Reverse osmosis is a filtering process when through a membrane the water is completely cleared to the point that it becomes 99% pure. But why do you need the RO system in your household? First and foremost, of course – because of its purity, consuming this water will ensure that none of the bacteria or other damaging and even disease-causing contaminants would ever enter your body.
Furthermore, because of its softness it is great for maintaining your home, appliances and other objects that contain sensitive materials or/and is perfect for your pool since it is very gentle on your skin and hair. Also, RO water is even great for your pets and aquarium.
Convinced to install a reverse osmosis system? Then keep in mind that one of the main factors when purchasing a high-quality long lasting RO system is its price.
Even though one might think that the more expensive, the better, we strongly believe that good RO systems can be affordable.
In order for you to obtain a good reverse osmosis system while still fitting into your budget we did our research and found 5 best cheap reverse osmosis systems for this year, so you don’t have to.
Is Reverse Osmosis Cheap?
On average, RO systems can cost up to thousands of dollars. However, there are many factors that determine the quality of the system and price is for sure not one of them.
Although most manufacturers sell their RO systems for huge prices but in this guide we will aim to present you the best options for buying reverse osmosis filtration systems at a price range of just 150-200$.
Take a look at the list that we have made for you and evaluate which option of the best cheap RO systems suits you and your household the best:
| Name | Advantages | Price | Buy |
| Express Water RO5DX Reverse Osmosis Filtration NSF Certified 5 Stage RO System | Quick and easy-to-understand design, 1 year warranty, includes an emergency leak stop detector | 140-160$ | Check it on Amazon |
| APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System | America’s No.1 rated water filter brand, premium long-lasting filters, 100% lead-free designer faucet, 2 year warranty. | 170-200$ | Check it on Amazon |
| NU Aqua Platinum Series Deluxe High Capacity 100GPD 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System | High quality quick connect fittings, high flow rate, HydraColl technology, 5 year manufacturer warranty. | 140-170$ | Check it on Amazon |
| SimPure Alkaline 6 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System | Six stages of filtration, easy installation, low operating costs. | 140-150$ | Check it on Amazon |
| Whirlpool WHER25 Reverse Osmosis Filtration System | Three stage system, extra long filter life, hassle-free filter changes. | 150-160$ | Check it on Amazon |
Top 5 cheap Reverse Osmosis filtration systems
1. The best cheap option: Express Water RO5DX Reverse Osmosis Filtration NSF Certified 5 Stage RO System
Product price: 140-160$
Check this product on Amazon
This filtration system is on the top of our choice as with this installed at your household you will be able to enjoy 99.9% pure water that has irons, chlorine, nitrates, bacteria etc. completely eliminated. With this device you not only enjoy the healthiest water on Earth that tastes amazing but also has a fully customizable RO filter system.
Technically speaking this RO system is completely safe and easy to install yourself as it is well known for its easy-to-use design that requires no previous installation knowledge. In this way you are saving a lot of money on professional installation yet receive the same type of quality.
Moreover, the system comes with a one year warranty and ensures on demand support related to your water supply and its systems. Each under sink filter comes with a leak detector that prevents any type of water spilling when in error.
PRO’s
- Fully customizable RO water filter system
- 99.9% pure water
- Easy to install yourself
- Leak detector present
CON’s
- Only 1 year warranty
Find this product on Amazon
2. APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System
Product price: 170-200$
This filtration system is completely designed, engineered and made in the USA, therefore it is one of the most popular RO water filter systems in the country. With its unique technology it removes 1000+ water contaminants including bacteria, irons, taste and odour.
This filter is perfectly suitable for both tap water and well water and has a long-lasting certified WQA filter system. Also it is a good choice for those who are searching for a noise-free system that is easy to install and maintain without professional help.
When purchasing this given option you get a 2 year extended manufacturer warranty with registration, leak-free connect fittings and a feed water pressure of 40-85 psi.
PRO’s
- 2 year warranty
- WQA certified filter system
- Comes with designer faucet
- DIY installation
CON’s
- No leak detector
- More expensive than other options on our list
3. NU Aqua Platinum Series Deluxe High Capacity 100GPD 5-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System
Product price: 140-170$
This under sink reverse osmosis filter has a 5 stage filtration system which ensures the highest quality of your water in taste and cleanliness. The manufacturers put quality as their priority thus when buying their brand products you will be ensured that you get a good quality item that has been tested in multiple ways. The system comes with a 100% lead-free designer faucet that provides a completely leak-free countertop.
Related: Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Lead?
At this affordable price you get a filter that has high flow (100GPD) and is exceptional for its HydraCoil technology that provides 50% cleaner water than comparable devices. In terms of installation this filter system has color coded tubes that will make the process so easy, you will enjoy your clear water in less than an hour. Moreover, the manufacturer provides 5 years warranty and lifetime support of the NU Aqua Platinum.
PRO’s
- 5 years warranty
- High flow (100 GPD)
- 5 stage filtration
- Additional HydraCoil technology
- DIY installation in less than an hour
CON’s
- No leak detector
- No alkaline
4. The cheapest option: SimPure Alkaline 6 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Product price: 140-150$
If you were intrigued by the previous option with 5 stage filtering, take a look at this SimPure 6 stage RO water filtration system. An addition to filters like sediment or post-carbon, this system also has an Alkaline (ALK) which balances pH levels. The latter makes this system special because by balancing pH it gives your water a more natural taste rather than just 5 stage filter ones.
Just like all the options above this one is also easy to install without any professional help and has leak-free quick connect plumbing. This under sink filtration device is unique because of its low operating costs as it does not require electricity or pumping. Besides its low operating needs it still has a solid 75GPD flow height.
PRO’s
- Cheapest option
- 6 stage filtering
- Alkaline balances pH levels
- 75GPD
- Low operating costs
- On-demand support
CON’s
- Only for under the sink installation
5. Whirlpool WHER25 Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Product price: 150-160$
Last but not least on our list of the best inexpensive RO systems is the one by Whirlpool. Compared to previous listed filters this one has only 3 stages as opposed to 5 or even 6 stages of other cheap RO systems. Nevertheless, the manufacturer claims that with its 3 stages this system does the same or even better job than its competitors with 5 or 6 stages.
What is also special about this option is its longevity. Membrane will last you for years and whenever your filters will need to be changed you will be notified with a light signal of its EZ-Change indicator. Once purchased you will be able to simply install it yourself and when filter replacement is needed simply change it with no open sumps.
PRO’s
- Extra long life
- EZ-Change indicator
- DIY installation
- Easy filter replacement
CON’s
- Only 3 stages of filtering
What else should you consider when buying a Reverse Osmosis system?
Even though price really matters when choosing an RO water system it is just one of the factors worth considering once buying this water filtering device. Other aspects that are important to take into account will really depend on your needs and expectations. Will you be using an RO system for tap water or well? What contaminants do want your water to be free of? For what purposes exactly you will be using your RO water? Once you answer these and similar questions we can assure you that you will pick the best option for you.
When planning to use an RO system for more than just a kitchen or bathroom tap water but rather your well, search for products that are not only to be installed under the sink. Moreover, keep an eye on the quantity of gallons that the system is able to filter since the capacity should be much larger when treating your well. In order to determine needed capacity simply follow the GPD (gallons per day) parameter in this case you will need at least 100GPD.
Most RO water systems will filter up to 99% of all the contaminants, yet some of them would still leave bacteria or other, which you might not necessarily want.
Especially pay attention to certain ingredients when using RO water for your aquarium as there are systems on the market that have customizable filters so you wouldn’t need to treat your aquarium water additionally.
Final words
Incorporating RO water systems into your household will give a whole new level of quality to your daily activities. This guide has provided the best 5 cheap options of RO water systems on the market today so you would be able to purchase it without exceeding your budget.
Moreover, we hope this gave you more insights into the factors of choosing a system that would work best for you and most importantly how easy it is not only to install without any professional help but also to maintain your RO water system throughout the years.