APEC CS-2500P
Score: 75/100
Waterdrop 15UA
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Waterdrop 15UA is a direct-connect under-sink system certified to reduce lead, PFAS, and chlorine while retaining beneficial minerals. It offers excellent value with a long 16,000-gallon filter life and easy DIY installation. It is best suited for households with municipal water seeking improved taste and safety without complex plumbing.
The APEC CS-2500P is a compact, non-reverse osmosis under-sink water filtration system designed for high-flow performance and long-lasting contaminant reduction. It utilizes US-made granular activated carbon filters to remove up to 97% of chlorine and 90% of lead, offering a simple installation process without the complexity or wastewater of RO systems. It is ideal for kitchens needing 1.67 GPM for quick filling and renters requiring easy installation.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5,000 gallons | 16,000 gallonsbest | |
1.67 gpmbest | 0.75 gpm | |
1 | 3best | |
— | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 0 percentbest | |
20 psi | 60 psibest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 35.99 usdbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Safety & Compliance(2) | ||
Certifications | WQA | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 372; IAPMO |
Warranty (years) | years | 1 years |
Installation & Compatibility(2) | ||
Installation Type | Under-sink Quick-Twist | Under Sink |
Faucet Compatibility | City Tap | 3/8" and 1/2" Cold Water Lines |
Filtration Performance(6) | ||
Filtration Technology | Granular Activated Carbon | Multistage (Carbon/KDF) |
Flow Rate (gpm) | 1.67 gpm | 0.75 gpm |
Contaminants Removed | Chlorine, Lead, Scale | PFAS, Lead, Chlorine, Heavy Metals |
Filtration Stages | 1 | 3 |
TDS Reduction (percent) | percent | 0 percent |
Operating Pressure (psi) | 20-90 psi | 60 psi |
Capacity & Maintenance(2) | ||
Filter Life (gallons) | 5000 gallons | 16000 gallons |
Annual Operating Cost (usd) | usd | 35.99 usd |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise APEC under-sink systems for their exceptional value, build quality, and performance relative to price. While specific lab tests highlight the superiority of APEC's reverse osmosis models, the non-RO CS-2500P is recognized for its high flow rates and effective contaminant removal. Editors note that APEC's WQA Gold Seal certification in premium models ensures high standards, and the brand generally scores higher in filtration metrics than competitors like iSpring.
Everyday users frequently praise the APEC CS-2500P for its ease of installation and the noticeable improvement in water taste. Common themes include satisfaction with the high flow rate for daily use and the simplicity of the DIY setup. However, recurring complaints involve variability in filter lifespan, particularly in hard water conditions, and occasional installation-related leaks.
Professional reviewers highly recommend the Waterdrop 15UA for its robust NSF/ANSI certifications and ease of installation, highlighting its zero-leak performance and effective contaminant reduction.
Consumers value the fast installation process and the convenience of 3-second filter replacements, indicating a strong preference for low-maintenance, DIY-friendly solutions.
“a few minutes”
“great tasting water”
