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Best Fluoride Water Filters Guide

Jennifer Hansen
Last Updated on
by Jennifer Hansen

This is our review of the best fluoride water filter for 2022.

Fluoride may help strengthen your teeth, but it can do a lot of harm to the rest of your body if you ingest it. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop some local jurisdictions from adding it to their water supply.

You don’t have to accept the condition of your water, though. There are several fluoride water filter options you can use to rid your home of fluoride and other harmful chemicals.

After evaluating lots of filters, we determined the the most efficient fluoride filter to be the Clearly Filter Pitcher which has the capacity to remove 99.7% of fluoride in your water. Berkey countertop filter and Aquasana’s whole house fluoride system are also top brands to consider.

Fluoride Water Filter Comparison Table

Top Fluoride Filters
  • Type: Water Pitcher
  • Lifespan: 100-gallon filter life
  • Capacity:  80 oz (10 cups) capacity
berkey-countertop
Countertop Filter
  • Type: Countertop Filter
  • Lifespan: 3,000-gallon filter life
  • Capacity:  2.25-gallon capacity
aquasana-1000-base_700
  • Type: Whole House
  • Filter Stages: 5
  • Dimensions (inches): 9 x 46 x 69
  • Weight (lbs): 87.8
Aquasana OptimH20
Reverse Osmosis
  • Type: Reverse Osmosis
  • Filter Life: 6 to 12-month filter life
  • Flow Rate: 0.5 GPM
Aquatru Countertop RO Filter
  • Type: Countertop RO
  • Lifespan: 600-1200 gallon life
  • Capacity:  1-gallon capacity
waterdrop-faucet-filter
  • Type: Faucet Filter
  • Lifespan: 320 gallon (3-month) life
  • Flow Rate:  0.5 GPM flow rate
Aqua Home Shower Filter
  • Type: Shower Filter
  • Lifespan: 6-month filter life
  • Flow Rate:  0.5 GPM flow rate

Criteria For Choosing a Fluoride Filter

Before you decide on a water filter that removes fluoride , there are a couple of things you should consider. Ahead, we’ll cover these pre-purchase considerations so you can decide which product and filter type you want to use in your home.

What Type of Filter Do You Need?

We’ve covered four different kinds of water filtration systems in our review: under the sink, whole house, counter distiller, and faucet attachment. The filtered water option that is best for you will depend on your needs.

Are you in it for the long-haul with your home and want to ensure that all of your water is contaminant-free? If so, you’ll probably want to invest in a whole-house filtration system like the Aquasana product we included.

These cost a lot more than other filtration techniques, but they can put your mind at ease knowing that all of your water is healthy and contaminant-free.

Those who own a home but worry more about their primary water source will want an under-the-sink filtration system. These only provide filtered water from one faucet, but they are relatively cheap and easy to install. Instead of spending thousands, you can spend hundreds and install the system yourself.

Renters will probably want to look at pitchers, faucet attachments (which typically use activated materials such as activated alumina), or distillation systems. You can take these with you from apartment to apartment and replace the filters as needed.

Think about your water usage, how much water you drink, and your housing situation when shopping for fluoride water removal filters. After that, you’ll know what kind of product interests you the most in providing filtered water.

How Harmful Are Your Contaminants?

Another consideration you should make relates to the number and severity of the contaminants in your water. You can contact your local water system to ask about what might be in your tap water, which we highly recommend before investing in a system.

This information will tell you how severe your water contamination might be. Although we focused on fluoride contamination with this review, it’s far from the only harmful chemical or contaminant that’s likely in your water supply.

Armed with knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the right filter for you to reduce your exposure to contaminates by consuming only filtered water.

Those with light contamination will probably be fine with pitcher filters and faucet attachments. These products will filter your drinking water and won’t cost much to operate. You can view Amazon product pages to see how little it can cost to acquire and operate most of the popular products on the market that are sold on Amazon. Including whole-house systems, countertop systems, faucet systems, and under-sink filter systems.

Whether you choose a countertop system or another, removal of all types of contaminates (such as chlorine) is the benefit you want for your household.

People who live in areas with a high risk of contamination should take water filtration more seriously (by leveraging common filtering methods such as activated carbon or activated alumina). These individuals should focus on whole-house systems if possible, to root out any contaminants that might be harming their skin while they shower. Under-the-sink systems can also be useful here, especially if you currently rent an apartment.

Reviews: Best Water Filters That Remove Fluoride

Here are our top recommendations for best fluoride water filter:

1. Clearly Filtered: Water Pitcher For Fluoride Removal

Water Pitcher
Fluoride Stands No Chance
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher uses unique Affinity Filtration Technology to remove up to 99.7% of unwanted contaminants from your drinking water.

In addition to fluoride, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher removes more impurities than the top three other leading filter pitchers combined.

With three different filtration stages for water to pass through, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher removes more than 270+ potentially harmful impurities from your water, including fluoride, lead, glyphosate, hormones, PFOAs, and other chemicals.

First, water passes through a fine, stainless steel mesh screen to remove large particles and sediment. It then goes through a granulated coconut carbon filter that removes chlorine as well as foul tastes and odors. Finally, a composite shell containing seven proprietary filtration materials slows the flow to remove any remaining trace impurities.

The Clearly Filtered Pitcher has an impressive 1000-gallon filter life, meaning that you save time and money on long-term maintenance costs. The filter only needs replacing every four months on average with regular use.

All materials in both the body and filter of the pitcher are made with Tritan plastic. It is lightweight, durable, and contains no harmful chemicals such as BPA or BPS that could leach into your water supply.

A large, clear reservoir holds up to 10 cups of water, making this pitcher large enough to suit most households yet it is compact enough to fit into the fridge with ease. The design boasts an oversize handle that makes it easy to grip and pour from the pitcher.

Inside the reservoir, a built-in dam ensures that unfiltered water doesn’t mix with filtered. The dam will even keep unfiltered water in as you pour so that you don’t have to wait for refreshment. The carefully designed pour spout ensures a smooth, even flow with no splashback.

The Clearly Filtered Pitcher is the only one that is independently tested to meet NSF standards 42, 53, 244, 401 & 473. It’s safe, effective, and goes above and beyond to remove more impurities than other leading filter pitchers.

Specifications:

  • 100-gallon filter life
  • 80 oz (10 cups) capacity
  • 11.2” x 5.1” x 10.2”
  • 2.3 lbs

Related: Best Water Filter Pitcher

Pros
  • Three-step filtration removes more impurities than other leading pitchers
  • 100% BPA free
  • Long filter life
  • Easy-to-pour design
  • Meets strict NSF standards
Cons
  • Difficult to prime, especially with a pull-down or pull-out faucet
  • The lid falls out of place easily

2. Berkey: Countertop Filter For Fluoride

Countertop Filter
berkey-countertop
The Best Countertop System
The Berkey Countertop Filter is a versatile system that works anywhere from your apartment to your RV. A two-component filtration system removes common toxins and contaminants, including up to 97% of fluoride.

The Berkey Countertop Filter is one of the brand’s most popular filtration systems, thanks to its adaptable design. The design includes space for up to four filters, depending on how many people are using the unit and the desired flow rate.

With two Black Berkey Purification Filters, the Berkey can serve one to four people with a flow rate of up to 3.5 GPH. With four filters in place, you can treat enough water for up to 16 people with a flow rate as high as 7.0 GPH.

The Berkey has a 2.25-gallon capacity, making it large enough to serve the entire family. At the same time, the design is compact enough to fit on your countertop, even if you have limited kitchen space.

Each Black Berkey Purification Filter contains activated carbon in the form of a high-grade coconut shell as part of a proprietary blend. These filters can remove more than 203 common contaminants from water, including viruses and bacteria, pesticides, hormones, and trace chemicals.

While Black Berkey filters fit into the upper chamber of the Berkey system, the lower chamber contains separate fluoride filters. These anchor easily to the Black Berkey filters and can reduce fluoride content by up to 97%.

The Berkey Countertop Filter is made of high-grade 304 AISI stainless steel. It is durable enough to resist most scratches and dents as well as long-term issues such as rusting. The exterior is finished with attractive high-polish stainless steel to fit seamlessly into your kitchen decor.

This water filter is made of safe, high-grade materials. It’s been tested to exceed NSF and ANSI Standard 53 by accredited third-party laboratories.

Specifications:

  • 3,000-gallon filter life
  • 2.25-gallon capacity
  • Up to 3.5 GPH with 2 filters
  • Up to 7.0 GPH with 4 filters
  • 21” x 8.5”
  • 7lbs

Related: Best Countertop Filters

Pros
  • A versatile design can serve up to 16 people
  • Two-step filtration removed up to 97% of fluoride
  • High-grade carbon filters remove 203 common contaminants
  • Made of quality 304 AISI stainless steel
  • Independently tested to exceed NSF/ANSI 53
Cons
  • It can be difficult to reach customer service
  • Challenging to set up and prime
  • Not available in Iowa or California

3. Aquasana OptimH20: Reverse Osmosis Filter For Fluoride

Reverse Osmosis System
Aquasana OptimH20
The Best RO System For Fluoride
The Aquasana OptimH20 uses both Claryum and RO technology to purify your water. It removes as many as 88 contaminants, including up to 95% of fluoride and mercury, for safer and tastier drinking water.

Aquasana Claryum technology includes four filtration stages, including an activated carbon filter, a catalytic filter, an ion-exchange membrane, and sub-micron mechanical filtration for larger sediment.

The filter includes a high-quality reverse osmosis membrane to remove up to 99% of impurities from your water. RO is one of the only filtration methods proven to remove fluoride safely and effectively as well as nitrates, lead, radium, and more. The Aquasana OptimH20 also targets arsenic, chlorine, bacteria, pesticides, and other common contaminants.

While some minerals in the water might be bad for your health, many improve taste and flavor. The Aquasana OptimH20 adds nutrients back to your drinking water through a remineralization process that ensures your water is at the perfect pH. It adds back essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

The Aquasana OptimH20 includes a high-output metal faucet to ensure quick refills when you’re thirsty. The faucet comes in a choice of three finishes depending on your kitchen or bathroom design, including brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze.

The entire unit has been tested and certified to meet NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, 58, and 401 for your health and safety.

Specifications:

  • 0.5 GPM flow rate
  • 6 to 12-month filter life
  • 30” x 50” x 12.5”
  • 12.3 lbs

Related: Best RO Filters

Pros
  • Four filtration stages remove up to 99% of 88 impurities
  • Includes high-quality RO membrane to remove 95% of fluoride
  • Remineralization improves the taste and quality of drinking water
  • Includes premium metal faucet
  • Meets stringent NSF standards for safety and efficacy
Cons
  • It takes up a lot of space
  • Filters a prone to leaking

4. AquaTru: Countertop Reverse Osmosis For Fluoride

Countertop RO
Aquatru Countertop RO Filter
Countertop RO System
The AquaTru Countertop RO unit uses reverse osmosis to remove fluoride from drinking water and a whole host of other impurities. With its patented four-step Ultra Reverse Osmosis Technology, the AquaTru removes up to 82 contaminants from drinking water

AquaTru offers the same high-quality filtering processes as the top bottle brands but without the same waste and inconvenience. It boasts a compact design that fits perfectly on just about any countertop. What’s more, it lends modern elegance to any decor scheme.

A four-stage filtration process removes dozens of different impurities from your water. First, water passes through a mechanical pre-filter to remove sediments such as dust, dirt, rust, and more.

In stage two, an activated carbon pre-filter removes as much as 99% of chlorine and chloramines from your water to improve taste and odor. During stage three, water passes through a high-efficiency RO filter to remove chemicals and other inorganics such as lead and fluoride.

The final filtration stage of filtration sees water through an activated carbon coconut shell filter. The filtration system removes potentially harmful organic compounds and pathogens from your water before you drink it.

The AquaTru Countertop RO unit is easy to set up without having to hire a plumber. All you need is a wall outlet to get started. A user-friendly digital display tells you exactly when you need to replace your filters for no-fuss maintenance. Filters are easy to remove and replace with a simple twist.

When you want a drink, a one-touch dispensing button fills your glass quickly and with little splashback. You can also remove the clean water tank to store in the fridge, take it with you to another room, or serve it alongside your meal.

The AquaTru RO is the only countertop RO model currently tested and certified to NSF standards so that you know you’re getting clean, pure water with every glass.

Specifications:

  • 600-1200 gallon life
  • 1-gallon capacity
  • 14” x 14” x 12”
  • 22.6 lbs

Related: Best Countertop RO Systems

Pros
  • Four-stage filtration removes up to 82 contaminants
  • Attractive, space-saving design
  • Simple setup and low maintenance
  • Easy one-touch dispensing button
  • It has a portable clean water reservoir
Cons
  • The filter may leak with heavy use
  • Fairly small holding capacity

5. Waterdrop: Faucet Filter For Fluoride

Faucet Filter
waterdrop-faucet-filter
Remove Fluoride From Tap Water
The WaterDrop Faucet Filter attaches directly to your tap so that you can have crisp, delicious water on command. It can reduce harmful contaminants such as fluoride by up to 94.2%.

The WaterDrop Faucet Filter is a quick and convenient way to get clean drinking water. An adapter allows you to fit the filter to most standard faucet designs without the need for any tools. Each time you turn on your tap, it filters the water running through so that it comes out pure.

An activated carbon block filter removes contaminants such as fluoride, chlorine, lead, and other heavy metals. A rough, porous surface traps large impurities and filters out inorganic materials and chemicals.

The WaterDrop Faucet Filter includes a user-friendly switch that allows you to switch back and forth between tap water and filtered water. This can help you to prolong the life of your filter by using it only when necessary. With just the flip of a switch, you can use unfiltered water for cleaning the sink, doing dishes, and more.

This filter has been tested against NSF/ANSI standard 42 and NSF/ANSI 372. It’s a safe and effective choice for any tap in your household.

Specifications:

  • 320 gallon (3-month) life
  • 0.5 GPM flow rate
  • 8.06” x 7.1” x 2.9”
  • 1 lb

Related: Best Faucet Filters

Pros
  • Easy to install and use
  • ACF filter removes up to 94.2% of common contaminants
  • Switch between filtered and unfiltered
  • Long filter life
  • Meets NSF standards
Cons
  • Removes less than other options
  • Incompatible with pull-out, handheld, or spay faucets

6. AquaHome: Shower Filter For Fluoride

Shower Filter
Aqua Home Shower Filter
Shower Filter For Fluoride
The AquaHomeGroup Shower Filter fits seamlessly on most shower setups to soften and filter water. It removes impurities to help prevent scale buildup and remove harsh contaminants that may irritate sensitive skin.

The AquaHomeGroup Shower Filter uses a 15-stage filtration process to deliver clean, odorless water to your shower. It removes common irritants such as fluoride, chlorine, and other heavy metals.

The AquaHomeGroup showerhead also removes chemicals and sediment that lead to scale buildup. It will take less effort to scrub tiles, grout, and bathroom fixtures each time you clean the bathroom.

Water first filters through stainless steel mesh and fine PP cotton to remove large particulate matter. It then percolates through layers of alkaline and microporous ceramic balls, maifan stone, germanium balls, and magnetic balls. There’s also a layer of calcium sulfite to remove chlorine and activated carbon to get rid of organic material.

Unlike other shower filters, the AquaHomeGroup unit won’t affect water pressure. Its high-output design ensures that you get the pressure you need to rinse effectively. It delivers an even stream of soft, clean water pure enough for even sensitive skin.

The AquaHomeGroup filter is easy to install in most showers. It fits with an overhead design, a wall-mounted setup, a handheld shower, a rain shower, or even a combo shower head. All you have to do is hand-tighten to install. It takes just minutes and can be done without any tools or professional assistance.

The AquaHome comes in a variety of finishes to match any style of bathroom fixture. You can choose between bronze, chrome, emerald, red gold, and chrome matte, depending on your bathroom decor and design.

Specifications:

  • 6-month filter life
  • 7.9” x 3.4” x 3.4”
  • 7 ounces

Related: Best Shower Filters

Pros
  • 15-step filtration removes a wide variety of impurities
  • Purifies and softens water for sensitive skin
  • It fits most shower setups
  • Easy to install by hand
  • High-output design for strong water pressure
Cons
  • The filter clogs quickly
  • Seals prone to leaking

7. Aquasana: Whole House Filter For Fluoride

Whole House Filter
Whole House Fluoride Filter
The Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Filter is our selection for whole house fluoride removal system. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it is the best option for those who want all of their water fluoride and contaminant-free.

The Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Whole House Water Filter is a filtration system that will rule out fluoride and other contaminants in your entire home.

Unlike the other products we’ve included, this system will tackle more than just the drinking water. It will ensure that you’re never using contaminated water for showering, washing dishes, or anything else. It features an activate carbon filtering stage, which is a very common and highly effective solution. A few other systems use activate alumina, but activated carbon is by far the most popular.

This filtration system is certified to last ten years or one million gallons – whichever happens first. For some, it means that you won’t have to buy any other form of water filtration for the length of time they’re in their home. Of course, this product is geared towards those who own property rather than those who rent.

Once you install the filter system, all you have to do is turn on the faucet for clean, pure, water. It uses an all-natural, salt-free water softener to get rid of hard water at the source, so you’ll be improving your water quality outside of just filtering contaminants.

The biggest drawbacks for the Aquasana whole-house filtration system are the same for any product in the same category. The system is very large, which means you’ll need to be sure you have enough space to install it.

Installation can also be very difficult, and those who don’t have experience with plumbing and water filtration installations probably won’t be able to do it alone. Most buyers will probably need to hire a professional to install the system, which is an added cost on top of the thousands of dollars the system costs.

Still, if you’re looking for a whole-house filtration system to get rid of any fluoride in your water, the Aquasana 10-Year, 1,000,000 Gallon Filter is your answer.

Specifications:

  • 1 million gallons or 10-year lifespan
  • Includes filtration tank, 20” pre-filter, post-filter, brass fittings, bend supports, and shut-off valves
  • Removes 97% of chlorine
  • Removes 99.99% of viruses and bacteria with UV sterilization
  • Salt-free softener
  • 9 x 46 x 69 inches
  • 7 GPM flow rate
Pros
  • Provides long-lasting, whole-house water filtration
  • 10-year warranty
  • Removes almost all contaminants
  • 3-month money-back guarantee
Cons
  • Large system
  • Difficult to install – will likely need a professional

How Does Fluoride Affect the Human Body?

First and foremost, we want to cover why there is fluoride in many water systems in the first place. With so many negative effects of the stuff, it’s easy to wonder why it’s made its way into many of our local water supplies.

Fluoride is naturally occurring. You can find it in the soil, water, and food. Almost all of the benefits of fluoride revolve around oral hygiene. It strengthens teeth, prevents decay, and prevents cavities. That’s why most toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and other dental products contain fluoride in one capacity or another.

There’s also a reason that you’re not supposed to swallow your toothpaste and mouthwash when you’re done cleaning. Fluoride can have some devastating health effects when you ingest too much of it, which is why a lot of people are taking steps to remove it from their drinking water.

Ahead, we’ll take a look at some of the harmful effects fluoride can have on the human body.

Dental Fluorosis:

Dental fluorosis is probably the most common effect fluoride can have on the body, especially if a child is consuming too much fluoride. Although the condition doesn’t present any severe health problems, it can lead to white streaks on teeth that are undesirable.

This condition is most common in children and can be caused by too much fluoride in the drinking water. You should also make sure your children aren’t swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash, as this can lead to dental fluorosis over time.

Skeletal Fluorosis:

A more severe version of dental fluorosis is skeletal fluorosis, which happens when the excess amount of fluoride invades your bones and joints. When this happens, your bones harden and become more difficult to move. Skeletal fluorosis can lead to an increased risk of breaking bones over time.

Since skeletal fluorosis also affects the joints, you may find that it’s more difficult or uncomfortable to move around.

Mental Issues:

One of the more concerning effects that fluoride has on the body occurs in the mind. Children who ingest too much fluoride are at risk of developing cognitive problems as they age. It’s even considered to be a neurotoxin for children and is in the same category as known contaminants like lead and arsenic.

These potential mental issues are among the biggest reasons parents are trying to get fluoride out of their drinking water.

Hyperparathyroidism:

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that causes your thyroid gland to produce hormones uncontrollably. Too much fluoride can damage the gland and cause the condition, which will lead to calcium depletion in your bones.

When the calcium in your bones drops, you’ll be more likely to break something after a short fall. Ironically, fluoride is supposed to strengthen your bones.

Fluoride Poisoning:

Fluoride poisoning is the most severe effect fluoride can have on the body. We should note that it’s very unlikely to obtain fluoride poisoning from your drinking water – especially if there was no chemical contamination to the source. Still, it’s something you should consider when looking for a water filter.

The symptoms of fluoride poisoning include nausea, abdominal pain, seizures, muscle spasms, and excess saliva.

How Does Fluoride Get into Water?

Fluoride occurs naturally, so it’s common to find it in the drinking water – even if it’s just a little. Some areas are more prone to fluoride contamination when it naturally occurs in the rocks and soil surrounding the water source.

One troubling reality is that some local jurisdictions add fluoride to their drinking water. This is all in the name of improved dental health, but the trade-off is far from understandable.

You should check with your local water source to find out if whether or not they add fluoride. These decisions happen on a local scale, so the only way you will know is if you ask.

Fluoride Tap Water Contaminant

How to Remove Fluoride from Water

The best way to remove any fluoride in your drinking water is to invest in a quality filtration system. Areas that add fluoride to the water are at the greatest risk, and those who live there should look into whole-house filtration systems.

Pitchers, water filters, and other forms of filtration will assure that you remove all of the fluorides from your drinking water. These systems don’t cost very much when you consider the long list of harmful effects fluoride can have on the human body.

Related:

Fluoride Questions and Answers

Will fluoride reverse tooth decay?

No, but brushing with fluoride products will help prevent decay.

Can fluoride kill you?

In theory, enough fluoride can kill you. It’s almost impossible for an adult to die from drinking too much tap water with fluoride in it, though.

Is fluoride free toothpaste effective?

Somewhat, but you should still keep fluoride in your toothpaste – just not your drinking water.

Why is fluoride in the drinking water?

Fluoride is in drinking water to strengthen teeth and prevent oral diseases.

Can fluoride cause brain damage?

Yes, it can cause brain damage in both children and adults if they consume too much.

Conclusion

Fluoride is a harmful chemical that is far too common in our water sources. It can cause a long list of severe and minor health problems, which are far from good trade for healthy teeth. Brushing and flossing are enough to keep your teeth healthy – we don’t need extra fluoride in our water.

Thankfully, there are several products and filtration systems that can effectively remove the fluoride from our drinking water. These filters remove other harmful chemicals as well, so it makes sense to invest in one kind of filter or another – regardless of your risk level.

See Also: 

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About Jennifer Hansen
Jennifer Hansen
Jennifer is a clean water enthusiast and the lead editor of Water Filter Spot and created this website several years ago to share information that she's been researching in this industry for over 20 years.Jennifer studied environmental resource science in college and studied Western US water issues, including water policy, water rights, water pollution and environmental concerns.
Jennifer Hansen
2 Comments
  1. Hi, the Culligan water filter listed does not filter fluoride. The manufacturer explicitly states it does not filter fluoride. Where is your information from? Do you know any other sink attached filters that remove fluoride?

    1. Thank you for your comments around this. You are correct and we had planned on updating our content here and that is now complete. Please view the updated list of the best products, including a faucet-attached option. Reach out to us if you have any other questions.

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