By QLD Water Filtration Team · Published · Updated . Prices are estimates for standard installations and are confirmed in your fixed quote.
What is the difference between whole-house and point-of-use water filters?
A whole-house filter is installed at your main water line and treats all the water entering your home. A point-of-use filter treats water at a single outlet, such as the kitchen tap. Whole-house covers every tap, shower and appliance, while point-of-use focuses on drinking and cooking water.
Neither is better in every case. They do different jobs, and the right one depends on your home, your water and what you want to fix.
Whole-house vs point-of-use at a glance
Whole-house filtration protects the whole home from the mains, from $3,490 installed. Point-of-use filtration upgrades the water you drink at one tap, from $1,190 for under-sink or $1,590 for reverse osmosis. Here is how they compare side by side, from price to install time.
| Whole-house | Point-of-use (under-sink or reverse osmosis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | At your main water line | Under the kitchen sink, with its own tap |
| What it treats | Every tap, shower and appliance | Drinking and cooking water at one tap |
| What it targets | Chlorine, chloramine, sediment and other common impurities | Under-sink: chlorine and everyday impurities. Reverse osmosis: dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, PFAS and microscopic particles |
| Best for | Suburban homes on city mains water | Apartments, townhomes and anyone mainly wanting better drinking water |
| Installed price | From $3,490 | From $1,190 (under-sink) or $1,590 (reverse osmosis) |
| Install time | 3–4 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Good to know | High-flow design keeps water pressure strong | Treats one tap, not the whole house |
| Learn more | Whole-house filtration | Under-sink filtration |
When a whole-house system makes sense
Choose whole-house filtration when you want filtered water at every tap, shower and appliance, you own your home, and you want one system protecting your plumbing and appliances from sediment and chlorine. It is the complete solution for most suburban family homes on city water.
- Every tap and shower gets filtered water, not just the kitchen
- Reduces chlorine and chloramine for better taste and smell throughout the home
- Helps protect taps, showers and appliances from sediment
- Installed once at the mains by a licensed plumber, usually in 3 to 4 hours
- A high-flow design keeps water pressure strong
When a point-of-use system makes sense
Choose point-of-use filtration when you mainly care about the water you drink and cook with, you live in an apartment or townhome, or you want the quickest and most affordable upgrade. An under-sink or reverse osmosis system does it from $1,190 installed.
- Fresh, great-tasting drinking and cooking water from a dedicated tap
- The affordable starting point, from $1,190 installed
- Compact, so it suits apartments, townhomes and family homes
- Quick install, usually 2 to 3 hours
- Step up to 5-stage reverse osmosis, from $1,590, for the finest drinking water
Can you have both a whole-house and a point-of-use system?
Yes, and many households do. A whole-house system filters every tap and shower, and a reverse osmosis tap adds the finest drinking water at the kitchen sink. They are not either-or, they work well together, and we can quote both together.
If you are comparing reverse osmosis, whole-house and UV side by side, our comparison guide goes through all three.
Reverse osmosis vs whole-home vs UV →
Not sure whether you need one or both?
Book a free on-site water test. We check your water and plumbing, recommend the right setup for your home, and give you a fixed-price quote with no obligation.
How to choose: 4 quick questions
Ask yourself four things: do you own your home, do you want filtered water at every tap and shower or just the kitchen, is your water from city mains or a tank or bore, and what is your budget. Your answers point straight to the right system.
| Your situation | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Own a family home on city water and want every tap filtered | Whole-house filtration |
| Live in an apartment or townhome, or want the quickest upgrade | Under-sink filtration |
| Want the finest drinking water | 5-stage reverse osmosis |
| Have hard water and limescale | Water softener |
| Use tank, bore or rainwater | Whole-home UV system |
How much do whole-house and point-of-use systems cost?
Under-sink filtration starts from $1,190 installed, reverse osmosis from $1,590 and whole-house from $3,490, or from $24 a week with Zip Pay. Every quote is fixed and no-obligation, and installation comes with a 12-month workmanship warranty and finance options.
Get the right system for your home
Book a free on-site water test. We test your water at your place, check your plumbing and recommend whole-house, point-of-use or both for your home, then give you a fixed-price quote with no obligation at all.
Common questions
What's the difference between whole home filtration and reverse osmosis?
Whole home filtration is installed at the main water inlet and treats water before it reaches taps, showers and appliances. It targets chlorine, chloramine, sediment and other common contaminants while helping protect plumbing and reduce scale build-up through your whole house.
Do I need both a whole system and an RO system?
Many homeowners find a whole home system delivers the improvement they're looking for across the house. However, if you want ultra-fine filtration for drinking water, an RO system can complement your whole home filtration system by adding an additional level of protection (fluoride for example) at a dedicated tap. They are not either-or. They work exceptionally well together.
Will a whole home system affect my water pressure?
When installed correctly, water pressure remains within normal operating levels. The system is designed to maintain strong flow with minimal pressure drop.
Is filtered water delivered to every tap?
Yes. Whole home systems are installed at the mains entry point, meaning filtered water flows to all taps, showers and appliances.
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 a whole-house filter better than an under-sink filter?
They do different jobs. A whole-house filter treats every tap, shower and appliance, while an under-sink filter focuses on your drinking and cooking water. Choose whole-house for the whole home, under-sink for a quick, affordable drinking-water upgrade, or both.
Can a whole-house filter replace an under-sink filter?
A whole-house system improves the water at every tap and shower, and many people are happy with it. If you want the finest drinking water, including reduced fluoride and PFAS, adding a reverse osmosis tap at the kitchen sink is the upgrade.
Which is cheaper, whole-house or point-of-use?
Point-of-use is cheaper upfront. Under-sink filtration starts from $1,190 installed and reverse osmosis from $1,590, while whole-house starts from $3,490, or from $24 a week with Zip Pay.
Are point-of-use filters worth it for apartments?
Yes. Compact under-sink systems suit apartments and townhomes and give you fresh, filtered drinking water from a dedicated tap. We check your plumbing and space during the free on-site visit.
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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
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