We drink with it, cook with it and rely on it for everything from our morning cups of tea through to washing our hair. That's why increasing numbers of people are turning their attention to our water quality at home.
The "water wellness" movement is all about investing in home water filters, both small and substantial to enjoy better-tasting water that's kinder to your body. However, choosing the right filter for your home requires some research.
Whether you want a simple filter jug for the fridge, a subtle under-the-sink filter to minimise clutter, or a tap fitting that works for renters, we've found the best six water filters. We've also got water experts' advice for their favourites choices for every home.
Six Water Filters For Every Home
Best for fridge cold water on tap
Ever since I stopped living by the sea, I've had my BRITA jug as a constant in my life. Their latest launch, a glass jug alternative to the plastic one, is perfect for keeping in the fridge for chilled filtered water. Cartridges (which last a couple of months) sit inside and a clever LED light tracks when you need a replacement.
Removes: chlorine, limescale, metals (like lead and copper), pesticides and PFAS
Best for a clutter-free kitchen
This clever option doesn't require any permanent plumbing in your kitchen, so it's a great low-commitment but minimal intrusion choice. The 10-minute DIY installation all happens underneath the sink, so filtered water comes out of your normal tap. It will also remineralise your water using Swedish Mineral Rock and lasts for up to one year.
Removes: over 100 contaminants including PFAS, heavy metals, microplastics, fluoride, and nitrates
Best for renters
A cheat option for renters, this mounts onto your kitchen tap, a neat workaround for filtered water straight out of the tap. This is the one that our Lifestyle Editor, Tamara Kelly, swears by. She says that she was always "worries that a filtration system would be too expensive and too fiddly to maintain," but is happy that the Tappwater tap proved her wrong. She adds that it's "surprisingly affordable and, because the filtered water comes straight from the tap, it couldn't be easier to use.
Removes: chlorine, heavy metals and microplastics.
Best for off-grid flexibility
This flexible option doesn't always get the most attention, but it's really clever. "Gravity systems don't require a connection to mains plumbing," Doulton's NPD and Technical Director, Jo Delaney says. She sees them as "a flexible option at home or when travelling off-grid." This stainless steel system uses ceramic Ultra Sterasyl filter candles which means your water naturally keeps hold of all the beneficial minerals.
Removes: 99.9% pathogenic bacteria, chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS
Best for eco-conscious, on-the-go filtering
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Whilst there are plenty of water bottles with integrated filters, this low-tech, low waste carbon filter drops straight into a bottle or jug. The natural charcoal sticks are made using a traditional Japanese method known as Binchotan. They gently and effectively remove chlorine while adding minerals back into the water. After three months you can "recharge" them by boiling them.
Removes: chlorine, chemical or metallic tastes, odours
Best for family bathrooms and sensitive skin
Filtration isn't just about the kitchen. "There are also filters designed for other parts of the home, such as showers. The gentler flow from these can be useful for households with children while helping to provide a more comfortable showering experience for those looking to be mindful of their hair and ski," says Jo Delaney. With an 8,000-litre capacity and the option to toggle between filtered and unfiltered water to extend the life, this is a clever family choice.
Removes: chlorine, sediment, small particles
What type of water filter do you need?
If you're not sure which type of water filter is right for you and your home, it really comes down to a few options. Jo Delaney NPD & Technical Director at Doulton Water Filters recommends thinking about the space that you have and how you want to use your water filter. Here are her expert thoughts on the different types:
- Under sink systems are a good option for homeowners looking for a more integrated solution as the system sits beneath the sink and provides filtered water without taking up worktop space.
- Countertop systems offer more flexibility and can be particularly useful for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to make permanent changes to their kitchen.
- Gravity systems , such as British Berkefeld, don’t require a connection to mains plumbing, making them a flexible option at home or when travelling off-grid.
- Filtered water bottles are designed for portability, allowing you to take filtered water with you when you’re out and about.
- There are also filters designed for other parts of the home, such as shower filters. The gentler flow from these can be particularly useful for households with children, while helping to provide a more comfortable showering experience for those looking to be mindful of their hair and skin
Jo also stresses that it's "important to think about what you want the filtration system to achieve," she explains that "different filters are designed to reduce different things, so consumers shouldn’t assume that all water filters work in the same way." She recommends always looking at the way that a product has been tested to help decide whether it's for you.
Whether you're trying to improve the taste, or minimise contaminants in your water at home, 2026 is the year of "water wellness". More people than ever before are using filter systems at home
There's no one size fits all approach for how to enjoy filtered water at home, so I've spoken to the experts to find out the perfect water filter for every use.
