AQ-5200 2-Stage Under Sink Water Filter

Score: 8.8/10 | The Aquasana AQ-5200 delivers the best balance of contaminant removal, convenience, and value for families ready to move beyond pitcher filters. I upgraded to this system when filling pitcher after pitcher became unsustainable for our family's water consumption.

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 delivering instant filtered water on demand.

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

Pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and pesticides are covered. Removes 95%+ of prescription drug residues and glyphosate.

Unlike reverse osmosis systems that waste 3-4 gallons per filtered gallon, the AQ-5200 produces zero waste water. Every gallon of municipal water becomes a gallon of filtered water.

While lower than Clearly Filtered's 365, the AQ-5200 targets the most concerning contaminants: lead, PFAS, chlorine, chloramines, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs. Aquasana publishes independent test results from NSF-certified labs.

Each filter set handles 500 gallons - roughly 6 months for a family of 4. Compare this to pitcher filters lasting 1-3 months. Less frequent changes mean lower annual hassle and cost.

Half a gallon per minute through the dedicated faucet. Fast enough to fill a water bottle in seconds - no waiting like with pitcher filters.

The included brushed nickel faucet mounts next to your sink. Filtered water is always instant and ready.

More than a pitcher ($30-90) but far less than RO systems ($200-600). The dedicated faucet and 6-month filter life justify the investment.

Two filters per year = approximately $120 annually. That's $0.12 per gallon - significantly cheaper than bottled water or premium pitcher filters.

The AQ-5200 wins on long-term value while delivering comparable filtration to more expensive options.

Requires basic tools (adjustable wrench, drill for faucet hole). Most homeowners can install in 45-60 minutes. Video tutorials available. Not recommended for renters unless your landlord approves.

Twist-off cartridges every 6 months. No shutting off water supply - just twist, remove, replace. Takes 2 minutes.

Fits under standard sinks. Two cylindrical filters plus housing require approximately 15"x12"x8" of cabinet space.

The Aquasana AQ-5200 is the best under-sink option for families wanting always-ready filtered water without the complexity and water waste of reverse osmosis. NSF P473 certification for PFAS removal, 6-month filter life, and instant access make it the logical upgrade from pitcher filters.

Score: 8.8/10 | The Aquasana AQ-5200 delivers the best balance of contaminant removal, convenience, and value for families ready to move beyond pitcher filters. I upgraded to this system when filling pitcher after pitcher became unsustainable for our family's water consumption.

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 delivering instant filtered water on demand.

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

Pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and pesticides are covered. Removes 95%+ of prescription drug residues and glyphosate.

Unlike reverse osmosis systems that waste 3-4 gallons per filtered gallon, the AQ-5200 produces zero waste water. Every gallon of municipal water becomes a gallon of filtered water.

While lower than Clearly Filtered's 365, the AQ-5200 targets the most concerning contaminants: lead, PFAS, chlorine, chloramines, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs. Aquasana publishes independent test results from NSF-certified labs.

Each filter set handles 500 gallons - roughly 6 months for a family of 4. Compare this to pitcher filters lasting 1-3 months. Less frequent changes mean lower annual hassle and cost.

Half a gallon per minute through the dedicated faucet. Fast enough to fill a water bottle in seconds - no waiting like with pitcher filters.

The included brushed nickel faucet mounts next to your sink. Filtered water is always instant and ready.

More than a pitcher ($30-90) but far less than RO systems ($200-600). The dedicated faucet and 6-month filter life justify the investment.

Two filters per year = approximately $120 annually. That's $0.12 per gallon - significantly cheaper than bottled water or premium pitcher filters.

The AQ-5200 wins on long-term value while delivering comparable filtration to more expensive options.

Requires basic tools (adjustable wrench, drill for faucet hole). Most homeowners can install in 45-60 minutes. Video tutorials available. Not recommended for renters unless your landlord approves.

Twist-off cartridges every 6 months. No shutting off water supply - just twist, remove, replace. Takes 2 minutes.

Fits under standard sinks. Two cylindrical filters plus housing require approximately 15"x12"x8" of cabinet space.

The Aquasana AQ-5200 is the best under-sink option for families wanting always-ready filtered water without the complexity and water waste of reverse osmosis. NSF P473 certification for PFAS removal, 6-month filter life, and instant access make it the logical upgrade from pitcher filters.