H2O+ Circle Reverse Osmosis System

Score: 8.7/10 | The Brondell H2O+ Circle earns our "innovative" designation for solving the biggest problem with reverse osmosis: water waste. By reducing the waste ratio from industry-standard 3:1 to just 1:1, this system makes RO filtration environmentally viable for drought-conscious and utility-bill-aware families.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.1.0.

The Water Quality Association Gold Seal indicates the H2O+ Circle has been tested and certified to meet industry standards for contaminant reduction. WQA certification is an alternative to NSF certification with equivalent rigor.

1. Stage 1 - Sediment Filter: Removes particles, rust, and sand
2. Stage 2 - Carbon Block Filter: Removes chlorine, taste, odor, VOCs
3. Stage 3 - RO Membrane: Removes 99% of dissolved contaminants including lead, arsenic, fluoride
4. Stage 4 - Carbon Post-Filter: Final polishing for pure taste

Reverse osmosis achieves contaminant removal that non-RO systems cannot match:

• Lead: 99%
• Arsenic: 99%
• Fluoride: 95%+
• Chromium 6: 99%
• Dissolved solids (TDS): 90%+
• PFAS: 90-99% (varies by specific compound)

For families in areas with heavy metal contamination, well water with arsenic, or fluoride concerns, RO is often the only effective solution.

All water-contact components are BPA-free and meet FDA food-grade standards.

The breakthrough feature: Circle technology recirculates rejected water through the system, extracting additional pure water before discharge. This "second pass" approach reduces waste dramatically.

Standard RO: 3-4 gallons wasted per gallon produced Circle RO: 1 gallon wasted per gallon produced

Over a year, this saves 500-1,000+ gallons of water for a typical family.

50 gallons per day (GPD) production rate exceeds typical family drinking water needs. The integrated 2-gallon storage tank ensures filtered water is always available.

LED indicators on the faucet show filter status:

• Green: Filters working properly
• Yellow: Filters need attention soon
• Red: Filter replacement required

No guessing about filter life or complex diagnostic procedures.

Tool-free filter replacement takes under 60 seconds. Twist out the old filter, twist in the new one. This convenience encourages timely maintenance.

Mid-range for RO systems:

• Budget RO: $200-300
• Brondell Circle: $499
• Premium tankless RO: $600-900

The efficiency premium is justified by water savings.

• Sediment + carbon pre-filter: $30 (every 6 months)
• RO membrane: $50 (every 2 years)
• Carbon post-filter: $20 (annually)

Annual cost: approximately $70-90

At $5-10 per 1,000 gallons (varies by location), the 500-1,000 gallon annual savings equals $5-10/year. Not dramatic, but compounds over the system lifetime.

Standard warranty for RO systems. Components are readily available for long-term maintenance.

The H2O+ Circle's compact housing fits under virtually any sink. The integrated tank and filter housing create a cleaner installation than traditional RO systems with separate tanks and multiple filter canisters.

Most homeowners can install within 1-2 hours. Includes all fittings, tubing, and a dedicated faucet. No special tools required beyond a drill for the faucet hole.

The included brushed nickel faucet has a modern design that complements most kitchen styles. The LED indicators are integrated into the faucet base.

The 1:1 waste ratio is the best efficiency available in residential RO systems. For eco-conscious families who want RO-level filtration but worry about water waste, the Circle addresses this concern directly.

Even the 1:1 "waste" water is useful - it contains concentrated minerals but no contaminants. Many families collect it for watering plants, cleaning, or garden use.

The Brondell H2O+ Circle is the best reverse osmosis system for families who need RO-level filtration but are concerned about water waste. The patented Circle technology's 1:1 ratio represents a genuine innovation that makes RO environmentally practical. For families with heavy metal contamination, well water arsenic, or fluoride concerns, this system provides 99% removal with minimal environmental impact.

If efficiency is not a priority and budget matters more, standard RO systems like the APEC ROES-PH75 offer similar filtration at lower cost with higher waste.

Score: 8.7/10 | The Brondell H2O+ Circle earns our "innovative" designation for solving the biggest problem with reverse osmosis: water waste. By reducing the waste ratio from industry-standard 3:1 to just 1:1, this system makes RO filtration environmentally viable for drought-conscious and utility-bill-aware families.

This review uses R3's Water Filter Methodology v1.1.0.

The Water Quality Association Gold Seal indicates the H2O+ Circle has been tested and certified to meet industry standards for contaminant reduction. WQA certification is an alternative to NSF certification with equivalent rigor.

1. Stage 1 - Sediment Filter: Removes particles, rust, and sand
2. Stage 2 - Carbon Block Filter: Removes chlorine, taste, odor, VOCs
3. Stage 3 - RO Membrane: Removes 99% of dissolved contaminants including lead, arsenic, fluoride
4. Stage 4 - Carbon Post-Filter: Final polishing for pure taste

Reverse osmosis achieves contaminant removal that non-RO systems cannot match:

• Lead: 99%
• Arsenic: 99%
• Fluoride: 95%+
• Chromium 6: 99%
• Dissolved solids (TDS): 90%+
• PFAS: 90-99% (varies by specific compound)

For families in areas with heavy metal contamination, well water with arsenic, or fluoride concerns, RO is often the only effective solution.

All water-contact components are BPA-free and meet FDA food-grade standards.

The breakthrough feature: Circle technology recirculates rejected water through the system, extracting additional pure water before discharge. This "second pass" approach reduces waste dramatically.

Standard RO: 3-4 gallons wasted per gallon produced Circle RO: 1 gallon wasted per gallon produced

Over a year, this saves 500-1,000+ gallons of water for a typical family.

50 gallons per day (GPD) production rate exceeds typical family drinking water needs. The integrated 2-gallon storage tank ensures filtered water is always available.

LED indicators on the faucet show filter status:

• Green: Filters working properly
• Yellow: Filters need attention soon
• Red: Filter replacement required

No guessing about filter life or complex diagnostic procedures.

Tool-free filter replacement takes under 60 seconds. Twist out the old filter, twist in the new one. This convenience encourages timely maintenance.

Mid-range for RO systems:

• Budget RO: $200-300
• Brondell Circle: $499
• Premium tankless RO: $600-900

The efficiency premium is justified by water savings.

• Sediment + carbon pre-filter: $30 (every 6 months)
• RO membrane: $50 (every 2 years)
• Carbon post-filter: $20 (annually)

Annual cost: approximately $70-90

At $5-10 per 1,000 gallons (varies by location), the 500-1,000 gallon annual savings equals $5-10/year. Not dramatic, but compounds over the system lifetime.

Standard warranty for RO systems. Components are readily available for long-term maintenance.

The H2O+ Circle's compact housing fits under virtually any sink. The integrated tank and filter housing create a cleaner installation than traditional RO systems with separate tanks and multiple filter canisters.

Most homeowners can install within 1-2 hours. Includes all fittings, tubing, and a dedicated faucet. No special tools required beyond a drill for the faucet hole.

The included brushed nickel faucet has a modern design that complements most kitchen styles. The LED indicators are integrated into the faucet base.

The 1:1 waste ratio is the best efficiency available in residential RO systems. For eco-conscious families who want RO-level filtration but worry about water waste, the Circle addresses this concern directly.

Even the 1:1 "waste" water is useful - it contains concentrated minerals but no contaminants. Many families collect it for watering plants, cleaning, or garden use.

The Brondell H2O+ Circle is the best reverse osmosis system for families who need RO-level filtration but are concerned about water waste. The patented Circle technology's 1:1 ratio represents a genuine innovation that makes RO environmentally practical. For families with heavy metal contamination, well water arsenic, or fluoride concerns, this system provides 99% removal with minimal environmental impact.

If efficiency is not a priority and budget matters more, standard RO systems like the APEC ROES-PH75 offer similar filtration at lower cost with higher waste.