About 10-12% of people (around 39 million) in the US live in apartments, and most get their water supply from the municipal.
And although municipal water goes through a decontamination process, it may come into contact with dissolved harmful contaminants.
Municipal water is also usually disinfected with chlorine, which can contaminate the water if used in large quantities.
This means that even if your apartment has municipal water, you still need to get the best filter to remove harmful contaminants that might be lurking in it.
A reverse osmosis system is the best option. It removes even the most stubborn water contaminants.
But now, the biggest problem is that most landlords are against the installation of RO systems in their apartments. This is usually because the installation process is usually complex and can lead to damage to the walls.
Therefore before setting up an RO system in your apartment, consult your landlord first.
In this guide, we review the top 5 best reverse osmosis systems for apartment living to help you make an informed buying decision.
Best Ro System for Apartment Living: Comparison Table
| Brand | APEC RO-CTOP | iSpring RCT600 | Express Water EZRO5 | Oceanic B07PNM2QLB | Oceanic CTRO550AK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (inches) | 14 x 6 x 6.5 | 8 x 8 x 17 | 13.25 x 6.5 x 14 | 14 x 7 x 7 | 12 x 6 x 16 |
| Weight(pounds) | 7 | 19 | 11.58 | 16 | – |
| Water filtration stages | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Water flow rate | 90 GPD | 600 GPD | 100 GPD | 50 GPD | 50 GPD |
| Pure-to-waste water ratio | 1:2 | 1.5:1 | 2:1 | – | – |
| Feed water pressure | 40 – 80 psi | 60 – 80 psi | 40 – 85 psi | 55 – 85 psi | 55-85 psi |
| Certification | Certified frustration-free | – | NSF certified | – | – |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | Year limited warranty upon registration | Year warranty | – | – |
1. APEC RO-CTOP Countertop RO System
The RO-CTOP is a portable, high-performance reverse osmosis system with a capacity of up to 90 gallons of water daily. It filters water in 4 stages to provide refreshing, pure, healthy drinking water.
It also hooks up to most standard faucets and is thus perfect for apartments, motor homes, condominiums and retirement homes.
But what makes the APEC RO-CTOP one of the best RO systems for apartments?
US-made super high-capacity filters
In the 1st filtration stage, the system uses a premium quick-connect 5-micron sediment filter to remove large particles, dust and rust from the water. This process protects and prolongs the life of the RO membrane.
A premium coconut shell-activated carbon filter eliminates chlorine, odors, cloudiness and VOCs from the water in the 2nd stage.
In the 3rd stage, a FILMTEC Dow high-rejection TFC RO membrane filter removes up to 99% TDS and other stubborn contaminants like lead, arsenic, chromium, fluoride, radium and more.
And lastly, in the 4th stage, a coconut shell-activated carbon filter eliminates any lingering taste and odor from the water.
These filters feature ¼ -inch quick-connect fittings for easy change-outs and durability.
Portable
The RO-CTOP is a lightweight, compact system that is easy to pack and transport. No tank is needed.
Easy to install
The system is designed with straightforward installation and maintenance in mind.
It comes with John Guest quick-connect fittings that allow quick filter changes. Additionally, the included faucet adapters easily connect to most faucets with little effort.
Pros
- Produces up to 90 gallons of pure water daily
- Compact and easy to carry around
- Ideal for tiny spaces
- Provides great-tasting water
Cons
- Can be slow depending on the water pressure
- Compatible with standard faucets only
Read also: Best Reverse Osmosis Systems with Remineralization
2. iSpring RCT600 Reverse Osmosis System
The iSpring RCT600 is a versatile, highly effective countertop RO system that removes up to 99% of contaminants from water.
It’s compact and suitable for small spaces like in the RV, apartment, dormitory and other settings.
So, what sets the RCT600 apart from its competitors?
Superior filtration performance
This system filters water in 3 stages to remove contaminants and improve the quality of your drinking water.
In the 1st stage, a 3-in-1 composite filter (FCPA17) gets rid of dirt, particles, sand and rust. It also removes bad taste and odor from the water.
A reverse osmosis membrane filter (MC600) removes up to 99% of 1,000+ contaminants from the water, including lead, arsenic, sodium, calcium, fluoride and more.
In the 3rd stage, a post-carbon filter (FT15B) captures any particles, tastes and odors that may have accumulated in the water before it’s delivered to the faucet.
Fast flow rate
Although compact, the RCT600 is more powerful than conventional models. It also has a fast flow rate of 600 gallons of water daily.
Its filtered-to-waste water ratio is 1.5:1, meaning that for every 1.5 gallons of pure water produced, only a gallon goes down the drain.
Eco-friendly
Replacing plastic water bottles with this unit helps save the environment. It also saves you a lot of money, which you could have otherwise spent on bottled water.
Easy maintenance schedule
The RCT600 is such an easy RO system to maintain. This is simply because you only have to change the filters once or twice a year.
The composite filter requires replacement every 6 to 12 months, while the activated carbon and RO membrane filters require 1 and 2-3 years, respectively.
Pros
- Produces 600 gallons of water daily
- Wastes less water
- Solid build
- Easy to install
- Backed by a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty
Cons
- A little heavy
Read more : Best Reverse Osmosis for Well Water
3. Express Water EZRO5 Reverse Osmosis System
The EZRO5 is an easy-to-install RO system from Express water that removes 99.99% of major contaminants from drinking water.
The system filters up to 1 gallon of water per hour and can produce 100 gallons of pure water per day. It is also easy to maintain with quick-connect and replaceable filter cartridges.
But what makes the EZRO5 one of the apartments’ best water filtration systems?
Efficient filtration and quick water delivery
The model filters water in 4 filtration stages to give you the cleanest water. It offers the best filtration value and can help you start drinking healthy.
In the 1st filtration stage, a sediment filter removes dust, dirt and rust.
A Granular Activated Carbon filter in the 2nd stage eliminates contaminants like volatile organic chemicals, chloramines, and odor-causing compounds.
These first 2 stages help prolong the life of the reverse osmosis membrane, which focuses on the most stubborn pollutants like lead, arsenic, TDS and chromium.
And lastly, in the 4th stage, a post-activated carbon filter removes any lingering tastes and odor from the water before it comes out of the faucet.
Quick setup
The EZRO5 is extremely easy to set up. You do not require installation tools or a professional to help you complete the project.
Filter replacement is also straightforward, thanks to the unit’s simple design and clear labels.
Independent certification
The system is independently tested by a third party laboratory that uses established NSF/ANSI drinking water.
It is NSF/ANSI 58 certified for the reduction of TDS and other impurities.
Pros
- Fits most standard faucets
- Produces 100 GPD
- Filters require little maintenance
- NSF/ANSI standard 58 certified
- Comes with adapters for 2 additional faucet styles
Cons
- Not compatible with sprayer faucets
4. Oceanic B07PNM2QLB Reverse Osmosis System
The B07PNM2QLB is a 4-stage reverse osmosis system from Oceanic, a water filtration brand committed to bringing its customers the best water systems at affordable prices.
Their water filtration units are meticulously designed to offer you the best water from all faucets in your home, and the B07PNM2QLB is no exception.
The system can instantly transform tap water into healthy, ultra-pure drinking water by removing more than 600 contaminants.
So, what makes the B07PNM2QLB worth spending your money on?
Removes all major water contaminants
The system filters water in 4 stages to remove dangerous contaminants, including chlorine, VOCs, arsenic, asbestos, and fluoride.
It also removes cloudiness, colors, offensive odors and unpleasant tastes from drinking water.
Portable
The compact nature of the B07PNM2QLB makes it easy to carry around when travelling. Therefore, it is the best unit to use in your RV, tiny apartment kitchen or dormitory.
Comes with a storage tank
This model will suit you best if you are looking for a tanked countertop RO system. With it, you will not run out of water in an emergency.
Easy to install
The unit is color coded thus easy to install. All you have to do is connect the color tubing to its corresponding connection, and you are done!
It will take you less than 5 minutes to set the unit up.
Pros
- Comes with a storage tank
- Removes all major contaminants from water
- Takes less than 5 minutes to install
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to travel with
Cons
- Slow water purification output of 50 GPD
5. Premier CTRO550AK Reverse Osmosis System
Last on the list is yet another RO system from Oceanic, the CTRO550AK. The unit filters water in 5 stages to remove up to 99% of harmful contaminants and can produce 50 gallons of water daily.
It is compact and portable hence perfect for camping, travel, studios, apartments, offices or any other place with limited space.
Some of the features that make the CTRO550AK one of the best reverse osmosis systems for apartment living include:
Superior filtration performance
The system filters in 5 stages that complement each other for long-lasting high-grade contaminant removal.
In the first stage, a sediment filter eliminates dirt, sand, dust and rust.
Next is the 2nd stage, where a Granular Activated Carbon filter removes pollutants like chlorine, VOCs and odor-causing compounds.
The 2 stages help extend the life of the RO membrane, which removes stubborn contaminants like lead, arsenic, fluoride, TDS and radium, among others.
In the 4th stage, a post-activated carbon filter removes any lingering taste and odor in the water. A dual alkaline filter adds minerals to the water to improve the taste.
Alkaline ionizer
The system comes with an alkaline filter that restores essential minerals lost during the water filtration process.
Alkaline water is very important as it can help balance your body’s pH.
Easy installation
The CTRO550AK is pre-assembled for easy installation. It also has a faucet diverter valve for easy attachment to kitchen faucets.
Additional features that make this system one of the best on this list include compatibility with refrigerators and high-quality components.
Pros
- Fits most standard faucets
- Space-saving and efficient
- Pre-assembled for easy installation
- Produces great-tasting water
- Affordable
Cons
- Only works with faucets with a threaded removable aerator
Conclusion
Getting the best reverse osmosis system for apartment living will help you save space as you enjoy drinking and cooking with pure water.
And that’s not all; most apartment RO systems are portable and easy to carry when traveling or camping.
After going through the guide, we hope that you have come across a unit that best suits your home’s needs.
Luckily, all systems in the review are reasonably priced and will most likely offer you value for your money.
