TL;DR
If your main goal is getting rid of that “pool water” taste and smell, an activated carbon filter is usually the simplest, best-value approach — but only if you keep up with cartridge changes and pick a model that’s actually certified for chlorine taste/odor. If you also want broader filtration beyond chlorine, a reverse osmosis (RO) system can make sense, though it’s typically more expensive and higher-maintenance.
Top Recommended Drinking Water Filters
| Product | Best For | Price | Pros/Cons | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System 8-Stage Tankless | High daily use under-sink convenience | $400 – $450 | Tankless under-sink RO for consistent taste; higher replacement/maintenance costs | Visit Amazon |
| AQUA TRU AquaTru Classic Countertop Water Purifier | No-plumbing countertop setup | $450 – $500 | Countertop purification without installation; some motor reliability complaints | Visit Amazon |
| Berkey Big Berkey 2.25 Gallon Water Filter System | Gravity-fed filtering for households | $350 – $400 | Large capacity and popular for taste/odor improvement; takes counter space | Visit Amazon |
Top Pick: Best Overall Drinking Water Filters
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System 8-Stage Tankless
Best for: a busy household on city water that wants consistently “clean-tasting” water at the dedicated faucet — especially if you’re sensitive to chlorine taste/odor and you fill bottles all day.
The Good
- Under-sink, tankless design is a big convenience upgrade over pitchers for daily drinking and cooking water.
- User feedback repeatedly points to straightforward setup for an under-sink system, even from people who don’t love plumbing work.
- RO systems typically include carbon stages that help with chlorine taste/odor (and a membrane stage that targets a broader set of dissolved contaminants), which can be appealing if you want “more than just chlorine” addressed.
- Better fit for high volume use than small carbon cartridges, since you’re not refilling a pitcher or waiting on gravity drip.
The Bad
- Homeowner reports mention ongoing replacement and maintenance costs — that’s normal for RO, but it can surprise first-time buyers.
- Some buyers dispute the accuracy of the built-in meter, so you may not want to rely on it as your only “change filter now” signal.
- RO can be overkill if your only issue is chlorine taste/odor, and it’s more involved to maintain than a basic carbon filter.
4.5/5 across 3,875 Amazon reviews
“Several years ago, we upgraded our kitchen sink and added a water filter. After researching, we found the WaterDrop series with contained RO filters. The best part was its simple overall design. It’s a single unit with all the filters built-in, requiring only three connections to the water source and power. There’s no external pressure tank or tangled hose…” — Verified Amazon buyer (5 stars)
“First of all: installation and maintenance is very easy. Here in Surrey this filter gives me 15 TDS which is not perfect for aquarium. But the worst thing is that the TDS meter is a joke. I have my own TDS meter and it is in line with this build in for the most of the time, besides when filter needs to be replaced. Inbuilt TDs meter was showing 16 ppm, mine…” — Verified Amazon buyer (3 stars)
Typical price: $400 – $450
“What finally worked for me was skipping faucet filters entirely and using a [Waterdrop under sink system](https://www.reddit.com/user/Raakchhash/comments/1l5g9be/best_water_filterro_unit/) instead.” — r/hydro discussion
“I will admit, I had a little trepidation because I don’t generally like dealing with plumbing, but the installation for this system was extremely easy” — verified buyer, 5 stars
Our Take: For most people who want the strongest, most consistent improvement in tap-water taste (chlorine included) and don’t mind RO maintenance, this is the most practical “set it and forget it” style upgrade in this group.
AQUA TRU AquaTru Classic Countertop Water Purifier
Best for: an apartment renter, RV traveler, or someone in temporary housing who wants chlorine taste/odor improvement without touching plumbing.
The Good
- Countertop format avoids under-sink space constraints and landlord approval issues — you can set it up on a counter and move it later.
- Good fit for scenarios where the tap water changes a lot (travel, hotels, short-term rentals) and you want more consistency in taste.
- Buyer reviews commonly frame the taste upgrade as a big reason to stick with it versus buying bottled water.
- Compared with many no-name countertop units, this is a well-known category player with lots of customer experience to scan before buying.
The Bad
- Some owner reports flag motor reliability issues, including early failures — that’s the main “watch this” risk here.
- Replacement filter costs are a recurring complaint, so budget for ongoing maintenance rather than focusing only on the upfront price.
4.3/5 across 154 Amazon reviews
“I’ve been living in a hotel for several months and this is a lifesaver! The price is high but worth not buying and lugging bottles of water. Works way better than expected, I’m filling with hotel sink water and what I get is great tasting water that I can easy fill up my reusable bottles. Might not fit all situations, but great for mine. Highly recommend,…” — Verified Amazon buyer (5 stars)
“Worked great for 2 months the stopped. When the unit starts you can hear that the motor is starting to fail and then it turns off. The motor clearly is not able to push the water through the filters after only 2 months. If I have to replace filters every 2 months then definitely not worth it, and if the motor is going bad then even more so. For a countertop…” — Verified Amazon buyer (1 stars)
Typical price: $450 – $500
“The price is high but worth not buying and lugging bottles of water. Works way better than expected, I’m filling with hotel sink water” — verified buyer, 5 stars
Our Take: If you need a no-install solution and can tolerate a higher cost of ownership, this is a convenient countertop route to better-tasting water (chlorine included) — just keep an eye on reliability feedback.
Berkey Big Berkey 2.25 Gallon Water Filter System
Best for: a family that wants a large, no-plumbing gravity system on the counter for improving tap-water taste/odor, including noticeable chlorine smell.
The Good
- Gravity-fed format means no faucet compatibility issues and no under-sink installation — useful in older rentals or homes with awkward plumbing.
- Large capacity is practical for households that drink a lot of filtered water and don’t want to constantly refill a small pitcher.
- Customer experience includes multiple “taste and smell improved” reports, which is exactly what most chlorine-focused shoppers care about.
- A solid option for people who want something simple to operate: fill the top, dispense from the bottom.
The Bad
- It takes up meaningful counter space, and the height can be inconvenient under low cabinets.
- Some buyers mention the lack of a gauge, which can make it harder to tell at a glance how much filtered water you have left.
- As with any gravity reservoir system, you need to stay on top of cleaning to reduce film/slime buildup over time.
4.6/5 across 4,140 Amazon reviews
“My husband and I decided to purchase a water filter after the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment. We didn’t want to go with the typical, mainstream brita water filter or the one that connects to a faucet. We have had those before and the filter has to be changed frequently.We liked that the Berkey filters out forever chemicals, specifically the chemicals…” — Verified Amazon buyer (5 stars)
“We have terrible smelling water so I purchased this at the recommendation of others that have this product. The system filters the smell and taste of the water really well. It is a very sturdy stainless steel and looks great with stainless appliances. The water flow is good since I don’t have anything to compare it to. You could travel with it but it does…” — Verified Amazon buyer (4 stars)
Typical price: $350 – $400
Our Take: If you want a straightforward countertop setup for chlorine taste/odor improvement and you have the space for it, this is a high-capacity option with lots of real-world user feedback.
Other Notable Alternatives Worth Considering
- PUR 11 Cup Ultimate Water Pitcher with Two Bonus — A common pitcher-style option people shop for chlorine taste/odor reduction, listed here based on retailer category data; we haven’t independently verified the specific performance or certification details for this exact bundle/configuration.
FAQ
What type of filter removes chlorine taste and odor best?
For most homes on municipal water, activated carbon (especially carbon block) is the go-to for improving chlorine taste and odor. Industry guidance commonly points to NSF/ANSI 42 as the relevant standard for “chlorine taste and odor” claims, and you can learn more about how standards work from NSF International’s water filter testing overview.
Is NSF/ANSI 42 enough for chlorine removal?
NSF/ANSI 42 is the main benchmark for chlorine taste/odor reduction — but the key is that the certification listing for the exact model should explicitly state “chlorine taste and odor.” Don’t assume a brand logo or a similar-looking cartridge is certified; if you’re unsure, verify the specific model’s certification details through an NSF listing or the manufacturer’s documentation.
Do I need reverse osmosis to remove chlorine from tap water?
Usually, no — activated carbon is often sufficient for chlorine taste/odor. RO can still be a reasonable choice if you also want broader filtration beyond chlorine (and you’re comfortable with higher upfront cost, periodic filter changes, and the possibility of needing a licensed plumber if your under-sink setup is tight).
What if my utility uses chloramine instead of chlorine?
Chloramine is a different disinfectant than free chlorine, and it can be harder to reduce with basic carbon filters. Check your local water utility’s consumer confidence report to confirm which disinfectant you have, and consider asking a water-quality engineer or NSF-certified specialist whether catalytic carbon (or an RO system with appropriate carbon prefiltration) makes more sense for your specific water chemistry.
How long does a chlorine filter last?
It depends on the filter’s rated capacity (gallons) and your household’s daily use. A practical rule is to follow both the gallon rating and the time-based replacement schedule (whichever comes first), because chlorine reduction can drop before the water starts tasting “bad” again — especially in higher-chlorine areas.
Is it safe to store filtered water after chlorine is removed?
Once chlorine is reduced, the water no longer has the same disinfectant residual — so don’t leave filtered water sitting warm for long periods, and keep containers clean. Public-health guidance for household water treatment and safe handling is covered in the CDC’s home water treatment information.
Does letting water sit out remove chlorine taste?
Letting water sit can reduce chlorine over time, and boiling can also drive off some chlorine — but results vary and it’s slow compared to filtration. If you want consistent improvement on demand (and less “pool smell” every time you fill a glass), a carbon-based filter is typically the more reliable approach; for background on disinfectants in drinking water, see the EPA’s overview of drinking-water disinfectants.
Bottom Line
If you want the biggest, most consistent shift away from chlorine-tasting tap water (and you’re fine with more upkeep), the Waterdrop G3P600 is our top overall pick in this lineup because an under-sink RO system tends to deliver reliable taste results day after day. For shoppers who can’t install anything, a countertop unit like AquaTru is a strong alternative, while a gravity system like the Big Berkey can work well when you want a no-plumbing, high-capacity setup.
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