If you do not have the time to go through this entire review and just want to find out what the recommended faucet water filter is, our top choice is the Culligan FM-100-C filter.

A water filter can improve the odor and smell of your water. It can also remove sediments, pollutants, and microbes. Here is what you need to know about choosing the best faucet water filter.

Installing a faucet water filter is an easy and inexpensive way of improving the quality of your drinking and cooking water. These filters are more affordable than other filtration systems, easy to install, and remove most sediments and pollutants. Here are a few recommendations to help you find the best faucet water filter.

How Do Faucet Filters Work?

There are different filtration systems and methods used by manufacturers. Some filters use screens or meshes to catch large particles, while others use carbon. 

Screens and meshes are ideal for removing sediments, sand, dirt, and metal particles. A carbon filtration system is best for removing chlorine, chemicals, and pollutants since the porous surface of carbon can absorb those molecules.

Public water supplies often use chlorine to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Low levels of chlorine are harmless, but high levels can be dangerous. You can remove chlorine from your drinking water with a carbon filter.

Depending on the filter you use, you can also improve the smell and taste of your water and remove metals from contaminated soil or water pipes, get rid of nitrates and nitrites, and reduce the risks of illness-causing bacteria and cysts being present in your water.

What Are the Main Benefits of a Faucet Water Filter?

Compared to other filtration systems, faucet water filters are easy to install. They provide you with clean water for drinking and cooking and tend to cost less than other types of filters.

I installed my faucet water filter in a matter of minutes and noticed a difference in terms of taste and smell right away. I didn’t need any tools for the installation, and the filter has helped me save a lot on bottled water, not to mention that it’s a more eco-friendly way to access clean water since there is no plastic waste.

I think a faucet water filter is an excellent choice if there are no major issues with your local water supply that would justify purchasing a multi-stage filtering system. It’s probably the easiest and most affordable way of improving the taste and smell of your drinking water by removing a wide range of sediments and other particles.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Faucet Water Filter?

The best faucet water filter depends on the quality of your drinking water. If your main concern is sediments, any filter with a fine screen or mesh will remove those large particles.

If you are worried about parasites and microbes being present in your drinking water, look for a filter with a pore size of one-micron or less. An absolute one-micron filter is a better choice than a nominal one-micron filter since the CDC estimates that nominal one-micron filters still let between 20 and 30% of small particles through.

Microbial cysts can end up in water supplies and cause illnesses. The most common cysts include Giardia and Cryptosporidium. A filter that meets NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and 58 can reduce the presence of those cysts in your water.

Keep in mind that there are no regulations that require manufacturers to test their filters or meet certain standards. Some products do a great job of removing microbial cysts from your water even though the manufacturers chose not to go through the testing process that can be expensive and time-consuming.

You should also pay attention to the location of the diverter valve. You can’t run hot water through most filters because it would damage the carbon element. You will have to use the diverter valve whenever you need hot water or decide that you don’t need filtered water. Choose a filter with a diverter valve that is easy to use.

How Easy Is the Installation Process?

You can watch this short YouTube video to get an idea of how to install a faucet water filter.

The process will depend on the model you purchase, but you should be able to install most faucet-mounted water filters without any tools.

Here are the steps you would typically follow to install one of those filters:

• Start by removing the aerator on your faucet. You can loosen it by tapping on the side with a wrench or another tool.
• If you have a faucet with an outside thread, you should be able to screw the filter over your faucet.
• If your faucet has an inside thread, you will need to insert a washer or O-ring and use the adapter that comes with your filter.
• Test the filter to make sure there are no leaks. Add a second washer if needed.
• You will need to change the filter every few months by removing it and installing a new one or changing the cartridge inside of the filter, depending on the product you purchased.

Top Five Best Faucet Water Filters

We will be reviewing the following products:

• PUR FM2500V Classic Faucet Mount Filter
• Waterdrop 320-Gallon Long-lasting Water Faucet Filtration System
• ESOW Faucet Mount Water Filter
• Engdenton Faucet Water Filter 
• Culligan FM-100-C Faucet Mount Water Filter with Life Indicator

I recommend comparing these five filters if you want to improve the quality of your drinking water.

PUR FM2500V Classic Faucet Mount Filter

Price level: $

Technologies used: Three-stage filtration, activated carbon, ion exchange.

This faucet water filter can eliminate 70 different contaminants. It has a long lifespan and uses activated carbon and ion exchange to cleanse your drinking water. I like the one-click design that allows you to install this filter without any tools.

Pros:

• The installation process is quick and easy. You can attach the filter to the faucet without any tools, thanks to the one-click design.
• The product can filter up to 100 gallons of water and should last two to three months.
• PUR is a reliable manufacturer with an excellent reputation.
• There is a convenient lever to turn the filter on and off.
• There is an indicator on the filter that lets you know when you need to replace it.
• The filter uses a three-stage filtration process with activated carbon and ion exchange.
• The filter comes with four faucet adapters.
• The design is modern and discreet.
• It’s an affordable option.

Cons:

• You have to replace the entire filter instead of a cartridge.
• The filter will not work on handheld or pull-out faucets.
• The design is somewhat bulky.
• The modern design will look out of place in some kitchens.

Click here to check the price on Amazon

Waterdrop 320-Gallon Long-lasting Water Faucet Filtration System

Price level: $

Technologies used: Six-stage filtration, activated carbon fiber 

I like this faucet water filter because of its fast flow and long lifespan. It’s ideal for large families, and the different levels of filtration do a great job of eliminating most sediments and pollutants that could end up in your drinking water.

Pros:

• The filter uses a stainless steel mesh to catch sediments and other large particles.
• There is a pre-sediment filtration layer that removes sand, rust, and other particles.
• The activated carbon filter element gets rid of chlorine and improves the smell and taste of your water.
• There is an additional layer designed to remove lead and fluoride.
• The filter has a post-filtration layer that catches any remaining particles, and water goes through another stainless steel mesh element as it exits the filter.
• You can use this filter for three months or filter 320 gallons of water.
• It delivers a flow of 0.5 GPM. You can fill four water bottles in one minute with this filter.
• There is a convenient switch you can use to turn the filter on and off.

Cons:

• The manufacturer doesn’t indicate the micron size of the different filtration stages.
• You will need to replace the entire filter after three months due to the multiple filtration elements instead of buying a new cartridge.
• You can only use this filter on standard faucets.

Click here to check the price on Amazon

ESOW Faucet Mount Water Filter

Price level: $$

Technologies used: Seven-stage filtration, activated carbon fiber, stainless steel mesh

This faucet water filter features a food-grade stainless steel housing and a seven-layer filtration system. I think it’s one of the best filters you can find due to the several filtration stages and sturdy design.

Pros:

• The food-grade stainless steel housing makes the filter sturdy and durable.
• The food-grade stainless steel housing reduces risks of cracks or leaks.
• The filter can achieve a filtration level of 0.01 micron.
• There is a stainless steel mesh that catches sediments, metal, and other large particles.
• The filter delivers a flow of 0.5 GPM.
• There is an activated carbon fiber block that removes pollutants and chemicals.
• The filter comes with two adapters to fit different types of faucets.
• You can install it without any tools.

Cons:

• The filter will only work on standard faucets.
• The food-grade stainless steel housing makes the filter heavier than other products.
• The manufacturer doesn’t have a lot of details about the seven-layer design of the filter.

Click here to check the price on Amazon

Engdenton Faucet Water Filter 

Price level: $$

Technologies used: One-stage filtration, activated carbon fiber 

I think this one-stage filtration system is ideal if you want to improve the smell and taste of your drinking water. It’s not as thorough as other options, but it’s sturdy and functional.

Pros:

• The food-grade steel housing makes the filter durable and reduces risks of cracks or leaks.
• The filter uses activated carbon fiber to remove chemicals and pollutants.
• It delivers a water flow of 0.5 GPM.
• You can use the filter for six months, or replace it after filtering 320 gallons.
• The filter comes with adapters that fit faucets with internal or external threads.
• The sturdy design of the adapter will support the weight of the filter.
• The 0.5-micron filtration system will catch most sediments and particles and remove some bacteria.
• You can swivel the filter to adjust its angle and position. This feature is ideal if you have a small sink.
• You can purchase a replacement cartridge when it’s time to change it.

Cons:

• The filter only works on standard faucets.
• There is only one finish option available.
• It’s a one-stage filtration system

Click here to check the price on Amazon

Culligan FM-100-C Faucet Mount Water Filter with Life Indicator

Price level: $

Technologies used: One-stage filtration, carbon block

This Culligan water filter is a simple and effective way of improving the quality of your drinking and cooking water. It’s easy to install, the horizontal design won’t take up too much space in your sink, and the product meets NSF/ANSI standards.

Pros:

• The filter does a great job of removing sediments, particles, and chlorine. It will also improve the smell and taste of your water.
• It delivers a flow rate of 0.5 GPM.
• The filter uses a carbon block element to cleanse your water.
• There is a tab on the filter. You can use it to switch the filter on and off as needed.
• You can choose between a white or chrome finish.
• There is a life indicator light that tells you when you need to change the filter.
• You can use the filter for two months or replace it after 200 gallons.
• It comes with a collar and adapter that fit different faucet sizes and designs.
• The horizontal design of the filter is ideal for small kitchens.
• The filter meets NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 standards. You can find test data on the manufacturer’s website.

Cons:

• Other filters have a longer lifespan.
• It’s a one-stage filtration system.

Click here to check the price on Amazon

Conclusion

I think the best faucet water filter is the Culligan FM-100-C filter. I learned a lot about water quality and testing standards when choosing my faucet water filter and found that it’s important to choose a manufacturer that is transparent about the testing process and product performance.