Quick Answer

The Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser takes the crown here. It hits the sweet spot of excellent filtration, big capacity, and apartment-friendly design without breaking the bank. Plus, it actually makes your water taste good.

FreshAirScore™ Ratings

Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.

ZeroWater ZP-010 Water Filter Pitcher — 91/100 (Excellent) ██████████████████░░ Best for: Water quality enthusiasts and those with poor tap water

APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System — 74/100 (Great) ███████████████░░░░░ Best for: People with seriously contaminated water

Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser — 69/100 (Good) ██████████████░░░░░░ Best for: Families or heavy water drinkers

Aquasana AQ-5200+ Water Filter System — 66/100 (Good) █████████████░░░░░░░ Best for: Apartment dwellers wanting convenience

PUR Ultimate Water Dispenser — 65/100 (Good) █████████████░░░░░░░ Best for: Anyone with older plumbing or serious contaminant removal

Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	Key Spec	Price Tier
Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser	Large capacity	18 cups, activated carbon	Budget
PUR Ultimate Water Dispenser	Filter longevity	18 cups, 99% lead reduction	Budget
ZeroWater ZP-010 Water Filter Pitcher	TDS removal	10-cup, 5-stage filter	Budget
APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System	Tap water purification	5-stage filtration	Premium
Aquasana AQ-5200+ Water Filter System	Shower and faucet	2-stage filtration	Mid-range

Detailed Reviews

1. Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser

Overview: This big guy sits nicely in your fridge and churns out clean water for everything from your morning coffee to cooking pasta.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 18 cups
• Filter Type: Activated carbon
• Price Tier: Budget

Pros:

• Massive capacity means fewer refills
• Simple pour-and-go operation
• Actually eliminates that pool-water chlorine taste

Cons:

• You’ll be swapping filters every two months, so budget for the consumables

Best For: Families or heavy water drinkers who want the simplest solution that actually works.

2. PUR Ultimate Water Dispenser

Overview: PUR’s heavy hitter goes beyond just making water taste better—it tackles the scary stuff like lead.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 18 cups
• Filter Type: Activated carbon and ion exchange
• Price Tier: Budget

Pros:

• Knocks out 99% of lead (impressive for this price)
• Filters last a full two months
• BPA-free design

Cons:

• Slower filtering than competitors—patience required

Best For: Anyone with older plumbing or who wants serious contaminant removal without the reverse osmosis price tag.

3. ZeroWater ZP-010 Water Filter Pitcher

Overview: The perfectionist’s choice. This one obsesses over total dissolved solids (TDS) and comes with a meter to prove it.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 10 cups
• Filter Type: 5-stage filter
• Price Tier: Budget

Pros:

• Five-stage filtration is genuinely thorough
• Built-in meter shows exactly what’s happening
• Perfect size for smaller apartments

Cons:

• Hard water areas will kill filters fast (and they’re pricey)

Best For: Water quality nerds and anyone dealing with particularly nasty tap water.

4. APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis System

Overview: The nuclear option. This under-sink beast removes virtually everything from your water—sometimes too much.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 50 gallons/day
• Filter Type: Reverse osmosis
• Price Tier: Premium

Pros:

• Removes 99% of basically everything
• Filters last forever (relatively speaking)
• Fits under most sinks

Cons:

• Hefty upfront cost
• Installation ranges from “handy” to “call a pro”

Best For: People with seriously contaminated water or those who want the absolute best filtration money can buy.

5. Aquasana AQ-5200+ Water Filter System

Overview: Mount this baby on your faucet and get filtered water on demand. No waiting, no refilling. We compare more options like it in our faucet water filter roundup.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 500 gallons
• Filter Type: 2-stage filtration
• Price Tier: Mid-range

Pros:

• Instant filtered water at the tap
• Six-month filter life
• Solid contaminant reduction

Cons:

• Won’t tackle heavy metals like mercury
• Filter replacements add up over time

Best For: Apartment dwellers who want convenience and don’t mind paying a bit more for it.

How We Evaluated

We compared these on the specs that actually matter in an apartment:

• Performance: Does it remove what it claims to remove?
• Noise: Nobody wants a jet engine in their kitchen
• Filter Cost: The real expense is in replacements
• Room Size: Will it actually fit in your space?
• Value: Bang for your buck

Buying Guide

Two things are worth doing before you spend anything. Look the unit up in NSF’s listing of certified drinking water treatment units to see exactly what it is certified to reduce, and pull the annual Consumer Confidence Report your utility publishes to find out what is in your water to begin with.

What to Look For

1. Size and Capacity: Singles can get away with 10-cup pitchers. Families need the 18-cup dispensers.
2. Type of Filtration: Carbon filters fix taste and smell. Reverse osmosis is overkill for most people but necessary for some. To understand more about this filtration method, read our post on What Is Reverse Osmosis.
3. Ease of Use: If it’s annoying to refill, you won’t use it. For more on the importance of filter lifespan, check out our Water Filter Buying Guide.
4. Filter Lifespan: Longer-lasting filters save money and hassle.
5. Space: Measure your fridge shelf before you buy.

FAQ

1. How often should I replace my water filter?

Every 2-6 months depending on your filter and how much water you drink. Most have indicators, but I set phone reminders anyway. If you’re curious about how often to change your filter, check our guide on How Often To Replace Water Filter.

2. Can I filter tap water for cooking?

Absolutely. Your pasta will thank you, and coffee tastes infinitely better with filtered water. For those interested in specific contaminants, see our post on What Does A Water Filter Remove.

3. Are water filters worth the investment?

If your tap water tastes like a swimming pool or you’re buying bottled water, then yes. The math works out fast. Renters can extend the same idea to the bathroom — a shower filter installs in minutes and leaves no trace at move-out.

4. Do water filters remove fluoride?

Only reverse osmosis systems reliably remove fluoride. Check the specs if this matters to you.

5. How do I know if my water filter is working effectively?

Trust the indicator lights, but also trust your taste buds. If your water starts tasting funky again, it’s probably time for a new filter.

Bottom line: any of these filters will improve your water situation. The Brita Ultra Max gives you the most bang for your buck, but go with the reverse osmosis system if you’re dealing with genuinely problematic water quality.