it in the search box; when we did that, we got a match with the Tier1 brand that's compatible with the Samsung fridge we were using.

Many types of water filters here

However, appliance water filters aren't the only products on offer here. You'll also find filters for whole-house filtration systems, pitchers and dispensers, shower and bathroom fixtures, under sink filtration, and much more. The simplest route is to put it in the search bar, but you can always go to the menu and click through it until you get the category and results list you need.

Best Water Filters

Decent return policy, watch the fine print

Discount Filter Store offers a 60-day return policy, but it differs based on whether it's an OEM brand or their proprietary Tier1 brand. In the former case, you can only get a refund if your filters are undamaged and unused, but Tier1 items can be returned for any reason. They want to make sure you're not hesitant to try an aftermarket product and offer that no-exclusions return policy to give you that reassurance. In either case, DFS will cover the return postage as long as your order is under $100.

Customer-friendly guarantees

This store also offers a series of benefits known as the "No Worries Guarantee" . That includes price matching, guaranteed phone support during regular business hours, and guaranteed fit of the filters you find using the Filter Finder or through the customer service team. You'll also get free shipping if your order is over $39.

Good reputation

Discount Filter Store does comparatively well with respect to reputation. The company has earned an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and there are thousands of independently-verified reviews from satisfied shoppers. It's hard to get too excited about water filters; all that really matters is that they work as expected (or better) and come at an affordable price, and all of this retailer's customer comments seem to show that's the case here.

Solid choice overall for water filters

Although we had to drop Discount Filter Store in our rankings - losing a star in the rating because of the outdated promo and the failure to find the right match for the test case refrigerator while using the finder tool - this is still a better-than-average store for buying a wide variety of water filters and more. When you've got thousands of customers who have made this their go-to online store for water filters, you know it's not a bad choice for you too.

Pentair Pelican Review 4 Star Rating

Pentair Pelican

4 Star Rating
  • Free shipping on all orders over $49
  • "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
  • Watershield Club automatically delivers replacement filters and parts at a 15% discount plus free shipping
  • 60-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee; customer pays return shipping
  • 90-day return policy on unused water filters in original condition

Pelican Water Systems, now known as Pentair Pelican, come in a variety of configurations: softeners, drinking filters, shower filters, plus options specifically for homes with well water. The company has been in business for over 20 years and is based in Florida, but they sell water filters to customers throughout the US and Canada.

Worth chatting with a rep if you're unsure

Which Pelican water filters do you need? That's going to depend on the type of water you have. Is it city or well water? Do you have very hard water? This online store doesn't make it easy to see what all of your options are at a glance: you can see the broad categories at the top of the page, but the dropdown links get more specific than the average homeowner is going to recognize. Do you know the difference between a 1- and 3-stage drinking filter? We didn't either! We recommend that you click on the "Chat with an Expert" button on the bottom of the Pentair Pelican site: their reps can make a recommendation that's tailored to your needs, and they may recommend testing to get more precise information on your water quality.

Many water filter types available

However, to give you an overview, you can expect a handful of options ranging from whole-house water filtration systems to smaller shower and drinking filters. Basic whole-house water filters start at around $900, or bump up to a little over $1500 and get UV protection too. A shower filter with a five-foot wand was on sale for just $81.90 when we last looked at the Pentair Pelican store (available in white or chrome). Finally, a countertop drinking filter system was priced at $78.65.

Save money with the Water Shield subscription

Before you buy your Pelican water filters or filtration package, you should look into the Water Shield Autoship program. It's a subscription plan that makes sure you never run out of fresh, clean water by keeping you stocked up on filters. If you add the club to your cart at checkout, you'll save 10% on your initial purchase; going forward, you'll get a discount of 15% on all replacement filters (at a price that's locked in for five years), free shipping on orders over $49, and access to other promotions. There's no contract involved and you can cancel at any time.

Best Water Filters

60-day satisfaction guarantee

Pelican water filters and filtration systems are covered by a decent, but somewhat confusing, return policy and satisfaction guarantee. If you haven't opened or installed the products you ordered (like replacement filters), you've got 90 days to return them; a restocking fee may be charged. However, every purchase is covered by a 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee: if you've installed a Pentair Pelican system and don't love it, they promise to give you a full refund. One small exclusion: there are no refunds on custom, high flow or estate systems, or for any other special-order products. Either way, you're responsible for the costs of return shipping.

Plenty of positive customer feedback

We're always glad to see companies with an "A+" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and Pentair Pelican can claim those accolades. Customer reviews are equally positive, for the most part. We found over 2,000 five-star ratings from clients who say that the systems work well, customer service responds promptly when contacted for assistance, and that parts and replacement filters are delivered fast. Like any big company, Pentair Pelican also gets its share of complaints; we're happy that those also seem to get quick responses and are handled appropriately.

Reliable source of quality water filters and systems

Overall, Pentair Pelican is a solid option for water filters. You may need some guidance during the purchasing process in order to get the right system for your home or office, but you should have no trouble reaching someone on the sales team on any day but Christmas, New Year's, or Thanksgiving. Whether you're hoping to treat all the water in your house or just enough for a crystal-clean shower and fresh drinking water, you'll find something here that works for you.

Filter Water Review 3 Star Rating

Filter Water

3 Star Rating
  • "A+" rated by the BBB
  • Two dozen whole-house water filter systems
  • Water filters for shower, sink, countertop - and even your garden
  • Conditional 60-day money-back guarantee

Filter Water has sold more than 20,000 water filter systems to schools, US government offices, large corporations, and individual consumers. With warehouses in both Pennsylvania and Georgia, this company aims to provide clean drinking water and a solid customer experience.

Check out resources to help you decide

Not sure what you need in a water filter? Look for the small link beneath the Residential button that says "First time? Begin here" . You'll be taken to Filter Water's resources that can help you learn more about what impurities may be in your water, installation questions and concerns, and overall costs. Otherwise, feel free to use the links at the top of the site to shop for residential systems, commercial systems, testing options, or replacement parts like filters.

Not the easiest store to navigate

Assuming you're shopping for residential water filtration, you're still going to need a somewhat more specific idea of what you want: there's no way to see all residential products at once, so you'll have to select something from the dropdown box. That could be a whole-house system, an under sink water filter, and so on.

More variety than many rival retailers

It was a nice surprise to see how many water filter options are available through Filter Water. Where many of their rivals carry just one or two whole-house systems, for example, this provider has over two dozen: about twelve each for smaller and larger homes. You'll also find a good selection of faucet and under sink filters for clean drinking water, shower filters to remove chlorine and other impurities from your bath, and pitchers for keeping cold, filtered water always at the ready. And, if you think your plants need some extra TLC, Filter Water even has garden filter options.

Best Water Filters

Improved rating from the BBB

We were very pleased to see that Filter Water's standing with the Better Business Bureau has improved significantly since our last review. Not only were there no complaints filed with the BBB in the last three years, but Filter Water has also brought its "grade" up to a perfect "A+" .

More customer reviews, please?

Beyond that, there's not a ton of shopper feedback to consider. Yes, there are a handful of customer testimonials on the Filter Water site, but most of them date back quite a few years. You may also spot ratings on individual products if you scroll way down on the page for each one; there's no way to see at a glance as you browse a list of products if they have good reviews or not (or none at all).

Lackluster return policy

Also, Filter Water doesn't have a very clear-cut return policy. It's a "conditional 60-day money back guarantee" , which only applies to certain items and may come with a restocking fee of up to 30%. That might squeak by with a big-name retailer that has a well-established reputation, but for a smaller company like this one - where there's not a lot of current shopper comments - it could be a deal-breaker, especially for those whole-house filtration systems that cost over $1,000.

Good but falls short of great

In short, Filter Water has lots of water filters to choose from that could give you a wider range of options than some of their rivals in the industry. It's also good news that their rating with the BBB has gone up to an impeccable "A+" . And yet, with little customer commentary to take into account and a less-than-impressive return policy, Filter Water ranks as "just average" .

Aquasana Review 2.5 Star Rating

Aquasana

2.5 Star Rating
  • Multiple water filtration types: whole-house, under sink, countertop, shower
  • 90-day return policy (starting from date order is placed)
  • Water for Life program to automatically replace filters at a 15% discount

Aquasana is based in Texas and offers a proprietary brand of drinking water filters that reduce 77 common water contaminants, including over 96% of chloramines and chlorine and over 99% of asbestos, lead, turbidity and VOCs. They sell a variety of water filtration systems, ranging from whole-house to under sink, countertop and shower models.

Basic selection of water filtration systems

There are four main types of water filters at Aquasana: whole house, under sink, shower and countertop. It won't take you long to sort through the options: at the time of this review, there were three whole-house filtration systems, four for the shower, three countertop (two of which were out of stock), and five for under the sink. Whichever type you need, be sure to check out the toggles at the top: for example, the whole-house water filters require you to indicate if you're on city water or a well, and the under sink models vary whether you select "dedicated faucet" or "existing faucet" .

Keep an eye out for upgrade possibilities

Be sure to look at any available upgrades listed for the Aquasana water filter you're considering. For example, on the whole-house Rhino 1,000,000 Gallons whole-house system, you could add a salt-free water conditioner, a UV filter, or a pro-grade installation kit. Just hover over the little question mark if you're not sure what each option would do for you.

Don't miss the customer reviews

You may also want to peruse the customer reviews. We found valuable information about how these systems perform under normal household use, and even installation recommendations that went above and beyond what was provided on the Aquasana site. It's also a great way to see if there are any specifics to your geographic location that might impact the water filter you choose or how you set it up (think about the difference between a whole-house filtration system installed outside in Seattle vs. Miami).

Water for Life subscription delivers savings

While you're shopping at the Aquasana online store, you'll see two prices: regular and Water for Life. What's that? If you select a water filter with that designation, understand that you're joining a subscription program that automatically ships replacement filters to you -at a 15% discount and with an extended warranty, no contract required.

Best Water Filters

90-day returns - from purchase date

Aquasana offers a 90-day return policy, but you should note that it starts on the date your order is placed and not from when you receive it. In other words, if there are significant delays in getting your water filters delivered, that will eat into your warranty period. And, by the way, you're on the hook for the return shipping fees, including insurance.

Not impressed with so-called "discount"

During our most recent visit to the Aquasana site, there was a "spin to win" discount offer that popped up as we browsed. It wasn't super-impressive, though: we had to give them our email address, and the fine print said it was "up to 50% off" and only valid on select filter systems, not on replacement filters. Meh. Evidently the Better Business Bureau wasn't impressed with that either: their listing for Aquasana said that the BBB had requested clarification on that "offer" because it could fall under deceptive practices, but Aquasana had not responded. Double meh.

Customer reputation: not good

The "B+" rating from the Better Business Bureau is due in part to those advertising issues, but that's not the only problem. Looking at customer feedback, you'll soon see problems with getting service under warranty, recurrent billing on automatic Water for Life shipments even after the plans have been canceled, and so on. The Aquasana website proudly claims to have received over 15,000 five-star reviews from satisfied shoppers, and maybe that's true if you look up every individual product they sell - but we certainly didn't find that many anywhere else.

Better water filter options are out there

If you're lucky enough to get an Aquasana water filter that can be installed easily and works properly from the get-go, you'll probably love it: there's no arguing that there are customers who have that experience. Sometimes. Unfortunately, when problems happen - and they definitely do with Aquasana products - chances are good that it's going to be a costly fix... and you may not get as much help as you'd expect from the company's reps, even if you're still covered under warranty. Aquasana earns a spot towards the bottom of our rankings.

Pure Water Freedom Review 2 Star Rating

Pure Water Freedom

2 Star Rating
  • Strong focus on fluoride filtration, other types of water filters also available
  • 30-day money-back guarantee, customer pays for return shipping

Pure Water Freedom got its start in 2010 as its founders searched for a way to filter fluoride out of the public water supply. While maintaining its passion for eventually removing fluoride completely from all city water, Pure Water Freedom also offers filtration solutions for other needs.

Primary focus is removing fluoride in drinking water

You'll see that anti-fluoride focus in the product selection in the online store here. In that category, there are eight items to choose from, ranging from a simple fluoride water filter straw priced at $11.21 to a stainless steel countertop triple filter for $284.70. The more general water filter category has nine products - which also included a refrigerator system that only filtered out fluoride (do you get the idea that this business is really dedicated to removing fluoride from drinking water?). We didn't find any whole-house water filtration systems here: they seemed to all be under sink, attachments (like shower heads), or simple pitchers.

No phone support?!

Do customers like their Pure Water Freedom water filters? That's a great question. While some products have reviews - which are almost always positive - most of what this company sells doesn't give you an idea of how well it works. In all honesty, there's a lot to NOT love about Pure Water Freedom. For such a major purchase like a water filtration system, are you comfortable with only being offered support via online chat or email? We aren't either. When you dial the toll-free number on the site, that's exactly the recorded message you'll hear. And even during regular business hours, the chat box seems to always say "leave a message" . Better hope you're not having an urgent issue with your water filter!

Best Water Filters

Not enough info

Also, who knows where this company is based? Their social media channels say that their posts are made by someone in Canada - and while we love our neighbors to the north, which could be a problem if you want to take advantage of Pure Water Freedom's 30-day return policy, because you're on the hook not only for the costs of the return shipping, but also for the delivery fees that will be deducted from your refund.

Choose a different water filter store

It's not that hard to find water filters with lots of reviews that come from well-known, trusted companies. Pure Water Freedom doesn't check any of those boxes. In fact, it's challenging to come up with a single reason why you'd want to buy your water filters here. Look to the higher-rated retailers in our review to provide a more reliable customer experience.

Compare the Best Reviews

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If you're starting from scratch and researching the best whole-house water filtration system, it's a good idea to consider customer feedback. Is the system straightforward enough that you can install it yourself, or do clients recommend hiring a professional to set it up properly? That can add $1,000+ to your total cost, and most water filter companies will leave that part (finding a plumber and negotiating the labor costs) up to you.

Shopper comments can also give you a good heads up as to how a water filter system might work in your part of the world: you can imagine that weather conditions in Seattle would affect an outdoor installation much differently than one in San Antonio.

What else should you keep in mind as you decide where to buy your water filters? Here are some factors that can guide your choice:

  • Selection. How many options can you choose from? If you're shopping for a fixture like a faucet or showerhead, can you get it in a finish that matches what you already have? Are there options that are suitable for the water in your home (well vs. city water, hard water, and so on)?
  • Value. Are the water filters a good investment? Do customers say that they perform well - and consistently so? Do you get what you pay for?
  • Customer Service. Can you easily access help if you need it? This is especially important if you're trying to get the right replacement water filter for an appliance. What is the retailer's return policy if you happen to get the wrong one, or if your water filtration system doesn't work as promised?
  • Reputation. Does the company have a positive rating from the BBB? How about customer reviews? Particularly on a large purchase like a whole-house water filtration system, you want to see that previous clients have had a good experience at every stage of the process, from sales to post-installation service and warranty work when required.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best water filter retailers on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you get the cleanest, best-tasting water on the planet - right at your home or office!

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Water Filter Store FAQ

A water filter is exactly as the name suggests: a way to deliver clean water for drinking, washing or cooking that is free from pollutants. You may have a water filter built into your refrigerator, a water softener for your home, or a model installed on your kitchen faucet.
There are almost too many kinds of water filters to name. Most people are familiar with the ones for refrigerators with in-door water dispensers and ice makers, but there are also whole-house water filters, filters that are installed on a kitchen faucet, even water filters for RVs!
If you don't like the everyday taste of your water, you may want to consider a water filter. This is very common for homes that use well water because of the "eggy" (sulfuric) taste, but people on "city water" also use water filters to make sure there are no pollutants still in their drinking water. A water filter is a simple, usually inexpensive way to get water that tastes great and is good for you too (and it's much cheaper than buying bottled water!).
Most fridges have an indicator light to tell you when to change the filter. If not, you can either set a schedule to swap it out regularly, based on the manufacturer's recommendations (usually every three months or so) or change it when you notice a difference in the water's taste. (We recommend the former!)
It can be tricky to get the exact filter your system uses. Most online retailers of water filters have helpful tools to make sure you get the right one, and you can always reach out to their customer service team via phone, email, or sometimes even live chat if you need extra help.
You'll always get the best selection at the best prices when you shop online. Your local brick-and-mortar home improvement store may not even carry the water filters you need. Why not get the right filters the first time and have them delivered right to your home?
Check the store's return policy. Most online retailers of water filters understand that you might have gotten the model number wrong when you ordered, so they provide generous return policies of 30-90 days just in case. There are even some stores that give you a full year to make returns, as long as the water filters are unused and in the original packaging.
Obviously a whole-house filtration system will cost more than a simple cartridge replacement for your refrigerator! But, there are filtration options for every budget.
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