The best Whole-House Water Filter removes various pollutants without sacrificing the flow rate needed to run water into the house. Manufacturers design these products to catch a variety of contaminants depending on where the water comes from. The best choice will depend on what pollutants are present, the size of the home, and the level of maintenance required.
Best Whole House Water Filters at a Glance
- Best All-Around – Springwell Water Filtration System
- Runner Up for City Water– BodyGuard Plus Whole House Water Filtration System
- Chemical-free Operation – SoftPro IronMaster AIO Water Filtration System
- Best Cartridge Filter System – Aquasure Whole House Water Filter System
- Runner Up for Well Water – US Water Matrixx Granular Carbon Backwashing Filter
- Requires No Electricity – Pelican Whole House Water Filter System
- Best for Tap Water – Aquasana Rhino
- Low Maintenance – AquaOx Original Water Filtration
- Built-in Water Softener – Culligan Whole House Water Filter
Different Types of Whole House Water Filters
Generally speaking, there are two main types of Whole-House Water Filters:
- Cartridge Filters
- Backwash Filters
Cartridge Filters utilize replaceable filters to capture the various contaminants before it enters the house’s water supply. Compared to backwash filters they are cheaper, easier to install, and don’t take up a lot of space.
Of course, the downside is they require more maintenance as the filters need replacing every 3 to 12 months depending on the model. They also sacrifice a bit on flow rate which could be a problem with larger houses.
Backwash Filters remove pollutants by running the water into a large tank and using a media to isolate and flush out contaminants. Because of this design, they don’t interfere with flow rate nearly as much and the filters can last more than a year before replacement. They also can have additional filters and filtration media to suit users’ needs.
The tradeoff is that backwash filters are more complicated pieces of machinery. They require drain connections, electricity, more space, and tend to cost more.
For many users, backwash filters are superior if you have the space for them and someone to do the installation process. Otherwise, a cartridge filter may be a better choice and less hassle if you don’t mind replacing filters now and then.
Our List of the Best Whole-House Water Filters
1. Springwell Water Filtration System
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We rate the Springwell Water Filtration System as the best whole-house water filter overall and as the second-best cartridge house water filter after the Aquasure. Springwell’s CF1 model comes at a fair price and is best for those who have small households and are looking to remove harmful contaminants from their city tap water.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
This home water filtration system uses a catalytic carbon filter to improve water quality. This filter primarily removes chlorine and chlorine dioxide. It also uses KDF media to eliminate several harmful chemicals like haloacetic acids and pesticides.
The manufacturer does advise against using this for a private well water filter system. It’s not designed to remove contaminants that cause brown/orange staining or a water supply that has a sulfur smell. This filter is recommended largely for urban use.
This whole-house water filter provides a flow rate of 9 GPM. It’s not the lowest on this list, which would be the Aquasana Rhino, but it is much less than other models. At this flow rate, the Springwell CF1 is best suited for 1 to 2 bathrooms. However, Springwell has other water filters for 7+ bathrooms.
Installation & Maintenance
Being a cartridge whole-house water filter makes it very simple to set up. It simply needs to be connected to the house’s water supply and it is good to go.
It also has the advantage of being smaller than backwash systems. The tank is 48 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter.
The five-micron filter used for sediment needs to be replaced every 6 to 9 months. This is less than other models that can go a year, but it entirely depends on usage.
Price & Warranty
The Springwell whole-house water filter is very reasonably priced. Not as cheap as the Aquasure Fortitude Pro Series, but it’s close.
It comes with a lifetime warranty on the tanks and valves which makes it one of the better products in terms of the warranty. There is also a 6-month money-back guarantee. This can be great for those who may find they need a bigger unit or have any issues with it.
Pros and Cons
2. BodyGuard Plus Whole-House Water Filtration System
The BodyGuard Plus Whole House Water Filtration System is a viable alternative to US Matrixx albeit at a higher price. It has the same flow rate and a similar warranty.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
Depending on your needs the BodyGuard Plus could be the best whole-house water filter on the list. Its filtration system can remove chlorine, chloramine, pesticides, chromium 6, bacteria, and various heavy metals. It helps ensure clean drinking water no matter where the water comes from.
It accomplishes this through a three-stage filtration process. The water supply flows into a sediment pre-filter to remove hard particulates. Then it enters the Interceptor filter which is a carbon block filter to tackle various contaminants. Finally, in the main tank, it uses various media and a backwash system to remove the last stubborn harmful contaminants that made it that far.
Like the US Matrixx, the BodyGuard Plus has a flow rate of 15 GPM. This should be more than enough for 2 to 3 bathrooms without losing water pressure.
Installation & Maintenance
As far as backwash house water filter systems go this one is one of the simpler to install. The filters are mounted to the wall near the tank with the piping connected to each component. That being said, it still requires proper drainage and a connection to electricity which can be tricky.
Both the sediment filter and the carbon block filter cartridges need to be replaced every year or so. It’s important to swap the main tank filter media every 5 years based on usage.
The tank is 13 inches wide and 54 inches tall. Combined with the two separate filters this house filtration system will need a lot of room.
Price & Warranty
The BodyGuard Plus costs $1,570.50 making it one of the most expensive on the list. Given everything it filters, this may be worth the cost to some users not using traditional city water.
The whole-house water filter system comes with a lifetime warranty on the tank. The electronics come with a 10-year warranty and the media is covered for 5 years. This is one of the better warranties on the list which helps justify the price.
Pros and Cons
3. SoftPro IronMaster AIO Water Filtration System
The SoftPro IronMaster AIO Water Filtration System compromises in a few areas to bring down the cost. It does have a unique battery backup and is an inch smaller than other models.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
This whole-house filtration system removes a lot of chemical contaminants. Thanks to reverse osmosis systems and carbon filters can take care of chlorine, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. The backwash system then flushes those contaminants out of the system. There is also a built-in sediment filter that can remove particulates and grit.
The Softpro carbon filters can supply the house with water at a flow rate of 10 GPM. The tank comes with a 75-gallon capacity to help ensure that water pressure isn’t affected.
Installation & Maintenance
Like other backwash house filtrations systems, the SoftPro may require a third party to install properly. It requires a drainage system, electricity, and correct piping. It measures 10 inches wide and 54 inches tall which is a hair smaller than other whole house filters
A great benefit of this house water filtration system is that it comes with a built-in battery backup. When fully charged it ensures the system can run for 48 hours before needing a recharge. This can be really handy in areas with unreliable power or those using a solar system.
The maintenance can be a bit tedious with SoftPro. The carbon filter and sediment filter cartridges need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. The Alkalizing filter gets replaced every year or two and the RO membrane needs to be swapped 2 to 3 years.
Price & Warranty
This whole-house water filter costs $1,400, which is a little more than the Matrixx. It does come with a nice lifetime warranty on the tank and most parts.
Interestingly the circuit board comes with a seven-year warranty which is unique on this list. The media used in the tank doesn’t come with a warranty of any kind.
Pros and Cons
4. Aquasure Fortitude Pro Series Whole-House Water Filter System
For those not wanting a backwash system, the Aquasure Fortitude Pro Series is the best cartridge water filter system on the list. It eliminates a wide range of contaminants with a decent flow rate. It’s also the cheapest whole house water filter of those reviewed.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
The Aquasure Fortitude Pro Series uses a two-stage water filtration system. The first stage is a sediment filter to remove sand, dirt, and other particles. The second stage uses a mix of GAC and KDF media to remove just about everything else. This house water filtration system eliminates chloramine, chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
Being a cartridge whole-house water filter, it doesn’t have as high a flowrate as a backwash. Still, the 12 GPM is enough to cover 2 to 3 bathrooms without issues.
It also claims to have a 1-million-gallon water production capacity. This is the highest flow rate for cartridge water filters of those reviewed.
Installation & Maintenance
Unlike backwash whole-house water filters, the Aquasure is a single tank that doesn’t need drainage or electricity. This makes it much easier to install as it simply needs to be piped into the waterline before it enters the house.
The tank is 56 inches tall and 10 inches wide, making it taller and thinner than the US Matrixx.
This whole house filtration system has washable sediment filters. This can save a little money, though replacement sediment filters are rather cheap. It’s important to wash these out every 6 to 12 months.
Price & Warranty
The Aquasure Fortitude Pro series whole house water filter sells for $799.99. This is the cheapest filter on the list. Combined with the washable filters this is a good option for more frugal users.
It comes with a 2-year warranty on the entire product. This isn’t terribly long compared to other products, but it does cover the entire device. For comparison’s sake, the Pelican Whole House Water Filter System only has a 30-day warranty on some components with a 10-year on main parts.
Pros and Cons
5. US Water Matrixx Granular Carbon Backwashing Filter
The US Water Matrixx utilizes a backwash system and requires less maintenance while maintaining a great water supply. It’s also fairly priced for what it offers compared to other models.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
Using a backwashing water filtration system and a built-in carbon filter the US Water Matrixx removes many common contaminants. The activated carbon filter is ideally suited to remove chlorine which is common in urban homes. It can also handle harmful contaminants like trihalomethanes and pesticides to provide better water quality.
While the US Water Matrixx whole-house filtration system can mitigate heavy metals it’s not specifically designed for this. As a result, it’s recommended to get a water softener if water hardness is an issue.
This whole-house water filter can handle a flow rate of 15 GPM. This puts it at the top of the list alongside the Bodyguard and AquaOx whole house water filter systems.
At 15 GPM this filter should be capable of handling a home with 2 to 3 bathrooms without sacrificing water pressure. US Water Systems does offer larger versions if it’s needed.
Installation & Maintenance
Given that the US Water Matrixx is a backwashing whole house filter system it can be tricky to install. It will need proper drainage, an electrical source, and enough space to fit a tank measuring 10 inches by 54 inches.
It’s recommended to swap out the filter every year but depending on use this could be put off a little longer. The system also comes with a 9-volt battery backup in the event of a power outage.
Routinely checking this battery and replacing it is a standard part of maintenance. This makes the US Matrixx a solid option for areas with intermittent power or those using a solar power setup.
It also comes with a Smart Valve app making it easy to monitor and control. Instead of having to control it manually or through a screen, users can use their smartphone wherever and whenever they want. This can be very convenient for those who need or want to carefully monitor their whole-house water filtration.
Price & Warranty
This whole-house water filter system costs $1,255.50. This is the cheapest of the backwash filters on the list. It does however cost more than most water filters.
It comes with a lifetime warranty on the water filter tank. The valve and electronic components have a 10-year warranty. This is one of the better warranties compared to the other whole-house water filtration products.
Pros and Cons
6. Pelican Whole House Water Filter System
The Pelican whole house water filtration is similar to the Aquasure in many ways. The reason it ranks lower is that it’s more expensive. It also has a smaller warranty compared to similar models.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
The Pelican whole house water filter uses a three-stage system to improve water quality. The first stage is a 5 Micron pre-filter that will remove sediment and other particulates from entering the water supply. The second stage is a catalytic granular activated carbon filter. This coconut shell carbon filter will remove chlorine, chloramines, and even industrial solvents. The final stage is a copper and zinc oxidation media that further removes anything that made it through the second stage.
Pentair Water Solutions states their Pelican whole house water filters are great for the city but they struggle with treating well water. So, users who need something for rural areas or homesteads will need something else.
It also lacks any water softener features to improve water quality.
This whole house water filtration system provides a water flow rate of 12 GPM. This is just below the backwash whole house water filters and in line with the Aquasure. It should be sufficient for 2 to 3 bathrooms.
Installation & Maintenance
The Pelican water filter is about the same size as the Springwell with a 9-inch diameter making it standard. It is not a backwash system, so it doesn’t require a drain or any electricity.
It should be rather straightforward to hook up to city water. They do strongly advise against installing it outside as it’s not designed to be resistant to freezing.
It’s important to replace the pre sediment water filter every 6 to 12 months. The water filter inside the tank has a filter life of about 60 months. This additional filter does mean extra maintenance compared to other filters, but it does offer more filtration.
Price & Warranty
The reason the Pelican whole house water filtration system doesn’t rank higher is that it’s expensive. At $1,130 it’s $300 more than the Aquasure which has many of the same capabilities.
The warranty is not bad, but there are much better options out there. It has a 5-year limited warranty on the tank, valve, and electronics. There is also a comprehensive system warranty of 1 year.
Pros and Cons
7. Aquasana Rhino
The Aquasana Rhino whole house water filtration system has less flow rate than the Aquasure while being twice as expensive. However, it is less maintenance with a decent warranty.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
Like many cartridge whole house water filtration products, the Aquasana Rhino is good at removing chlorine. It also has the capability of removing lead, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and other contaminants from drinking water.
It uses a unique dual tank system that uses an upflow and media to filter the water. There are also optional upgrades like a salt-free water softener and a UV light filter. The base model is the sediment filter with a tank and filtration media inside.
The Aquasana Rhino water filter doesn’t win many awards in terms of flow rate. Of those reviewed this one was the lowest at 7 GPM. This would be enough to support 1 to 2 bathrooms and may struggle on the high end of usage. This would be ideal for a condo, small house, or apartment.
Installation & Maintenance
As with any cartridge water filter, the Aquasana Rhino is easy to install. Getting some of the optional features can complicate this, but out of the box it simply needs to connect to city water.
One distinct advantage the Aquasana Rhino has over the other house water filtration systems on this list is maintenance. According to the manufacturer, the filter needs to only be changed out once every 10 years or so.
This is easily the longest filter life of those reviewed. Of course, this varies with use, but even if it had to be changed every five years it’s less hassle.
Price & Warranty
The cost of the Aquasana Rhino is the primary reason it isn’t more favorably reviewed when compared to Pelican and other water filters on this list. Buying this water filter will cost $1,898, more than twice the cost of the Aquasure. In fact, it’s the second most expensive water filter we reviewed.
It does come with a nice 10-year limited warranty on the entire system. There is also a 90-day guarantee that lets you try it with very little risk. This is the longest warranty you can get on this list.
Pros and Cons
8. AquaOx Original Water Filtration
The Aquaox Water Filtration is best for those looking for a large capacity whole house water filtration system.
It is easily the most expensive water filter on the list but it offers a lot of filtration. Like the Springwell water filter, it is also made entirely in the USA which may be appealing to some users.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
The AquaOx is a backwash tank with a built-in pre sediment filter to clean drinking water. It is capable of filtering out numerous contaminants like chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, and hydrogen sulfide, among others. Odds are this will filter out whatever contaminants are in your drinking water making it a good choice for this reason.
It should even be able to handle some private well systems and other rural water sources. Granted it was built with city water systems in mind, but it does work well with heavy metals.
The flow rate is a fast 15 GPM which is right up there with the Matrixx. This should be able to handle 2 to 3 bathrooms just fine and a fourth if you’re careful. For those wanting something more, they would need to upgrade to the AquaOx XL.
Installation & Maintenance
It is a backwash water filter, so it does take a bit of DIYing or a plumber to install properly. There needs to be adequate drainage and electricity. One unique advantage the AquaOx has over other systems is that it does not need to be mounted to the wall. The sediment filter is built-in, and the entire tank is free standing.
That being said this product is much taller compared to other whole house filtration systems. It stands at 62 inches in height and is 10 inches in diameter. That’s almost a foot taller than the Matrixx so spacing may be an issue depending on where it is installed.
Like other backwash filtered water systems, it is relatively low maintenance. On average the filter cartridges will need to be replaced once a year or so. This does vary based on water usage and the level of contaminants in the drinking water.
Price & Warranty
While the AquaOx is a great filtered water system it isn’t cheap. The standard unit with no frills will cost $3,499. That’s almost twice the price of the Aquasana which is the next most expensive option. It does offer more filtration than the US Matrixx, but for me, it’s hard to justify paying twice as much.
With a 10-year warranty on the entire product, it also comes with a lesser warranty when compared to the US Matrixx. This is better than the standard, but it hardly competes against a lifetime warranty.
Pros and Cons
9. Culligan Aquasential Select Series Whole House Water Filter
The Culligan Aquasential Select Series comes last on in our reviews. This is due to having the lowest flow rate for a backwash system. It also requires you to schedule a consultation to obtain pricing or warranty information which can be a hassle for interested buyers.
What It Filters & Flow Rate
This backwash filter has a three-stage system to eliminate contaminants. The Filtr-Cleer is a sediment filter that removes things like dirt, clay, silt, and anything that causes cloudy water. The Cullar filter has filtration media meant to remove chlorine from the water supply. Then finally the Cullneu water filter has filtration media that take care of other chemicals that cause acidity and corrosion. This makes it one of the better filters for catching most contaminants.
It also comes with a built-in water softener that makes it unique compared to Springwell and other filters. This Culligan Soft-Minder water softener will also display levels and perform routine checks. For those wanting a built-in smart water softener with their filter, this may be a reason to pick the Culligan.
This is largely where the Culligan Aquasential select series stumbles. It has a max flow rate of 7.8 GPM. That’s just barely above the Aquasana Rhino. At this rate, it is only suitable for smaller homes with 1 to 2 bathrooms.
Installation & Maintenance
As is standard with backwash systems the Culligan Aquasential select series will need a drain and electricity. This particular product also uses more electricity than most thanks to a number of built-in monitors and system checks. This makes it handy to use but does impact the electric bill more than others.
Like the AquaOx this product is a free-standing tank with a sediment filter on top. That means no mounting is required to install. It is also on the small side coming in at 44 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter.
Maintenance is standard with filters needing to be swapped out every year or so. The Culligan does have an advantage thanks to a meter that tracks levels and notifies the user when the filter needs to be changed.
Price & Warranty
The Culligan Aquasential Select Series is unique for this list in that it does not list pricing. Those interested in buying this product must schedule a consultation. They explain that every house has different needs and they want to ensure you get the right product.
While some might appreciate this service it may create an annoyance for DIYers or those who live outside of big cities.
The same goes for the warranty on the product. It’s unclear if this is similarly affected by the consultation or not.
Pros and Cons
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Whole-House Water Filter
Obviously, a proper filtration system is the main consideration when buying a whole-house water filter. There are a number of contaminants ranging from sediments like sand and grit to chemicals like chlorine and arsenic.
It’s recommended you perform a water test to determine what contaminants are present then buy the filter that can deal with those issues.
It’s also vital to buy a water filter that can manage the flow rate needed to get water to the house. A filter with too low of a flow rate could result in lower water in the house. Ideally, the right water filter will facilitate a flow rate just above or even double average water usage.
You can use your water meter to identify your house’s average flow rate. Generally speaking, 10 gallons per minute (GPM) is considered sufficient for a house with 2 to 3 bathrooms.
Once the two main factors are considered it’s largely a matter of personal preference and spending ability. Cartridge filters tend to require maintenance every few months while backwash filters won’t need it for a year. You should also consider where to place the water filter and how much space is available.
