We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
The best-rated brand for cleaning and maintenance, a water filter from Pure Water System was recommended by 98% of Aussies.
Water filters remove dirt, sand and other impurities from water. However, the way they work and the impurities they remove can vary depending on the type of filter medium you choose.
For example, many filters use a method known as adsorption. This typically involves the use of an activated carbon filter to remove contaminants that stick to the carbon's pores. According to the CDC in the US, activated carbon filters are effective at removing metals such as lead.
Ion exchange water filters remove minerals from hard water to soften it, while distillers boil water to kill bacteria and eliminate other contaminants.
Then there are reverse-osmosis filters, which pass water through a semipermeable membrane and through filters to remove a wide range of contaminants. However, this process produces a large amount of wastewater.
The right filtration method for you will vary depending on what impurities or contaminants you want to remove from your water.
If you want to start filtering your drinking water, there are a few different filtration options available.
The simplest (and often the cheapest upfront) option is to buy a water filter jug. These don't require any installation – just fill the jug up from the tap and store it in your fridge – and it's easy to change the filter when needed. However, you will need to contend with the ongoing cost of filter replacements.
If you'd like to filter larger quantities of water at a time, you may opt for a counter-top urn. This is another convenient option as it doesn't require any plumbing work, but it will take up precious bench space in your kitchen.
Your next option is to buy a water filter that can be mounted to your tap. These small and convenient filters filter the water as it runs through your faucet, and they're easy and inexpensive to fit. You can also switch to unfiltered water whenever you want.
However, you'll need to ensure that one of these filters will fit properly on your tap, while you'll also have to put up with a slower flow of water when you choose filtered.
The most expensive option is to install an under-sink water filter. This requires plumbing work and will take up cupboard space under your sink, but it's also a long-term solution capable of filtering large quantities of water. If you need to use a lot of filtered water, this is an option well worth considering.
Depending on the model you choose, you may replace your existing tap or require the installation of a separate tap for filtered water. Some models can also produce chilled and sparkling water for drinking.
It's a good idea to compare a range of products before you buy. This will ensure that you choose the best water filter for your needs.
Make sure you consider the following factors when comparing your options.
The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of filter you want and the filtration method. To do this, you’ll need to consider factors such as bench and cupboard space in your kitchen, what impurities or contaminants you want to remove from your tap water, and your budget.
If you're simply looking to have some chilled, filtered water available throughout the day, a jug filter might be the easiest solution. If you need to filter large amounts of water, you may decide that an under-sink model is the best choice. You'll also need to consider the dimensions of any filter you're considering and the available bench or under-sink space.
Make sure any water filter you choose meets the relevant Australian standard. AS/NZS4348 covers several common contaminants, while you can find public health standards for a range of other filters from NSF International.
This is the size of the holes in a filter that water passes through, measured in microns. However, be sure to check whether the pore size measurement provided is "absolute" or "nominal/mean", as the latter only refers to the filter's average pore size.
Check the filter system's flow rate to get an idea of how much filtered water it can provide in litres per minute.
If the water filter you choose features replaceable cartridges, check how often those cartridges need to be replaced and how much they cost.
Check the length of the manufacturer’s warranty and exactly what it covers.
Jug and on-tap water filters are the cheapest options, with entry-level jugs available for around $20. Desktop models generally sit in the $50-$350 price range, while under-sink systems can cost anywhere from $250 to more than $1,000.
There are a few other factors you should consider before buying a water filter:
If you're ready to start shopping for water filters, here's where to buy water filters online in Australia.
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Cleaning & maintenance | Design | Water Taste & Appearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 8.22 | 4.44 | 4.60 | 4.48 | 4.44 | 4.56 |
| Pure Water Systems | 8.04 | 4.43 | 4.02 | 4.24 | 4.24 | 4.29 |
| BRITA | 7.84 | 4.34 | 4.02 | 4.10 | 4.10 | 4.30 |
| AlkaWay | 7.81 | 4.28 | 4.31 | 4.19 | 4.39 | 4.17 |
| Puratap | 7.72 | 4.27 | 4.17 | 4.13 | 4.13 | 4.23 |
| Aquaport | 7.72 | 4.14 | 4.36 | 4.14 | 4.26 | 4.19 |
| Stefani | 7.71 | 4.29 | 4.10 | 4.17 | 4.17 | 4.32 |
| Puretec | 7.57 | 4.18 | 4.28 | 4.15 | 4.15 | 4.31 |
| Bobble | 7.46 | 4.03 | 4.09 | 4.09 | 4.26 | 4.31 |
Find out where you can find effective jugs and pitchers to add some extra filtration to your tap water.
If you want to buy a new water filter, we’ve found the best models for every budget and need.
