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Home Water Filter Guide

The sticker price is not the price.

A $450 cartridge system with $126/yr filters costs more over five years than a $1,150 tank system with $35/yr upkeep. Drag the years slider to see the true cost.

True 5-year cost by systemUpfront price plus five years of replacement filters. Estimates — verify current prices.
WGB32B ~$1,050 Heavy Metal 3-Stage ~$1,248 CF1 ~$1,319 WGB32B-KDS ~$1,383 Chlorine+ Fluoride ~$1,467 Rhino EQ-1000 ~$1,599 E-1000 ~$1,670 PSE2000 ~$2,899 HealthShield ~$3,399 LCR ~$3,544

The cheapest sticker price rarely wins. See the cost calculator for the full math.

What the numbers usually show

Tank systems (SpringWell, Aquasana Rhino, SoftPro) cost more upfront but their million-gallon media lasts a decade — upkeep is often under $50/year. Cartridge systems (iSpring, Express Water, APEC, Kind) start cheap but need $120–$220 in cartridges every year. Cross-over usually happens around year 3–4.

These are estimates from manufacturer filter pricing as of October 2026; your water quality changes cartridge life. Confirm replacement prices on Amazon before buying — they're linked from each system review.

Ready to pick one? Use the flow-rate sizer to find systems rated for your home, or read our best whole-house water filters of 2026 roundup.