Best Whole-House Cartridge Water Filters Ranked

13 whole-house cartridge water filters.

Last updated: November 2, 2026

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

  1. Waterdrop WHF21-PG
    #1 of 133.4Full review

    A low cost starter system for chlorinated city water in a small home.

    Amazon $106.98
    $106.98
    -15 gpm-
  2. iSpring WGB21B
    #2 of 133.4Full 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
  3. Waterdrop WHF3T-PG
    #3 of 133.2Full 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-
  4. 3M Aqua-Pure AP903
    #4 of 133.1Full 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
  5. iSpring WGB22B
    #5 of 133.1Full 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
  6. 3M Aqua-Pure AP904
    #6 of 133.1Full 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
  7. iSpring WGB32B
    #7 of 132.9Full 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
  8. GE GXWH40L
    #8 of 132.9Full 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
  9. iSpring WGB32B-KSNC
    #9 of 132.8Full 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
  10. Express Water Essential Pro WH300SCGS-S
    #10 of 132.6Full 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
  11. iSpring WGB21B-PB
    #11 of 132.6Full 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
  12. Home Master HMF2SmgCC
    #12 of 132.3Full 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
  13. Pentair Pentek FloPlus Protect 20BB
    #13 of 132.0Full 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