The Ultimate Guide To The Best Water Filter Australia 2021
You may be thinking what is the best water filter, Australia? But there is no one answer and it isn’t so simple as there are a range of features such as capacity, filter life, ease of use etc. to take into consideration. Choosing the perfect option can be a long and strenuous process.
We are extremely fortunate that Australian water is both safe and drinkable. In spite of saying this, many people still might find that tap water isn’t quite as satisfying and appealing as pure filtered water. By filtering out unwanted materials through a physical filtration system, water filters are designed to improve both the taste and quality of your drinking water.
Buying bottled water might be an easy, quick option for some, but long term, it can turn out to be quite expensive. Water filters are a more economical and permanent solution. In this buying guide, I will discuss the best water filter jug Australia, best under sink water filter, best cheap water filter and all the things you need to look out for when choosing the best water filter to suit your needs!
I have also included under sink water filter reviews and whole house water reviews in this guide for you to be able to make an informed decision based on your requirements.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.”
Contents
- 1 Compare The Best Water Filter Australia 2021
- 2 Finding The Best Kind Of Water Filter
- 3 Features of the Best Drinking Water Filter
- 4 Water Filter Reviews Australia
- 4.1 8 Stage Countertop Filter
- 4.2 Brita Ultra Max Dispenser
- 4.3 Brita Marella XL Jug
- 4.4 Brita Filter System On Tap
- 4.5 TECHVIDA Faucet Water Filter
- 4.6 Oliveri Inline Water Filtration System
- 4.7 Frizzlife Under Sink
- 4.8 iSpring WGB22B 2-Stage Whole House
- 4.9 Geekpure 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis
- 4.10 Berkey Travel Water Filter
- 4.11 Aquasana Countertop Water Filter
- 4.12 Aquasana ‘Rhino’ Whole House Water Filter
Compare The Best Water Filter Australia 2021
Handy comparison chart of the best buy water filters available on the market. You can find our full water filter reviews further down!
| Product | Kind | Filter Capacity | Filter Life | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 Stage Filter | Countertop | 16 L | 6 months | 4/5 | Check Price! |
Brita Ultra Max | Countertop | 4 L | 2 months | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
Brita Marella | Jug | 3.5 L | 1 month | 4.3/5 | Check Price! |
Brita | On Tap | 600 L | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
|
TECHVIDA | On Tap | 3.8/5 | Check Price! |
||
Oliveri  | Inline | 56,700 L | 1 year | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
Frizzlife  | Under Sink | 6,057 L | 6-8 months | 4.6/5 | Check Price! |
iSpring WGB22B
| Whole House | 370,000 L | 1 year | 4.9/5 | Check Price! |
Geekpure | Under Sink | 250 L per day | 2 years | 4.3/5 | Check Price! |
Berkey BT2X2-BB | Travel | 5 L | 5 L | 4.7/5 | Check Price! |
Aquasana | Countertop | 1,703 L | 6 months | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
Aquasana Rhino | Whole House | 1,200,000 litres | 3 years | 4.5/5 | Check Price! |
Finding The Best Kind Of Water Filter
As mentioned above, although some people opt to buy water bottles to receive the purest form of drinking water, buying a water filter is more environmentally friendly, cost effective and safer to use. Looking through the best water filters Australia has on the market and then selecting the right one can be challenging because there are so many different types of filters, models and manufacturers that all claim to do the job best.
There are 6 main types of water filters; jug, tap/faucet, countertop, under sink, travel and whole house water filters. I will explain what each type of water filter has to offer, and the pros and cons associated with them. The only way to choose the best filter for water to drink is to learn about each filter and clearly identify which one suits your needs and lifestyle.
Jug Water Filter
Jug water filters are a great way to start if you’re looking for a good entry level water filter to test out whether you like the taste of filtered water and can notice a difference! The best water filter pitcher will provide you with some great advantages compared to large filtration systems because they need minimal maintenance, are portable and require only a small amount of investment to start off!
Essentially the jug is split into two parts; you fill up the top half with water, the water then gradually passes through the filter and fills the bottom half. A few jug filter designs simply hang the filter into the water which may take longer to purify. So, when you pour the jug, only the filtered water will come out. For larger families, refilling the jug frequently might be a disadvantage, so a filter with a bigger capacity may be preferred.
The jug will need to be cleaned once or twice a week to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Also, be sure to check the plastic quality as low quality plastics may be a health hazard. Another great incentive to purchase this when on the lookout for the Best water filter in Australia is because the jug can even be kept in the fridge to provide you with cool, filtered water, especially during the hot Australian summer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use and maintain
- No installation necessary
- Not recommended for large families as you frequently have to keep filling up
- Slow filtering process in comparison to other options
Cons
- Not recommended for large families as you frequently have to keep filling up
- Slow filtering process in comparison to other options
On Tap / Faucet Water Filter
A great option for the best small water filter, is the on tap filter. The faucet water filter quickly treats water before it comes out of the tap. An on tap filter attachment ensures that no water is wasted as it will usually allow you to filter only the water you want to drink, and let unfiltered water come through for other things like washing dishes and cleaning.
Faucet filter systems are one of the best tap water filter that remove contaminants which are large enough to be caught by a filter. It’s important not to get confused between a purifier, which goes one step further and even removes the things that cannot be caught by filters.
The faucet filters are an inexpensive option that requires minimal skills to install and replace. One of the most appealing factors is that it requires no maintenance and cleaning. All you have to do is keep a check on when you last changed the filter.
A downside to this particular filter is that it often decreases the flow rate of water because of its small size. Although the faucet filters do fit on standard taps, they are not compatible with spray style faucets, and many other sinks so be sure to do some research before buying.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Decreases the flow rate
Cons
- Takes up little space
Countertop Water Filter
The Countertop filter is a great mid range option to consider when searching for the best domestic water filter. They are more costly than jug and faucet filters but less expensive than under sink and whole house filters. There are 2 types, one can be connected with your tap whilst the other is a gravity fed filter that stands by itself.
The installation process is easy and can be done without any skills or expertise. This filter is great for a small amount of people. If you live in a rented house, this can be a great option to consider so you can take it with you to your next house. However, manufacturers do recommend that even the best countertop water filter will need replacing approximately every 2 years.
Pros
- Portable
- Easily installed
Cons
- Not a great long term solution for big households
Under Sink Water Filter
If you’re considering a more permanent solution when searching for the best water filter for home drinking water, the under sink filter is a great option. As suggested by its name, it’s installed underneath the sink and can filter large amounts of water without taking up any space on your benchtop or kitchen.
Because the under sink system is larger and can fit in multiple stages of filters, it has a stronger filtration process and is more effective in removing contaminants than other types of filters.
A great advantage of this type of filter is after installation, little maintenance is needed, and it is easy to use. There are two main types of under sink filter. One filters water straight to your tap whilst the other is a separate water filter that is usually installed next to the tap. Some even include a water cooling system and boiling water switch.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Stronger filtration process
Cons
- Not Portable
- May need to call a plumber initially to get it installed
Travel Water Filter
This can be a great alternative for those always on the move, especially if you’re looking for the best portable filter because these filters enable you to drink purified water from practically anywhere!
There are a wide variety of travel filters to choose from. The most common include; straw filters, pump filters, bottle filters, gravity water filters, UV filters, ceramic filters and straw filters. The way that travel filters work is they have an internal element commonly known as a cartridge. This built in cartridge collects all the debris, impurities and other microorganisms allowing clean water to pass through.
There are many additional water purifiers available to get rid of viruses that may be present in the water. Things to consider that will help you decide which one is the best filter for water to drink is: function, weight, durability, capacity, ease of use and filter speed.
Pros
- Many different types to choose from
- Great portable option allowing you to drink water from anywhere
- Provides peace of mind for your health and safety when travelling.
Cons
- Most models will need cleaning after every trip
Whole House Water Filter
The whole house filter works to prevent contaminated water from entering your house. If you don’t mind spending extra on the best family water filter, this filter is a great choice. The whole house filter connects straight to the main water line that enters your house so filtered water will reach not just the kitchen but also showers, baths, hot water heater, and laundry. This filter is particularly good for those with chlorine present in the water.
The water filtration system within your whole house filter will need to be chosen according to the contaminants in your water supply as well as your lifestyle needs. Carbon water filters are the most common as they require less maintenance and are ideal for the average family size. Some people also opt for reverse osmosis filters or heavy-duty filtration systems which are more advanced.
Finding and installing the best whole house water filter is a worthy investment for ensuring clean and safe water is supplied to your house but might not be fit for all.
Pros
- Long-lasting water filter
- Filters all household water
Cons
- Is more expensive than other filters
Features of the Best Drinking Water Filter
If you’re having a tough time choosing the Best water filter on the market , here are some vital considerations when you are preparing to buy one. It is important to test your water quality and observe what water contaminants are present. That will give you a good idea into how powerful you need your filter to be. Additionally, filter capacity, filter life, filtration system, and ease of use all play an important role in deciding which filter fits best for you.
Filter Capacity / Filter Life
The capacity of your water filter is an important consideration because the wrong size could limit your access to filtered water. Jug and countertop filters are more ideal for small households as they have limited capacity. Another major consideration is the flow rate of the water. Some water filters are slow whilst others can deliver large amounts of filter water quickly
Choosing a system that offers a greater filter life will be beneficial because it will be more budget friendly and will also ensure you do not need to keep changing the filter regularly. Although this does depend on your usage, most filters need to be changed every few months.
Filtration System And Stages
The early stages of any filter will usually guarantee improved aesthetics and quality of the water because it removes pollutants. The final stages ensure the delivered water has a fresh taste and is free of odours for everyone to enjoy.
The most preferred and ideal system to deliver the best water quality to you is a 3 stage system. These are mostly found in under sink and countertop filters because they are bigger in size and can hold more filters.
The first stage of this filter is a sediment filter of large particles such as sand, rust and small rocks. Large particles usually congest the filter, so it is necessary to have this as the first stage to increase the water filter’s lifespan.
The second stage is the core filter which will vary depending on what contaminants are present in your household. Before buying the filter, think about what toxins are present in your water. Some filters work better at taking out iron and lead whilst whole house filters are better known for removing chlorine.
The final stage of an ideal water system will have a carbon block filter to absorb chlorine, bad taste, odour, and other chemicals before delivering the water to the tap. Carbon block filtration is the most common and basic system found in many water pitchers and faucet filters.
Generally, as the number of stages increases, the filter becomes more expensive too as there are so many extra parts and components involved to make water as pure as possible. If you’re looking for the strongest filtration possible, you could consider the Reverse Osmosis System which consists of several filters to clean the water.
Ease Of Use And Installation
Water is a basic necessity so when choosing a water filter it is important to consider that it should be accessible and easy to use by all members of the household. Most water filters are fairly simple but some of the larger filters will require basic plumbing skills to install. For example faucet filters just need to fit on the tap but under sink filters need to be fitted to the plumbing underneath the sink.
Additionally, with the more permanent filter, not all cartridges are easily replaceable so check with the manufacturer how much skill is required to change the filter efficiently.
Water Filter Reviews Australia
Take a look at our water filter reviews and choose which one is the perfect option for you and your home.
8 Stage Countertop Filter
Great Australian made water filtration dispenser, I’m very happy with the quality of the product and the purity of the water it produces. Highly recommend it.
– Michael
Specifications
- Kind: Countertop
- Filter Capacity: 16L
- Filter life: 6 months
If you’re questioning what 8 stage means, this refers to the modern filtration technology process this filter is equipped with, in order to deliver pure drinking water to you. The process includes; Ceramic Filter, KDF, Activated Carbon Filter, Red Mineral Ball, White Mineral Ball, Activated Carbon Filter, Red Mineral Ball And Ceramic Plate. These stages combined ensure the water is free of contaminants, bacteria, and PH stabilised delivering the best water filtration.
It can be installed within minutes, and the capacity of the filter is 16L. It will require cleaning around every two weeks to ensure there is no buildup of residue on the surface which may slow down the drainage of water if adequate cleaning isn’t done.
What we like
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
What we don’t like
- Users mentioned that the plastic quality can be a bit flimsy at times
Click here to check price on Amazon
Brita Ultra Max Dispenser
Really handy for benchtop water filtration or in fridge. I also have a Brita jug but it was slow to filter. This one filters water very quickly and makes it taste good.
– Lauren
Specifications
- Kind: Countertop
- Filter Capacity: 4L
- Filter life: 2 months
With numerous positive reviews on Amazon, the Brita Ultra max dispenser is definitely worth your money and one of the best household water filter options out there. Its sleek and compact design makes it really easy to dispense water as well as taking up little space on countertops. The standard filter reduces chlorine and eliminates copper, mercury, and zinc toxins commonly found in tap water.
A big advantage of this filter is it can fit in a range of refrigerators which can be particularly beneficial for children to have easy access to the water. Another good feature is the filter sticker indicator which helps you keep track of when you last changed your filter and when it is ready to be replaced.
What we like
- Durable and BPA Free
- Capacity of up to 18 cups
- Filter lasts between 3-6 months (depends on usage)
What we don’t like
- Difficult to clean
Click here to check price on Amazon
Brita Marella XL Jug
Specifications
- Kind: Jug
- Filter Capacity: 3.5L
- Filter life: 1 month
The Brita Marella XL is amongst the top 10 water filters! Brita is a highly reliable brand, and one of the most trusted in terms of quality and durability. This filter has a large 3.5L capacity that delivers 2L of filtered water. A MAXTRA+ filter is used which filters chlorine, copper, lead and other common contaminants found in tap water.
The plastic is BPA free, so you won’t have to worry about any chemicals leaking into the water from the container. The flip lid is good for easy filling, and the electronic cartridge change indicator will remind you to replace your cartridge every four weeks making it one of the best household filters Australia has to offer.
What we like
- It is dishwasher safe (except lid)
- Comes with 4 additional filters at the time of purchase
- It is easy and efficient
What we don’t like
- Limited to using just one particular type of replacement filter
Click here to check price on Amazon
Brita Filter System On Tap
This is a fabulous product. I’m renting so this is a great alternative to a fixed purifier. It was very easy to attach with the supplied adaptors (the first one I tried worked perfectly), and there are no leaks at all.
– Matt
Specifications
- Kind: On Tap
- Filter Capacity: 600L
- Filter life: 3 to 4 months
This budget friendly model is a great choice to consider. What I love most about this filter is, Brita has gone one step further and gives you the option to choose between 3 spraying functions. You can choose from filtered water, unfiltered water, and unfiltered spray, which can be useful when washing dishes.
The filter life is around 3 to 4 months depending on your usage, and a good feature is the filter life indicator in which the colour lets you know when it’s time for a replacement. Green means the filter is working. It turns orange when the filter has 2 weeks of usage left, to give you warning that the filter is due for replacement whilst red means replace immediately because your water is not filtering at all.
This filter is proven to remove sediment, chlorine, cysts, asbestos, mercury and lead. As mentioned above, Brita is trusted to provide top rated water filters for home use, so you can’t go wrong with this affordable filter! You are guaranteed much better quality, tasting and odour free drinking water.
What we like
- It has 3 spraying options
- Filter life light changing indicator
- Affordable and doesn’t need a required space
What we don’t like
- Some users complained that the plastic switch breaks quickly.
Click here to check price on Amazon
TECHVIDA Faucet Water Filter
Specifications
- Kind: On Tap
- Filter Capacity: 600L
- Filter life: 3 to 4 months
The Techvida Faucet water filter fits onto your tap very quickly and can be easily installed. Because this filter attaches to your tap, it is space saving and great for small homes. It offers a fast and stable flow rate and is said to fill 4 bottles of water in one minute.
The shift lever allows you to change between tap water and pure filtered quickly. You can easily move the filter to other taps or the bathroom, depending on your usage. The TECHVIDA faucet filter isn’t compatible with all taps, so make sure it fits your faucet before buying.
What we like
- Fast flow rate
- Space saving filter
- Easy to install and easy to use
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t fit with all taps so make sure to check before purchase
- Limited reviews
Click here to check price on Amazon
Oliveri Inline Water Filtration System
Specifications
- Kind: In line
- Filter Capacity: 56,700 L
- Filter life: 1 year
The Oliveri Inline water filtration system ensures to deliver both pure and clean water. The best part about it is that the compact design allows you to install it vertically or horizontally, saving loads of space! Users commented on how easy it is to install, and they did not need to call a plumber!
The water is filtered using the latest carbon block technology to remove odours, dirt, rust, and chlorine and retain healthy minerals. The flow rate is satisfactory, the filter is durable and it comes with a whopping 6 year warranty! Overall a great filtration system to consider amongst the best water filters for home use.
What we like
- Compact and space-saving design
- It has 6 years warranty
- Easy to install
What we don’t like
- This filter does not remove fluoride
Click here to check price on Catch.com.au
Frizzlife Under Sink
Specifications
- Kind: Under Sink
- Filter Capacity: 6,057 L
- Filter life: 2 years
The Frizzlife MK99 is an under sink filter with a clever design! The installation is extremely quick and easy; some users even say it took them less than five minutes! Each filter is said to last around 2 years, but you will need to change the cartridge every four to six months, depending on your usage. Additionally, the flow rate of the water is quite high compared to other filters on the market.
It uses a two stage filtration process involving a sediment filter and an advanced carbon filter that successfully removes toxins from the water. Another advantage of this filter is that it leaves essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium in the water. Still, it stripes the toxins and contaminants out ensuring delivery of healthy water for your body.
What we like
- High flow rate
- Easy installation
- Auto shut off design, so you do not need to turn off the water supply when replacing the cartridge
What we don’t like
- Designed for use with city water. Therefore, it is not equipped with heavy duty filtration for untreated water.
Click here to check price on Amazon
iSpring WGB22B 2-Stage Whole House
Specifications
- Kind: Whole House
- Filter Capacity: 370,000 L
- Filter life: 1 year
The Ispring WGB22B filter is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a filter that delivers the best home drinking water filter without breaking the bank. The filters are tested by independent parties such as the NCF and have certifications and permissions, so they are guaranteed to meet all the standards.
The twin filters are quite powerful; the first is a 5 micron filter which removes dust, residues and sediments whilst the second filter ensures a fresh taste and eliminates odours. This filter is known to remove chlorine too, so it is suitable for municipal and city treated waters. Both filters have a capacity of over 370000 Litres so will last you up to a year depending on your usage.
This is a great system that filters water right at the main supply before the water even flows into your plumbing lines, so you receive purified water not just in the kitchen tap but also a bathroom, laundry and multiple rooms and the flow rate are remarkable too.
What we like
- Budget friendly whole house filter
- Powerful filters that are tested and meet all standards
- You’ll receive purify filiter in multiple rooms
What we don’t like
- Installation may be a bit tricky! You might need a plumber
Click here to check price on Amazon
Geekpure 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis
Super convenient and there is no taste from the water. Also very easy to install and also had some videos online for reference. Very happy.
– Derrick
Specifications
- Kind: Under Sink
- Filter Capacity: 250 L a day
- Filter life: 2 years
This Geekpure 5 stage reverse osmosis drinking water filter is an efficient under sink filter that has a capacity of over 250L per day. The durable filter comes with high quality tubes, fittings and a storage tank.
The way the 5 stage filter works is the water goes through a sediment filter, granular carbon filter, carbon block filter, RO membrane and a post carbon filter to remove any odours. This assures a 99% removal rate of contaminants from tap water including chlorine, fluoride heavy metals, lead, mercury and many more.
All their filters are BPA free, and you receive an extra seven filters. Each of these filters is durable and lasts approximately two years, and the manufacturer also provides a one year warranty. This Geekpure filter is a well built system that’ll fit under your sink and ensures complete purification for your drinking water.
What we like
- Each filter lasts 2 years
- Extra seven filters given by the manufacturer
- Great overall value
What we don’t like
- May need a plumber or professional help for installation
Click here to check price on Amazon
Berkey Travel Water Filter
Specifications
- Kind: Travel
- Filter Capacity: 5L
- Filter life: 4 years
My personal favourite, the Berkey travel water filter is the most versatile, portable and compact water filter available. We have previously taken this filter on many camping trips because it is ideal for two people and can also fit on our countertop at home. The water filter works without electricity, and the filter won’t need a replacement for approximately 4 years.
Big organizations such as UNICEF and Red Cross also use these filters to purify water in many developing countries. Its purification system can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria, inorganic minerals, toxins and heavy metals. The Berkey travel stands out from other water filters because the purification process also removes pathogenic bacteria.
Although it may seem a little bit more expensive than other filters, you won’t be disappointed by Berkey’s quality and performance. Particularly, if you spend a lot of time outdoors and you’re looking for the best water filter 2021, the Berkey travel water filter system is great to consider and will prove to be a great investment for you!
What we like
- Filter doesn’t need replacing for approximately 4 years
- Portable and easy to use
- It is made of stainless steel and it looks great
What we don’t like
- Frequent cleaning
- Expensive
Click here to check price on Amazon
Aquasana Countertop Water Filter
Specifications
- Kind: Countertop
- Filter Capacity: 1,703L
- Filter life: 6 months
The Aquasana countertop water filter is simple, easy to use and compact. Because of its ease of installation and sleek design, this can easily become a portable water filter which is perfect for those with rented homes or who often travel. However, you will need to make sure it’s compatible with your tap beforehand.
The filter uses carbon block technology to eliminate bacteria, metals and other contaminants as well as removing odours. The advantage is, it retains all the healthy minerals in the water such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, making the drinking water highly beneficial to our bodies. Each filter is estimated to last around 6 months.
What we like
- Compact size and easy installation
- The filter is efficient and retains good minerals.
- It is portable
What we don’t like
- Filtering rate is slow because the filter is so powerful.
Click here to check price on Naturopress
Aquasana ‘Rhino’ Whole House Water Filter
The Aquasana system works great, creates great water and is totally maintenance free. Easiest system I’ve ever used, and much less expensive than some of the other ones. I highly recommend!
– Howard
Specifications
- Kind: Whole House
- Filter Capacity: 1,200,000 litres
- Filter life: 3 years
With gleaming reviews online, the Aquasana Rhino is one of the most comprehensive and superior whole house filtrations available on the market. The 4 stage filter is certified by NSF International and will eliminate heavy metals, pesticides and chlorine by 97% and other toxins directly from the water source.
It is recommended that a plumber install the filter initially, then only the pre filter will need to be changed every three months and post filters every 12 months. Aquasana Rhino has a capacity of 1,200,000 litres which is estimated around 3 years for an average Australian household before the primary filter will need replacing.
This filter can be a great long term investment for those that can afford it. The 90 day pure satisfaction guarantee provided by the company is highly appealing as you can trial the filter in your household. If you have any issues, you can claim your money back if you meet the criteria!
What we like
- Very fast flow rate
- Superior quality filter that eliminates up to 97% of contaminants
- NSF full system certification of filter
What we don’t like
- Only removes fluoride by around 40 to 60% to levels of 0.5 ppm
- The filter is quite tall, so it takes up quite a lot of space
Click here to check price on Naturopress
Having a great home water filter is vital if you want to get the best out of your home coffee machine or cold juicer!
Or, you can check out other amazing kitchen appliances and gadgets here!
Sophie Marie
Sophie is a cook and food enthusiast who has owned and run a cafe in her remote community since 2017. She wants to show that, no matter how busy you are, there is a way to make cooking and family life simpler and more enjoyable.
