Your tap water—whether sourced from a public utility or a private well—is likely filled with contaminants. (Even after treatment, water can pick up additional chemicals from aging pipes on its way to your faucet.)

Installing a water filtration system can help reduce your exposure to harmful contaminants and ensure access to clean, safe drinking water. But which type of filtration system is best for you?

1. Point-of-use filtration systems (like pitchers, under-sink filters, and more).

2. Whole-home filtration systems (also known as point-of-entry systems).

Before We Begin, Find Out What’s in Your Water

Before choosing a filtration system, it’s important to understand where your tap water comes from and what contaminants are present.

Start with our free What’s In Your Water Quiz, which pulls data from the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Tap Water Database to provide a complimentary, customized water report on the contaminants in your water.

If your water comes from a public source (municipal tap water), it has gone through a treatment center before reaching your home. The problem? Municipal water treatment only targets contaminants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—and many harmful contaminants aren't regulated at all.

• In fact, the EPA hasn’t updated its national drinking water standards in decades for the vast majority of contaminants.

• This means even “treated” tap water may contain unregulated toxins like PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals.

If you use well water, your water flows directly from underground aquifers into your home’s pipes. While natural filtration occurs as water passes through layers of rock, soil, sand, and gravel, it’s up to the well owner to test and filter their water to ensure safety.

• Unlike public water, well water is not treated or regulated—making filtration essential to remove contaminants like bacteria, pesticides, and nitrates.

Now that you know where your water comes from and the risks involved, let’s dive into the key differences between point-of-use and whole-home filtration systems—and which one is right for you.

What are Point-of-Use Filtration Systems? 

Point-of-use filtration systems attach directly to your faucet or tap, providing clean water right where you need it—whether for drinking, cooking, or even washing produce.

These systems come in various forms, including:

• Filtered water pitchers

• Under-the-sink filtration systems

• Countertop reverse osmosis (RO) systems (tap here to find out why we don't recommend drinking RO water.)

Most people opt for a point-of-use system because they are:

✔ Easy to install – No major modifications or plumbing work required
✔ More cost-effective – Lower upfront costs compared to whole-home filtration
✔ Flexible for renters & homeowners – Ideal for those who need clean water without altering their plumbing

However, point-of-use systems typically require more frequent filter replacements compared to whole-house filters. But for those looking for an accessible and effective way to filter water at key locations, these systems offer the most convenient solution.

With point-of-use systems, both homeowners and renters alike can enjoy filtered water with minimal modifications to the home.

An under-sink water filter is one of the best point-of-use filtration options because it delivers on-demand, high-quality filtered water right from your kitchen faucet—without the hassle of countertop pitchers or bulky systems.

Benefits of under-sink water filtration system include:

• Reduction of contaminants at one faucet 

• Ideal for those who want clean water to drink and cook with 

• Improved smell and taste of tap water

• Sustainable alternative to bottle water

• Compact design makes for easy installation

Why Choose the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under-Sink Water Filter System?

The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink Water Filter System offers additional benefits like:

• Proven protection from up to 99.99% of 232+ contaminants for your health and safety

• Independently tested by third-party labs for your protection

• Compatible with any sink – no separate or second faucet required

• 100% DIY installation – all you need is a wrench

• Compact, portable design: Great for both renters and homeowners

What are Whole-Home (Point-of-Entry) Filtration Systems?

A point-of-entry filter, often referred to as a whole-house or whole-home filter, removes contaminants from all the water entering your home. This means every tap, faucet, and showerhead delivers filtered water, protecting both your health and your plumbing system.

Whole-home filtration systems are added to your main water line to ensure that all the water coming from your tap, faucets, and showerheads are clean; however, these systems are larger than point-of-use and will require more space. 

By filtering water at the main water line, these systems help:
✔ Reduce exposure to contaminants in drinking, bathing, and cooking water
✔ Potentially extend the lifespan of pipes and appliances by reducing buildup and corrosion
✔ Potentially lower maintenance and repair costs by helping to prevent damage caused by sediment, chlorine, and hard water minerals

While whole-house systems offer comprehensive filtration, they come with a few considerations:

• Larger Size & Space Requirements – These systems are bulkier than point-of-use filters and require adequate space near your main water line for installation.

• Complex Installation Process – Unlike point-of-use filters, most whole-house systems require professional installation. A section of your main water pipe must be removed and replaced with the filtration unit.

• Potential Electrical Requirements – Some advanced filtration systems may also need an electric power source, meaning installation may require both a plumber and an electrician.

How Does A Whole-House System Compare to Point-of-Use?

Both point-of-use and whole-house filtration systems offer benefits, but they serve different purposes and aren’t one-size-fits-all. To determine which system is best for your home, consider the following key factors:

• Pricing: Whole-house systems are more expensive, and it will be a higher upfront cost, while point-of-use systems are less expensive but will need frequent water filter replacements.

• Space & Installation: Whole-house systems are typically bigger and will require a plumber for installation, while point-of-use systems are compact and require minimal installation.

• Maintenance: Most whole-house systems are designed to last between 7-10 years with annual maintenance and require less maintenance that point-of-use systems, which require filter changes typically every 3-12 months depending on your system. 

• Certifications & Performance: Ensure your system has been independently tested and certified by reliable agencies for the best performance. For example, NSF/ANSI 42-certified filters remove odors and improve tastes, while NSF/ANSI 53-certified filters remove lead and other contaminants.

What System is Best for You?

The right filtration system depends on your water source and specific needs. While homeowners could install both whole-house and point-of-use systems, this is often redundant and costly.

Instead, an advanced, high-performance filtration system can provide comprehensive protection without the added expense of a second system.

• If your primary concern is drinking water quality, a point-of-use system is the ideal choice.

• For a cost-effective, high-performance filtration solution, Clearly Filtered offers a range of premium point-of-use filters that are independently tested and proven to remove up to 99.99% of hundreds of contaminants.

What Makes Clearly Filtered Special?

Every Clearly Filtered filter is powered by our breakthrough Affinity® Filtration Technology—a dual-technology approach that targets up to 73x more contaminants than standard water filters.

✔ Independently tested to remove up to 99.99% of hundreds of contaminants
✔ Designed for every home, whether you rent or own
✔ No complicated installation—just clean, safe water where you need it