Best Under Sink Water Filter in Australia: A Complete Guide

Australian tap water is safe to drink, but all does not smell quite right. You may sense chlorine odor when you fill the glass, or the white residue on the kettle that appears overnight.

That's why undersink water filters have gained a lot of popularity among Australian homes.

They're not hogging precious benchtop space, and they give you filtered water on tap minus the chore of refreshing jugs or carrying bottled water from the stores.

This guide provides all you need to know regarding selecting and installing an under the sink filter system. We'll discuss what exactly such systems take out of the water, what models work best for the people from Australia.

Before diving into product recommendations, let’s explore why an under-sink water filter is a smart investment for your home.

Unlike countertop water filters that can take up valuable space on your kitchen bench,undersink water filtersare neatly tucked away under the sink. This sleek, spacesaving design makes them ideal for homes with limited counter space or those who prefer a clutter-free kitchen.

Under-sink filters, especially reverse osmosis (RO) systems , offer advanced filtration that effectively removes a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chlorine, lead, pesticides, and heavy metals. These filters often provide superior purification compared to traditional water filtration methods.

With an under-sink system, you get a continuous supply of filtered water directly from your tap. This eliminates the need to refill pitchers or purchase bottled water, saving both time and money in the long run.

By investing in a high-quality undersink filter, you can significantly improve the taste, odour, and overall quality of your drinking water. This is particularly important in Australian homes where hard water or contaminants can affect water quality.

While the initial investment in an under-sink water filter may seem like a big cost, it actually saves you money in the long term. With no need to buy bottled water or replace countertop filters frequently, under-sink filters provide excellent value for money.

Now that you understand why under-sink filters are beneficial, let’s look at five of the best options on the Australian water filter system market.

Best for:

Families seeking high-capacity, space-saving purification and rapid flow rates for daily kitchen needs.

Why choose it:

• It features a robust 800 GPD high-speed tankless reverse osmosis system
• The system utilizes a 9-stage precision filtration process, certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 58, and 372 standards
• It effectively reduces contaminants like TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, fluoride, lead, barium, and other impurities
• Waterdrop X8 promotes water conservation with an efficient 2: 1 pure-to-drain ratio
• The smart digital faucet provides real-time TDS monitoring and filter life tracking

The tankless design of the Waterdrop X8 still feels like the most well-rounded option for serious under-sink purification. It saves approximately 70% of space compared to bulkier systems.

This RO system offers quick access, filling a 6oz cup in just 5 seconds, meaning you don't have to wait around for filtered water.

What makes this system even more powerful is the high flow capacity of 800 GPD. It makes it easy for your family to use filtered water without interruption.

The system's integration with eco-conscious design is also a big win because the 2:1 pure-to-waste ratio maximizes water savings and reduces environmental strain.

Best for:

Households seeking multi-stage depth filtration for common contaminants while retaining beneficial natural minerals.

Why choose it:

• The system employs multi-stage deep filtration (8-layer filtration) to reduce over 100 harmful substances, including heavy metals, chlorine, silt, rust, and fluoride
• It incorporates granule activated carbon and KDF filtering materials, which inhibit bacterial and microbial growth and improve water taste greatly
• The TSA retains natural minerals in the water, setting it apart from systems designed to significantly reduce TDS
• It uses a sealed, integral design, providing durability

The Waterdrop TSA still feels like the most well-rounded option for general filtration and taste improvement. If you want to keep the naturally occurring minerals, you definately don't want to miss it.

Also, TSA/TSB models are an upgraded version of the UA/UB, offering three filters and more filtration materials to significantly enhance water taste.

Sometimes, you just need a straightforward maintenance routine, so the TSA's approach of utilizing a twist-lock design makes more sense than fiddling with tools or complex housings.

Their CT filter lasting up to 18 months, which reduces the frequency and cost burden of replacements.The installation process is also a big win because it only takes less than 3 minutes, making DIY setup simple.

Best for:

Users seeking a compact, non-electric under-sink filter system compatible with existing faucets or RV use

Why choose it:

• It uses a single-stage advanced filtration system that reduces chlorine, taste and odor, heavy metals, sediment, and rust
• The UA system is highly versatile, offering three connection plans: connecting to your original faucet (Plan A), a dedicated faucet (Plan B/UB), or a refrigerator/icemaker (Plan C/UC)
• The filter is designed for long service life, with capacities reaching up to 24,000 gallons depending on the model
• It operates without electricity and produces no wastewater, making it eco-friendly and ideal for RV use

My family really like Waterdrop RF-10 undersink water filter system, it works to reduce contaminants that can contribute to dry skin and nervous system problems, delivering filtered water ideal for personal cleansing and skincare.

Sometimes, you just want portability and flexibility, so this water filter's approach to offering a stable, non-electric system. It is ideal for RV use makes more sense than installing a complex RO system.

What makes the UA system even more popular is the retention of beneficial elements while filtering out contaminants.

Best for:

Renters or families with tight under-sink spaces who require a high-flow commercial-grade filter that connects directly to the existing kitchen tap.

Why choose it:

• The system reduces or removes cysts, bacteria, chlorine, taste, color, and odour in a single housing setup
• It is engineered for direct connection to the current kitchen tap
• Installation can be completed in just a few minutes, and the unit can be easily removed when moving
• The system can also supply filtered water to auxiliary appliances like coffee machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers

Sometimes, you just want integration, so the QC350-1's approach of directing filtered water through the existing kitchen tap makes more sense than adding clutter to the benchtop.

Also, it comes with necessary components like the pressure limiting valve and tube, simplifying the overall setup process.

Best for:

Australian households requiring an extra level of multi-stage filtration for town or tank water

Why choose it:

• The system incorporates a pre-filter cartridge as the first stage to ensure optimal performance of the second, submicron carbon block cartridge
• It is suitable for both town water (using a Hi-Tech Optimiser Cartridge) and tank water (using a Doulton Ultracarb Ceramic Cartridge)
• The system features an ultra-sensitive Leak Protection System that sounds an alarm and isolates the water supply if a leak is detected

The Twin Under Sink Filter System still feels like the most well-rounded option for comprehensive, localised Australian water treatment, whether you rely on town supply or tank water.

The inclusion of an inbuilt cartridge life monitor clearly indicates when the filter replacement is due.

Most undersink water filter cartridges need replacement every 6-12 months, depending on your water quality and household usage.

Some systems have indicator lights or reduced water flow to signal when replacement is needed. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance and water quality.

Most undersink water filters are designed for DIY installation and come with comprehensive instructions. Basic plumbing skills are helpful, but many Australians successfully install them without professional help.

However, if you're uncomfortable working with plumbing, hiring a licensed plumber ensures proper installation and compliance with local regulations.

Standard carbon filters don't remove fluoride effectively. If fluoride removal is important to you, look for undersink systems with reverse osmosis (RO) technology or specialized fluoride-removal filters.

These systems can reduce fluoride levels by 85-95%, though they're typically more expensive than basic carbon filtration systems.

Quality undersink filters remove chlorine, sediment, rust, heavy metals like lead, pesticides, and various organic compounds. Higher-end systems with multiple filtration stages can also reduce bacteria, viruses, and pharmaceutical residues.

Check product specifications to ensure the filter addresses your specific water quality concerns.

Undersink filters may cause slight water pressure reduction, typically 10-20%, which is barely noticeable in daily use. Quality systems are designed to maintain adequate flow rates for drinking and cooking.

If you experience significant pressure drops, check for clogged cartridges or installation issues requiring adjustment.

Choosing thebest under-sink water filter in Australiacomes down to your specific needs. If you’re looking for an affordable, space-efficient solution for a smaller household, the Waterdrop X8 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you have a larger household and need faster filtration with a higher capacity, the Waterdrop X12 will meet all your demands.