APEC Essence ROES-50
Score: 78/100
iSpring RCC7AK Black
Score: 85/100Rankings
The iSpring RCC7AK-BLK is a 6-stage under-sink reverse osmosis system certified by NSF/ANSI 58 to remove up to 99% of over 1,000 contaminants. It features an alkaline remineralization stage that restores minerals and pH balance, producing bottled-water quality taste without requiring electricity. Best suited for homeowners seeking superior drinking water quality with bottled-water taste.
The APEC ROES-50 Essence is a budget-friendly 5-stage under-sink reverse osmosis system designed for DIY installation, producing 50 gallons of purified water daily. It features a 4-gallon storage tank and utilizes a FILMTEC membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, and PFAS. However, experts note its high wastewater ratio and lack of full NSF/ANSI 58 certification compared to newer, more efficient models.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
5 stages | 6 stagesbest | |
50 gallons per day | 75 gallons per daybest | |
99.99 percentbest | 97.9 percent | |
4 gallonsbest | — | |
1,000 countbest | 1,000 countbest | |
12 monthsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.25 inchesbest | 16 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 17.5 inchesbest | 19 inches |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compliance & Safety(1) | ||
Certifications | WQA Gold Seal | NSF/ANSI 58 |
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Tank Capacity (gallons) | 4 gallons | Not specified gallons |
General(1) | ||
Installation Type | Under Sink | Under-sink |
Maintenance(1) | ||
Filter Lifespan (months) | 12 months | Not specified months |
Design(2) | ||
System Width (inches) | 5.25 inches | 16.0 inches |
System Height (inches) | 17.5 inches | 19.0 inches |
Performance(5) | ||
Filtration Stages (stages) | 5 stages | 6 stages |
Daily Production Rate (gallons per day) | 50 gallons per day | 75 gallons per day |
TDS Reduction Rate (percent) | 99.99 percent | 97.9 percent |
Wastewater Ratio | 3:1 | Not specified |
Feed Water Pressure (PSI) | 40 PSI | 40-80 PSI |
Features(2) | ||
Remineralization | false | true |
Faucet Type | Brushed Nickel | Black |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the APEC ROES-50 as a top pick for filtration performance relative to its price, describing it as a proven workhorse that punches above its weight class in removing critical contaminants.
Everyday consumers generally express high satisfaction with the water quality, noting it tastes better than bottled water and effectively removes city water odors. Recurring complaints focus on the messiness of changing filters, slow flow rates in low-pressure homes, and the high volume of wastewater produced.
“Great-tasting water, easy install, reliable for years.”
“Removes bad taste/odor from city water; better than bottled.”
“Filter changes messy; water everywhere.”
Choose APEC for budget-focused purification; choose iSpring for pH-balanced, remineralized water.
