By QLD Water Filtration Team · Published · Updated . Prices are estimates for standard installations and are confirmed in your fixed quote.
What is the best under-sink water filter?
The best under-sink water filter is the one that matches what you want to fix. For great-tasting water without chlorine, an under-sink filter from $1,190 installed does the job. For the finest drinking water, including fluoride and PFAS reduction, a 5-stage reverse osmosis system from $1,590 is the upgrade.
Both sit neatly under your kitchen sink and deliver water through a dedicated tap, so you get fresh, filtered water on demand and no bench clutter. Here is how to choose.
Why Queenslanders choose an under-sink filter
Because it gives you filtered water on demand, with no jug to refill, no bench space used up and no bottled water to carry home. It is the quickest, most affordable way to upgrade your drinking and cooking water.
- Fresh, great-tasting drinking and cooking water straight from the tap
- No more buying bottled water or refilling jugs
- Nothing on the bench, because everything lives under the sink
- A dedicated designer tap for your filtered water
- A quick install, usually 2 to 3 hours, by a licensed plumber
- The affordable starting point if you are on a budget, or in an apartment or townhome
Under-sink carbon filter vs reverse osmosis: which one?
Choose a standard under-sink filter if you mainly want better taste and no chlorine. Choose reverse osmosis if you want the finest drinking water, including fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals and microscopic particles reduced. Both install under your sink.
| Under-sink filter | 5-stage reverse osmosis | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Great taste and no chlorine at the kitchen tap | The finest drinking water for the whole family |
| What it reduces | Chlorine and everyday impurities | Dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, PFAS and microscopic particles |
| Installed price | From $1,190 | From $1,590 |
| Install time | 2–3 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Good to know | A great entry-level upgrade | Optional remineralisation puts trace minerals back in |
| Learn more | Under-sink filtration | Reverse osmosis systems |
What to look for before you buy
Look for WaterMark-certified equipment, a rating that backs up the claims, filters that are easy and affordable to replace, a real warranty, and installation by a licensed plumber so everything stays valid. Those five things separate a good under-sink system from a regret.
- WaterMark certification, the Australian mark for plumbing products
- Independent ratings for what you want fixed, such as NSF/ANSI testing
- Easy filter changes and a clear replacement schedule (most systems need new filters every 6 to 12 months)
- A proper warranty: ours include a 12-month workmanship warranty, plus manufacturer warranties of 1 to 10 years
- Installation by a licensed plumber, so it is done right and your warranty is protected
- A fixed-price quote, so there are no surprises
Not sure which one suits your home?
Book a free on-site water test. We check your water and plumbing and recommend the right under-sink system, with no obligation and a fixed-price quote.
Under-sink vs benchtop vs jug filters
Jug and benchtop filters are cheap and portable but small and short-lived. An under-sink system is plumbed in, so you get filtered water on demand from its own tap, with far larger capacity and no refilling.
| Jug | Benchtop | Under-sink | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Small, you refill it | Medium | Unlimited, straight from the tap |
| Bench space | Takes fridge or bench space | Takes bench space | None, it is under the sink |
| Cartridge changes | Frequent | Regular | Every 6 to 12 months, with a service plan |
| Best for | Renters and tight budgets | Renters wanting more capacity | Owners and long-term renters who want it done properly |
| Installed price | None | None | From $1,190 |
How under-sink filter installation works
A licensed plumber fits the system under your kitchen sink, connects it to the cold water line and fits a dedicated tap. Most installs take 2 to 3 hours, and the plumber shows you how to change the filters.
- You book a free on-site visit and we check your water and plumbing
- You get a fixed-price quote, with no obligation
- Our licensed plumber installs the system, usually in 2 to 3 hours
- You enjoy fresh, filtered water straight away
How much does an under-sink water filter cost?
Under-sink filtration starts from $1,190 fully installed, and a 5-stage reverse osmosis system starts from $1,590. Every quote is fixed and no-obligation, installation comes with a 12-month workmanship warranty, and finance is available.
Running costs are simple: filters need replacing about every 6 to 12 months. Our VIP Filter Care Club is from $299 a year and covers annual filter replacement, a system health check and priority scheduling.
Get the right under-sink filter for your home
Book a free on-site water test. We test your water at your place, check your plumbing and recommend the right system, with a fixed-price quote and no obligation.
Common questions
How long does installation take?
Most under-sink installations are completed within 2–3 hours. Whole-house, UV and water softener systems typically take 3–4 hours. We'll give you a clear timeline with your quote.
Is there a warranty on installations?
Yes! All installations come with a 12-month workmanship warranty. Manufacturer warranties on systems range from 1–10 years depending on the model.
How often do filters need replacing?
In line with global best practices, most systems require filter replacement every 6-12 months, depending on water quality and usage.
Is an under-sink water filter worth it?
Yes, if you want fresh, great-tasting drinking and cooking water on demand without bottled water or refilling a jug. It is the most affordable way to upgrade the water you actually drink, and installed prices start from $1,190.
What is the difference between an under-sink filter and reverse osmosis?
A standard under-sink filter improves taste and removes chlorine at the kitchen tap. Reverse osmosis goes further, reducing dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, PFAS and microscopic particles. Both are installed under the kitchen sink.
Do I need a separate tap for an under-sink filter?
Yes. Filtered water comes out of its own dedicated tap, so your normal tap keeps running as usual.
Can I install an under-sink filter in an apartment or townhome?
Yes. Under-sink systems are compact and suit apartments, townhomes and family homes alike. We check your plumbing and space during the free on-site visit.
Related services
More water filter guides
How Much Does Water Filter Installation Cost in Queensland? (2026 Prices)
Read the guide → Comparison GuideReverse Osmosis vs Whole-Home Filter vs UV: Which One Does Your Home Need?
Read the guide → Buyer's GuideDo You Need a Water Filter in Queensland? Here's How to Tell
Read the guide →Get your free quote
Get Your Free Quote
Fill in your details and we'll call you back within 30 min during business hours.