The 9 Best Reverse Osmosis Systems 2025 | Tasted & Reviewed
They say water is life, but not when it’s carrying half the periodic table.
Let’s find you the best reverse osmosis system!
Tap water isn’t always the refreshing, crystal-clear elixir we wish it were.
From weird tastes to unwanted contaminants, your glass of H2O may have more surprises than you’d like.
That’s where reverse osmosis (RO) systems come in! It acts like a bodyguard for your drinking water as it filters out impurities and gives you clean and great-tasting hydration!
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you! Let’s filter out the noise and get straight to the best RO systems on the market!
At A Glance: Best Reverse Osmosis System
- Best Overall: NJ Water Systems – Offers comprehensive water solutions with high contaminant removal, taste improvement, and hard water treatment.
- Best for Under-Sink Use: iSpring RCC7 – Affordable and effective for daily home use.
- Best Countertop System: AquaTru – Space-saving and ideal for apartments.
- Best for Remineralization: Express Water ROALK5D – Reintroduces minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Best for Well Water: iSpring RCC7AK-UV – Includes a UV sterilizer for bacteria and virus removal.
- Best for Durability: APEC Water Systems ROES-50 – Reliable performance with leak protection.
- Best for Portability & Rentals: RKIN Zero Installation Purifier – No plumbing needed, just connect to a faucet.
- Best for Taste Enhancement: Home Master TMAFC Artesian – 7-stage filtration with added minerals.
- Best NSF-Certified System: Aquasana OptimH2O – Features Claryum filtration for enhanced safety.
What Is Reverse Osmosis?
Reverse Osmosis is the way of purifying water which uses pressure to push water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. It removes pollutants like salts and minerals.
Relatable Read: Homemade Reverse Osmosis: Stages, DIY Process, and Application
Benefits Of Using RO Systems For Water Purification
- Cost-effective
- Enhances water taste
- Eliminates a variety of contaminants
- Lowers exposure to dangerous pollutants improving overall well-being
- Lessens the impact on the environment by reducing the usage of single-use plastic bottles.
How Does A Reverse Osmosis System Work?
A Reverse Osmosis system is like nature’s own water filter on steroids. It controls the difference in salt concentration between freshwater rivers and salty seawater to generate clean energy! No fossil fuels are needed.
The system also has a semi-permeable membrane which allows water molecules to pass through while removing the larger ones.
RO can remove about 95%-99% of:
- Dissolved salts
- Particles
- Colloids
- Organics
- Bacteria
- Pyrogens
Relatable Read: Bacteriological Analysis of Water: Steps to Ensure Safety
As freshwater naturally pushes through a semi-permeable membrane into the saltier side (thanks to osmosis), it creates pressure that spins a turbine. It ultimately produces electricity.
6 Common Contaminants Removed By RO Systems
RO systems remove a large amount of contaminants, including:
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Chlorine
- Groundwater contamination
- Heavy metals (copper, mercury, cadmium)
Top Reverse Osmosis Systems Reviewed
1. Best Overall: NJ Water Systems
NJ Water Systems covers a range of public and private entities dedicated to offering safe and reliable water services to residents.
They build personalized solutions to fix issues like hard water and contaminants.
[Source: NJ Water Systems]
Why Is NJ Water Systems The Best?
- High-contaminant removal: Effective against PFAD, chlorine, lead, arsenic, and nitrates
- Improved taste and quality: Removes dissolved solids and chemicals that cause bad taste and color
- Alternative to bottled water: Provides purified drinking water at home, reducing plastic wastes
- Addresses hard water issues: NJ Water systems removes some hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium
Services
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Water Softener Systems |
Reverse Osmosis Systems |
Free Water Testing |
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Relatable Read: Top 5 Benefits of Installing a Water Softener in New Jersey Homes
User Reviews & Ratings
Look at some reviews for NJ Water Systems covering different aspects like installation, performance, and customer service!
2. iSpring RCC7
[Source: ispringfilter]
Features
- 5-stage filtration (sediment, carbon, RO membrane, carbon post-filter, and alkaline remineralization)
- High GPD (gallons per day) output
- NSF certified
- Includes a TDS meter
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews & Ratings: Users typically give it good marks for usability, performance, and value.
3. APEC Water Systems ROES-50
[Source: APEC Water]
Features
- 5-stage filtration
- Durable components
- Easy installation
- Includes a leak detector
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews & Ratings: Users pointed out that the water tastes great. They also praised its dependability, performance, and build quality.
4. AquaTru Countertop RO System
[Source: Aquatruewater]
Features
- 4-stage filtration process
- Compact and stylish design
- Easy setup and maintenance
- Removes a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS
- Includes a remineralization stage
- Filters last from 6 months to 2 years
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews & Ratings: Users have given it generally positive ratings, with many complimenting the water's flavor and simplicity of usage. Users have occasionally complained about noise.
5. RKIN Zero Installation Purifier
[Source: RKIN]
Features
- 4-stage filtration
- No installation is required – simply connect to your faucet
- Portable and easy to move
- Compact and space-saving
- Includes a faucet adapter
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews & Ratings: People compliment the portability and ease of use. The water flow rate can be slow, according to some customers.
6. Home Master TMAFC Artesian
[Source: Theperfectwater]
Features
- 7-stage filtration: Sediment, carbon, RO membrane, remineralization stages.
- Modular design for easier filter replacement.
- Focuses on improving water taste.
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews: Many consumers said about the water's enhanced flavor. Some customers mention possible problems with filter lifetime and installation.
7. Express Water ROALK5D
[Source: Expresswater]
Features
- 10-stage filtration: Includes sediment, carbon, RO membrane, alkaline filter, and other specialized filters.
- Leak detection system for added safety.
- Focuses on improving water quality and taste.
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews: Customers are happy with the sophisticated features and the excellent water. Installing and maintaining the system can be difficult for certain individuals.
8. iSpring RCC7AK-UV
[Source: Ispringwatersystems]
Features
- 7-stage filtration (sediment, carbon, RO membrane, carbon post-filter, remineralization, UV sterilization, polishing filter)
- Includes an alkaline remineralization filter to add beneficial minerals back to the water
- UV sterilizer eliminates bacteria and viruses
- Modular design for easier filter replacement
- Includes a 4-gallon storage tank
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews & Ratings: Users typically give it good marks for performance, water purity, and installation simplicity.
9. Aquasana OptimH2O
[Source: Aquasana]
Features
- Combines reverse osmosis with Claryum filtration technology
- Reduces chlorine, chloramine, lead, and other contaminants
- Includes a remineralization stage to add back beneficial minerals
- NSF certified for quality and performance
- Compact and easy to install
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Pros |
Cons |
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User Reviews & Ratings: Users generally like it because of its high-quality filtration, small size, and convenience of use.
Key Features To Consider When Choosing An RO System
To supply households with safe and clean drinking water, reverse osmosis (RO) systems have grown in popularity. These systems also use a multi-stage filtration process to eliminate a variety of impurities from tap water. Let’s look it up!
Filtration Stages
Reverse Osmosis is a series of different processes. There are 4 stages of filtration. They are:
- Step 1: Sediment Pre-Filter For Mechanical Filtration
- Step 2: Granular Activated Carbon Pre-filter For Membrane Protection
- Step 3: Ultrafine RO Membrane
- Step 4: Carbon Polishing Post Filter
Importance of multiple filtration stages
By using several filters that target various impurities, multi-stage systems provide improved water filtration.
A new layer of filtration is added at each stage, enhancing the overall quality of the water and eliminating a wider range of contaminants.
The core reverse osmosis membrane, carbon filters (which eliminate organic compounds and chlorine), and sediment filters (which eliminate particles) are examples of common phases.
Relatable Read: 3 to 7-Stage Water Filtration: What You Need to Know
Tankless Design
Benefits of Tankless RO Systems in terms of efficiency and space
Tankless RO systems save important space under the sink by doing away with the requirement for a large storage tank.
Additionally, they offer filtered water on demand. It lowers the possibility of bacteria growing in a stagnant water supply.
Comparison Of Traditional Tank-based And Tankless RO Systems
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Aspects |
Tank-based |
Tankless |
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Water storage |
Has a storage tank (3-14 gallons) |
No storage tank filters water on demand |
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Filtration speed |
Slower |
Faster |
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Water wastage |
Higher wastage |
Lower wastage |
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Space requirement |
Needs more space due to the tank |
Compact takes up less space |
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Maintenance |
More maintenance |
Less maintenance |
Remineralization
Benefits of adding essential minerals back into purified water
Numerous minerals, including healthy ones like calcium and magnesium, are eliminated during the RO process.
These minerals are returned to the water during the remineralization process, which enhances its flavor and may have health advantages.
NSF/ANSI Certifications
These certifications from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) show that the system satisfies particular safety and water quality requirements.
NSF/ANSI 42: This standard covers aesthetic effects like taste, odor, and chlorine reduction.
NSF/ANSI 53: This standard addresses the reduction of health-related contaminants such as lead, cysts, and pesticides.
NSF/ANSI 58: This standard specifically covers the reduction of lead in drinking water.
Significance in ensuring system reliability and safety
These certifications assure customers that the system satisfies strict performance and safety requirements, guaranteeing the supply of safe and clean drinking water.
Performance Metrics
Gallons Per Day (GPD)
This measure shows how much clean water the system can generate each day.
Knowing the system's daily water production capacity (GPD) is essential to figuring out whether it can supply the water your family requires.
Think about things like how many people live in your home, how much water you usually use, and how many water-using appliances you have (ice maker, dishwasher, etc.).
Pure to Drain Ratio
The pure-to-drain ratio is 2:1. This ratio shows how much-purified water is created for each unit of water that the system uses.
As less water is wasted during the filtration process, lower ratios signify greater water efficiency. Selecting systems with advantageous pure-to-drain ratios
- Lessens the impact on the environment
- Conserves water
Installation And Maintenance Tips
Installation Considerations
- Ensure a steady water supply
- Check for hard water issues
- Check dimensions for proper fit
- Consider a basement or utility room for larger systems
- Ensure easy access to filter changes
- Must connect to a drain line
- Check countertop material
- Ensure enough space under the sink
- Verify pipe compatibility
- Ensure leak-free connections with proper sealing and fittings
- Ensure access to a power outlet if using a booster pump or UV sterilizer
- Test TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
Maintenance Practices
- Change out Reverse Osmosis filters every 6-12 months
- Replace the RO membrane every 2 years
- Try to sanitize and recharge your RO system annually
Wrap Up!
So, choosing the best Reverse Osmosis System ensures clean, great-tasting water for your home! Explore the top-rated Reverse Osmosis System today and enjoy pure, and contaminant-free water any day!
FAQ: Best Reverse Osmosis System
Which reverse osmosis system is ideal for usage at home?
With NJ Water System’s RO system, iSpring, APEC, and AquaTru among the top-rated brands, the "best" RO system will depend on your budget, water quality requirements, and preferred features.
Is a conventional reverse osmosis system inferior to a tankless one?
While typical systems offer a buffered supply but require more space, tankless systems offer continuous filtered water but may need more water pressure.
How frequently should I change the filters in an RO system?
The frequency of filter replacements varies based on water quality and usage (every 6 months for sediment, every 6–12 months for carbon, and every 2–5 years for membrane).
Are vital minerals eliminated from water by reverse osmosis systems?
Indeed, RO systems drastically lower vital minerals like calcium and magnesium, which may require supplementation and have an impact on flavor.
Can viruses and bacteria be eliminated from water using a RO system?
RO systems mostly eliminate dissolved solids and contaminants, while they may also eliminate some common bacteria and viruses. In addition to RO, think about using a UV or UF filter for total microbiological protection.
How much water is wasted by an RO system?
In general, two to five gallons of water are wasted for every gallon of cleaned water generated by RO systems.
Can well water be treated with reverse osmosis systems?
Iron, manganese, and arsenic are among the impurities that RO systems can efficiently remove from well water; however, significant levels of hardness or silt may necessitate further pre-treatment.
What is the finest reverse osmosis system for tenants?
Renters benefit most from small, countertop RO systems because they are portable and simple to set up.
What factors should I consider while selecting a reverse osmosis system?
To select the best RO system, take into account your desired flow rate, space constraints, budget, and water quality issues.