Inline water filters are point-of-use water filters. They sit directly over the water pipe or appliance and provide filtered water. Inline water filters have different applications. You can install an inline filter under the sink, on the kitchen faucet, at your shower, toilet, bathroom sink, and RVs.
Inline water filters are commonly available but picking the best one can be tough if you don’t know which features to consider. We made this easy for you by researching the best products and reviewing the 8 best inline filters for various applications.
The 9 Best Inline Water Filters for Well Water
Filter | Image | Capacity | Filter Life | Flow Rate | Warranty | Price |
SpringWell Reverse Osmosis Drinking System |  | 75 gallons per day | 9-12 months | Lifetime on tanks and valves | ||
APEC 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System |  | 50 gallons per day | 6-9 months | 1 gallon per minute | 1-year | |
Express Water UV RO 11-Stage Filter |  | 4-gallon tank | 6-9 months | 2 gallons per minute | 1-year | |
AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter |  | - | 4-6 months | 2 gallons per minute | 1-year | |
Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System |  | 10,000 gallons | 4-6 months | 2.5 gallons per minute | 1-year |
Buying Guide: Factors to consider before buying an Inline Water Filter for Well Water
Water Quality and Contaminants
Before buying a well water filter, the most important thing to do is test your water quality. Once you know which contaminants are present in well water, selecting the right filter becomes easy. Inline filters have different capabilities. So, buying one without knowing what is in your water is not wise.
Type of Filter
Inline filters come in various types. You can even find an inline filter for your toilet tank. The common inline filters are under sink filters, faucet filters, shower filters, bathroom filters, and refrigerator filters. We have reviewed them in this article, so you can select the best one from your required category.
Filter Life
Filter life for each inline filter varies from one type to another. Under sink inline filters last for 6-9 months, whereas shower and sink faucets last for 2-3 months. The filter life depends on your usage pattern and incoming water quality.
Flow Rate
Flow rate refers to the rate at which a filter delivers water. The flow rate also varies as per the type of inline filter, but it is usually under 3 GPM. You don’t need high flow rates because inline filters sit over appliances or water pipes with point-of-use applications like drinking water, shower, refrigerator, and bathroom faucet.
Installation and Maintenance
Most inline filters have a DIY installation. Manufacturers make sure to include all the things for DIY installation.
The maintenance needs vary from one type to another. Faucet inline filters need filter replacement frequently compared to under sink and RO filters. Generally, inline filters are easy to maintain than whole house filters because of their compact size.
Cost
You will also have to pay for cartridge replacements apart from the initial cost. So, make sure you check the replacement costs as well. We don’t want you to end up with a cheap filter with expensive replacement cartridges.
Warranty and Certifications
These features don’t enhance the filtration capabilities, but they give you peace of mind. Manufacturers get their filters tested by independent bodies against filtration capabilities and structural integrity to add value to your purchase. Moreover, a warranty makes you trust the product while buying it.
Review of Our Top Picks
1. Editor’s Choice: SpringWell Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System
Features
- Filter Type: Inline reverse osmosis
- Filtration Capacity: 75 gallons per day
- Tank Capacity: 3.2 gallons
- Warranty: Lifetime on tanks & valves
SpringWell’s reverse osmosis water filter is specifically designed for well water. The system is perfect for filtering heavy metals commonly found in well water, such as lead, arsenic, aluminum, iron, mercury, and fluoride. It also removes chlorine smell & taste, chloramines, herbicides, pesticides, and other contaminants in well water.
The 4 stages of filtration include a sediment filter, two carbon filters, and an RO membrane. The second carbon block filter ensures that any contaminants that may have been transferred from the storage tank are also removed.
All the supplies required for installation are included in the box. You can easily install it if you know how plumbing connections work. It also comes with a separate faucet. You can also upgrade the system with UV water purification and whole-house water filter systems.
The major drawback of this unit is that it doesn’t have a remineralization stage. You’ll have to consider installing a separate remineralization filter if you don’t like drinking water without minerals.
Homeowners like this filter’s build quality, easy installation, and durability. It produces clean, pure, and great-tasting drinking water.
Pros
- Large capacity
- 9-12 months filter life
- 100% lead-free faucet
- Food-grade plastic
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Under Sink Inline Water Filter with Reverse Osmosis: APEC 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
Features
- Filter Type: Inline reverse osmosis
- Capacity: 50 gallons per day
- Flow Rate: 1 gallon per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
APEC’s 5-stage water filter is the best inline filter for drinking water. The filter removes all contaminants from well water and makes it fit for drinking water. The WQA-certified filter can remove chlorine taste and smell, sediment, VOCs, TDS, fluoride, lead, nitrates, and heavy metals.
The 5 stages include a sediment filter, two carbon filters, one RO membrane with a 0.0001-micron rating for 99% contaminant removal, and a refining coconut carbon filter for taste improvement. The filter is made from 100% food-grade plastic and is 100% lead-free for safe and efficient performance.
The unit has a separate faucet, so it will put your drilling skills to the test for DIY installation. Other than this, the whole installation process is a breeze. All things required for installation are included in the box.
The only concern with this filter is that it wastes 1-2 gallons of water with every gallon of water it filters. This is true for all RO systems. Homeowners are happy with its performance and term this filter the best they have ever used. It makes your water better than bottled water.
Pros
- Compact; fits in tight spots
- DIY installation with clear instructions
- Excellent customer service
- Leak-free
- 100% lead-free design
Cons
- None so far
3. Best Under Sink Inline Water Filter with UV Filtration: Express Water UV RO 11-Stage Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Inline with reverse osmosis, UV, and remineralization
- Capacity: 4-gallon tank
- Flow Rate: 2 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
Although a chlorinator is the best way to kill bacteria and viruses in well water, it adds a strong smell and taste to water. An inline filter with UV filtration is a great alternative for killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in well water and making your water healthy and 100% fit for drinking.
This filter from express water has 11 filtration stages. It is best for homes with extremely contaminated water supply. The 1st stage is a sediment filter, followed by two carbon filters, an RO membrane, one remineralization stage, a UV light stage, and a post-activated carbon stage for taste improvement.
All stages perform a different task to deliver 100% safe and healthy drinking water. The RO membrane is the heat of the filter with a 0.0001-micron rating. It is so small that it hardly allows water molecules to pass through. This is why RO systems take too much time to filter water. The UV bulb exposes water to ultraviolet radiation to kill microorganisms in water.
Please note that it is a big unit that needs more space than the one reviewed above. Many users recommend measuring space under your sink so you can install it conveniently.
The biggest drawback with this unit is that it wastes 3 gallons of water for every 1 gallon of filtered water. Eco-friendly folks criticize this system for its water wastage. However, you can connect the drain pipe to your garden hose or use it for other chores.
Pros
- Long filter life
- Easy installation
- Automatic leak detection
- All-in-one water filtration solution
Cons
- Water wastage
4. Best Inline Shower Filter: AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
Features
- Type: Inline shower filter
- Filtration Stages: 12
- Filter Life: 4-6 months
- Flow Rate: 2 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
Untreated well water isn’t safe to shower in. AquaBliss offers the best shower filter for well water. It removes chlorine smell, heavy metals, iron, sand dust, dirt, and hard water minerals. The 12 stages of filtration also make your water soft, so you enjoy a lathery shower.
An excellent feature of this filter is that it adds minerals and vitamins to water, so your skin and hair get healthy after a couple of weeks.
The unit is compatible with rainfall and handheld shower heads. All things required to install the unit are included in the box. It even comes with Teflon tape, which is usually not in most shower filters.
Customers are happy with its performance and recommend this shower for private well users. A few users complain about a slight drop in the flow rate after 2-3 months, but it returns to normal after you backwash the filter.
Pros
- Remineralization
- Quick installation
- Affordable price point
Cons
- None so far
5. Best Well Water Shower Filter with Showerhead: Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System
Features
- Type: Inline shower filter & head
- Filter Life: 4-6 months (10,000 gallons)
- Flow Rate: 2.5 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
Aquasana has been providing quality water filtrations solutions since 1998. Its inline shower filter with a shower head is best for people who are renovating bathrooms, building new ones, or looking to replace the showerhead.
The best feature of this showerhead is that it increases the pH of well water. Well water is generally slightly acidic. Moreover, alkaline water is good for your skin, hair, and nails. It also removes iron, lead, chlorine taste and smell from well water.
The filter lasts for 6 months or 10,000 gallons of water. The actual life depends on your water usage and incoming water quality. It is NSF/ANSI certified for its filtration capabilities and structural integrity.
The package includes everything needed for DIY installation. Buyers recommend this filter for all private well water users if they want to enjoy a relaxing bath with high-quality water.
Pros
- Enhances pH
- Good flow rate
- NSF/ANSI certified
Cons
- Costly replacement cartridges
Related Guide: The 6 Best Acid Neutralizers for Well Water
6. Best Inline Faucet Water Filter for Well Water: PUR PLUS FM2500V Faucet Mount Water Filtration System
Features
- Filter Type: Inline for kitchen faucet
- Filter Life: 3 months (100 gallons)
- Warranty: 2 years
Pur’s faucet water filters are highly rated and recommended by thousands. This filter, FM2500V, uses an ion exchange technique to remove up to 70 impurities like lead, mercury, iron, VOCs, sediment, and rust from water.
Please note that faucet water filters are only recommended for better quality well water. If your well water has a high concentration of contaminants or TDS, we suggest you buy an under-sink RO water filter for your kitchen.
FM2500V can filter 100 gallons of water or roughly 2-3 months for a small family. It will last only 1-2 months for a large family.
The installation is easy; you have to remove the aerator and connect this filter to your sink faucet. It will start filtering water after you run 2-3 gallons to clear dust and air in the filter.
The user feedback is also great. The only problem highlighted by users is a slow flow rate. This isn’t a problem because you will use the filter for drinking and cooking purposes.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easy installation
- Excellent customer reviews
- Great tasting water
Cons
- None so far
Filter Pitcher for Drinking Water Treatment: The 6 Best Water Filter Pitchers For Well Water
7. Best Inline Faucet Filter for Removing Chemicals in Well Water: Culligan FM-25 Faucet-Mount Advanced Water Filtration System
Features
- Filter Type: Inline for kitchen faucet
- Filter Life: 6 months (200 gallons)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 2 years
If your well runs high on chemicals and you can’t afford a full fledge RO filtration system, Culligan’s FM-25 can help you. The filter is more costly than other faucet filters, but it is still cheaper than RO systems. It is best for cabins, forest homes, and other properties on well water that you don’t use much.
The filter removes atrazine, chlorine, lead, mercury, heavy metals, turbidity, VOCs, herbicides, and pesticides from water. It also improves water taste and smell, so you get good-tasting water at your kitchen faucet.
The filter can filter up to 200 gallons of water. It can last for 4-6 months for a small family. However, filter life may drastically change depending on water quality and your usage pattern. The flow rate is 0.5 gallons.
Users like this filter for doing what it is supposed to do. Many users who conducted pre and post-water quality tests on this filter are satisfied with its performance. The only problem with this filter is that the flow rate decreases after a couple of months.
Pros
- No leaks
- Removes hardness and chemicals from well water
Cons
- Costly replacement cartridges
8. Best Inline Water Filter for Bathroom Faucet: iSpring DF2-CHR Faucet Water Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Inline for bathroom and kitchen faucet
- Filter Life: 6-9 months (500 gallons)
- Flow Rate: 1.5 gallons per minute
- Warranty: 1-year
Some private wells have water so bad that it can’t be used to wash your face and hands, let alone to brush. An inline filter for the bathroom and kitchen sink is best for such situations.
This filter from iSpring is ideal for bathroom sink faucets because it delivers water at 1.5 gallons per minute. The flow rate is quite fast compared to other faucet filters for well water. The filter has a life of 500 gallons that can last 6 months for heavy users and up to 9 months for light users.
The filter removes up to 99% of lead, atrazine, chlorine, chloramines, sediment, and rust from water. The activated carbon block in the filter delivers good quality water safe for brushing and drinking.
The user feedback is good. Buyers mention that the filter works effortlessly and doesn’t drop flow rate even after 6 months of installation. Many users commend this filter for easy installation and maintenance.
Pros
- Long cartridge life
- Excellent flow rate
Cons
- Big size
9. Best Inline Water Filter for Refrigerator: EcoPure EPINL30 Refrigerator Water Filter
Features
- Filter Type: Inline refrigerator filter
- Filter Life: 5 years (10,000 gallons)
- Flow Rate: 0.5 gallons per minute
- Temperature Range: 40-100 F
- Pressure Range: 30-125 PSI
This inline refrigerator filter is compatible with leading brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Frigidaire, and GE. The filter can remove sediment, rust, and chlorine taste & smell from well water. The filter won’t reduce TDS, heavy metals, or microorganisms from well water. You will still need a whole house water filtration system along this filter to make your well water drinkable.
The basic purpose behind installing a refrigerator filter is to capture sediment that enters through the water pipe and enhance the taste and smell of drinking water and ice.
EcoPure,s EPINL30 can filter up to 10,000 gallons of water, lasting for 5 years. The flow rate is 0.5 gallons which are good enough for a refrigerator or your ice maker. You can fill a 2-liter water jug in one minute.
Please note that you must check compatibility before buying a refrigerator filter. You can call EcoPure’s helpline for this.
People who use it recommend this filter to everyone. They mention no problems like leaks, slow flow rate, or blockages. A few buyers criticize this filter for not lasting up to 5 years. They have to replace the filter after a couple of years. Please note that filter life depends on incoming water quality and your usage pattern.
Pros
- Long life; 10,000 gallons
- Easy installation
- Comes with all things required for installation
Cons
- Flow rate decreases when water is hard
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better; an inline filter or a whole house water filter?
A whole house filtration system filters water when it enters your home and supplies clean water to every point of use. An inline filter is installed at a faucet or water pipe for one point of use.
The answer to this question depends on your needs and well water quality. If you only want to filter drinking water, the inline filter is better than a whole house filtration system.
The best setup for well water will be a whole house sediment filter and/or water softener at the point where water enters your home and an inline RO filter in your kitchen for drinking water.
2. Are inline water filters worth it?
Yes. Inline water filters are a practical approach for water filtration. These filters are affordable, easy to install, maintain, and give effective results.
3. What do inline water filters remove?
It depends on the type of inline water filter. Overall, an inline water filter removes sediment, heavy metals, VOCs, and other toxins in the water. Inline filters with UV filtration can also remove microorganisms from water.
