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Best PFAS water filters in Australia

We’ve pored over hundreds of reviews so you can pour a perfect glass of H₂O thanks to the best PFAS water filters in Australia.

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How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews on sites like Amazon, productreview.com.au and more. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the water filters with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.


The best water filters in Australia

Best Water Filter

Best Rated Water Filter Brand: Pure Water System

The best-rated brand for cleaning and maintenance, a water filter from Pure Water System was recommended by 98% of Aussies.

Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher

Best PFAS water filter jug

Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Removes 365+ contaminants from drinking water
  • Made from 100% BPA-free medical-grade Tritan plastic

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Filtration process takes time

PFAS filters are designed to remove Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other harmful chemicals from your drinking water. The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is a user-friendly countertop pitcher for people who want a fuss-free solution to this emerging problem.

The filter is certified to remove up to 99.5% of PFAS from drinking water. It also removes approximately 360 other harmful contaminants, including chlorine, lead, arsenic and microplastics.

The filter itself is made from medical grade BPA-free recycled plastic that won't leach into water. The included filter makes approximately 450 litres of PFAS-free water, which works out to around 200 pitcher refills. (Filter replacements can be purchased for around $12 per unit.)

The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher has an impressive customer score of 4.2 stars on Amazon. It received a perfect 5-star rating from nearly 70% of reviewers.

Customers were impressed by the taste, smell and safeness level of the filtered water and found the pitcher to be sturdy and well constructed.

On the downside, some customers found the filtration process a bit slow compared to other brands. It's also expensive for a jug, with an RRP exceeding $200.

Today's Brita Marella XL deals

Deal

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Was: $34.38Now: $33.69

FACHIOO Stainless Steel Water Filter

Best PFAS water filter jug

FACHIOO Stainless Steel Water Filter
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Constructed from high-quality stainless steel

Cons

  • High initial cost
  • Some users reported leakage problems

The FACHIOO Stainless Steel Water Filter is our pick for providing PFAS protection at the source.

It packs in 5 individual filters, comprising a PF Sediment Filter (for large-sized particles and impurities), an Ultra Filtration Filter (with a pore size of just 0.01 microns), CF and SF Filters (which reduce cloudiness and remove unpleasant taste and odours) and a Fine Activated Carbon Filter (for the removal of dirt, silt and rust).

The end result is better tasting water that is safer to drink. Most of the included filters will last up to 2 years, although you will need to replace the PF filter every 6 months.

The FACHIOO Stainless Steel Water Filter has an average customer rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Customers were particularly impressed by the improved taste of their tap water.

On the downside, the system requires inline plumbing which means you will need a licenced plumber to install it for you. Needless to say, this significantly increases the initial costs compared to a bench top water filter.

Today's Brita Marella XL deals

Deal

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Was: $34.38Now: $33.69

Brita Marella XL

Best water filter jug

Brita Marella XL
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Easy-to-use flip-top lid

Cons

  • Doesn't fit in all fridge doors
  • May be too heavy for some people's liking

If you're searching for a water filter jug that allows you to drink chilled, filtered water whenever you want, the Brita Marella XL is an excellent option. With its 3.5-litre capacity, it's more than large enough to quench the whole family's thirst, plus it's dishwasher safe (except the lid) and has been designed to fit in the fridge door.

The Marella XL has also picked up a host of positive reviews from Australian consumers, including from customers at retailers like Amazon and The Good Guys. As a result, it's our top pick as the best water filter jug.

The Marella XL is BPA-free, measures 26.5 (w) x 14.8 (d) x 27.5 (h) cm, and features Brita's MAXTRA+ filter to reduce chlorine, metals and minerals that cause limescale. Its contoured handle provides grip, while the flip-top lid ensures easy pouring.

It also has an in-built electronic indicator to let you know when it's time to replace the filter – every 150 litres or approximately once a month. When you need to replace the MAXTRA+ filter, a single replacement is priced at $15.50. However, you can buy in bulk and save a little money, with 2-, 3-, 4- and 12-pack options available.

Some reviewers do point out that this jug is too large to fit in their fridge door. If that's the case, we'd recommend checking out the standard version of the Marella, which has a smaller 2.4-litre capacity but has also earned plenty of positive customer reviews.

But if you've got space in your fridge for the Marella XL, it's definitely worth a closer look.

Today's Brita Marella XL deals

Deal

Save on Brita Marella XL

Was: $34.38Now: $33.69

Brita Flow Water Filter Cask

Best water filter dispenser for large families

Brita Flow Water Filter Cask
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Electronic filter replacement indicator

Cons

  • May be too large for some fridges and kitchens
  • Some complaints about faulty tap

If you've got a large family that's always on the go, sometimes a water filter jug simply won't cut it. So if you're searching for a filtered water dispenser with a larger capacity, we recommend checking out the Brita Flow Water Filter Cask.

This convenient dispenser is big enough to quench everyone's thirst, easy to use and features a handy indicator to let you know when it's time to change the filter. It has also picked up plenty of positive customer reviews, including an average of 4.7/5 from over 8,000 Amazon customer ratings. This, combined with the fact that it's available from multiple Australian retailers, makes the Brita Flow Water Filter Cask our pick as the best water filter dispenser for large families.

With its large 8.2-litre total capacity, including 5.2 litres of filtered water, the Flow is designed to fit on your benchtop or on a shelf in your fridge. Just make sure to check the measurements first (30.7W x 22.6H x 21.5D cm) if you plan on putting it in your fridge, as it may not fit in all appliances.

This system uses a MAXTRA+ filter to reduce chemicals, heavy metals and limescale from your water. A built-in electronic indicator lets you know when it's time to replace the filter, while the built-in tap ensures that it's always easy to fill your glass. There's also a sliding lid so that filling up the dispenser with fresh water is a breeze.

If you need a constant supply of filtered water in your fridge, check out the Brita Flow Water Filter Cask today.


Filtered Water Solutions Twin Under Sink System

Best under-sink / inline water filter

Filtered Water Solutions Twin Under Sink System
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Two-stage filtration process
  • Dedicated tap for filtered water

Cons

  • Not the cheapest
  • Some customers complain about annoying reminders to buy replacement filters

If you're in the market for an under-sink water filter, the Filtered Water Solutions Twin Under Sink System has certainly been well received by Aussie consumers. With an average rating of 4.4/5 from over 65 customer ratings on productreview.com.au, it's our top pick as the best under-sink or inline water filter.

This system features the combination of a 1-micron sediment filter and a 0.5-micron carbon filter to help eliminate contaminants, chemicals and other unwanted nasties from your drinking water. In the first stage of the filtering process, the sediment filter removes dirt, dust, rust, algae and other particles.

Water is then passed through the carbon filter cartridge, which is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals and more. This stage of the process also removes unpleasant tastes and odours, resulting in water that's not only meant to be free of contaminants but that also tastes better. This compact filtration unit fits under your kitchen sink, with a special filtered water tap installed above the sink.

If you want to take things a step further, Filtered Water Solutions also offers a three-stage under-sink model that adds a superfine inline filter as the third stage of filtration. The purpose of this activated carbon filter is to absorb impurities and eliminate any chlorine taste from water.

But if you're searching for a practical under-sink system, it's hard to go past the Filtered Water Solutions Twin Under Sink System. It's also worth mentioning that despite the $550 RRP quoted above, this system was on sale for around $250 at the time of writing.


Brita On Tap Advanced Water Filter System

Best on-tap water filter

Brita On Tap Advanced Water Filter System
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Quick and easy to install
  • Simple to switch between filtered and unfiltered water

Cons

  • Some buyers question claimed filter lifespan
  • Could get in the way when you're washing dishes

If you're searching for a convenient water filter that attaches to your tap, it's hard to go past the Brita On Tap Advanced Water Filter System. This system is quick and easy to install, can filter up to 600 litres of water before you need to change the filter, and has received some positive reviews from buyers across a number of retailers. As a result, it's our pick as the best on-tap water filter.

If you're looking for a DIY water filtration solution, this Brita system is easy to attach to your kitchen tap and can then start filtering water instantly. There's no plumbing or special tools required, it's compatible with most standard taps, and it's also easy to remove the system if it's ever required. Brita claims that the On Tap Advanced Water Filter System reduces 99.99% of bacteria, particles such as microplastics, chemicals and metals in your drinking water.

The system offers multiple settings – filtered water, stream and shower – to suit different water usage needs, and it's easy to switch over to unfiltered water whenever required.

This unit also comes with a handy LCD display that indicates the remaining capacity before you'll need to change the filter. Expect 600 litres (or around four months) of use, while replacement filter cartridges retail for around $36.

So if you're looking for a convenient and affordable way to get filtered water straight from your tap, there are lots of good reasons to check out the Brita On Tap Advanced Water Filter System.


Pure Water Systems Bench Top Water Filter

Best benchtop water filter

Pure Water Systems Bench Top Water Filter
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Portable

Cons

  • Replacement cartridges cost $130
  • There are cheaper options available

Pure Water Systems was named the best-rated water filter brand in the 2020-21 Finder Retail Awards. The brand impressed Aussie consumers with the cleaning and maintenance of its filter systems.

And if you're searching for a convenient benchtop water filter, there are lots of good reasons to check out the Pure Water Systems Bench Top Water Filter. With an average rating of 4.9/5 from over 45 Pure Water Systems customer reviews, it's our top pick as the best benchtop water filter.

Designed to produce healthy and great-tasting drinking water, this portable filter system is easy to install and won't require the help of a plumber. It uses a Hi-Tech Optimiser cartridge (if you're on the town water supply) or ceramic Doulton Ultracarb (if you use tank water), with cartridges needing to be replaced approximately every 12 months.

According to Pure Water Systems, this filter removes parasites and cysts, sediment, chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals and more from your drinking water. It also removes unpleasant tastes and odours from water, and because it's completely portable, is easy to take with you if you move house.

This filter offers a flow rate of three litres per minute and is backed by a three-year parts and labour warranty. If you don't like the all-white look of this particular model, a stainless-steel model (which costs $70 extra) is also available.

All things considered, there are plenty of good reasons to check out the Pure Water Systems Bench Top Water Filter for your kitchen.

How do Australians rate Pure Water Systems's water filters?

92% of surveyed Australians recommend Pure Water Systems
4.1
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.5
Performance
4.3
Ease of use
4.1
Cleaning and maintenance
4.2
Product features
How Pure Water Systems compares

In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.

For water filters, Pure Water Systems was ranked 6th for value for money, 1st for performance, 7th for ease of use, 5th for cleaning and maintenance and 3rd for product features.

8 brands were rated across these decision criteria.


Grayl Geopress

Best water bottle with a filter

Grayl Geopress
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Purifies and filters water
  • Quick and easy to use

Cons

  • Not cheap
  • Replacement cartridges are also pricey

Looking for a filtered water bottle that's portable enough to take with you when travelling, hiking and just exploring the great outdoors? There are lots of good reasons to check out the Grayl Geopress.

This water purifier is designed to provide you with clean and safe drinking water whenever and wherever you need it. It's quick and easy to use, protects you against a wide range of nasties, and is durable. The Geopress has also received plenty of positive customer reviews, including high ratings from customers at Amazon, Snowys and Wild Earth. As a result of all these factors, the Grayl Geopress is our top pick as the best water bottle with a filter.

Using the Geopress is simple. All you have to do is fill it with water and press down, and eight seconds later you'll have 710mL of water ready to drink. This clever bottle is designed to remove 99.99% of waterborne pathogens, bacteria and protozoan cysts. It also filters out microplastics, heavy metals and other contaminants, resulting in water that's safe to drink and tastes better too.

The purifier cartridge is replaceable and has a lifespan of approximately 350 uses. At the time of writing, replacement cartridges were retailing for around $70.

There are plenty of cheaper water bottles with filters available. However, the purifying and filtering performance of the Grayl Geopress, combined with its ease of use and the speed at which it works, make this our top pick if you're searching for a filtered water bottle.


LifeStraw LSPHF017 Personal Water Filter

Best water filter for hiking

LifeStraw LSPHF017 Personal Water Filter
Image: Supplied/Finder

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Filters up to 4,000 litres of water

Cons

  • Some buyers claim it's hard to use
  • A water filter bottle may be a more practical solution for some hikers

If you're heading into the wilderness on a hiking adventure, there's only so much water you can carry. So if you need to drink from water sources along the way, a lightweight and portable water filter is a very handy addition to your hiking pack. And that's where the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter comes in.

Before going any further, we should point out that the LifeStraw faced stiff competition in this category from the Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System, which has an average score of 4.8/5 from thousands of Amazon customer reviews (including plenty of positive feedback from Aussie buyers).

But with the LifeStraw boasting an average score of 4.8/5 from over 50,000 Amazon customer reviews, plus positive ratings from Aussie eBay buyers, it takes the win here as the best water filter for hiking.

This straw-style filter is as portable as they come, weighing under 60 grams and measuring 23cm long. It uses a microfiltration membrane with pores of 0.2 microns to filter up to 4,000 litres of water, and the LifeStraw protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt, sand and cloudiness.

In short, the LifeStraw is one very handy survival tool to take along on your outdoor adventures. The fact that the company runs a Give Back program, providing safe drinking water to children in need for every product purchased, is an added bonus. So if you're planning any extended hiking adventures, add the LifeStraw to your pack today.


Amazon prices last updated on 4 October, 2024 at 02:04 am

Methodology

30+
Brands considered
60+
Products compared
7
Best products chosen
  • We considered water filters from over 30 leading brands.
  • We chose our top picks based on key product features and reviews from real customers.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

Why you can trust our picks

Every effort has been made in this guide to provide a balanced view on water filters of all styles and at a wide range of price points.

To find the best water filters in Australia, we started by searching for the highest-rated products on sites like Amazon, productreview.com.au and other online retailers. We then compared these top-rated filters with other popular products in the same category, considering factors such as ease of use, review comments and price to help us decide on our top picks.

We also took into account the fact that Pure Water Systems was named the best-rated water filter brand by Aussie consumers in the 2020-21 Finder Retail Awards.

We considered water filters from the following brands:

  • Aimex
  • Apex
  • Aqua Optima
  • Aquaport
  • AquaVik
  • Astrea
  • Bobble
  • Brita
  • BWT
  • DoBrass
  • DuPont
  • EJEAS
  • Epic Water Filters
  • Gentoo
  • Grayl
  • InstaPure
  • iSpring
  • Katadyn
  • Laica
  • Larq
  • Levoit
  • LifeStraw
  • Philips
  • Sawyer Products
  • Seychelle
  • Soma
  • Stefani
  • Stelton
  • SurviMate
  • Waterdrop
  • WaterWell
  • ZeroWater

How to compare water filters

It's a good idea to compare a range of products before you buy. This will ensure that you choose the best water filter for your needs.

Make sure you consider the following factors when comparing your options.

Type of filter

The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of filter you want and the filtration method. To do this, you'll need to consider factors such as bench and cupboard space in your kitchen, what impurities or contaminants you want to remove from your tap water, and your budget.

Size and available space

If you're simply looking to have some chilled, filtered water available throughout the day, a jug filter might be the easiest solution. If you need to filter large amounts of water, you may decide that an under-sink model is the best choice. You'll also need to consider the dimensions of any filter you're considering and the available bench or under-sink space.

Certification

Make sure any water filter you choose meets the relevant Australian standard. AS/NZS4348 covers several common contaminants, while you can find public health standards for a range of other filters from NSF International.

Pore size

This is the size of the holes in a filter that water passes through, measured in microns. However, be sure to check whether the pore size measurement provided is "absolute" or "nominal/mean", as the latter only refers to the filter's average pore size.

Flow rate

Check the filter system's flow rate to get an idea of how much filtered water it can provide in litres per minute.

Cartridge replacement

If the water filter you choose features replaceable cartridges, check how often those cartridges need to be replaced and how much they cost.

Warranty

Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty and exactly what it covers.

Cost

Jug and on-tap water filters are the cheapest options, with entry-level jugs available for around $20. Desktop models generally sit in the $50-$350 price range, while under-sink systems can cost anywhere from $250 to more than $1,000.

PFAS

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are the latest chemicals to cause consternation among H₂O purists. They are human-made chemicals used to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water. Exposure to PFAS chemicals may have adverse effects on humans, although there is currently limited evidence of diseases being linked to PFAS exposure.

How do you clean a water filter jug or bottle?

Cleaning your jug or bottle is simple and easy. The most care and attention should be taken when rinsing and drying it.

The easiest way to clean your water filter jug is to first remove the filter and thoroughly clean the inside with soap and water. Once this is done, it's best to wipe the jug down and then allow it to air dry. At this stage, if your filter is due for a change, then put a new one in. If not, you can continue with inserting the old filter back into the jug.


How often should you change the filter on your jug or bottle?

This can vary and it depends on the kind of water filter jug you have. With a standard water filter jug, the filter should be replaced every two to three months. Other models on the market are designed to be long lasting, and these filters can be replaced every six months.


Key facts about water filters:

  • If you don't like the taste of the water that comes out of your taps at home, or if you're worried about its quality, a water filter can help.
  • By removing contaminants from your drinking water, a water filtration system can help improve the quality and taste of water.
  • There are several factors to consider when choosing a water filter including the type of filter and the capacity.
  • Prices can range anywhere from $20 for a basic filter jug to several-hundred dollars for an under-sink filter.

What is a water filter?

Water filters remove dirt, sand and other impurities from water. However, the way they work and the impurities they remove can vary depending on the type of filter medium you choose.

For example, many filters use a method known as adsorption. This typically involves the use of an activated carbon filter to remove contaminants that stick to the carbon's pores. According to the CDC in the US, activated carbon filters are effective at removing metals such as lead.

Ion exchange water filters remove minerals from hard water to soften it, while distillers boil water to kill bacteria and eliminate other contaminants.

Then there are reverse-osmosis filters, which pass water through a semipermeable membrane and through filters to remove a wide range of contaminants. However, this process produces a large amount of wastewater.

The right filtration method for you will vary depending on what impurities or contaminants you want to remove from your water.

What types are available?

If you want to start filtering your drinking water, there are a few different filtration options available.

Water filter jugs and counter-top filters

The simplest (and often the cheapest upfront) option is to buy a water filter jug. These don't require any installation – just fill the jug up from the tap and store it in your fridge – and it's easy to change the filter when needed. However, you will need to contend with the ongoing cost of filter replacements.

If you'd like to filter larger quantities of water at a time, you may opt for a counter-top urn. This is another convenient option as it doesn't require any plumbing work, but it will take up precious bench space in your kitchen.

On-tap filters

Your next option is to buy a water filter that can be mounted to your tap. These small and convenient filters filter the water as it runs through your faucet, and they're easy and inexpensive to fit. You can also switch to unfiltered water whenever you want.

However, you'll need to ensure that one of these filters will fit properly on your tap, while you'll also have to put up with a slower flow of water when you choose filtered.

Under-sink filters

The most expensive option is to install an under-sink water filter. This requires plumbing work and will take up cupboard space under your sink, but it's also a long-term solution capable of filtering large quantities of water. If you need to use a lot of filtered water, this is an option well worth considering.

Depending on the model you choose, you may replace your existing tap or require the installation of a separate tap for filtered water. Some models can also produce chilled and sparkling water for drinking.

4 things to consider

There are a few other factors you should consider before buying a water filter:

  1. Do you really need it? Tap water in Australia is generally perfectly safe to drink. For more information on the work that goes into ensuring the quality of drinking water, check out the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. But if you're on a private water supply, or you're worried about the taste or additives of tap water, you may still decide that a water filter is the right choice for you.
  2. Issues with bottled water. If you're unhappy with the taste or quality of tap water, you might consider drinking bottled water whenever possible. However, not only is this prohibitively expensive, there's also the environmental impact to consider. So if you're looking to improve the quality of the water you drink, it's well worth considering a water filter instead of relying on bottled water.
  3. Plumbing work. If the filter you choose needs to be plumbed in, make sure the work is carried out by a licensed plumber. Otherwise, you not only run the risk of the filter not functioning properly but also voiding your warranty.
  4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. To ensure that your filter is as effective as possible, follow the manufacturer's instructions closely. This includes replacing filter cartridges when recommended and staying on top of any regular servicing tasks.

If you're ready to start shopping for water filters, here's where to buy water filters online in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Best rated water filter brand award breakdown


Customer satisfaction rating breakdown

The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Dynata. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions.

Here are scores for water filter brands.

Brand Cleaning and maintenance Ease of use Overall Performance Product features Value for money Recommended Total Score
BRITA 4.3 4.6 4.4 4.5 4.3 4.2 98% 4.46
Home Master 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.4 95% 4.44
AlkaWay 4.4 4.6 4.4 4.5 4.2 4.2 94% 4.43
Puratap 4 4.4 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.2 96% 4.33
Pure Water Systems 4.1 4.3 4.3 4.5 4.2 4.1 92% 4.3
Aquaport 4.2 4.4 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.2 86% 4.29
Stefani 4 4.5 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.1 92% 4.24
Puretec 3.8 4.2 4.2 4.2 3.8 3.8 94% 4.1
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2023, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info. Kantar logo

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Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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Chris Jager is the lead shopping editor at Finder, specialising in consumer technology and hunting down the best deals. With over 15 years of experience as a full-time journalist, Chris has provided expertise to many leading technology publications, including PC World, Australian Gamepro, Good Gear Guide, ARN, IT News, PC Authority, CRN, GameSpy, Gizmodo, Business Insider, MSN, Kotaku, Lifehacker Australia, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Before joining Finder, Chris was the editor of Lifehacker Australia for five years. He has a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Western Sydney. Outside of Finder, you'll find him playing with retro 80s computers while juggling 3 TikTok-obsessed daughters. See full bio

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