10 Best Water Filtration Systems 2025 in the United States

The Brita Metro Water Filter Pitcher is a compact and easy-to-use water filtration solution designed for everyday home use. It holds 6 cups of water, which is a modest capacity ideal for individuals or small households rather than large families. The pitcher uses a standard Brita filter that removes common impurities like chlorine taste and odor, as well as reducing metals like copper, cadmium, and mercury, which helps improve water taste and safety. The filtration flow rate is gentle but sufficient for this pitcher size, allowing you to refill without long waits. Installation is straightforward since it’s a freestanding pitcher with no complex setup, and the BPA-free plastic design is safe and lightweight. A handy SmartLight indicator reminds you when it’s time to replace the filter, making maintenance simple. Filters typically last about two months or 40 gallons, which is standard but means you will need to keep purchasing replacements regularly.

The pitcher can also work with Brita’s Elite filters for longer use and potentially fresher water, but those filters cost more and last longer. While it won’t remove all possible contaminants like some advanced filtration systems, it covers the basics well for tap water improvement. Its size and design make it convenient for small spaces, and switching to this pitcher can reduce plastic bottle waste significantly. However, if you need higher capacity, faster filtration, or removal of a wider range of contaminants, you might want to look at larger or more advanced models.

This Brita Metro model is a practical, affordable choice for better tasting and safer tap water in small quantities, offering easy maintenance and a focus on sustainability.

The 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Sanitary Quick Change Water Filter System AP904 is a robust and heavy-duty water filtration solution designed for larger homes. Its primary strengths lie in its high filtration capacity of up to 100,000 gallons and effective contaminant removal, including sediment, chlorine taste and odor, and scale. This helps to prolong the life of household appliances such as hot water heaters and dishwashers. Installation is user-friendly with 1” inlet and outlet connections, and the system supports a high flow rate of up to 20 gallons per minute, making it suitable for most homes.

Additionally, the system is certified by NSF Standard 42, ensuring it meets stringent safety and quality standards, and its durable construction features a 304 stainless steel head and non-woven pleat media filtration, which contributes to a long service life. The Sanitary Quick Change (SQC) system simplifies filter replacements, making maintenance hassle-free as it does not require special tools or direct contact with the filter media.

However, potential drawbacks include the initial cost and the expense of replacement filters, which can add up over time. The system is also relatively large, with dimensions of 4.5 x 4.5 x 25.2 inches, which might be a consideration for homes with limited installation space. Despite these points, the 3M Aqua-Pure AP904 is a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a high-capacity, efficient, and easy-to-maintain whole-house water filtration system.