3M Aqua-Pure AP904
#6 in CartridgeFull review
The AP903 with scale inhibitor added, for city water that is both chlorinated and hard.
Amazon $421.18$421.18
The 3M Aqua-Pure AP904 is the better whole-house water filter overall, rated 3.1 to 2.3. The 3M Aqua-Pure AP904 leads on certification and warranty. The Home Master HMF2SmgCC wins on running cost. The Home Master HMF2SmgCC costs $45.50 less ($375.68 vs $421.18).
Home Master HMF2SmgCC
#12 in CartridgeFull review
A cartridge system built for chloramine treated city water, with a longer warranty than most at this price.
Amazon $375.68$375.68
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the 3M Aqua-Pure AP904 for certification (certified to NSF/ANSI 42 vs no certification in a public listing, no tested to claim) and warranty (25-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the Home Master HMF2SmgCC for running cost ($1.79 per 1,000 gallons ($169.90 every 95,000 gallons) vs $3.47 per 1,000 gallons ($347.15 every 100,000 gallons)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every cartridge whole-house water filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | 3M Aqua-Pure AP904 | Home Master HMF2SmgCC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Running cost 25% | 0 $3.47 per 1,000 gallons ($347.15 every 100,000 gallons) | 19 $1.79 per 1,000 gallons ($169.90 every 95,000 gallons) |
| Certification 25% | 60 certified to NSF/ANSI 42 | 0 no certification in a public listing, no tested to claim |
| Flow 15% | 50 10 gpm service flow | 50 10 gpm service flow |
| Price 20% | 38 $421.18 | 45 $375.68 |
| Warranty 15% | 100 25-year warranty | 11 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| 3M Aqua-Pure AP904 | Home Master HMF2SmgCC | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration | ||
| Capacity | 100,000 gallons | 95,000 gallons |
| Replacement filters or media | $347.15 | $169.90 |
| Running cost | $3.47 per 1,000 gal | $1.79 per 1,000 gal |
| Stages | 1 | 2 |
| Certified | NSF/ANSI 42 | - |
| Chloramine | No | Yes |
| PFAS | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Flow | 10 gpm | 10 gpm |
| Ports | 1 in | 1 in |
| UV stage | No | No |
| Warranty | 25 years | 2 years |