The 10 Best Water Filters and Purifiers to Remove Bacteria and Other Harmful Contaminants

“This is what I use, it’s inexpensive, fits easily in my small NYC refrigerator, and it’s certified to reduce chlorine, copper, mercury, and cadmium,” says Keri Gans, R.D., nutrition consultant and author of The Small Change Diet. “Plus, the water tastes great,” she adds.

“This is a stainless steel countertop water filter with a 2.25-gallon fresh water capacity, providing more filtered water than pitchers and dispensers designed for the refrigerator,” says Dr. Petrucci. “In addition, the filter also improves the taste of tap water, filters out lead and chlorine, as well as viruses, bacteria, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals,” she adds.

With a whopping 4.7-star rating and over 25,000 rave reviews, this water bottle is worth every penny. It can hold up to 36 ounces of water and features a built-in carrying loop, an easy to open lid, and a unique Brita filter that fits inside the straw. The brand notes that it reduces chlorine and gives you fresh-tasting water in every sip. Plus, it’s even a Prevention Pick—so you know it’s good.

“This APEC water system has a very affordable reverse osmosis technology, but it does require installation,” says Dr. Petrucci. It also has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, making it a customer favorite. This filter delivers twice the amount of cleaning and bacteria removal, thanks to the large size, according to the brand.

If you enjoy the ease of drinking water straight from the tap, you’ll definitely need this handy tool. It’s designed to be attached to the faucet and includes a unique mineral core technology that filters water over natural minerals for a refreshing, clean taste. Certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), this water filter will help remove 70 contaminants, including lead and mercury (according to the brand).

“This is a countertop reverse osmosis (RO) unit that is a fraction of the cost of whole house systems and does not require under-the-sink installation,” says Dr. Kellyann. This pick is also certified by IAPMO (The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) according to NSF standards and works to remove 82 contaminants.

“I love Berkey and the fact that they have a portable water bottle is truly amazing. It’s easy to use and just requires a little bit more suction,” wrote one Amazon customer. The bottle also uses the same special filtration design found in the brand's popular outdoor gravity filtration systems. From streams to lakes, the brand notes that this water bottle filter will work to remove many harmful contaminants.

Unlike a traditional water pitcher, this pick can fit a large amount of water—and clean up to 150 gallons before replacing! It’s designed with advanced filtration technology that helps remove chlorine, mercury, and lead. The filter is also infused with Japanese activated carbon technology, proven to work 10-12 times better than any other carbon filters, according to the brand.

Ideal for those always on the go, this filter pick is lightweight, can fit into the palm of your hand, and is super powerful. The brand notes that it can remove 99.9% of bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, and E. coli. The best part? It can be screwed onto any standard-size disposable water bottle.

This beautiful water pitcher will make a great addition to your countertop! It has a sleek and lightweight design, made from 100% coconut shell carbon (making it an environmentally friendly pick). And the spout was designed to prevent spills and drips. The filter also helps to reduce 90% of chlorine.