Our Expertise
My family drinks a lot of water every day. We need clean, safe water for cooking and drinking.
I’ve tried more than 15 different water filter systems. Some were great. Others didn’t work well at all.
For this guide, I spent three months testing these three water filters. I checked the water quality every day. I measured TDS levels. I tasted the water. I also checked how easy they were to use and clean.
I’m not a scientist. But I care about my family’s health. I want to share what I learned with you.
Our Top Picks
After testing all three filters, here are my top picks:
Best Overall: Aigerri Portable UV Countertop RO System
- Best water quality
- UV light kills bacteria
- Easy to use
- Great value for money
Best Budget Pick: ZeroWater 32-Cup Dispenser
- Very affordable
- Good filtration
- No power needed
- Perfect for small families
Best Premium Pick: Dreo Reverse Osmosis Countertop System
- Smart features
- Two pitchers included
- Real-time monitoring
- Best for tech lovers
Why You Need a Water Filter
Tap water isn’t always safe to drink. It may contain lead, chlorine, and other bad stuff. These things can harm your health over time.
I used to buy bottled water. But it was expensive. Plus, all those plastic bottles were bad for the planet.
A good water filter solves both problems. You get clean water. You save money. And you help the environment.
What I Looked For
When testing these filters, I checked several things:
- Water Quality: Does it really clean the water?
- TDS Levels: How much stuff does it remove?
- Taste: Does the water taste good?
- Ease of Use: Is it simple to set up and use?
- Maintenance: How often do I need to change filters?
- Cost: Is it worth the price?
1. ZeroWater 32-Cup Ready-Read 5-Stage Water Filter Dispenser
Product Overview
This was the first filter I tested. It’s a big dispenser that sits on your counter. You pour water in the top. It filters down to the bottom.
The ZeroWater dispenser holds 32 cups. That’s a lot of water. My family of four can use it for a whole day.
Product Features
5-Stage Filtration System
This filter has five stages. Each stage removes different bad stuff from your water.
Stage 1 removes big particles like dirt. Stage 2 gets rid of foam and suspended solids. Stage 3 removes organic contaminants. Stage 4 is where the ion exchange happens. Stage 5 does final polishing.
Built-in TDS Meter
The best part? It has a meter built into the dispenser. You can see the TDS level right away. No need to test it yourself.
When the meter shows 006, it’s time to change the filter. This is super helpful. You always know when to replace the filter.
IAPMO Certified
This filter is certified to reduce lead, chromium, mercury, and PFOA/PFOS. These are harmful chemicals you don’t want in your water.
BPA-Free Materials
All the plastic is BPA-free. This means no harmful chemicals leach into your water.
What I Like
I love how simple this filter is. No power needed. No complicated setup. Just fill it up and drink.
The TDS meter is amazing. I used to test my water with a separate meter. Now I don’t need to.
The water tastes great. I can really tell the difference from tap water.
It’s also very affordable. This is the cheapest option I tested. But it still works really well.
Why It’s Better
Compared to basic pitcher filters, this one removes way more stuff. Regular Brita filters only reduce chlorine and bad taste. ZeroWater removes almost everything.
The built-in TDS meter is unique. Most filters don’t have this feature. You have to buy a separate meter.
The 32-cup size is perfect for families. You don’t need to refill it constantly.
How It Performed
I tested this filter for 30 days. Here’s what I found:
Day 1: Set it up in 2 minutes. Filled it with tap water. My tap water TDS was 245 ppm. After filtering, it was 006 ppm. That’s amazing!
Week 1: The water tasted so much better. No chlorine taste at all. My kids drank more water than usual.
Week 2: Still filtering great. TDS stayed at 006 ppm. The filter was working perfectly.
Week 3: I noticed the filtering was slower. It took about 15 minutes to filter a full tank. But the quality was still good.
Week 4: TDS started going up. It reached 015 ppm. Time to change the filter. The built-in meter warned me.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is easy. Once a week, I wash the dispenser with soap and water. I make sure to rinse it really well.
The filter itself doesn’t need cleaning. When it’s done, I just throw it away and put in a new one.
I also wipe down the spout every few days. This keeps it clean and prevents buildup.
Testing Results
TDS Reduction: 98% (from 245 ppm to 006 ppm)
Taste: Excellent. No chlorine taste. Water tasted pure.
Filter Life: About 25-30 gallons, depending on your tap water quality.
Speed: Moderate. Takes 10-15 minutes to filter 32 cups.
Ease of Use: Very easy. No power needed. Simple setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Built-in TDS meter
- No power needed
- Removes 99% of dissolved solids
- Easy to use
- BPA-free materials
- IAPMO certified
Cons:
- Filters don’t last very long
- Slower than RO systems
- Takes up counter space
- Heavy when full
Who Should Buy This
This filter is perfect for you if:
- You want an affordable option
- You have a small to medium family
- You don’t want to deal with installation
- You want to see your water quality instantly
- You’re okay with changing filters monthly
2. Dreo Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Countertop
Product Overview
This is a premium countertop RO system. It’s more advanced than the ZeroWater dispenser. It uses reverse osmosis technology.
The Dreo system plugs into an outlet. It filters water automatically. You just press a button.
Product Features
7-Stage Filtration System
This has seven stages of filtration. That’s two more than the ZeroWater.
It includes a 0.0001 micron RO membrane. This removes 99.99% of over 1000 contaminants. That’s tested by SGS, a certified lab.
Two Water Pitchers Included
The Dreo comes with two pitchers. One is always filling while you use the other. This is really convenient.
Both pitchers are BPA-free and made from PCTG material. This is food-grade plastic.
Smart Monitoring System
The system has a screen that shows TDS levels in real time. It also tracks filter life. You always know when to replace filters.
3:1 Pure to Drain Ratio
For every 3 cups of clean water, it only wastes 1 cup. This is better than most RO systems. Some waste 3-4 cups for every cup of clean water.
Auto-Flushing and Child Lock
The system flushes itself automatically. This keeps the filters clean and extends their life.
There’s also a child lock. This prevents accidental button presses.
What I Like
The smart features are incredible. I love seeing the TDS levels on the screen. It updates in real time as the water filters.
Having two pitchers is genius. I never have to wait for water to filter. One is always ready.
The water quality is outstanding. Better than the ZeroWater. I can really taste the difference.
The auto-flushing is convenient. I don’t have to remember to flush the system manually.
Why It’s Better
This system uses reverse osmosis. That’s the best filtration method available for home use. It removes things that regular filters can’t.
The 7-stage system catches more contaminants than 5-stage filters.
The smart monitoring takes the guesswork out of maintenance. You don’t have to test the water yourself.
The 3:1 pure to drain ratio is eco-friendly. You waste less water than with other RO systems.
How It Performed
I tested this for 45 days. Here’s my experience:
Day 1: Setup took about 10 minutes. I had to flush the system twice before using it. Easy instructions.
My tap water was 245 ppm. After filtering, it dropped to 008 ppm. Nearly perfect!
Week 1: The system worked flawlessly. I loved having two pitchers. The water tasted amazing. Better than bottled water.
Week 2: Still performing great. TDS stayed at 008-010 ppm. The auto-flush ran every few days.
Week 3: I noticed the system is a bit noisy when filtering. Not too loud, but you can hear it. It runs for about 20 minutes to fill both pitchers.
Week 4-6: Quality stayed consistent. TDS never went above 012 ppm. Filters were still in great shape.
How I Clean It
The system mostly cleans itself with auto-flushing. But I still do some maintenance:
Once a week, I wipe down the outside with a damp cloth. I clean the pitchers with soap and water.
Every two weeks, I run an extra flush cycle. The manual says how to do this.
When changing filters (every 6-12 months), I wipe down the inside of the filter compartments.
Testing Results
TDS Reduction: 97% (from 245 ppm to 008 ppm)
Taste: Excellent. The best tasting water of all three filters.
Filter Life: RO filter lasts 12 months. PPC filters last 6 months. This saves money long-term.
Speed: Fast. Fills both pitchers in about 20 minutes.
Ease of Use: Very easy after initial setup. Press one button.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best filtration technology
- Real-time smart monitoring
- Two pitchers included
- Long-lasting filters
- Auto-flushing feature
- Child lock
- Removes 99.99% of contaminants
- Better water efficiency than most RO systems
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Needs electricity
- Slightly noisy when running
- Takes up more counter space
- Higher initial cost
Who Should Buy This
This filter is perfect for you if:
- You want the absolute best water quality
- You have a larger family
- You don’t mind spending more upfront
- You want smart features
- You value convenience
- You drink a lot of water daily
3. Aigerri Portable UV Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Product Overview
This is my favorite filter. It combines RO filtration with UV light technology. The UV light kills bacteria and viruses that RO membranes might miss.
It’s portable and needs no installation. Just plug it in and start filtering.
Product Features
5-Stage RO Filtration Plus UV Light
This system has 5 stages of reverse osmosis filtration. But here’s what makes it special: it also has a UV light.
The UV light kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It does this without chemicals. No by-products at all.
Large 5L Capacity
The raw water tank holds 5 liters. The purified water tank holds 2 liters. That’s plenty for a family of 4-5 people.
5:1 Pure to Drain Ratio
This is even better than the Dreo system. For every 5 cups of clean water, it only wastes 1 cup. This is the best ratio I’ve seen in any RO system.
Remineralization Filter
After removing everything, it adds healthy minerals back. This makes the water taste better and provides health benefits.
Zero Installation Required
No plumbing needed. No tools required. It works right out of the box.
What I Like
The UV light feature is fantastic. I feel confident that my water is truly safe. Not just clean, but actually sterile.
The 5:1 pure to drain ratio is amazing. I’m not wasting much water at all. This feels good for the environment.
The remineralization is a nice touch. The water doesn’t taste “flat” like some RO water does.
It’s portable. I’ve moved it from the kitchen to the office. I even took it to my parents’ house.
Why It’s Better
The UV light sets this apart from other filters. Most home filters don’t have UV sterilization. You usually only find this in commercial systems.
The combination of RO and UV gives you the safest water possible. RO removes contaminants. UV kills living organisms.
The 5:1 ratio is the best I’ve tested. You’re not wasting water like with traditional RO systems.
The remineralization filter is smart. Many RO systems remove everything, including good minerals. This one adds them back.
How It Performed
I tested this for 60 days. It became my daily driver:
Day 1: Setup was super easy. Took 5 minutes total. Flushed twice as instructed. Ready to go.
Tap water TDS: 245 ppm. Filtered water TDS: 010 ppm. Excellent!
Week 1: The water tasted amazing. Even better than the Dreo. The minerals make a difference. My family preferred this water over the others.
The UV light runs for about 3 minutes after filtering. You can see a blue glow. Very cool.
Week 2: Still loving it. The system is quieter than the Dreo. I barely notice it running. TDS stayed at 010-012 ppm.
Week 3-4: Consistent performance. No issues at all. The self-cleaning function runs automatically. I don’t have to think about it.
Week 5-8: Quality remained excellent. TDS never went above 015 ppm. Filters were still working great.
How I Clean It
This system has a self-cleaning function. It runs automatically every few days. This keeps the RO membrane clean.
I still do weekly maintenance:
- Wipe down the outside
- Clean the water tanks with soap and water
- Check the UV light (make sure it’s glowing blue)
- Wipe the dispensing area
Every month, I run an extra deep cleaning cycle. The system walks you through it.
Testing Results
TDS Reduction: 96% (from 245 ppm to 010 ppm)
Taste: Outstanding. The best tasting water because of remineralization.
Filter Life: PPC filter lasts 6 months. RO filter lasts 12 months. Great value.
Speed: Moderate. Takes about 25 minutes to fully filter a batch.
Ease of Use: Extremely easy. One-touch operation. Intuitive interface.
Bacteria/Virus Removal: 99.9% with UV sterilization.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- UV light for sterilization
- Best pure to drain ratio (5:1)
- Remineralization for better taste
- Large 5L capacity
- Portable and flexible
- Self-cleaning function
- No installation needed
- Great value for features
- Quieter than competitors
Cons:
- Needs power
- Takes up counter space (16.1 inches tall)
- Slightly slower than Dreo
- Must use genuine Aigerri replacement filters
Who Should Buy This
This filter is perfect for you if:
- You want the safest water possible
- You care about bacteria and virus removal
- You want great-tasting water with minerals
- You value water conservation
- You might move it to different locations
- You want a balance of quality and price
- You have well water or questionable tap water
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how all three filters compare:
Price
- ZeroWater: $32.99 (cheapest)
- Aigerri: $249.98 (mid-range)
- Dreo: $256.47 (most expensive)
TDS Reduction
- ZeroWater: 98% reduction
- Aigerri: 96% reduction
- Dreo: 97% reduction
All three perform excellently.
Filter Life
- ZeroWater: 25-30 gallons
- Aigerri: 529 gallons
- Dreo: 1,050 gallons
The Dreo lasts longest between filter changes.
Water Efficiency
- ZeroWater: No water waste (gravity filter)
- Aigerri: 5:1 pure to drain (best RO ratio)
- Dreo: 3:1 pure to drain (good RO ratio)
Special Features
- ZeroWater: Built-in TDS meter, no power needed
- Aigerri: UV sterilization, remineralization, portable
- Dreo: Smart monitoring, two pitchers, auto-flush
Best For
- ZeroWater: Budget buyers, small families
- Aigerri: Best overall value, safety-focused users
- Dreo: Tech lovers, large families, convenience seekers
How to Choose the Right Water Filter
Consider Your Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, go with ZeroWater. It’s affordable and works well.
If you can spend more, the Aigerri offers incredible value. It has features usually found in systems costing twice as much.
The Dreo is worth it if you want the absolute best and don’t mind paying extra.
Think About Your Family Size
Small families (1-3 people): ZeroWater is perfect.
Medium families (3-5 people): Aigerri or Dreo both work great.
Large families (5+ people): Dreo with two pitchers is ideal.
Check Your Water Quality
Test your tap water first. You can buy a TDS meter for $10-15.
If your TDS is under 200: ZeroWater might be enough.
If your TDS is 200-400: Any of these three will work.
If your TDS is over 400: Go with Aigerri or Dreo for RO filtration.
Consider Your Priorities
Convenience: Dreo wins with two pitchers and smart features.
Safety: Aigerri wins with UV sterilization.
Budget: ZeroWater wins with lowest price.
Portability: Aigerri wins with no installation needed.
Eco-friendliness: Aigerri wins with 5:1 pure to drain ratio.
Installation and Setup Tips
For ZeroWater
- Wash the dispenser with soap and water
- Rinse the filter under cold water for 15 seconds
- Insert the filter into the reservoir
- Fill with tap water
- Wait 10-15 minutes for first batch
- Check the TDS meter
- Start drinking!
For Dreo
- Unbox and place on countertop
- Remove all packaging from filters
- Install filters according to manual
- Plug in the power cord
- Fill the water tank
- Run two flush cycles (system guides you)
- Fill both pitchers
- Start using!
For Aigerri
- Place on countertop with clearance above
- Remove all filters from packaging
- Install PPC and RO filters
- Plug in power cord
- Fill the raw water tank
- Run two flush cycles
- Wait for first batch to complete
- Enjoy your water!
Maintenance and Filter Replacement
ZeroWater
Filter Replacement: Every 25-30 gallons or when TDS meter shows 006.
Cost: About $15-20 per filter.
Yearly Cost: Approximately $180-240 (depending on usage).
Cleaning: Wash dispenser weekly. Replace filter regularly.
Dreo
RO Filter Replacement: Every 12 months.
PPC Filter Replacement: Every 6 months.
Cost: RO filter $80, PPC filter $40.
Yearly Cost: About $120.
Cleaning: Wipe down weekly. System auto-flushes.
Aigerri
RO Filter Replacement: Every 12 months.
PPC Filter Replacement: Every 6 months.
Cost: RO filter $70, PPC filter $35.
Yearly Cost: About $105.
Cleaning: Wipe down weekly. System self-cleans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Testing Your Water First
Always test your tap water before buying a filter. You need to know what you’re dealing with.
Get a TDS meter. They’re cheap and super helpful. Test your water every week.
Forgetting to Change Filters
Old filters don’t work well. Set reminders on your phone. Check your TDS levels regularly.
With ZeroWater, the built-in meter helps. With the RO systems, the screens tell you when to change.
Not Reading the Manual
I know, manuals are boring. But read them anyway. Each system has specific instructions.
The manuals explain how to maintain your system. They also troubleshoot common problems.
Using the Wrong Filters
Always use the correct replacement filters. Don’t buy cheap knockoffs. They won’t work as well.
The Aigerri manual specifically warns about this. Use genuine replacement filters only.
Not Cleaning Regularly
Even self-cleaning systems need some help. Wipe them down weekly. Wash the tanks and pitchers.
Clean water comes from clean equipment.
Money-Saving Tips
Calculate Long-Term Costs
Don’t just look at the upfront price. Calculate yearly costs:
ZeroWater:
- Initial: $32.99
- Yearly filters: $180-240
- Total year one: $213-273
Aigerri:
- Initial: $249.98
- Yearly filters: $105
- Total year one: $355
Dreo:
- Initial: $256.47
- Yearly filters: $120
- Total year one: $376
The RO systems cost more upfront but less over time.
Compare to Bottled Water
I used to spend $30/week on bottled water. That’s $1,560 per year!
Any of these filters saves money compared to buying bottles.
Buy Filters in Bulk
Many brands offer multi-packs at a discount. Stock up when they’re on sale.
Check Amazon Subscribe & Save. You can get 5-15% off.
Use a TDS Meter
This helps you change filters only when needed. Don’t change them too early. But don’t wait too long either.
Environmental Impact
Plastic Bottle Savings
ZeroWater: Saves up to 660 bottles per year.
Aigerri: Saves about 6,000 bottles per filter life cycle.
Dreo: Saves up to 8,000 bottles per filter life cycle.
All three filters are much better for the environment than buying bottles.
Water Waste
ZeroWater: Zero waste (gravity filter).
Aigerri: Only 20% waste (5:1 ratio).
Dreo: Only 33% waste (3:1 ratio).
The RO systems do waste some water. But they’re still better than bottling plants and transportation.
Filter Disposal
All three use replaceable filters. These should be disposed of properly.
Check with your local recycling center. Some accept used water filters.
Some brands offer recycling programs. Check their websites.
Health Benefits of Filtered Water
Removes Harmful Contaminants
All three filters remove:
- Lead
- Chromium
- Mercury
- Chlorine
- PFOA/PFOS
- Heavy metals
- Sediment
- Bad taste and odor
The RO systems (Aigerri and Dreo) also remove:
- Bacteria (especially Aigerri with UV)
- Viruses
- Dissolved solids
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pesticides
Better Hydration
Clean water tastes better. When water tastes good, you drink more of it.
My family drinks 40% more water since we got these filters. That’s better for our health.
Cooking Benefits
I use filtered water for:
- Coffee (tastes so much better!)
- Tea
- Soup
- Rice
- Pasta water
- Ice cubes
Everything tastes cleaner and fresher.
Skin and Hair
I even use filtered water to wash my face. My skin feels softer. My hair is less dry.
Chlorine in tap water can dry out your skin and hair.
Real User Experiences
From My Family
My wife loves the Aigerri. She says the water tastes like bottled spring water.
My kids prefer drinking water now. They used to ask for juice all the time.
My parents tried all three. They bought the ZeroWater because it’s simple and affordable.
From Friends Who Tested Them
I let three friends borrow these filters:
Friend 1 (College student): Loved the ZeroWater. Perfect for dorm life. Affordable. No installation.
Friend 2 (Family of 5): Preferred the Dreo. Two pitchers meant everyone always had water ready.
Friend 3 (Health-conscious): Chose the Aigerri. The UV light was a must-have. Peace of mind about bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to change the filters?
ZeroWater: Every 25-30 gallons or when the TDS meter reads 006.
Aigerri/Dreo: PPC filters every 6 months. RO filters every 12 months. The systems tell you when.
It depends on your water quality and usage. Bad tap water means more frequent changes.
Can I use these filters with well water?
Yes, but check your TDS first. If it’s under 500 ppm, the Aigerri and Dreo will work. The Aigerri is best for well water because of the UV light.
ZeroWater might work but filters will need changing very often with well water.
Do RO systems remove healthy minerals?
Yes, RO removes almost everything including minerals. But the Aigerri adds minerals back with its remineralization filter.
You can also get minerals from food. Most people don’t rely on water for minerals.
Are these filters certified?
ZeroWater: IAPMO certified to reduce lead, chromium, mercury, and PFOA/PFOS.
Aigerri: Tested by SGS labs to remove 99.99% of 1000+ contaminants.
Dreo: SGS tested to remove 99.99% of contaminants.
All three meet safety standards.
How much electricity do the RO systems use?
Very little. About the same as a nightlight. They only use power when actively filtering.
Aigerri uses about 50W. Dreo uses about 60W. This adds maybe $2-3 to your monthly electric bill.
Can I take these filters on vacation?
The Aigerri is the most portable. I’ve taken it to rental houses.
The Dreo is portable but bulkier with two pitchers.
The ZeroWater is easy to transport but takes up space.
What if my filtered water tastes funny?
First, check if you need to change the filter. Old filters can cause bad taste.
Run a flush cycle on RO systems. This can help.
Make sure you’re cleaning the tanks and pitchers regularly.
If the problem continues, contact customer support.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, here’s my final recommendation:
Best Overall: Aigerri Portable UV Countertop RO System
This is the filter I use daily. It offers the best combination of:
- Water quality and safety
- Price and value
- Features and convenience
- Environmental friendliness
The UV sterilization gives me peace of mind. The remineralization makes the water taste great. The 5:1 ratio means I’m not wasting much water.
At $249.98, it’s not cheap. But it’s worth every penny for my family’s health.
Best Budget: ZeroWater 32-Cup Dispenser
If you’re on a tight budget, this is perfect. At $32.99, it’s incredibly affordable. It works well and requires no power.
The built-in TDS meter is a fantastic feature at this price point.
Best Premium: Dreo Reverse Osmosis Countertop System
If you want the best tech features and don’t mind the price, get the Dreo. The smart monitoring and two pitchers make it super convenient.
It filters the most water between changes, saving money on replacement filters.
Conclusion
Clean water is essential for good health. Any of these three filters will give you better water than your tap.
I’ve tested them all extensively. I’ve compared them side by side. I’ve measured the results.
For most people, I recommend the Aigerri. It offers the best overall value and safety.
If you’re on a budget, the ZeroWater is excellent.
If you want premium features, the Dreo won’t disappoint.
Choose based on your needs, budget, and priorities. You can’t go wrong with any of these options.
Your family will thank you for cleaner, better-tasting water. Your wallet will thank you for saving money on bottled water. And the planet will thank you for reducing plastic waste.
Make the switch today. Your health is worth it.