10 Best 5-Gallon Water Filters — Side-by-Side Reviews

Finding the right 5 gallon water filter can feel like a chore — there are a lot of options and they’re not all created equal.

We’ve done the legwork and narrowed it down to 10 models that cover different needs, from portable gravity-fed systems to hot/cold dispensers for the office. Here’s what we found.

Before getting to the products, it’s important to understand what water filters are and why you should use them. A water filter is a purifier that removes impurities from water.

These impurities include nitrates, chloramines, chlorine, and various odors.

Water filters work by lowering contamination through a chemical process, biological process, or physical barrier. They’re essential for any home or workplace, as purifying water before drinking is critical for maintaining good health.

Drinking contaminated water or water containing disinfectant byproducts significantly increases your risk of infection. Always use suitable, high-quality water purifiers and filters to support a healthy lifestyle.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the best water purifiers along with their pros and benefits.

Quick Comparison Chart

1. AQUASPREE 7 Stage — Best Overall

The AQUASPREE water filtering system is an excellent BPA-free purifying solution. It’s especially suitable for those willing to improve the quality and taste of their drinking water.

This model holds up to 5 gallons of water after filtration. You won’t have to worry about filtering water over and over again throughout the day.

The AQUASPREE 7 stage water filter features a large capacity container with an impressive filter design. It offers a convenient lever that allows you to fill a glass of water by simply pushing it forward.

Because of its large capacity container, you can use it in small offices or businesses without constantly refilling. The filter doesn’t need to be connected directly to a tap.

You can fill it with water using a bucket or pitcher.

This filter purifies water by passing it through each layer of filter media, including minerals, magnetic fields, and ionizers. Those looking to alkalize their water should strongly consider this product or an alkaline water filter pitcher, as it delivers measurable results.

Many users have praised this water filter system for its purification performance and the improved taste of drinking water.

2. Apex Countertop — Best Countertop

The APEX Quality filter comes with a complete purification kit that removes harmful contaminants from the water. It also destroys tiny contaminant particles that you can’t see or smell through its carbon block filter.

The contaminants it targets include chlorine, radon, benzene, and other heavy metals. It also prevents the accumulation of microorganisms in your water supply.

This filter increases alkalinity by adding potassium, calcium, and magnesium to the water. For more options, see our alkaline water filter system guide. The result is purified drinking water that tastes healthier and fresher than standard tap water.

Those who use this APEX Quality product spend less money on buying bottled mineral water. It offers a convenient design that connects directly to domestic faucets, making setup straightforward.

The filter includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty covering both workmanship and materials. For removing tiny particles that are sometimes left behind by other filters, the APEX Quality water filter is an excellent choice.

Users consistently praise its quality and the noticeable improvement in their water. Many report feeling the difference from the very first use.

3. Farberware FW29919 — Best Dispenser

The Farberware FW29919 water filter is a water dispensing and filtration machine. It’s engineered with advanced electronic methods to provide safe and healthy water for daily use.

This unit is suitable for both offices and home spaces. The Farberware FW29919 can hold 3 to 5 gallons of water, which can be filled using equivalent gallon buckets.

It dispenses both hot and cold water on demand.

After dispensing, the water passes through a treatment system that destroys all disease-causing organisms. It can heat water up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and cool it down to 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

The unit also offers a storage cabinet that allows you to keep used or unused cups conveniently. It operates quietly and uses low energy thanks to its thermoelectric heating and cooling system.

For those looking for a product with minimal noise during operation, this model is one of the most suitable options available. The Farberware dispenser cooler filter is popular among users for providing an accurate and stable temperature.

It delivers genuinely hot water and properly cold water without producing noticeable noise during the process.

4. Avalon A4BLWTRCLR — Best Bottom-Loading

The Avalon A4BLWTRCLR is one of the best filtering machines on the market. It features a bottom-loading dispenser that makes storing and replacing the tank effortless without heavy lifting.

It has a unique construction that prevents leakage. The unit also alerts you when the bottle gets empty, so you don’t have to check the water level repeatedly throughout the day.

This dispenser is most suitable for kitchen and office usage with its 3 to 5 gallon capacity. The model includes a night light feature that allows you to see the water clearly in dim lighting conditions.

It’s available in two configurations: bottom-loading and countertop. The Avalon A4BLWTRCLR has three adjustable temperature levels that you can set according to your preferences.

Plus, it includes a child lock system to protect children from accidental hot water burns. This feature makes it especially suitable for households with young children and elderly family members.

Users consistently review this product as being worth the investment. They particularly appreciate the quality of customer service and the way it purifies water reliably.

5. Generic Electric — Best Dual Temperature

This generic electric hot and cold water cooler is a versatile dispenser filter. It requires 220V voltage at 50Hz frequency and consumes 500W of power, with 430W dedicated to heating and the remaining 70W for cooling.

The unit features a cable wire length meter that provides protection against electric shock. It also includes light indicators that represent the condition of the water temperature at a glance.

Operating the dispenser is simple. Just insert the water barrel and press the start button.

The system provides both hot and cold water at the same time from separate taps.

The water after being filtered becomes healthier and suitable for drinking. You can install this unit in an office, farm, hotel, or home environment without any issues.

The water filter also consists of a water cooler section and a detachable water box for easy cleaning. Those looking for a great dispenser with built-in filter media will find this generic electric cooler to be a solid choice.

Users praise the product for its ability to deliver both hot and cold water at proper temperatures consistently.

6. Blue Bottle — Best Eco-Friendly

The Blue Bottle Water Dispenser Filter is a water filter with an impressive design. It can store up to 5 gallons of water and has a simple setup process.

To use this dispenser filter, start by rinsing the filter. Then fill the Blue Bottle water dispenser with water and press the filter into place like a regular cap.

Load the water filter bottle onto the dispenser and enjoy healthy, refreshing drinking water at negligible maintenance cost.

This bottle dispenser filter has a biodegradable cap. It uses a filter structure that significantly reduces plastic waste compared to standard bottled water consumption.

You can use this bottle dispenser filter at offices with large numbers of workers or at parties and events. Those who want to purify water without investing large amounts will appreciate the Blue Bottle water dispenser filter.

The unit processes water through both cold and hot filtration stages. Despite its appearance not resembling a traditional purifier, it performs as one of the best in its class.

Users enjoy the quality of water it provides and praise its easy installation process.

7. Penn-Plax Small World — Best for Aquariums

The Penn-Plax Small World Aquarium Filter is an excellent filter designed for small aquariums holding up to 5 gallons. It accommodates aquariums of all shapes and sizes within that range.

This water filter destroys contaminants and maintains healthy water conditions for your fish. Its small size allows it to fit inside almost any aquarium without taking up significant space.

It offers easy-to-replace disposable cartridge filter media. The aquarium filter contains both carbon and zeolite for chemical filtering, along with a bio-foam sponge for biological filtration.

The zeolite crystals destroy ammonia, while the carbon eliminates harmful gases and odors. The bio-foam promotes biological filtering that produces crystal clear water in your tank.

These filters attach easily to any air pump using a standard tube. Those with small fish tanks at home who want to maintain clean water conditions will find this filter to be the top choice among aquarium filters.

Many users report that no other filter system performs as well for small aquarium applications.

8. AquaClear Fish — Best Multi-Stage Aquarium

The AquaClear Fish Water Filter is a compact power filter that processes water through a multi-stage system. It creates a silent waterfall effect in the aquarium while filtering efficiently.

This filter offers three distinct processes: mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. For comparison, see our water filter cartridge types guide. It also features a re-filtering system that allows you to regulate the flow rate whenever additional filtering is needed.

When the flow rate reduces, up to 50% of the water undergoes multiple filtrations for thorough cleaning. The foam removes suspended particles and is fully replaceable when worn.

The porous surface allows colonization by beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy aquarium environment. It also features an activated carbon medium that absorbs chemicals, odors, and disinfectants.

This product is excellent for those looking for a purifier suitable for both small and large size tanks. The AquaClear filter is available in different sizes to match your specific aquarium dimensions.

Users praise the way it purifies water, keeping the aquarium, fish, and gravel looking healthy and beautiful.

9. Tissaj Dispenser — Best Automatic

The Tissaj 5 Gallon Water Bottle Dispenser Filter is an automatic water dispenser filter. It features a compact and durable ABS plastic material body that’s built to last.

This product is BPA-free and holds RoHS certification for quality water purification. It contains a 1800mAh rechargeable lithium battery with a 2-hour lifespan during regular usage.

For both indoor and outdoor applications, this dispenser filter is an excellent choice. You can watch the water flowing as the filter dispenses purified water into your glass.

Installation requires no drilling or stands. It’s a simple fix-and-use design that gets you started in minutes.

The unit requires only one hand for operation, making it accessible for people of all ages.

The quick discharge button helps speed up the water flow for faster filling. It has a beautiful chrome finish with a modern design that blends well with contemporary home decor.

This is an Energy Star rated water dispenser filter. Users review it as a water filter suitable for all age groups.

Its various features are particularly beneficial for children and elderly family members.

10. Imperial Berkey — Best Gravity-Fed

The Imperial Berkey purification system is a powerful portable gravity water filter from one of the most trusted brands in the industry. It purifies water using Black Berkey purification elements for maximum effectiveness.

The external body is constructed primarily from stainless steel and rubber for durability. Its purpose extends far beyond removing simple contaminants.

This filter eliminates viruses, pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, inorganic minerals, debris, heavy metals, pharmaceutical drugs, and trihalomethanes. For more on removing lead and other contaminants, see our dedicated guide.

It can purify approximately 4.5 to 5 gallons of water per day. The filter elements have an exceptionally long lifespan and only need replacement after filtering 6,000 gallons of water.

This water filter uses multiple third-party labs to test for potential contaminants in water. The Berkey team also conducts independent tests for lead and PFCs to demonstrate their system’s effectiveness.

It requires no electricity, no tools to assemble, and no plumbing connections. However, it’s somewhat more expensive than other regular filters in this category.

You can travel with the Berkey gravity-fed water filter system thanks to its portable design. Users consistently review it as the premier water filter that every family should consider.

Although the price is higher, it delivers on its promise of providing perfectly purified water quickly and reliably.

How to Select the Right 5 Gallon Water Filter

The selection process for a water filter can feel overwhelming. Here are the key steps to choose the right water filter for your household.

Fix a Price Range

If you plan to buy a water filter, the first step is deciding your price range. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in a water filtering system before you start shopping.

Setting a budget first prevents you from spending unnecessary time browsing and reduces the chance of purchasing the wrong product.

Test the Water in Your House

The second most important step is testing your water. You need to know whether your water is contaminated and what specific contaminants are present.

There are many testing kits available at decent prices that you can use at home. Some advanced models can also detect pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful substances in your water, though these tend to cost more.

Research the Contaminants

After testing your water, you’ll know the types of contaminants present. Do a quick search on those contaminants to find out which water filter is designed to address them.

Also research which contaminants are more harmful to prioritize your filtration needs. For instance, lead is generally considered more harmful than chlorine.

If nitrates or chloramines are present, do thorough research on both the contaminant and the appropriate filter type.

Check the Capacity and Type

When buying a water filter, make sure the capacity and type match your household needs. If you’ve a small family, a medium capacity filter will be sufficient.

For larger families, a large or extra-large capacity system will better meet your demands.

Depending on your preference, you can choose between top-loading and bottom-loading water filters. Top-loading filters provide easy monitoring of the water level.

Bottom-loading filters include indicators for when the bottle is empty.

Search for a Suitable Model

Now that you understand which contaminants are in your water and which are most harmful, look for a model especially designed to remove them. Choose one that targets your most concerning contaminants first.

You can also consider the model’s design to make sure it fits your home decor and available space.

How We Evaluated

We evaluated each 5 gallon water filter based on several important criteria to help you make a good decision.

Filtration Performance

We assessed how effectively each filter removes contaminants from water. Products that target multiple types of impurities, including chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, and sediment, scored higher in our rankings.

Multi-stage filtration systems received additional credit for their thoroughness.

Capacity and Convenience

We considered the total water capacity, how easy each unit is to set up, and how frequently filters need replacement. Models with larger capacities and longer filter lifespans ranked higher for everyday convenience.

Build Quality and Materials

The materials used in construction played a significant role in our evaluation. BPA-free plastics, stainless steel bodies, and food-grade filter media all contributed to higher scores.

We also factored in durability and how well each unit is built to last.

Ease of Use

We looked at how simple each filter is to operate on a daily basis. Features like one-hand dispensing, indicator lights, child locks, and bottom-loading designs all improved a product’s usability score.

Value for Money

Finally, we weighed the overall value each filter provides relative to its price point. A higher-priced filter that delivers exceptional performance and longevity can still represent excellent value compared to a cheaper model that needs frequent replacement.