Key Takeaways:
- Whole home water filters connect to your home’s main water line and treat water for contaminants before entering your household.
- The best whole home water filters are capable of removing high levels of contaminants without reducing water pressure, are tailored to your source water, and are long-lasting, easy to install, and simple to maintain.
- Whole home water filters are best suited for general use applications. Clean, safe, and healthy drinking water requires a dedicated system, like a Tyent water ionizer, to catch the contaminants whole home water filters typically miss.
Public water systems are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to protect public health, but the CDC estimates at least 1 in every 300 people get sick every year from germs in drinking water. So is tap water safe, really?
In 2022 alone, there were over 18,000 community water systems that had at least one SDWA violation, and almost 3,000 had a health-based violation. As such, you might be wondering if whole home filtration is the best way to ensure the water flowing from your taps is truly safe to use. And with so many options, what are the best whole home water filters for your household?
This article breaks down what a whole home water filter is, the key factors you should consider when buying one, and the best whole home water filters to choose from.
What is a Whole Home Water Filter?
Whole home water filters, also known as point-of-entry filtration systems, connect to your home’s main water line and are designed to treat the water that enters your home before it hits your faucets. Single-stage and multiple-stage options are available, with more filter stages equalling higher levels of contaminant removal.
The best whole home water filters do improve the quality and safety of your water, but clean, safe, and healthy drinking water still requires a dedicated point-of-use system. Tyent water ionizers, for instance, connect directly to your kitchen’s plumbing and filter out the finest contaminants that can slip past whole home water filters, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and 100% of lead.
This Tyent water ionizer review can help you choose the best model for your household.
What to Look for in a Whole Home Water Filter
With so many types and models on the market, choosing the best whole home water filters can be overwhelming. Here are the most important factors to consider.
Contaminant Filtration Capability
The best whole home water filters are capable of removing high levels of contaminants from your H2O. Effective filtration depends on the filter’s micron rating—the lower a filter’s micron rating, the more effective it is at removing contaminants. For example, Tyent ionizers feature 0.01-micron NSF-certified dual Dialapure filtration systems, which offer the same level of filtration used in kidney dialysis machines.
Filter Type
The most common types of whole home water filters are:
- Sediment Filters: Remove sediment, dirt, silt, and rust, among other particulates.
- Carbon Filters: Attract and trap chemicals, gases, and contaminants, including chlorine, VOCs, and bad tastes and odors.
- Ion Exchange Filters: Reduce minerals that contribute to water hardness (calcium and magnesium) and ions linked to poor water quality (heavy metals).
- Ultraviolet Filters: Use UV light to kill pathogens in the water.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Allow only water molecules to pass through a semipermeable membrane, but this also means beneficial minerals are removed. (Learn more about the dangers of reverse osmosis water.)
- Alkaline Water Systems: Combine water filtration with pH optimization, resulting in filtered alkaline water.
Flow Rate
Flow rate is the amount of water able to flow through your home’s water dispensers, such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets. It also refers to the amount of water your filters can process per minute. If the flow rates of your dispensers and filters don’t align, this can compromise your home’s water pressure.
Capacity and Filter Life
It’s important to consider how much water your household uses daily to determine the size and type of whole home water filters you’ll need. Larger families with heavy usage will need a filtration system with a high flow rate and large containment removal capacity, while smaller households with moderate use can probably get by with standard filters.
Installation and Maintenance
Another important consideration is how complicated the filtration system is to install and maintain. Some systems may require professional installation and servicing; others are more DIY-friendly and relatively maintenance-free.
Certifications and Safety Standards
Look for filters that have been independently tested by reputable organizations and found to meet specific performance and safety standards. Some third-party certifications to look out for include NSF International, Water Quality Association, Underwriters Laboratories, and American National Standards Institute. Tyent has all top certifications with water ionizers that meet international safety, environmental, and health standards.
Warranty and Support
The best whole home water filters should be backed by a straightforward manufacturer’s warranty and top-notch customer support. Look into whether the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee or lifetime warranty and what past customers have said about their interactions with the company. Not only does Tyent offer customers a hassle-free lifetime warranty, but a generous 75-day trial and return period to make sure you’re 100% satisfied.
Eco-Friendliness
Some whole home water filters are more sustainable than others, the biggest environmental offenders being RO water purifiers and water softener filters. A standard reverse osmosis system will generate five gallons or more of reject water for every gallon of purified water produced, while the salt water discharged by water softeners can seep into groundwater and pollute drinking water supplies.
Best Whole Home Water Filters
To streamline the process of finding the best whole home water filters for your household, below is a roundup of top contenders to choose from.
1. Tyent
Whole home water filters can be an effective way of treating your water, but they pale in comparison to the filtration standards of a Tyent water ionizer.
Tyent’s ionizers are fully equipped with 0.01-micron dual Dialapure filtration systems—the same caliber of filtration that’s used in kidney dialysis machines. The system removes over 200 dangerous contaminants from your source water, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and 100% of lead.
The quality of Tyent’s sediment, remineralization, anti-scale, fluoride, T-Pure, and Chromium-6 pre-filter options are also second to none, improving the quality of your source water and extending the life of your main filter.
Request a free water report from Tyent to learn what’s in your source water and how to treat it.
The best whole home water filters clean your water. Tyent water ionizers clean your water and make it healthier, transforming it into hydrogen-infused alkaline water. The molecular hydrogen in hydrogen water protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage, the potential health benefits of which include more energy, better digestion, and a stronger immune system.
Tyent water ionizers also offer the widest range of pH level options without using chemicals, from alkaline for healthy drinking water to acidic for Beauty Water or deep-cleaning your home.
Products:
- Tyent UCE-13 Plus is a cutting-edge under-counter water ionizer that comes with a faucet in your choice of four sleek finishes—satin silver, antique, matte black, and gold
- Tyent ACE-13 is an above-counter ionizer that’s loaded with advanced features and suits any kitchen
- Tyent H2 Hybrid is both a water ionizer and hydrogen water machine, giving you easy access to the best of both worlds
- Tyent Edge-9 Turbo is the best water ionizer for small spaces and doesn’t slack on features
Pros:
- Feature 0.01-micron dual Dialapure filters—the same filtration as kidney dialysis machines—that remove over 200 dangerous contaminants
- Offer a variety of pre-filtration options to maximize the quality of your source water and extend the life of your main filter
- Ionizer plates are the strongest and thickest, and provide the most surface area in the industry
- Provide the widest range of pH level options, from alkaline for healthy drinking water to acidic for beauty water or cleaning
- All Tyent water ionizers are chemical-free
- Tyent has dozens of premium certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001
- Trustworthy and transparent—Tyent shares third-party lab results publicly
- Tyent is the only water ionizer company to offer a 100% full lifetime warranty with zero stipulations that covers both parts and labor
- Tyent offers a generous 75-day trial period, with a less than 1% return rate
- Accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for excellent customer service and support, A+ rating
Cons:
- Can take 5-7 days to arrive
- Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST
Pricing:
- Tyent UCE-13 Plus: $4,495.00
- Tyent ACE-13: $3,495.00
- Tyent H2 Hybrid: $4,150.00
- Tyent Edge-9 Turbo: $2,395.00
Start drinking the cleanest, safest, and healthiest water of your life with a Tyent water ionizer.
2. SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System
The SpringWell Whole House Water Filter System offers four stages of filtration and has three options available (1-3 bathrooms, 4-6 bathrooms, and 7+ bathrooms) to ensure no reduction in water pressure.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 9 gallons per minute (1-3 bathrooms), 12 gallons per minute (4-6), and 20 gallons per minute (7+)
Pros:
- Reduces some levels of iron, sulfur, and manganese
- Designed to last up to 10 years
Cons:
- Pre-filters only last 6-9 months
- Not ideal for all well water contaminants
- May need additional filters beyond what this system provides for best results
- Installation connector is sold separately
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Likely requires professional installation
- Warranty is filled with stipulations, especially as it relates to well water issues
Pricing: $1,039.00
3. Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Water Filter System
The Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Water Filter System can reduce up to 97% of chlorine from your water supply.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 7 gallons per minute
- NSF and WQA-certified
Pros:
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Not suitable for tackling well water contaminants
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Likely requires professional installation
- 10-year limited warranty is filled with stipulations
Pricing: $999.00
4. Kind E-1000 Whole House Water Filter
The Kind E-1000 Whole House Water Filter features a two-stage filtration process: a sediment pre-filter to capture sediment, sand, silt, and other debris, followed by a carbon filter to reduce chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 15 gallons per minute
- NSF/ANSI-certified
Pros:
- Easy to install and maintain
- No pre-soak required
Cons:
- Hard water issues require a separate system
- May not effectively remove certain contaminants, such as heavy metals, without additional filtration stages
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Warranty only covers manufacturer defects
Pricing: $928.00
5. iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
The iSpring Whole House Water Filtration System features a 3-stage filtration process with a sediment filter to catch large particles, and two carbon block filters.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 15 gallons per minute
- NSF, ANSI, and WQA-certified
Pros:
- Eradicates up to 99% of chlorine
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons:
- Doesn’t remove total dissolved solids
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Only comes with a one-year limited warranty
- Warranty and return policy are filled with stipulations
- An extended warranty costs extra
Pricing: $516.99
6. Pentair PC600 Whole House Water Filter
The Pentair PC600 Whole House Water Filter features a 3-stage filtration process that can reduce up to 97% of chlorine from your home’s water supply, along with a sediment pre-filter.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 20 gallons per minute
- NSF/ANSI-certified
Pros:
- Doesn’t reduce water pressure
- Easy to install and low-maintenance
Cons:
- Only works for 1-3 bathroom homes
- Can’t remove iron
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Carbon media requires a 48-hour soak before use
- Pre-filters only last 6-9 months
- Doesn’t offer a lifetime warranty
Pricing: $1,027.00
7. AquaOx Whole House Water Filter
The AquaOx Whole House Water Filter is a single-tank system and is available in two sizes: regular (up to 4 bathrooms) and XL (for 4.5+ bathrooms).
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 15 gallons per minute
- Available in two sizes
Pros:
- Easy to install and maintain
- Self-cleaning
Cons:
- Higher initial price
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Comes with a 10-year warranty that can’t be transferred after three years
- Doesn’t accept returns or offer refunds once a product has been shipped
Pricing: $3,499.00 – $4,999.00
8. Home Master HMF3SDGFEC 3-Stage System – Whole House Water Filter for Well Water
The Home Master Whole House Water Filter is a 3-stage filtration system that treats iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, sediment, and chemicals.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 15 gallons per minute
- NSF-certified
Pros:
- Filters last up to one year
- Strong water pressure
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Does not eliminate pathogens
- Will not reduce lead contamination
- Only comes with a 2-year warranty
Pricing: $579.00
9. 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration System
The 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filtration system is compatible with most existing plumbing systems and customizable to fit your specific well water needs, such as scale reduction or sediment filtration.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 20 gallons per minute
- NSF-certified
Pros:
- Compatible with most existing plumbing systems
- Customizable to fit specific well water needs
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- 25-year limited warranty on stainless steel head
- Specialized systems are limited to their specific function
- A thorough water analysis is required to determine the right system
- Likely requires professional installation
Pricing: $320.86 – $403.82
10. Express 3-Stage Home Water Filtration System
The Express Water 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System uses a sediment filter and two carbon filters to remove dirt, rust, and contaminants.
Specifications:
- Supplies up to 15 gallons per minute
- NSF/ANSI-certified
Pros:
- High flow rate suits most households
- Filter cartridges are easy to change
Cons:
- Only removes 80+ impurities
- Lacks advanced features, such as ionization and pH adjustment
- Filter replacements can get pricey depending on source water
- Only offers a one-year warranty
Pricing: $549.99
More About the Best Whole Home Water Filters
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about how to choose the best whole home water filters.
What is the healthiest type of filtered water?
The healthiest type of filtered water is premium ionized water produced by a Tyent water ionizer. Tyent’s NSF-certified filters offer the same caliber of filtration used in kidney dialysis machines, significantly reducing your exposure to contaminants and the health problems they can cause. Tyent’s premium ionized water is also rich in molecular hydrogen and therefore packed with antioxidants.
Which water filter removes the most contaminants?
Tyent water ionizers feature the most advanced water filters on the market. Tyent’s dual Dialapure 0.01 micron filtration system removes over 200 dangerous contaminants from your tap water, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and 100% of lead.
Can you drink tap water with a whole house filter?
Whole house filters do improve the quality and safety of your tap water but don’t offer anywhere near the level of filtration a Tyent water ionizer does. Tyent water ionizers filter out much smaller contaminants that can slip past even the best whole home water filters, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and 100% of lead.
What are the disadvantages of a whole house water filter?
The main disadvantages of whole house water filters are cost and efficacy. Not only do they cost significantly more upfront, but typically lack the level of filtration necessary for clean and safe drinking water. The best water to drink and cook with requires a dedicated system, like a Tyent water ionizer.
Choose the Best Whole Home Water Filter
Whole home water filters can be an effective way of cleaning your water and making it safer to use around the house. But for clean, safe, and healthy drinking water, it’s best to install a dedicated system like a Tyent water ionizer, which features the superior filtration required to remove the finer contaminants that can slip past whole home filtration systems.
The one thing that not even the best whole home water filters can do? Give you full control over the pH level of your water. Tyent water ionizers feature the widest range of pH level options, providing you with the best quality water for every use.
Enhance your healthy lifestyle with a Tyent water ionizer.
