When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission from Amazon or other retailers. You can learn more about our affiliate policy here.
This review article discusses the different types of activated carbon water filters used for common contaminants in your water. Our primary goal is to answer one question: does the filter do what it says it will do?
To answer this question, we look for three specific criteria:
1. Number of contaminants the filter claims to remove
2. Quantity and quality of 3rd party certifications verifying contaminant reduction claims
3. Supporting testing data that verifies contaminant reduction rates
These three criteria are essential in determining if you are purchasing a high-quality filter.
Filters we recommend have the highest level of certifications to back up their claims and are either directly certified by NSF or they are certified to NSF standards by a reputable 3rd party organization such as the Water Quality Association (WQA) or the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
The Aquasana Claryum 3 stage is NSF Certified to remove/reduce 78 total contaminants. The 3-stage filter contains a sediment filter, ideal for well water, followed by 2 activated carbon block filters. With a higher flow rate and capacity, you won’t notice a significant drop in water pressure.
This filter is certified by NSF to remove or reduce the following contaminants. For more details on removal rates see the Performance Data Sheet.
Chlorine, Chloramines, Bromodichloromethane (THM), Chlorodibromomethane, Bromochloroacetontrile, Dichloroacetonitrile, Particulate, Turbidity, Asbestos, Cysts (Cryptosporidium & Giardia), Lead pH 6.5, Lead pH 8.5, Mercury pH 6.5, Mercury pH 8.5, MTBE, Bisphenol A (BPA), Nonylphenol, TCEP, TCPP, PFOA & PFOS, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, 1, 2-dichloroethane, 1, 1-dichloroethylene, cis-1, 2-dichloroethylene, trans-1, 2-dichloroethylene, 1, 2-dichloropropane,Ethylbenzene, Dibromoacetonitrile, Trichloroacetonitrile, 1,1-dichloro-2-propanone, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone, Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Styrene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), Tribromoacetic Acid, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Bromoform, Chloroform, Xylenes, DEET, Linuron, Metolachlor, Alachlor, Atrazine, Carbofuran, Chloropicrin, 2,4-D, Dibromochloropropane (DBCP), cls-1, 3-dichloropropene, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylene Dibromide (EDB), Heptachlor (H-34, Heptox), Heptachlor Epoxide, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Pentachlorophenol, Simazine, Atenolol, Carbamazepine, Estrone, Ibuprofen, Meprobarmate, Naproxen, Phenytoin, Trimethoprim
This filter was tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401 for the claims specified on the Performance Data Sheet.
NSF/ANSI 42 – Reduction of aesthetic contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste and odor, and chloramine.
NSF/ANSI 53 – Over 50 health-related contaminant reduction claims. See the Performance Data Sheet for specific claims.
NSF/ANSI 401 – Removal of 15 specific contaminants related to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides, pesticides, and chemical compounds.
Filter replacement is recommended at 800 gallons or 6 months of total flow. The filter will notify you automatically when the filter needs to be changed out.
Reduces chlorine and other contaminants in your house using catalytic carbon and KDF media. Ideal for protecting your softener resin, drinking water, and shower water without any drop in pressure. Upgrades are available for higher capacity, UV filtration, and a salt-free water conditioner.
This filter was tested and certified to NSF/ANSI standard 42 to remove up to 97% of chlorine and the Rhino® tank is WQA certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61 the claims specified on the Performance Data Sheet.
NSF/ANSI 42 – Reduction of aesthetic contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste and odor, and chloramine.
NSF/ANSI 61 – Certification of the pipes, gaskets, and meters utilized for water delivery are drinking water safe.
Filter life options available are 6 years (6,000,000 gallons) or 10 years (10,000,000 gallons) for the Rhino max version.
For larger homes, the Rhino® Max Flow boasts a 14.5 gallon/minute peak flow rate — perfect for larger homes and those seeking maximum performance.
Brita’s water filter pitcher has more contaminant removal certifications than any other pitcher on the market. Low-cost filter replacements (twice/year) and Smartlight to notify when it is time to change the filter.
This filter is certified by WQA against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401 for the reduction of the 32 contaminants listed below. For more details on removal rates, see the Performance Data Sheet.
Chlorine, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Asbestos, 2,4-D, Atrazine, Benzene, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, P-Dichlorobenzene, Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), Simazine, Tetrachloroethylene, Atenolol, Bisphenol, Carbamazepine, DEET, Estrone, Ibuprofen, Linuron, Meprobamate, Metolachlor, Microplastics, Naproxen, Nonyl phenol, Phenytoin, TCEP, TCPP, Trimethoprim
This filter is certified by WQA against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401 for claims specified on the See Performance Data Sheet
NSF/ANSI 42 – Reduction of aesthetic contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste and odor, and chloramine.
NSF/ANSI 53 – Over 50 health-related contaminant reduction claims.
NSF/ANSI 401 – Removal of 15 specific contaminants related to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides, pesticides, and chemical compounds.
Brita’s Elite filter should be used for maximum filter life. One elite filter cartridge typically lasts 6 months. Filter life is dependent on both water quality and total volume of water consumed. If you purchase a Brita filter system with the Smartlight option, you will be notified when the filter needs to be changed out.
Certified by NSF to remove 70 contaminants, significantly more than other faucet-mounted filters.
This filter is certified by WQA and NSF against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401 for the reduction of the 70 contaminants listed below. For more details on removal rates, see the Performance Data Sheet.
Chlorine, Atrazine, Benzene, Carbofuran, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlordane, Endrin, Heptachlor Epoxide, Lead, Lindane, Mercury, Methoxychlor, Chlorobenzene, o-Dichlorobenzene, Simazine, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene, VOC (chloroform surrogate), Atenolol, Bisphenol, Carbamazepine, DEET, Estrone, Linuron, Meprobamate, Metolachlor, Nonyl Phenol, TCEP, TCPP, Trimethoprim, Alachlor, Benzene, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, Chloropicrin, 2,4-D, Dibromochloropropane (DBCP), o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, cis-1,3-Dichloropropylene, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Bromochloroacetonitrile, Dibromoacetonitrile, Dichloroacetonitrile, Trichloroacetonitrile, 1,1-Dichloro-2-propanone, 1,1,1-Trichloro-2-propanone, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Pentachlorophenol, Simazine, Styrene, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 2,4,5-TP (silvex), Tribromoacetic acid, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, 1,1,2 – trichloroethane, Chloroform (surrogate chemical), Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Chlorodibromomethane, Xylenes
This filter is certified by NSF/ANSI for standards 42, 53, and 401 for claims specified in the Performance Data Sheet.
NSF/ANSI 42 – Reduction of aesthetic contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste and odor, and chloramine.
NSF/ANSI 53 – Over 50 health-related contaminant reduction claims.
NSF/ANSI 401 – Removal of 15 specific contaminants related to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides, pesticides and chemical compound
Filter life up to 100 gallons or 3 months. A visible indicator of filter status lets you know when the filter needs to be changed out.
Certified to reduce 77 contaminants including PFA’s. Uses a pumping system that is activated at the push of a button to deliver water 5x faster than traditional gravity filter options. Filled from the top so there is no need for additional plumbing.
This filter is certified by WQA to remove or reduce the following contaminants. For more details on removal rates see the Performance Data Sheet.
Chlorine, Chloramines, Brxomodichloromethane (THM), Chlorodibromomethane, Bromochloroacetontrile, Dichloroacetonitrile, Particulate, Turbidity, Asbestos, Cysts (Cryptosporidium & Giardia), Lead pH 6.5, Lead pH 8.5, Mercury pH 6.5, Mercury pH 8.5, MTBE, Bisphenol A (BPA), Nonylphenol, TCEP, TCPP, PFOA & PFOS, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, 1, 2-dichloroethane, 1, 1-dichloroethylene, cis-1, 2-dichloroethylene, trans-1, 2-dichloroethylene, 1, 2-dichloropropane,Ethylbenzene, Dibromoacetonitrile, Trichloroacetonitrile, 1,1-dichloro-2-propanone, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone, Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Styrene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), Tribromoacetic Acid, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Bromoform, Chloroform, Xylenes, DEET, Linuron, Metolachlor, Alachlor, Atrazine, Carbofuran, Chloropicrin, 2,4-D, Dibromochloropropane (DBCP), cls-1, 3-dichloropropene, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylene Dibromide (EDB), Heptachlor (H-34, Heptox), Heptachlor Epoxide, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Pentachlorophenol, Simazine, Atenolol, Carbamazepine, Estrone, Ibuprofen, Meprobarmate, Naproxen, Phenytoin, Trimethoprim, microplastics.
This filter was tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401 for the claims specified on the Performance Data Sheet.
NSF/ANSI 42 – Reduction of aesthetic contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste and odor, and chloramine.
NSF/ANSI 53 – Over 50 health-related contaminant reduction claims.
NSF/ANSI 401 – Removal of 15 specific contaminants related to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides, pesticides and chemical compounds
Filter life is 450 gallons or 6 months.
Tested and proven to reduce over 90% of chlorine in water. Uses a combination of coconut shell carbon and KDF media. No noticeable drop in water pressure.
While not officially certified, this is the only shower filter we could find that backed up its claims with raw data. The shower head filter was independently tested against NSF standard 177. The Performance Data shows the chlorine reduction throughout the entire filter life of 10,000 gallons of flow.
10,000 gallons or 6 months.
Certified by IAPMO, an ANSI-recognized national standards institute, to reduce 77 contaminants in drinking water. Connects directly to your existing faucet without a major drop in water pressure. The filter is connected directly to your cold water water line, leaving hot water pressure unaffected.
This filter is certified by IAPMO to remove or reduce the following contaminants. For more details on removal rates see the Performance Data Sheet.
Chlorine, Chloramines, Brxomodichloromethane (THM), Chlorodibromomethane, Bromochloroacetontrile, Dichloroacetonitrile, Particulate, Turbidity, Asbestos, Cysts (Cryptosporidium & Giardia), Lead pH 6.5, Lead pH 8.5, Mercury pH 6.5, Mercury pH 8.5, MTBE, Bisphenol A (BPA), Nonylphenol, TCEP, TCPP, PFOA & PFOS, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, 1, 2-dichloroethane, 1, 1-dichloroethylene, cis-1, 2-dichloroethylene, trans-1, 2-dichloroethylene, 1, 2-dichloropropane,Ethylbenzene, Dibromoacetonitrile, Trichloroacetonitrile, 1,1-dichloro-2-propanone, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone, Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Styrene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), Tribromoacetic Acid, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Bromoform, Chloroform, Xylenes, DEET, Linuron, Metolachlor, Alachlor, Atrazine, Carbofuran, Chloropicrin, 2,4-D, Dibromochloropropane (DBCP), cls-1, 3-dichloropropene, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylene Dibromide (EDB), Heptachlor (H-34, Heptox), Heptachlor Epoxide, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Pentachlorophenol, Simazine, Atenolol, Carbamazepine, Estrone, Ibuprofen, Meprobarmate, Naproxen, Phenytoin, Trimethoprim
This filter is certified by IAPMO against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401.
NSF/ANSI 42 – Reduction of aesthetic contaminant concerns such as chlorine, taste and odor, and chloramine.
NSF/ANSI 53 – Over 50 health-related contaminant reduction claims. See the Performance Data Sheet for specific claims.
NSF/ANSI 401 – Removal of 15 specific contaminants related to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbicides, pesticides, and chemical compounds.
784 gallons or up to 6 months