Buyer’s Guide 2024: How To Choose The Best Home Reverse Osmosis System

If you’re looking for effective, comprehensive filter solutions for drinking water quality, a reverse osmosis system is just what you need. Sometimes called RO, these under sink water filters are an ideal choice for homeowners looking for top-quality water and protection.

But how do you choose the right option for you? The key to selecting the best home reverse osmosis system is to consider all factors including what contaminants are targeted, how many stages of filtration are included, efficiency, available smart features, total costs and more.*

Our buyer’s guide has everything you need to make this important water quality decision. Read on for help finding your ideal water filtration system.

5 Steps To Choosing The Right Reverse Osmosis System

When choosing a home water filter solution like an RO system, it’s important to have an organized approach. After all, there are so many ways to get filtered water — but not all drinking water systems are created equal.

Start your research process by considering the following

#1: Your Drinking Water Quality

The goal of getting a filtration system is generally to get clean water — and, often, to reduce reliance on single-use bottled water that can be pricey and bad for the environment. That means your first step should be scheduling a professional water test.

Different kinds of water test results can tell you what’s in your drinking water, from common impurities like chlorine and iron to harder-to-detect contaminants like “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and lead. A local water expert can tell you which tests you need and what the results mean. (With Culligan, you can start with a free in-home water test that covers some of the most common water quality issues.)

 #2: Understanding Water Filtration

Once you know which issues you may need to target, it’s time to learn about different kinds of filtration and why some may not be as effective as others.

For example, you may see pitcher or refrigerator filters advertising that they provide clean water — but the truth is that these methods alone are not as comprehensive as the type of filtration you can get in a multi-stage reverse osmosis system.

Reverse osmosis water filters force water through a specialized RO membrane at a high pressure that catches dissolved solids and many other types of contaminants. The most comprehensive RO systems combine this process with a variety of other stages of filtration within the system, so they can target more than 90 potential contaminants including lead, mercury, viruses and bacteria.

#3: Considering Features

Once you’ve decided that you want a reverse osmosis water filter system, it’s time to consider features. You have a lot of choices, including:

• Smart technology: Smart features help you track filter life, savings and hydration goals, while also helping simplify maintenance, monitor water quality and more.
• Faucet designs and options: From brushed nickel to matte black, you have plenty of choices for the perfect faucet — plus integrated monitor lights for real-time, at-a-glance filter life and water quality insights.
• Go faucet-free: Some RO systems offer the ability to access RO water without replacing your regular faucet. With Culligan’s innovative ClearLink PRO™ technology, you can switch between RO and tap water with the touch of a button.

#4: Understanding Total Costs

Every water filter solution comes at a cost, but the best reverse osmosis system can your budget. That’s because you’ll know all the costs of RO upfront, from purchase price to ongoing maintenance. For example, Culligan RO filters last up to two years and the reverse osmosis membrane lasts up to five years, meaning you can stay fully aware of when your filters will need changing and how much it will cost.

#5: Analyzing Quality

When it comes to water treatment systems, it’s not just filter longevity that determines quality. You should also look for:

• System efficiency
• Durable, space-saving designs
• Third-party certifications for contaminant reduction
• Satisfaction guarantees
• Expert support and service

Top Reverse Osmosis Systems

You have plenty of options for a house water filter. That’s why it’s important to compare top systems with different features:

Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System

This top-of-the-line choice is equipped with smart features and is also the world’s most efficient. It’s 3 to 5 times more efficient than other leading ROs, which means less water usage and lower water bills. The Smart RO is also certified to reduce more than 90 contaminants s and, for even more control, you can choose from options like an additional arsenic filter or Mineral Boost Cartridge.

Aquasential® Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System

Like the smart RO, this system is certified to reduce 18 times more contaminants than the leading standard pitcher filter.*** But that’s not all — it also comes with premium faucet designs and optional ClearLink PRO™ technology for added convenience.

Aquasential Tankless Reverse Osmosis System 

If you need a smaller house reverse osmosis system, look no further than this compact-but-high-volume option. It can supply up to 20x more water per day than traditional RO systems and offersan advanced four-stage filtration process, including a 2-in-1 sediment and carbon filter.

Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration

RO water filtration systems provide benefits for your home, wellness and budget, such as:

• Convenience: Enjoy a virtually limitless supply of fresh, filtered water right from your faucet without the hassle of frequent refills and filter changes.
• Cost: Know the total cost of ownership before you purchase and count on long-lasting filters, membranes and filter housing. Plus, you’ll save money by reducing your reliance on single-use bottled water.
• Space savings: Make the best use of your home’s space with thoughtful, compact designs and professional installation.
• Contaminant treatment: Complete RO filtration solutions address a wide range of impurities — including emerging contaminants that may not yet be covered by water quality regulations . You’ll also enjoy cleaner, clearer water with fewer taste, odor and color concerns.
• Plastic reduction: Keep single-use bottles from ending up in landfills and avoid exposure to additional contaminants like microplastics.
• Complementary solutions: Your reverse osmosis system will work excellently with a water softener for even more control over your water, including its feel and impact on your home.
• Peace of mind: Perhaps most importantly, RO systems allow you to enjoy every sip of tap water knowing that it’s been treated with cutting-edge technology.

Get The Right Water Filtration System for Your Home

Choosing the best reverse osmosis system is a journey — one that begins when you decide it’s time to take control of your water quality.

Are you ready to find the RO system that’s right for you? Start by scheduling your free, in-home water test and consultation.

*Contaminants may not be present in your water.
**Efficiency is based on 3rd party testing to NSF/ANSI standards for a tanked RO system.
***Aquasential RO and Smart RO when configured with post-filter and Total Defense cartridge.