Find the Right Water Filter
Not sure where to begin? We'll walk you through everything step by step.
Water filtration can feel overwhelming. Whole house? Under-sink? RO? Pitcher? Here's how to figure out exactly what you need.
1 Know Your Water Source
City/Municipal water: Treated by your utility, but may contain chlorine, chloramines, lead (from old pipes), and increasingly PFAS. Start with a whole house or under-sink filter.
Private well water: No municipal treatment. You're responsible for testing and treating. Common issues: iron, sulfur, bacteria, nitrates, hardness. Start with our well water guide.
2 Test Your Water
You can't filter what you don't know. Use our ZIP code tool to see what's been found in your local supply, or order a home test kit for well water.
3 Choose Your Filtration Type
- Whole house filter — filters every tap. Best for sediment, chlorine, iron removal at scale.
- Under-sink / RO — the cleanest drinking water. Removes 99%+ of contaminants including PFAS and lead.
- Countertop / Pitcher — no install required. Good for renters or targeted improvement.
- Whole house + under-sink — the gold standard. Pre-filter at entry, polish at the tap.
4 Read Our Top Guides
- Best Whole House Water Filters (2026)
- Best Under-Sink Water Filters & RO Systems (2026)
- Best Water Filters for Well Water
- What Happened to Berkey? (And What to Buy Instead)
- How to Test Your Tap Water at Home
Not Sure? Check Your Water First.
Our free ZIP code tool pulls EPA data for your local water system and recommends the right filtration type for your specific contaminants.
Check My Water Quality →