A cartridge system holds one to three filters in housings on the main line, usually a sediment filter followed by carbon. They cost little to buy and are easy to install, but the cartridges are swapped every few months to a year, so the cost of a replacement set matters as much as the system price. Big 20 x 4.5 in housings last longer between changes than 10 in ones and accept filters from many brands.
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.
Full ranking 13
- Waterdrop WHF21-PG#1 of 13Full review
A low cost starter system for chlorinated city water in a small home.
Amazon $106.98$106.98-15 gpm- - iSpring WGB21B#2 of 13Full review
A low cost first whole-house filter for city water with chlorine taste. Expect to change filters several times a year.
Amazon $155.99$155.99$0.90 per 1,000 gal15 gpm50,000 gal - Waterdrop WHF3T-PG#3 of 13Full review
A lower priced three stage big blue system for city water. Running cost is hard to judge without a gallon rating.
Amazon $269.99$269.99-15 gpm- - 3M Aqua-Pure AP903#4 of 13Full review
A certified, low mess choice for city water with chlorine, for owners who would rather pay more per cartridge than handle filters.
Amazon $422.99$422.99$2.45 per 1,000 gal10 gpm100,000 gal - iSpring WGB22B#5 of 13Full review
A sensible upgrade on the WGB21B for a family on chlorinated city water, with filters that last longer and cost little per gallon.
Amazon $286.70$286.70$0.83 per 1,000 gal15 gpm100,000 gal - 3M Aqua-Pure AP904#6 of 13Full review
The AP903 with scale inhibitor added, for city water that is both chlorinated and hard.
Amazon $421.18$421.18$3.47 per 1,000 gal10 gpm100,000 gal - iSpring WGB32B#7 of 13Full review
For a larger house on city water that wants more carbon than a two stage system. The three filter set costs more to replace.
Amazon $420$420$1.15 per 1,000 gal15 gpm100,000 gal - GE GXWH40L#8 of 13Full review
A bare bones single filter housing for sediment and chlorine taste at the lowest price. It suits small budgets and light use.
Amazon $69.85$69.85$0.90 per 1,000 gal-30,000 gal - iSpring WGB32B-KSNC#9 of 13Full review
For homes on chloramine treated city water that want cartridges rather than a tank. Check replacement filter prices before buying.
Amazon $639.99$639.99-15 gpm100,000 gal - Express Water Essential Pro WH300SCGS-S#10 of 13Full review
A tidy, frame mounted three stage system for city water with some grit. Its certification claim is vague.
Amazon $469.99$469.99$0.96 per 1,000 gal15 gpm100,000 gal - iSpring WGB21B-PB#11 of 13Full review
For homes worried about lead pipes or with chloramine treated water. The lead claim is not certified, so test the water if lead is the main concern.
Amazon $230.99$230.99$2.44 per 1,000 gal15 gpm50,000 gal - Home Master HMF2SmgCC#12 of 13Full review
A cartridge system built for chloramine treated city water, with a longer warranty than most at this price.
Amazon $375.68$375.68$1.79 per 1,000 gal10 gpm95,000 gal - Pentair Pentek FloPlus Protect 20BB#13 of 13Full review
For a smaller home where PFAS in the water is the main worry. Its low flow rating suits one or two bathrooms.
Amazon $258$258$4.69 per 1,000 gal5 gpm40,000 gal