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The best budget countertop water filter improves taste and targets common contaminants for a small price, mostly through faucet-mount and pitcher filters.
We compared 5 cheap filters by certifications and filter life.
Quick Answer: The Best Budget Countertop Water Filter
- Best Budget Overall: PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Water Filtration System, Lead-Reducing Filter
- Best Budget Pitcher: Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher, 10 Cup, 120 Gallon Filter Life
- Best Budget Dispenser: Brita XL 27 Cup Water Pitcher Dispenser with Elite Filter
- Best Budget Faucet Alternative: Brita Elite Advanced Faucet Water Filter System
- Best Budget Refills: PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 2-Pack, RF99992
The PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Filter is our best budget countertop water filter. The Aquagear 10-Cup Filter Pitcher is the budget pitcher, and the Brita UltraMax 27-Cup Dispenser is the budget big-batch pick.
Best Budget Countertop Water Filter Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Water Filtration System, Lead-Reducing Filter | Best Budget Overall | Faucet-mount filter | WQA certified for lead, 100 gal per filter | Check Price |
| Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher, 10 Cup, 120 Gallon Filter Life | Best Budget Pitcher | Filter pitcher | 120 gal filter, keeps minerals | Check Price |
| Brita XL 27 Cup Water Pitcher Dispenser with Elite Filter | Best Budget Dispenser | Countertop dispenser | 27 cups, Elite filter 120 gal | Check Price |
| Brita Elite Advanced Faucet Water Filter System | Best Budget Faucet Alternative | Faucet-mount filter | Reduces 99% of lead (maker claim), 3 sprays | Check Price |
| PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 2-Pack, RF99992 | Best Budget Refills | Faucet replacement filter | 100 gal or 3 months each | Check Price |
The 5 Best Budget Countertop Water Filters
Each pick below was compared on certifications, filter type, capacity, filter life and value.
PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Water Filtration System, Lead-Reducing Filter
1PUR Plus is a faucet-mount filter that PUR says is WQA certified to reduce lead and NSF certified for microplastics and chlorine.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- WQA certified to reduce lead (maker claim)
- Change light
- Tool-free install
Cons
- Not for pull-out faucets
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Faucet-mount filter
- Includes: System
- Key feature: WQA certified for lead, 100 gal per filter
Each filter lasts up to 100 gallons or about 3 months, with a change light.
It is our faucet-mount pick.
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher, 10 Cup, 120 Gallon Filter Life
2Aquagear’s 10-cup pitcher uses a filter rated for 120 gallons.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 120-gallon filter life
- Keeps calcium and magnesium (maker claim)
- Filter recycling program
Cons
- Pitcher size only
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Filter pitcher
- Includes: Pitcher + filter
- Key feature: 120 gal filter, keeps minerals
Aquagear says it is third-party tested for lead, chlorine and PFOA/PFOS and keeps minerals in.
It is our pitcher alternative.
Brita XL 27 Cup Water Pitcher Dispenser with Elite Filter
3Brita’s UltraMax dispenser holds 27 cups and includes an Elite filter.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big 27-cup tank
- Elite filter lasts about 6 months
- Spigot dispensing
Cons
- Slow refills
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Countertop dispenser
- Includes: Dispenser + filter
- Key feature: 27 cups, Elite filter 120 gal
Brita rates the Elite filter for 120 gallons or about 6 months.
It is our big-family dispenser pick.
Brita Elite Advanced Faucet Water Filter System
4Brita’s Elite Advanced faucet filter uses a carbon block that Brita says reduces 99% of lead and 60+ contaminants.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Carbon-block filter
- Filter indicator
- Three spray options
Cons
- Not for pull-out faucets
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Faucet-mount filter
- Includes: System
- Key feature: Reduces 99% of lead (maker claim), 3 sprays
It has three spray options and a filter indicator.
It is a strong faucet alternative.
PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Replacement Filter 2-Pack, RF99992
5Genuine PUR Plus replacement filters fit PUR Plus faucet systems.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuine PUR fit
- Mineral core
- About 6 months per pack
Cons
- Faucet-mount only
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Faucet replacement filter
- Includes: 2 filters
- Key feature: 100 gal or 3 months each
Each filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or about 3 months.
It is our faucet replacement pick.
Check PUR Plus Faucet Replacement Filter 2-Pack Price on Amazon
How We Chose the Best Budget Countertop Water Filter
To choose the best budget countertop water filter, we compared popular gravity, countertop reverse osmosis, faucet-mount, dispenser and pitcher filters on Amazon by certifications, stages, capacity and owner feedback.
CDC says to test your water, check NSF certifications and change filters as the maker recommends; see the CDC guide to choosing home water filters.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Cheap but Certified
Keep these points in mind before you buy.
Read the NSF standards
CDC suggests looking for NSF certification on the label: Standard 42 covers taste and odor, 53 cyst reduction, 58 reverse osmosis and 62 distillation.
Check the label, not the price
CDC says to check the product label for what a filter removes; cheap filters can still carry certifications.
Change filters with care
CDC says to change filters as the maker recommends, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward.
Budget Tips
Make filters last:
- Run only cold water through.
- Do not filter dishwashing water.
- Store spare filters sealed.
- Rinse new filters first.
Quick answers about the best budget countertop water filter.
- Cold water only
- Skip dishwater
- Store spares sealed
- Rinse new filters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget countertop water filter?
The best budget countertop water filter is PUR Plus, with the Aquagear pitcher and the Brita UltraMax dispenser as cheap alternatives.
What is the cheapest certified option?
Faucet filters and pitchers often carry certifications.
Can I run hot water through?
Most faucet filters are for cold water; check the manual.
How do I save filter life?
Filter only drinking and cooking water.
Do prices change?
Often; check before buying.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best budget countertop water filter is the PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Filter. Choose the Aquagear 10-Cup Filter Pitcher if you want the budget pitcher, or the Brita UltraMax 27-Cup Dispenser as the budget big-batch pick.
Related Guides
More water filter guides:
- Best Countertop Water Filter
- Best Affordable Countertop Water Filter
- Best Alternative to Countertop Water Filter
- Best Camping Water Filter
- Best Vacuum Food Containers
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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