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1. Shard Calculation

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Calculated Shard: 84 (from laksa130)

2. Crawled Status Check

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curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa084.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/","crawl_time":1772854647,"first_indexed_time":1590671673,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nytimes!www,\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/ s443","src_root_hash":"4566504020376537684","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The Best Under-Sink Water Filter for 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter","meta_descriptions":["After more than 30 hours researching hundreds of models, we’ve found the best under-sink water filtration systems for most people. Here’s what we recommend."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Why you should trust me\nI have been testing water filters for Wirecutter since 2016. In my reporting, I’ve spoken at length with filter-certification organizations to understand how their testing is conducted, and delved deeply into their public databases to confirm that manufacturers’ claims are supported by certified testing. I’ve also spoken with representatives of multiple water-filter manufacturers, including Aquasana\/A.O. Smith, Filtrete, Brita, and Pur, to interrogate their claims. And I’ve gone hands-on with all of our picks, because overall livability, durability, and user-friendliness are important in a device you’ll use multiple times a day.\nJohn Holecek, a former NOAA scientist, researched and wrote earlier Wirecutter water-filter guides, conducted his own tests, commissioned further independent tests, and taught me much of what I know. My work builds on his.\nDo you need a water filter?\nUnfortunately there’s no universal answer to whether you need a water filter. In the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, and water leaving a public water-treatment plant must meet strict quality standards. But not all potential contaminants are regulated. As well, contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant, by\ninfiltrating leaky pipes\n(PDF) or by leaching out of the pipes themselves. And water treatments done (or overlooked) at the plant can exacerbate leaching in pipes downstream—\nas happened in Flint, Michigan\n.\nTo know exactly what’s in your supplier’s water when it leaves the plant, you can usually find your local supplier’s EPA-mandated Consumer Confidence Report\nonline\n; if not, all public water suppliers are required to give you their CCR upon request. But because of potential downstream contamination, the only way to know for certain what’s in your home’s water is to pay a local water-quality lab to test it.\nAs a rule of thumb: The older your home or community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The\nEPA says\nthat “homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder”—once-common older materials that don’t meet current codes. Age also brings an increased likelihood of legacy groundwater pollution from pre-regulation industry, which can be a risk, especially when combined with age-related degradation of underground plumbing.\nWho this is for\nIf your household goes through more than two or three gallons of drinking water each day, an under-sink water filter may be a better choice than a\npitcher filter\n. Under-sink systems provide filtered drinking water on demand, with no waiting around for the filtration process to run its course, as there is with pitchers. “On demand” filtration also means under-sink systems can provide enough water for cooking—you could fill a pot to cook pasta with filtered water, for example, but you’d never repeatedly refill a pitcher for that.\nUnder-sink filters also tend to have much more capacity and much longer lifespans than pitcher filters—often hundreds of gallons and six months or more, versus 40 gallons and two months for most pitcher filters. And because under-sink filters use water pressure, not gravity, to push water through the filter, their filters can be denser, so they can remove a greater range of potential contaminants.\nOn the downside, they’re more expensive up front than pitcher filters, and replacement filters are also more expensive in absolute terms and averaged over time. The system also takes up space in your sink cabinet that could otherwise be used for storage.\nInstalling an under-sink filter requires basic plumbing and hardware mounting, but the job is straightforward only if your sink already has a hole for a separate faucet. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to knock out one of the built-in faucet sites (visible as a raised disk on steel sinks, or a marking on synthetic-stone sinks). Lacking a knockout, you’ll need to drill a hole through the sink, and if your sink is an under-mount, you’ll need to drill through your countertop as well. If you currently have a soap dispenser or handheld sprayer on your sink, you could remove that and install the faucet there. (Don't install a faucet in place of an existing\nair gap\n—it's there to prevent dirty rinse-water from backing up into your dishwasher.)\nHow we picked\n \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nThis guide is about a specific type of under-sink filter: those that use cartridge filters. They take up little room and are generally simple to install and maintain. They use adsorbent materials—typically, activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, just like pitcher filters—to bind and neutralize contaminants. Most are plumbed to a separate faucet (included in the box), which means you need a mounting hole in your countertop; one that’s designed for a spray hose will work, or you can have a new hole drilled. We’re not talking about faucet-mounted filters,\nreverse-osmosis systems\n, or other pitchers or dispensers.\nTo ensure that we recommend only trustworthy filters, we have always insisted that our picks be certified to the industry standard: ANSI\/NSF. The\nAmerican National Standards Institute\nand\nNSF International\nare private, nonprofit organizations that—working in concert with the EPA, industry representatives, and other experts—establish strict quality standards and testing protocols for thousands of products,\nincluding water filters\n. The two main certifying labs for water filters are NSF International itself and the\nWater Quality Association\n(WQA). Both are fully accredited in North America by ANSI and the Standards Council of Canada to do ANSI\/NSF certification testing, and both must adhere to the exact same testing standards and protocols. Filters can meet the certification standard only after being pushed well beyond their expected lifespan, using prepared “challenge” samples that are far more polluted than most tap water.\nFor this guide we focused on filters with certifications for chlorine, lead, and VOC (aka volatile organic compounds).\nChlorine certification is important, because chlorine is the usual culprit for “bad-tasting” tap water. But it’s also almost a gimme: Virtually all water filters of any type are certified for it.\nLead certification is hard to achieve because it means reducing a lead-rich solution by more than 99%.\nVOC certification is also challenging because it means a filter virtually eliminates more than 50 organic compounds, including\nmany common biocides and industrial precursors\n. Not all under-sink filters have either certification, so by focusing on filters with certification for both, we identified those with markedly superior performance.\nWe further narrowed our search by favoring filters that are additionally certified under a relatively new\nANSI\/NSF standard 401\n, which covers emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals, that are increasingly found in US water. Again, not all filters have 401 certification. So those that do have it (along with lead and VOC certification) are in a very select group.\nWithin this stringent subset, we then looked for those with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons. That equates to a filter lifespan of roughly six months under heavy use (2¾ gallons a day). That’s enough daily filtered water for most families to both drink and cook with. (Manufacturers provide suggested filter-replacement schedules, usually given in months rather than gallons; we abide by these recommendations in our assessments and cost calculations. We recommend always using original-manufacturer replacements, rather than third-party filters.)\nFinally, we weighed costs, both for the entire system up front and for the ongoing cost of replacement filters. We did not set a price floor or ceiling, but our research revealed that even though up-front costs ranged from the low $100s to $1,250, and filter costs from $60 to almost $300, these differences weren’t reflected in markedly superior specs for the more expensive models. We found several under-sink filters that came in at well under $200 while offering exceptional certifications and lifespans. These are the ones that became our finalists. Beyond this, we looked for:\nMisleading claims:\nUnfortunately, many filter makers use phrases like “independently tested to ANSI\/NSF standards” to imply that the filter is certified. But “independently tested to” and “certified” aren’t the same thing; the former usually means a filter maker had its testing done by a non-certifying lab. All of the filters we recommend are certified by NSF or WQA.\nTotal ANSI\/NSF certifications:\nMore is better. There are scores of potential water contaminants, and filters must be tested and certified for each one. Certification is done on a strict pass\/fail basis; there are no certifications for “pretty good” or “close enough.”\nCost-competitiveness:\nFilters have to be replaced regularly, so cost-per-filter and the replacement schedule give a sense of long-term cost-competitiveness.\nWide availability:\nWe especially wanted our recommended replacement filters to be easy to find for the foreseeable future.\nHardware quality:\nWe favored metal parts over plastic—especially on plumbing connections—and compression fittings over push-in ones.\nReputation and reviews:\nWe weighed the trends we found in the filters’ owner reviews—both positive and negative—to get a fuller picture of how they perform beyond their certifications and our own experience.\nWhile researching, we ran into occasional reports of catastrophic leaks from owners of under-sink water filters. Because the filters are plumbed into the cold-water feed line, if a connector or hose breaks, water will escape until the shut-off valve is closed—so it could be hours or even days before you discover the problem, leaving you with severe water damage. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is a risk to weigh when you’re considering buying an under-sink filter. And if you do buy one, follow the installation instructions carefully, take care not to cross-thread the connector, and turn the water back on slowly to check that there are no leaks. For extra peace of mind (for all plumbing concerns, not just under-sink filters), consider installing a\nsmart leak detector\n.\nHow we tested\nWe’ve conducted lab tests of water filters in years past, and our main takeaway from testing was that ANSI\/NSF certification is a reliable measure of a filter’s performance. That’s not surprising given the extreme rigor of the certification testing. Since then we have relied on ANSI\/NSF certifications, rather than our own limited testing, to select our competitors.\nIn 2018 we conducted tests on the popular\nBig Berkey water-filter system\n, which is not ANSI\/NSF certified but claims to have been extensively tested to ANSI\/NSF standards. That experience further cemented our insistence on true ANSI\/NSF certifications and our distrust of “tested to ANSI\/NSF” claims.\nOur tests since then, including in 2019, have focused on real-world usability and the kinds of practical features and drawbacks that become apparent when you’re living with these products.\nTop pick: Aquasana AQ-5200\n \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nTop pick\nOur pick is the\nAquasana AQ-5200\n, aka the Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI\/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS. Beyond that, its faucet and plumbing hardware are made of solid metal, which is superior to the plastic that some other manufacturers use. And this system is also extremely compact. Finally, the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the best values we’ve found in under-sink filters, typically costing about $140 up front for the whole system (filters, housing, faucet, and hardware) and $60 for a set of two replacement filters. That’s less than many competitors with weaker certifications.\nThe AQ-5200’s\nANSI\/NSF certifications\n(PDF) include chlorine, which is used to kill pathogens in municipal water supplies and is the chief cause of “bad-tasting” tap water; lead, which can leach out of old pipes and pipe solder; mercury; live cryptosporidium and giardia, two potential pathogens; and chloramine, a persistent chlorine-ammonia disinfectant that is increasingly employed by filtration plants in the US South, where pure chlorine rapidly degrades in the warm water. The AQ-5200 is also certified for 15 “emerging contaminants” that are increasingly found in public water supplies, including BPA, ibuprofen, and estrone (a form of estrogen used in birth control); for microplastics; and for PFOA and PFOS (fluorine-based industrial compounds that are widely found in US tap-water supplies). It is also certified for VOC. That means it effectively removes more than 50 different organic compounds, including many pesticides and industrial precursors.\nThe Aquasana (right) uses solid metal for the faucet, piping, and connector. Some other filters, including the Filtrete at left, use plastic. \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nAlong with activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, which are common to most if not all under-sink filters, Aquasana uses two additional filter technologies to achieve its certifications. For chloramine, it adds catalytic carbon, a more porous—and therefore more reactive—form of activated carbon produced by treating the carbon with high-temperature gas. For cryptosporidium and giardia, Aquasana manufactures its filters in such a way that the pore size is reduced to 0.5 micron, which is small enough to physically capture them.\nThe Aquasana AQ-5200 filter’s exceptional certifications are the main reason it’s our pick. But its design and materials also set it apart. The faucet is made of solid metal and so is the T-shaped fixture that attaches the filter to the plumbing. Some competitors use plastic for one or both, lowering cost but increasing the risk of cross-threading and mis-installation. The AQ-5200 employs compression fittings to ensure a tight, secure seal between your plumbing and the plastic tubing that sends water to the filters and tap; some competitors use simple push-in fittings, which are less secure. And the AQ-5200 faucet is available in three finishes (brushed nickel, polished chrome, and oiled bronze), whereas some competitors give you no choice.\nWe also favored the AQ-5200 system’s compact form. It uses a pair of filters that are each little bigger than a soda can; some other filters, including the Aquasana AQ-5300+, below, are the size of liter bottles. With the filters installed on the mounting bracket, the AQ-5200 measures 9 inches high by 8 inches wide by 4 inches deep; the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is 13 by 12 by 4 inches. That means the AQ-5200 takes up significantly less room in the sink cabinet, can fit in cramped spaces where larger systems would not, and leaves more room for under-sink storage. You need about 11 inches of vertical space (measuring downward from the top of the housing) to permit filter replacement, and about 9 inches of unobstructed horizontal space along a cabinet wall to install the housing.\nThe AQ-5200 is very well reviewed for a water filter, with 4.5 stars (out of five) across more than 800 reviews at Aquasana’s site, and 4.5 stars across nearly 500 reviews at Home Depot.\nFinally, at its current price of about $140 (and often on sale for closer to $100) for the complete system and $60 for a set of replacement filters ($120 per year on a six-month replacement cycle), the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the very best values among our competitors, costing hundreds less than some models whose certifications aren’t as extensive. The unit contains a timer that begins beeping when you’re due for a filter replacement, but we recommend also setting a recurring calendar reminder on your phone. (You’re less likely to miss it.)\nFlaws but not dealbreakers\nThe Aquasana AQ-5200 has a lower maximum flow rate relative to some competitors (0.5 gpm versus 0.72 or more) and lower capacity (500 gallons versus 750 or more). This is the direct result of its physically small filters. On balance, we think these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its compactness. If you know you want higher flow and capacity, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is rated to 0.72 gpm and 800 gallons but shares the same six-month filter-replacement schedule, and the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect delivers up to 1.5 gpm and is rated to 784 gallons and six months.\nThe AQ-5200 system’s instruction manual is a bit sloppy, with a few parts not shown on the parts list or diagram. It’s nothing that will trip up most owners; fundamentally, all you’re doing is attaching a couple of tubes to the water supply and the faucet, and the parts more or less explain themselves. (The unlisted, decorative stainless washer is the exception: it goes onto the faucet first, before the thin rubber washer.) And in fairness, sloppiness is a problem with many under-sink filters’ manuals, judging by the comments we came across in our research. But we’d like to see the manual rectified in the future. In the meantime, here’s a video from Aquasana of\nhow to install the AQ-5200.\nAs noted above in How We Picked, under-sink water filters,\nincluding the AQ-5200\n, occasionally fail catastrophically, causing severe water damage if the problem is not quickly noticed and fixed. Be particularly careful when installing that you don’t cross-thread the connector and that the hose connections are secure, and turn the water back on slowly, so you can catch and rectify any leaks before they become a disaster. A\nsmart leak detector\ncan catch catastrophic leaks (whatever the cause) before the worst damage is done.\nLike all our picks, the Aquasana AQ-5200 comes with its own separate faucet, which may not match your style. You can also install a separate faucet of your choice, as long as the faucet connection is ⅜ inch. But you’ll want to match its flow rate to the Aquasana’s 0.5 gpm, because filter certifications are tied to flow. And note that using your own faucet technically means your system is no longer ANSI\/NSF certified.\nIf you suspect your water is sediment-rich (an orange-ish tint, from rust, is one clue; so is past experience with filters of any sort, including pitchers, becoming clogged before their projected lifespan), you may wish to look at the otherwise similar\nAquasana AQ-5300\n, which adds a sediment prefilter.\nRunner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200\n \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nRunner-up\nThe\nA.O. Smith AO-US-200\n, marketed as (prepare for a mouthful) the Clean Water Filter Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under Sink Water Filtration System, is functionally and in every important respect physically identical to the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200. It has\nthe same ANS\/NSF certifications\n (PDF) and the same compact size, filter technologies, all-metal construction, compression fittings, and 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity. It also usually sells for about the same price up front and for a set of replacement filters. None of this is suspicious: A.O. Smith purchased Aquasana in 2016, and as an A.O. Smith representative told us, is “leveraging” Aquasana’s expertise while having no plans to phase out the Aquasana brand.\nThe A.O. Smith filter differs from the Aquasana AQ-5200 in only two respects. First, it’s exclusive to Lowe’s. Second, its faucet comes in only a brushed-nickel finish, while the AQ-5200 faucet comes in brushed-nickel, polished-chrome, and oiled-bronze versions. If brushed nickel suits your decor, we recommend shopping around. Sales can significantly reduce the price of one relative to the other.\nThe A.O. Smith AO-US-200 and Aquasana AQ-5200 are identical in every important respect. \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nAs for flaws, the A.O. Smith’s manual is sloppy in the same ways the Aquasana 5200 manual is. And our A.O. Smith came with a single 6-foot length of plastic tubing; it’s supposed to come with two 3-foot lengths, as the AQ-5200 did. The tubing was easy to cut in half (we tested with scissors, kitchen shears, and\na wire cutter\n), but owners shouldn’t have to take that step themselves.\nUpgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow\n \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nUpgrade pick\nWith identical certifications to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200 but higher flow rate and larger capacity, the\nAquasana 5300+ Max Flow\nis our pick for people who need a lot of filtered water and want it fast. But it’s a physically much larger system (see the comparative photo below) and costs more up front and to replace the three filters.\nThe Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow is ANSI\/NSF certified for\nthe same contaminants\n (PDF) as the 5200 and A.O. Smith filters, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, PFOA, and PFOS. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow adds a prefilter for capturing rust and sediment that may be in the water supply, helping keep the contaminant filters from clogging; the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters lack this feature.\nThe AQ-5300+ Max Flow uses all-metal hardware that’s identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, and like the AQ-5200, the faucet comes in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. And the AQ-5300+ Max Flow has the same secure compression fittings, helping prevent leaks.\nThe AQ-5300+ Max Flow delivers water more quickly than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters: it’s rated to 0.72 gpm, versus 0.5. And its filters have a higher capacity, at 800 versus 500 gallons. But that does not extend the filters’ recommended lifespan: they’re rated to the same six months. At about $80 versus $60 for a set of replacements, that translates to about $40 more annually. And the AW-5300+ Max Flow is more expensive up front, at around $150 (though often on sale for less).\nThe larger Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow (left) has a higher flow rate and filter capacity than the company’s AQ-5200 (right) and A.O. Smith AO-US-200 (not pictured). \nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\nBut the AQ-5300+ Max Flow is physically much larger than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, at 13 by 12 by 4 inches versus 9 by 8 by 4 inches. It will take up more room in your under-sink cabinet and may not fit at all if your cabinet is particularly small or cramped. You need about 15 inches of vertical space (measuring downward) from the top of the housing to permit filter replacement, and about 13 inches of unobstructed horizontal cabinet wall to screw the housing into place.\nOne other note: The AW-5300+ Max Flow is equipped with a “performance indicating device” (PID). That means it measures the actual amount of water that passes through the device, while the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters have simple timers. The PID is Bluetooth enabled, as well, so it can alert your phone or laptop when the filters are due for replacement. We still recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone, as you’re more likely to see the reminder and don’t have to worry about the PID malfunctioning or running out of power.\nBest for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect\n \nAquasana\nBest for...\nThe\nAquasana Claryum Direct Connect\nis an under-sink filter with particular utility for renters and for people in homes that don’t have a separate mounting hole for a filter-dedicated faucet. That’s because it plumbs directly into the cold-water line and sends filtered water to the main faucet—you don’t have to drill any holes or otherwise alter your space. This design also makes the Claryum Direct Connect easier to install than our other picks, which need that separate faucet installed and also require you to mount the filters on the sidewall of the sink cabinet. In contrast, the Claryum Direct Connect can simply lie on the cabinet floor (though it comes with mounting brackets if you prefer to secure it horizontally or vertically).\nThe Claryum Direct Connect has the same exceptional ANSI\/NSF certifications as our other picks from Aquasana and A.O. Smith. (The latter is a Lowe’s-exclusive Aquasana brand—the exact A. O. Smith equivalent to the Claryum Direct Connect is the\nA. O. Smith Clean Water Main Filter\n.) It reduces lead, mercury, PFOA\/PFOS, and some pharmaceuticals, a total of 77 contaminants. The filters are rated for 784 gallons, or about six months’ worth of normal use, and Aquasana claims a flow rate of up to 1.5 gallons per minute—three times faster than that of the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200 and twice as fast as the flow rate of the AQ-5300+.\nIn our initial testing, we measured zero change in a home faucet’s flow after installing the Claryum Direct Connect: It delivered the same 1.25 gallons per minute that it did before. However, after plumbing repairs elsewhere in the multi-unit building sent a huge burst of sediment into the pipes, the filter clogged, and the flow dropped to just 0.5 gpm. If you know or suspect that you have sediment issues, we recommend our upgrade pick, the\nAQ-5300+\n, because unlike the Claryum Direct Connect it has a sediment prefilter.\nInstalling the Claryum Direct Connect is straightforward. You simply shut off the cold-water inlet valve, unscrew the existing coupling to the sink’s water line, and screw in the provided adapter. Two sections of tubing, also included, connect the filter to the adapter, using simple press-fit collars. You can leave the filter lying on the floor of the sink cabinet or mount it on the brackets that Aquasana provides. We were able to do the job in about 10 minutes; the only tools you need are an adjustable wrench and, if you opt for the brackets, a screwdriver.\nBe aware, however, that the filter is much larger than our other picks at 20½ inches long and 4½ inches wide, and you need 3 inches of additional space below it or next to it to remove a spent filter and put a new one in. So take some measurements before buying.\nBecause the Claryum Direct Connect is connected to the main faucet, every time you turn on the cold water, you use up a bit of filter life. The filter’s high capacity makes that less of a concern than it would otherwise be, but we can imagine people altering their water usage in a bid to maximize the filter’s lifespan. (“You’re definitely\nnot pre-rinsing those dishes\nnow,” quipped Harry Sawyers, editor of this guide.) Of course, you also get the convenience of instant, free-flowing filtered water and easy installation, and we consider that a fair trade-off. When it’s time for a\nreplacement filter\n, the old one twists out and the new one twists into place, the work of less than a minute.\nReviews of the\nAquasana Claryum Direct Connect\nare generally very positive—with one common source of complaint, and a valid one. The adapter piece is made of plastic, and it’s too easy to cross-thread that piece during installation and strip the threads, rendering it useless. If you just take a little care, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a brass adapter would be sturdier and less prone to this problem.\nWhat to look forward to\nIn 2025, we will be testing under-sink reverse osmosis filters. Traditional R\/O has become more efficient since we first wrote this guide, and wastes less water than it used to. And tankless on-demand R\/O systems are proliferating. These save on under-sink space, long a knock on traditional systems. Because R\/O is a mature technology, our focus is likely to be on differences in livability, reliability, and upfront and running costs. (These include the installation cost—which can be significant if you need to add an electrical outlet for a tankless system.) Our concerns about the inefficiency of and questionable need for R\/O remain, but we’re hopeful we can find a solid system that delivers on its promises.\nThe competition\nThe\nHahn 3-stage 600-gallon\nis a re-branded version of the Aquasana AQ-5300. It has the same 77 ANSI\/NSF certifications as the Aquasana 5200, 5300, 5300+ Max Flow, and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200. And like the 5300 and 5300+ Max Flow, it has a sediment prefilter. It’s not as widely available as any of these, but if you see one at a competitive price and if you know you have high sediment in your pipes, it’s a solid choice.\nThe\nAmway eSpring 100189\nhas more ANSI\/NSF certifications than any other filter we discovered in our research, including lead, VOC, Standard 401 “emerging contaminants,” and PFOA and PFOS. But it costs $1,250. That’s almost 10 times what our picks cost, which made it easy to dismiss.\nThe\nAquasana AQ-5300\nsits between the top-pick AQ-5200 and upgrade-pick 5300+ Max Flow. It’s physically almost identical to the AQ-5200 but adds a sediment prefilter (like the 5300+ Max Flow) to help extend the contaminant filters’ lifespans. If you know your water is rusty or sediment-rich, this filter may be worth the slightly higher up-front and maintenance costs. It has same ANSI\/NSF certifications and 0.5 gpm flow as the AQ-5200, a slightly higher 600-gallon capacity, and the same six-month filter replacement schedule but is a bit wider (12 inches versus 8 inches) due to the third filter.\nBrondell’s popular\nH2O+ Coral UC300l\nhas lead and VOC certification but no Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications.\nThe\n3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000\n, an informal recommendation in the previous version of this guide, costs considerably more than our picks and lacks Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications.\nThe\nBody Glove BG-12000\n, also a former informal recommendation, is rated to a relatively high 0.75 gpm and 750 gallons but has fewer certifications than our picks and costs more than $500, and you have to buy a faucet separately. The \nBG-3000\nlacks Standard 401 certifications and is rated to just 450 gallons, and again costs more than our picks and doesn’t come with a faucet.\nThe popular\nBrita Redi-Twist WFUSS-334\nis not a Brita product but licenses Brita’s name. It lacks VOC and Standard 401 certifications and costs more than our picks.\nThe\nCamelot Imperial Plus\nis certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” and costs $1,800.\nAPEC’s popular\nWFS-1000\nis not certified for any of its claims by NSF or WQA.\nNo\nEcodyne\nfilter in the under-sink, non-reverse-osmosis category met our requirements. (The company primarily focuses on industrial, pool, and spa filtration.)\nThe\niSpring US31\nis not certified by NSF or WQA but rather is “independently tested” to their standards.\nThe\nFrizzlife MP99\n, an “Amazon’s Choice,” also is not certified by NSF or WQA.\nNo\nEcoWater\nfilter met our requirements of lead and VOC reduction and 500-gallon capacity.\nThe\nGE Single Stage Filtration System\ndoes not have NSF or WQA certifications.\nThe\nPentair F2000-B2B\nhas lead and VOC certifications but not Standard 401, and is not widely available.\nShaklee’s BestWater MTS2000 Model 82333 is\nNSF-certified for lead and VOC\nand rated to 1,000 gallons, but we found very little further information about it.\nThe\nWaterChef U9000\nis certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants.” That and its high cost mean it’s not our pick, despite its 1,000-gallon capacity and 0.75 gpm flow rate.","attrs_markdown":"- Home & Garden\n  \n  - Vacuums, Cleaning, & Laundry\n    - Vacuum Cleaners\n      - [Vacuum cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-cleaner\/)\n      - [Upright vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-upright-canister-vacuums\/)\n      - [Cordless vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cordless-stick-vacuum\/)\n      - [Robot vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-vacuum\/)\n      - [Handheld vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handheld-vacuum\/)\n      - [Hardwood floor vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-for-hardwood-floors\/)\n      - [Vacuums for pet hair](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-for-pet-hair\/)\n      - [Car vacuums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-car-vacuum\/)\n    - Mops & Cleaners\n      - [Wet mops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wet-mop\/)\n      - [Robot mop‑vac combos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-vacuum-mop-combo\/)\n      - [Portable carpet & upholstery cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaner\/)\n      - [Carpet cleaners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-upright-carpet-cleaners\/)\n      - [Wet\/dry vacs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac\/)\n      - [Brooms, dustpans, & dust mops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-broom-dustpan-dustmop\/)\n      - [Surface cleaners & disinfectants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-purpose-cleaner\/)\n    - [Laundry](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/closet-laundry\/)\n      - [Washers & dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-washer-and-dryer\/)\n      - [Compact washers & dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compact-washer-and-dryer\/)\n      - [Irons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-clothes-iron\/)\n      - [Ironing boards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ironing-board\/)\n      - [Clothing steamers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-clothing-steamers\/)\n      - [Laundry detergents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-laundry-detergent\/)\n      - [Stain removers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laundry-stain-remover\/)\n  - Bathroom\n    - Toilet\n      - [Toilets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet\/)\n      - [Bidets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bidet-toilet-seat-washlet\/)\n      - [Toilet papers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-toilet-paper\/)\n      - [Toilet brushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet-brush\/)\n      - [Toilet plungers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toilet-plunger\/)\n      - [Squatty potties](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/squatty-potty-review\/)\n    - Shower\n      - [Shower heads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-head\/)\n      - [Shower curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-curtain\/)\n      - [Shower caddies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-shower-caddy\/)\n      - [Shower mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shower-mat\/)\n      - [Body washes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-wash\/)\n      - [Bar soaps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bar-soap\/)\n    - Bathroom\n      - [Bathroom scales](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bathroom-scales\/)\n      - [Bath towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bath-towel\/)\n      - [Bath mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bathroom-rugs-and-bath-mats\/)\n      - [Grab bars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grab-bars\/)\n  - Garden & Outdoors\n    - [Gardening & Lawn](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/gardening\/)\n      - [Garden hoses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-garden-hose\/)\n      - [Hose nozzles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hose-nozzle\/)\n      - [Gardening gloves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-gardening-gloves\/)\n      - [Garden pruners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garden-pruners\/)\n      - [Gifts for gardeners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-gardeners\/)\n      - [Lawn mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lawnmower\/)\n      - [Robot lawn mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robot-lawn-mower\/)\n      - [Reel mowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-reel-mower\/)\n      - [Sprinklers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-sprinkler\/)\n      - [Smart sprinkler timers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-sprinkler-controller\/)\n    - [Maintenance](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/garage\/)\n      - [Leaf blowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-leafblowers\/)\n      - [Snow blowers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-snow-blowers\/)\n      - [Pressure washers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pressure-washer\/)\n      - [Chainsaws](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chainsaw\/)\n      - [String trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-string-trimmers\/)\n      - [Snow shovels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-snow-shovels\/)\n      - [Wet\/dry vacs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/a-great-shop-vacuum-or-wet-dry-vac\/)\n    - Patio\n      - [Patio furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-furniture\/)\n      - [Outdoor sofas & chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-sofas\/)\n      - [Patio umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-umbrella-and-stand\/)\n      - [Patio heaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-patio-heaters\/)\n      - [Smokeless fire pits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smokeless-fire-pits\/)\n      - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mosquito-control-gear\/)\n  - Heating, Cooling, & Air Quality\n    - Heating\n      - [Space heaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-space-heaters\/)\n      - [Heat pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/heat-pump-buying-guide\/)\n    - [Cooling](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/cooling\/)\n      - [Air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Portable air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-portable-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Ductless air conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner\/)\n      - [Fans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fan\/)\n      - [Cordless fans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cordless-fans\/)\n      - [Smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-thermostat\/)\n    - Air Quality\n      - [Air purifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-purifier\/)\n      - [Humidifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-humidifier\/)\n      - [Dehumidifiers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dehumidifier\/)\n      - [Home air quality monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-air-quality-monitor\/)\n    - Water Quality\n      - [Water filter pitchers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-filter-pitcher\/)\n      - [Under‑sink water filters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/)\n      - [Faucet‑mounted water filters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-faucet-water-filter\/)\n      - [Water quality test kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-quality-test-kit-for-your-home\/)\n  - Home & Decor\n    - Decor\n      - [Area rugs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-area-rugs\/)\n      - [Rug pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rug-pads\/)\n      - [Removable wallpapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-removable-wallpapers\/)\n      - [Throw blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-throw-blankets\/)\n      - [Essential oil diffusers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-essential-oil-diffusers\/)\n      - [Scented candles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-candles\/)\n      - [Jewelry boxes & organizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jewelry-boxes-and-organizers\/)\n    - Window Treatments\n      - [Curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-window-curtains\/)\n      - [Blackout curtains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blackout-curtains\/)\n      - [Blackout shades](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blackout-shades\/)\n    - [Furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/furniture\/)\n      - [Sofas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/buying-a-sofa\/)\n      - [Sleeper sofas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeper-sofas\/)\n      - [Massage chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-chairs\/)\n      - [Dining tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000\/)\n    - Lighting\n      - [Floor lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-floor-lamps-under-300\/)\n      - [Desk lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-led-desk-lamp\/)\n      - [Table lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-table-lamps\/)\n      - [Bedside lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-bedside-lamps-under-200\/)\n    - [All Home](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/)\n  - Home Improvement\n    - [Tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/tools\/)\n      - [Drills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-drill-for-common-household-projects\/)\n      - [Multi‑tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multitool\/)\n      - [Stud finders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stud-finder\/)\n      - [Screwdrivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-screwdriver\/)\n      - [Basic toolkits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-basic-home-toolkit\/)\n      - [Toolboxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toolbox\/)\n      - [Ladders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ladders\/)\n    - [Storage & Organization](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/storage-home-garden\/)\n      - [Storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Shoe racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shoe-rack\/)\n      - [Hangers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hangers\/)\n    - Electric\n      - [LED light bulbs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-led-lightbulb\/)\n      - [Surge protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-surge-protector\/)\n      - [Extension cords](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage\/)\n    - Pest Control\n      - [Roach killers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-roach-killers\/)\n      - [Ant killers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ant-killer\/)\n      - [Mousetraps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mousetrap\/)\n      - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mosquito-control-gear\/)\n      - [Wasp & hornet sprays](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hornet-wasp-spray\/)\n      - [Bug‑killing gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bug-killing-gear\/)\n  - Home Security & Safety\n    - Security Systems & Cameras\n      - [Home security systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/)\n      - [Indoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Outdoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Doorbell cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-doorbell-camera\/)\n    - Locks\n      - [Electronic keypad door locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electronic-keypad-door-lock\/)\n      - [Smart locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-lock\/)\n      - [Door locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-door-lock\/)\n    - Safety\n      - [Basic smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-basic-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Smart smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Fire extinguishers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fire-extinguisher\/)\n      - [Flashlights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flashlight\/)\n    - [Emergency Preparedness](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/emergency-preparedness\/)\n      - [Emergency preparedness supplies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/emergency-preparedness\/)\n      - [Emergency weather radios](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-emergency-weather-radio\/)\n      - [Portable generators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-generator\/)\n    - [All Home Security & Safety](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/safety-home-garden\/)\n  - Office\n    - Printers\n      - [All‑in‑one printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-in-one-printer\/)\n      - [Home printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-printers\/)\n      - [Laser printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laser-printer\/)\n    - Monitors\n      - [Monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitors\/)\n      - [4K monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-monitors\/)\n      - [27‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-27-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [Portable monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-monitor\/)\n    - Office Essentials\n      - [Webcams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-webcams\/)\n      - [Office headsets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-headset-for-the-office\/)\n      - [Laptop stands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-stands\/)\n      - [Monitor arms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitor-arms\/)\n      - [Label makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-label-maker\/)\n    - Document Security\n      - [Paper shredders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-paper-shredders\/)\n      - [Fireproof document safes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fireproof-document-safe\/)\n    - Stationery\n      - [Pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pen\/)\n      - [Notebooks & notepads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-notebooks\/)\n      - [Planners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-paper-planners\/)\n    - [Office Furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/office\/furniture-office\/)\n      - [Standing desks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-standing-desk\/)\n      - [Office chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-office-chair\/)\n      - [Ergonomic seat cushions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ergonomic-seat-cushions\/)\n    - [All Office](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/office\/)\n  - Sleep\n    - [Mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/mattresses\/)\n      - [Mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattress\/)\n      - [Mattresses for side sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattresses-for-side-sleepers\/)\n      - [Mattresses for back pain](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/mattresses-for-back-pain\/)\n      - [Memory foam mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-foam-mattresses-you-can-buy-online\/)\n      - [Cheap mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-mattress\/)\n      - [Hybrid mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hybrid-mattresses\/)\n      - [Innerspring mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-innerspring-mattress\/)\n      - [Air mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-mattress\/)\n      - [Mattress toppers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mattress-toppers\/)\n      - [Latex mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-latex-mattresses\/)\n    - [Bedding](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/sheets-bedding\/)\n      - [Sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sheets\/)\n      - [Cotton sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cotton-sheets\/)\n      - [Comforters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-comforter\/)\n      - [Duvet covers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-duvet-cover\/)\n    - [Pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/pillows\/)\n      - [Pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bed-pillows\/)\n      - [Pillows for side sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pillow-for-side-sleepers\/)\n      - [Memory foam pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-memory-foam-pillows\/)\n    - [Bedroom](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/bedroom\/)\n      - [Modern bed frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-modern-bed-frames\/)\n      - [Platform bed frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-platform-bed-frames-under-300\/)\n      - [Nightstands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nightstands\/)\n      - [Blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blankets\/)\n      - [Weighted blankets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-weighted-blankets\/)\n      - [White noise machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-noise-machine\/)\n      - [Alarm clocks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-alarm-clock\/)\n      - [Sunrise alarm clocks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sunrise-alarm-clock\/)\n    - [All Sleep](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/sleep\/)\n- Kitchen\n  \n  - Large Appliances\n    - Fridges\n      - [Refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-refrigerator\/)\n      - [French door refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-french-door-refrigerators\/)\n      - [Side‑by‑side refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-side-by-side-refrigerators\/)\n      - [Garage refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garage-refrigerator\/)\n      - [Counter‑depth refrigerators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-counter-depth-refrigerator\/)\n      - [Wine coolers & fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-fridges\/)\n    - Freezers\n      - [Upright freezers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-freezer\/)\n      - [Chest freezers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chest-freezers\/)\n    - Stoves, Ranges, & Ovens\n      - [Electric stoves & ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-and-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [Gas stoves & ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [Slide‑in electric ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slide-in-electric-ranges\/)\n      - [Slide‑in gas ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slide-in-gas-ranges\/)\n      - [High‑end ranges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-high-end-ranges\/)\n      - [Induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cooktop\/)\n      - [Wall ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wall-ovens\/)\n    - Dishwashers\n      - [Dishwashers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-dishwasher\/)\n    - [All Large Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/large-appliances\/)\n  - Small Appliances\n    - Small Appliances\n      - [Microwaves](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-microwave\/)\n      - [Food processors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-food-processor\/)\n      - [Toasters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toaster\/)\n      - [Electric kettles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-kettle\/)\n      - [Portable induction cooktops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-induction-cooktop\/)\n      - [Mini fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-fridge\/)\n      - [Countertop ice makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-ice-maker\/)\n      - [Stand mixers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stand-mixer\/)\n      - [Juicers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-juicer\/)\n    - Blenders\n      - [Blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blender\/)\n      - [Personal blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-personal-blender\/)\n      - [Immersion blenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-immersion-blender\/)\n    - Specialty\n      - [Ice cream makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ice-cream-maker\/)\n      - [Soda makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soda-maker\/)\n      - [Waffle makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-waffle-maker\/)\n      - [Pizza ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pizza-oven\/)\n    - Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens\n      - [Air fryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer\/)\n      - [Air fryer toaster ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven\/)\n      - [Toaster ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-toaster-oven\/)\n    - Cookers\n      - [Rice cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-rice-cooker\/)\n      - [Pressure cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-pressure-cooker\/)\n      - [Slow cookers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slow-cooker\/)\n    - [All Small Appliances](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/appliances\/small\/)\n  - Cooking & Baking\n    - Cookware & Bakeware\n      - [Cookware sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cookware-set\/)\n      - [Nonstick pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nonstick-pan\/)\n      - [Stainless steel pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-skillet\/)\n      - [Carbon steel pans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carbon-steel-pan\/)\n      - [Cast iron skillets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cast-iron-skillet\/)\n      - [Dutch ovens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dutch-oven\/)\n      - [Woks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-woks\/)\n      - [Induction cookware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-induction-cookware\/)\n      - [Pizza stones & baking steels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pizza-stone-and-baking-steel\/)\n      - [Baking sheets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cookie-sheet\/)\n    - [Tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/tools-kitchen-dining\/)\n      - [Meat thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-instant-read-thermometer\/)\n      - [Cutting boards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cutting-board\/)\n      - [Kitchen scales](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kitchen-scale\/)\n      - [Oven mitts & pot holders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-oven-mitts-and-pot-holders\/)\n      - [Vacuum sealers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vacuum-sealer\/)\n      - [Pepper mills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pepper-mill\/)\n      - [Spatulas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-spatula\/)\n      - [Mixing bowls](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mixing-bowls\/)\n    - Knives\n      - [Chef’s knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-chefs-knife-for-most-cooks\/)\n      - [Knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-knife-set\/)\n      - [Steak knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-steak-knife-set\/)\n      - [Serrated bread knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-serrated-knife\/)\n      - [Paring knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-paring-knife\/)\n      - [Knife sharpeners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-knife-sharpening-tool\/)\n  - Coffee & Tea\n    - Coffee Makers\n      - [Coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Drip coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drip-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Single‑serve coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-single-serve-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Cheap coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-coffee-maker\/)\n      - [Cold‑brew coffee makers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker\/)\n    - Espresso Machines\n      - [Espresso machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-espresso-machine-grinder-and-accessories-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Nespresso machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nespresso-machine\/)\n    - Coffee Gear\n      - [Coffee grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-coffee-grinder\/)\n      - [French presses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-french-press\/)\n      - [Pour‑over coffee gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/gear-for-making-great-coffee\/)\n      - [Milk frothers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-milk-frothers\/)\n    - Tea\n      - [Electric kettles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-kettle\/)\n      - [Teas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-teas\/)\n    - [All Coffee & Tea](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/coffee\/)\n  - Food & Drinks\n    - Pantry\n      - [Olive oils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-olive-oil\/)\n      - [Instant noodles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-noodles\/)\n      - [Canned tomatoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-canned-tomatoes\/)\n      - [Tinned fish](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tinned-fish\/)\n      - [Peanut butters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-creamy-peanut-butter\/)\n      - [Potato chips](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-potato-chips\/)\n      - [Boxed cake mixes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-cake-mix\/)\n      - [Boxed brownie mixes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-brownie-mix\/)\n      - [Boxed mac and cheese](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-boxed-mac-and-cheese\/)\n      - [Jarred marinara sauce](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jarred-marinara-sauce\/)\n    - Refrigerator\n      - [American cheeses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-american-cheese\/)\n      - [Ketchups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ketchup\/)\n      - [Mayonnaises](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mayonnaise\/)\n      - [Butters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-butter\/)\n      - [BBQ sauces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-barbecue-sauce\/)\n      - [Yogurts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-yogurt\/)\n    - Freezer\n      - [Frozen pizzas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-frozen-pizzas\/)\n      - [Pie crusts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-store-bought-pie-crust\/)\n    - Drinks\n      - [Blanco tequilas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blanco-tequilas\/)\n      - [Vodkas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vodka\/)\n      - [Gins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gins\/)\n      - [Nonalcoholic drinks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-non-alcoholic-drinks\/)\n      - [Nonalcoholic wines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nonalcoholic-wines\/)\n    - [All Food & Drinks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/food\/)\n  - Dining, Entertaining, & Grilling\n    - Tableware\n      - [Flatware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flatware\/)\n      - [Dinnerware sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dinnerware-set\/)\n      - [Steak knife sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-steak-knife-set\/)\n      - [Drinking glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drinking-glass\/)\n      - [Cloth napkins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-napkins-and-tablecloth\/)\n      - [Tablecloths](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablecloths\/)\n      - [Tapered candles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-tapered-candles\/)\n      - [Outdoor dinnerware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-dishes-for-outdoors\/)\n    - [Wine & Bar](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/wine-bar\/)\n      - [Wine glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-glass\/)\n      - [Corkscrews](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-corkscrew\/)\n      - [Wine coolers & fridges](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wine-fridges\/)\n      - [Cocktail barware](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-barware-for-making-cocktails-at-home\/)\n    - Dining Tables & Seating\n      - [Dining tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000\/)\n      - [Folding tables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-tables\/)\n      - [Folding chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-chairs\/)\n      - [Patio furniture](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-patio-furniture\/)\n    - Grilling\n      - [Gas grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gas-grill\/)\n      - [Charcoal grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-charcoal-grill\/)\n      - [Pellet smoker grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pellet-grill\/)\n      - [Portable grills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-grills\/)\n      - [Outdoor griddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-griddle\/)\n      - [Grill tools & accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grill-tools\/)\n    - [All Dining & Entertaining](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/entertaining\/)\n  - Supplies\n    - [Storage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/storage\/)\n      - [Food storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-food-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Dry food storage containers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dry-food-storage-containers\/)\n      - [Lunch boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lunch-boxes\/)\n    - Cleaning\n      - [Dish racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dish-rack\/)\n      - [Kitchen towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kitchen-towels\/)\n      - [Dish soaps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dish-soap\/)\n      - [Dishwasher detergents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dishwasher-detergent\/)\n    - Waste\n      - [Kitchen trash cans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trash-can\/)\n      - [Compost bins](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compost-bins\/)\n      - [Food recyclers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/countertop-composter-food-recyclers\/)\n- Health & Lifestyle\n  \n  - Fitness\n    - [Exercise](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/exercise\/)\n      - [Treadmills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-treadmill\/)\n      - [Under‑desk treadmills](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-desk-treadmills\/)\n      - [Exercise bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-exercise-bikes\/)\n      - [Elliptical machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-elliptical-machine\/)\n      - [Rowing machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rowing-machine\/)\n      - [Adjustable dumbbells](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-adjustable-dumbbells\/)\n      - [Yoga mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-yoga-mats\/)\n      - [Massage guns](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-guns\/)\n      - [Gym bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gym-bag\/)\n      - [Running headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-headphones\/)\n    - Trackers\n      - [Fitness trackers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-fitness-trackers\/)\n      - [GPS running watches](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-watch\/)\n    - Bikes & Scooters\n      - [Hybrid bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hybrid-commuter-bike\/)\n      - [Electric scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-scooter\/)\n      - [Ebikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ebike-for-commuters\/)\n    - [Biking Gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/cycling\/)\n      - [Bike helmets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters\/)\n      - [Bike lights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-commuter-bike-lights\/)\n      - [Bike locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-lock\/)\n      - [Bike phone mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-phone-mount\/)\n      - [Rear bike racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rear-bike-rack\/)\n      - [Bike pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-pump\/)\n      - [Bike storage ideas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-racks-for-small-homes-and-apartments\/)\n      - [Car bike racks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bike-rack-for-cars\/)\n    - [All Fitness](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/)\n  - Health\n    - [Medical](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/medical-supplies\/)\n      - [Blood pressure monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blood-pressure-monitors-for-home-use\/)\n      - [Thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults\/)\n      - [Heating pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-heating-pad\/)\n      - [Pill boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pill-boxes\/)\n      - [Compression socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compression-socks\/)\n      - [Over‑the‑counter hearing aids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids\/)\n    - Mental Health\n      - [Meditation apps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-meditation-apps\/)\n      - [Light therapy lamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-light-therapy-lamp\/)\n    - [All Health](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/health-fitness\/)\n  - Accessibility & Aging\n    - [Accessibility & Aging](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/accessibility\/)\n      - [Walkers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-walkers\/)\n      - [Medical alert systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-medical-alert-systems\/)\n      - [Adult diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-adult-diapers\/)\n      - [Incontinence underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-incontinence-underwear\/)\n      - [Grabber tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-grabber-tools\/)\n      - [Room‑by‑room home modifications](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/interactives\/aging-in-place\/)\n  - Personal Care\n    - [Skin‑Care & Sunscreen](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/beauty\/skincare\/)\n      - [Sunscreens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sunscreen\/)\n      - [Face sunscreens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-face-sunscreens\/)\n      - [Moisturizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-moisturizers\/)\n      - [Body lotions](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-lotions\/)\n      - [Vitamin C serums](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vitamin-c-serums\/)\n      - [Retinols](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-retinol-products\/)\n      - [Exfoliants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-exfoliants\/)\n      - [Facial cleansers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-facial-cleansers\/)\n      - [Korean skin‑care products](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-korean-skin-care-products\/)\n    - Personal Hygiene\n      - [Antiperspirants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-antiperspirants\/)\n      - [Deodorants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-deodorants\/)\n    - Dental\n      - [Electric toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-toothbrush\/)\n      - [Water flossers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-flossers\/)\n    - Menstruation\n      - [Period underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/thinx-period-panties\/)\n      - [Menstrual cups & discs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-menstrual-cup\/)\n    - Adult & Sex\n      - [Vibrators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vibrators\/)\n      - [Anal toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-anal-toys\/)\n      - [Condoms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-condoms\/)\n      - [Lube](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-personal-lubricants\/)\n      - [Portable vaporizers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-vaporizer\/)\n      - [Cannabis grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cannabis-grinder\/)\n  - Beauty & Hair\n    - Makeup\n      - [Eyeliners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-eyeliner\/)\n      - [Mascaras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mascara\/)\n      - [Foundations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-foundations\/)\n      - [Concealers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-concealers\/)\n      - [Blushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blush\/)\n      - [Makeup brushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-makeup-brushes\/)\n      - [Makeup removers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-makeup-remover\/)\n      - [Drugstore makeup](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drugstore-makeup-skincare\/)\n    - Lips\n      - [Lip balms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lip-balm\/)\n      - [Lipsticks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lipstick\/)\n      - [Lip glosses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lip-gloss\/)\n    - Hair Removal & Shaving\n      - [Electric razors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-razor\/)\n      - [Beard trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beard-trimmer\/)\n      - [Pubic hair trimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pubic-hair-trimmer\/)\n      - [Hair clippers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use\/)\n    - Hair\n      - [Hair dryers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hair-dryer\/)\n      - [Shampoos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shampoo\/)\n      - [Shampoo bars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-solid-shampoo-bars\/)\n      - [Dry shampoos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dry-shampoo\/)\n      - [Conditioners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hair-conditioner\/)\n      - [Drugstore hair products](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drugstore-hair-products\/)\n  - Outdoors\n    - [Outdoors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/)\n      - [Bug repellents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bug-repellent\/)\n      - [Coolers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hard-cooler\/)\n      - [Umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella\/)\n      - [Binoculars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-binoculars\/)\n      - [Ski goggles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ski-and-snowboard-goggles\/)\n    - [Apparel](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/apparel\/)\n      - [Rain jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-rain-jacket\/)\n      - [Down jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-jacket\/)\n      - [UPF clothing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sun-protection-clothing\/)\n    - Camping\n      - [Camping tents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tent-for-family-and-car-camping\/)\n      - [Sleeping bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeping-bag-for-car-camping\/)\n      - [Sleeping pads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking-and-car-camping\/)\n      - [Camping chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-outdoor-chairs\/)\n    - Hiking\n      - [Hiking boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-boots\/)\n      - [Hiking socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-socks\/)\n      - [Trekking poles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trekking-poles\/)\n      - [Filtered water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-filtered-water-bottles\/)\n    - [Beach](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/outdoors\/swim\/)\n      - [Beach umbrellas & shades](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-umbrella-is-not-an-umbrella\/)\n      - [Beach bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-bag\/)\n      - [Beach towels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-beach-towel\/)\n    - Safety\n      - [Portable generators](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-generator\/)\n      - [Pocket knives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pocket-knife\/)\n      - [Headlamps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-headlamp\/)\n      - [Hand warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-hand-warmer\/)\n      - [Flashlights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flashlight\/)\n  - Travel\n    - Luggage\n      - [Checked luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-checked-luggage\/)\n      - [Duffel bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-duffle-bags\/)\n      - [Garment bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-garment-bag\/)\n      - [Underseat luggage & personal‑item bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/best-personal-item-carry-ons\/)\n      - [Carry‑on luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carry-on-luggage\/)\n      - [Hard‑shell carry‑on luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage\/)\n      - [Carry‑on travel backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-carry-on-travel-bags\/)\n      - [Travel backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-backpack\/)\n    - Packing\n      - [Toiletry bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toiletry-bags\/)\n      - [Packing cubes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-packing-cubes\/)\n      - [Packable daypacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-packable-daypack-for-travel\/)\n    - Hydration\n      - [Water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-bottle\/)\n      - [Travel mugs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-mug\/)\n    - [Gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/gear-travel\/)\n      - [Travel gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/travel-guide\/)\n      - [Travel pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-pillow\/)\n      - [Sleep masks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-mask\/)\n      - [Plug adapters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-plug-adapter\/)\n      - [Luggage tags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-luggage-tags\/)\n  - Hobbies\n    - [Hobbies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/)\n      - [Pickleball paddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pickleball-paddles\/)\n      - [Drones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drones\/)\n      - [DNA testing kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dna-test\/)\n      - [Telescopes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-telescopes-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Reading lights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-reading-light\/)\n      - [Electric scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-scooter\/)\n      - [Language learning apps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-language-learning-apps\/)\n    - [Music & Instruments](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/music\/)\n      - [Beginner digital pianos](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-digital-piano-for-beginners\/)\n      - [Beginner ukuleles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ukulele-for-beginners\/)\n    - Art & Design\n      - [3D printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-3d-printer\/)\n      - [3D pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-3d-pen\/)\n      - [Drawing tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-drawing-tablets\/)\n      - [Sewing machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sewing-machine\/)\n      - [Colored pencils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-colored-pencils\/)\n      - [Soldering irons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soldering-irons\/)\n    - Photo\n      - [Photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-inkjet-printer\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Online photo printing services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-photo-printing\/)\n      - [Photo book services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-book-service\/)\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n    - Cameras\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Mirrorless cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mirrorless-camera\/)\n      - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/)\n  - Games & Puzzles\n    - Board & Card Games\n      - [Board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-we-love\/)\n      - [Two‑player board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-two-player-board-games\/)\n      - [Solo board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-solo-board-games\/)\n      - [Beginner board games for adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-adults\/)\n      - [Strategy board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-strategy-board-games\/)\n      - [Kids board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Card games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-card-games\/)\n      - [Party games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-party-games\/)\n    - [Video Gaming](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/gaming\/)\n      - [Gaming consoles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-game-consoles\/)\n      - [Handheld gaming consoles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handheld-gaming-consoles\/)\n      - [VR headsets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-standalone-vr-headset\/)\n      - [Gaming laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-gaming-laptop-so-far\/)\n      - [Gaming mice](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse\/)\n      - [Gaming monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gaming-monitor\/)\n      - [Graphics cards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-graphics-cards\/)\n      - [Gaming chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gaming-chairs\/)\n    - Lego\n      - [Lego sets for adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/our-favorite-lego-sets-for-adults\/)\n      - [Lego sets for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lego-sets-for-kids\/)\n    - Puzzles\n      - [Speed cubes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-speed-cubes\/)\n    - [All Games & Puzzles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/games-puzzles\/)\n  - Pets\n    - [Dogs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/dogs\/)\n      - [Dog leashes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-dog-leash\/)\n      - [Dog harnesses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-harness\/)\n      - [Dog beds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-beds\/)\n      - [Dog crates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-crate\/)\n      - [Dog DNA tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-dna-test\/)\n      - [Dog nail grinders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-nail-grinders\/)\n      - [Dog jackets & raincoats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-winter-jackets-and-raincoats-for-dogs\/)\n    - [Cats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/cats\/)\n      - [Cat litters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter\/)\n      - [Litter boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter-boxes\/)\n      - [Automatic cat litter boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-automatic-cat-litter-box-but-we-dont-recommend-it\/)\n      - [Cat litter mats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-litter-mat\/)\n      - [Cat scratchers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-scratchers\/)\n      - [Cat beds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cat-beds\/)\n      - [New cat checklist](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/new-cat-checklist\/)\n    - Home\n      - [Pet cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pet-camera\/)\n      - [Water fountains](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs\/)\n      - [Automatic feeders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-automatic-feeder-for-cats-and-small-dogs\/)\n    - [All Pets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/pets\/)\n- Tech\n  \n  - Electronics & Networking\n    - [Networking](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/networking\/)\n      - [Wi‑Fi mesh‑networking kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits\/)\n      - [Routers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-router\/)\n      - [Modems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cable-modem\/)\n      - [Wi‑Fi extenders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-extender\/)\n    - [Digital Storage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/storage-devices\/)\n      - [External hard drives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-external-hard-drives\/)\n      - [NAS devices](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-network-attached-storage\/)\n      - [External SSDs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-ssd\/)\n    - [Batteries & Charging](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/batteries\/)\n      - [Portable chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-battery-packs\/)\n      - [Lightning cables](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lightning-cable\/)\n      - [Portable power stations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-power-stations\/)\n      - [Rechargeable batteries](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rechargeable-batteries\/)\n      - [Uninterruptible power supplies](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups\/)\n      - [Surge protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-surge-protector\/)\n      - [Extension cords](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage\/)\n      - [Electric vehicle chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-vehicle-chargers-for-home\/)\n    - Wireless Charging\n      - [Wireless chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-qi-wireless-charger-for-iphone-and-android-phones\/)\n      - [Apple charging stations](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-apple-wireless-charging-pads\/)\n    - [USB‑C](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/usb-c\/)\n      - [USB phone chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger\/)\n      - [USB‑C cables & adapters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-cables\/)\n      - [USB‑C laptop chargers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers\/)\n      - [USB‑C hubs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks\/)\n    - [All Electronics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/)\n  - Phones, Tablets, & Smartwatches\n    - Phones\n      - [Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-phone\/)\n      - [Budget Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-budget-android-phone\/)\n      - [iPhones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone\/)\n      - [iPhone cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-cases\/)\n      - [iPhone 17 cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-17-case\/)\n      - [iPhone 16 cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-16-case\/)\n      - [iPhone screen protectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-iphone-x-screen-protectors\/)\n      - [Cell phones for older adults](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults\/)\n      - [Car phone mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartphone-car-mount\/)\n      - [Cell phone plans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-carrier\/)\n    - Tablets\n      - [Tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablets\/)\n      - [Android tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-tablet\/)\n      - [iPads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet\/)\n      - [iPad keyboard cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-keyboard-case\/)\n      - [iPad Pro keyboard cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-pro-keyboard-cases\/)\n      - [iPad Pro cases](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-pro-cases\/)\n      - [iPad styluses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ipad-stylus\/)\n    - E‑readers\n      - [E‑readers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/amazon-kindle-is-the-best-ebook-reader\/)\n    - Smartwatches\n      - [For Android phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-android\/)\n      - [For iPhones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-iphone\/)\n  - Computers\n    - Laptops\n      - [Laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptops\/)\n      - [Chromebooks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-chromebook\/)\n      - [MacBooks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-macbooks\/)\n      - [Business laptops](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-business-laptops\/)\n      - [Laptops for college students](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptops-for-college-students\/)\n      - [Laptops under \\$500](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-under-500\/)\n    - [Computers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/computers\/)\n      - [All‑in‑one computers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-all-in-one-computer\/)\n      - [Mini desktop PCs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-desktop-pcs\/)\n    - Monitors\n      - [Monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-monitors\/)\n      - [4k monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-monitors\/)\n      - [24‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-24-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [27‑inch monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-27-inch-monitor\/)\n      - [Ultrawide monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ultrawide-monitors\/)\n      - [Portable monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-monitor\/)\n    - [Accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/accessories\/)\n      - [Wireless mice](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-mouse\/)\n      - [Security keys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-security-keys\/)\n    - Keyboards\n      - [Keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-keyboards\/)\n      - [Wireless keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard\/)\n      - [Mechanical keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards\/)\n      - [Ergonomic keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/comfortable-ergo-keyboard\/)\n      - [Gaming keyboards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-keyboards-for-gaming\/)\n    - [Software](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/software\/)\n      - [Password managers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-password-managers\/)\n      - [VPNs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-vpn-service\/)\n      - [Free VPNs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-free-vpn\/)\n  - Audio\n    - Speakers\n      - [Bluetooth speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-home-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n      - [Portable bluetooth speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n      - [Surround‑sound speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bookshelf-speakers\/)\n      - [Computer speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-computer-speakers\/)\n      - [Outdoor speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-speakers\/)\n      - [Multiroom wireless speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-multiroom-wireless-speaker-system\/)\n      - [Smart speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-speakers\/)\n      - [Soundbars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soundbar\/)\n    - Headphones\n      - [Headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-headphones\/)\n      - [Over‑ear headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-over-ear-headphones\/)\n      - [Noise‑cancelling headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-noise-cancelling-headphones\/)\n      - [Sleep headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-headphones\/)\n      - [Bone‑conduction headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bone-conduction-headphones\/)\n    - Earbuds\n      - [Wireless earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-earbuds\/)\n      - [Wired earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-200-in-ear-headphones\/)\n      - [Workout earbuds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-workout-headphones\/)\n    - Home Audio\n      - [Turntables & record players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-turntable\/)\n      - [CD players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-portable-cd-player\/)\n      - [AV receivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-receiver\/)\n      - [Stereo amps & receivers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mini-stereo-amplifier\/)\n      - [USB audio interfaces](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-usb-audio-interface\/)\n    - [All Audio](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/audio\/)\n  - Video\n    - [TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/tvs\/)\n      - [TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv\/)\n      - [OLED TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-oled-tv\/)\n      - [4K TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-tv\/)\n      - [LCD\/LED TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lcd-led-tv\/)\n      - [32‑inch TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-small-tv\/)\n      - [40‑ to 49‑inch TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-40-to-49-inch-tvs\/)\n      - [TV wall mounts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv-wall-mount\/)\n      - [Gaming TVs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tv-for-video-games\/)\n    - [Home Theater](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/home-theater\/)\n      - [Streaming devices](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-media-streamers\/)\n      - [4K Blu‑ray players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-4k-blu-ray-player\/)\n      - [HDMI video transmitters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-wireless-hdmi-video-transmitter\/)\n      - [HDTV antennas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna\/)\n      - [Soundbars](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-soundbar\/)\n    - [Projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/projectors\/)\n      - [Projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-projectors\/)\n      - [Portable mini projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pico-projector\/)\n      - [Budget projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-projector\/)\n      - [Projector screens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-projector-screen\/)\n      - [Outdoor projectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-outdoor-projector\/)\n  - Cameras & Photo\n    - Cameras\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Mirrorless cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mirrorless-camera\/)\n      - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/)\n      - [Dash cams](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dash-cam\/)\n    - [Camera Accessories](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/electronics\/camera-accessories\/)\n    - Smartphone Photography\n      - [iPhone photo lenses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lenses-for-iphone\/)\n      - [Smartphone tripods](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tripod-for-iphones-smartphones\/)\n      - [Smartphone gimbals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-android-and-iphone-gimbal\/)\n    - Photo\n      - [Holiday photo cards](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-custom-photo-card-service\/)\n      - [Photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-inkjet-printer\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Online photo printing services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-photo-printing\/)\n      - [Photo book services](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-book-service\/)\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n  - Smart Home\n    - Indoor\n      - [Plug‑in smart outlets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-switch\/)\n      - [Smart thermostats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-thermostat\/)\n      - [Smart window shades & blinds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-blinds\/)\n      - [Smart LED light bulbs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-led-light-bulbs\/)\n      - [In‑wall smart light switches & dimmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-in-wall-wireless-light-switch-and-dimmer\/)\n      - [Smart water‑leak detectors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/)\n      - [Smart smoke alarms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-smoke-alarm\/)\n      - [Smart locks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-lock\/)\n      - [Smart speakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-speakers\/)\n    - Outdoor\n      - [Smart outdoor lighting](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-outdoor-lighting-for-backyards-pathways-and-more\/)\n      - [Smart sprinkler timers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-sprinkler-controller\/)\n      - [Smart garage door openers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-garage-door-controller\/)\n    - [Security Systems & Cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/safety-home-garden\/)\n      - [Home security systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-home-security-system\/)\n      - [Outdoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Indoor security cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera\/)\n      - [Smart doorbell cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-doorbell-camera\/)\n    - [All Smart Home](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/home-garden\/smart-home\/)\n- Baby & Kid\n  \n  - Pregnancy & Nursing\n    - Pregnancy\n      - [Pregnancy tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pregnancy-test\/)\n      - [Body pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-body-pillow\/)\n    - Nursing & Pumping\n      - [Breast pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-breast-pumps\/)\n      - [Wearable breast pumps](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wearable-breast-pumps\/)\n      - [Pumping bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pumping-bra\/)\n      - [Nursing bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nursing-bras\/)\n      - [Nursing pillows](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-nursing-pillows\/)\n    - Bottles & Formula\n      - [Baby bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bottles-and-bottle-brush\/)\n      - [Bottle warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bottle-warmers\/)\n      - [Baby formulas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-formula\/)\n    - [All Pregnancy & Nursing](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/pregnancy-nursing\/)\n  - Baby\n    - Sleep\n      - [Bassinets & co‑sleepers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-co-sleepers\/)\n      - [Cribs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cribs\/)\n      - [Crib mattresses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-crib-mattresses\/)\n      - [Baby monitors](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-monitor\/)\n      - [Baby swaddles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-swaddles\/)\n    - Carry\n      - [Baby carriers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-carriers\/)\n      - [Baby wraps & slings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-wraps-and-slings\/)\n    - Diapering & Bath\n      - [Diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diapers\/)\n      - [Cloth diapers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cloth-diapers\/)\n      - [Diaper pails](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diaper-pail\/)\n      - [Diaper bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-diaper-bag\/)\n      - [Baby bathtubs & bath seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bathtubs-and-bath-seats\/)\n      - [Baby care essentials](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/baby-care-essentials\/)\n    - [Home Safety](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/safety\/)\n      - [Baby‑proofing tools](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-baby-proofing-tools\/)\n      - [Baby gates](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-gate\/)\n    - Car Seats\n      - [Infant car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-car-seat\/)\n      - [Convertible car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-convertible-car-seats\/)\n      - [Travel car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-car-seats\/)\n    - Seats\n      - [Baby bouncers & rockers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-bouncers-and-rockers\/)\n      - [Baby swings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-baby-swings\/)\n      - [High chairs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-high-chairs\/)\n  - Clothing & Health\n    - Clothing\n      - [Kids pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-pajamas\/)\n      - [Kids underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-underwear\/)\n      - [Kids beachwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-beachwear\/)\n      - [Kids rain and snow boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-rain-snow-boots\/)\n      - [Kids sandals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-sandals-water-shoes\/)\n    - Health\n      - [Kids electric toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-electric-toothbrush-for-kids\/)\n      - [Thermometers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults\/)\n  - School & Tech\n    - [Backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/backpacks\/)\n      - [Kids backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students\/)\n      - [High school & college backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college\/)\n    - Lunch & Hydration\n      - [Kids lunch boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-lunch-boxes\/)\n      - [Kids water bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-water-bottles\/)\n      - [Food thermoses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-food-thermos\/)\n      - [Nonplastic plates and cups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-plastic-free-tableware-for-babies-and-kids\/)\n    - School Supplies\n      - [Pencils for schoolwork](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-pencils\/)\n      - [Mechanical pencils](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mechanical-pencils\/)\n      - [Pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-pen\/)\n      - [Notebooks & notepads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-notebooks\/)\n      - [Planners](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-paper-planners\/)\n      - [Kids labels](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-labels-for-kids-lunch-boxes-and-clothing\/)\n    - Tech\n      - [First phones for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartphone-for-kids\/)\n      - [Smartwatches for kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smartwatch-for-kids\/)\n      - [Apps for managing kids' phones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-apps-to-manage-your-kids-phone\/)\n      - [Kids tablets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tablet-for-kids\/)\n      - [Kids headphones](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-headphones\/)\n    - [All School](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/school\/)\n  - Toys\n    - Indoor Toys\n      - [Lego sets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-lego-sets-for-kids\/)\n      - [Dolls](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dolls\/)\n      - [Kids board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Bath toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bath-toys\/)\n      - [Toy subscription boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-toy-subscription-boxes\/)\n      - [Craft subscription boxes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-craft-subscription-boxes\/)\n    - Outdoor Toys\n      - [Scooters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-scooters\/)\n      - [Balance bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-balance-bike\/)\n      - [First pedal bikes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-first-pedal-bike\/)\n      - [Kids bike helmets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-bike-helmets\/)\n      - [Tricycles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-tricycles\/)\n      - [Collapsible folding wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-wagons\/)\n      - [Sleds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleds\/)\n      - [Trampolines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-trampoline\/)\n    - [All Toys](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/baby-kid\/toys\/)\n  - Travel\n    - Car Seats\n      - [Infant car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-car-seat\/)\n      - [Convertible car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-convertible-car-seats\/)\n      - [Travel car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-car-seats\/)\n      - [Booster car seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-booster-car-seats\/)\n    - Strollers\n      - [Strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-strollers\/)\n      - [Double strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-double-strollers\/)\n      - [Jogging strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jogging-strollers\/)\n      - [Travel strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-travel-strollers\/)\n      - [Umbrella strollers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella-strollers\/)\n    - Wagons\n      - [Collapsible folding wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-folding-wagons\/)\n      - [Stroller wagons](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-stroller-wagons\/)\n    - Travel\n      - [Kids bike seats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-bike-seats\/)\n      - [Kids travel gear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/gear-for-traveling-with-babies-and-kids\/)\n      - [Kids luggage](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-luggage\/)\n- Style\n  \n  - Apparel\n    - Tops\n      - [Men’s button‑up shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-button-up-shirts\/)\n      - [Men’s white t‑shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-t-shirts-for-men\/)\n      - [Women’s blouses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-tops-blouses\/)\n      - [Women’s button ups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-button-up-shirts\/)\n      - [Women’s white t‑shirts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-white-t-shirts\/)\n      - [Cashmere sweaters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cashmere-sweaters\/)\n      - [Thermal underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-base-layers-and-thermal-underwear\/)\n    - Pants\n      - [Men’s jeans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-jeans-for-men\/)\n      - [Women’s jeans](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-jeans\/)\n      - [Men’s dress pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-work-pants\/)\n      - [Women's office pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-work-pants\/)\n      - [Leggings](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-leggings\/)\n      - [Rain pants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rain-pants\/)\n      - [Sweatpants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sweatpants-sweatshirts\/)\n    - Kids\n      - [Kids pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-kids-pajamas\/)\n      - [Kids underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-kids-underwear\/)\n    - Jackets\n      - [Rain jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-everyday-rain-jacket\/)\n      - [Down jackets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-jacket\/)\n      - [Insulated vests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-insulated-vest\/)\n      - [Men’s suits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-suits\/)\n      - [Women’s wool coats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-wool-coat\/)\n    - [All Style](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/style\/)\n  - Underwear & Sleep\n    - Underwear\n      - [Bras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-bra-brands\/)\n      - [Women’s underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-womens-underwear\/)\n      - [Period underwear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/thinx-period-panties\/)\n      - [Boxer briefs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-underwear\/)\n    - Sleep\n      - [Robes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-robes\/)\n      - [Pajamas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-pajamas-for-women-and-men\/)\n      - [Slippers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slippers\/)\n      - [Sleep masks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sleep-mask\/)\n  - Shoes\n    - Boots\n      - [Winter boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-winter-boots-for-men-and-women\/)\n      - [Rain boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-rain-boots\/)\n      - [Hiking boots](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-boots\/)\n    - Sneakers\n      - [Running shoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-running-shoes\/)\n      - [White sneakers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-white-sneakers\/)\n    - Seasonal\n      - [Flats](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-flats\/)\n      - [Sandals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-sandals\/)\n      - [Ice cleats for shoes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-ice-cleats\/)\n    - Socks\n      - [Socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-socks\/)\n      - [Compression socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-compression-socks\/)\n      - [Hiking socks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-hiking-socks\/)\n  - Bags & Accessories\n    - [Bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/bags\/)\n      - [Handbags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-handbags-under-500\/)\n      - [Tote bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-tote-bags\/)\n      - [Laptop tote bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-laptop-tote-bags\/)\n      - [Fanny packs](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-fanny-packs\/)\n      - [Men’s work bags](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mens-work-bags\/)\n    - [Backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/travel\/backpacks\/)\n      - [Laptop backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-laptop-backpacks\/)\n      - [High school & college backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college\/)\n      - [Kids backpacks](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students\/)\n    - Bag Accessories\n      - [Slim wallets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-slim-wallet\/)\n    - Accessories\n      - [Umbrellas](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-umbrella\/)\n      - [Black tights](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-black-tights\/)\n      - [Shapewear](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-shapewear\/)\n      - [Hair ties & clips](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/our-favorite-hair-ties-scrunchies-clips\/)\n    - Glasses\n      - [Cheap sunglasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-cheap-sunglasses\/)\n      - [Blue‑light blocking glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-blue-light-blocking-glasses\/)\n      - [Online prescription glasses](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online\/)\n- Gifts\n  \n  - Gifts for Everyone\n    - [All Gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/)\n    - Tech\n      - [Digital photo frames](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-digital-photo-frame\/)\n      - [Instant cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-camera\/)\n      - [Instant photo printers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-instant-photo-printer\/)\n      - [Turntables & record players](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-turntable\/)\n      - [Massage guns](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-massage-guns\/)\n      - [Karaoke machines](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-karaoke-machines\/)\n      - [3D pens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-3d-pen\/)\n    - [Games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/hobby-crafts\/games-puzzles\/)\n      - [Board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-we-love\/)\n      - [Two‑player board games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-two-player-board-games\/)\n      - [Board games for kids & families](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/board-games-for-kids\/)\n      - [Card games](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-card-games\/)\n    - DNA Test Kits\n      - [DNA testing kits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dna-test\/)\n      - [Dog DNA tests](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-dog-dna-test\/)\n    - Everything Else\n      - [Smokeless fire pits](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smokeless-fire-pits\/)\n      - [Mug warmers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-mug-warmers\/)\n      - [Smart bird feeders](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-smart-bird-feeder\/)\n      - [Disposable cameras](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-disposable-cameras\/)\n  - Gifts for Grown-Ups\n    - For Occasions\n      - [Housewarming gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-housewarming-gifts\/)\n      - [Anniversary gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-anniversary-gifts\/)\n      - [Retirement gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-retirement-gifts\/)\n      - [Birthday gifts for her](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-birthday-gifts-for-her\/)\n      - [Gifts for coworkers](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-coworkers\/)\n      - [Gifts for new moms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/gifts-for-new-moms\/)\n      - [Bridal shower gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-bridal-shower-gifts\/)\n      - [Flower delivery](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-online-flower-delivery\/)\n      - [Gift baskets](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gift-baskets\/)\n      - [Photo gifts](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-photo-gifts\/)\n    - For Loved Ones\n      - [Gifts for husbands](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gifts-for-husband\/)\n      - [Gifts for wives](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-gifts-for-wife\/)\n      - [Gifts for boyfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-boyfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for girlfriends](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-girlfriend\/)\n      - [Gifts for moms](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-mom\/)\n      - [Gifts for dads](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-dad\/)\n      - [Gifts for grandparents](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-grandparents\/)\n      - [Gifts for someone who has everything](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n    - Under Budget\n      - [Gifts under \\$25](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-25\/)\n      - [Gifts under \\$50](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-50\/)\n      - [Gifts under \\$100](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-under-100\/)\n    - [Wrapping Paper](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wrapping-paper\/)\n    - [All Gifts for Grown‑Ups](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/adults\/)\n  - Gifts for Kids\n    - Ages Younger Than 6\n      - [Gifts for infants](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-infant-gifts\/)\n      - [Gifts for 1‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-toys-for-1-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 2‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-toys-for-2-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 3‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-3-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 4‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-4-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 5‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-5-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 6‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-6-year-olds\/)\n    - Ages 7 & Up\n      - [Gifts for 7‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-7-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 8‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-8-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 9‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-9-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for 10‑year‑olds](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-toys-gifts-for-10-year-olds\/)\n      - [Gifts for tweens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n      - [Gifts for teens](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-teens\/)\n    - [All Gifts for Kids](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/gifts\/kids\/)\n- [Podcast](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/the-wirecutter-show-podcast\/)\n- [Deals](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/deals\/)\n\n[Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/ \"Wirecutter\")\n\nLog inAccount\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscription\/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2Freviews%2Fbest-under-sink-water-filter%2F)\n\n[Skip To Content](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#main)\n\nWe independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more›](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/about\/)\n\nBROWSESections in this article\n\n[Why you should trust me](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#why-you-should-trust-me)\n\n[Do you need a water filter?](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#do-you-need-a-water-filter)\n\n[Who this is for](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#who-this-is-for)\n\n[How we picked](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#how-we-picked)\n\n[How we tested](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#how-we-tested)\n\n[Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#top-pick-aquasana-aq-5200)\n\n[Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#runner-up-a-o-smith-ao-us-200)\n\n[Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#upgrade-pick-aquasana-aq-5300-max-flow)\n\n[Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#best-for-sinks-without-a-hole-for-a-separate-faucet-aquasana-claryum-direct-connect)\n\n[What to look forward to](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#what-to-look-forward-to)\n\n[The competition](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#the-competition)\n\n1. [Kitchen](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/kitchen-dining\/)\n# The Best Under-Sink Water Filter\nUpdated\n\nMay 13, 2025\n\nSave\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-2x1-1369.jpg?width=150&quality=20&crop=2:1&auto=webp)\n\n![Four under-sink water filtration systems sitting on a blue background.]()\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n[![Tim Heffernan](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2015\/06\/heffernan_headshot_face_on_3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=50)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/authors\/tim-heffernan\/)\n\nBy [Tim Heffernan](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/authors\/tim-heffernan\/)\n\nTim Heffernan is a writer who covers air and water quality and sustainable-energy technology. He prefers Flare-brand match smoke for purifier testing.\n\nAnyone who goes through more than a couple gallons of drinking water a day will probably be happiest with an under-sink filtration system like the [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92266\/?merchant=Amazon). Unlike pitchers, under-sink filters provide a continual supply of water on demand. We recommend the Aquasana AQ-5200 because its certifications are among the best of any system we’ve found; they include (like the rest of our picks here) chlorine, lead, mercury, PFAS, multiple pesticides, and microplastics.\n\n### Everything we recommend\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31959\/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon \"Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration\")\n### [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana AQ-5200\")\n\nCertified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact.\n\n[\\$140 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$140 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/184369\/4\/92255?merchant=Walmart)\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31960\/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Same performance, different name](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon \"Same performance, different name\")\n### [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon \"A.O. Smith AO-US-200\")\n\nIdentical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in certifications, specs, and size, but exclusive to Lowe’s.\n\n[\\$100 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31961\/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Higher flow and capacity](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon \"Higher flow and capacity\")\n### [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow\")\n\nSame great certifications as and higher flow rate and filter capacity than the AQ-5200, plus a prefilter to help with rusty sediment.\n\n[\\$191 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$191 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/208373\/4\/92261?merchant=Walmart)\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/40089\/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [High water flow, easy installation](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon \"High water flow, easy installation\")\n### [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect\")\n\nInstalls without drilling and delivers up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute through your existing faucet.\n\n[\\$125 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$125 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/208918\/4\/218355?merchant=Walmart)\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31959\/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon \"Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration\")\n### [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana AQ-5200\")\n\nCertified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact.\n\n[\\$140 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$140 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/184369\/4\/92255?merchant=Walmart)\n\nThe [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92266\/?merchant=Amazon) is ANSI\/NSF-certified to virtually eliminate a wide array of contaminants, including lead, mercury, pesticides, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other materials that few of its competitors catch. And it’s one of a handful of filters certified for PFOA and PFOS, two of the so-called forever chemicals that are of concern to the EPA.\n\nReplacement filters cost about \\$60 for a set, or \\$120 per year on Aquasana’s recommended six-month replacement cycle. And being barely larger than a couple cans of soda, the system doesn’t take up a lot of valuable room under your sink. It uses high-quality metal hardware, and its faucet comes in multiple finishes.\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31960\/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Same performance, different name](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon \"Same performance, different name\")\n### [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon \"A.O. Smith AO-US-200\")\n\nIdentical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in certifications, specs, and size, but exclusive to Lowe’s.\n\n[\\$100 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\nThe [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92267\/?merchant=Amazon) is identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in every important respect. (That’s because A.O. Smith bought Aquasana in 2016.) It has the same exceptional certifications, all-metal hardware, and compact form, but because it’s sold only at Lowe’s, it’s not as widely available, and its faucet comes in only one finish: brushed nickel. Filter-replacement costs are similar: about \\$60 for a set, or \\$120 a year on A.O. Smith’s recommended six-month cycle.\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31961\/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Higher flow and capacity](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon \"Higher flow and capacity\")\n### [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow\")\n\nSame great certifications as and higher flow rate and filter capacity than the AQ-5200, plus a prefilter to help with rusty sediment.\n\n[\\$191 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$191 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/208373\/4\/92261?merchant=Walmart)\n\nThe [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92268\/?merchant=Amazon) has the same exceptional certifications as our top pick, yet it offers higher flow (0.72 versus 0.5 gallons per minute) and filter capacity (800 versus 500 gallons). That makes it our choice for households that need [a lot of filtered water](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#who-this-is-for) and want it as fast as possible. It adds a sediment prefilter, too, which the AQ-5200 lacks; this may extend the contaminant-filters’ higher flow in homes with sediment-rich water. That said, the AQ-5300+ model—with three liter-bottle-size filters—is much larger than the AQ-5200, and it costs a bit more up front and for replacement filters (about \\$80 per set or \\$160 a year).\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/40089\/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [High water flow, easy installation](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon \"High water flow, easy installation\")\n### [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect\")\n\nInstalls without drilling and delivers up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute through your existing faucet.\n\n[\\$125 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$125 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/208918\/4\/218355?merchant=Walmart)\n\n[Aquasana’s Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/135277\/?merchant=Amazon) plumbs right into your existing faucet, so it’s a particularly attractive choice for renters (who may be forbidden from altering their dwelling) and for people who can’t install a separate filter-faucet. It doesn’t even have to be mounted on the sink-cabinet wall—it can simply lie on its side. It offers the same ANSI\/NSF certifications as our other Aquasana and A.O. Smith picks, and it can deliver up to 1½ gallons per minute of filtered water. The filter is rated for 784 gallons, or about six months of use. But it lacks a sediment prefilter. So if you have a sediment issue, it’s not a good choice, as it can easily clog. And it’s big—20½ by 4½ inches—so if your sink cabinet is small or crowded, it may not fit.\n\n### Get today’s recommendation\nExpert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we’ve tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily.\n\nEmail Address\n\n## The research\n## Why you should trust me\nI have been testing water filters for Wirecutter since 2016. In my reporting, I’ve spoken at length with filter-certification organizations to understand how their testing is conducted, and delved deeply into their public databases to confirm that manufacturers’ claims are supported by certified testing. I’ve also spoken with representatives of multiple water-filter manufacturers, including Aquasana\/A.O. Smith, Filtrete, Brita, and Pur, to interrogate their claims. And I’ve gone hands-on with all of our picks, because overall livability, durability, and user-friendliness are important in a device you’ll use multiple times a day.\n\nJohn Holecek, a former NOAA scientist, researched and wrote earlier Wirecutter water-filter guides, conducted his own tests, commissioned further independent tests, and taught me much of what I know. My work builds on his.\n\n## Do you need a water filter?\nUnfortunately there’s no universal answer to whether you need a water filter. In the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, and water leaving a public water-treatment plant must meet strict quality standards. But not all potential contaminants are regulated. As well, contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant, by [infiltrating leaky pipes](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sites\/production\/files\/2015-09\/documents\/thepotentialforhealthrisksfromintrusionofcontaminants_1.pdf) (PDF) or by leaching out of the pipes themselves. And water treatments done (or overlooked) at the plant can exacerbate leaching in pipes downstream—[as happened in Flint, Michigan](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5353852\/).\n\nTo know exactly what’s in your supplier’s water when it leaves the plant, you can usually find your local supplier’s EPA-mandated Consumer Confidence Report [online](https:\/\/ofmpub.epa.gov\/apex\/safewater\/f?p=136:102::::::); if not, all public water suppliers are required to give you their CCR upon request. But because of potential downstream contamination, the only way to know for certain what’s in your home’s water is to pay a local water-quality lab to test it.\n\nAs a rule of thumb: The older your home or community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The [EPA says](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ground-water-and-drinking-water\/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water) that “homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder”—once-common older materials that don’t meet current codes. Age also brings an increased likelihood of legacy groundwater pollution from pre-regulation industry, which can be a risk, especially when combined with age-related degradation of underground plumbing.\n\n## Who this is for\nIf your household goes through more than two or three gallons of drinking water each day, an under-sink water filter may be a better choice than a [pitcher filter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-filter-pitcher\/). Under-sink systems provide filtered drinking water on demand, with no waiting around for the filtration process to run its course, as there is with pitchers. “On demand” filtration also means under-sink systems can provide enough water for cooking—you could fill a pot to cook pasta with filtered water, for example, but you’d never repeatedly refill a pitcher for that.\n\nUnder-sink filters also tend to have much more capacity and much longer lifespans than pitcher filters—often hundreds of gallons and six months or more, versus 40 gallons and two months for most pitcher filters. And because under-sink filters use water pressure, not gravity, to push water through the filter, their filters can be denser, so they can remove a greater range of potential contaminants.\n\nOn the downside, they’re more expensive up front than pitcher filters, and replacement filters are also more expensive in absolute terms and averaged over time. The system also takes up space in your sink cabinet that could otherwise be used for storage.\n\nInstalling an under-sink filter requires basic plumbing and hardware mounting, but the job is straightforward only if your sink already has a hole for a separate faucet. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to knock out one of the built-in faucet sites (visible as a raised disk on steel sinks, or a marking on synthetic-stone sinks). Lacking a knockout, you’ll need to drill a hole through the sink, and if your sink is an under-mount, you’ll need to drill through your countertop as well. If you currently have a soap dispenser or handheld sprayer on your sink, you could remove that and install the faucet there. (Don't install a faucet in place of an existing [air gap](https:\/\/ggrhomeinspections.com\/dishwasher-air-gap)—it's there to prevent dirty rinse-water from backing up into your dishwasher.)\n\n#### What to know if you’re concerned about PFAS in drinking water\n- [![Forever Chemicals Are in Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water. Here’s How to Reduce Your Exposure.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2023\/07\/foreverchemicals-2048px-iStock-909104882-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water\/)\n  \n  ### [Forever Chemicals Are in Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water. Here’s How to Reduce Your Exposure.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water\/)\n  Nearly half of tap water contains forever chemicals. Here’s how to figure out if you’re at risk and limit your exposure.\n\n## How we picked\n![A close up of a few under sink water filtration systems on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1383.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThis guide is about a specific type of under-sink filter: those that use cartridge filters. They take up little room and are generally simple to install and maintain. They use adsorbent materials—typically, activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, just like pitcher filters—to bind and neutralize contaminants. Most are plumbed to a separate faucet (included in the box), which means you need a mounting hole in your countertop; one that’s designed for a spray hose will work, or you can have a new hole drilled. We’re not talking about faucet-mounted filters, [reverse-osmosis systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#what-about-reverse-osmosis), or other pitchers or dispensers.\n\nTo ensure that we recommend only trustworthy filters, we have always insisted that our picks be certified to the industry standard: ANSI\/NSF. The [American National Standards Institute](https:\/\/www.ansi.org\/) and [NSF International](http:\/\/www.nsf.org\/) are private, nonprofit organizations that—working in concert with the EPA, industry representatives, and other experts—establish strict quality standards and testing protocols for thousands of products, [including water filters](http:\/\/info.nsf.org\/Certified\/DWTU\/listings_leadreduction.asp). The two main certifying labs for water filters are NSF International itself and the [Water Quality Association](https:\/\/www.wqa.org\/) (WQA). Both are fully accredited in North America by ANSI and the Standards Council of Canada to do ANSI\/NSF certification testing, and both must adhere to the exact same testing standards and protocols. Filters can meet the certification standard only after being pushed well beyond their expected lifespan, using prepared “challenge” samples that are far more polluted than most tap water.\n\nFor this guide we focused on filters with certifications for chlorine, lead, and VOC (aka volatile organic compounds).\n\nChlorine certification is important, because chlorine is the usual culprit for “bad-tasting” tap water. But it’s also almost a gimme: Virtually all water filters of any type are certified for it.\n\nLead certification is hard to achieve because it means reducing a lead-rich solution by more than 99%.\n\nVOC certification is also challenging because it means a filter virtually eliminates more than 50 organic compounds, including [many common biocides and industrial precursors](http:\/\/www.nsf.org\/consumer-resources\/water-quality\/water-filters-testing-treatment\/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide). Not all under-sink filters have either certification, so by focusing on filters with certification for both, we identified those with markedly superior performance.\n\nWe further narrowed our search by favoring filters that are additionally certified under a relatively new [ANSI\/NSF standard 401](https:\/\/www.nsf.org\/knowledge-library\/nsf-ansi-42-53-and-401-filtration-systems-standards), which covers emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals, that are increasingly found in US water. Again, not all filters have 401 certification. So those that do have it (along with lead and VOC certification) are in a very select group.\n\nWithin this stringent subset, we then looked for those with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons. That equates to a filter lifespan of roughly six months under heavy use (2¾ gallons a day). That’s enough daily filtered water for most families to both drink and cook with. (Manufacturers provide suggested filter-replacement schedules, usually given in months rather than gallons; we abide by these recommendations in our assessments and cost calculations. We recommend always using original-manufacturer replacements, rather than third-party filters.)\n\nFinally, we weighed costs, both for the entire system up front and for the ongoing cost of replacement filters. We did not set a price floor or ceiling, but our research revealed that even though up-front costs ranged from the low \\$100s to \\$1,250, and filter costs from \\$60 to almost \\$300, these differences weren’t reflected in markedly superior specs for the more expensive models. We found several under-sink filters that came in at well under \\$200 while offering exceptional certifications and lifespans. These are the ones that became our finalists. Beyond this, we looked for:\n\n- **Misleading claims:** Unfortunately, many filter makers use phrases like “independently tested to ANSI\/NSF standards” to imply that the filter is certified. But “independently tested to” and “certified” aren’t the same thing; the former usually means a filter maker had its testing done by a non-certifying lab. All of the filters we recommend are certified by NSF or WQA.\n- **Total ANSI\/NSF certifications:** More is better. There are scores of potential water contaminants, and filters must be tested and certified for each one. Certification is done on a strict pass\/fail basis; there are no certifications for “pretty good” or “close enough.”\n- **Cost-competitiveness:** Filters have to be replaced regularly, so cost-per-filter and the replacement schedule give a sense of long-term cost-competitiveness.\n- **Wide availability:** We especially wanted our recommended replacement filters to be easy to find for the foreseeable future.\n- **Hardware quality:** We favored metal parts over plastic—especially on plumbing connections—and compression fittings over push-in ones.\n- **Reputation and reviews:** We weighed the trends we found in the filters’ owner reviews—both positive and negative—to get a fuller picture of how they perform beyond their certifications and our own experience.\n\nWhile researching, we ran into occasional reports of catastrophic leaks from owners of under-sink water filters. Because the filters are plumbed into the cold-water feed line, if a connector or hose breaks, water will escape until the shut-off valve is closed—so it could be hours or even days before you discover the problem, leaving you with severe water damage. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is a risk to weigh when you’re considering buying an under-sink filter. And if you do buy one, follow the installation instructions carefully, take care not to cross-thread the connector, and turn the water back on slowly to check that there are no leaks. For extra peace of mind (for all plumbing concerns, not just under-sink filters), consider installing a [smart leak detector](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/).\n\n## How we tested\nWe’ve conducted lab tests of water filters in years past, and our main takeaway from testing was that ANSI\/NSF certification is a reliable measure of a filter’s performance. That’s not surprising given the extreme rigor of the certification testing. Since then we have relied on ANSI\/NSF certifications, rather than our own limited testing, to select our competitors.\n\nIn 2018 we conducted tests on the popular [Big Berkey water-filter system](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/big-berkey-water-filter-system\/), which is not ANSI\/NSF certified but claims to have been extensively tested to ANSI\/NSF standards. That experience further cemented our insistence on true ANSI\/NSF certifications and our distrust of “tested to ANSI\/NSF” claims.\n\nOur tests since then, including in 2019, have focused on real-world usability and the kinds of practical features and drawbacks that become apparent when you’re living with these products.\n\n## Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200\n![The filters, installation componenets and faucet for the Aquasana AQ-5200 on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1412.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31959\/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon \"Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration\")\n### [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana AQ-5200\")\n\nCertified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact.\n\n[\\$140 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$140 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/184369\/4\/92255?merchant=Walmart)\n\nOur pick is the [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92266\/?merchant=Amazon), aka the Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI\/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS. Beyond that, its faucet and plumbing hardware are made of solid metal, which is superior to the plastic that some other manufacturers use. And this system is also extremely compact. Finally, the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the best values we’ve found in under-sink filters, typically costing about \\$140 up front for the whole system (filters, housing, faucet, and hardware) and \\$60 for a set of two replacement filters. That’s less than many competitors with weaker certifications.\n\nThe AQ-5200’s [ANSI\/NSF certifications](https:\/\/www.aquasana.com\/on\/demandware.static\/-\/Sites-aquasana-Library\/default\/PDF\/AQ-5200_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) include chlorine, which is used to kill pathogens in municipal water supplies and is the chief cause of “bad-tasting” tap water; lead, which can leach out of old pipes and pipe solder; mercury; live cryptosporidium and giardia, two potential pathogens; and chloramine, a persistent chlorine-ammonia disinfectant that is increasingly employed by filtration plants in the US South, where pure chlorine rapidly degrades in the warm water. The AQ-5200 is also certified for 15 “emerging contaminants” that are increasingly found in public water supplies, including BPA, ibuprofen, and estrone (a form of estrogen used in birth control); for microplastics; and for PFOA and PFOS (fluorine-based industrial compounds that are widely found in US tap-water supplies). It is also certified for VOC. That means it effectively removes more than 50 different organic compounds, including many pesticides and industrial precursors.\n\n![The aquasana faucet sitting next to a filtrete faucet on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1824.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nThe Aquasana (right) uses solid metal for the faucet, piping, and connector. Some other filters, including the Filtrete at left, use plastic. Sarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nAlong with activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, which are common to most if not all under-sink filters, Aquasana uses two additional filter technologies to achieve its certifications. For chloramine, it adds catalytic carbon, a more porous—and therefore more reactive—form of activated carbon produced by treating the carbon with high-temperature gas. For cryptosporidium and giardia, Aquasana manufactures its filters in such a way that the pore size is reduced to 0.5 micron, which is small enough to physically capture them.\n\nThe Aquasana AQ-5200 filter’s exceptional certifications are the main reason it’s our pick. But its design and materials also set it apart. The faucet is made of solid metal and so is the T-shaped fixture that attaches the filter to the plumbing. Some competitors use plastic for one or both, lowering cost but increasing the risk of cross-threading and mis-installation. The AQ-5200 employs compression fittings to ensure a tight, secure seal between your plumbing and the plastic tubing that sends water to the filters and tap; some competitors use simple push-in fittings, which are less secure. And the AQ-5200 faucet is available in three finishes (brushed nickel, polished chrome, and oiled bronze), whereas some competitors give you no choice.\n\nWe also favored the AQ-5200 system’s compact form. It uses a pair of filters that are each little bigger than a soda can; some other filters, including the Aquasana AQ-5300+, below, are the size of liter bottles. With the filters installed on the mounting bracket, the AQ-5200 measures 9 inches high by 8 inches wide by 4 inches deep; the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is 13 by 12 by 4 inches. That means the AQ-5200 takes up significantly less room in the sink cabinet, can fit in cramped spaces where larger systems would not, and leaves more room for under-sink storage. You need about 11 inches of vertical space (measuring downward from the top of the housing) to permit filter replacement, and about 9 inches of unobstructed horizontal space along a cabinet wall to install the housing.\n\nThe AQ-5200 is very well reviewed for a water filter, with 4.5 stars (out of five) across more than 800 reviews at Aquasana’s site, and 4.5 stars across nearly 500 reviews at Home Depot.\n\nFinally, at its current price of about \\$140 (and often on sale for closer to \\$100) for the complete system and \\$60 for a set of replacement filters (\\$120 per year on a six-month replacement cycle), the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the very best values among our competitors, costing hundreds less than some models whose certifications aren’t as extensive. The unit contains a timer that begins beeping when you’re due for a filter replacement, but we recommend also setting a recurring calendar reminder on your phone. (You’re less likely to miss it.)\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\nThe Aquasana AQ-5200 has a lower maximum flow rate relative to some competitors (0.5 gpm versus 0.72 or more) and lower capacity (500 gallons versus 750 or more). This is the direct result of its physically small filters. On balance, we think these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its compactness. If you know you want higher flow and capacity, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is rated to 0.72 gpm and 800 gallons but shares the same six-month filter-replacement schedule, and the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect delivers up to 1.5 gpm and is rated to 784 gallons and six months.\n\nThe AQ-5200 system’s instruction manual is a bit sloppy, with a few parts not shown on the parts list or diagram. It’s nothing that will trip up most owners; fundamentally, all you’re doing is attaching a couple of tubes to the water supply and the faucet, and the parts more or less explain themselves. (The unlisted, decorative stainless washer is the exception: it goes onto the faucet first, before the thin rubber washer.) And in fairness, sloppiness is a problem with many under-sink filters’ manuals, judging by the comments we came across in our research. But we’d like to see the manual rectified in the future. In the meantime, here’s a video from Aquasana of [how to install the AQ-5200.](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=iFXVzgfLnZ0)\n\nAs noted above in How We Picked, under-sink water filters, [including the AQ-5200](https:\/\/amazon.com\/product-reviews\/\/B00CHYLXLM\/ref=acr_dpx_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar), occasionally fail catastrophically, causing severe water damage if the problem is not quickly noticed and fixed. Be particularly careful when installing that you don’t cross-thread the connector and that the hose connections are secure, and turn the water back on slowly, so you can catch and rectify any leaks before they become a disaster. A [smart leak detector](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/) can catch catastrophic leaks (whatever the cause) before the worst damage is done.\n\nLike all our picks, the Aquasana AQ-5200 comes with its own separate faucet, which may not match your style. You can also install a separate faucet of your choice, as long as the faucet connection is ⅜ inch. But you’ll want to match its flow rate to the Aquasana’s 0.5 gpm, because filter certifications are tied to flow. And note that using your own faucet technically means your system is no longer ANSI\/NSF certified.\n\nIf you suspect your water is sediment-rich (an orange-ish tint, from rust, is one clue; so is past experience with filters of any sort, including pitchers, becoming clogged before their projected lifespan), you may wish to look at the otherwise similar [Aquasana AQ-5300](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#the-competition), which adds a sediment prefilter.\n\n## Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200\n![Our runner-up pick for best under-sink water filter, the A.O. Smith AO-US-200.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1798-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31960\/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Same performance, different name](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon \"Same performance, different name\")\n### [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon \"A.O. Smith AO-US-200\")\n\nIdentical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in certifications, specs, and size, but exclusive to Lowe’s.\n\n[\\$100 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\nThe [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92267\/?merchant=Amazon), marketed as (prepare for a mouthful) the Clean Water Filter Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under Sink Water Filtration System, is functionally and in every important respect physically identical to the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200. It has [the same ANS\/NSF certifications](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ao-us-200_pds.pdf) (PDF) and the same compact size, filter technologies, all-metal construction, compression fittings, and 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity. It also usually sells for about the same price up front and for a set of replacement filters. None of this is suspicious: A.O. Smith purchased Aquasana in 2016, and as an A.O. Smith representative told us, is “leveraging” Aquasana’s expertise while having no plans to phase out the Aquasana brand.\n\nThe A.O. Smith filter differs from the Aquasana AQ-5200 in only two respects. First, it’s exclusive to Lowe’s. Second, its faucet comes in only a brushed-nickel finish, while the AQ-5200 faucet comes in brushed-nickel, polished-chrome, and oiled-bronze versions. If brushed nickel suits your decor, we recommend shopping around. Sales can significantly reduce the price of one relative to the other.\n\n![The black ao smith filter sitting next to the white aquasana filter on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1349.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nThe A.O. Smith AO-US-200 and Aquasana AQ-5200 are identical in every important respect. Sarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nAs for flaws, the A.O. Smith’s manual is sloppy in the same ways the Aquasana 5200 manual is. And our A.O. Smith came with a single 6-foot length of plastic tubing; it’s supposed to come with two 3-foot lengths, as the AQ-5200 did. The tubing was easy to cut in half (we tested with scissors, kitchen shears, and [a wire cutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wire-cutter\/)), but owners shouldn’t have to take that step themselves.\n\n## Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow\n![The filter, installation components and faucet for the Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1793.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31961\/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [Higher flow and capacity](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon \"Higher flow and capacity\")\n### [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow\")\n\nSame great certifications as and higher flow rate and filter capacity than the AQ-5200, plus a prefilter to help with rusty sediment.\n\n[\\$191 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$191 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/208373\/4\/92261?merchant=Walmart)\n\nWith identical certifications to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200 but higher flow rate and larger capacity, the [Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92268\/?merchant=Amazon) is our pick for people who need a lot of filtered water and want it fast. But it’s a physically much larger system (see the comparative photo below) and costs more up front and to replace the three filters.\n\nThe Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow is ANSI\/NSF certified for [the same contaminants](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/AQ-5300_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) as the 5200 and A.O. Smith filters, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, PFOA, and PFOS. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow adds a prefilter for capturing rust and sediment that may be in the water supply, helping keep the contaminant filters from clogging; the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters lack this feature.\n\nThe AQ-5300+ Max Flow uses all-metal hardware that’s identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, and like the AQ-5200, the faucet comes in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. And the AQ-5300+ Max Flow has the same secure compression fittings, helping prevent leaks.\n\nThe AQ-5300+ Max Flow delivers water more quickly than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters: it’s rated to 0.72 gpm, versus 0.5. And its filters have a higher capacity, at 800 versus 500 gallons. But that does not extend the filters’ recommended lifespan: they’re rated to the same six months. At about \\$80 versus \\$60 for a set of replacements, that translates to about \\$40 more annually. And the AW-5300+ Max Flow is more expensive up front, at around \\$150 (though often on sale for less).\n\n![The larger aquasana max flow filter next to the smaller lower flow filter on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1306.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nThe larger Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow (left) has a higher flow rate and filter capacity than the company’s AQ-5200 (right) and A.O. Smith AO-US-200 (not pictured). Sarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nBut the AQ-5300+ Max Flow is physically much larger than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, at 13 by 12 by 4 inches versus 9 by 8 by 4 inches. It will take up more room in your under-sink cabinet and may not fit at all if your cabinet is particularly small or cramped. You need about 15 inches of vertical space (measuring downward) from the top of the housing to permit filter replacement, and about 13 inches of unobstructed horizontal cabinet wall to screw the housing into place.\n\nOne other note: The AW-5300+ Max Flow is equipped with a “performance indicating device” (PID). That means it measures the actual amount of water that passes through the device, while the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters have simple timers. The PID is Bluetooth enabled, as well, so it can alert your phone or laptop when the filters are due for replacement. We still recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone, as you’re more likely to see the reminder and don’t have to worry about the PID malfunctioning or running out of power.\n\n## Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2021\/09\/01-under-sink-water-filter-2048px-claryum.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nAquasana\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/40089\/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\n## [High water flow, easy installation](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon \"High water flow, easy installation\")\n### [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon \"Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect\")\n\nInstalls without drilling and delivers up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute through your existing faucet.\n\n[\\$125 from Amazon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\n[\\$125 from Walmart](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/208918\/4\/218355?merchant=Walmart)\n\nThe [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/135277\/?merchant=Amazon) is an under-sink filter with particular utility for renters and for people in homes that don’t have a separate mounting hole for a filter-dedicated faucet. That’s because it plumbs directly into the cold-water line and sends filtered water to the main faucet—you don’t have to drill any holes or otherwise alter your space. This design also makes the Claryum Direct Connect easier to install than our other picks, which need that separate faucet installed and also require you to mount the filters on the sidewall of the sink cabinet. In contrast, the Claryum Direct Connect can simply lie on the cabinet floor (though it comes with mounting brackets if you prefer to secure it horizontally or vertically).\n\nThe Claryum Direct Connect has the same exceptional ANSI\/NSF certifications as our other picks from Aquasana and A.O. Smith. (The latter is a Lowe’s-exclusive Aquasana brand—the exact A. O. Smith equivalent to the Claryum Direct Connect is the [A. O. Smith Clean Water Main Filter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/46756\/174449\/4\/135279\/?merchant=Lowe's).) It reduces lead, mercury, PFOA\/PFOS, and some pharmaceuticals, a total of 77 contaminants. The filters are rated for 784 gallons, or about six months’ worth of normal use, and Aquasana claims a flow rate of up to 1.5 gallons per minute—three times faster than that of the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200 and twice as fast as the flow rate of the AQ-5300+.\n\nIn our initial testing, we measured zero change in a home faucet’s flow after installing the Claryum Direct Connect: It delivered the same 1.25 gallons per minute that it did before. However, after plumbing repairs elsewhere in the multi-unit building sent a huge burst of sediment into the pipes, the filter clogged, and the flow dropped to just 0.5 gpm. If you know or suspect that you have sediment issues, we recommend our upgrade pick, the [AQ-5300+](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/135280\/?merchant=Amazon), because unlike the Claryum Direct Connect it has a sediment prefilter.\n\nInstalling the Claryum Direct Connect is straightforward. You simply shut off the cold-water inlet valve, unscrew the existing coupling to the sink’s water line, and screw in the provided adapter. Two sections of tubing, also included, connect the filter to the adapter, using simple press-fit collars. You can leave the filter lying on the floor of the sink cabinet or mount it on the brackets that Aquasana provides. We were able to do the job in about 10 minutes; the only tools you need are an adjustable wrench and, if you opt for the brackets, a screwdriver.\n\nBe aware, however, that the filter is much larger than our other picks at 20½ inches long and 4½ inches wide, and you need 3 inches of additional space below it or next to it to remove a spent filter and put a new one in. So take some measurements before buying.\n\nBecause the Claryum Direct Connect is connected to the main faucet, every time you turn on the cold water, you use up a bit of filter life. The filter’s high capacity makes that less of a concern than it would otherwise be, but we can imagine people altering their water usage in a bid to maximize the filter’s lifespan. (“You’re definitely [not pre-rinsing those dishes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/how-to-use-your-dishwasher-better\/) now,” quipped Harry Sawyers, editor of this guide.) Of course, you also get the convenience of instant, free-flowing filtered water and easy installation, and we consider that a fair trade-off. When it’s time for a [replacement filter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/46757\/174450\/4\/135281\/?merchant=Aquasana), the old one twists out and the new one twists into place, the work of less than a minute.\n\nReviews of the [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/amazon.com\/Aquasana-Under-Water-Filter-System\/product-reviews\/B088GSC89B\/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews) are generally very positive—with one common source of complaint, and a valid one. The adapter piece is made of plastic, and it’s too easy to cross-thread that piece during installation and strip the threads, rendering it useless. If you just take a little care, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a brass adapter would be sturdier and less prone to this problem.\n\n## What to look forward to\nIn 2025, we will be testing under-sink reverse osmosis filters. Traditional R\/O has become more efficient since we first wrote this guide, and wastes less water than it used to. And tankless on-demand R\/O systems are proliferating. These save on under-sink space, long a knock on traditional systems. Because R\/O is a mature technology, our focus is likely to be on differences in livability, reliability, and upfront and running costs. (These include the installation cost—which can be significant if you need to add an electrical outlet for a tankless system.) Our concerns about the inefficiency of and questionable need for R\/O remain, but we’re hopeful we can find a solid system that delivers on its promises.\n\n## The competition\nThe [Hahn 3-stage 600-gallon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31962\/153014\/4\/92271\/?merchant=Amazon) is a re-branded version of the Aquasana AQ-5300. It has the same 77 ANSI\/NSF certifications as the Aquasana 5200, 5300, 5300+ Max Flow, and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200. And like the 5300 and 5300+ Max Flow, it has a sediment prefilter. It’s not as widely available as any of these, but if you see one at a competitive price and if you know you have high sediment in your pipes, it’s a solid choice.\n\nThe [Amway eSpring 100189](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/16149\/48342\/4\/92272\/?merchant=Amway) has more ANSI\/NSF certifications than any other filter we discovered in our research, including lead, VOC, Standard 401 “emerging contaminants,” and PFOA and PFOS. But it costs \\$1,250. That’s almost 10 times what our picks cost, which made it easy to dismiss.\n\nThe [Aquasana AQ-5300](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31963\/153015\/4\/92273\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) sits between the top-pick AQ-5200 and upgrade-pick 5300+ Max Flow. It’s physically almost identical to the AQ-5200 but adds a sediment prefilter (like the 5300+ Max Flow) to help extend the contaminant filters’ lifespans. If you know your water is rusty or sediment-rich, this filter may be worth the slightly higher up-front and maintenance costs. It has same ANSI\/NSF certifications and 0.5 gpm flow as the AQ-5200, a slightly higher 600-gallon capacity, and the same six-month filter replacement schedule but is a bit wider (12 inches versus 8 inches) due to the third filter.\n\nBrondell’s popular [H2O+ Coral UC300l](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31964\/153016\/4\/92274\/?merchant=Amazon) has lead and VOC certification but no Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications.\n\nThe [3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/16145\/48325\/4\/92275\/?merchant=Amazon), an informal recommendation in the previous version of this guide, costs considerably more than our picks and lacks Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications.\n\nThe [Body Glove BG-12000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/16147\/153017\/4\/92276\/?merchant=Amazon), also a former informal recommendation, is rated to a relatively high 0.75 gpm and 750 gallons but has fewer certifications than our picks and costs more than \\$500, and you have to buy a faucet separately. The [BG-3000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31965\/153018\/4\/92277\/?merchant=Amazon) lacks Standard 401 certifications and is rated to just 450 gallons, and again costs more than our picks and doesn’t come with a faucet.\n\nThe popular [Brita Redi-Twist WFUSS-334](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31966\/153019\/4\/92278\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) is not a Brita product but licenses Brita’s name. It lacks VOC and Standard 401 certifications and costs more than our picks.\n\nThe [Camelot Imperial Plus](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31967\/153020\/4\/92279\/?merchant=Camelot%20International%20Health%20Organization) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” and costs \\$1,800.\n\nAPEC’s popular [WFS-1000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31968\/153021\/4\/92280\/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified for any of its claims by NSF or WQA.\n\nNo [Ecodyne](https:\/\/ecodyne.com\/) filter in the under-sink, non-reverse-osmosis category met our requirements. (The company primarily focuses on industrial, pool, and spa filtration.)\n\nThe [iSpring US31](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31969\/153022\/4\/92281\/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified by NSF or WQA but rather is “independently tested” to their standards.\n\nThe [Frizzlife MP99](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31970\/153023\/4\/92282\/?merchant=Amazon), an “Amazon’s Choice,” also is not certified by NSF or WQA.\n\nNo [EcoWater](https:\/\/www.ecowater.com\/home-water-solutions\/drinking-water-systems\/) filter met our requirements of lead and VOC reduction and 500-gallon capacity.\n\nThe [GE Single Stage Filtration System](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31971\/153024\/4\/92283\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) does not have NSF or WQA certifications.\n\nThe [Pentair F2000-B2B](https:\/\/www.pentair.com\/content\/pentair\/en\/products\/residential-water-treatment\/professional-series\/f2000.html) has lead and VOC certifications but not Standard 401, and is not widely available.\n\nShaklee’s BestWater MTS2000 Model 82333 is [NSF-certified for lead and VOC](http:\/\/info.nsf.org\/Certified\/dwtu\/listings.asp?CompanyName=shaklee&submit1=Search+by+Manufacturer&Program=DWTU) and rated to 1,000 gallons, but we found very little further information about it.\n\nThe [WaterChef U9000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31972\/153025\/4\/92284\/?merchant=WaterChef) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants.” That and its high cost mean it’s not our pick, despite its 1,000-gallon capacity and 0.75 gpm flow rate.\n\n## Meet your guide\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2015\/06\/heffernan_headshot_face_on_3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=100)\n\nTim Heffernan\n\nWhat I Cover\n\nSince I joined Wirecutter in 2015, indoor air and water quality have gone from being somewhat fringe concerns to central worries for many people. First wildfires, then the Flint and Newark lead crises, then COVID-19, and most recently PFAS drove the shift, and it has been a career-defining—and extremely satisfying—challenge to stay on top of the ever-multiplying products used to clean the air and water in homes and to counter the landslides of misinformation and fearmongering that can accompany them.\n\nSince 2021 I’ve developed a third beat covering residential solar and other energy-saving technology and techniques. It’s great fun, not just because it’s an extremely complex topic, but also because the best approach for many people is also the simplest and cheapest: weatherizing their homes. Guiding readers toward solutions that don’t involve buying shiny new toys is the most edifying thing I get to do here.\n\n## Further reading\n- [![The Big Berkey, a large steel canister with a spigot at the bottom, on a kitchen counter.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2022\/07\/big-berkley-water-filter-2048px-9867-2.jpeg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/big-berkey-water-filter-system\/)\n  \n  ### [The Big Berkey Water Filter System: Uncertified and Inconvenient](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/big-berkey-water-filter-system\/)\n  by Tim Heffernan\n  \n  The Big Berkey Water Filter system lacks independent certification, and it’s much more expensive and less convenient to use than other options.\n- [![Four filtered water bottles along with replacement filters and straws.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/02\/filteredwaterbottles-2048px-07898-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-filtered-water-bottles\/)\n  \n  ### [The Best Filtered Water Bottles](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-filtered-water-bottles\/)\n  by Tim Heffernan\n  \n  You can get cleaner, better-tasting water with a filtered bottle that can travel with you—but other filtered water options may be more convenient overall.\n- [![An Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow with an illustrated border.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2024\/01\/aq5300maxflow-2048px-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/aquasana-aq-5300-max-flow-review\/)\n  \n  ### [This Under-Sink Filter Makes My New York City Tap Water Taste Like a Mountain Spring](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/aquasana-aq-5300-max-flow-review\/)\n  by Christine Cyr Clisset\n  \n  The Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow removes all kinds of gunk and harmful chemicals from drinking water.\n- [![A person filling up a glass of water from a kitchen sink tap.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2023\/07\/foreverchemicals-2048px-iStock-909104882-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water\/)\n  \n  ### [Forever Chemicals Are in Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water. Here’s How to Reduce Your Exposure.](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/blog\/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water\/)\n  by Tim Heffernan\n  \n  Nearly half of tap water contains forever chemicals. Here’s how to figure out if you’re at risk and limit your exposure.\n\n[Edit](https:\/\/thewirecutter.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=10888&action=edit)\n\n## Join our 4-day spring-cleaning challenge\nA daily five-minute cleaning hack — plus, actionable tips and good-looking upgrades for a tidier home — delivered right to your inbox. Starts March 9.\n\nEmail Address\n\n[Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/ \"Wirecutter\")\n\nWirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). [Subscribe now](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/subscription\/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2F) for unlimited access.\n\n- [About Wirecutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/about\/ \"About Wirecutter\")\n- [Our team](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/masthead\/ \"Our team\")\n- [Staff demographics](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/staff-demographics\/ \"Staff demographics\")\n- [Jobs at Wirecutter](https:\/\/job-boards.greenhouse.io\/thenewyorktimes?keyword=wirecutter \"Jobs at Wirecutter\")\n- [How to pitch](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/how-to-pitch\/ \"How to pitch\")\n\n- [Contact The New York Times](https:\/\/help.nytimes.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115015385887-Contact-The-New-York-Times \"Contact The New York Times\")\n- [Send us feedback](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/article\/wirecutter-feedback.html \"Send us feedback\")\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/newsletters\/ \"Newsletters\")\n\n- © 2026 Wirecutter, Inc., [A New York Times Company](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/privacy\/privacy-policy \"Privacy Policy\")\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/help.nytimes.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115014893428-Terms-of-service \"Terms of Service\")\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/privacy\/cookie-policy \"Cookie Policy\")\n- [Partnerships & Advertising](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/partners\/ \"Partnerships & Advertising\")\n- [Licensing & Reprints](https:\/\/info.wrightsmedia.com\/nyt-wirecutter-licensing \"Licensing & Reprints\")\n- [RSS](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/feed\/ \"RSS\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Why you should trust me\nI have been testing water filters for Wirecutter since 2016. In my reporting, I’ve spoken at length with filter-certification organizations to understand how their testing is conducted, and delved deeply into their public databases to confirm that manufacturers’ claims are supported by certified testing. I’ve also spoken with representatives of multiple water-filter manufacturers, including Aquasana\/A.O. Smith, Filtrete, Brita, and Pur, to interrogate their claims. And I’ve gone hands-on with all of our picks, because overall livability, durability, and user-friendliness are important in a device you’ll use multiple times a day.\n\nJohn Holecek, a former NOAA scientist, researched and wrote earlier Wirecutter water-filter guides, conducted his own tests, commissioned further independent tests, and taught me much of what I know. My work builds on his.\n\n## Do you need a water filter?\nUnfortunately there’s no universal answer to whether you need a water filter. In the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, and water leaving a public water-treatment plant must meet strict quality standards. But not all potential contaminants are regulated. As well, contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant, by [infiltrating leaky pipes](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sites\/production\/files\/2015-09\/documents\/thepotentialforhealthrisksfromintrusionofcontaminants_1.pdf) (PDF) or by leaching out of the pipes themselves. And water treatments done (or overlooked) at the plant can exacerbate leaching in pipes downstream—[as happened in Flint, Michigan](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5353852\/).\n\nTo know exactly what’s in your supplier’s water when it leaves the plant, you can usually find your local supplier’s EPA-mandated Consumer Confidence Report [online](https:\/\/ofmpub.epa.gov\/apex\/safewater\/f?p=136:102::::::); if not, all public water suppliers are required to give you their CCR upon request. But because of potential downstream contamination, the only way to know for certain what’s in your home’s water is to pay a local water-quality lab to test it.\n\nAs a rule of thumb: The older your home or community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The [EPA says](https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ground-water-and-drinking-water\/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water) that “homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder”—once-common older materials that don’t meet current codes. Age also brings an increased likelihood of legacy groundwater pollution from pre-regulation industry, which can be a risk, especially when combined with age-related degradation of underground plumbing.\n\n## Who this is for\nIf your household goes through more than two or three gallons of drinking water each day, an under-sink water filter may be a better choice than a [pitcher filter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-water-filter-pitcher\/). Under-sink systems provide filtered drinking water on demand, with no waiting around for the filtration process to run its course, as there is with pitchers. “On demand” filtration also means under-sink systems can provide enough water for cooking—you could fill a pot to cook pasta with filtered water, for example, but you’d never repeatedly refill a pitcher for that.\n\nUnder-sink filters also tend to have much more capacity and much longer lifespans than pitcher filters—often hundreds of gallons and six months or more, versus 40 gallons and two months for most pitcher filters. And because under-sink filters use water pressure, not gravity, to push water through the filter, their filters can be denser, so they can remove a greater range of potential contaminants.\n\nOn the downside, they’re more expensive up front than pitcher filters, and replacement filters are also more expensive in absolute terms and averaged over time. The system also takes up space in your sink cabinet that could otherwise be used for storage.\n\nInstalling an under-sink filter requires basic plumbing and hardware mounting, but the job is straightforward only if your sink already has a hole for a separate faucet. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to knock out one of the built-in faucet sites (visible as a raised disk on steel sinks, or a marking on synthetic-stone sinks). Lacking a knockout, you’ll need to drill a hole through the sink, and if your sink is an under-mount, you’ll need to drill through your countertop as well. If you currently have a soap dispenser or handheld sprayer on your sink, you could remove that and install the faucet there. (Don't install a faucet in place of an existing [air gap](https:\/\/ggrhomeinspections.com\/dishwasher-air-gap)—it's there to prevent dirty rinse-water from backing up into your dishwasher.)\n\n## How we picked\n![A close up of a few under sink water filtration systems on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1383.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nThis guide is about a specific type of under-sink filter: those that use cartridge filters. They take up little room and are generally simple to install and maintain. They use adsorbent materials—typically, activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, just like pitcher filters—to bind and neutralize contaminants. Most are plumbed to a separate faucet (included in the box), which means you need a mounting hole in your countertop; one that’s designed for a spray hose will work, or you can have a new hole drilled. We’re not talking about faucet-mounted filters, [reverse-osmosis systems](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#what-about-reverse-osmosis), or other pitchers or dispensers.\n\nTo ensure that we recommend only trustworthy filters, we have always insisted that our picks be certified to the industry standard: ANSI\/NSF. The [American National Standards Institute](https:\/\/www.ansi.org\/) and [NSF International](http:\/\/www.nsf.org\/) are private, nonprofit organizations that—working in concert with the EPA, industry representatives, and other experts—establish strict quality standards and testing protocols for thousands of products, [including water filters](http:\/\/info.nsf.org\/Certified\/DWTU\/listings_leadreduction.asp). The two main certifying labs for water filters are NSF International itself and the [Water Quality Association](https:\/\/www.wqa.org\/) (WQA). Both are fully accredited in North America by ANSI and the Standards Council of Canada to do ANSI\/NSF certification testing, and both must adhere to the exact same testing standards and protocols. Filters can meet the certification standard only after being pushed well beyond their expected lifespan, using prepared “challenge” samples that are far more polluted than most tap water.\n\nFor this guide we focused on filters with certifications for chlorine, lead, and VOC (aka volatile organic compounds).\n\nChlorine certification is important, because chlorine is the usual culprit for “bad-tasting” tap water. But it’s also almost a gimme: Virtually all water filters of any type are certified for it.\n\nLead certification is hard to achieve because it means reducing a lead-rich solution by more than 99%.\n\nVOC certification is also challenging because it means a filter virtually eliminates more than 50 organic compounds, including [many common biocides and industrial precursors](http:\/\/www.nsf.org\/consumer-resources\/water-quality\/water-filters-testing-treatment\/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide). Not all under-sink filters have either certification, so by focusing on filters with certification for both, we identified those with markedly superior performance.\n\nWe further narrowed our search by favoring filters that are additionally certified under a relatively new [ANSI\/NSF standard 401](https:\/\/www.nsf.org\/knowledge-library\/nsf-ansi-42-53-and-401-filtration-systems-standards), which covers emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals, that are increasingly found in US water. Again, not all filters have 401 certification. So those that do have it (along with lead and VOC certification) are in a very select group.\n\nWithin this stringent subset, we then looked for those with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons. That equates to a filter lifespan of roughly six months under heavy use (2¾ gallons a day). That’s enough daily filtered water for most families to both drink and cook with. (Manufacturers provide suggested filter-replacement schedules, usually given in months rather than gallons; we abide by these recommendations in our assessments and cost calculations. We recommend always using original-manufacturer replacements, rather than third-party filters.)\n\nFinally, we weighed costs, both for the entire system up front and for the ongoing cost of replacement filters. We did not set a price floor or ceiling, but our research revealed that even though up-front costs ranged from the low \\$100s to \\$1,250, and filter costs from \\$60 to almost \\$300, these differences weren’t reflected in markedly superior specs for the more expensive models. We found several under-sink filters that came in at well under \\$200 while offering exceptional certifications and lifespans. These are the ones that became our finalists. Beyond this, we looked for:\n\n- **Misleading claims:** Unfortunately, many filter makers use phrases like “independently tested to ANSI\/NSF standards” to imply that the filter is certified. But “independently tested to” and “certified” aren’t the same thing; the former usually means a filter maker had its testing done by a non-certifying lab. All of the filters we recommend are certified by NSF or WQA.\n- **Total ANSI\/NSF certifications:** More is better. There are scores of potential water contaminants, and filters must be tested and certified for each one. Certification is done on a strict pass\/fail basis; there are no certifications for “pretty good” or “close enough.”\n- **Cost-competitiveness:** Filters have to be replaced regularly, so cost-per-filter and the replacement schedule give a sense of long-term cost-competitiveness.\n- **Wide availability:** We especially wanted our recommended replacement filters to be easy to find for the foreseeable future.\n- **Hardware quality:** We favored metal parts over plastic—especially on plumbing connections—and compression fittings over push-in ones.\n- **Reputation and reviews:** We weighed the trends we found in the filters’ owner reviews—both positive and negative—to get a fuller picture of how they perform beyond their certifications and our own experience.\n\nWhile researching, we ran into occasional reports of catastrophic leaks from owners of under-sink water filters. Because the filters are plumbed into the cold-water feed line, if a connector or hose breaks, water will escape until the shut-off valve is closed—so it could be hours or even days before you discover the problem, leaving you with severe water damage. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is a risk to weigh when you’re considering buying an under-sink filter. And if you do buy one, follow the installation instructions carefully, take care not to cross-thread the connector, and turn the water back on slowly to check that there are no leaks. For extra peace of mind (for all plumbing concerns, not just under-sink filters), consider installing a [smart leak detector](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/).\n\n## How we tested\nWe’ve conducted lab tests of water filters in years past, and our main takeaway from testing was that ANSI\/NSF certification is a reliable measure of a filter’s performance. That’s not surprising given the extreme rigor of the certification testing. Since then we have relied on ANSI\/NSF certifications, rather than our own limited testing, to select our competitors.\n\nIn 2018 we conducted tests on the popular [Big Berkey water-filter system](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/big-berkey-water-filter-system\/), which is not ANSI\/NSF certified but claims to have been extensively tested to ANSI\/NSF standards. That experience further cemented our insistence on true ANSI\/NSF certifications and our distrust of “tested to ANSI\/NSF” claims.\n\nOur tests since then, including in 2019, have focused on real-world usability and the kinds of practical features and drawbacks that become apparent when you’re living with these products.\n\n## Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200\n![The filters, installation componenets and faucet for the Aquasana AQ-5200 on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1412.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Top pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31959\/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92255?merchant=Amazon)\n\nOur pick is the [Aquasana AQ-5200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31959\/153032\/4\/92266\/?merchant=Amazon), aka the Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI\/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS. Beyond that, its faucet and plumbing hardware are made of solid metal, which is superior to the plastic that some other manufacturers use. And this system is also extremely compact. Finally, the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the best values we’ve found in under-sink filters, typically costing about \\$140 up front for the whole system (filters, housing, faucet, and hardware) and \\$60 for a set of two replacement filters. That’s less than many competitors with weaker certifications.\n\nThe AQ-5200’s [ANSI\/NSF certifications](https:\/\/www.aquasana.com\/on\/demandware.static\/-\/Sites-aquasana-Library\/default\/PDF\/AQ-5200_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) include chlorine, which is used to kill pathogens in municipal water supplies and is the chief cause of “bad-tasting” tap water; lead, which can leach out of old pipes and pipe solder; mercury; live cryptosporidium and giardia, two potential pathogens; and chloramine, a persistent chlorine-ammonia disinfectant that is increasingly employed by filtration plants in the US South, where pure chlorine rapidly degrades in the warm water. The AQ-5200 is also certified for 15 “emerging contaminants” that are increasingly found in public water supplies, including BPA, ibuprofen, and estrone (a form of estrogen used in birth control); for microplastics; and for PFOA and PFOS (fluorine-based industrial compounds that are widely found in US tap-water supplies). It is also certified for VOC. That means it effectively removes more than 50 different organic compounds, including many pesticides and industrial precursors.\n\n![The aquasana faucet sitting next to a filtrete faucet on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1824.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nThe Aquasana (right) uses solid metal for the faucet, piping, and connector. Some other filters, including the Filtrete at left, use plastic. Sarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nAlong with activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, which are common to most if not all under-sink filters, Aquasana uses two additional filter technologies to achieve its certifications. For chloramine, it adds catalytic carbon, a more porous—and therefore more reactive—form of activated carbon produced by treating the carbon with high-temperature gas. For cryptosporidium and giardia, Aquasana manufactures its filters in such a way that the pore size is reduced to 0.5 micron, which is small enough to physically capture them.\n\nThe Aquasana AQ-5200 filter’s exceptional certifications are the main reason it’s our pick. But its design and materials also set it apart. The faucet is made of solid metal and so is the T-shaped fixture that attaches the filter to the plumbing. Some competitors use plastic for one or both, lowering cost but increasing the risk of cross-threading and mis-installation. The AQ-5200 employs compression fittings to ensure a tight, secure seal between your plumbing and the plastic tubing that sends water to the filters and tap; some competitors use simple push-in fittings, which are less secure. And the AQ-5200 faucet is available in three finishes (brushed nickel, polished chrome, and oiled bronze), whereas some competitors give you no choice.\n\nWe also favored the AQ-5200 system’s compact form. It uses a pair of filters that are each little bigger than a soda can; some other filters, including the Aquasana AQ-5300+, below, are the size of liter bottles. With the filters installed on the mounting bracket, the AQ-5200 measures 9 inches high by 8 inches wide by 4 inches deep; the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is 13 by 12 by 4 inches. That means the AQ-5200 takes up significantly less room in the sink cabinet, can fit in cramped spaces where larger systems would not, and leaves more room for under-sink storage. You need about 11 inches of vertical space (measuring downward from the top of the housing) to permit filter replacement, and about 9 inches of unobstructed horizontal space along a cabinet wall to install the housing.\n\nThe AQ-5200 is very well reviewed for a water filter, with 4.5 stars (out of five) across more than 800 reviews at Aquasana’s site, and 4.5 stars across nearly 500 reviews at Home Depot.\n\nFinally, at its current price of about \\$140 (and often on sale for closer to \\$100) for the complete system and \\$60 for a set of replacement filters (\\$120 per year on a six-month replacement cycle), the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the very best values among our competitors, costing hundreds less than some models whose certifications aren’t as extensive. The unit contains a timer that begins beeping when you’re due for a filter replacement, but we recommend also setting a recurring calendar reminder on your phone. (You’re less likely to miss it.)\n\n### Flaws but not dealbreakers\nThe Aquasana AQ-5200 has a lower maximum flow rate relative to some competitors (0.5 gpm versus 0.72 or more) and lower capacity (500 gallons versus 750 or more). This is the direct result of its physically small filters. On balance, we think these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its compactness. If you know you want higher flow and capacity, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is rated to 0.72 gpm and 800 gallons but shares the same six-month filter-replacement schedule, and the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect delivers up to 1.5 gpm and is rated to 784 gallons and six months.\n\nThe AQ-5200 system’s instruction manual is a bit sloppy, with a few parts not shown on the parts list or diagram. It’s nothing that will trip up most owners; fundamentally, all you’re doing is attaching a couple of tubes to the water supply and the faucet, and the parts more or less explain themselves. (The unlisted, decorative stainless washer is the exception: it goes onto the faucet first, before the thin rubber washer.) And in fairness, sloppiness is a problem with many under-sink filters’ manuals, judging by the comments we came across in our research. But we’d like to see the manual rectified in the future. In the meantime, here’s a video from Aquasana of [how to install the AQ-5200.](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=iFXVzgfLnZ0)\n\nAs noted above in How We Picked, under-sink water filters, [including the AQ-5200](https:\/\/amazon.com\/product-reviews\/\/B00CHYLXLM\/ref=acr_dpx_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar), occasionally fail catastrophically, causing severe water damage if the problem is not quickly noticed and fixed. Be particularly careful when installing that you don’t cross-thread the connector and that the hose connections are secure, and turn the water back on slowly, so you can catch and rectify any leaks before they become a disaster. A [smart leak detector](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/the-best-smart-leak-detector\/) can catch catastrophic leaks (whatever the cause) before the worst damage is done.\n\nLike all our picks, the Aquasana AQ-5200 comes with its own separate faucet, which may not match your style. You can also install a separate faucet of your choice, as long as the faucet connection is ⅜ inch. But you’ll want to match its flow rate to the Aquasana’s 0.5 gpm, because filter certifications are tied to flow. And note that using your own faucet technically means your system is no longer ANSI\/NSF certified.\n\nIf you suspect your water is sediment-rich (an orange-ish tint, from rust, is one clue; so is past experience with filters of any sort, including pitchers, becoming clogged before their projected lifespan), you may wish to look at the otherwise similar [Aquasana AQ-5300](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-under-sink-water-filter\/#the-competition), which adds a sediment prefilter.\n\n## Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200\n![Our runner-up pick for best under-sink water filter, the A.O. Smith AO-US-200.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1798-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Runner-up\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31960\/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92258?merchant=Amazon)\n\nThe [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31960\/153078\/4\/92267\/?merchant=Amazon), marketed as (prepare for a mouthful) the Clean Water Filter Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under Sink Water Filtration System, is functionally and in every important respect physically identical to the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200. It has [the same ANS\/NSF certifications](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/ao-us-200_pds.pdf) (PDF) and the same compact size, filter technologies, all-metal construction, compression fittings, and 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity. It also usually sells for about the same price up front and for a set of replacement filters. None of this is suspicious: A.O. Smith purchased Aquasana in 2016, and as an A.O. Smith representative told us, is “leveraging” Aquasana’s expertise while having no plans to phase out the Aquasana brand.\n\nThe A.O. Smith filter differs from the Aquasana AQ-5200 in only two respects. First, it’s exclusive to Lowe’s. Second, its faucet comes in only a brushed-nickel finish, while the AQ-5200 faucet comes in brushed-nickel, polished-chrome, and oiled-bronze versions. If brushed nickel suits your decor, we recommend shopping around. Sales can significantly reduce the price of one relative to the other.\n\n![The black ao smith filter sitting next to the white aquasana filter on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1349.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nThe A.O. Smith AO-US-200 and Aquasana AQ-5200 are identical in every important respect. Sarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nAs for flaws, the A.O. Smith’s manual is sloppy in the same ways the Aquasana 5200 manual is. And our A.O. Smith came with a single 6-foot length of plastic tubing; it’s supposed to come with two 3-foot lengths, as the AQ-5200 did. The tubing was easy to cut in half (we tested with scissors, kitchen shears, and [a wire cutter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/reviews\/best-wire-cutter\/)), but owners shouldn’t have to take that step themselves.\n\n## Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow\n![The filter, installation components and faucet for the Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1793.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nSarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\n#### Upgrade pick\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/31961\/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92261?merchant=Amazon)\n\nWith identical certifications to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200 but higher flow rate and larger capacity, the [Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/92268\/?merchant=Amazon) is our pick for people who need a lot of filtered water and want it fast. But it’s a physically much larger system (see the comparative photo below) and costs more up front and to replace the three filters.\n\nThe Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow is ANSI\/NSF certified for [the same contaminants](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/AQ-5300_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) as the 5200 and A.O. Smith filters, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, PFOA, and PFOS. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow adds a prefilter for capturing rust and sediment that may be in the water supply, helping keep the contaminant filters from clogging; the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters lack this feature.\n\nThe AQ-5300+ Max Flow uses all-metal hardware that’s identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, and like the AQ-5200, the faucet comes in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. And the AQ-5300+ Max Flow has the same secure compression fittings, helping prevent leaks.\n\nThe AQ-5300+ Max Flow delivers water more quickly than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters: it’s rated to 0.72 gpm, versus 0.5. And its filters have a higher capacity, at 800 versus 500 gallons. But that does not extend the filters’ recommended lifespan: they’re rated to the same six months. At about \\$80 versus \\$60 for a set of replacements, that translates to about \\$40 more annually. And the AW-5300+ Max Flow is more expensive up front, at around \\$150 (though often on sale for less).\n\n![The larger aquasana max flow filter next to the smaller lower flow filter on a blue background.](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1306.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nThe larger Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow (left) has a higher flow rate and filter capacity than the company’s AQ-5200 (right) and A.O. Smith AO-US-200 (not pictured). Sarah Kobos\/NYT Wirecutter\n\nBut the AQ-5300+ Max Flow is physically much larger than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, at 13 by 12 by 4 inches versus 9 by 8 by 4 inches. It will take up more room in your under-sink cabinet and may not fit at all if your cabinet is particularly small or cramped. You need about 15 inches of vertical space (measuring downward) from the top of the housing to permit filter replacement, and about 13 inches of unobstructed horizontal cabinet wall to screw the housing into place.\n\nOne other note: The AW-5300+ Max Flow is equipped with a “performance indicating device” (PID). That means it measures the actual amount of water that passes through the device, while the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters have simple timers. The PID is Bluetooth enabled, as well, so it can alert your phone or laptop when the filters are due for replacement. We still recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone, as you’re more likely to see the reminder and don’t have to worry about the PID malfunctioning or running out of power.\n\n## Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect\n![](https:\/\/cdn.thewirecutter.com\/wp-content\/media\/2021\/09\/01-under-sink-water-filter-2048px-claryum.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265)\n\nAquasana\n\n#### Best for...\n[![](https:\/\/d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net\/40089\/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/218355?merchant=Amazon)\n\nThe [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/40089\/183733\/4\/135277\/?merchant=Amazon) is an under-sink filter with particular utility for renters and for people in homes that don’t have a separate mounting hole for a filter-dedicated faucet. That’s because it plumbs directly into the cold-water line and sends filtered water to the main faucet—you don’t have to drill any holes or otherwise alter your space. This design also makes the Claryum Direct Connect easier to install than our other picks, which need that separate faucet installed and also require you to mount the filters on the sidewall of the sink cabinet. In contrast, the Claryum Direct Connect can simply lie on the cabinet floor (though it comes with mounting brackets if you prefer to secure it horizontally or vertically).\n\nThe Claryum Direct Connect has the same exceptional ANSI\/NSF certifications as our other picks from Aquasana and A.O. Smith. (The latter is a Lowe’s-exclusive Aquasana brand—the exact A. O. Smith equivalent to the Claryum Direct Connect is the [A. O. Smith Clean Water Main Filter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/46756\/174449\/4\/135279\/?merchant=Lowe's).) It reduces lead, mercury, PFOA\/PFOS, and some pharmaceuticals, a total of 77 contaminants. The filters are rated for 784 gallons, or about six months’ worth of normal use, and Aquasana claims a flow rate of up to 1.5 gallons per minute—three times faster than that of the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200 and twice as fast as the flow rate of the AQ-5300+.\n\nIn our initial testing, we measured zero change in a home faucet’s flow after installing the Claryum Direct Connect: It delivered the same 1.25 gallons per minute that it did before. However, after plumbing repairs elsewhere in the multi-unit building sent a huge burst of sediment into the pipes, the filter clogged, and the flow dropped to just 0.5 gpm. If you know or suspect that you have sediment issues, we recommend our upgrade pick, the [AQ-5300+](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31961\/153066\/4\/135280\/?merchant=Amazon), because unlike the Claryum Direct Connect it has a sediment prefilter.\n\nInstalling the Claryum Direct Connect is straightforward. You simply shut off the cold-water inlet valve, unscrew the existing coupling to the sink’s water line, and screw in the provided adapter. Two sections of tubing, also included, connect the filter to the adapter, using simple press-fit collars. You can leave the filter lying on the floor of the sink cabinet or mount it on the brackets that Aquasana provides. We were able to do the job in about 10 minutes; the only tools you need are an adjustable wrench and, if you opt for the brackets, a screwdriver.\n\nBe aware, however, that the filter is much larger than our other picks at 20½ inches long and 4½ inches wide, and you need 3 inches of additional space below it or next to it to remove a spent filter and put a new one in. So take some measurements before buying.\n\nBecause the Claryum Direct Connect is connected to the main faucet, every time you turn on the cold water, you use up a bit of filter life. The filter’s high capacity makes that less of a concern than it would otherwise be, but we can imagine people altering their water usage in a bid to maximize the filter’s lifespan. (“You’re definitely [not pre-rinsing those dishes](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/guides\/how-to-use-your-dishwasher-better\/) now,” quipped Harry Sawyers, editor of this guide.) Of course, you also get the convenience of instant, free-flowing filtered water and easy installation, and we consider that a fair trade-off. When it’s time for a [replacement filter](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/46757\/174450\/4\/135281\/?merchant=Aquasana), the old one twists out and the new one twists into place, the work of less than a minute.\n\nReviews of the [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https:\/\/amazon.com\/Aquasana-Under-Water-Filter-System\/product-reviews\/B088GSC89B\/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews) are generally very positive—with one common source of complaint, and a valid one. The adapter piece is made of plastic, and it’s too easy to cross-thread that piece during installation and strip the threads, rendering it useless. If you just take a little care, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a brass adapter would be sturdier and less prone to this problem.\n\n## What to look forward to\nIn 2025, we will be testing under-sink reverse osmosis filters. Traditional R\/O has become more efficient since we first wrote this guide, and wastes less water than it used to. And tankless on-demand R\/O systems are proliferating. These save on under-sink space, long a knock on traditional systems. Because R\/O is a mature technology, our focus is likely to be on differences in livability, reliability, and upfront and running costs. (These include the installation cost—which can be significant if you need to add an electrical outlet for a tankless system.) Our concerns about the inefficiency of and questionable need for R\/O remain, but we’re hopeful we can find a solid system that delivers on its promises.\n\n## The competition\nThe [Hahn 3-stage 600-gallon](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31962\/153014\/4\/92271\/?merchant=Amazon) is a re-branded version of the Aquasana AQ-5300. It has the same 77 ANSI\/NSF certifications as the Aquasana 5200, 5300, 5300+ Max Flow, and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200. And like the 5300 and 5300+ Max Flow, it has a sediment prefilter. It’s not as widely available as any of these, but if you see one at a competitive price and if you know you have high sediment in your pipes, it’s a solid choice.\n\nThe [Amway eSpring 100189](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/16149\/48342\/4\/92272\/?merchant=Amway) has more ANSI\/NSF certifications than any other filter we discovered in our research, including lead, VOC, Standard 401 “emerging contaminants,” and PFOA and PFOS. But it costs \\$1,250. That’s almost 10 times what our picks cost, which made it easy to dismiss.\n\nThe [Aquasana AQ-5300](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31963\/153015\/4\/92273\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) sits between the top-pick AQ-5200 and upgrade-pick 5300+ Max Flow. It’s physically almost identical to the AQ-5200 but adds a sediment prefilter (like the 5300+ Max Flow) to help extend the contaminant filters’ lifespans. If you know your water is rusty or sediment-rich, this filter may be worth the slightly higher up-front and maintenance costs. It has same ANSI\/NSF certifications and 0.5 gpm flow as the AQ-5200, a slightly higher 600-gallon capacity, and the same six-month filter replacement schedule but is a bit wider (12 inches versus 8 inches) due to the third filter.\n\nBrondell’s popular [H2O+ Coral UC300l](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31964\/153016\/4\/92274\/?merchant=Amazon) has lead and VOC certification but no Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications.\n\nThe [3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/16145\/48325\/4\/92275\/?merchant=Amazon), an informal recommendation in the previous version of this guide, costs considerably more than our picks and lacks Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications.\n\nThe [Body Glove BG-12000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/16147\/153017\/4\/92276\/?merchant=Amazon), also a former informal recommendation, is rated to a relatively high 0.75 gpm and 750 gallons but has fewer certifications than our picks and costs more than \\$500, and you have to buy a faucet separately. The [BG-3000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31965\/153018\/4\/92277\/?merchant=Amazon) lacks Standard 401 certifications and is rated to just 450 gallons, and again costs more than our picks and doesn’t come with a faucet.\n\nThe popular [Brita Redi-Twist WFUSS-334](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31966\/153019\/4\/92278\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) is not a Brita product but licenses Brita’s name. It lacks VOC and Standard 401 certifications and costs more than our picks.\n\nThe [Camelot Imperial Plus](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31967\/153020\/4\/92279\/?merchant=Camelot%20International%20Health%20Organization) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” and costs \\$1,800.\n\nAPEC’s popular [WFS-1000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31968\/153021\/4\/92280\/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified for any of its claims by NSF or WQA.\n\nNo [Ecodyne](https:\/\/ecodyne.com\/) filter in the under-sink, non-reverse-osmosis category met our requirements. (The company primarily focuses on industrial, pool, and spa filtration.)\n\nThe [iSpring US31](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31969\/153022\/4\/92281\/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified by NSF or WQA but rather is “independently tested” to their standards.\n\nThe [Frizzlife MP99](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31970\/153023\/4\/92282\/?merchant=Amazon), an “Amazon’s Choice,” also is not certified by NSF or WQA.\n\nNo [EcoWater](https:\/\/www.ecowater.com\/home-water-solutions\/drinking-water-systems\/) filter met our requirements of lead and VOC reduction and 500-gallon capacity.\n\nThe [GE Single Stage Filtration System](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31971\/153024\/4\/92283\/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) does not have NSF or WQA certifications.\n\nThe [Pentair F2000-B2B](https:\/\/www.pentair.com\/content\/pentair\/en\/products\/residential-water-treatment\/professional-series\/f2000.html) has lead and VOC certifications but not Standard 401, and is not widely available.\n\nShaklee’s BestWater MTS2000 Model 82333 is [NSF-certified for lead and VOC](http:\/\/info.nsf.org\/Certified\/dwtu\/listings.asp?CompanyName=shaklee&submit1=Search+by+Manufacturer&Program=DWTU) and rated to 1,000 gallons, but we found very little further information about it.\n\nThe [WaterChef U9000](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/wirecutter\/out\/link\/31972\/153025\/4\/92284\/?merchant=WaterChef) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants.” That and its high cost mean it’s not our pick, despite its 1,000-gallon capacity and 0.75 gpm flow rate.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Why you should trust me I have been testing water filters for Wirecutter since 2016. In my reporting, I’ve spoken at length with filter-certification organizations to understand how their testing is conducted, and delved deeply into their public databases to confirm that manufacturers’ claims are supported by certified testing. I’ve also spoken with representatives of multiple water-filter manufacturers, including Aquasana/A.O. Smith, Filtrete, Brita, and Pur, to interrogate their claims. And I’ve gone hands-on with all of our picks, because overall livability, durability, and user-friendliness are important in a device you’ll use multiple times a day. John Holecek, a former NOAA scientist, researched and wrote earlier Wirecutter water-filter guides, conducted his own tests, commissioned further independent tests, and taught me much of what I know. My work builds on his. Do you need a water filter? Unfortunately there’s no universal answer to whether you need a water filter. In the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, and water leaving a public water-treatment plant must meet strict quality standards. But not all potential contaminants are regulated. As well, contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant, by infiltrating leaky pipes (PDF) or by leaching out of the pipes themselves. And water treatments done (or overlooked) at the plant can exacerbate leaching in pipes downstream— as happened in Flint, Michigan . To know exactly what’s in your supplier’s water when it leaves the plant, you can usually find your local supplier’s EPA-mandated Consumer Confidence Report online ; if not, all public water suppliers are required to give you their CCR upon request. But because of potential downstream contamination, the only way to know for certain what’s in your home’s water is to pay a local water-quality lab to test it. As a rule of thumb: The older your home or community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The EPA says that “homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder”—once-common older materials that don’t meet current codes. Age also brings an increased likelihood of legacy groundwater pollution from pre-regulation industry, which can be a risk, especially when combined with age-related degradation of underground plumbing. Who this is for If your household goes through more than two or three gallons of drinking water each day, an under-sink water filter may be a better choice than a pitcher filter . Under-sink systems provide filtered drinking water on demand, with no waiting around for the filtration process to run its course, as there is with pitchers. “On demand” filtration also means under-sink systems can provide enough water for cooking—you could fill a pot to cook pasta with filtered water, for example, but you’d never repeatedly refill a pitcher for that. Under-sink filters also tend to have much more capacity and much longer lifespans than pitcher filters—often hundreds of gallons and six months or more, versus 40 gallons and two months for most pitcher filters. And because under-sink filters use water pressure, not gravity, to push water through the filter, their filters can be denser, so they can remove a greater range of potential contaminants. On the downside, they’re more expensive up front than pitcher filters, and replacement filters are also more expensive in absolute terms and averaged over time. The system also takes up space in your sink cabinet that could otherwise be used for storage. Installing an under-sink filter requires basic plumbing and hardware mounting, but the job is straightforward only if your sink already has a hole for a separate faucet. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to knock out one of the built-in faucet sites (visible as a raised disk on steel sinks, or a marking on synthetic-stone sinks). Lacking a knockout, you’ll need to drill a hole through the sink, and if your sink is an under-mount, you’ll need to drill through your countertop as well. If you currently have a soap dispenser or handheld sprayer on your sink, you could remove that and install the faucet there. (Don't install a faucet in place of an existing air gap —it's there to prevent dirty rinse-water from backing up into your dishwasher.) How we picked Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter This guide is about a specific type of under-sink filter: those that use cartridge filters. They take up little room and are generally simple to install and maintain. They use adsorbent materials—typically, activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, just like pitcher filters—to bind and neutralize contaminants. Most are plumbed to a separate faucet (included in the box), which means you need a mounting hole in your countertop; one that’s designed for a spray hose will work, or you can have a new hole drilled. We’re not talking about faucet-mounted filters, reverse-osmosis systems , or other pitchers or dispensers. To ensure that we recommend only trustworthy filters, we have always insisted that our picks be certified to the industry standard: ANSI/NSF. The American National Standards Institute and NSF International are private, nonprofit organizations that—working in concert with the EPA, industry representatives, and other experts—establish strict quality standards and testing protocols for thousands of products, including water filters . The two main certifying labs for water filters are NSF International itself and the Water Quality Association (WQA). Both are fully accredited in North America by ANSI and the Standards Council of Canada to do ANSI/NSF certification testing, and both must adhere to the exact same testing standards and protocols. Filters can meet the certification standard only after being pushed well beyond their expected lifespan, using prepared “challenge” samples that are far more polluted than most tap water. For this guide we focused on filters with certifications for chlorine, lead, and VOC (aka volatile organic compounds). Chlorine certification is important, because chlorine is the usual culprit for “bad-tasting” tap water. But it’s also almost a gimme: Virtually all water filters of any type are certified for it. Lead certification is hard to achieve because it means reducing a lead-rich solution by more than 99%. VOC certification is also challenging because it means a filter virtually eliminates more than 50 organic compounds, including many common biocides and industrial precursors . Not all under-sink filters have either certification, so by focusing on filters with certification for both, we identified those with markedly superior performance. We further narrowed our search by favoring filters that are additionally certified under a relatively new ANSI/NSF standard 401 , which covers emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals, that are increasingly found in US water. Again, not all filters have 401 certification. So those that do have it (along with lead and VOC certification) are in a very select group. Within this stringent subset, we then looked for those with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons. That equates to a filter lifespan of roughly six months under heavy use (2¾ gallons a day). That’s enough daily filtered water for most families to both drink and cook with. (Manufacturers provide suggested filter-replacement schedules, usually given in months rather than gallons; we abide by these recommendations in our assessments and cost calculations. We recommend always using original-manufacturer replacements, rather than third-party filters.) Finally, we weighed costs, both for the entire system up front and for the ongoing cost of replacement filters. We did not set a price floor or ceiling, but our research revealed that even though up-front costs ranged from the low $100s to $1,250, and filter costs from $60 to almost $300, these differences weren’t reflected in markedly superior specs for the more expensive models. We found several under-sink filters that came in at well under $200 while offering exceptional certifications and lifespans. These are the ones that became our finalists. Beyond this, we looked for: Misleading claims: Unfortunately, many filter makers use phrases like “independently tested to ANSI/NSF standards” to imply that the filter is certified. But “independently tested to” and “certified” aren’t the same thing; the former usually means a filter maker had its testing done by a non-certifying lab. All of the filters we recommend are certified by NSF or WQA. Total ANSI/NSF certifications: More is better. There are scores of potential water contaminants, and filters must be tested and certified for each one. Certification is done on a strict pass/fail basis; there are no certifications for “pretty good” or “close enough.” Cost-competitiveness: Filters have to be replaced regularly, so cost-per-filter and the replacement schedule give a sense of long-term cost-competitiveness. Wide availability: We especially wanted our recommended replacement filters to be easy to find for the foreseeable future. Hardware quality: We favored metal parts over plastic—especially on plumbing connections—and compression fittings over push-in ones. Reputation and reviews: We weighed the trends we found in the filters’ owner reviews—both positive and negative—to get a fuller picture of how they perform beyond their certifications and our own experience. While researching, we ran into occasional reports of catastrophic leaks from owners of under-sink water filters. Because the filters are plumbed into the cold-water feed line, if a connector or hose breaks, water will escape until the shut-off valve is closed—so it could be hours or even days before you discover the problem, leaving you with severe water damage. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is a risk to weigh when you’re considering buying an under-sink filter. And if you do buy one, follow the installation instructions carefully, take care not to cross-thread the connector, and turn the water back on slowly to check that there are no leaks. For extra peace of mind (for all plumbing concerns, not just under-sink filters), consider installing a smart leak detector . How we tested We’ve conducted lab tests of water filters in years past, and our main takeaway from testing was that ANSI/NSF certification is a reliable measure of a filter’s performance. That’s not surprising given the extreme rigor of the certification testing. Since then we have relied on ANSI/NSF certifications, rather than our own limited testing, to select our competitors. In 2018 we conducted tests on the popular Big Berkey water-filter system , which is not ANSI/NSF certified but claims to have been extensively tested to ANSI/NSF standards. That experience further cemented our insistence on true ANSI/NSF certifications and our distrust of “tested to ANSI/NSF” claims. Our tests since then, including in 2019, have focused on real-world usability and the kinds of practical features and drawbacks that become apparent when you’re living with these products. Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200 Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Top pick Our pick is the Aquasana AQ-5200 , aka the Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS. Beyond that, its faucet and plumbing hardware are made of solid metal, which is superior to the plastic that some other manufacturers use. And this system is also extremely compact. Finally, the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the best values we’ve found in under-sink filters, typically costing about $140 up front for the whole system (filters, housing, faucet, and hardware) and $60 for a set of two replacement filters. That’s less than many competitors with weaker certifications. The AQ-5200’s ANSI/NSF certifications (PDF) include chlorine, which is used to kill pathogens in municipal water supplies and is the chief cause of “bad-tasting” tap water; lead, which can leach out of old pipes and pipe solder; mercury; live cryptosporidium and giardia, two potential pathogens; and chloramine, a persistent chlorine-ammonia disinfectant that is increasingly employed by filtration plants in the US South, where pure chlorine rapidly degrades in the warm water. The AQ-5200 is also certified for 15 “emerging contaminants” that are increasingly found in public water supplies, including BPA, ibuprofen, and estrone (a form of estrogen used in birth control); for microplastics; and for PFOA and PFOS (fluorine-based industrial compounds that are widely found in US tap-water supplies). It is also certified for VOC. That means it effectively removes more than 50 different organic compounds, including many pesticides and industrial precursors. The Aquasana (right) uses solid metal for the faucet, piping, and connector. Some other filters, including the Filtrete at left, use plastic. Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Along with activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, which are common to most if not all under-sink filters, Aquasana uses two additional filter technologies to achieve its certifications. For chloramine, it adds catalytic carbon, a more porous—and therefore more reactive—form of activated carbon produced by treating the carbon with high-temperature gas. For cryptosporidium and giardia, Aquasana manufactures its filters in such a way that the pore size is reduced to 0.5 micron, which is small enough to physically capture them. The Aquasana AQ-5200 filter’s exceptional certifications are the main reason it’s our pick. But its design and materials also set it apart. The faucet is made of solid metal and so is the T-shaped fixture that attaches the filter to the plumbing. Some competitors use plastic for one or both, lowering cost but increasing the risk of cross-threading and mis-installation. The AQ-5200 employs compression fittings to ensure a tight, secure seal between your plumbing and the plastic tubing that sends water to the filters and tap; some competitors use simple push-in fittings, which are less secure. And the AQ-5200 faucet is available in three finishes (brushed nickel, polished chrome, and oiled bronze), whereas some competitors give you no choice. We also favored the AQ-5200 system’s compact form. It uses a pair of filters that are each little bigger than a soda can; some other filters, including the Aquasana AQ-5300+, below, are the size of liter bottles. With the filters installed on the mounting bracket, the AQ-5200 measures 9 inches high by 8 inches wide by 4 inches deep; the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is 13 by 12 by 4 inches. That means the AQ-5200 takes up significantly less room in the sink cabinet, can fit in cramped spaces where larger systems would not, and leaves more room for under-sink storage. You need about 11 inches of vertical space (measuring downward from the top of the housing) to permit filter replacement, and about 9 inches of unobstructed horizontal space along a cabinet wall to install the housing. The AQ-5200 is very well reviewed for a water filter, with 4.5 stars (out of five) across more than 800 reviews at Aquasana’s site, and 4.5 stars across nearly 500 reviews at Home Depot. Finally, at its current price of about $140 (and often on sale for closer to $100) for the complete system and $60 for a set of replacement filters ($120 per year on a six-month replacement cycle), the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the very best values among our competitors, costing hundreds less than some models whose certifications aren’t as extensive. The unit contains a timer that begins beeping when you’re due for a filter replacement, but we recommend also setting a recurring calendar reminder on your phone. (You’re less likely to miss it.) Flaws but not dealbreakers The Aquasana AQ-5200 has a lower maximum flow rate relative to some competitors (0.5 gpm versus 0.72 or more) and lower capacity (500 gallons versus 750 or more). This is the direct result of its physically small filters. On balance, we think these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its compactness. If you know you want higher flow and capacity, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is rated to 0.72 gpm and 800 gallons but shares the same six-month filter-replacement schedule, and the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect delivers up to 1.5 gpm and is rated to 784 gallons and six months. The AQ-5200 system’s instruction manual is a bit sloppy, with a few parts not shown on the parts list or diagram. It’s nothing that will trip up most owners; fundamentally, all you’re doing is attaching a couple of tubes to the water supply and the faucet, and the parts more or less explain themselves. (The unlisted, decorative stainless washer is the exception: it goes onto the faucet first, before the thin rubber washer.) And in fairness, sloppiness is a problem with many under-sink filters’ manuals, judging by the comments we came across in our research. But we’d like to see the manual rectified in the future. In the meantime, here’s a video from Aquasana of how to install the AQ-5200. As noted above in How We Picked, under-sink water filters, including the AQ-5200 , occasionally fail catastrophically, causing severe water damage if the problem is not quickly noticed and fixed. Be particularly careful when installing that you don’t cross-thread the connector and that the hose connections are secure, and turn the water back on slowly, so you can catch and rectify any leaks before they become a disaster. A smart leak detector can catch catastrophic leaks (whatever the cause) before the worst damage is done. Like all our picks, the Aquasana AQ-5200 comes with its own separate faucet, which may not match your style. You can also install a separate faucet of your choice, as long as the faucet connection is ⅜ inch. But you’ll want to match its flow rate to the Aquasana’s 0.5 gpm, because filter certifications are tied to flow. And note that using your own faucet technically means your system is no longer ANSI/NSF certified. If you suspect your water is sediment-rich (an orange-ish tint, from rust, is one clue; so is past experience with filters of any sort, including pitchers, becoming clogged before their projected lifespan), you may wish to look at the otherwise similar Aquasana AQ-5300 , which adds a sediment prefilter. Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200 Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Runner-up The A.O. Smith AO-US-200 , marketed as (prepare for a mouthful) the Clean Water Filter Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under Sink Water Filtration System, is functionally and in every important respect physically identical to the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200. It has the same ANS/NSF certifications (PDF) and the same compact size, filter technologies, all-metal construction, compression fittings, and 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity. It also usually sells for about the same price up front and for a set of replacement filters. None of this is suspicious: A.O. Smith purchased Aquasana in 2016, and as an A.O. Smith representative told us, is “leveraging” Aquasana’s expertise while having no plans to phase out the Aquasana brand. The A.O. Smith filter differs from the Aquasana AQ-5200 in only two respects. First, it’s exclusive to Lowe’s. Second, its faucet comes in only a brushed-nickel finish, while the AQ-5200 faucet comes in brushed-nickel, polished-chrome, and oiled-bronze versions. If brushed nickel suits your decor, we recommend shopping around. Sales can significantly reduce the price of one relative to the other. The A.O. Smith AO-US-200 and Aquasana AQ-5200 are identical in every important respect. Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter As for flaws, the A.O. Smith’s manual is sloppy in the same ways the Aquasana 5200 manual is. And our A.O. Smith came with a single 6-foot length of plastic tubing; it’s supposed to come with two 3-foot lengths, as the AQ-5200 did. The tubing was easy to cut in half (we tested with scissors, kitchen shears, and a wire cutter ), but owners shouldn’t have to take that step themselves. Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Upgrade pick With identical certifications to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200 but higher flow rate and larger capacity, the Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow is our pick for people who need a lot of filtered water and want it fast. But it’s a physically much larger system (see the comparative photo below) and costs more up front and to replace the three filters. The Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow is ANSI/NSF certified for the same contaminants (PDF) as the 5200 and A.O. Smith filters, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, PFOA, and PFOS. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow adds a prefilter for capturing rust and sediment that may be in the water supply, helping keep the contaminant filters from clogging; the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters lack this feature. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow uses all-metal hardware that’s identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, and like the AQ-5200, the faucet comes in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. And the AQ-5300+ Max Flow has the same secure compression fittings, helping prevent leaks. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow delivers water more quickly than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters: it’s rated to 0.72 gpm, versus 0.5. And its filters have a higher capacity, at 800 versus 500 gallons. But that does not extend the filters’ recommended lifespan: they’re rated to the same six months. At about $80 versus $60 for a set of replacements, that translates to about $40 more annually. And the AW-5300+ Max Flow is more expensive up front, at around $150 (though often on sale for less). The larger Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow (left) has a higher flow rate and filter capacity than the company’s AQ-5200 (right) and A.O. Smith AO-US-200 (not pictured). Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter But the AQ-5300+ Max Flow is physically much larger than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, at 13 by 12 by 4 inches versus 9 by 8 by 4 inches. It will take up more room in your under-sink cabinet and may not fit at all if your cabinet is particularly small or cramped. You need about 15 inches of vertical space (measuring downward) from the top of the housing to permit filter replacement, and about 13 inches of unobstructed horizontal cabinet wall to screw the housing into place. One other note: The AW-5300+ Max Flow is equipped with a “performance indicating device” (PID). That means it measures the actual amount of water that passes through the device, while the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters have simple timers. The PID is Bluetooth enabled, as well, so it can alert your phone or laptop when the filters are due for replacement. We still recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone, as you’re more likely to see the reminder and don’t have to worry about the PID malfunctioning or running out of power. Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect Aquasana Best for... The Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect is an under-sink filter with particular utility for renters and for people in homes that don’t have a separate mounting hole for a filter-dedicated faucet. That’s because it plumbs directly into the cold-water line and sends filtered water to the main faucet—you don’t have to drill any holes or otherwise alter your space. This design also makes the Claryum Direct Connect easier to install than our other picks, which need that separate faucet installed and also require you to mount the filters on the sidewall of the sink cabinet. In contrast, the Claryum Direct Connect can simply lie on the cabinet floor (though it comes with mounting brackets if you prefer to secure it horizontally or vertically). The Claryum Direct Connect has the same exceptional ANSI/NSF certifications as our other picks from Aquasana and A.O. Smith. (The latter is a Lowe’s-exclusive Aquasana brand—the exact A. O. Smith equivalent to the Claryum Direct Connect is the A. O. Smith Clean Water Main Filter .) It reduces lead, mercury, PFOA/PFOS, and some pharmaceuticals, a total of 77 contaminants. The filters are rated for 784 gallons, or about six months’ worth of normal use, and Aquasana claims a flow rate of up to 1.5 gallons per minute—three times faster than that of the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200 and twice as fast as the flow rate of the AQ-5300+. In our initial testing, we measured zero change in a home faucet’s flow after installing the Claryum Direct Connect: It delivered the same 1.25 gallons per minute that it did before. However, after plumbing repairs elsewhere in the multi-unit building sent a huge burst of sediment into the pipes, the filter clogged, and the flow dropped to just 0.5 gpm. If you know or suspect that you have sediment issues, we recommend our upgrade pick, the AQ-5300+ , because unlike the Claryum Direct Connect it has a sediment prefilter. Installing the Claryum Direct Connect is straightforward. You simply shut off the cold-water inlet valve, unscrew the existing coupling to the sink’s water line, and screw in the provided adapter. Two sections of tubing, also included, connect the filter to the adapter, using simple press-fit collars. You can leave the filter lying on the floor of the sink cabinet or mount it on the brackets that Aquasana provides. We were able to do the job in about 10 minutes; the only tools you need are an adjustable wrench and, if you opt for the brackets, a screwdriver. Be aware, however, that the filter is much larger than our other picks at 20½ inches long and 4½ inches wide, and you need 3 inches of additional space below it or next to it to remove a spent filter and put a new one in. So take some measurements before buying. Because the Claryum Direct Connect is connected to the main faucet, every time you turn on the cold water, you use up a bit of filter life. The filter’s high capacity makes that less of a concern than it would otherwise be, but we can imagine people altering their water usage in a bid to maximize the filter’s lifespan. (“You’re definitely not pre-rinsing those dishes now,” quipped Harry Sawyers, editor of this guide.) Of course, you also get the convenience of instant, free-flowing filtered water and easy installation, and we consider that a fair trade-off. When it’s time for a replacement filter , the old one twists out and the new one twists into place, the work of less than a minute. Reviews of the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect are generally very positive—with one common source of complaint, and a valid one. The adapter piece is made of plastic, and it’s too easy to cross-thread that piece during installation and strip the threads, rendering it useless. If you just take a little care, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a brass adapter would be sturdier and less prone to this problem. What to look forward to In 2025, we will be testing under-sink reverse osmosis filters. Traditional R/O has become more efficient since we first wrote this guide, and wastes less water than it used to. And tankless on-demand R/O systems are proliferating. These save on under-sink space, long a knock on traditional systems. Because R/O is a mature technology, our focus is likely to be on differences in livability, reliability, and upfront and running costs. (These include the installation cost—which can be significant if you need to add an electrical outlet for a tankless system.) Our concerns about the inefficiency of and questionable need for R/O remain, but we’re hopeful we can find a solid system that delivers on its promises. The competition The Hahn 3-stage 600-gallon is a re-branded version of the Aquasana AQ-5300. It has the same 77 ANSI/NSF certifications as the Aquasana 5200, 5300, 5300+ Max Flow, and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200. And like the 5300 and 5300+ Max Flow, it has a sediment prefilter. It’s not as widely available as any of these, but if you see one at a competitive price and if you know you have high sediment in your pipes, it’s a solid choice. The Amway eSpring 100189 has more ANSI/NSF certifications than any other filter we discovered in our research, including lead, VOC, Standard 401 “emerging contaminants,” and PFOA and PFOS. But it costs $1,250. That’s almost 10 times what our picks cost, which made it easy to dismiss. The Aquasana AQ-5300 sits between the top-pick AQ-5200 and upgrade-pick 5300+ Max Flow. It’s physically almost identical to the AQ-5200 but adds a sediment prefilter (like the 5300+ Max Flow) to help extend the contaminant filters’ lifespans. If you know your water is rusty or sediment-rich, this filter may be worth the slightly higher up-front and maintenance costs. It has same ANSI/NSF certifications and 0.5 gpm flow as the AQ-5200, a slightly higher 600-gallon capacity, and the same six-month filter replacement schedule but is a bit wider (12 inches versus 8 inches) due to the third filter. Brondell’s popular H2O+ Coral UC300l has lead and VOC certification but no Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications. The 3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000 , an informal recommendation in the previous version of this guide, costs considerably more than our picks and lacks Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications. The Body Glove BG-12000 , also a former informal recommendation, is rated to a relatively high 0.75 gpm and 750 gallons but has fewer certifications than our picks and costs more than $500, and you have to buy a faucet separately. The BG-3000 lacks Standard 401 certifications and is rated to just 450 gallons, and again costs more than our picks and doesn’t come with a faucet. The popular Brita Redi-Twist WFUSS-334 is not a Brita product but licenses Brita’s name. It lacks VOC and Standard 401 certifications and costs more than our picks. The Camelot Imperial Plus is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” and costs $1,800. APEC’s popular WFS-1000 is not certified for any of its claims by NSF or WQA. No Ecodyne filter in the under-sink, non-reverse-osmosis category met our requirements. (The company primarily focuses on industrial, pool, and spa filtration.) The iSpring US31 is not certified by NSF or WQA but rather is “independently tested” to their standards. The Frizzlife MP99 , an “Amazon’s Choice,” also is not certified by NSF or WQA. No EcoWater filter met our requirements of lead and VOC reduction and 500-gallon capacity. The GE Single Stage Filtration System does not have NSF or WQA certifications. The Pentair F2000-B2B has lead and VOC certifications but not Standard 401, and is not widely available. Shaklee’s BestWater MTS2000 Model 82333 is NSF-certified for lead and VOC and rated to 1,000 gallons, but we found very little further information about it. The WaterChef U9000 is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants.” That and its high cost mean it’s not our pick, despite its 1,000-gallon capacity and 0.75 gpm flow rate.
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[Ductless air conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner/) - [Fans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fan/) - [Cordless fans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cordless-fans/) - [Smart thermostats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-thermostat/) - Air Quality - [Air purifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-purifier/) - [Humidifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-humidifier/) - [Dehumidifiers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dehumidifier/) - [Home air quality monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-air-quality-monitor/) - Water Quality - [Water filter pitchers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-filter-pitcher/) - [Under‑sink water filters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/) - [Faucet‑mounted water filters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-faucet-water-filter/) - [Water quality test kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-quality-test-kit-for-your-home/) - Home & Decor - Decor - [Area rugs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-area-rugs/) - [Rug pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rug-pads/) - [Removable wallpapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-removable-wallpapers/) - [Throw blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-throw-blankets/) - [Essential oil diffusers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-essential-oil-diffusers/) - [Scented candles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-candles/) - [Jewelry boxes & organizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jewelry-boxes-and-organizers/) - Window Treatments - [Curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-window-curtains/) - [Blackout curtains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blackout-curtains/) - [Blackout shades](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blackout-shades/) - [Furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/furniture/) - [Sofas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/buying-a-sofa/) - [Sleeper sofas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeper-sofas/) - [Massage chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-chairs/) - [Dining tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000/) - Lighting - [Floor lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-floor-lamps-under-300/) - [Desk lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-led-desk-lamp/) - [Table lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-table-lamps/) - [Bedside lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-bedside-lamps-under-200/) - [All Home](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/) - Home Improvement - [Tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/tools/) - [Drills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-drill-for-common-household-projects/) - [Multi‑tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multitool/) - [Stud finders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stud-finder/) - [Screwdrivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-screwdriver/) - [Basic toolkits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-home-toolkit/) - [Toolboxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toolbox/) - [Ladders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ladders/) - [Storage & Organization](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/storage-home-garden/) - [Storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-storage-containers/) - [Shoe racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shoe-rack/) - [Hangers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hangers/) - Electric - [LED light bulbs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-led-lightbulb/) - [Surge protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-surge-protector/) - [Extension cords](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage/) - Pest Control - [Roach killers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-roach-killers/) - [Ant killers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ant-killer/) - [Mousetraps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mousetrap/) - [Mosquito repellents for yards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mosquito-control-gear/) - [Wasp & hornet sprays](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hornet-wasp-spray/) - [Bug‑killing gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bug-killing-gear/) - Home Security & Safety - Security Systems & Cameras - [Home security systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-security-system/) - [Indoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera/) - [Outdoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/) - [Doorbell cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-doorbell-camera/) - Locks - [Electronic keypad door locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electronic-keypad-door-lock/) - [Smart locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/) - [Door locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-door-lock/) - Safety - [Basic smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-smoke-alarm/) - [Smart smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-smoke-alarm/) - [Fire extinguishers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fire-extinguisher/) - [Flashlights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/) - [Emergency Preparedness](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/emergency-preparedness/) - [Emergency preparedness supplies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/) - [Emergency weather radios](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-emergency-weather-radio/) - [Portable generators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/) - [All Home Security & Safety](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/safety-home-garden/) - Office - Printers - [All‑in‑one printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-printer/) - [Home printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-printers/) - [Laser printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laser-printer/) - Monitors - [Monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/) - [4K monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) - [27‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-27-inch-monitor/) - [Portable monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-monitor/) - Office Essentials - [Webcams](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-webcams/) - [Office headsets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-headset-for-the-office/) - [Laptop stands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-stands/) - [Monitor arms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitor-arms/) - [Label makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-label-maker/) - Document Security - [Paper shredders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-paper-shredders/) - [Fireproof document safes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fireproof-document-safe/) - Stationery - [Pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pen/) - [Notebooks & notepads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-notebooks/) - [Planners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-paper-planners/) - [Office Furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/office/furniture-office/) - [Standing desks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standing-desk/) - [Office chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-office-chair/) - [Ergonomic seat cushions](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ergonomic-seat-cushions/) - [All Office](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/office/) - Sleep - [Mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/mattresses/) - [Mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattress/) - [Mattresses for side sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattresses-for-side-sleepers/) - [Mattresses for back pain](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mattresses-for-back-pain/) - [Memory foam mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-foam-mattresses-you-can-buy-online/) - [Cheap mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-mattress/) - [Hybrid mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hybrid-mattresses/) - [Innerspring mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-innerspring-mattress/) - [Air mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-mattress/) - [Mattress toppers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mattress-toppers/) - [Latex mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-latex-mattresses/) - [Bedding](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/sheets-bedding/) - [Sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sheets/) - [Cotton sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cotton-sheets/) - [Comforters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-comforter/) - [Duvet covers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-duvet-cover/) - [Pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/pillows/) - [Pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bed-pillows/) - [Pillows for side sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pillow-for-side-sleepers/) - [Memory foam pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-memory-foam-pillows/) - [Bedroom](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/bedroom/) - [Modern bed frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-modern-bed-frames/) - [Platform bed frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-platform-bed-frames-under-300/) - [Nightstands](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nightstands/) - [Blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blankets/) - [Weighted blankets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-weighted-blankets/) - [White noise machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-white-noise-machine/) - [Alarm clocks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-alarm-clock/) - [Sunrise alarm clocks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunrise-alarm-clock/) - [All Sleep](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/sleep/) - Kitchen - Large Appliances - Fridges - [Refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-refrigerator/) - [French door refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-french-door-refrigerators/) - [Side‑by‑side refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-side-by-side-refrigerators/) - [Garage refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garage-refrigerator/) - [Counter‑depth refrigerators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-counter-depth-refrigerator/) - [Wine coolers & fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-fridges/) - Freezers - [Upright freezers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-freezer/) - [Chest freezers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chest-freezers/) - Stoves, Ranges, & Ovens - [Electric stoves & ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-and-gas-ranges/) - [Gas stoves & ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-ranges/) - [Slide‑in electric ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slide-in-electric-ranges/) - [Slide‑in gas ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slide-in-gas-ranges/) - [High‑end ranges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-high-end-ranges/) - [Induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cooktop/) - [Wall ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wall-ovens/) - Dishwashers - [Dishwashers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-dishwasher/) - [All Large Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/large-appliances/) - Small Appliances - Small Appliances - [Microwaves](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-microwave/) - [Food processors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-food-processor/) - [Toasters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toaster/) - [Electric kettles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-kettle/) - [Portable induction cooktops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/) - [Mini fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-fridge/) - [Countertop ice makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-ice-maker/) - [Stand mixers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-stand-mixer/) - [Juicers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-juicer/) - Blenders - [Blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blender/) - [Personal blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-blender/) - [Immersion blenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-immersion-blender/) - Specialty - [Ice cream makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ice-cream-maker/) - [Soda makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soda-maker/) - [Waffle makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-waffle-maker/) - [Pizza ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pizza-oven/) - Air Fryers & Toaster Ovens - [Air fryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer/) - [Air fryer toaster ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-fryer-toaster-oven/) - [Toaster ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-toaster-oven/) - Cookers - [Rice cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-rice-cooker/) - [Pressure cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-pressure-cooker/) - [Slow cookers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-slow-cooker/) - [All Small Appliances](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/appliances/small/) - Cooking & Baking - Cookware & Bakeware - [Cookware sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cookware-set/) - [Nonstick pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nonstick-pan/) - [Stainless steel pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-skillet/) - [Carbon steel pans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carbon-steel-pan/) - [Cast iron skillets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cast-iron-skillet/) - [Dutch ovens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dutch-oven/) - [Woks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-woks/) - [Induction cookware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-induction-cookware/) - [Pizza stones & baking steels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pizza-stone-and-baking-steel/) - [Baking sheets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cookie-sheet/) - [Tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/tools-kitchen-dining/) - [Meat thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-instant-read-thermometer/) - [Cutting boards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cutting-board/) - [Kitchen scales](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kitchen-scale/) - [Oven mitts & pot holders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-oven-mitts-and-pot-holders/) - [Vacuum sealers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vacuum-sealer/) - [Pepper mills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pepper-mill/) - [Spatulas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-spatula/) - [Mixing bowls](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mixing-bowls/) - Knives - [Chef’s knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-chefs-knife-for-most-cooks/) - [Knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-knife-set/) - [Steak knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-steak-knife-set/) - [Serrated bread knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-serrated-knife/) - [Paring knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-paring-knife/) - [Knife sharpeners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-knife-sharpening-tool/) - Coffee & Tea - Coffee Makers - [Coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-coffee-maker/) - [Drip coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drip-coffee-maker/) - [Single‑serve coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-single-serve-coffee-maker/) - [Cheap coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-coffee-maker/) - [Cold‑brew coffee makers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cold-brew-coffee-maker/) - Espresso Machines - [Espresso machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-espresso-machine-grinder-and-accessories-for-beginners/) - [Nespresso machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nespresso-machine/) - Coffee Gear - [Coffee grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-coffee-grinder/) - [French presses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-french-press/) - [Pour‑over coffee gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/gear-for-making-great-coffee/) - [Milk frothers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-milk-frothers/) - Tea - [Electric kettles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-kettle/) - [Teas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-teas/) - [All Coffee & Tea](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/coffee/) - Food & Drinks - Pantry - [Olive oils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-olive-oil/) - [Instant noodles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-noodles/) - [Canned tomatoes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-canned-tomatoes/) - [Tinned fish](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tinned-fish/) - [Peanut butters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-creamy-peanut-butter/) - [Potato chips](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-potato-chips/) - [Boxed cake mixes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-cake-mix/) - [Boxed brownie mixes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-brownie-mix/) - [Boxed mac and cheese](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-boxed-mac-and-cheese/) - [Jarred marinara sauce](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-jarred-marinara-sauce/) - Refrigerator - [American cheeses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-american-cheese/) - [Ketchups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ketchup/) - [Mayonnaises](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mayonnaise/) - [Butters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-butter/) - [BBQ sauces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-barbecue-sauce/) - [Yogurts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-yogurt/) - Freezer - [Frozen pizzas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-frozen-pizzas/) - [Pie crusts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-store-bought-pie-crust/) - Drinks - [Blanco tequilas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blanco-tequilas/) - [Vodkas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vodka/) - [Gins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gins/) - [Nonalcoholic drinks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-non-alcoholic-drinks/) - [Nonalcoholic wines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nonalcoholic-wines/) - [All Food & Drinks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/food/) - Dining, Entertaining, & Grilling - Tableware - [Flatware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flatware/) - [Dinnerware sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dinnerware-set/) - [Steak knife sets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-steak-knife-set/) - [Drinking glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drinking-glass/) - [Cloth napkins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-napkins-and-tablecloth/) - [Tablecloths](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablecloths/) - [Tapered candles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-tapered-candles/) - [Outdoor dinnerware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-dishes-for-outdoors/) - [Wine & Bar](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/wine-bar/) - [Wine glasses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-glass/) - [Corkscrews](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-corkscrew/) - [Wine coolers & fridges](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wine-fridges/) - [Cocktail barware](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-barware-for-making-cocktails-at-home/) - Dining Tables & Seating - [Dining tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/dining-and-kitchen-tables-we-like-under-1000/) - [Folding tables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-tables/) - [Folding chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-folding-chairs/) - [Patio furniture](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-patio-furniture/) - Grilling - [Gas grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gas-grill/) - [Charcoal grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-charcoal-grill/) - [Pellet smoker grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pellet-grill/) - [Portable grills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-grills/) - [Outdoor griddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-griddle/) - [Grill tools & accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grill-tools/) - [All Dining & Entertaining](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/entertaining/) - Supplies - [Storage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/storage/) - [Food storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-food-storage-containers/) - [Dry food storage containers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dry-food-storage-containers/) - [Lunch boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lunch-boxes/) - Cleaning - [Dish racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dish-rack/) - [Kitchen towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kitchen-towels/) - [Dish soaps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dish-soap/) - [Dishwasher detergents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dishwasher-detergent/) - Waste - [Kitchen trash cans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trash-can/) - [Compost bins](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compost-bins/) - [Food recyclers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/countertop-composter-food-recyclers/) - Health & Lifestyle - Fitness - [Exercise](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/exercise/) - [Treadmills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-treadmill/) - [Under‑desk treadmills](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-desk-treadmills/) - [Exercise bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-exercise-bikes/) - [Elliptical machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-elliptical-machine/) - [Rowing machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rowing-machine/) - [Adjustable dumbbells](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-adjustable-dumbbells/) - [Yoga mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-yoga-mats/) - [Massage guns](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-massage-guns/) - [Gym bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gym-bag/) - [Running headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-headphones/) - Trackers - [Fitness trackers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-fitness-trackers/) - [GPS running watches](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-running-watch/) - Bikes & Scooters - [Hybrid bikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hybrid-commuter-bike/) - [Electric scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-scooter/) - [Ebikes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ebike-for-commuters/) - [Biking Gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/cycling/) - [Bike helmets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-helmet-for-commuters/) - [Bike lights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-commuter-bike-lights/) - [Bike locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-lock/) - [Bike phone mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-phone-mount/) - [Rear bike racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rear-bike-rack/) - [Bike pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-pump/) - [Bike storage ideas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-racks-for-small-homes-and-apartments/) - [Car bike racks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-rack-for-cars/) - [All Fitness](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/) - Health - [Medical](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/medical-supplies/) - [Blood pressure monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blood-pressure-monitors-for-home-use/) - [Thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults/) - [Heating pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-heating-pad/) - [Pill boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pill-boxes/) - [Compression socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compression-socks/) - [Over‑the‑counter hearing aids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/) - Mental Health - [Meditation apps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-meditation-apps/) - [Light therapy lamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-light-therapy-lamp/) - [All Health](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/health-fitness/) - Accessibility & Aging - [Accessibility & Aging](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/accessibility/) - [Walkers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-walkers/) - [Medical alert systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-medical-alert-systems/) - [Adult diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-adult-diapers/) - [Incontinence underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-incontinence-underwear/) - [Grabber tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-grabber-tools/) - [Room‑by‑room home modifications](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/interactives/aging-in-place/) - Personal Care - [Skin‑Care & Sunscreen](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/beauty/skincare/) - [Sunscreens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sunscreen/) - [Face sunscreens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-face-sunscreens/) - [Moisturizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-moisturizers/) - [Body lotions](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-lotions/) - [Vitamin C serums](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vitamin-c-serums/) - [Retinols](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-retinol-products/) - [Exfoliants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-exfoliants/) - [Facial cleansers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-facial-cleansers/) - [Korean skin‑care products](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-korean-skin-care-products/) - Personal Hygiene - [Antiperspirants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-antiperspirants/) - [Deodorants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-deodorants/) - Dental - [Electric toothbrushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-toothbrush/) - [Water flossers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-flossers/) - Menstruation - [Period underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/thinx-period-panties/) - [Menstrual cups & discs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-menstrual-cup/) - Adult & Sex - [Vibrators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vibrators/) - [Anal toys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-anal-toys/) - [Condoms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-condoms/) - [Lube](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-personal-lubricants/) - [Portable vaporizers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-vaporizer/) - [Cannabis grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cannabis-grinder/) - Beauty & Hair - Makeup - [Eyeliners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-eyeliner/) - [Mascaras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mascara/) - [Foundations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-foundations/) - [Concealers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-concealers/) - [Blushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-blush/) - [Makeup brushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-makeup-brushes/) - [Makeup removers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-makeup-remover/) - [Drugstore makeup](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drugstore-makeup-skincare/) - Lips - [Lip balms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lip-balm/) - [Lipsticks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lipstick/) - [Lip glosses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lip-gloss/) - Hair Removal & Shaving - [Electric razors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-razor/) - [Beard trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beard-trimmer/) - [Pubic hair trimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pubic-hair-trimmer/) - [Hair clippers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use/) - Hair - [Hair dryers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hair-dryer/) - [Shampoos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-shampoo/) - [Shampoo bars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-solid-shampoo-bars/) - [Dry shampoos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dry-shampoo/) - [Conditioners](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-conditioner/) - [Drugstore hair products](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drugstore-hair-products/) - Outdoors - [Outdoors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/) - [Bug repellents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bug-repellent/) - [Coolers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hard-cooler/) - [Umbrellas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-umbrella/) - [Binoculars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-binoculars/) - [Ski goggles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ski-and-snowboard-goggles/) - [Apparel](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/apparel/) - [Rain jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-rain-jacket/) - [Down jackets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-insulated-jacket/) - [UPF clothing](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sun-protection-clothing/) - Camping - [Camping tents](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tent-for-family-and-car-camping/) - [Sleeping bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeping-bag-for-car-camping/) - [Sleeping pads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking-and-car-camping/) - [Camping chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-outdoor-chairs/) - Hiking - [Hiking boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-boots/) - [Hiking socks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hiking-socks/) - [Trekking poles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-trekking-poles/) - [Filtered water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-filtered-water-bottles/) - [Beach](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/outdoors/swim/) - [Beach umbrellas & shades](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-umbrella-is-not-an-umbrella/) - [Beach bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-bag/) - [Beach towels](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-beach-towel/) - Safety - [Portable generators](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-generator/) - [Pocket knives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pocket-knife/) - [Headlamps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-headlamp/) - [Hand warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-hand-warmer/) - [Flashlights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-flashlight/) - Travel - Luggage - [Checked luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-checked-luggage/) - [Duffel bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-duffle-bags/) - [Garment bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-garment-bag/) - [Underseat luggage & personal‑item bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/best-personal-item-carry-ons/) - [Carry‑on luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-luggage/) - [Hard‑shell carry‑on luggage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hard-shell-carry-on-luggage/) - [Carry‑on travel backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-carry-on-travel-bags/) - [Travel backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-backpack/) - Packing - [Toiletry bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-toiletry-bags/) - [Packing cubes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packing-cubes/) - [Packable daypacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packable-daypack-for-travel/) - Hydration - [Water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-bottle/) - [Travel mugs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-mug/) - [Gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/gear-travel/) - [Travel gear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/travel-guide/) - [Travel pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-pillow/) - [Sleep masks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-mask/) - [Plug adapters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-plug-adapter/) - [Luggage tags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-luggage-tags/) - Hobbies - [Hobbies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/) - [Pickleball paddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pickleball-paddles/) - [Drones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drones/) - [DNA testing kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dna-test/) - [Telescopes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-telescopes-for-beginners/) - [Reading lights](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-reading-light/) - [Electric scooters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-scooter/) - [Language learning apps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-language-learning-apps/) - [Music & Instruments](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/music/) - [Beginner digital pianos](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-digital-piano-for-beginners/) - [Beginner ukuleles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ukulele-for-beginners/) - Art & Design - [3D printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-3d-printer/) - [3D pens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-3d-pen/) - [Drawing tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-drawing-tablets/) - [Sewing machines](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sewing-machine/) - [Colored pencils](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-colored-pencils/) - [Soldering irons](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soldering-irons/) - Photo - [Photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-inkjet-printer/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Online photo printing services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-photo-printing/) - [Photo book services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/) - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - Cameras - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Mirrorless cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mirrorless-camera/) - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-camera/) - Games & Puzzles - Board & Card Games - [Board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-we-love/) - [Two‑player board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-two-player-board-games/) - [Solo board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-solo-board-games/) - [Beginner board games for adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-adults/) - [Strategy board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-strategy-board-games/) - [Kids board games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/board-games-for-kids/) - [Card games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-card-games/) - [Party games](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-party-games/) - [Video Gaming](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/gaming/) - [Gaming consoles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-game-consoles/) - [Handheld gaming consoles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-handheld-gaming-consoles/) - [VR headsets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standalone-vr-headset/) - [Gaming laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-gaming-laptop-so-far/) - [Gaming mice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse/) - [Gaming monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-monitor/) - [Graphics cards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-graphics-cards/) - [Gaming chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-chairs/) - Lego - [Lego sets for adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/our-favorite-lego-sets-for-adults/) - [Lego sets for kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lego-sets-for-kids/) - Puzzles - [Speed cubes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-speed-cubes/) - [All Games & Puzzles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/hobby-crafts/games-puzzles/) - Pets - [Dogs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/dogs/) - [Dog leashes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-everyday-dog-leash/) - [Dog harnesses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-harness/) - [Dog beds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-beds/) - [Dog crates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-crate/) - [Dog DNA tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-dna-test/) - [Dog nail grinders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dog-nail-grinders/) - [Dog jackets & raincoats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-winter-jackets-and-raincoats-for-dogs/) - [Cats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/cats/) - [Cat litters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter/) - [Litter boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter-boxes/) - [Automatic cat litter boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-automatic-cat-litter-box-but-we-dont-recommend-it/) - [Cat litter mats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter-mat/) - [Cat scratchers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-scratchers/) - [Cat beds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-beds/) - [New cat checklist](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/new-cat-checklist/) - Home - [Pet cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pet-camera/) - [Water fountains](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-fountain-for-cats-and-dogs/) - [Automatic feeders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-automatic-feeder-for-cats-and-small-dogs/) - [All Pets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/pets/) - Tech - Electronics & Networking - [Networking](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/networking/) - [Wi‑Fi mesh‑networking kits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits/) - [Routers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-router/) - [Modems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cable-modem/) - [Wi‑Fi extenders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-extender/) - [Digital Storage](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/storage-devices/) - [External hard drives](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-external-hard-drives/) - [NAS devices](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-network-attached-storage/) - [External SSDs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-ssd/) - [Batteries & Charging](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/batteries/) - [Portable chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/) - [Lightning cables](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lightning-cable/) - [Portable power stations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-power-stations/) - [Rechargeable batteries](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-rechargeable-batteries/) - [Uninterruptible power supplies](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-uninterruptible-power-supply-ups/) - [Surge protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-surge-protector/) - [Extension cords](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-extension-cords-for-your-home-and-garage/) - [Electric vehicle chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-vehicle-chargers-for-home/) - Wireless Charging - [Wireless chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-qi-wireless-charger-for-iphone-and-android-phones/) - [Apple charging stations](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apple-wireless-charging-pads/) - [USB‑C](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/usb-c/) - [USB phone chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiport-usb-wall-charger/) - [USB‑C cables & adapters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-cables/) - [USB‑C laptop chargers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-macbook-and-laptop-chargers/) - [USB‑C hubs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-hubs-and-docks/) - [All Electronics](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/) - Phones, Tablets, & Smartwatches - Phones - [Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-phone/) - [Budget Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-budget-android-phone/) - [iPhones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-iphone-is-our-favorite-smartphone/) - [iPhone cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-cases/) - [iPhone 17 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-17-case/) - [iPhone 16 cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-16-case/) - [iPhone screen protectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-iphone-x-screen-protectors/) - [Cell phones for older adults](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cell-phones-for-older-adults/) - [Car phone mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartphone-car-mount/) - [Cell phone plans](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-carrier/) - Tablets - [Tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tablets/) - [Android tablets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-tablet/) - [iPads](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-ipad-is-the-best-tablet/) - [iPad keyboard cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-keyboard-case/) - [iPad Pro keyboard cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-keyboard-cases/) - [iPad Pro cases](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-cases/) - [iPad styluses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-stylus/) - E‑readers - [E‑readers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/amazon-kindle-is-the-best-ebook-reader/) - Smartwatches - [For Android phones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-android/) - [For iPhones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smartwatch-iphone/) - Computers - Laptops - [Laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptops/) - [Chromebooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-chromebook/) - [MacBooks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-macbooks/) - [Business laptops](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-business-laptops/) - [Laptops for college students](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptops-for-college-students/) - [Laptops under \$500](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-laptop-under-500/) - [Computers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/computers/) - [All‑in‑one computers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-computer/) - [Mini desktop PCs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-desktop-pcs/) - Monitors - [Monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/) - [4k monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) - [24‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-24-inch-monitor/) - [27‑inch monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-27-inch-monitor/) - [Ultrawide monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ultrawide-monitors/) - [Portable monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-monitor/) - [Accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/accessories/) - [Wireless mice](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-mouse/) - [Security keys](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-security-keys/) - Keyboards - [Keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-keyboards/) - [Wireless keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard/) - [Mechanical keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards/) - [Ergonomic keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/comfortable-ergo-keyboard/) - [Gaming keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-keyboards-for-gaming/) - [Software](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/software/) - [Password managers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers/) - [VPNs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-vpn-service/) - [Free VPNs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-free-vpn/) - Audio - Speakers - [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Portable bluetooth speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Surround‑sound speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bookshelf-speakers/) - [Computer speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-computer-speakers/) - [Outdoor speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-speakers/) - [Multiroom wireless speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-multiroom-wireless-speaker-system/) - [Smart speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-speakers/) - [Soundbars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/) - Headphones - [Headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-headphones/) - [Over‑ear headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-over-ear-headphones/) - [Noise‑cancelling headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/) - [Sleep headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-sleep-headphones/) - [Bone‑conduction headphones](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bone-conduction-headphones/) - Earbuds - [Wireless earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-earbuds/) - [Wired earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-200-in-ear-headphones/) - [Workout earbuds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-workout-headphones/) - Home Audio - [Turntables & record players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-turntable/) - [CD players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-cd-player/) - [AV receivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-receiver/) - [Stereo amps & receivers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mini-stereo-amplifier/) - [USB audio interfaces](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-audio-interface/) - [All Audio](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/audio/) - Video - [TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/tvs/) - [TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv/) - [OLED TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-oled-tv/) - [4K TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-tv/) - [LCD/LED TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lcd-led-tv/) - [32‑inch TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-small-tv/) - [40‑ to 49‑inch TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-40-to-49-inch-tvs/) - [TV wall mounts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv-wall-mount/) - [Gaming TVs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tv-for-video-games/) - [Home Theater](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/home-theater/) - [Streaming devices](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-media-streamers/) - [4K Blu‑ray players](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-4k-blu-ray-player/) - [HDMI video transmitters](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-wireless-hdmi-video-transmitter/) - [HDTV antennas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-indoor-hdtv-antenna/) - [Soundbars](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-soundbar/) - [Projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/projectors/) - [Projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-projectors/) - [Portable mini projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-pico-projector/) - [Budget projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cheap-projector/) - [Projector screens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-projector-screen/) - [Outdoor projectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-outdoor-projector/) - Cameras & Photo - Cameras - [Instant cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-camera/) - [Mirrorless cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mirrorless-camera/) - [Point‑and‑shoot cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-point-and-shoot-camera/) - [Dash cams](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-dash-cam/) - [Camera Accessories](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/electronics/camera-accessories/) - Smartphone Photography - [iPhone photo lenses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-lenses-for-iphone/) - [Smartphone tripods](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-tripod-for-iphones-smartphones/) - [Smartphone gimbals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-android-and-iphone-gimbal/) - Photo - [Holiday photo cards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-custom-photo-card-service/) - [Photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-inkjet-printer/) - [Instant photo printers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-instant-photo-printer/) - [Online photo printing services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-online-photo-printing/) - [Photo book services](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-photo-book-service/) - [Digital photo frames](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-digital-photo-frame/) - Smart Home - Indoor - [Plug‑in smart outlets](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-switch/) - [Smart thermostats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-thermostat/) - [Smart window shades & blinds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-blinds/) - [Smart LED light bulbs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-led-light-bulbs/) - [In‑wall smart light switches & dimmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-in-wall-wireless-light-switch-and-dimmer/) - [Smart water‑leak detectors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/) - [Smart smoke alarms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-smoke-alarm/) - [Smart locks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/) - [Smart speakers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-speakers/) - Outdoor - [Smart outdoor lighting](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-outdoor-lighting-for-backyards-pathways-and-more/) - [Smart sprinkler timers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-sprinkler-controller/) - [Smart garage door openers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-garage-door-controller/) - [Security Systems & Cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/safety-home-garden/) - [Home security systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-home-security-system/) - [Outdoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wireless-outdoor-home-security-camera/) - [Indoor security cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-home-security-camera/) - [Smart doorbell cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-doorbell-camera/) - [All Smart Home](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/home-garden/smart-home/) - Baby & Kid - Pregnancy & Nursing - Pregnancy - [Pregnancy tests](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pregnancy-test/) - [Body pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-body-pillow/) - Nursing & Pumping - [Breast pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-breast-pumps/) - [Wearable breast pumps](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wearable-breast-pumps/) - [Pumping bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pumping-bra/) - [Nursing bras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nursing-bras/) - [Nursing pillows](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-nursing-pillows/) - Bottles & Formula - [Baby bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bottles-and-bottle-brush/) - [Bottle warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bottle-warmers/) - [Baby formulas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-formula/) - [All Pregnancy & Nursing](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/pregnancy-nursing/) - Baby - Sleep - [Bassinets & co‑sleepers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-co-sleepers/) - [Cribs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cribs/) - [Crib mattresses](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-crib-mattresses/) - [Baby monitors](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-monitor/) - [Baby swaddles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-swaddles/) - Carry - [Baby carriers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-carriers/) - [Baby wraps & slings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-wraps-and-slings/) - Diapering & Bath - [Diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diapers/) - [Cloth diapers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cloth-diapers/) - [Diaper pails](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diaper-pail/) - [Diaper bags](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-diaper-bag/) - [Baby bathtubs & bath seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bathtubs-and-bath-seats/) - [Baby care essentials](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/baby-care-essentials/) - [Home Safety](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/baby-kid/safety/) - [Baby‑proofing tools](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-baby-proofing-tools/) - [Baby gates](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-gate/) - Car Seats - [Infant car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-car-seat/) - [Convertible car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-convertible-car-seats/) - [Travel car seats](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-travel-car-seats/) - Seats - [Baby bouncers & rockers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-bouncers-and-rockers/) - [Baby swings](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-swings/) - [High chairs](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-high-chairs/) - Clothing & Health - Clothing - [Kids pajamas](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-pajamas/) - [Kids underwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-underwear/) - [Kids beachwear](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-kids-beachwear/) - [Kids rain and snow boots](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-rain-snow-boots/) - [Kids sandals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-sandals-water-shoes/) - Health - [Kids electric toothbrushes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-electric-toothbrush-for-kids/) - [Thermometers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-thermometer-for-kids-and-adults/) - School & Tech - [Backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/travel/backpacks/) - [Kids backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpacks-for-elementary-school-students/) - [High school & college backpacks](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-school-backpack-for-high-school-and-college/) - Lunch & Hydration - [Kids lunch boxes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-lunch-boxes/) - [Kids water bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-kids-water-bottles/) - 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Everything Else - [Smokeless fire pits](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smokeless-fire-pits/) - [Mug warmers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-mug-warmers/) - [Smart bird feeders](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-bird-feeder/) - [Disposable cameras](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-disposable-cameras/) - Gifts for Grown-Ups - For Occasions - [Housewarming gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-housewarming-gifts/) - [Anniversary gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-anniversary-gifts/) - [Retirement gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-retirement-gifts/) - [Birthday gifts for her](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-birthday-gifts-for-her/) - [Gifts for coworkers](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-coworkers/) - [Gifts for new moms](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-new-moms/) - [Bridal shower gifts](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-bridal-shower-gifts/) - 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Under Budget - [Gifts under \$25](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-under-25/) - [Gifts under \$50](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-under-50/) - [Gifts under \$100](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-under-100/) - [Wrapping Paper](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wrapping-paper/) - [All Gifts for Grown‑Ups](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/adults/) - Gifts for Kids - Ages Younger Than 6 - [Gifts for infants](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-infant-gifts/) - [Gifts for 1‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-toys-for-1-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 2‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-toys-for-2-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 3‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-3-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 4‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-4-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 5‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-5-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 6‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-6-year-olds/) - Ages 7 & Up - [Gifts for 7‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-7-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 8‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-8-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 9‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-9-year-olds/) - [Gifts for 10‑year‑olds](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-toys-gifts-for-10-year-olds/) - [Gifts for tweens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-tweens/) - [Gifts for teens](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-for-teens/) - [All Gifts for Kids](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/kids/) - [Podcast](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/) - [Deals](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/deals/) [Wirecutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ "Wirecutter") Log inAccount [Subscribe](https://www.nytimes.com/subscription/wirecutter?return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2Freviews%2Fbest-under-sink-water-filter%2F) [Skip To Content](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#main) We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. [Learn more›](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/about/) BROWSESections in this article [Why you should trust me](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#why-you-should-trust-me) [Do you need a water filter?](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#do-you-need-a-water-filter) [Who this is for](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#who-this-is-for) [How we picked](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#how-we-picked) [How we tested](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#how-we-tested) [Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#top-pick-aquasana-aq-5200) [Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#runner-up-a-o-smith-ao-us-200) [Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#upgrade-pick-aquasana-aq-5300-max-flow) [Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#best-for-sinks-without-a-hole-for-a-separate-faucet-aquasana-claryum-direct-connect) [What to look forward to](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#what-to-look-forward-to) [The competition](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#the-competition) 1. [Kitchen](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/kitchen-dining/) # The Best Under-Sink Water Filter Updated May 13, 2025 Save ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-2x1-1369.jpg?width=150&quality=20&crop=2:1&auto=webp) ![Four under-sink water filtration systems sitting on a blue background.]() Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter [![Tim Heffernan](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2015/06/heffernan_headshot_face_on_3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=50)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/authors/tim-heffernan/) By [Tim Heffernan](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/authors/tim-heffernan/) Tim Heffernan is a writer who covers air and water quality and sustainable-energy technology. He prefers Flare-brand match smoke for purifier testing. Anyone who goes through more than a couple gallons of drinking water a day will probably be happiest with an under-sink filtration system like the [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92266/?merchant=Amazon). Unlike pitchers, under-sink filters provide a continual supply of water on demand. We recommend the Aquasana AQ-5200 because its certifications are among the best of any system we’ve found; they include (like the rest of our picks here) chlorine, lead, mercury, PFAS, multiple pesticides, and microplastics. ### Everything we recommend #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31959/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) ## [Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon "Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration") ### [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana AQ-5200") Certified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact. [\$140 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) [\$140 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/184369/4/92255?merchant=Walmart) #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31960/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) ## [Same performance, different name](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon "Same performance, different name") ### [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon "A.O. Smith AO-US-200") Identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in certifications, specs, and size, but exclusive to Lowe’s. [\$100 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31961/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) ## [Higher flow and capacity](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon "Higher flow and capacity") ### [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow") Same great certifications as and higher flow rate and filter capacity than the AQ-5200, plus a prefilter to help with rusty sediment. [\$191 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) [\$191 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/208373/4/92261?merchant=Walmart) #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/40089/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) ## [High water flow, easy installation](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon "High water flow, easy installation") ### [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect") Installs without drilling and delivers up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute through your existing faucet. [\$125 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) [\$125 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/208918/4/218355?merchant=Walmart) #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31959/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) ## [Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon "Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration") ### [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana AQ-5200") Certified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact. [\$140 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) [\$140 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/184369/4/92255?merchant=Walmart) The [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92266/?merchant=Amazon) is ANSI/NSF-certified to virtually eliminate a wide array of contaminants, including lead, mercury, pesticides, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other materials that few of its competitors catch. And it’s one of a handful of filters certified for PFOA and PFOS, two of the so-called forever chemicals that are of concern to the EPA. Replacement filters cost about \$60 for a set, or \$120 per year on Aquasana’s recommended six-month replacement cycle. And being barely larger than a couple cans of soda, the system doesn’t take up a lot of valuable room under your sink. It uses high-quality metal hardware, and its faucet comes in multiple finishes. #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31960/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) ## [Same performance, different name](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon "Same performance, different name") ### [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon "A.O. Smith AO-US-200") Identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in certifications, specs, and size, but exclusive to Lowe’s. [\$100 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) The [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92267/?merchant=Amazon) is identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in every important respect. (That’s because A.O. Smith bought Aquasana in 2016.) It has the same exceptional certifications, all-metal hardware, and compact form, but because it’s sold only at Lowe’s, it’s not as widely available, and its faucet comes in only one finish: brushed nickel. Filter-replacement costs are similar: about \$60 for a set, or \$120 a year on A.O. Smith’s recommended six-month cycle. #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31961/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) ## [Higher flow and capacity](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon "Higher flow and capacity") ### [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow") Same great certifications as and higher flow rate and filter capacity than the AQ-5200, plus a prefilter to help with rusty sediment. [\$191 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) [\$191 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/208373/4/92261?merchant=Walmart) The [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92268/?merchant=Amazon) has the same exceptional certifications as our top pick, yet it offers higher flow (0.72 versus 0.5 gallons per minute) and filter capacity (800 versus 500 gallons). That makes it our choice for households that need [a lot of filtered water](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#who-this-is-for) and want it as fast as possible. It adds a sediment prefilter, too, which the AQ-5200 lacks; this may extend the contaminant-filters’ higher flow in homes with sediment-rich water. That said, the AQ-5300+ model—with three liter-bottle-size filters—is much larger than the AQ-5200, and it costs a bit more up front and for replacement filters (about \$80 per set or \$160 a year). #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/40089/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) ## [High water flow, easy installation](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon "High water flow, easy installation") ### [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect") Installs without drilling and delivers up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute through your existing faucet. [\$125 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) [\$125 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/208918/4/218355?merchant=Walmart) [Aquasana’s Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/135277/?merchant=Amazon) plumbs right into your existing faucet, so it’s a particularly attractive choice for renters (who may be forbidden from altering their dwelling) and for people who can’t install a separate filter-faucet. It doesn’t even have to be mounted on the sink-cabinet wall—it can simply lie on its side. It offers the same ANSI/NSF certifications as our other Aquasana and A.O. Smith picks, and it can deliver up to 1½ gallons per minute of filtered water. The filter is rated for 784 gallons, or about six months of use. But it lacks a sediment prefilter. So if you have a sediment issue, it’s not a good choice, as it can easily clog. And it’s big—20½ by 4½ inches—so if your sink cabinet is small or crowded, it may not fit. ### Get today’s recommendation Expert advice. Very good deals. The absolute best (and worst) things we’ve tested lately. Sent to your inbox daily. Email Address ## The research ## Why you should trust me I have been testing water filters for Wirecutter since 2016. In my reporting, I’ve spoken at length with filter-certification organizations to understand how their testing is conducted, and delved deeply into their public databases to confirm that manufacturers’ claims are supported by certified testing. I’ve also spoken with representatives of multiple water-filter manufacturers, including Aquasana/A.O. Smith, Filtrete, Brita, and Pur, to interrogate their claims. And I’ve gone hands-on with all of our picks, because overall livability, durability, and user-friendliness are important in a device you’ll use multiple times a day. John Holecek, a former NOAA scientist, researched and wrote earlier Wirecutter water-filter guides, conducted his own tests, commissioned further independent tests, and taught me much of what I know. My work builds on his. ## Do you need a water filter? Unfortunately there’s no universal answer to whether you need a water filter. In the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, and water leaving a public water-treatment plant must meet strict quality standards. But not all potential contaminants are regulated. As well, contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant, by [infiltrating leaky pipes](https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/thepotentialforhealthrisksfromintrusionofcontaminants_1.pdf) (PDF) or by leaching out of the pipes themselves. And water treatments done (or overlooked) at the plant can exacerbate leaching in pipes downstream—[as happened in Flint, Michigan](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5353852/). To know exactly what’s in your supplier’s water when it leaves the plant, you can usually find your local supplier’s EPA-mandated Consumer Confidence Report [online](https://ofmpub.epa.gov/apex/safewater/f?p=136:102::::::); if not, all public water suppliers are required to give you their CCR upon request. But because of potential downstream contamination, the only way to know for certain what’s in your home’s water is to pay a local water-quality lab to test it. As a rule of thumb: The older your home or community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The [EPA says](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water) that “homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder”—once-common older materials that don’t meet current codes. Age also brings an increased likelihood of legacy groundwater pollution from pre-regulation industry, which can be a risk, especially when combined with age-related degradation of underground plumbing. ## Who this is for If your household goes through more than two or three gallons of drinking water each day, an under-sink water filter may be a better choice than a [pitcher filter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-filter-pitcher/). Under-sink systems provide filtered drinking water on demand, with no waiting around for the filtration process to run its course, as there is with pitchers. “On demand” filtration also means under-sink systems can provide enough water for cooking—you could fill a pot to cook pasta with filtered water, for example, but you’d never repeatedly refill a pitcher for that. Under-sink filters also tend to have much more capacity and much longer lifespans than pitcher filters—often hundreds of gallons and six months or more, versus 40 gallons and two months for most pitcher filters. And because under-sink filters use water pressure, not gravity, to push water through the filter, their filters can be denser, so they can remove a greater range of potential contaminants. On the downside, they’re more expensive up front than pitcher filters, and replacement filters are also more expensive in absolute terms and averaged over time. The system also takes up space in your sink cabinet that could otherwise be used for storage. Installing an under-sink filter requires basic plumbing and hardware mounting, but the job is straightforward only if your sink already has a hole for a separate faucet. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to knock out one of the built-in faucet sites (visible as a raised disk on steel sinks, or a marking on synthetic-stone sinks). Lacking a knockout, you’ll need to drill a hole through the sink, and if your sink is an under-mount, you’ll need to drill through your countertop as well. If you currently have a soap dispenser or handheld sprayer on your sink, you could remove that and install the faucet there. (Don't install a faucet in place of an existing [air gap](https://ggrhomeinspections.com/dishwasher-air-gap)—it's there to prevent dirty rinse-water from backing up into your dishwasher.) #### What to know if you’re concerned about PFAS in drinking water - [![Forever Chemicals Are in Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water. Here’s How to Reduce Your Exposure.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/07/foreverchemicals-2048px-iStock-909104882-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=150)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water/) ### [Forever Chemicals Are in Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water. Here’s How to Reduce Your Exposure.](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water/) Nearly half of tap water contains forever chemicals. Here’s how to figure out if you’re at risk and limit your exposure. ## How we picked ![A close up of a few under sink water filtration systems on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1383.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter This guide is about a specific type of under-sink filter: those that use cartridge filters. They take up little room and are generally simple to install and maintain. They use adsorbent materials—typically, activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, just like pitcher filters—to bind and neutralize contaminants. Most are plumbed to a separate faucet (included in the box), which means you need a mounting hole in your countertop; one that’s designed for a spray hose will work, or you can have a new hole drilled. We’re not talking about faucet-mounted filters, [reverse-osmosis systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#what-about-reverse-osmosis), or other pitchers or dispensers. To ensure that we recommend only trustworthy filters, we have always insisted that our picks be certified to the industry standard: ANSI/NSF. The [American National Standards Institute](https://www.ansi.org/) and [NSF International](http://www.nsf.org/) are private, nonprofit organizations that—working in concert with the EPA, industry representatives, and other experts—establish strict quality standards and testing protocols for thousands of products, [including water filters](http://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/listings_leadreduction.asp). The two main certifying labs for water filters are NSF International itself and the [Water Quality Association](https://www.wqa.org/) (WQA). Both are fully accredited in North America by ANSI and the Standards Council of Canada to do ANSI/NSF certification testing, and both must adhere to the exact same testing standards and protocols. Filters can meet the certification standard only after being pushed well beyond their expected lifespan, using prepared “challenge” samples that are far more polluted than most tap water. For this guide we focused on filters with certifications for chlorine, lead, and VOC (aka volatile organic compounds). Chlorine certification is important, because chlorine is the usual culprit for “bad-tasting” tap water. But it’s also almost a gimme: Virtually all water filters of any type are certified for it. Lead certification is hard to achieve because it means reducing a lead-rich solution by more than 99%. VOC certification is also challenging because it means a filter virtually eliminates more than 50 organic compounds, including [many common biocides and industrial precursors](http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/water-quality/water-filters-testing-treatment/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide). Not all under-sink filters have either certification, so by focusing on filters with certification for both, we identified those with markedly superior performance. We further narrowed our search by favoring filters that are additionally certified under a relatively new [ANSI/NSF standard 401](https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/nsf-ansi-42-53-and-401-filtration-systems-standards), which covers emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals, that are increasingly found in US water. Again, not all filters have 401 certification. So those that do have it (along with lead and VOC certification) are in a very select group. Within this stringent subset, we then looked for those with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons. That equates to a filter lifespan of roughly six months under heavy use (2¾ gallons a day). That’s enough daily filtered water for most families to both drink and cook with. (Manufacturers provide suggested filter-replacement schedules, usually given in months rather than gallons; we abide by these recommendations in our assessments and cost calculations. We recommend always using original-manufacturer replacements, rather than third-party filters.) Finally, we weighed costs, both for the entire system up front and for the ongoing cost of replacement filters. We did not set a price floor or ceiling, but our research revealed that even though up-front costs ranged from the low \$100s to \$1,250, and filter costs from \$60 to almost \$300, these differences weren’t reflected in markedly superior specs for the more expensive models. We found several under-sink filters that came in at well under \$200 while offering exceptional certifications and lifespans. These are the ones that became our finalists. Beyond this, we looked for: - Misleading claims: Unfortunately, many filter makers use phrases like “independently tested to ANSI/NSF standards” to imply that the filter is certified. But “independently tested to” and “certified” aren’t the same thing; the former usually means a filter maker had its testing done by a non-certifying lab. All of the filters we recommend are certified by NSF or WQA. - Total ANSI/NSF certifications: More is better. There are scores of potential water contaminants, and filters must be tested and certified for each one. Certification is done on a strict pass/fail basis; there are no certifications for “pretty good” or “close enough.” - Cost-competitiveness: Filters have to be replaced regularly, so cost-per-filter and the replacement schedule give a sense of long-term cost-competitiveness. - Wide availability: We especially wanted our recommended replacement filters to be easy to find for the foreseeable future. - Hardware quality: We favored metal parts over plastic—especially on plumbing connections—and compression fittings over push-in ones. - Reputation and reviews: We weighed the trends we found in the filters’ owner reviews—both positive and negative—to get a fuller picture of how they perform beyond their certifications and our own experience. While researching, we ran into occasional reports of catastrophic leaks from owners of under-sink water filters. Because the filters are plumbed into the cold-water feed line, if a connector or hose breaks, water will escape until the shut-off valve is closed—so it could be hours or even days before you discover the problem, leaving you with severe water damage. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is a risk to weigh when you’re considering buying an under-sink filter. And if you do buy one, follow the installation instructions carefully, take care not to cross-thread the connector, and turn the water back on slowly to check that there are no leaks. For extra peace of mind (for all plumbing concerns, not just under-sink filters), consider installing a [smart leak detector](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/). ## How we tested We’ve conducted lab tests of water filters in years past, and our main takeaway from testing was that ANSI/NSF certification is a reliable measure of a filter’s performance. That’s not surprising given the extreme rigor of the certification testing. Since then we have relied on ANSI/NSF certifications, rather than our own limited testing, to select our competitors. In 2018 we conducted tests on the popular [Big Berkey water-filter system](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/big-berkey-water-filter-system/), which is not ANSI/NSF certified but claims to have been extensively tested to ANSI/NSF standards. That experience further cemented our insistence on true ANSI/NSF certifications and our distrust of “tested to ANSI/NSF” claims. Our tests since then, including in 2019, have focused on real-world usability and the kinds of practical features and drawbacks that become apparent when you’re living with these products. ## Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200 ![The filters, installation componenets and faucet for the Aquasana AQ-5200 on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1412.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31959/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) ## [Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon "Exceptional, affordable under-sink filtration") ### [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana AQ-5200") Certified for the most contaminants, widely available, affordable, and compact. [\$140 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) [\$140 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/184369/4/92255?merchant=Walmart) Our pick is the [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92266/?merchant=Amazon), aka the Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS. Beyond that, its faucet and plumbing hardware are made of solid metal, which is superior to the plastic that some other manufacturers use. And this system is also extremely compact. Finally, the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the best values we’ve found in under-sink filters, typically costing about \$140 up front for the whole system (filters, housing, faucet, and hardware) and \$60 for a set of two replacement filters. That’s less than many competitors with weaker certifications. The AQ-5200’s [ANSI/NSF certifications](https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/PDF/AQ-5200_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) include chlorine, which is used to kill pathogens in municipal water supplies and is the chief cause of “bad-tasting” tap water; lead, which can leach out of old pipes and pipe solder; mercury; live cryptosporidium and giardia, two potential pathogens; and chloramine, a persistent chlorine-ammonia disinfectant that is increasingly employed by filtration plants in the US South, where pure chlorine rapidly degrades in the warm water. The AQ-5200 is also certified for 15 “emerging contaminants” that are increasingly found in public water supplies, including BPA, ibuprofen, and estrone (a form of estrogen used in birth control); for microplastics; and for PFOA and PFOS (fluorine-based industrial compounds that are widely found in US tap-water supplies). It is also certified for VOC. That means it effectively removes more than 50 different organic compounds, including many pesticides and industrial precursors. ![The aquasana faucet sitting next to a filtrete faucet on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1824.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) The Aquasana (right) uses solid metal for the faucet, piping, and connector. Some other filters, including the Filtrete at left, use plastic. Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Along with activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, which are common to most if not all under-sink filters, Aquasana uses two additional filter technologies to achieve its certifications. For chloramine, it adds catalytic carbon, a more porous—and therefore more reactive—form of activated carbon produced by treating the carbon with high-temperature gas. For cryptosporidium and giardia, Aquasana manufactures its filters in such a way that the pore size is reduced to 0.5 micron, which is small enough to physically capture them. The Aquasana AQ-5200 filter’s exceptional certifications are the main reason it’s our pick. But its design and materials also set it apart. The faucet is made of solid metal and so is the T-shaped fixture that attaches the filter to the plumbing. Some competitors use plastic for one or both, lowering cost but increasing the risk of cross-threading and mis-installation. The AQ-5200 employs compression fittings to ensure a tight, secure seal between your plumbing and the plastic tubing that sends water to the filters and tap; some competitors use simple push-in fittings, which are less secure. And the AQ-5200 faucet is available in three finishes (brushed nickel, polished chrome, and oiled bronze), whereas some competitors give you no choice. We also favored the AQ-5200 system’s compact form. It uses a pair of filters that are each little bigger than a soda can; some other filters, including the Aquasana AQ-5300+, below, are the size of liter bottles. With the filters installed on the mounting bracket, the AQ-5200 measures 9 inches high by 8 inches wide by 4 inches deep; the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is 13 by 12 by 4 inches. That means the AQ-5200 takes up significantly less room in the sink cabinet, can fit in cramped spaces where larger systems would not, and leaves more room for under-sink storage. You need about 11 inches of vertical space (measuring downward from the top of the housing) to permit filter replacement, and about 9 inches of unobstructed horizontal space along a cabinet wall to install the housing. The AQ-5200 is very well reviewed for a water filter, with 4.5 stars (out of five) across more than 800 reviews at Aquasana’s site, and 4.5 stars across nearly 500 reviews at Home Depot. Finally, at its current price of about \$140 (and often on sale for closer to \$100) for the complete system and \$60 for a set of replacement filters (\$120 per year on a six-month replacement cycle), the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the very best values among our competitors, costing hundreds less than some models whose certifications aren’t as extensive. The unit contains a timer that begins beeping when you’re due for a filter replacement, but we recommend also setting a recurring calendar reminder on your phone. (You’re less likely to miss it.) ### Flaws but not dealbreakers The Aquasana AQ-5200 has a lower maximum flow rate relative to some competitors (0.5 gpm versus 0.72 or more) and lower capacity (500 gallons versus 750 or more). This is the direct result of its physically small filters. On balance, we think these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its compactness. If you know you want higher flow and capacity, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is rated to 0.72 gpm and 800 gallons but shares the same six-month filter-replacement schedule, and the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect delivers up to 1.5 gpm and is rated to 784 gallons and six months. The AQ-5200 system’s instruction manual is a bit sloppy, with a few parts not shown on the parts list or diagram. It’s nothing that will trip up most owners; fundamentally, all you’re doing is attaching a couple of tubes to the water supply and the faucet, and the parts more or less explain themselves. (The unlisted, decorative stainless washer is the exception: it goes onto the faucet first, before the thin rubber washer.) And in fairness, sloppiness is a problem with many under-sink filters’ manuals, judging by the comments we came across in our research. But we’d like to see the manual rectified in the future. In the meantime, here’s a video from Aquasana of [how to install the AQ-5200.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFXVzgfLnZ0) As noted above in How We Picked, under-sink water filters, [including the AQ-5200](https://amazon.com/product-reviews//B00CHYLXLM/ref=acr_dpx_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar), occasionally fail catastrophically, causing severe water damage if the problem is not quickly noticed and fixed. Be particularly careful when installing that you don’t cross-thread the connector and that the hose connections are secure, and turn the water back on slowly, so you can catch and rectify any leaks before they become a disaster. A [smart leak detector](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/) can catch catastrophic leaks (whatever the cause) before the worst damage is done. Like all our picks, the Aquasana AQ-5200 comes with its own separate faucet, which may not match your style. You can also install a separate faucet of your choice, as long as the faucet connection is ⅜ inch. But you’ll want to match its flow rate to the Aquasana’s 0.5 gpm, because filter certifications are tied to flow. And note that using your own faucet technically means your system is no longer ANSI/NSF certified. If you suspect your water is sediment-rich (an orange-ish tint, from rust, is one clue; so is past experience with filters of any sort, including pitchers, becoming clogged before their projected lifespan), you may wish to look at the otherwise similar [Aquasana AQ-5300](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#the-competition), which adds a sediment prefilter. ## Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200 ![Our runner-up pick for best under-sink water filter, the A.O. Smith AO-US-200.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1798-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31960/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) ## [Same performance, different name](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon "Same performance, different name") ### [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon "A.O. Smith AO-US-200") Identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 in certifications, specs, and size, but exclusive to Lowe’s. [\$100 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) The [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92267/?merchant=Amazon), marketed as (prepare for a mouthful) the Clean Water Filter Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under Sink Water Filtration System, is functionally and in every important respect physically identical to the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200. It has [the same ANS/NSF certifications](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ao-us-200_pds.pdf) (PDF) and the same compact size, filter technologies, all-metal construction, compression fittings, and 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity. It also usually sells for about the same price up front and for a set of replacement filters. None of this is suspicious: A.O. Smith purchased Aquasana in 2016, and as an A.O. Smith representative told us, is “leveraging” Aquasana’s expertise while having no plans to phase out the Aquasana brand. The A.O. Smith filter differs from the Aquasana AQ-5200 in only two respects. First, it’s exclusive to Lowe’s. Second, its faucet comes in only a brushed-nickel finish, while the AQ-5200 faucet comes in brushed-nickel, polished-chrome, and oiled-bronze versions. If brushed nickel suits your decor, we recommend shopping around. Sales can significantly reduce the price of one relative to the other. ![The black ao smith filter sitting next to the white aquasana filter on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1349.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) The A.O. Smith AO-US-200 and Aquasana AQ-5200 are identical in every important respect. Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter As for flaws, the A.O. Smith’s manual is sloppy in the same ways the Aquasana 5200 manual is. And our A.O. Smith came with a single 6-foot length of plastic tubing; it’s supposed to come with two 3-foot lengths, as the AQ-5200 did. The tubing was easy to cut in half (we tested with scissors, kitchen shears, and [a wire cutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wire-cutter/)), but owners shouldn’t have to take that step themselves. ## Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow ![The filter, installation components and faucet for the Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1793.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31961/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) ## [Higher flow and capacity](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon "Higher flow and capacity") ### [Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow") Same great certifications as and higher flow rate and filter capacity than the AQ-5200, plus a prefilter to help with rusty sediment. [\$191 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) [\$191 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/208373/4/92261?merchant=Walmart) With identical certifications to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200 but higher flow rate and larger capacity, the [Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92268/?merchant=Amazon) is our pick for people who need a lot of filtered water and want it fast. But it’s a physically much larger system (see the comparative photo below) and costs more up front and to replace the three filters. The Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow is ANSI/NSF certified for [the same contaminants](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AQ-5300_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) as the 5200 and A.O. Smith filters, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, PFOA, and PFOS. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow adds a prefilter for capturing rust and sediment that may be in the water supply, helping keep the contaminant filters from clogging; the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters lack this feature. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow uses all-metal hardware that’s identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, and like the AQ-5200, the faucet comes in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. And the AQ-5300+ Max Flow has the same secure compression fittings, helping prevent leaks. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow delivers water more quickly than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters: it’s rated to 0.72 gpm, versus 0.5. And its filters have a higher capacity, at 800 versus 500 gallons. But that does not extend the filters’ recommended lifespan: they’re rated to the same six months. At about \$80 versus \$60 for a set of replacements, that translates to about \$40 more annually. And the AW-5300+ Max Flow is more expensive up front, at around \$150 (though often on sale for less). ![The larger aquasana max flow filter next to the smaller lower flow filter on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1306.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) The larger Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow (left) has a higher flow rate and filter capacity than the company’s AQ-5200 (right) and A.O. Smith AO-US-200 (not pictured). Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter But the AQ-5300+ Max Flow is physically much larger than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, at 13 by 12 by 4 inches versus 9 by 8 by 4 inches. It will take up more room in your under-sink cabinet and may not fit at all if your cabinet is particularly small or cramped. You need about 15 inches of vertical space (measuring downward) from the top of the housing to permit filter replacement, and about 13 inches of unobstructed horizontal cabinet wall to screw the housing into place. One other note: The AW-5300+ Max Flow is equipped with a “performance indicating device” (PID). That means it measures the actual amount of water that passes through the device, while the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters have simple timers. The PID is Bluetooth enabled, as well, so it can alert your phone or laptop when the filters are due for replacement. We still recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone, as you’re more likely to see the reminder and don’t have to worry about the PID malfunctioning or running out of power. ## Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2021/09/01-under-sink-water-filter-2048px-claryum.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) Aquasana #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/40089/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) ## [High water flow, easy installation](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon "High water flow, easy installation") ### [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon "Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect") Installs without drilling and delivers up to 1.5 gallons of filtered water per minute through your existing faucet. [\$125 from Amazon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) [\$125 from Walmart](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/208918/4/218355?merchant=Walmart) The [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/135277/?merchant=Amazon) is an under-sink filter with particular utility for renters and for people in homes that don’t have a separate mounting hole for a filter-dedicated faucet. That’s because it plumbs directly into the cold-water line and sends filtered water to the main faucet—you don’t have to drill any holes or otherwise alter your space. This design also makes the Claryum Direct Connect easier to install than our other picks, which need that separate faucet installed and also require you to mount the filters on the sidewall of the sink cabinet. In contrast, the Claryum Direct Connect can simply lie on the cabinet floor (though it comes with mounting brackets if you prefer to secure it horizontally or vertically). The Claryum Direct Connect has the same exceptional ANSI/NSF certifications as our other picks from Aquasana and A.O. Smith. (The latter is a Lowe’s-exclusive Aquasana brand—the exact A. O. Smith equivalent to the Claryum Direct Connect is the [A. O. Smith Clean Water Main Filter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/46756/174449/4/135279/?merchant=Lowe's).) It reduces lead, mercury, PFOA/PFOS, and some pharmaceuticals, a total of 77 contaminants. The filters are rated for 784 gallons, or about six months’ worth of normal use, and Aquasana claims a flow rate of up to 1.5 gallons per minute—three times faster than that of the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200 and twice as fast as the flow rate of the AQ-5300+. In our initial testing, we measured zero change in a home faucet’s flow after installing the Claryum Direct Connect: It delivered the same 1.25 gallons per minute that it did before. However, after plumbing repairs elsewhere in the multi-unit building sent a huge burst of sediment into the pipes, the filter clogged, and the flow dropped to just 0.5 gpm. If you know or suspect that you have sediment issues, we recommend our upgrade pick, the [AQ-5300+](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/135280/?merchant=Amazon), because unlike the Claryum Direct Connect it has a sediment prefilter. Installing the Claryum Direct Connect is straightforward. You simply shut off the cold-water inlet valve, unscrew the existing coupling to the sink’s water line, and screw in the provided adapter. Two sections of tubing, also included, connect the filter to the adapter, using simple press-fit collars. You can leave the filter lying on the floor of the sink cabinet or mount it on the brackets that Aquasana provides. We were able to do the job in about 10 minutes; the only tools you need are an adjustable wrench and, if you opt for the brackets, a screwdriver. Be aware, however, that the filter is much larger than our other picks at 20½ inches long and 4½ inches wide, and you need 3 inches of additional space below it or next to it to remove a spent filter and put a new one in. So take some measurements before buying. Because the Claryum Direct Connect is connected to the main faucet, every time you turn on the cold water, you use up a bit of filter life. The filter’s high capacity makes that less of a concern than it would otherwise be, but we can imagine people altering their water usage in a bid to maximize the filter’s lifespan. (“You’re definitely [not pre-rinsing those dishes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-use-your-dishwasher-better/) now,” quipped Harry Sawyers, editor of this guide.) Of course, you also get the convenience of instant, free-flowing filtered water and easy installation, and we consider that a fair trade-off. When it’s time for a [replacement filter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/46757/174450/4/135281/?merchant=Aquasana), the old one twists out and the new one twists into place, the work of less than a minute. Reviews of the [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://amazon.com/Aquasana-Under-Water-Filter-System/product-reviews/B088GSC89B/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews) are generally very positive—with one common source of complaint, and a valid one. The adapter piece is made of plastic, and it’s too easy to cross-thread that piece during installation and strip the threads, rendering it useless. If you just take a little care, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a brass adapter would be sturdier and less prone to this problem. ## What to look forward to In 2025, we will be testing under-sink reverse osmosis filters. Traditional R/O has become more efficient since we first wrote this guide, and wastes less water than it used to. And tankless on-demand R/O systems are proliferating. These save on under-sink space, long a knock on traditional systems. Because R/O is a mature technology, our focus is likely to be on differences in livability, reliability, and upfront and running costs. (These include the installation cost—which can be significant if you need to add an electrical outlet for a tankless system.) Our concerns about the inefficiency of and questionable need for R/O remain, but we’re hopeful we can find a solid system that delivers on its promises. ## The competition The [Hahn 3-stage 600-gallon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31962/153014/4/92271/?merchant=Amazon) is a re-branded version of the Aquasana AQ-5300. It has the same 77 ANSI/NSF certifications as the Aquasana 5200, 5300, 5300+ Max Flow, and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200. And like the 5300 and 5300+ Max Flow, it has a sediment prefilter. It’s not as widely available as any of these, but if you see one at a competitive price and if you know you have high sediment in your pipes, it’s a solid choice. The [Amway eSpring 100189](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/16149/48342/4/92272/?merchant=Amway) has more ANSI/NSF certifications than any other filter we discovered in our research, including lead, VOC, Standard 401 “emerging contaminants,” and PFOA and PFOS. But it costs \$1,250. That’s almost 10 times what our picks cost, which made it easy to dismiss. The [Aquasana AQ-5300](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31963/153015/4/92273/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) sits between the top-pick AQ-5200 and upgrade-pick 5300+ Max Flow. It’s physically almost identical to the AQ-5200 but adds a sediment prefilter (like the 5300+ Max Flow) to help extend the contaminant filters’ lifespans. If you know your water is rusty or sediment-rich, this filter may be worth the slightly higher up-front and maintenance costs. It has same ANSI/NSF certifications and 0.5 gpm flow as the AQ-5200, a slightly higher 600-gallon capacity, and the same six-month filter replacement schedule but is a bit wider (12 inches versus 8 inches) due to the third filter. Brondell’s popular [H2O+ Coral UC300l](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31964/153016/4/92274/?merchant=Amazon) has lead and VOC certification but no Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications. The [3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/16145/48325/4/92275/?merchant=Amazon), an informal recommendation in the previous version of this guide, costs considerably more than our picks and lacks Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications. The [Body Glove BG-12000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/16147/153017/4/92276/?merchant=Amazon), also a former informal recommendation, is rated to a relatively high 0.75 gpm and 750 gallons but has fewer certifications than our picks and costs more than \$500, and you have to buy a faucet separately. The [BG-3000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31965/153018/4/92277/?merchant=Amazon) lacks Standard 401 certifications and is rated to just 450 gallons, and again costs more than our picks and doesn’t come with a faucet. The popular [Brita Redi-Twist WFUSS-334](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31966/153019/4/92278/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) is not a Brita product but licenses Brita’s name. It lacks VOC and Standard 401 certifications and costs more than our picks. The [Camelot Imperial Plus](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31967/153020/4/92279/?merchant=Camelot%20International%20Health%20Organization) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” and costs \$1,800. APEC’s popular [WFS-1000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31968/153021/4/92280/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified for any of its claims by NSF or WQA. No [Ecodyne](https://ecodyne.com/) filter in the under-sink, non-reverse-osmosis category met our requirements. (The company primarily focuses on industrial, pool, and spa filtration.) The [iSpring US31](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31969/153022/4/92281/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified by NSF or WQA but rather is “independently tested” to their standards. The [Frizzlife MP99](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31970/153023/4/92282/?merchant=Amazon), an “Amazon’s Choice,” also is not certified by NSF or WQA. No [EcoWater](https://www.ecowater.com/home-water-solutions/drinking-water-systems/) filter met our requirements of lead and VOC reduction and 500-gallon capacity. The [GE Single Stage Filtration System](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31971/153024/4/92283/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) does not have NSF or WQA certifications. The [Pentair F2000-B2B](https://www.pentair.com/content/pentair/en/products/residential-water-treatment/professional-series/f2000.html) has lead and VOC certifications but not Standard 401, and is not widely available. Shaklee’s BestWater MTS2000 Model 82333 is [NSF-certified for lead and VOC](http://info.nsf.org/Certified/dwtu/listings.asp?CompanyName=shaklee&submit1=Search+by+Manufacturer&Program=DWTU) and rated to 1,000 gallons, but we found very little further information about it. The [WaterChef U9000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31972/153025/4/92284/?merchant=WaterChef) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants.” That and its high cost mean it’s not our pick, despite its 1,000-gallon capacity and 0.75 gpm flow rate. ## Meet your guide ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2015/06/heffernan_headshot_face_on_3.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=100) Tim Heffernan What I Cover Since I joined Wirecutter in 2015, indoor air and water quality have gone from being somewhat fringe concerns to central worries for many people. First wildfires, then the Flint and Newark lead crises, then COVID-19, and most recently PFAS drove the shift, and it has been a career-defining—and extremely satisfying—challenge to stay on top of the ever-multiplying products used to clean the air and water in homes and to counter the landslides of misinformation and fearmongering that can accompany them. Since 2021 I’ve developed a third beat covering residential solar and other energy-saving technology and techniques. It’s great fun, not just because it’s an extremely complex topic, but also because the best approach for many people is also the simplest and cheapest: weatherizing their homes. Guiding readers toward solutions that don’t involve buying shiny new toys is the most edifying thing I get to do here. ## Further reading - [![The Big Berkey, a large steel canister with a spigot at the bottom, on a kitchen counter.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/07/big-berkley-water-filter-2048px-9867-2.jpeg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/big-berkey-water-filter-system/) ### [The Big Berkey Water Filter System: Uncertified and Inconvenient](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/big-berkey-water-filter-system/) by Tim Heffernan The Big Berkey Water Filter system lacks independent certification, and it’s much more expensive and less convenient to use than other options. - [![Four filtered water bottles along with replacement filters and straws.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/02/filteredwaterbottles-2048px-07898-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-filtered-water-bottles/) ### [The Best Filtered Water Bottles](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-filtered-water-bottles/) by Tim Heffernan You can get cleaner, better-tasting water with a filtered bottle that can travel with you—but other filtered water options may be more convenient overall. - [![An Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow with an illustrated border.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2024/01/aq5300maxflow-2048px-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/aquasana-aq-5300-max-flow-review/) ### [This Under-Sink Filter Makes My New York City Tap Water Taste Like a Mountain Spring](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/aquasana-aq-5300-max-flow-review/) by Christine Cyr Clisset The Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow removes all kinds of gunk and harmful chemicals from drinking water. - [![A person filling up a glass of water from a kitchen sink tap.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/07/foreverchemicals-2048px-iStock-909104882-3x2-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=3:2&width=90)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water/) ### [Forever Chemicals Are in Nearly Half of America’s Tap Water. Here’s How to Reduce Your Exposure.](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-to-reduce-exposure-to-chemicals-in-tap-water/) by Tim Heffernan Nearly half of tap water contains forever chemicals. Here’s how to figure out if you’re at risk and limit your exposure. [Edit](https://thewirecutter.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10888&action=edit) ## Join our 4-day spring-cleaning challenge A daily five-minute cleaning hack — plus, actionable tips and good-looking upgrades for a tidier home — delivered right to your inbox. Starts March 9. Email Address [Wirecutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/ "Wirecutter") Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). 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Readable Markdown	## Why you should trust me I have been testing water filters for Wirecutter since 2016. In my reporting, I’ve spoken at length with filter-certification organizations to understand how their testing is conducted, and delved deeply into their public databases to confirm that manufacturers’ claims are supported by certified testing. I’ve also spoken with representatives of multiple water-filter manufacturers, including Aquasana/A.O. Smith, Filtrete, Brita, and Pur, to interrogate their claims. And I’ve gone hands-on with all of our picks, because overall livability, durability, and user-friendliness are important in a device you’ll use multiple times a day. John Holecek, a former NOAA scientist, researched and wrote earlier Wirecutter water-filter guides, conducted his own tests, commissioned further independent tests, and taught me much of what I know. My work builds on his. ## Do you need a water filter? Unfortunately there’s no universal answer to whether you need a water filter. In the United States, public water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act, and water leaving a public water-treatment plant must meet strict quality standards. But not all potential contaminants are regulated. As well, contaminants can enter the water after it leaves the treatment plant, by [infiltrating leaky pipes](https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/thepotentialforhealthrisksfromintrusionofcontaminants_1.pdf) (PDF) or by leaching out of the pipes themselves. And water treatments done (or overlooked) at the plant can exacerbate leaching in pipes downstream—[as happened in Flint, Michigan](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5353852/). To know exactly what’s in your supplier’s water when it leaves the plant, you can usually find your local supplier’s EPA-mandated Consumer Confidence Report [online](https://ofmpub.epa.gov/apex/safewater/f?p=136:102::::::); if not, all public water suppliers are required to give you their CCR upon request. But because of potential downstream contamination, the only way to know for certain what’s in your home’s water is to pay a local water-quality lab to test it. As a rule of thumb: The older your home or community is, the greater the risk of downstream contamination. The [EPA says](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water) that “homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder”—once-common older materials that don’t meet current codes. Age also brings an increased likelihood of legacy groundwater pollution from pre-regulation industry, which can be a risk, especially when combined with age-related degradation of underground plumbing. ## Who this is for If your household goes through more than two or three gallons of drinking water each day, an under-sink water filter may be a better choice than a [pitcher filter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-water-filter-pitcher/). Under-sink systems provide filtered drinking water on demand, with no waiting around for the filtration process to run its course, as there is with pitchers. “On demand” filtration also means under-sink systems can provide enough water for cooking—you could fill a pot to cook pasta with filtered water, for example, but you’d never repeatedly refill a pitcher for that. Under-sink filters also tend to have much more capacity and much longer lifespans than pitcher filters—often hundreds of gallons and six months or more, versus 40 gallons and two months for most pitcher filters. And because under-sink filters use water pressure, not gravity, to push water through the filter, their filters can be denser, so they can remove a greater range of potential contaminants. On the downside, they’re more expensive up front than pitcher filters, and replacement filters are also more expensive in absolute terms and averaged over time. The system also takes up space in your sink cabinet that could otherwise be used for storage. Installing an under-sink filter requires basic plumbing and hardware mounting, but the job is straightforward only if your sink already has a hole for a separate faucet. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to knock out one of the built-in faucet sites (visible as a raised disk on steel sinks, or a marking on synthetic-stone sinks). Lacking a knockout, you’ll need to drill a hole through the sink, and if your sink is an under-mount, you’ll need to drill through your countertop as well. If you currently have a soap dispenser or handheld sprayer on your sink, you could remove that and install the faucet there. (Don't install a faucet in place of an existing [air gap](https://ggrhomeinspections.com/dishwasher-air-gap)—it's there to prevent dirty rinse-water from backing up into your dishwasher.) ## How we picked ![A close up of a few under sink water filtration systems on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1383.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter This guide is about a specific type of under-sink filter: those that use cartridge filters. They take up little room and are generally simple to install and maintain. They use adsorbent materials—typically, activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, just like pitcher filters—to bind and neutralize contaminants. Most are plumbed to a separate faucet (included in the box), which means you need a mounting hole in your countertop; one that’s designed for a spray hose will work, or you can have a new hole drilled. We’re not talking about faucet-mounted filters, [reverse-osmosis systems](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#what-about-reverse-osmosis), or other pitchers or dispensers. To ensure that we recommend only trustworthy filters, we have always insisted that our picks be certified to the industry standard: ANSI/NSF. The [American National Standards Institute](https://www.ansi.org/) and [NSF International](http://www.nsf.org/) are private, nonprofit organizations that—working in concert with the EPA, industry representatives, and other experts—establish strict quality standards and testing protocols for thousands of products, [including water filters](http://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/listings_leadreduction.asp). The two main certifying labs for water filters are NSF International itself and the [Water Quality Association](https://www.wqa.org/) (WQA). Both are fully accredited in North America by ANSI and the Standards Council of Canada to do ANSI/NSF certification testing, and both must adhere to the exact same testing standards and protocols. Filters can meet the certification standard only after being pushed well beyond their expected lifespan, using prepared “challenge” samples that are far more polluted than most tap water. For this guide we focused on filters with certifications for chlorine, lead, and VOC (aka volatile organic compounds). Chlorine certification is important, because chlorine is the usual culprit for “bad-tasting” tap water. But it’s also almost a gimme: Virtually all water filters of any type are certified for it. Lead certification is hard to achieve because it means reducing a lead-rich solution by more than 99%. VOC certification is also challenging because it means a filter virtually eliminates more than 50 organic compounds, including [many common biocides and industrial precursors](http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/water-quality/water-filters-testing-treatment/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide). Not all under-sink filters have either certification, so by focusing on filters with certification for both, we identified those with markedly superior performance. We further narrowed our search by favoring filters that are additionally certified under a relatively new [ANSI/NSF standard 401](https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/nsf-ansi-42-53-and-401-filtration-systems-standards), which covers emerging contaminants, like pharmaceuticals, that are increasingly found in US water. Again, not all filters have 401 certification. So those that do have it (along with lead and VOC certification) are in a very select group. Within this stringent subset, we then looked for those with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons. That equates to a filter lifespan of roughly six months under heavy use (2¾ gallons a day). That’s enough daily filtered water for most families to both drink and cook with. (Manufacturers provide suggested filter-replacement schedules, usually given in months rather than gallons; we abide by these recommendations in our assessments and cost calculations. We recommend always using original-manufacturer replacements, rather than third-party filters.) Finally, we weighed costs, both for the entire system up front and for the ongoing cost of replacement filters. We did not set a price floor or ceiling, but our research revealed that even though up-front costs ranged from the low \$100s to \$1,250, and filter costs from \$60 to almost \$300, these differences weren’t reflected in markedly superior specs for the more expensive models. We found several under-sink filters that came in at well under \$200 while offering exceptional certifications and lifespans. These are the ones that became our finalists. Beyond this, we looked for: - Misleading claims: Unfortunately, many filter makers use phrases like “independently tested to ANSI/NSF standards” to imply that the filter is certified. But “independently tested to” and “certified” aren’t the same thing; the former usually means a filter maker had its testing done by a non-certifying lab. All of the filters we recommend are certified by NSF or WQA. - Total ANSI/NSF certifications: More is better. There are scores of potential water contaminants, and filters must be tested and certified for each one. Certification is done on a strict pass/fail basis; there are no certifications for “pretty good” or “close enough.” - Cost-competitiveness: Filters have to be replaced regularly, so cost-per-filter and the replacement schedule give a sense of long-term cost-competitiveness. - Wide availability: We especially wanted our recommended replacement filters to be easy to find for the foreseeable future. - Hardware quality: We favored metal parts over plastic—especially on plumbing connections—and compression fittings over push-in ones. - Reputation and reviews: We weighed the trends we found in the filters’ owner reviews—both positive and negative—to get a fuller picture of how they perform beyond their certifications and our own experience. While researching, we ran into occasional reports of catastrophic leaks from owners of under-sink water filters. Because the filters are plumbed into the cold-water feed line, if a connector or hose breaks, water will escape until the shut-off valve is closed—so it could be hours or even days before you discover the problem, leaving you with severe water damage. It’s not a common occurrence, but it is a risk to weigh when you’re considering buying an under-sink filter. And if you do buy one, follow the installation instructions carefully, take care not to cross-thread the connector, and turn the water back on slowly to check that there are no leaks. For extra peace of mind (for all plumbing concerns, not just under-sink filters), consider installing a [smart leak detector](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/). ## How we tested We’ve conducted lab tests of water filters in years past, and our main takeaway from testing was that ANSI/NSF certification is a reliable measure of a filter’s performance. That’s not surprising given the extreme rigor of the certification testing. Since then we have relied on ANSI/NSF certifications, rather than our own limited testing, to select our competitors. In 2018 we conducted tests on the popular [Big Berkey water-filter system](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/big-berkey-water-filter-system/), which is not ANSI/NSF certified but claims to have been extensively tested to ANSI/NSF standards. That experience further cemented our insistence on true ANSI/NSF certifications and our distrust of “tested to ANSI/NSF” claims. Our tests since then, including in 2019, have focused on real-world usability and the kinds of practical features and drawbacks that become apparent when you’re living with these products. ## Top pick: Aquasana AQ-5200 ![The filters, installation componenets and faucet for the Aquasana AQ-5200 on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1412.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter #### Top pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31959/Aquasana-AQ-5200_20250418-044037_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92255?merchant=Amazon) Our pick is the [Aquasana AQ-5200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31959/153032/4/92266/?merchant=Amazon), aka the Aquasana Claryum Dual-Stage. Its most important feature by far is that its filters have the best ANSI/NSF certifications among our contenders, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, multiple “emerging contaminants,” microplastics, and PFOA and PFOS. Beyond that, its faucet and plumbing hardware are made of solid metal, which is superior to the plastic that some other manufacturers use. And this system is also extremely compact. Finally, the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the best values we’ve found in under-sink filters, typically costing about \$140 up front for the whole system (filters, housing, faucet, and hardware) and \$60 for a set of two replacement filters. That’s less than many competitors with weaker certifications. The AQ-5200’s [ANSI/NSF certifications](https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/PDF/AQ-5200_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) include chlorine, which is used to kill pathogens in municipal water supplies and is the chief cause of “bad-tasting” tap water; lead, which can leach out of old pipes and pipe solder; mercury; live cryptosporidium and giardia, two potential pathogens; and chloramine, a persistent chlorine-ammonia disinfectant that is increasingly employed by filtration plants in the US South, where pure chlorine rapidly degrades in the warm water. The AQ-5200 is also certified for 15 “emerging contaminants” that are increasingly found in public water supplies, including BPA, ibuprofen, and estrone (a form of estrogen used in birth control); for microplastics; and for PFOA and PFOS (fluorine-based industrial compounds that are widely found in US tap-water supplies). It is also certified for VOC. That means it effectively removes more than 50 different organic compounds, including many pesticides and industrial precursors. ![The aquasana faucet sitting next to a filtrete faucet on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1824.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) The Aquasana (right) uses solid metal for the faucet, piping, and connector. Some other filters, including the Filtrete at left, use plastic. Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter Along with activated carbon and an ion-exchange resin, which are common to most if not all under-sink filters, Aquasana uses two additional filter technologies to achieve its certifications. For chloramine, it adds catalytic carbon, a more porous—and therefore more reactive—form of activated carbon produced by treating the carbon with high-temperature gas. For cryptosporidium and giardia, Aquasana manufactures its filters in such a way that the pore size is reduced to 0.5 micron, which is small enough to physically capture them. The Aquasana AQ-5200 filter’s exceptional certifications are the main reason it’s our pick. But its design and materials also set it apart. The faucet is made of solid metal and so is the T-shaped fixture that attaches the filter to the plumbing. Some competitors use plastic for one or both, lowering cost but increasing the risk of cross-threading and mis-installation. The AQ-5200 employs compression fittings to ensure a tight, secure seal between your plumbing and the plastic tubing that sends water to the filters and tap; some competitors use simple push-in fittings, which are less secure. And the AQ-5200 faucet is available in three finishes (brushed nickel, polished chrome, and oiled bronze), whereas some competitors give you no choice. We also favored the AQ-5200 system’s compact form. It uses a pair of filters that are each little bigger than a soda can; some other filters, including the Aquasana AQ-5300+, below, are the size of liter bottles. With the filters installed on the mounting bracket, the AQ-5200 measures 9 inches high by 8 inches wide by 4 inches deep; the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is 13 by 12 by 4 inches. That means the AQ-5200 takes up significantly less room in the sink cabinet, can fit in cramped spaces where larger systems would not, and leaves more room for under-sink storage. You need about 11 inches of vertical space (measuring downward from the top of the housing) to permit filter replacement, and about 9 inches of unobstructed horizontal space along a cabinet wall to install the housing. The AQ-5200 is very well reviewed for a water filter, with 4.5 stars (out of five) across more than 800 reviews at Aquasana’s site, and 4.5 stars across nearly 500 reviews at Home Depot. Finally, at its current price of about \$140 (and often on sale for closer to \$100) for the complete system and \$60 for a set of replacement filters (\$120 per year on a six-month replacement cycle), the Aquasana AQ-5200 is one of the very best values among our competitors, costing hundreds less than some models whose certifications aren’t as extensive. The unit contains a timer that begins beeping when you’re due for a filter replacement, but we recommend also setting a recurring calendar reminder on your phone. (You’re less likely to miss it.) ### Flaws but not dealbreakers The Aquasana AQ-5200 has a lower maximum flow rate relative to some competitors (0.5 gpm versus 0.72 or more) and lower capacity (500 gallons versus 750 or more). This is the direct result of its physically small filters. On balance, we think these minor drawbacks are outweighed by its compactness. If you know you want higher flow and capacity, the Aquasana AQ-5300+ is rated to 0.72 gpm and 800 gallons but shares the same six-month filter-replacement schedule, and the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect delivers up to 1.5 gpm and is rated to 784 gallons and six months. The AQ-5200 system’s instruction manual is a bit sloppy, with a few parts not shown on the parts list or diagram. It’s nothing that will trip up most owners; fundamentally, all you’re doing is attaching a couple of tubes to the water supply and the faucet, and the parts more or less explain themselves. (The unlisted, decorative stainless washer is the exception: it goes onto the faucet first, before the thin rubber washer.) And in fairness, sloppiness is a problem with many under-sink filters’ manuals, judging by the comments we came across in our research. But we’d like to see the manual rectified in the future. In the meantime, here’s a video from Aquasana of [how to install the AQ-5200.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFXVzgfLnZ0) As noted above in How We Picked, under-sink water filters, [including the AQ-5200](https://amazon.com/product-reviews//B00CHYLXLM/ref=acr_dpx_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar), occasionally fail catastrophically, causing severe water damage if the problem is not quickly noticed and fixed. Be particularly careful when installing that you don’t cross-thread the connector and that the hose connections are secure, and turn the water back on slowly, so you can catch and rectify any leaks before they become a disaster. A [smart leak detector](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-leak-detector/) can catch catastrophic leaks (whatever the cause) before the worst damage is done. Like all our picks, the Aquasana AQ-5200 comes with its own separate faucet, which may not match your style. You can also install a separate faucet of your choice, as long as the faucet connection is ⅜ inch. But you’ll want to match its flow rate to the Aquasana’s 0.5 gpm, because filter certifications are tied to flow. And note that using your own faucet technically means your system is no longer ANSI/NSF certified. If you suspect your water is sediment-rich (an orange-ish tint, from rust, is one clue; so is past experience with filters of any sort, including pitchers, becoming clogged before their projected lifespan), you may wish to look at the otherwise similar [Aquasana AQ-5300](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-under-sink-water-filter/#the-competition), which adds a sediment prefilter. ## Runner-up: A.O. Smith AO-US-200 ![Our runner-up pick for best under-sink water filter, the A.O. Smith AO-US-200.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1798-1.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter #### Runner-up [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31960/A-O--Smith-AO-US-200_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92258?merchant=Amazon) The [A.O. Smith AO-US-200](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31960/153078/4/92267/?merchant=Amazon), marketed as (prepare for a mouthful) the Clean Water Filter Dual-Stage Carbon Block Under Sink Water Filtration System, is functionally and in every important respect physically identical to the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200. It has [the same ANS/NSF certifications](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ao-us-200_pds.pdf) (PDF) and the same compact size, filter technologies, all-metal construction, compression fittings, and 0.5 gpm flow and 500-gallon capacity. It also usually sells for about the same price up front and for a set of replacement filters. None of this is suspicious: A.O. Smith purchased Aquasana in 2016, and as an A.O. Smith representative told us, is “leveraging” Aquasana’s expertise while having no plans to phase out the Aquasana brand. The A.O. Smith filter differs from the Aquasana AQ-5200 in only two respects. First, it’s exclusive to Lowe’s. Second, its faucet comes in only a brushed-nickel finish, while the AQ-5200 faucet comes in brushed-nickel, polished-chrome, and oiled-bronze versions. If brushed nickel suits your decor, we recommend shopping around. Sales can significantly reduce the price of one relative to the other. ![The black ao smith filter sitting next to the white aquasana filter on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1349.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) The A.O. Smith AO-US-200 and Aquasana AQ-5200 are identical in every important respect. Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter As for flaws, the A.O. Smith’s manual is sloppy in the same ways the Aquasana 5200 manual is. And our A.O. Smith came with a single 6-foot length of plastic tubing; it’s supposed to come with two 3-foot lengths, as the AQ-5200 did. The tubing was easy to cut in half (we tested with scissors, kitchen shears, and [a wire cutter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wire-cutter/)), but owners shouldn’t have to take that step themselves. ## Upgrade pick: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow ![The filter, installation components and faucet for the Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1793.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter #### Upgrade pick [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/31961/Aquasana-AQ-5300--Max-Flow_20250418-044038_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92261?merchant=Amazon) With identical certifications to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200 but higher flow rate and larger capacity, the [Aquasana 5300+ Max Flow](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/92268/?merchant=Amazon) is our pick for people who need a lot of filtered water and want it fast. But it’s a physically much larger system (see the comparative photo below) and costs more up front and to replace the three filters. The Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow is ANSI/NSF certified for [the same contaminants](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AQ-5300_Performance_Data.pdf) (PDF) as the 5200 and A.O. Smith filters, including chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury, VOC, PFOA, and PFOS. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow adds a prefilter for capturing rust and sediment that may be in the water supply, helping keep the contaminant filters from clogging; the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters lack this feature. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow uses all-metal hardware that’s identical to the Aquasana AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, and like the AQ-5200, the faucet comes in three finishes: brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze. And the AQ-5300+ Max Flow has the same secure compression fittings, helping prevent leaks. The AQ-5300+ Max Flow delivers water more quickly than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters: it’s rated to 0.72 gpm, versus 0.5. And its filters have a higher capacity, at 800 versus 500 gallons. But that does not extend the filters’ recommended lifespan: they’re rated to the same six months. At about \$80 versus \$60 for a set of replacements, that translates to about \$40 more annually. And the AW-5300+ Max Flow is more expensive up front, at around \$150 (though often on sale for less). ![The larger aquasana max flow filter next to the smaller lower flow filter on a blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/undersinkwaterfilters-lowres-1306.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) The larger Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow (left) has a higher flow rate and filter capacity than the company’s AQ-5200 (right) and A.O. Smith AO-US-200 (not pictured). Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter But the AQ-5300+ Max Flow is physically much larger than the AQ-5200 and the A.O. Smith filters, at 13 by 12 by 4 inches versus 9 by 8 by 4 inches. It will take up more room in your under-sink cabinet and may not fit at all if your cabinet is particularly small or cramped. You need about 15 inches of vertical space (measuring downward) from the top of the housing to permit filter replacement, and about 13 inches of unobstructed horizontal cabinet wall to screw the housing into place. One other note: The AW-5300+ Max Flow is equipped with a “performance indicating device” (PID). That means it measures the actual amount of water that passes through the device, while the AQ-5200 and A.O. Smith filters have simple timers. The PID is Bluetooth enabled, as well, so it can alert your phone or laptop when the filters are due for replacement. We still recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone, as you’re more likely to see the reminder and don’t have to worry about the PID malfunctioning or running out of power. ## Best for sinks without a hole for a separate faucet: Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect ![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2021/09/01-under-sink-water-filter-2048px-claryum.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=265) Aquasana #### Best for... [![](https://d34mvw1if3ud0g.cloudfront.net/40089/Aquasana-Claryum-Direct-Connect_20250418-045141_full.jpeg)](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/218355?merchant=Amazon) The [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/40089/183733/4/135277/?merchant=Amazon) is an under-sink filter with particular utility for renters and for people in homes that don’t have a separate mounting hole for a filter-dedicated faucet. That’s because it plumbs directly into the cold-water line and sends filtered water to the main faucet—you don’t have to drill any holes or otherwise alter your space. This design also makes the Claryum Direct Connect easier to install than our other picks, which need that separate faucet installed and also require you to mount the filters on the sidewall of the sink cabinet. In contrast, the Claryum Direct Connect can simply lie on the cabinet floor (though it comes with mounting brackets if you prefer to secure it horizontally or vertically). The Claryum Direct Connect has the same exceptional ANSI/NSF certifications as our other picks from Aquasana and A.O. Smith. (The latter is a Lowe’s-exclusive Aquasana brand—the exact A. O. Smith equivalent to the Claryum Direct Connect is the [A. O. Smith Clean Water Main Filter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/46756/174449/4/135279/?merchant=Lowe's).) It reduces lead, mercury, PFOA/PFOS, and some pharmaceuticals, a total of 77 contaminants. The filters are rated for 784 gallons, or about six months’ worth of normal use, and Aquasana claims a flow rate of up to 1.5 gallons per minute—three times faster than that of the top-pick Aquasana AQ-5200 and twice as fast as the flow rate of the AQ-5300+. In our initial testing, we measured zero change in a home faucet’s flow after installing the Claryum Direct Connect: It delivered the same 1.25 gallons per minute that it did before. However, after plumbing repairs elsewhere in the multi-unit building sent a huge burst of sediment into the pipes, the filter clogged, and the flow dropped to just 0.5 gpm. If you know or suspect that you have sediment issues, we recommend our upgrade pick, the [AQ-5300+](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31961/153066/4/135280/?merchant=Amazon), because unlike the Claryum Direct Connect it has a sediment prefilter. Installing the Claryum Direct Connect is straightforward. You simply shut off the cold-water inlet valve, unscrew the existing coupling to the sink’s water line, and screw in the provided adapter. Two sections of tubing, also included, connect the filter to the adapter, using simple press-fit collars. You can leave the filter lying on the floor of the sink cabinet or mount it on the brackets that Aquasana provides. We were able to do the job in about 10 minutes; the only tools you need are an adjustable wrench and, if you opt for the brackets, a screwdriver. Be aware, however, that the filter is much larger than our other picks at 20½ inches long and 4½ inches wide, and you need 3 inches of additional space below it or next to it to remove a spent filter and put a new one in. So take some measurements before buying. Because the Claryum Direct Connect is connected to the main faucet, every time you turn on the cold water, you use up a bit of filter life. The filter’s high capacity makes that less of a concern than it would otherwise be, but we can imagine people altering their water usage in a bid to maximize the filter’s lifespan. (“You’re definitely [not pre-rinsing those dishes](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-use-your-dishwasher-better/) now,” quipped Harry Sawyers, editor of this guide.) Of course, you also get the convenience of instant, free-flowing filtered water and easy installation, and we consider that a fair trade-off. When it’s time for a [replacement filter](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/46757/174450/4/135281/?merchant=Aquasana), the old one twists out and the new one twists into place, the work of less than a minute. Reviews of the [Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect](https://amazon.com/Aquasana-Under-Water-Filter-System/product-reviews/B088GSC89B/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews) are generally very positive—with one common source of complaint, and a valid one. The adapter piece is made of plastic, and it’s too easy to cross-thread that piece during installation and strip the threads, rendering it useless. If you just take a little care, it shouldn’t be an issue, but a brass adapter would be sturdier and less prone to this problem. ## What to look forward to In 2025, we will be testing under-sink reverse osmosis filters. Traditional R/O has become more efficient since we first wrote this guide, and wastes less water than it used to. And tankless on-demand R/O systems are proliferating. These save on under-sink space, long a knock on traditional systems. Because R/O is a mature technology, our focus is likely to be on differences in livability, reliability, and upfront and running costs. (These include the installation cost—which can be significant if you need to add an electrical outlet for a tankless system.) Our concerns about the inefficiency of and questionable need for R/O remain, but we’re hopeful we can find a solid system that delivers on its promises. ## The competition The [Hahn 3-stage 600-gallon](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31962/153014/4/92271/?merchant=Amazon) is a re-branded version of the Aquasana AQ-5300. It has the same 77 ANSI/NSF certifications as the Aquasana 5200, 5300, 5300+ Max Flow, and the A.O. Smith AO-US-200. And like the 5300 and 5300+ Max Flow, it has a sediment prefilter. It’s not as widely available as any of these, but if you see one at a competitive price and if you know you have high sediment in your pipes, it’s a solid choice. The [Amway eSpring 100189](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/16149/48342/4/92272/?merchant=Amway) has more ANSI/NSF certifications than any other filter we discovered in our research, including lead, VOC, Standard 401 “emerging contaminants,” and PFOA and PFOS. But it costs \$1,250. That’s almost 10 times what our picks cost, which made it easy to dismiss. The [Aquasana AQ-5300](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31963/153015/4/92273/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) sits between the top-pick AQ-5200 and upgrade-pick 5300+ Max Flow. It’s physically almost identical to the AQ-5200 but adds a sediment prefilter (like the 5300+ Max Flow) to help extend the contaminant filters’ lifespans. If you know your water is rusty or sediment-rich, this filter may be worth the slightly higher up-front and maintenance costs. It has same ANSI/NSF certifications and 0.5 gpm flow as the AQ-5200, a slightly higher 600-gallon capacity, and the same six-month filter replacement schedule but is a bit wider (12 inches versus 8 inches) due to the third filter. Brondell’s popular [H2O+ Coral UC300l](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31964/153016/4/92274/?merchant=Amazon) has lead and VOC certification but no Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications. The [3M Aqua-Pure AP-DWS1000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/16145/48325/4/92275/?merchant=Amazon), an informal recommendation in the previous version of this guide, costs considerably more than our picks and lacks Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” certifications. The [Body Glove BG-12000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/16147/153017/4/92276/?merchant=Amazon), also a former informal recommendation, is rated to a relatively high 0.75 gpm and 750 gallons but has fewer certifications than our picks and costs more than \$500, and you have to buy a faucet separately. The [BG-3000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31965/153018/4/92277/?merchant=Amazon) lacks Standard 401 certifications and is rated to just 450 gallons, and again costs more than our picks and doesn’t come with a faucet. The popular [Brita Redi-Twist WFUSS-334](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31966/153019/4/92278/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) is not a Brita product but licenses Brita’s name. It lacks VOC and Standard 401 certifications and costs more than our picks. The [Camelot Imperial Plus](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31967/153020/4/92279/?merchant=Camelot%20International%20Health%20Organization) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants” and costs \$1,800. APEC’s popular [WFS-1000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31968/153021/4/92280/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified for any of its claims by NSF or WQA. No [Ecodyne](https://ecodyne.com/) filter in the under-sink, non-reverse-osmosis category met our requirements. (The company primarily focuses on industrial, pool, and spa filtration.) The [iSpring US31](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31969/153022/4/92281/?merchant=Amazon) is not certified by NSF or WQA but rather is “independently tested” to their standards. The [Frizzlife MP99](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31970/153023/4/92282/?merchant=Amazon), an “Amazon’s Choice,” also is not certified by NSF or WQA. No [EcoWater](https://www.ecowater.com/home-water-solutions/drinking-water-systems/) filter met our requirements of lead and VOC reduction and 500-gallon capacity. The [GE Single Stage Filtration System](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31971/153024/4/92283/?merchant=The%20Home%20Depot) does not have NSF or WQA certifications. The [Pentair F2000-B2B](https://www.pentair.com/content/pentair/en/products/residential-water-treatment/professional-series/f2000.html) has lead and VOC certifications but not Standard 401, and is not widely available. Shaklee’s BestWater MTS2000 Model 82333 is [NSF-certified for lead and VOC](http://info.nsf.org/Certified/dwtu/listings.asp?CompanyName=shaklee&submit1=Search+by+Manufacturer&Program=DWTU) and rated to 1,000 gallons, but we found very little further information about it. The [WaterChef U9000](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/out/link/31972/153025/4/92284/?merchant=WaterChef) is certified for lead and VOC but not Standard 401 “emerging contaminants.” That and its high cost mean it’s not our pick, despite its 1,000-gallon capacity and 0.75 gpm flow rate.
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