Shopping for an iSpring water filter?
You’ve come to the right place.
iSpring Water Systems is an American company that manufactures water filters. They are based in Alpharetta, Georgia, where they’ve been operational for around two decades.
iSpring is best known for its high quality and affordable reverse osmosis filters; though they manufacture other filters as well, including faucet, counter-top, and whole house filters.
Why Choose iSpring Water Filters?
High quality: iSpring water filters are reliable and long-lasting. They don’t have the issues you often find in cheaper filters such as leaking, loose parts, and cracking.
Certified: Most of the filters iSpring uses in their systems are NSF-certified to remove various contaminants.
Affordable: iSpring manages to make high-quality filters and sell them at affordable prices. If you find Home Master filters too pricey, iSpring is a budget-friendly alternatively.
Great customer service: Many customers say they got good customer service from iSpring. Whether you have a question, need to replace a broken part, or want to return your filter, they are very helpful.
Warranty: Most iSpring filters come with a 1-year warranty.
What's in this buying guide
Table of Contents
Best iSpring Water Filters (Comparison Table)
Disclaimer: All links go to Amazon.com
- 1. BEST ISPRING WHOLE HOUSE FILTER: ISpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
- 2. BEST ISPRING RO FILTER: ISpring RCC7
- 3. BEST ISPRING FILTER FOR MINERAL WATER: ISPRING RCC7AK-UV
- 4. BEST ISPRING FILTER FOR CHLORINE/CHLORAMINE REDUCTION: ISpring US31
- 5. BEST ISPRING FILTER FOR LEAD AND ARSENIC REDUCTION: ISpring CU-A4
- 6. BEST ISPRING FAUCET FILTER: ISpring DF2-CHR Faucet Water Filter
- 7. BEST ISPRING COUNTERTOP FILTER: ISPRING CKC1C COUNTERTOP FILTER
- 8. BEST ISPRING SEDIMENT FILTER: ISpring WSP50
WGB32B
- Best whole house filter
Type:
Whole houseNo. of Stages:
3Warranty:
1 year
RCC7
- Best reverse osmosis filter
Type:
Under-sink RO filterNo. of Stages:
5Warranty:
1 year
RCC7AK-UV
- Best RO filter for alkaline mineral water
Type:
Under-sink RO filterNo. of Stages:
7Warranty:
1 year
US31
- Best for chlorine/chloramine reduction
Type:
Under-sinkNo. of Stages:
3Warranty:
1 year
CU-A4
- Best for lead & arsenic reduction
Type:
Under-sinkNo. of Stages:
4Warranty:
1 year
DF2-CHR
- Best faucet filter
Type:
FaucetNo. of Stages:
1Warranty:
1 year
CKC1C
- Best countertop filter
Type:
CountertopNo. of Stages:
1Warranty:
1 year
WSP50
- Best sediment filter
Type:
SedimentNo. of Stages:
1Warranty:
1 year
Best iSpring Water Filters (Reviews)
Summary
If you want chlorine-free water from your faucets as well as the showers, a whole house filter is the best and most inexpensive option, compared to installing point-of-use filters for each faucet and shower.
The iSpring WGB32B is one of the best whole house water filters.
It’s meant for use with chlorinated city water.
If you use well-water, either from your own home or community-shared, get the iSpring WGB32BM for iron and manganese removal.
The iSpring WGB32B has three filtration stages.
Sediment filter: Removes rust, dust, and other particulates. This reduces water cloudiness and turbidity and protects other filters from clogging.
Two carbon blocks: The other two filters are both carbon blocks. They remove chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals from the water.
Depending on your needs, you can always add more stages, such as a UV filter or a lead filter.
The WGB32B filter uses the 20” big blue housings that allow fast flow rate with minimal loss in water pressure. The larger size also results in increased capacity.
The filters last for one year or 100,000 gallons before they need to be replaced.
Installation is straightforward. But you’ll need to buy your fittings. iSpring only provides the filters, a metal bracket for wall mounting, and a housing wrench.
We recommend installing a bypass when you set up the filter. This will make filter replacement easier and ensure water still flows to the house when servicing the system.
Remember that the filter goes on your home’s main water line before it branches to the heater and other areas. If you have a whole house water softener, the WGB32B filter should come before it.
PROS
- High-performance whole house filter.
- Reduces tastes and odors in water.
- Long-lasting filters.
- Fast flow rate.
- DIY installation.
CONS
- You’ll have to buy fittings separately.
- It takes time to install.
Specifications
- Filtration: 3-stage
- Filter lifespan: 100,000 gallons or one year
- Dimensions: 8 x 28 x 21 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for an affordable and reliable whole house water filter to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your city water.
Summary
A reverse osmosis filter goes much further than a carbon filter in cleaning up your water.
In addition to removing chlorine and various chemicals, an RO filter also reduces microbes, heavy metals, and total dissolved solids.
In other words, an RO filter provides the best protection for your family.
The iSpring RCC7 is one of the best and most affordable under-sink RO filters. It consists of five filtration stages.
Sediment filter: Removes sediment and particulates.
Carbon GAC filter: Removes chlorine, ultra-fine sediment and various chemicals.
Carbon CTO filter: Removes any remaining chemicals, including chloramines, to ensure the water tastes and smells fresh. Along with the GAC filter, the carbon CTO block protects the membrane from damage by chlorine and other chemicals.
RO membrane: The 0.0001 semipermeable is the heart of the system. It removes tough contaminants such as heavy metals, microbes, and dissolved solids.
Polishing GAC filter: A final carbon filter polishes the water to remove any tastes it may have picked up in the reserve tank.
One thing you’ll notice is missing is a mineral filter. Unlike some pricier RO systems – such as the RCC7AK-UV, which we discuss next –the RCC7 does not produce mineral water.
If you are used to drinking tap or mineral water, you’ll notice a slight difference in taste. But most people get used to the new taste quickly.
If you really like the taste of mineral water, you can buy the mineral filter separately and add it to the system. Alternatively, buy liquid minerals and add them to the RO water.
The iSpring RCC7 takes about an hour or two to install under the sink. It comes with everything you need so you don’t need to buy any fittings.
The tubes are color-coded, so you know where each goes.
The filter is rated for a production capacity of 75 gallons per day, which is plenty for most families.
PROS
- Affordable.
- High filtration performance.
- DIY installation.
- Durable components.
CONS
- No mineral filter.
- Average water efficiency and flow rate.
Specifications
- Filtration: 5-stage
- Production Capacity: 75 GPD
- Water efficiency ratio: 3:1
- Reserve tank capacity: 3.2 gallons
- Pump: No
- Remineralization stage: No
- Filter lifespan: 6-12 months
- Membrane lifespan: 2-3 years
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 5.2 x 17.5 inches
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for a high-performance but affordable reverse osmosis filter.
Summary
Most people don’t mind the slightly acidic taste of RO water caused by the RO membrane stripping all minerals from the water. After some time, they don’t even notice it.
But if you love the taste of bottled water or tap water, it can be difficult to familiarize your taste buds with the new taste.
We recommend the iSpring RCC7AK-UV. It has a filter that re-mineralizes the water after it passes through the RO membrane.
This improves the taste of water and, in some cases, turns the water alkaline. There’s some evidence that alkaline water is healthier.
The RCC7AK-UV has seven stages in total. Here’s how they are arranged in the order that water flows through them.
Sediment filter: Removes large particles like sand, silt, and rust that can clog the carbon filters and membrane.
Carbon GAC: Granular activated carbon filters out chlorine and various chemicals.
Carbon CTO: Finer than the GAC filter, the CTO block removes any remnant tastes and odors.
RO Membrane: The 0.0001 semi-permeable membrane removes microbes and TDS, including heavy metals.
Fine GAC filter: Gives the water a final polish to remove all taste and odors.
11 watt UV filter: Sterilizes microbes that manage to pass through the RO filter.
Alkaline Filter: Adds healthy minerals back into the water and restores the water’s pH.
In addition to these filters, the RCC7AK-UV also comes with a 3.2-gallon reserve tank plus all the parts and fittings you need to install the filter.
Installation is a straightforward DIY job. It does take some time, especially the part where you have to drill a hole for the new faucet, but you don’t have to pay a pro.
Color-coded tubes and quick-connect fittings make installation easier.
Like the iSpring RCC, the RCC7AK-UV filter doesn’t have a permeate pump. So it wastes quite a bit of water (3 gallons for every 1 gallon of purified water), and the flow rate is a bit low.
But you can always buy a permeate or booster pump separately and connect it to the filter.remineralizes
PROS
- High-performance 7-stage filtration.
- Produces pH-balanced mineral water.
- UV lamp provides extra protection against microorganisms.
- DIY installation.
CONS
- Average water efficiency and flow rate.
Specifications
- Filtration: 7-stage
- Production Capacity: 75 GPD
- Water efficiency ratio: 3:1
- Reserve tank capacity: 3.2 gallons
- Pump: No
- Remineralization stage: Yes
- Filter lifespan: 6-12 months
- Membrane lifespan: 2-3 years
- Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 18 inches
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for an iSpring reverse osmosis water filter that produces mineral water. Also ideal for those who want an RO system with extra UV protection.
Summary
If your main concern is the chlorine in your tap water, there’s no need to buy a reverse osmosis water filter.
A cheaper carbon filter will remove the chlorine taste just fine.
The iSpring US31 reduces not only chlorine but also chloramines, an alternative disinfectant used by certain cities.
It has three filtration stages.
Sediment filter: Removes dirt, rust, and sediment.
Two carbon CTO blocks: To remove virtually all the chlorine from water, the iSpring US31 uses double carbon block filters. The resulting filtered water has no hint of the chlorine taste or smell.
If you need to filter chlorine from water for drinking, cooking, pets, or making beverages like coffee or beer, the US31 is one of the most effective filters.
Installation is easy, but it takes some time. Plan to spend around an hour or two fiddling under the sink.
Like RO systems, the US31 filter uses a dedicated faucet. If you don’t already have a hole in your sink, you have to drill a new one for the faucet.
Maintenance is also easy. All you need to do is replace the filters when you start tasting some chlorine in your water.
The filters last between 6 and 12 months.
PROS
- Highly effective at removing chlorine and chloramines from water.
- Eliminates unpleasant tastes and odors.
- DIY installation.
- High flow rate.
CONS
- Doesn’t protect against microbes and heavy metals.
Specifications
- Filtration: 3-stage
- Filter lifespan: 6-12 months
- Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 16 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for an affordable and reliable chlorine/chloramines filter. Also, ideal if you are worried about chemicals such as pesticides and VOCs in your tap water.
Summary
If you are worried about lead or arsenic in your tap water, I recommend the iSpring CU-A4 under-sink filter.
The 4-stage filter removes arsenic and leads in addition to the usual bad stuff like chlorine, sediment, and chemicals.
Here are the four stages.
Sediment filter: Removes sand, silt, rust, and other large particulates that can clog the other filters.
Ultra filtration (UF) filter: A UF filter consists of a semi-permeable membrane through which water is forced through, much like an RO membrane. A UF filter is not as effective as an RO membrane, but it removes a lot of stuff that carbon filters let through, including cysts, protozoa, and certain bacteria. It also removes arsenic and lead. Unlike an RO membrane, it doesn’t strip away healthy minerals.
KDF and activated carbon filter: Removes chlorine, chloramines, and various organic chemicals. The KDF media also removes some heavy metals and neutralizes microorganisms.
Fine activated carbon filter: Gives the water a final polish to remove remnant tastes and odors.
The iSpring CU-A4 is the closest you’ll come to the performance of a reverse osmosis system. The UF filter and the combined KDF and carbon filters are especially good at cleaning up the water.
If you want a system that is almost as good as an RO filter but doesn’t remove the healthy minerals, the CU-A4 filter is a great choice.
Another advantage of the CU-A4 over an RO system is that it is tank-free. It easily fits under a tight under-sink space.
It takes about an hour or two to install, and everything you need is included. The only bit that takes time is installing the air gap faucet. You’ll need to drill a hole for it in your sink if there isn’t a spare one available.
Maintenance is easy. You only need to replace the filters after the recommended period: 12 months for the UF filter, six months for the rest.
PROS
- High-performance filtration.
- Filtered water tastes as good as bottled water.
- DIY installation.
- Reduces lead and arsenic.
- Retains healthy minerals.
CONS
- Inadequate instructions.
- A bit of a plastic taste in the beginning. But it goes away after you’ve used several gallons.
Specifications
- Filtration: 4-stage
- Filter lifespan: 12 months UF filters; 6 months for the other filters
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 4.5 x 12.5 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for an under-sink water filter that will remove lead and arsenic from your tap water.
Also ideal for those who don’t have space for an RO system or don’t like the mineral-free RO water. It’s not as good as an RO filter, but it comes close.
Summary
A faucet filter is a cheap way to enjoy chlorine and chemical-free water straight from your kitchen faucet. A faucet filter won’t remove as many contaminants as an RO system, but as long as you use it with treated city water, it’ll remove the most harmful contaminants from your water.
The best iSpring faucet filter is the DF2-CHR.
The iSpring DF2-CHR faucet filter has just one stage of filtration. The filter media is a combination of granular activated carbon and carbon block filters, which remove a wide range of chemicals from water.
The biggest change you’ll notice in your tap water is the absence of the chlorine taste and smell that’s associated with municipal water.
In addition to chlorine, the DF2-CHR filter also reduces chloramine, pesticides, lead, cysts, rust, sediment, and hydrogen sulfide.
The filter has a capacity of 500 gallons. With average use, this equates to a filter life of about 6-8 months. That’s twice as long as the lifespan of other faucet filters.
The DF2-CHR filter is made from food-grade BPA-free plastic. Installation takes less than 5 minutes. Just remove the aerator on your faucet, install the adapter and connect the filter to the adapter.
The DF2-CHR is compatible with most standard faucets with the exception of handheld and pullout faucets.
Flow rate is really good. Many customers say they’ve noticed no difference in how fast their tap water flows. If the flow rate begins to slow down, it’s a sign the filter is clogged and you need to replace it.
PROS
- Cheap but well made water filter.
- Reduces a wide range of impurities.
- Easy installation.
- Long filter lifespan - double that of most faucet filters.
- High water flow rate.
CONS
- Doesn't remove microbes and most heavy metals.
Specifications
- Filtration: 1-stage
- Filter capacity: 500 gallons (6-8 months)
- Flow rate: Up to 1.5 GPM
- Warranty: 1 year
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for a high performance faucet water filter with a long-lasting filter that will remove chlorine, chloramine, cysts, lead and chemicals from your city water.
Summary
A countertop water filter is a good alternative to a faucet filter if you prefer a dedicated faucet for the filtered water.
The iSpring CKC1C sits on your countertop and connects to your faucet using tubing. It diverts water from your faucet and passes it through the carbon block filter cartridge sitting on the counter.
The filtered water comes out of a dedicated faucet attached to the cartridge.
The iSpring CKC1C comes with an adapter that connects the tubing to your faucet (remove the aerator before attaching the adapter). The adapter is compatible with most types of faucets except sprayer faucets.
The best part is that you can still use your faucet as usual. When you want filtered water, just turn the valve on the adapter to divert water to the filter.
The filter itself consists of a 5-micron 10” carbon block that reduces chlorine, chloramine, sediment, sand and various chemicals in your water. Use it with treated city water to improve the taste, odor and safety of your drinking water.
iSpring recommends replacing the carbon filter after six months.
PROS
- Takes up little space on the counter.
- Improves appearance, taste and smell of water.
- Easy to install.
- Long filter life.
- Doesn't affect the operation of the faucet - it has its own dedicated faucet.
CONS
- Doesn't remove germs and heavy metals.
Specifications
- Filtration: 1-stage
- Filter lifespan: 6 months
- Size: 5 x 5 x 12 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for a long lasting countertop water filter that will remove the taste/smell of chlorine from water and reduce other chemicals.
Summary
If you are concerned about the high levels of sediment in your water – a common issue with well water – what you need is a sediment filter.
Conventional carbon filters can remove sediment from water, but they’ll clog quickly if your water has a lot of sand, rust and other particulates.
A dedicated sediment filter like the iSpring WSP50 does a better job removing these large particles.
Most people buy the WSP50 as a pre-filter. They install it before their main home filtration system. You can also install it before your home water softener or reverse osmosis system.
The WSP50 also does a great job protecting appliances in your home from clogging and damage.
One thing we like about the iSpring WSP50 is its build quality. Unlike cheaper all-plastic sediment filters, the WSP50 combines a strong plastic housing with a durable brass head. The filter screen is a stainless steel mesh that lasts 1-2 years.
The filter has a rating of 50 micron, which is small enough to catch any particulates in water including rust, algae, and sand.
Once the filter clogs, simply flush it clean and you can reuse it.
Once you install the filter, you shouldn’t get any drop in water pressure. But if you notice less water pressure after a few days, it’s a sign the filter is already clogging. You can actually see the debris at the bottom of the clear housing.
Simply backwash the filter or remove the mesh screen and wash it under a faucet.
If your well water has a very high level of sediment, you may need to wash the screen daily to maintain water pressure.
With that in mind, we recommend installing the iSpring WSP50 filter where you can access it easily for regular maintenance.
PROS
- Washable and reusable filter.
- High build quality - lasts a long time.
- Protects other filters and appliances.
- Doesn't affect water pressure - as long as it’s not clogged.
CONS
- Clogs quickly if the water has a lot of sediment - this is an issue for well owners.
Specifications
- Filtration: 1-stage
- Inlet/outlet size: 1" MNPT + 3/4" FNPT
- Filtration rating: 50 micron (100 micron filter also available)
- Filter lifespan: 1-2 years
This Water Filter is Perfect for You If...
You are looking for a long lasting countertop water filter that will remove the taste/smell of chlorine from water and reduce other chemicals.
Other Great iSpring Water Filters
We couldn’t list all iSpring water filters in this buying guide. They make a wide range of filters for just about any water treatment need. Here are three other iSpring filters we love.
1. iSpring RO500
The iSpring RO500 is a tankless under-sink RO system. It’s a great choice if you don’t have much space under your sink for a full size RO system.
The RO500 has a booster pump that delivers RO water on demand. A TDS monitor integrated into the faucet tells you when it’s time to replace the filters.
Something else we love about the iSpring RO500 is its extra-high capacity of 500 GPD. It can serve large families as well as restaurants and offices.
2. iSpring WCB32C
The iSpring WCB32C is a cheaper alternative to the iSpring WGB32B whole house filter we reviewed above.
The two whole house filters have the same 3-stage design: a sediment filter and two carbon block filters. The only difference is filter capacity.
While the iSpring WGB32B filters last 100,000 gallons, the iSpring WCB32C filters have a capacity of 30,000 gallons. iSpring says that, on average, you’ll need to replace the filters every six months.
3. iSpring WF150K
The iSpring WF150K is the best super high capacity whole house filter from iSpring. It’s a low-maintenance install-and-forget water filtration system.
The filter has a capacity of a million gallons, which should last you about 10 years.
A catalyst filtration media removes chlorine, chloramine, lead, heavy metals, chemicals, and VOCs from all the water coming into your home. A smart valve automatically flushes and regenerates the media at set times to ensure it lasts a long time.
If you hate having to remember when to change filters, this is the system for you.
The main downside of the iSpring WF150K is the price tag. But when you consider you don’t need to keep buying new filters, the costs even out.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best iSpring Water Filter
Wondering which iSpring water filter to get? Here’s what to consider when choosing the best one for your water treatment needs.
Type of Filter
iSpring sells most types of water filters including RO, whole house, under-sink, faucet-mounted and countertop filters. The best one depends on your particular situation.
- Get an iSpring reverse osmosis filter if you want to purify your drinking/cooking water. That is, you want to remove as many impurities as possible including heavy metals and germs.
- Get an ispring carbon under-sink filter if you want to remove sediment, chlorine, chemicals and some heavy metals from your tap water.
- Get an iSpring whole house filter if you want to treat all the water coming into your home, not just the water coming from a single faucet.
- A faucet-mounted filter is a cheaper and easier-to-install alternative to an under-sink filter. It removes chlorine, chemicals and some heavy metals from your tap water.
- An iSpring countertop water filter is a good alternative to a faucet-mounted filter if you want higher filtration capacity. Countertop filters also tend to have longer lasting filters and fewer leakage issues compared to faucet filters.
Impurities Removed
Next, check which impurities the filter targets. iSpring sells all sorts of filters ranging from general filters that target a wide range of impurities to filters that target particular impurities like sediment and iron.
For homes that receive treated city water, get an active carbon filter that reduces chlorine and various chemicals. If you use well water, look for a filter that targets sediment, iron, manganese and other minerals and heavy metals.
If you are concerned about bacteria and viruses in your water, get an iSpring RO water filter.
Filtration Capacity (GPD)
Check how many gallons of filtered/purified water the iSpring system can produce per day. Large families should get a high GPD filter that can deliver adequate treated water.
Ease of Installation
If you don’t want to spend more money hiring a plumber to install a water filter, go with a filter that’s easy to install. The best ones are faucet and countertop water filters.
You can still install an iSpring under-sink or whole house filter yourself, but it takes a lot of time and effort. Many homeowners prefer to hire a pro.
Ease of Maintenance
Check how often you need to replace the filters. If you don’t want to keep replacing filters, get a premium long lasting iSpring filter like the iSpring WF150K that lasts 10 years.
It’s also a good idea to check the cost of replacement filters. A particular system may be more expensive to maintain than you anticipated.
How to Install an iSpring Water Filter
How you install an iSpring filter depends on the type of filter. Faucet filters are the easiest to install. You simply remove the aerator from your faucet and attach the filter using the included adaptor.
Countertop filters are also easy to install. The only thing you attach to the faucet is the tube and diverter valve.
Under-sink filters are more tedious to set up. You have to connect it to your cold water supply under the sink, install a faucet on the counter and connect the system to the drain pipe. iSpring provides clear instructions to guide, and they even have installation videos on YouTube.
For RO systems, they include color-coded tubes to make sure you know where each tube goes.
Whole house systems are also fairly complicated to install. You need to find the right location where the system will treat all the water coming into your home. This should be between the main valve and before the water line branches to the heater and other locations.
If you are unsure about installing an iSpring water filter yourself, we highly recommend hiring a pro. It’ll cost you more money, but you can be sure it’s done right.
iSpring Filters FAQs
Are iSpring filters good?
iSpring filters are some of the best in the market. Problems like leaking and cracking are rare. Most of their filters are NSF-certified, and they come with a 1-year warranty.
What do iSpring filters remove?
It depends on the particular filter. Their reverse osmosis filters remove chemicals, heavy metals, TDS, and most microbes.
Their carbon filters remove chlorine and organic compounds, such as VOCs. They also sell specialized filters for reducing specific contaminants like lead and arsenic.
Can I connect an iSpring filter to my fridge or icemaker?
Yes, but you’ll need to buy extra tubing and connectors.
What’s the warranty on iSpring filters?
Most iSpring filters come with a one year warranty. But you can buy an extended warranty for 3, 5 or 10 years.
