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The 11 Best Whole-House Water Filter Systems: Reviewed and Compared 2024

Mick Hartman
26 min readApr 16, 2024

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To find the best whole-house water filter, I started by compiling a list of 47 different products. I then began systematically narrowing the list down.

This included a detailed analysis of the filtration technologies used, an in-depth review of the available literature, contacting existing customers and manufacturers, reaching out to my industry contacts, and eventually running tests on the products myself. Once done, I was able to narrow the list to just 11 options.

Throughout this process, I worked alongside our in-house water quality expert, James Layton. A biologist by trade, James has spent the last 25 years in the water treatment field designing and testing water filtration devices and more recently as an environmental specialist for state and federal environmental agencies.

Using this experience and my tests, here’s what I found:

Best Whole-House Water Filter Systems at a Glance

Before You Buy a Whole-House Water Filter

Water filtration is not a one-size-fits-all industry. Each home, and each water supply, requires something different. For example, well water and city water have different contaminants. To improve the quality of each, you need a filtration system designed for the contaminants commonly found in these water supplies.

In city water, chlorine is a big issue because it’s added to the water at the treatment facility, which makes it safe to drink but also affects the taste and smell of the water.

“Most utility users don’t know that the water that comes out of their faucet may be different in quality from the water tested at the utility. Piping materials can contaminate the water with heavy metals and chlorine added for disinfection can mix with organic matter and lead to high levels of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts,” says Jess Goddard, PhD, at Simple Lab.

Filters using activated carbon and KDF media are especially effective against chlorine and disinfection by-products. In addition to lead, other heavy metals, including iron, arsenic, and copper, can also get into your water from pipes and other sources. To remove them, you need specialized filtration systems.

For those on well water, sulfur can enter your water supply and make your water smell like rotten eggs. Iron and manganese can discolor your water and leave stains on your tubs, sinks, and shower stalls. To deal with these contaminants, you will need to use a special filter, usually one using air induction oxidation (AIO).

Poorly constructed or maintained wells can also contain bacteria, viruses, nitrates, and more. While the best solution is to fix your well, you may also need to install a UV purifier or a reverse osmosis system.

Hard water, or high levels of calcium and magnesium, affects both wells and city water supplies and causes all sorts of headaches. Hard water is responsible for scale buildup on your plumbing fixtures, skin and hair irritation, and poorly lathering soap that makes cleaning difficult. An ion exchange water softener is your best defense against hard water.

All in all, there are lots of reasons to use a filter and therefore lots of different filters you can buy. The best whole-house water filter is the one best equipped to treat your specific water supply.

For this reason, I highly suggest you test your water supply before you buy a filter so you can learn exactly what’s in it. This will tell you exactly what’s wrong and exactly what features you need to look for in a filter.

If you haven’t done this yet, please do so and bookmark this page. When you have your results, use them to find your ideal filter. If you’ve already tested your water, or know which filter is best for you, read about my top choices.

When you read my list, you’ll notice SpringWell dominates our top picks. There are three main reasons for this:

  • Excellent products: SpringWell has nailed this science down and its products are simply the best out there. SpringWell goes out of its way to source all its components from reputable, quality suppliers (primarily in the US) and doesn’t ship a unit unless it meets stringent quality guidelines.
  • Unbeatable warranty and money back guarantee: Nearly all SpringWell products (except the UV purifier) have a lifetime warranty and six months for you to try the product out. If it’s not what you expected or isn’t working right, you can return it and get your money back, no questions asked.

I spoke with several people who went through this process and said it was extremely painless. No one — and I mean no one — in this industry even comes close to this level of commitment to customers.

  • Product overlap: Some of the specific use cases you’re going to encounter overlap. For example, the best well filter is also the same as the best filter for iron or manganese since these are common contaminants in well water.

Best Overall Whole-House Water Filter

SpringWell CF1 Whole House Water Filter

The SpringWell CF1 is the best whole-house water filter for those on city water. It is highly effective at removing chlorine, chloramine, and other common contaminants found in municipal water.

City water comes to your home from a municipal treatment facility that uses chlorine (and other disinfection agents) to make sure the water is safe to drink. Some of these disinfection chemicals are left in the water supply even after it leaves the municipal treatment facility. Cities do this to make sure the water stays safe as it travels to your home.

Good intentions, but I don’t want to drink chlorine…

Chlorine can also irritate sensitive skin after a shower or bath.

During this trip, additional contaminants may make their way into the supply from copper and lead pipes or a broken pipe that lets in materials external to the system. Depending on where you live relative to the municipal treatment facility, this can range from hardly noticeable to unbearable.

Installing the SpringWell CF1 in your home will relieve you of all these woes.

Here’s a few more details about this unit and its pros and cons:

Pros

  • Four-stage filtration system removes 99% of chlorine and will also take out a wide range of other contaminants, such as PFAs, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, and more, as well as sediment, iron, sulfur, and manganese.
  • Available in three different models: CF1 (1–3 bathrooms), CF4 (4–6 bathrooms), and CF+ (7+ bathrooms). Make sure to select the right one for your home.
  • Easily integrates with other SpringWell water filter and treatment products, allowing you to create a robust whole-house system.
  • Industry-leading six-month money back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty.

TapScore Comparison

Cons

  • Truly designed for city water supplies. It can trap sediment and other potential well-water contaminants, but there are other filters more adequately designed for wells, such as the SpringWell WS1 (reviewed below).
  • Does not filter out bacteria or other microbial contaminants. These are extremely uncommon in city water supplies; that’s what the chlorine is for! That said, I would get the UV add-on if you know this is an issue in your water, or you’re worried about it.

Overall

If your home is connected to a municipal water supply, aka city water, and you’re tired of or worried about that chlorine smell and taste, the SpringWell CF1 has got you covered.

Its four-stage filtration process will deliver crystal clear, great-tasting water to every tap in your home, and its unmatched lifetime warranty makes it the best overall whole-house water filter money can buy.

If you’re ready for clean water, get the SpringWell CF1 here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Well Water

SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter

The SpringWell WS1 is my top choice for a whole-house water filter for well water. It features the same build quality and warranty as the CF1, but it’s specifically designed for the most common well contaminants.

Well owners most commonly struggle with hydrogen sulfide (which makes your water smell like rotten eggs), iron (which leaves dark red/brown stains on your sinks, tubs, and shower stalls), and manganese (which also causes staining).

However, if your well cap, the thing that seals it at the top, is loose or broken, other things, such as insects and bacteria can get into the well.

If the cap is below the soil line (which is common), rain and melting snow can bring all sorts of contaminants into your well. Agricultural runoff can add nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides to your water.

All of these require special filters.

The SpringWell WS1 knocks out sediment along with hydrogen sulfide, iron, and manganese. But if your individual water test revealed additional contaminants, check out my full review on the best whole-house water filters for well water to find the optimal solution.

Here’s what I do and don’t like about SpringWell’s well filter:

Pros

  • Uses air injection oxidization (AIO) to remove up to 8 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, 7 ppm of iron, and 1 ppm of manganese, making it highly effective against the most common well water contaminants.
  • Easy-to-use Bluetooth-controlled filter head lets you program your filter to your needs and gives you complete control of your system.
  • Available in three models: WS1 (1–3 bathrooms), WS4 (4–6 bathrooms), and WS+ (7+ bathrooms). Make sure to choose the right one for your home.
  • Six-month money back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • The included spin-down sediment pre-filter will only catch large sediment particles (152 microns and above). If you have smaller sediment particles in your water (little specks of dirt, clay, sand, etc.), you will need to purchase a canister pre-filter separately.
  • Does not protect against microbial contamination. You’ll need to purchase a UV purifier and add it to your system if you’re concerned about this, or a chlorine injection unit, which might change the taste and odor of your water.

***If microbes are in your well, you need to address this problem at its core. There could be a leak or some other issue you can prevent, but a UV purifier (reviewed below) will ensure your water is safe at all times.***

Overall

If you’re looking for a way to filter out the most common and annoying well water contaminants, the SpringWell WS1 is the way to go. Its filtration capabilities far exceed what most of you will need and is backed by a six-month money back guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty.

To learn about well filters that can handle additional well contaminants, read about the best whole house water filters for well water. If this filter is what you need, you can get the SpringWell WS1 here.

Best for Hard Water

SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener (SS1)

The SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener is my personal favorite whole-house filter for hard water.

Water is considered hard when it has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium, known as “hardness minerals.” Drinking hard water does not pose any health risks. But it can be very annoying.

The biggest pain hard water causes is scale buildup on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. This not only looks ugly but can damage your appliances, especially those with heating elements, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and hot water heaters.

If you hear a popping or crackling sound coming from one of these appliances, there is probably scale buildup on the element.

Hard water can also leave streaks and stains on your clean dishes, and it can be rough on your skin and hair. It also interferes with soaps and detergents and prevents them from lathering, which requires you to use more of them to properly clean ($$$).

A water softener (the correct name for a filter for hard water) uses a special process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from the water. This makes your water “soft” and cures all the problems hard water causes.

There are also salt-free “conditioners” which reduce some of but not all the impacts of hard water without actually removing these minerals.

The SpringWell Salt Based Water Softener does this as well as any other softener and has a few extra features that set it apart.

Here’s everything I love and don’t love about this water softener:

Pros

  • 32,000-grain unit makes it capable of softening even the hardest water.
  • High-performing Bluetooth-enabled control head optimizes the regeneration cycle and saves you money and maintenance time.
  • Available in multiple sizes. This model is good for 1–3 bathrooms, but there is also the SS4 (4–6 bathrooms) and SS+ (7+ bathrooms) for larger homes.
  • Backed by SpringWell’s limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Like all softeners, this unit will add trace amounts of sodium to your water. But even for the hardest of water, the amount of sodium in an 8 oz glass of water is less than that in a glass of milk of the same size.
  • Like all softeners, the SpringWell SS1 relies on backwashing, which uses your water to flush the resin and regenerate it before flushing it down the drain. This is an unavoidable waste, though the high-tech control head helps keep this to a minimum.

Overall

The SpringWell SS1 Salt Based Water Softener is the best whole-house “filter” for hard water. It is much more commonly called a water softener. It’s also the best whole-house water filter for calcium, as calcium is one of the main culprits behind hard water.

I like the SpringWell SS1 because it treats even very hard water supplies, is efficient and easy to use, and is backed by a warranty you just can’t beat.

If you want to explore other options, check out my best water softener article. In this review, I have also looked at a few salt-free “softeners.” These don’t actually soften the water but can reduce some of the impacts of hard water.

For those who are ready to enter the world of soft water, you can get the SpringWell SS1 Salt-Based Water Softener System here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter and Softener Combo

SpringWell CSS1 Whole House Water Filter and Softener Combo

The SpringWell CSS1 is my top choice for a whole-house water filter and softener combo.

It combines the SpringWell CF1 whole-house filter and SpringWell SS1 salt-based water softener. Since both of these were my top choices in their individual categories, this one was kind of a no brainer.

Note, though, that the CSS1 is best for city water.

If you’re on well water, the SpringWell WSSS1 is going to be for you. The WSSS1 combines the SpringWell WS1 (best whole-house filter for well water) with the SS1, the best water softener/filter for hard water.

Buying both units together is a good way to deal with all your water quality problems at once. It also saves you a bit of money; most manufacturers offer a slight discount when you buy two units at the same time.

The SpringWell CSS1 is a great way to filter and soften your water at the same. Here are its pros and cons:

Pros

  • Combines the best whole-house water filter (SpringWell CF1) with the best whole-house water softener (SpringWell SS1) to make the best filter/softener combo.
  • Capable of filtering out chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, herbicides, pesticides, as well as viruses, and bacteria.
  • Softens even very hard water supplies.
  • State-of-the-art Bluetooth-enabled control head optimizes efficiency, reduces waste, and gives you total control over your entire system.
  • Backed by SpringWell’s six-month money-back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty.
  • Available in three models: CSS1 (1–3 bathrooms), CSS4 (4–6 bathrooms), and CSS+ (7+ bathrooms). These all easily combine with other SpringWell products if you want to build a larger water treatment system.

Cons

  • Best suited for city water. If you use well water, get the WSSS1, which combines the same softener used here with the SpringWell whole-house well filter, the WS1.
  • Like all softeners, this system will add sodium to your water supply, though only in trace amounts. But if you have extremely hard water (15 grains per gallon or more) this may be a concern.

Overall

The SpringWell CSS1 combines the high-performing CF1 whole-house water filter with the industry-leading SS1 water softener to make an elite filter/softener combo.

Add in SpringWell’s excellent money-back guarantee and limited lifetime warranty and you’ve got a product that will exceed any and all expectations.

I’ve reviewed other models and compiled a complete list of the best whole-house water filter and softener combo, which includes some salt-free options if that’s what you need.

Or you can skip all that reading and get the SpringWell CSS1 right here. If you need a well water system, you can get the SpringWell WSSS1 here.

Best Whole-House UV Water Filter

SpringWell UV Water Purification System

My top choice for the best whole-house UV water filter system is the SpringWell UV Water Purification System.

A UV water filter is not so much a filter as it is a bacteria-zapping machine. It uses a powerful dose of ultraviolet light to kill all living things that enter the chamber where the lamp is housed.

If you’re concerned about microbial contamination in your water, such as E. coli, legionella, cholera, and more, a UV purifier is one of your best defenses. This is mostly a concern with well water because these supplies are not treated, and bacteria can leach into the well from the surrounding soil.

City water is treated with chlorine and other disinfection products to remove these microbes, but you may still want a UV purifier in the event of an emergency (flooding, broken pipes, malfunctioning treatment equipment, etc).

Here’s what I do and don’t like about the SpringWell UV water filtration system:

Pros

  • Powerful UV lamp will kill 99.99% of all microbial contaminants in your water. No one can get 100%.
  • Automated reminders about UV lamp replacement starting up to a week in advance to ensure your system stays up and running (lamps should last around one year).
  • Exceptional warranty on tank valves (lifetime) and electrical components (six years as compared to three from the next competitor).

Cons

  • Does not include a sediment pre-filter, which is necessary to ensure the UV lamp maximizes its effectiveness. You can buy one separate and integrate it to the UV purifier.
  • Slightly less energy efficient than other models on the market, translating into about $25 more per year in electricity costs (using national averages for electricity costs).

Overall

Most UV water purifiers on the market do more or less the same thing, but none of them offer the type of warranty like the one you get with the SpringWell UV water purifier, not to mention its six-month money back guarantee.

I’ve reviewed all the best UV water purifiers on the market if you want to check them out, but SpringWell’s unit stands alone at the top.

If you’re ready to make the plunge, get the SpringWell UV Water Filtration System here.

Best Whole-House Reverse Osmosis System

CrystalQuest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System

The CrystalQuest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System is the best whole-house reverse osmosis (RO) system I found.

Without getting into the technicalities of what reverse osmosis is, know that it’s a filtration process that forces water through a super small membrane (0.0001–0.0005 microns).

Being so small, this membrane separates your water into “clean” and “dirty” supplies. The good stuff gets stored in a tank for you to use and the bad stuff goes down the drain. The size of the storage tank will determine if your unit is “whole house” or “point of use,” meaning it provides clean water to just one tap in your home.

There is also a limit to how much water an RO system can produce each day, measured in gallons per day.

Reverse osmosis can remove (not kill) viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. It also eliminates common chemical contaminants, such as lead, copper, and arsenic. It is the preferred solution near the ocean where salt can pollute the water supply, a growing problem around the US. It can also remove nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides from agricultural runoff.

It’s not particularly effective against chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, and PFAs, which are best filtered out with activated carbon or KDF media in pre- and post-filtration. This makes them most effective on well water. RO will work just fine on city water if your only concern is salt or heavy metals.

Here’s what I do and don’t like about CrystalQuest’s whole-house unit:

Pros

  • Super-small RO membrane will separate out bacteria, viruses, protozoa, most heavy metals, salt, and other chemical contaminants as well as nitrates, herbicides, and pesticides.
  • Minimum of 300 gallons per day (gpd) production, which is more than enough for most homes. But you can also upgrade to 400, 500, 750, or even 1,000 gpd. In fact, you can go all the way up to 7,000 gpd. But higher production doesn’t always help if you don’t have a storage tank large enough to keep all that clean water handy.
  • Lots of storage tank sizes to choose from to be able to build the exact unit you need for your home.

Cons

  • You need a good bit of space at the point of installation for this unit thanks to its large tank.
  • Depending on your water supply, using RO in the entire house could make your water too acidic, which would necessitate a remineralization unit, adding to your total bill.
  • After adding a storage tank and the right unit for you, these systems tend to get a bit costly as compared to other whole-house filters.
  • CrystalQuest only offers a one-year warranty on all its products, which doesn’t impress me.

Overall

If you’re looking for a whole-house reverse osmosis system to maximize the filtration capacity of your water system, then the CrystalQuest unit is the way to go. It has some unavoidable downsides due to how RO works and runs, but it’s a great option if you can work around these.

I’ve got some other options worth looking at in my full review of the best whole-house reverse osmosis systems. Or you can cut right to the chase and get the CrystalQuest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System here.

Best Whole-House Sediment Filter

SpringWell Whole House Cartridge System

My favorite sediment filter is the SpringWell PF10 Sediment Filter Canister and 5-Micron Filter, a canister style filter that’s up to the task.

Lots of sediment in your well isn’t really a health hazard. But in high levels it can clog faucet aerators, toilet fill valves, washing machine filter screens, and water hook-up valves. All of these can cause major headaches. Plus, who wants to drink dirt?!

Sediment can sometimes get into city water supplies from old, rusty pipes or small leaks somewhere in the system that let dirt, sand, clay, silt, etc. into the water. But it’s much more common in wells since they are untreated.

Since sediment is mostly a well water concern, I like the SpringWell PF10 Sediment Canister and 5-Micron Filter as the best whole-house sediment filter. Here are its pros and cons:

Pros

  • A 5-micron filter catches all sediment five microns or larger, reducing sediment to non-noticeable levels.
  • Excessive flow rate means no drop in pressure even in extremely large homes. It provides 20 gallons per minute. That’s enough water to let 10 showers run at once.
  • Larger 20-inch model available for commercial applications (flow rate of 30 gallons per minute).
  • Easy to install and mount.
  • Relatively maintenance-free. The 5-micron filter must be changed every six to nine months depending on how much sediment is in your water, but this is easy and can be done in minutes.
  • Excellent pre- or post-filter allows you to add an extra level of filtration to your home’s system.

Cons

  • Only filters sediment. If you’re worried about chlorine, chloramine, bacteria, viruses, iron, manganese, copper, etc., you’ll need to invest in something else. The SpringWell whole-house cartridge system combines the same technology in this sediment filter with an activated-carbon filter to deal with these contaminants.

Overall

The SpringWell PF10 Sediment Filter Canister and 5-Micron Filter is a great option if the only concern you have with your water supply is sediment. It’s an excellent first or final component of your water treatment system that is easy to install and maintain.

Check out my full review of the best sediment filters for well water. If you know this is what you need, get the SpringWell PF10 Sediment Filter Canister and 5-Micron Filter here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Manganese

SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System

My top choice for manganese well filters is the SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System. This was my top choice for overall whole-house water filters for well water, partly because of how effective it is against manganese.

In small doses, manganese won’t hurt you. Prolonged exposure to high levels, however, can cause problems with the central nervous system, especially in children. Keeping within EPA limits will prevent this, something all municipal water supplies must do. Well water, on the other hand, is not regulated. You will need to deal with this on your own.

For most people, manganese is more of an annoyance than a health risk. Even low levels can cause black stains on sinks, tubs, and fixtures, and may even stain your laundry. It can also cause scale buildup on your fixtures and appliances, much like “hard” minerals.

The SpringWell WS1 whole-house water filter for manganese is highly effective against even high levels of manganese, delivering safe, clean water to your home.

Here’s everything I love and don’t love about it:

Pros

  • Uses air injection oxidation (AIO) to remove up to 1 part per million (ppm) of manganese from your water. Negative health impacts appear after 300 parts per billion, which are much, much lower than the EPA limits, meaning you’re totally and completely covered with this filter.
  • Regenerates and backwashes automatically to use the least amount of water and reduce maintenance. All of this is programmed on an app and controlled via Bluetooth.
  • Also tackles iron and hydrogen sulfide, two common well water contaminants.
  • Comes in larger models (WS4 and WS+) if you have more than four bathrooms.
  • Includes SpringWell’s limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • The sediment pre-filter is large (152 microns) and only designed for catching the big stuff. If you also have sediment in your water, you may want to opt for a specific sediment pre-filter to complement this manganese filter (see sediment filters above).

Overall

If you want to remove the manganese in your well water, then the SpringWell WS1 is an excellent solution. It’s efficient, effective against even very high levels of manganese, and backed by an excellent warranty.

Many of the options on my list of the best whole-house water filters for well water also tackle manganese, so feel free to check out those options to see if there’s one that better fits your needs.

Or you can skip right to the best and get the SpringWell WS1 here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Lead Removal

SpringWell Whole House Lead and Cyst Removal System

The SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System is my number one choice for a whole-house lead filter, as well as for cysts and bacteria.

Lead enters your water supply from lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures (common in homes built before 1986) and from brass or chrome-plated fixtures that used a lead solder (again, this is more common on older fixtures).

Even small levels of lead in your water can be dangerous to your health. It’s especially concerning for children. Luckily, there are a number of solutions.

This SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System is the best of all of them. Here’s what I do and don’t like about it:

Pros

  • Super-small (0.5 micron) filter catches not only lead but also cysts, bacteria, viruses, and most heavy metals and chemical contaminants.
  • Effective against chlorine, chloramine, PFAs, PFOs, and VOCs thanks to the PIONEER filtration technology that includes activated carbon.
  • Filters both soluble and particulate lead, ensuring no lead remains in your drinking water.
  • Filter change light lets you know well in advance when the filter needs to be changed so protection doesn’t lapse.
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied.

Cons

  • With such a small filter, it will get clogged very quickly if you have sediment in your water (typical in well water not city water). If this is the case in your home, add a sediment pre-filter. Without one, this system will get clogged, reducing its effectiveness and lowering the water pressure in your home.

Overall

If you’ve got lead in your water, you can’t afford to take chances. Getting a filter like the SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System is an excellent choice thanks to its high performance, ease of use, and industry-leading warranty.

Feel free to check out some of the other options that made it onto my list of the best whole-house water filters for lead removal.

If you’re ready to upgrade your water right now, get the SpringWell Lead and Cyst Removal System today.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Iron and Rust

SpringWell WS1 Whole House Water Filtration System

The SpringWell WS1 is my top recommendation if you have high levels of iron or rust in your water. It was also my top choice for whole-house filters for well water thanks to its ability to filter out iron.

Iron in your drinking water actually does not pose a health risk. Instead, it’s more of a pain in the neck. It leaves reddish brown or even black stains on your sinks, faucets, tubs, driveways, foundation, and even in your laundry.

Solid iron particles are called rust and don’t cause staining but can clog your filter system or screens and aerators. These are removed by a pre-filter. The best water filter for iron is also the best for rust.

Fortunately, filtration technology has advanced to a point where removing iron is a relatively easy process.

The SpringWell WS1 is the cream of the crop when it comes to whole-house filters for iron and rust. Here are some of its pros and cons:

Pros

  • Uses air injection oxidation (AIO) to remove up to 8 parts per million (ppm) of iron from your water.
  • Regenerates and backwashes automatically to use the least amount of water and reduce maintenance. All of this is programmed on an app and controlled via Bluetooth.
  • Also tackles manganese and hydrogen sulfide in case these contaminants are in your water.
  • Pre-filter will capture solid iron particles, aka rust.
  • Comes in larger models (WS4 and WS+) for homes with more than four bathrooms.
  • Includes SpringWell’s limited lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • The sediment pre-filter is large (125 micron) and only designed for catching the big stuff. If you also have sediment in your water, you may want to opt for a specific sediment pre-filter to complement this iron and rust filter.

Overall

If you’ve got iron or rust in your water and are tired of the stains, it’s time for a whole-house filter for iron. The SpringWell WS1 is the best because it can handle extremely high levels of iron, lets you control it efficiently from its smart control head, and is backed by an excellent warranty.

I did a complete review of the best whole-house iron filters for well water if you want to check out some other options available. If you’re ready to enjoy clean, iron-free drinking water, get the SpringWell WS1 here.

Best Whole-House Water Filter for Fluoride

CrystalQuest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System

The CrystalQuest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System is my personal favorite for whole-house fluoride filters.

This is the same as the “best whole-house reverse osmosis” option because there isn’t necessarily a specific “whole-house fluoride” system. There are a few products out there, but they tend to be very expensive, and the technology is somewhat unproven. A good RO system will do the job and then some.

Many cities add fluoride to municipal water supplies to improve dental health in the community. For many, this is an unwanted intrusion.

The tiny membranes used in a reverse osmosis system (RO) separates dissolved fluoride from the water supply and flush it down the drain with the rest of the wastewater.

Here’s what I do and don’t like about the Crystal Quest RO system:

Pros

  • Super-small RO membrane will catch pretty much everything that might be in your water, including, but not limited to, fluoride.
  • Effective for both city water and well water.
  • Lots of options to choose from in terms of production capacity and storage tank size. This allows you to build the unit you need and keep costs down.

Cons

  • Due to the need for a massive storage tank, you need a good bit of space at the point of installation for this unit.
  • You should add a pre-filter to your unit to catch sediment and other particulates, otherwise you risk clogging up the RO membrane and damaging it. This is especially true if you use well water. You may also need to add a water softener if you have hard water because scale buildup can damage the membrane.
  • Depending on your water supply, using RO in the entire house could drop its pH and make your water too acidic. This would necessitate a remineralization unit, which costs more money.
  • After adding a storage tank and the right unit for you, these systems tend to get a bit costly.
  • CrystalQuest only offers a one-year warranty on all its products.

Overall

If you’re looking for a whole-house reverse osmosis system to help filter unwanted fluoride out of your water supply, then the CrystalQuest unit is the way to go. It has some unavoidable downsides due to how RO works and runs, but if you can work around this it’s a great option.

If you want to see some of the other options besides this one from CrystalQuest, check out my full review of the best whole-house reverse osmosis systems.

For those who know they want a whole-house system to remove fluoride, you can get the CrystalQuest Whole House Reverse Osmosis System here.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the SpringWell CF1 is the best whole-house water filter, especially if you’re on city water and trying to remove chlorine.

If you’re dealing with other contaminants, such as sulfur, iron, or manganese, the SpringWell WS1 is a great option, and if you have hard water, check out the SpringWell SS1.

Remember, before you buy a whole-house water filter, you should test your water so you can choose a filter that will best suit your needs.

Once you know what you need, check out these whole-house water filters and get ready to enjoy clean, clear drinking water in your home.

Methodology

To help you find the best whole-house water system for your home, I spent five months ordering, installing, and testing over 25 different designs. Here’s a peek at how I did it.

Step 1: A big list of every product and service available

To begin my adventure, I spent three days scouring the internet and coupon savers to learn what filter options were available.

After I compiled a list of 25 different filter systems, I had a turkey sandwich and congratulated myself for completing step one of the process.

Step 2: Online reviews

After I finished my step one sandwich, I started researching the websites and reviews for the 25 house water filter systems I had selected.

It turns out whole-house water filters are no joke. There is a massive market for them, and many house water filters appear to talk a good game but are, in actuality, pretty disappointing.

After spending a day working on breaking down the reviews of different filtration systems and discovering the many reviews available for each water filter, I managed to knock 10 water filters off the list.

Step 3: Product/service analysis

When I began breaking down the features and benefits of the 15 water filters left, I had many questions about which house water filtration system was the best. I began by asking myself the important ones:

  • Was it possible to find a whole-house filtration system that was effective and wouldn’t reduce my water flow?
  • How many stages do whole-house water filters have?
  • Which filtration system could be counted on to handle the capacity of water I needed for my home?
  • Do whole-house water filters produce drinkable water?
  • Do I need multiple whole-house water filters, or would just one work?
  • Which of these filtration systems has the cheapest replacement filters?
  • Would I have to install a water softener as well?

Step 4: Interviews with real customers

From there, I figured nothing helps test a product better than reaching out to those who have used them for a while.

I contacted two real-life customers of each water filter and asked them some questions regarding how they felt about their whole-house water filters after experiencing the filtration systems firsthand.

I found out that some hated them, some loved them, and some hung up on me straightaway.

Step 5: Interviews with Springwell, Aquasana, and Pentair

After contacting real customers to find out about their whole-house water filters, I reached out to the filtration system creators to see what they had to say about their filtration process and the water filters they were offering the public.

All three companies I got a hold of were quick to call me back and set up a time to talk. They were knowledgeable and accommodating.

Step 6: Test drives

I ordered and installed the 10 water filtration systems I had whittled the list down to and got to work.

I installed each system at our city water testing facility and ensured that the same municipal water supply was used for each water filter and began sampling the water over five months.

Testing included showering, drinking, and cooking with each sample of water.

Step 7: Ratings

You’re probably asking yourself how I arrived at my ratings for each of these sediment filters. I focused on these questions to develop a rating system based on what is most important for those looking for purified water:

  • Which water filtration system had the best capacity and water flow?
  • Which water filtration system delivered the best-tasting water?
  • Who had the most effective filtration media?
  • Which water filter was the easiest to install?

Final Thoughts

Finding the best whole-house water filter for your home is a matter of matching what you need with what’s out there. For those on city water, the SpringWell CF1 is ideal, while those on well water will likely want to opt for the SpringWell WS1. Some may not need a filter at all but rather a softener, such as the SpringWell SS1 Salt-Based Water Softener.

In the end, the best thing to do is to test your water supply and use the results to find the best filter for you.

Once you do that, get ready for your world to change. And when you’re ready to add to or improve your system, I’ll be here to help you find what you need.

Water Filter System
Whole House Water Filter
Whole House Filters
Water Filtration

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Mick Hartman

Written by Mick Hartman

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