In this article, I'll list a few good options for a reverse osmosis water filtration system to get you started on your search.
I'll get right to it, because I'm assuming you've already done your research on what a reverse osmosis water filter system is, how it works, and how to pick a good one.
3 Good Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems
Here are 3 models from three top brands that you can find in the $200~250 price range. I'm presenting models with different sets of options and stages so you can see what's available.
1) iSpring 6-Stage “Superb Taste” Drinking Water Filter System w/ Alkaline Remineralization (RCC7AK)
Company: iSpring Water Systems LLC
(Download the Manual)
Price: $229.99 Retail ($211.85~$219.49 Online)
| Contaminants filtered: Lead (98%), chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, hormones, asbestos, calcium, sodium, bacteria, giardia, viruses, more… Avg. Filter Cost: ~$75/year Stages & GPD: 6-Stage (with Alkaline Remineralization); 75 GPD Feed Water Pressure: 45-70 psi* |
Click below to check prices & features,
or BUY IT NOW from these online retailers:
Amazon • Home Depot • Walmart
The “Superb Taste” of the iSpring RCC7AK comes from the 6th Stage alkaline filter, which adds back minerals that were removed during the reverse osmosis filtering process — including ionized calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
Not only are they good for us, but these minerals account for what we associate with the “refreshing taste” of natural spring water.
The re-addition of these minerals also adds 0.5 to 0.8 in pH to help offset the pH lost during the RO process.
One cool feature of this model is the transparent blue casing for the 1st Stage filter. At a glance, you will be able to see whether or not it's time for a filter change — before any problems occur.
This model is also considered “high capacity” — it boasts a 3.2 gallon storage tank which can be positioned vertically or horizontally for the best fit.
It can be used with well-water sources, or heavily chlorinated municipal water, purifying up to 75 gallons of water per day, with a Waste Water Ratio of 1:3.
The system comes ready for use with a goose neck brushed nickel all-metal faucet, and a complete set of filters. Rest easy with 30-day money back guarantee, 1-year limited warranty, and lifetime technical support from iSpring.*
*I've also seen a 1-year money back guarantee with a 3-year limited warranty listed on Amazon.com. Please confirm these details with your retailer upon purchasing.
Here's an outline of the stages you'll get, and their replacement schedules:
- 1st Stage: Sediment Filter, #FP15;
Replace every 3-6 months (~$9 ea) - 2nd Stage: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter, #FG15;
Replace every 3-6 months (~$10 ea) - 3rd Stage: CTO Carbon Block Filter, #FC15;
Replace every 3-6 months (~$16 ea) - 4th Stage: 75GPD RO Membrane, #MC7;
Replace every 2-3 years (~$24 ea) - 5th Stage: Inline Post Carbon Filter, #FT15;
Replace every 12 months (~$18 ea) - 6th Stage: Alkaline pH Filter, #FA15;
Replace every 3-6 months (~$32 ea)
Filter replacements can be purchased individually by stage (click links above for prices on Amazon), or you can buy a 1-Year Replacement Pack or a 3-Year Replacement Pack at a savings.
iSpring also produces a 7-stage version, the iSpring RCC7AK-UV which includes a Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer as its 7th Stage. (available online from: Amazon • Home Depot • Walmart)
*For those of you with low water pressure (below 45 PSI), consider iSpring model RCC7P-AK — it comes with a pump to compensate for low pressure, and is available online from: Amazon • Home Depot • Walmart.
2) APEC Ultimate Series 5-Stage High Output Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System (Ultimate RO-90)
Company: APEC Water Systems
(Download the Manual)
Price: $355 Retail ($229.95~$244.95 Online)
| Contaminants filtered: Arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, fluoride, lead (96.8%), radium, selenium, and more…<–(click for details) Avg. Filter Cost: ~$60-85/year Stages & GPD: 5-Stage; 75-90 GPD (based on feed water PSI & temp) Feed Water Pressure & Temp: 40-85 psi, @40-100°F |
Click below to check prices & features,
or BUY IT NOW from these online retailers:
Amazon • Home Depot • Walmart
APEC regards their standard-setting Ultimate RO-90 as their “Flagship” product, for its high production rate and high-capacity, long-lasting filters.
These higher capacity filters allow for a less frequent maintenance schedule than other reverse osmosis filtration systems. However, this doesn't seem to affect the average annual cost of filter replacement significantly. As with all systems, the average cost and frequency of maintenance will vary with water quality. (See below for schedule and links to filter prices.)
This model also boats a high production rate of up to 90 GPD (gallons per day). Now, keep in mind that many factors affect this production rate. To APEC's credit, they are very transparent on their website about these factors — stating that, with source/feed water at 77°F, the filter will produce 90 GPD @ 60 psi, and 75 GPD @ 50 psi.
It can be used with both well-water and city/municipal water sources, with well-water requiring more frequent changing of filters.
The system comes standard with a 4-gallon storage tank which can be upgraded to 14 gallons (or even downgraded to 3 gallons).
It also comes ready with a goose neck chrome faucet (or, brushed nickel for about $20 more), a complete set of filters, and a 1-year limited warranty.
Here's an outline of the stages, and their replacement schedules:
- 1st Stage: High-Grade high-capacity polypropylene sediment filter;
Replace every 12 months (~$9 ea) - 2nd Stage: Premium Extruded Carbon Block;
Replace every 12 months (~$19 ea) - 3rd Stage: Premium Extruded Carbon Block;
Replace every 12 months (~$19 ea) - 4th Stage: High Rejection TFC reverse osmosis membrane;
Replace every 2-3 years (well-water), or 3-5 years (city water) (~$80 ea) - 5th Stage: Advanced Coconut Shell Refining Carbon Filter;
Replace every 3-5 years (~$25 ea)
Filter replacements can be purchased individually by stage (click links above for prices on Amazon), or you can buy an Ultimate Complete Replacement Filter Set at discount. Here it is at Home Depot. Keep in mind that the filters change out at different intervals. So, while these “complete kits” give you all the filters you'll need, you'll need to replace the first 3 stages more frequently. Buying a set of the first 3 stages makes more sense.
APEC also produces a PH-balancing version of this system, the APEC Ultimate RO-PH90, which adds an Alkaline Mineralizer as its final 6th Stage. (available online from Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart)
For those of you with low water pressure, APEC makes a few models with a pump to compensate for the low pressure. Consider the Ultimate RO-PERM Permeate Pumped system for feed water pressure between 30-50 psi, and the APEC RO-PUMP Electric Pump system for feed water pressure from 0-30 psi. Both systems are available online:
– Permeate Pump: Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart
– Electric Pump: Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart
3) Aquasana OptimH2O 4 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter with Remineralizer
Company: Aquasana
(Download the Manual)
Price: $399.99 Retail ($199.99~$319.99 Online)
| Contaminants filtered: Fluoride (95%), nitrates, nitrites, lead, radium, arsenic, chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides — see more on the Performance Data Sheet<–(click for details) Avg. Filter Cost: ~$200/year Stages & GPD: 4-Stage (with Alkaline Remineralization); 35 GPD membrane, 13 GPD system Feed Water Pressure: 40-100 psi, @40-100°F |
Click below to check prices & features,
or BUY IT NOW from these online retailers:
Aquasana's 4-Stages can be a little misleading — they actually combine filters in their stages in what they call their “Claryum Technology” to get the performance of a 5-6 stage filtering system.
The advantage to this is a simpler maintenance system, thanks to fewer stages to replace.
The OptimH2O includes an alkaline filter, which adds back calcium, magnesium and potassium for optimally alkaline, pH balanced water.
The system works with well-water sources and municipal water, and will purify up to 35 gallons of water per day, with a Waste Water to Production Flow Ratio of 3-5:1, depending on water quality.
This system also comes with a goose neck brushed nickel all-metal faucet, a complete set of filters, a 90-day guarantee, and a 2-year warranty.
Here's an outline of the stages you'll get, and their replacement schedules:
- 1st Stage: Activated Carbon Pre-Filter;
Replace every ~6 months (~$30 ea) - 2nd Stage: Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane Cartridge;
Replace every ~12 months (~$60 ea) - 3rd Stage: Activated Carbon Claryum® Post-Filter;
Replace every ~6 months (~$30 ea) - 4th Stage: Remineralizer;
Replace every ~12 months (~$27 ea)
Aquasana filter replacements are a little more expensive than other brands. They can be purchased individually by stage, with the first and third stages usually coming together as a set (click links above for prices on Amazon).
What Is The Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System?
If all you want is simply purer water, then you'll do well with just about ANY of the many RO systems available. But, you should take time to choose the best reverse osmosis water filter system for your situation.
There's your budget, storage space, contaminants & minerals, and so forth that will determine whether you want 4, 5, 6, or 7-stage reverse osmosis water filter system.
Again, I recommend reading my previous article about these considerations.
But, these three systems and their comparative features should give you a great place to start. Review the specs, check out the reviews, and begin your comparison shopping.
I hope you've found this article helpful. But, please tell me: How can I make this article better? Do you know of any systems you'd like to share with other readers? Do you still have questions that aren't answered above? Or, does the article inspire MORE questions?
If you have any questions, new information about these items, or comments or other systems to add, please use the comments section below.
Thanks for reading!
~ Scott
