Are you looking for an inline under-the-sink water filter that reduces a wide array of contaminants, including fluoride?
If so, you'll want to consider the 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter made by Clearly Filtered.
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I was able to try one out in my home, and I wrote this review to help you decide if the Clearly Filtered is a good fit for you.
You'll find information about how the filter works, the contaminants it removes, and where to buy one. (Psst, there's a discount code further down the page!)
There's also a video I made the day I installed it, if you'd like to see it in action.
Short on time and just want to check the price?
Click here to see it at Amazon or click here to see it at Clearly Filtered.
Clearly Filtered Under Sink Filter Features
There's no doubt this is a high quality water filter. Here's what makes it better than most other similar systems.
3-Stage Filtration

Toxins don't all respond to filters in the same way. Some are tougher to remove and require more contact with the filtration media.
Sometimes one pass through a filter isn't enough to completely eliminate a particular contaminant.
Clearly Filtered's goal is to make your tap water as close to 100% pure as possible. To accomplish this, the system includes multiple layers of filtration using their proprietary Affinity Filtration Technology.
(By the way, this is the same technology used in the Clearly Filtered water filter pitcher.)
Water from your cold water line passes through three filter cartridges before it gets to your faucet.
As it was explained to me in an email from one of the guys at Clearly Filtered,
This "contact time" is a crucial element that allows the filtration media to pull out contaminants even when they are measured in concentrations as low as parts per billion, or even parts per trillion.
Leak Proof Filter Heads
Each filter cartridge has a shut off valve that prevents water from leaking out when you go to replace them.

All you have to do is untwist the cartridge to take it out. There are no lines to disconnect and no mess.
It couldn't be simpler!
Stainless Steel Water Lines
No cheap plastic tubing here!
The hoses are made of stainless steel and will last for years.

Compact Size
Don't have a lot of room under your sink?
Not a problem!
The overall size of the system is 16.75" high x 13.75" wide x 3.25" deep. It's not going to take up all your cabinet space like a reverse osmosis system would.

Clearly Filtered installed under my kitchen sink
Contaminant Reduction
So, just how good is this filter system at reducing toxins in the water?
Pretty darn good.
Clearly Filtered has been tested by an independent lab and actually exceeds NSF standards for safe drinking water.
It's able to reduce over 200 contaminants, including the following:
- chlorine
- chloramine
- fluoride
- radiologicals
- aluminum
- arsenic
- barium
- chromium-6
- copper
- iron
- lead
- manganese
- mercury
- nickel
- zinc
- herbicides
- pesticides
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- trihalomethanes (THMs)
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- semi-volatile compounds
Most of those contaminants are reduced by 99.9%, and some slightly less.
If you'd like to see the complete list along with the percentage reductions, Clearly Filtered has published the lab test results here.
Filter Life and Replacement
One set of Clearly Filtered 3-stage filters is designed to last for about 2,000 gallons, or an average of one year.
Rather than trying to keep track of the exact volume of water you use, the manufacturer suggests the following timetable for switching out the filters:
- large family - once every 9 months
- small family or couple - once every 12 months
- individual - once every 15 months
The surefire way to know the filters are used up is if the flow slows down. But you don't really want to let them go that long. It's a good idea to write the date on one of the filters when you install it so you know when it's time to change them.
And, by the way, you'll change out all three filters at the same time.
Now, these filters are on the pricey side. But you can save 10% on replacement filters by signing up for the Clearly Filtered VIP Filter subscription program.
They'll automatically ship replacements to you on the timetable that you choose, and shipping is free.
Besides the price break, you also have the benefit of not having to remember to reorder at the right time.
Click here to check the price of replacement filters at Clearly Filtered.
What's In the Box
Here's what comes with the system:
- 3 BPA free filter cartridges
- 2 stainless steel hoses
- 1 sturdy metal mounting bracket
- 2 screws for attaching mounting bracket to cabinet wall
- instructions

Installation (It's Easy!)
You don't need any special skills to install the Clearly Filtered system, and you won't need to call a plumber.
It just hooks up to your cold water line under the sink, and the water comes out your regular faucet. That means you won't have to drill a whole in your countertop for a separate faucet.
I know it's easy because I did it myself.
Usually, I delegate that kind of chore to my husband. So one day while he was out, I went to work.
It was super simple!
I had it installed in less than 15 minutes. And, it didn't make a mess.
All you do is turn off the cold water, disconnect the hose that goes to the faucet, and attach the filter hose nearest the Stage 1 cartridge. Then you take the hose at the other end of the filter and connect it to the faucet hose.
That's it. You don't even have to attach it to the cabinet wall if you don't want to. It can stand on its own.
If I can do it, anybody can do it!
Here's a video I made the day I installed it. (If you want to see how much it slowed down the flow of water, you'll want to watch this.)
I should also mention that if you don't want to filter all of your water, you can install a splitter on the cold water line and run it to a dedicated faucet. Clearly Filtered doesn't sell a kit for this, so you might need to hire a plumber to set it up.
Warranty
The Clearly Filtered system is backed by a lifetime warranty.
I've had a lot of personal contact with the head guys, and I've been impressed by the company's integrity and their commitment to excellence.
If anything ever goes wrong, give them a call and they will make it right.
Pros and Cons
Just like everything else in this world, this filter has its positive and negative points. You'll want to consider these if you're trying to decide whether or not to buy one.
Clearly Filtered Under Sink Pros and Cons
The Good Stuff
The Not So Good Stuff
**The degree to which the flow slows down will depend partly on how strong your water pressure is to begin with.
Remember, that water has to be pushed through three filter cartridges before it gets to the faucet.
If you're on city water, it probably won't be impacted too much - maybe 15-20%, according to the manufacturer.
When I tested it in my kitchen, the water came out at about one-third the rate that it had prior to installing the filter. That's probably because we're on a well, and our pressure isn't that great to start with. Since we have excellent quality water and don't really need a filter, I uninstalled it.
Where to Buy Clearly Filtered
There aren't many places where you can buy this system at this time.
You can check the price and availability at Amazon by clicking here.
My recommendation, though, is to buy it directly from Clearly Filtered. You can save 10% on the system if you subscribe to the filter replacement program when you check out.
Plus, you can use the code SAFEHEALTHYHOME2020 at checkout and receive an additional 10% off your purchase.
Verdict: High Quality with Price to Match
The Clearly Filtered is one the best made, highest quality under-the-sink water filters available today.
From the materials to the design to the level of contaminant reduction performance, it's hard to beat. It even takes out fluoride, which is not easy to find in an under sink filter.
But, let's be honest -
It comes with a high price tag. The system is pricey, and so are the replacement filters.
This isn't the most expensive water filter you can buy, but there are plenty that cost a lot less. That's where you have to take a good hard look at your budget and your priorities.
My philosophy is that, when it comes to products that have a direct impact on my health, I want to get the best that I can afford.
If that's how you feel, and your budget allows, I'd recommend the Clearly Filtered. (And, remember, there's a discount if you sign up for the filter replacement program plus the special discount code.)
Want to check out some other options? Please see Your Guide to Today’s Best Under Sink Water Filters.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free Clearly Filtered Under Sink Water Filter in return for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the manufacturer and/or its affiliates, in any way.
Last Updated on April 4, 2022
what did you end up installing instead? would you recommend this over a reverse osmosis system? Price isn’t an issue i’m trying to get the best filter possible. thank you!
Hi, Kimberly! I didn’t install anything. I’ll continue to use my Berkey countertop gravity filter. My preference would be the Clearly Filtered over reverse osmosis, if I installed a bypass with a dedicated faucet.
Hi Marge,
I was wondering if you ever looked at the Aquasana 3-stage under counter water filter and if so how does it compare to the Clearly Filtered and others? (comment edited)
thanks,
dave in BNA
Hi, Dave! I haven’t had a chance to review it yet, but just taking a quick look at the link you provided, it looks like a good option. The biggest differences I can see, besides the price:
Aquasana doesn’t reduce fluoride; Clearly Filtered does
Aquasana filter life is 800 gallons; Clearly Filtered is 2,000 gallons
Aquasana uses a dedicated faucet; Clearly Filtered does not
Filter replacement is much simpler with Clearly Filtered.
For anyone interested in checking out the Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow, click here (affiliate link) to go to the Aquasana website.
Hope that helps!