Best Budget Countertop Water Filters Under $100

TL;DR: The Brita UltraMax White costs $49.99, holds 27 cups (6.3 gal), rates 4.6/5 from 16,127 reviewers, and packs a slim 5.24‑in depth for high‑volume countertop filtration.

What really stands out is the 27‑cup (6.3 gallon) reservoir, which is almost double the size of typical pitcher filters. The unit weighs just 2.78 lb and measures 5.24 in deep, 10.47 in tall, 14.37 in long and 5.67 in wide, making it compact enough for most refrigerator doors while still delivering a steady 1.74 gal/h flow (9.22 ml/s). Its standard carbon‑block filter reduces chlorine, mercury, copper, zinc, cadmium, asbestos, benzene and lead.

Compared with the other eight contenders, the UltraMax White is pricier than the ZeroWater 32‑Cup Dispenser at $40.99 but cheaper than the Culligan ZeroWater 32‑Cup model, which sits at $31.49 (note: price listed). At 2.78 lb it’s lighter than the ZeroWater 32‑Cup (4.07 lb) and the iFilters CNTP‑1C (4.0 lb), yet a bit lighter than the Brita UltraMax Elite (3.0 lb). Its height of 10.47 in is just a shade taller than the ZeroWater 32‑Cup’s 10.375 in, and its length of 14.37 in exceeds the ZeroWater 32‑Cup’s 13.125 in, giving you more water storage without a bulkier footprint.

Professional reviewers praise the “smart spigot” that pours without drips and note the noticeable taste improvement, rating the filtration speed a solid 9/10. Everyday users echo the convenience of the large capacity and easy‑fill flip‑top lid, but many call out the thin plastic walls as feeling flimsy and warn that the 13.5‑in depth (derived from the listed dimensions) may not clear all refrigerator door openings.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the Brita UltraMax White offers Depth: 5.24 in

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $49.99

TL;DR: The ZeroWater 20‑Cup Ready‑Pour dispenser filters 99.6% of dissolved solids to 0 TDS, holds 20 cups, and includes a free TDS meter, all for $33.99 on the countertop.

ZeroWater’s standout claim is its 5‑stage carbon block and ion‑exchange system, which removes 99.6% of dissolved solids and reaches a target TDS level of 0 ppm. The unit stores 20 cups (4.7 L) of filtered water, refills in about 7 minutes, and the included TDS meter (006 PPM resolution) lets you verify water quality yourself.

Compared with the other eight models, the ZeroWater 20‑Cup sits in the middle of the size and weight spectrum. At 3.3 lb it’s a bit heavier than the iSpring CKC1 (3.1 lb) but noticeably lighter than the Culligan 32‑Cup dispenser (5.61 lb). Its 11.75‑inch height is shorter than the iFilters CNTP‑1C’s 13.0‑inch stature, yet taller than the Brita UltraMax Elite’s 9.67‑inch profile. Capacity-wise it outpaces the 7‑cup PUR pitcher but falls short of the 32‑cup ZeroWater and Brita models.

Professional reviewers praise the “0 TDS” result and the Ready‑Pour spout that lets you pour while the reservoir continues filtering. Everyday users echo the improved taste and health confidence, especially appreciating the reduction of lead, chromium, mercury, and PFOA/PFOS. The most common gripe is the spout’s tendency to splash or overflow, and the need to check TDS manually rather than a built‑in readout.

The dispenser is NSF 53 and IAPMO certified, built from BPA‑free plastic, and requires no electricity. The filter lasts up to 12 months, delivering a flow rate of 1.9 gallons per hour, which is sufficient for a small family or office.

Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking quality at $33.99 — the ZeroWater 20‑Cup offers Capacity: 20 cups (4.7 liters / 160 oz)

Avoid if: You have limited desk space, need portability, or require real‑time TDS monitoring without manual testing

TL;DR: The Brita UltraMax Elite drops 99% of lead, holds 27 cups of water, and lasts six months per filter, but its large footprint and limited arsenic removal may not suit tight spaces.

The headline feature is its 99% lead reduction, backed by lab‑tested data, while also cutting chlorine taste and odor. Its 27‑cup (over 1 gallon) reservoir translates to 6.3 gallons of filtered water before a refill, and the Elite filter stays effective for six months or 120 gallons. Weighing just 3.0 pounds, the unit is portable enough for countertop or fridge placement, and the electronic indicator reminds you when the filter needs swapping.

Compared with the other eight contenders, the UltraMax Elite is lighter than the ZeroWater 32‑Cup Dispenser, which tips the scales at 4.07 pounds, yet heavier than the Brita UltraMax White at 2.78 pounds. Its 9.67‑inch height is a touch shorter than ZeroWater’s 10.375‑inch profile, though the ZeroWater still offers a larger 32‑cup capacity. The iSpring CKC1 stands taller at 15 inches and weighs 3.1 pounds, making the Brita a more compact countertop choice. Even the budget‑friendly PUR 7‑Cup Pitcher is half the weight at 2 pounds but holds far less water.

Everyday users rave about the convenience of “no‑more‑constant‑refilling” and notice a cleaner taste right away. Reviewers also appreciate the fridge‑compatible design and the claim of up to 1,800 single‑use bottle replacements per year, which cuts down on plastic waste. Professional reviewers point out the solid lead removal and the fact that PFBA is eliminated completely (100%) while PFNA sees an 89% drop. However, they caution that the unit does not touch arsenic (0% reduction) or fluoride (0% reduction), and uranium only sees a 30% cut, so homes with those specific contaminants might look elsewhere.

Beyond lead and chlorine, the filter tackles over 30 contaminants, including PFAS chemicals, asbestos, and chlorine. The carbon‑block technology and bidirectional spigot provide a smooth pour, and the easy‑locking lid prevents spills. While the filter’s lifespan of six months keeps maintenance predictable, the sizable 13.94‑inch width and 5.19‑inch depth mean you’ll need a decent amount of counter or refrigerator real‑estate.

Best for: Busy families of 2‑4+ people who need high‑volume water without constant refilling — the Brita UltraMax Elite offers Contaminants Reduced: 30+

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $48.59

TL;DR: The PUR 7‑Cup Water Filter Pitcher delivers NSF‑certified chlorine and microplastic removal in a compact 9.6‑inch footprint for just $14.99, making it a solid entry‑level choice for small households.

What sets this pitcher apart is its 2‑in‑1 filtration system that combines granulated activated carbon with ion exchange to reduce chlorine, mercury, microplastics, pesticides, odors, and tastes. It holds 0.54 gallons (7 cups) of filtered water and fits neatly on a countertop with dimensions of 9.6 inches depth, 10.1 inches height, and 9.6 inches width. At just 2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to move around, and the filter lasts about 2 months or 40 gallons before it needs replacing.

Compared with the other eight contenders, the PUR pitcher is lighter than the PUR PLUS 30‑Cup dispenser (which weighs nearly 4 pounds) and far more compact than the Culligan ZeroWater 32‑Cup model that dominates the market with a 32‑cup capacity and a larger overall size. Its width of 9.6 inches is notably narrower than the 15.3‑inch width of the PUR PLUS, giving it a smaller countertop footprint while still matching the 10.1‑inch height of that larger unit. In short, it offers a tighter footprint and lower weight than many of its peers, though it sacrifices the high volume that ZeroWater provides.

Users consistently praise the LockFit design, noting that it prevents unfiltered water from mixing with filtered water during pouring—a practical feature for everyday use. The built‑in filter‑change indicator light also earns positive mentions for reminding owners when it’s time for a new cartridge. On the downside, reviewers point out that the pitcher does not address microbes, bacteria, or viruses, limiting its usefulness in emergency or outdoor scenarios. The need to replace the filter every 2 months is another frequent comment, especially for households that run the pitcher heavily.

Technically, the pitcher offers two filtration stages and requires no power or electricity, making it a truly plug‑free solution. It’s NSF certified, dishwasher safe, and features a comfort‑grip handle and a stay‑tight, easy‑fill lid that many users find convenient for daily refills.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the PUR 7‑Cup Water Filter Pitcher offers Depth: 9.6 inches

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The iSpring CKC1 costs $39.02, removes up to 95% of chlorine, fits a 7‑inch footprint and 15‑inch height, and earns a 4.6‑star rating from over 4,000 reviewers.

The standout spec is its carbon‑block filter that captures particles down to 5 microns and eliminates up to 95% of chlorine and chloramine, while keeping beneficial minerals intact. It carries an NSF/ANSI certification and weighs just 3.1 pounds, making it easy to lift and move.

At 15.0 inches tall, the CKC1 towers over the Brita UltraMax models (under 11 inches) and the ZeroWater dispensers (around 10–11 inches), but it stays slimmer than the Culligan ZeroWater unit, which is noticeably heavier at over 5 pounds. Its 7.0‑inch depth is deeper than the Brita pitchers (about 5.2 inches) yet shallower than the ZeroWater 20‑Cup’s 10.63‑inch depth. Compared with the iFilters CNTP‑1C, the iSpring is a bit taller (15.0 inches vs 13.0 inches) and a similar weight (3.1 pounds vs 4.0 pounds), but it offers a broader filtration stage count.

Customers repeatedly praise the tool‑free countertop install – the twist switch lets you toggle filtered water without a plumber. Reviewers also note reliable chlorine removal and odor reduction, which professional reviewers highlight as a solid performance for a standard 10‑inch carbon block. The main complaints focus on the lack of TDS reduction and the 5‑micron limit, which doesn’t catch finer dissolved salts. The filter cartridge lasts 6–12 months, and replacement parts (FC15 or FG15) are listed by the manufacturer.

The unit runs without electricity, operates between 10 psi and 80 psi, and tolerates temperatures from 41 °F to 100 °F. Included accessories – a plastic wrench, two faucet adapters, 3 ft of 1/4‑inch tubing, a metal diverter valve and an O‑ring – make the hookup straightforward for renters or RV users.

Best for: Most users looking for a well-reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the iSpring CKC1 offers Depth: 7.0 inches

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The ZeroWater 32‑Cup Dispenser delivers lab‑grade 5‑stage ion‑exchange filtration that removes 99.9% of dissolved solids, packs a 32‑cup capacity, and includes a built‑in TDS meter for real‑time water quality checks—all for $40.99.

What really sets this unit apart is its 5‑stage ion‑exchange system, which the manufacturer claims removes 99.9% of total dissolved solids and up to 99% of PFAS, lead, mercury, cadmium and other contaminants. The dispenser holds 32 cups (about 2 gallons) of water, and the sliding sealed lid hides an integrated TDS meter that flashes a “006” reading when the filter needs changing.

Compared with the eight other countertop filters in this roundup, the ZeroWater model is a bit heavier than the iSpring CKC1 and longer than many compact pitchers, but its price point sits in the premium tier while still under $50. It also offers more comprehensive contaminant reduction than the basic Brita and PUR models, which list fewer than five stages and lower PFAS removal.

Reviewers consistently note the noticeably cleaner taste and the convenience of the large 32‑cup reservoir for busy families. Professional reviewers praise the “distillation‑comparable purity” of the 5‑stage process and the real‑time TDS meter that lets users see water quality at a glance. The main trade‑off mentioned is the slower filtration speed, which means you’ll need to wait a few minutes for a full jug to finish filtering.

Best for: Families or busy households that want lab‑grade filtration, a high 32‑cup capacity, and real‑time water quality monitoring without installing a permanent system.

Avoid if: You need instant, high‑speed dispensing or want to minimize ongoing filter‑replacement expenses.

TL;DR: The PUR PLUS 30‑Cup Water Filter Dispenser costs $26.49, holds plenty of water, cuts lead and microplastics, and earns a solid 4‑star rating from over five‑thousand reviewers.

What really sets this dispenser apart is its certified ability to reduce lead (WQA) and microplastics (NSF) while using a 3‑in‑1 granulated activated carbon and ion‑exchange filter that tackles more than twenty common contaminants. The unit sits on the countertop or inside a fridge, features a pull‑down spout and a handy carrying handle, and needs no electricity to operate.

Compared with the other eight contenders, the PUR PLUS is lighter than the Culligan ZeroWater 32‑Cup model and occupies a slightly smaller footprint than that high‑capacity rival. Its price point sits at the low end of the group, making it more affordable than many of the alternatives, though its capacity is a touch lower than the ZeroWater’s 32‑cup offering.

Professional reviewers praise the build quality and the breadth of contaminants addressed, noting the “impressive filtration performance” of the 3‑stage system. Users appreciate the lead‑reduction certification and the built‑in filter‑change indicator, but they also point out that the filter must be swapped roughly every couple of months and that the filter itself isn’t dishwasher safe. The dispenser does not claim to remove microbes or bacteria, which some buyers may find limiting.

Technically, the device relies on a granulated activated carbon and ion‑exchange media blend, delivering three filtration stages that collectively improve taste and safety. The plastic housing keeps the unit lightweight at 3.99 pounds, and the lack of a power requirement means you can place it anywhere on the countertop without worrying about cords.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the PUR PLUS 30‑Cup Water Filter Dispenser is available at $26.49

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The iFilters CNTP-1C offers >97% chlorine removal with a 0.5‑micron coconut‑shell carbon block, clear housing and easy faucet mount, but its single‑stage design doesn’t cut TDS and it carries a mid‑range price.

What sets the iFilters CNTP-1C apart is its 0.5‑micron coconut‑shell carbon block filter, which the manufacturer claims removes more than 97% of chlorine and chloramines. The cartridge measures 2.5 inches in diameter and 10 inches long, fitting into a clear plastic housing that lets you see the filter’s condition at a glance. It’s built for renters and travelers, weighing 4.0 pounds and standing 13.0 inches tall, so it sits comfortably on a small countertop without permanent installation.

Compared with the other eight models in this roundup, the iFilters is heavier than the ZeroWater 20‑Cup (3.3 pounds) but lighter than the Culligan ZeroWater 32‑Cup (about 5.6 pounds). Its 13.0‑inch height tops the ZeroWater 20‑Cup’s 11.75 inches yet stays below the iSpring CKC1’s 15.0‑inch profile. Unlike many peers that list a specific cup capacity, the iFilters does not provide a capacity figure, so you’ll need to gauge how much water it holds during use. Price‑wise, it lands in the mid‑range tier—more expensive than basic pitchers but cheaper than premium dispensers that require electricity.

Users consistently praise the straightforward faucet‑mount setup and the noticeable taste improvement after the first filter change. Reviewers also highlight the clear housing as a handy visual cue for filter life. On the downside, several owners report that the filter can clog faster in high‑sediment water and that the six‑month replacement interval may feel frequent for light use. Professional reviewers note the NSF/ANSI 42 certification as evidence of reliable chlorine reduction, while also pointing out that a single‑stage carbon block cannot lower total dissolved solids (TDS) or heavy metals.

Technical details reinforce its niche: the unit operates safely between 25 psi and 125 psi water pressure, tolerates temperatures up to 100 °F, and works across a pH range of 5.0‑10.0. It’s certified to NSF/ANSI 372 for low‑lead faucet compatibility and NSF/ANSI 42 for material safety and chlorine reduction. With a micron rating of 0.5, it captures fine particles, cysts and VOCs, but it does not affect TDS levels, keeping mineral content intact.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the iFilters CNTP-1C offers Chlorine Reduction: >97%

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $34.99

TL;DR: The Culligan ZeroWater 32‑Cup Dispenser delivers 99.9% TDS removal, filters 25+ contaminants, and holds 32 cups of water—all for $31.49, making it a budget‑friendly, high‑capacity countertop solution.

This dispenser’s headline spec is its 99.9% total dissolved solids reduction, achieved through a five‑stage ion‑exchange process. It also tackles more than 25 contaminants, including lead, PFAS, mercury, fluoride, chlorine, sediment and pesticides, and it stores 32 cups (256 oz) of filtered water on a compact 10.5‑inch‑high, 6.0‑inch‑wide, 14.8‑inch‑deep plastic housing.

At 5.61 lb, the unit is heavier than every other model listed in this roundup, which range from roughly 2.8 lb to 4.0 lb. Its 32‑cup capacity also outstrips the ZeroWater 20‑Cup’s 20‑cup tank and far exceeds the small pitchers such as the PUR 7‑Cup model. While the Brita UltraMax Elite is slimmer, it holds far fewer cups, so the Culligan wins on sheer volume despite the added heft.

Reviewers consistently praise the crystal‑clear taste and visible clarity that come from the near‑zero TDS water. Families love the large reservoir because it cuts down on refilling trips. Professional reviewers note that the built‑in TDS meter lets you verify purity in real time, and the push‑back lid makes fridge placement convenient. The main complaints center on the need to replace filters more often than some expect, and the gravity‑fed design means water takes longer to filter compared with pressure‑based systems.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Culligan ZeroWater 32‑Cup Water Filter Dispenser offers Contaminants Reduced: 25+ (including Lead, PFAS, Mercury, Fluoride, Chlorine, Sediment, Pesticides)

Avoid if: You need powerful performance or professional‑grade features, or you prioritize the fastest possible filtration speed.