When choosing a reverse osmosis (RO) system, homeowners should look beyond the price tag. Key factors include filtration performance, daily water output, ease of installation, and long-term maintenance costs. The right RO system not only improves water taste and quality but also helps protect your family’s health by removing harmful contaminants like lead, chlorine, and PFAS.
Most reverse osmosis systems cost between $150 and $3,000 installed, depending on size, capacity, and features such as remineralization or UV filtration. Choose based on what matters most: water purity, efficiency, maintenance, and household size.
- Best for High-End Filtration: Leaf Home, Apec
- Best Value: iSpring, Express Water
- Best for Eco-Conscious Options: Aquasana
- Best for Small Spaces: Brondell
- Best for Easy Maintenance: Home Master
How to decide: Compare filter lifespan, system size, and contaminant removal ratings. Schedule a free water test or quote to confirm the best fit for your home.
Best Brands at a Glance
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- U.S.-made membranes with excellent contaminant reduction
- Long-lasting filters and components
- High-capacity RO options
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- Excellent value for multi-stage RO
- DIY-friendly installation
- Remineralization options available
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- Full-service testing and installation
- Custom system selection based on water results
- Long-term maintenance and warranty support
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- Excellent taste improvement
- Certified contaminant reduction
- Slim, under-sink design
Best Reverse Osmosis System Brands of 2025
APEC Water
- Average Cost: $200 to $1,200
What We Love
APEC is one of the most trusted names in reverse osmosis thanks to its high-performing membranes, long filter life, and consistent, reliable purification. Its systems are ideal for households concerned about lead, fluoride, chromium, nitrates, and dissolved solids. With premium components and strong output, APEC remains the leading choice for pure drinking water.
Cost Information
APEC RO system costs vary depending on the number of filtration stages, output capacity, and included upgrades. Premium Ultimate systems are priced higher due to upgraded components and longer membrane life.
- Essence Series: $200 to $350
- Ultimate Series: $300 to $500
- High-Capacity Systems: $600 to $1,200
Installation typically adds $150 to $350. APEC’s higher-end models cost more upfront but deliver top-tier contaminant removal and durability.
Best Product
The APEC Ultimate RO-90 provides high-output filtration with a powerful membrane that removes up to 99% of contaminants, making it ideal for large families or heavy daily water consumption. Its long-lasting filters reduce maintenance while delivering consistently clean, crisp-tasting water. This model is particularly beneficial for homeowners looking for a balance of performance, durability, and value.
iSpring Water Systems
- Average Cost: $200 to $900
What We Love
iSpring offers some of the most cost-effective RO systems on the market, delivering strong contaminant reduction with accessible maintenance and simple installation. Its remineralization stages are a standout, restoring natural minerals for better taste and more balanced pH. Homeowners appreciate the clear instructions, intuitive design, and dependable performance.
Cost Information
iSpring RO pricing varies based on the number of stages, optional UV lights, and remineralization filters. Systems with booster pumps or larger membranes cost slightly more.
- 5–6 Stage RO Systems: $200 to $450
- RO + Alkaline Systems: $300 to $550
- UV/High-Capacity Systems: $450 to $900
Professional installation generally adds $150 to $300. iSpring systems are ideal for homeowners who want high-quality drinking water without high upfront investment.
Best Product
The iSpring RCC7AK combines six-stage purification with a remineralization filter that restores calcium and magnesium for a smoother, more pleasant taste. It’s ideal for households concerned about lead, fluoride, and other dissolved contaminants but who still want balanced, mineral-rich water. With strong performance and moderate pricing, this system offers one of the best value-to-quality ratios in the RO category.
Leaf Home Water Solutions
- Average Cost: $1,200 to $5,000
What We Love
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers professionally installed RO systems tailored to your home’s exact water quality and usage. Their specialists conduct in-home testing to identify the right filtration approach, ensuring better efficiency and performance than one-size-fits-all retail units. Homeowners who prefer a guided, seamless experience benefit from Leaf Home’s personalized support and long-term service options.
Cost Information
Leaf Home RO pricing varies depending on the system type, filtration capacity, and whether the RO is paired with whole-home filtration or softening. Installed systems fall toward the higher end due to professional assessment and labor.
- Under-Sink RO Systems: $1,200 to $2,500
- RO + Whole-Home Packages: $3,000 to $5,000
- Annual Maintenance Plans: $150 to $300
Installation is typically included. While more expensive, Leaf’s tailored approach ensures optimized performance for challenging water conditions.
Best Product
The Leaf Home Reverse Osmosis Drinking System provides high-efficiency filtration with multi-stage purification tailored to your test results, ensuring cleaner, better-tasting water at every use. It’s ideal for homeowners seeking a hands-off experience that includes professional installation and ongoing maintenance. With tested performance and support from trained specialists, it’s a strong choice for households that want premium RO quality with guaranteed results.
Aquasana
- Average Cost: $350 to $650
What We Love
Aquasana’s RO systems incorporate Claryum® carbon filtration, giving them an advantage in taste, odor, and chemical reduction. The hybrid filtration design preserves beneficial minerals while removing heavy metals, chlorine, PFAS, and more. Homeowners with municipal water benefit most from its balanced performance.
Cost Information
Aquasana RO pricing varies based on included carbon blocks, remineralization stages, and capacity.
- OptimH2O® RO Systems: $350 to $550
- RO + Claryum® Hybrid Models: $450 to $650
- Filter Replacement Kits: $60 to $150
Installation generally adds $150 to $300. Aquasana’s hybrid approach provides superior taste and trusted filtration for city water supplies.
Best Product
The OptimH2O® Reverse Osmosis + Claryum® System uses a combination of RO membrane performance and premium carbon filtration to reduce more than 70 contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals. It is ideal for homeowners who want high-end taste improvement without sacrificing purification. With efficient design and easy cartridge changes, it provides a strong balance of performance and convenience.
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Home Master (Perfect Water Technologies)
- Average Cost: $350 to $900
What We Love
Home Master systems are engineered for efficiency, offering faster flow, larger fittings, and modular components that simplify maintenance. Their seven-stage designs reduce chemicals, heavy metals, and TDS while improving taste with remineralization. It’s a great choice for homes needing faster daily output.
Cost Information
Home Master RO pricing depends on stage count, pump add-ons, and UV sterilization.
- Standard 7-Stage Systems: $350 to $500
- Artesian & HydroPerfection Models: $500 to $750
- UV/High-End Systems: $600 to $900
Installation averages $150 to $300. Home Master’s premium build quality and modular design contribute to long-term reliability.
Best Product
The Home Master HydroPerfection provides powerful seven-stage filtration, including UV sterilization and remineralization, making it ideal for homes dealing with both chemical and microbial contaminants. It delivers faster flow and cleaner taste than many competing RO units. Its modular filter design simplifies future maintenance while delivering exceptional purification.
Waterdrop
- Average Cost: $350 to $900
What We Love
Waterdrop brings modern, minimalist design to RO filtration with tankless systems that deliver high flow rates and fast dispensing. Its smart monitoring features make filter changes easy, while the compact size appeals to homeowners wanting maximum under-sink space. It’s especially useful for families with high daily water needs.
Cost Information
Waterdrop costs depend on system flow rate, stage count, and smart features.
- Tankless Systems: $350 to $700
- Smart RO Systems: $500 to $900
- Filter Replacements: $50 to $150
Installation typically adds $150 to $300. Waterdrop systems cost more than traditional RO units but offer unmatched efficiency and convenience.
Best Product
The Waterdrop G3P800 delivers ultra-fast filtration at up to 800 gallons per day with integrated smart TDS monitoring and leak protection. It is ideal for high-use households that want fast dispensing, compact installation, and premium digital features. With its powerful membrane and tankless design, it’s one of the most advanced RO systems available for homeowners.
Express Water
- Average Cost: $150 to $400
What We Love
Express Water provides highly affordable RO solutions that are easy to install and maintain. Their straightforward designs and accessible replacement cartridges make them a solid entry-level choice for families wanting purified water without a large investment.
Cost Information
Express Water pricing varies by stage count and add-ons.
- Standard RO Systems: $150 to $300
- RO + Alkaline or UV Options: $250 to $400
- Filter Kits: $50 to $120
Installation generally adds $100 to $200. These systems offer excellent value for homeowners upgrading from basic filtration.
Best Product
The Express Water RO5DX offers essential five-stage filtration, making it ideal for families seeking a simple, affordable solution for everyday contaminants. Its modular filters are inexpensive and easy to replace. With consistent performance at a low price, it’s a great starting point for RO newcomers.
Brondell
- Average Cost: $200 to $500
What We Love
Brondell offers compact RO designs made for smaller kitchens, apartments, and modern spaces. Their tankless technology reduces wastewater and improves efficiency, while easy side-access filters simplify maintenance. It’s a smart choice for homeowners with limited cabinet space.
Cost Information
Brondell pricing reflects its efficient, space-saving designs.
- Circle RO System: $350 to $500
- Cypress/Capella Systems: $200 to $400
- Filter Replacements: $50 to $140
Installation typically costs $150 to $250. Brondell systems cost more than basic RO units but deliver enhanced efficiency and space savings.
Best Product
The Brondell Circle Reverse Osmosis System uses a patented water-saving design that minimizes wastewater and eliminates the need for an RO tank. It’s ideal for smaller homes and eco-conscious families wanting efficient, purified water. The compact build, quick-changing filters, and reduced wastewater make it an appealing alternative to traditional RO models.
GE
- Average Cost: $150 to $600
What We Love
GE RO systems are reliable, accessible, and budget-friendly, giving homeowners an easy way to add purified drinking water without complex installation. Their NSF-certified filters are widely stocked, making ongoing maintenance convenient.
Cost Information
GE system costs vary by filter capacity and number of stages.
- 3–4 Stage Systems: $150 to $300
- Premium Under-Sink RO: $300 to $600
- Filters: $20 to $80
Installation typically adds $100 to $250. GE systems are an excellent low-cost choice for basic RO filtration.
Best Product
The GE Reverse Osmosis Filtration System GXRM10RBL reduces common contaminants while offering straightforward installation and easy-to-find replacement cartridges. It’s ideal for homeowners seeking a dependable, affordable RO option with minimal maintenance demands. Its compact footprint and accessible design make it a user-friendly choice for everyday drinking water.
