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        If the cost of bottled water (for your wallet and the environment) is too much for you, consider a countertop water filter. For $100 or less, you can purchase a countertop filter that removes toxic contaminants from your tap water, freeing your wallet, trash can, and environment from polluting plastic bottles.
        Like faucet-mounted models, countertop filters attach to the faucet but drain water through a small cleaning unit on the side of the sink equipped with a nozzle. They typically cost more than faucet filters and filter pitchers because they provide greater water filtration power and water purification versatility. Also keep in mind that replacement filters for the countertop-mounted models were significantly more expensive than replacement filters for the faucet-mounted or in-pitcher filters we tested.
        Tabletop filters are a good option for apartment dwellers or renters who may not have permission from their landlord to install a duct-connected system. Installation is simple: just remove the faucet aerator and screw the filter to the faucet. Once installed, most can be switched between filtered and unfiltered water, extending the life of your filter. For example, if you wash dishes or water plants, you can use unfiltered water.
        Countertop water filters vary greatly in how well they remove contaminants. Some kill bacteria and viruses, some reduce PFAS, lead and chlorine, and some simpler filters can simply improve taste and reduce odors. Don’t rely on marketing hype – the only way to know if a filter reduces specific contaminants is to confirm that it is certified by a reputable laboratory such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Water Quality Association (WQA), Standards Canada, etc. . Association (CSA) or International Association of Plumbers and Mechanics (IAPMO). Products certified by these organizations are regularly tested and monitored over a period of time.
        In our ratings, we indicate which filters are certified by one of these organizations to reduce chlorine, lead, and PFAS. This certification is not reflected in our performance metrics, which measure flow, resistance to clogging, and how well the filter improves taste and odor.
        At nearly $1,200, the Amway eSpring is the most expensive countertop water filter we’ve ever tested, and here’s why: Unlike other water filters, it uses ultraviolet light to purify water in addition to carbon purification. (Replacement cartridges cost $259 per year, so they’re not cheap either.) But it’s NSF certified to remove PFOA, PFOS, lead, and other contaminants, including mercury, radon, asbestos, and volatile organic compounds. Its ultraviolet light is designed to kill bacteria and viruses. It performed well in our tests, showing very good taste and odor reduction and excellent flow capacity, and its filter element won’t clog you for the entire 1,320-gallon filter life (an end-of-life indicator will appear when the time is up). Let me know when). Being the largest water filter we’ve tested, it takes up a lot of space (it’s larger than the Amazon Echo). But if clean water is precious to you, this water filter may be right for you.
        If you need something that can filter large volumes of water, the Apex MR 1050 has you covered. This clear countertop filter dispenses what the company claims is high-pH alkaline mineral water rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. (Please note that while some people swear by the health benefits of alkaline water, these claims are unproven, according to the Mayo Clinic.) In our testing, we found that Apex reduced unpleasant tastes and odors, flowed well, and did not block. Cartridge life is 1500 gallons.
        This highly rated Home Master countertop filter is the cheapest water filter in our rankings. However, we estimate that replacing the filters, which each hold just 500 gallons of filters, will cost about $112 per year, which is only a third of the capacity of some other countertop models we’ve tested. Available in black or white, it improves taste and reduces odors, and has an excellent flow rate that does not shorten the life of the filter.
        All of the countertop water filters we tested use carbon filtration to purify tap water. These filters are coated with black granular activated carbon (GAC), which acts like a magnet on metal and absorbs solid and gaseous toxins from the water and air that pass through it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, activated carbon block technology excels at filtering odors, chlorine, sediment, and sometimes even lead, solvents and pesticides. However, carbon filters are ineffective at killing bacteria.
       To do this, you’ll need a benchtop UV filter capable of killing bacteria and viruses, or a multi-stage reverse osmosis water filter capable of removing dozens of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (such as benzene and formaldehyde) and toxic metals (such as lead, arsenic, mercury and chrome).
        Dr. Eric Boring, a chemist with CR’s Consumer Safety Testing Program, noted that these substances may be present in drinking water, but in quantities too low to be detected by smell, taste or appearance. “However, even at low levels, these substances can increase the likelihood of disease, cancer, diabetes, infertility and brain development in children,” Bolin said. “A water filter can help.”
        If you are concerned about a specific contaminant in your tap water, obtain a consumer confidence report from your water supplier or, if you have well water, have your water tested. Then select a filter that is certified to remove any relevant substances that these tests show. Don’t assume that all filters are the same or use the same technology. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), filters that remove chemicals are generally ineffective at removing bacteria, and vice versa.
        We test the flow rate of a water filter by measuring the time it takes to filter a liter of water. We also give each filter a “clogging” rating based on how much the flow rate decreases over the filter’s stated lifespan. If a manufacturer claims a filter meets NSF/ANSI standards for removing certain contaminants such as chlorine, lead and PFAS, we will check those claims.
        We also examined claims to reduce taste and odor by adding common compounds to spring water that can give the water an odor and taste similar to sewage treatment plants, wet soil, metal, or swimming pools. A panel of trained professional tasters evaluates how successfully the filter removes these tastes and odors.
        All of the tabletop filters presented in our rating effectively remove unpleasant odors and odors from tap water. But the best models also deliver filtered water quickly and continue to do so for the life of the filter without clogging.
        Kate Flamer has been a multimedia content creator for Consumer Reports since 2021 covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology and all things mechanical, he turns the work of CR test engineers into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to joining CR, Keith worked on luxury accessories and real estate, most recently for Forbes, with a focus on homes, interior design, home security and pop culture trends.