Viqua VH200
#4 in Up to 12 GPMFull review
A dependable small home or cabin unit from the biggest name in residential UV, with a real controller warranty. Larger homes need the VH410 or a monitored system.
Amazon $685$685
The Viqua VH200 is the better UV water purifier overall, rated 2.6 to 2.4. The Viqua VH200 leads on certification and warranty. The HQUA TWS-12 costs $425.01 less ($259.99 vs $685).
HQUA TWS-12
#5 in Up to 12 GPMFull review
A compact budget unit for a tight utility room, with cheap lamps. Like other budget units it tells you little about the dose.
Amazon $259.99$259.99
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 Viqua VH200 for certification (not NSF/ANSI 55 certified; flow rated at a stated 40 mJ/cm² dose vs not NSF/ANSI 55 certified, and no UV dose published) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 12 GPM UV water purifier; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Viqua VH200 | HQUA TWS-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.6/5 | 2.4/5 |
| Value 25% | 41 $97.86 per GPM ($685, 7 GPM at 40 mJ/cm²) | 63 $54.16 per GPM ($259.99, 4.8 GPM at 40 mJ/cm², from 12 GPM at an unstated dose taken as 16) |
| Certification 20% | 30 not NSF/ANSI 55 certified; flow rated at a stated 40 mJ/cm² dose | 0 not NSF/ANSI 55 certified, and no UV dose published |
| Monitoring 20% | 40 lamp failure alarm, lamp change countdown | 50 monitoring not published (neutral score used) |
| Lamp life 10% | 6 9,000 hour mercury lamp | 6 9,000 hour mercury lamp |
| Warranty 25% | 22 3-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Viqua VH200 | HQUA TWS-12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Disinfection | ||
| Rated flow | 7 GPM at 40 mJ/cm² | 12 GPM |
| NSF/ANSI 55 | No | No |
| Lamp | Mercury | Mercury |
| Lamp power | 25 W | 55 W |
| Lamp life | 9,000 hours | 9,000 hours |
| Monitoring | ||
| UV intensity sensor | No | - |
| Lamp failure alarm | Yes | - |
| Lamp change countdown | Yes | - |
| Shutoff valve | No | - |
| Build | ||
| Chamber | 304 stainless steel | - |
| Ports | 1 in | 0.8 in |
| Maximum pressure | 125 psi | - |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |