If you are looking for a reverse osmosis system for your home, you can never go wrong with a tankless unit. A tankless RO system offers unique features and benefits that make it the best option for residential use.
These models are especially great for individuals who need high-quality drinking water but have limited space.
In this guide, we compare tankless systems from 2 top leading brands in the water filtration industry: Waterdrop and iSpring.
What is a Tankless Reverse Osmosis System?
A tankless reverse osmosis system is an RO system that operates without a tank. These models are usually easy to install and provide more water than regular filters.
If you live in a tiny apartment, a tankless RO unit is your best water filtration system option. It comes in a compact design, thus space-saving.
Additionally, most of these systems are easy to install, maintain and work with.
Waterdrop vs. iSpring: Comparison Table
| Feature | Waterdrop Tankless RO Systems | iSpring Tankless RO Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Water filtration stages | Most systems filter water in 6, 7, or 8 filtration stages. | Most models filter water in 3 and 4 filtration stages. |
| NSF certification | Most systems are NSF certified | Not mentioned |
| Color | White, black | Most systems come in white, and others come in a blend of colors( white, blue, black) |
| Price | Expensive | More expensive |
| Warranty | 1-year limited manufacturer warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty with an additional 3, 5, or 10-year warranty on purchase or as a gift. |
| View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
Waterdrop vs. iSpring Tankless: Similarities
Build Quality
Waterdrop and iSpring systems are made from materials with the highest industry standards. In fact, materials used to make Waterdrop’s products are vetted by experts to ensure that they comply with the standards.
Moreover, most of these products are NSF certified for quality and effectiveness.
This means that by purchasing an RO system from either brand, you will get the best quality in the market today.
Size
Tankless RO systems from Waterdrop and iSpring come in a compact size to save your kitchen space. They are not wider than 8 inches and take up less than 1.5 ft. of room in any direction.
The units are the best for persons living in tiny apartments or those with limited kitchen spaces.
Water Quality
Regarding quality, systems from the 2 brands produce clean, pure, and safe drinking water with utmost efficiency. You can count on their RO systems as they have raised the bar for water filtration.
You’ll also enjoy less waiting time when filling up your cup, glass, or cooking pot with fresh and pure water.
Water Efficiency
The water efficiency of RO systems is measured by the amount of water wasted to produce a gallon of pure water. The less the water wasted, the more highly efficient the unit is.
Products from both brands are highly efficient as they have a very low drain ratio. Most waste a gallon of water for every gallon of water produced. The best models have a pure water-to-waste ratio of 2:1
Ease of Installation
Waterdrop and iSpring systems are easy to install with basic DIY skills in less than one hour. These units usually come with a step-by-step instruction manual to help you complete the project easily.
You can also find installation videos demonstrating how to set up some systems.
The only potentially tricky part during the installation process is drilling a hole in the countertop for the faucet. However, if the hole already exists, you are good to go.
Simple Maintenance
Reverse osmosis systems from both brands are pretty simple to maintain. In fact, it would take you less than 5 seconds to replace filters from a system from either brand.
Additionally, you only need to replace the filters once or twice a year. The RO membrane usually requires replacement after every 2 to 3 years.
Also, since the units are tankless, you do not have to worry about cleaning the water tank like you would with a tanked unit.
Waterdrop v iSpring Tankless: Differences
Water Filtration Stages
Different Waterdrop and iSpring tankless RO systems filter water in different stages. Most Waterdrop units filter water in 6, 7, or 8 stages to produce super-clean pure water.
iSpring systems, on the other hand, filter water in 3 or 4 filtration stages.
Color
A majority of Waterdrop tankless RO systems come in white or black. On the other hand, most residential tankless systems from iSpring come in white and commercial systems in a mix of colors (blue, black, and white).
Price
Waterdrop tankless RO systems come with a lower price tag than iSpring models. The cheapest Waterdrop models cost around $280, while the most expensive ones cost more than $1000.
On the other hand, the most cost-friendly tankless iSpring unit costs around $400.Most systems from this brand have a price range of between $399.99 and $1,399.99.
And if you add the additional cost of filters that you will have to replace once or twice a year, you’ll be spending more money on these systems.
Certifications
Most Waterdrop tankless RO systems are certified for their filtering performance. For instance, a unit like the Waterdrop G3 is NSF/ANSI 58 certified for TDS reduction.
iSpring tankless models are not yet NSF certified.
Warranty
Both brands offer a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty for their tankless systems. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for a full refund if unsatisfied with the product.
Additionally, iSpring offers a 3, 5, or 10-year extended warranty on purchase or as a gift.
FAQs
Q: Are tankless reverse osmosis systems permanent?
Yes, you can use a tankless RO system indefinitely. All you need to do is replace the filters when the time is due.
Q: Does iSpring have a tankless whole-house RO system?
No. In fact, we are yet to come across a brand with a whole-house tankless RO unit. Whole house systems come with a storage tank to provide the entire residence with enough tap water.
Q: Can a Waterdrop tankless RO system filter well water?
Waterdrop does not recommend the use of well water as a source for their RO systems.
Q: Which is the best brand to get your tankless RO system from, Waterdrop or iSpring?
Both brands have high-quality tankless RO systems and, thus, great options. However, if working on a tight budget(less than $300), consider getting a model from Waterdrop.
If you are looking for a commercial tankless RO system, iSpring is the brand for you.
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