AQ-5200 2-Stage Under Counter Water Filter

Score: 8.8/10 | The Aquasana AQ-5200 delivers the optimal balance of contaminant removal, convenience, and value for homeowners ready to move beyond pitcher filters. I installed this after our family outgrew the daily pitcher-filling routine.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.0.0.

The Clario technology achieves NSF 53 certification with 99% lead reduction. This matches pitcher filters while providing instant filtered water on demand.

NSF P473 certified for PFOA/PFOS removal at 95%. Slightly below Clearly Filtered's 99.9% but excellent for an under-counter system at this price.

Pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and pesticides are covered. Removes 95%+ of prescription drug residues that pass through municipal treatment.

Unlike reverse osmosis systems that waste 3-4 gallons per filtered gallon, the AQ-5200 wastes nothing. Every gallon in becomes a gallon of filtered water out.

While lower than Clearly Filtered's 365, the AQ-5200 targets the most critical contaminants: lead, PFAS, chlorine, chloramines, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs. Independent lab results are published.

Each filter set handles 500 gallons, roughly 6 months for a family of four. Significantly longer than pitcher filters.

Half a gallon per minute through the dedicated faucet. Fast enough to fill a water bottle in seconds.

The included brushed nickel faucet provides instant filtered water without waiting.

More than pitchers but far less than RO systems ($200-600).

Two filter sets per year at $60 each. Works out to $0.12 per gallon.

Excellent long-term value with superior convenience.

Requires basic tools and 45-60 minutes. Video tutorials available. Not for renters without landlord approval.

Twist-off cartridges every 6 months. No shutting off water. Takes 2 minutes.

The Aquasana AQ-5200 is the logical upgrade from pitcher filters for homeowners wanting always-ready filtered water. NSF P473 certification, 6-month filter life, and zero water waste deliver excellent value.

Score: 8.8/10 | The Aquasana AQ-5200 delivers the optimal balance of contaminant removal, convenience, and value for homeowners ready to move beyond pitcher filters. I installed this after our family outgrew the daily pitcher-filling routine.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.0.0.

The Clario technology achieves NSF 53 certification with 99% lead reduction. This matches pitcher filters while providing instant filtered water on demand.

NSF P473 certified for PFOA/PFOS removal at 95%. Slightly below Clearly Filtered's 99.9% but excellent for an under-counter system at this price.

Pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and pesticides are covered. Removes 95%+ of prescription drug residues that pass through municipal treatment.

Unlike reverse osmosis systems that waste 3-4 gallons per filtered gallon, the AQ-5200 wastes nothing. Every gallon in becomes a gallon of filtered water out.

While lower than Clearly Filtered's 365, the AQ-5200 targets the most critical contaminants: lead, PFAS, chlorine, chloramines, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs. Independent lab results are published.

Each filter set handles 500 gallons, roughly 6 months for a family of four. Significantly longer than pitcher filters.

Half a gallon per minute through the dedicated faucet. Fast enough to fill a water bottle in seconds.

The included brushed nickel faucet provides instant filtered water without waiting.

More than pitchers but far less than RO systems ($200-600).

Two filter sets per year at $60 each. Works out to $0.12 per gallon.

Excellent long-term value with superior convenience.

Requires basic tools and 45-60 minutes. Video tutorials available. Not for renters without landlord approval.

Twist-off cartridges every 6 months. No shutting off water. Takes 2 minutes.

The Aquasana AQ-5200 is the logical upgrade from pitcher filters for homeowners wanting always-ready filtered water. NSF P473 certification, 6-month filter life, and zero water waste deliver excellent value.