Comparing Water Filters and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Comparing Water Filters and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Compare water filter and reverse osmosis systems on the basis of water purity, contaminants they remove, and best suited for different household needs.
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In summary

A water filter and a reverse osmosis (RO) system serve different needs. Water filters are suitable for common impurities, while RO systems provide deeper purification for contaminated water.

  • Water filters are available from around Rs. 5,000.
  • Reverse osmosis systems start from around Rs. 12,000.
  • Water filters remove chlorine, sediment, and some bacteria.
  • RO systems remove heavy metals, dissolved solids, bacteria, and microorganisms.
  • Water filters generally need less maintenance.

  • RO systems are suitable for areas with poor water quality.


Explore water filters at any of Bajaj Finance’s 1.5 lakh partner stores in 4,000 cities in India. Choose your ideal model, pay with Easy EMIs, and enjoy zero down payment on select deals. Simply check your loan eligibility now and bring home your desired product without worrying about overspending.

Overview of water filters and reverse osmosis (RO) systems

Water filters clean water by trapping dirt, chlorine, and other impurities. Reverse osmosis, or RO, uses pressure and a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants and create treated water. Water filters clean water by trapping dirt, chlorine, and other impurities. Reverse osmosis, or RO, uses pressure and a semi-permeable membrane to remove contaminants and create treated water. RO systems are often installed under the sink and may include pre-filters, a membrane, and a storage tank. For many homes, a standard filter is enough for basic taste and odor issues, while RO makes more sense when water quality concerns are more serious.

Water filters vs RO systems

Water filters and RO systems both clean water, but they handle different levels of contamination. A filter traps dirt, sand, chlorine, and some chemicals. An RO system removes far more contaminants by pushing water through a tiny membrane.


FeatureWater filterRO system
How it worksTraps contaminants in filter materialPressure forces water through a semi-permeable membrane nsf+1
Contaminants removedChlorine, dirt, some chemicals, improves tasteLead, arsenic, PFAS, VOCs, bacteria, viruses, salts, TDS epa+1
WastewaterLittle to none5–10 gallons of reject water per gallon of treated water epa+1
MineralsKeeps beneficial minerals (calcium, magnesium)Removes all minerals; may need re-mineralization briowater+1
Best forBasic taste/odor issues, municipal waterPoor water quality, high TDS, heavy metals, PFAS epa+1
InstallationSimple, often pitcher or faucet-mountedUnder-sink, requires plumbing, drain, dedicated faucet epa+1
MaintenanceReplace filter every 6–12 monthsReplace sediment/carbon filters every 6–12 months; membrane every 1–2 years
CostLower upfront and maintenance costHigher upfront and maintenance cost

Water filters vs RO systems - Price comparison

Water filters are more affordable upfront, while RO systems cost more but remove far more contaminants like lead, arsenic, PFAS, and bacteria.


ModelPrice
Eureka Forbes Eureka (water filter)Rs. 5,000
Livpure Zing Plus (water filter)Rs. 7,000
Kent Maxx Star (water filter)Rs. 8,725–Rs. 9,190
Aquaguard Superio (water filter)Rs. 12,888
Kent Ace Lite (water filter)Rs. 10,000–Rs. 12,500
Livpure Glo Plus (RO system)Rs. 12,000
Pureit Pro (RO system)Rs. 14,000
Aquaguard Sure Champ Ro (RO system)Rs. 9,000–Rs. 11,000
Aquaguard Eden 9-Stage (RO system)Rs. 21,999
AO Smith X4+ (RO system)Rs. 17,500
AO Smith Puritee+ X7 (RO system)Rs. 12,869
Kent Grand Plus (RO system)Rs. 18,500–Rs. 19,500
Kent Pearl Star (RO system)Rs. 18,000–Rs. 20,000
Kent Grand Star (RO system)Rs. 22,190
AO Smith X5+ (RO system)Rs. 22,800
AO Smith Z6 + Hot (RO system)Rs. 15,699

Disclaimer: Each model's features, availability, and pricing are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.


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Frequently asked questions

General

EMI details

What is the difference between a water filter and reverse osmosis?

A water filter typically uses physical or chemical processes to remove impurities and contaminants from water, such as sediment, chlorine, and some bacteria. It can improve taste and odour but may not remove all contaminants. In contrast, reverse osmosis (RO) is a more advanced purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove a wider range of contaminants, including heavy metals, dissolved solids, and microorganisms. RO provides a higher level of purification.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is generally more effective in removing contaminants compared to a standard water filter. RO systems can remove a wide range of impurities, including dissolved solids, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses, providing cleaner and safer drinking water. However, the effectiveness of a water filter depends on its type and the specific contaminants it targets.
 

A water filter can effectively remove common contaminants such as sediment, chlorine, some bacteria, and organic compounds, improving taste and odour. However, it may not remove dissolved solids, heavy metals, or other harmful substances. In contrast, reverse osmosis (RO) systems can remove a wider range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, bacteria, viruses, and some organic compounds, providing higher-quality water suitable for drinking and cooking.
 

Yes, you can easily bring home your preferred water purifier using Bajaj Finance’s Easy EMI options. Whether you already have the Insta EMI card or are new to it, here is how to begin:


If you have the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI card:

  • Explore products on Bajaj Mall: Choose from a wide range of the latest and most popular models.
  • Visit a partner store: Check out the product in person at any of Bajaj Finance’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India.
  • Use your Insta EMI card at checkout: Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that fit your monthly budget.

  • Zero down payment on select models: Take your chosen product home without paying anything upfront.


If you do not have an Insta EMI card:

Check your Insta EMI Card eligibility online using your mobile number and OTP. If you are eligible, apply instantly and enjoy a smarter, more affordable way to buy your favourite product on Easy EMIs.

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