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Head-to-head · Best Under-Sink Water Filters

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+ vs Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Buyers who want the widest contaminant reduction, including fluoride and PFAS, without reverse osmosis and don't mind paying a premium. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+
Ranked #4 in Best Under-Sink Water Filters
Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+
3 sourcesall derived$189.99as of Aug 1

The Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+ is the best all-around under-sink carbon filter, pairing NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 certification with a fast-flow three-stage design that keeps healthy minerals in the water. It reduces 99% of 77 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, PFAS and pharmaceuticals, without the water waste of reverse osmosis. The trade-off is a 6-month filter life and a higher per-gallon cost. For clean, great-tasting water, it's a leading pick.

Strengths
  • — Triple-stage Claryum filtration reduces 99% of 77 contaminants including lead, chlorine, PFAS and pharmaceuticals
  • — NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 certified, covering taste, health contaminants and emerging compounds
  • — Retains beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium rather than stripping them
Watch-outs
  • — Filters last about 6 months or 800 gallons, shorter than some rivals
  • — Per-gallon filter cost is higher than basic single-cartridge systems
  • — Requires a spare faucet hole or drilling for the dedicated faucet
$189.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Under-Sink Water Filters
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink
3 sourcesall derived$550as of Aug 1

The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage is the broad-spectrum carbon system, independently tested to reduce 232+ contaminants, including fluoride, lead, PFAS and arsenic, while keeping beneficial minerals and wasting no water. Its 2,000-gallon filter life is among the longest here. Two catches: it's the costliest in this group, and it carries only one full NSF certification despite extensive third-party testing. For maximum contaminant breadth without RO, it's excellent.

Strengths
  • — Independently tested to reduce 232+ contaminants including fluoride, lead, PFAS and arsenic
  • — Long 2,000-gallon filter life, roughly 9 to 15 months between changes
  • — Retains beneficial minerals, no water waste, no drain line or dedicated faucet needed
Watch-outs
  • — Holds only one full NSF certification (NSF 42) despite broad third-party testing
  • — Significantly more expensive upfront than other carbon systems
  • — Some owners report reduced water pressure over the filter's life
$550 · Buy at clearlyfiltered.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+

Unlike the Clearly Filtered 3-Stage, the AQ-5300+ carries multiple NSF certifications rather than relying on third-party testing alone.

Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink

More comprehensive than the budget Frizzlife MP99.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAquasana Claryum AQ-5300+Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under the Sink
Filtration3-stage Claryum3-stage Affinity media
CertificationsNSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401NSF/ANSI 42, 372 (broad third-party testing)
Contaminants Reduced99% of 77 (lead, chlorine, PFAS, pharmaceuticals)232+ (fluoride, lead, PFAS, arsenic)
Filter Life6 months / 800 gallons2,000 gallons / 9-15 months
Mineral RetentionYes (calcium, magnesium)Yes
FaucetDedicated brushed nickel includedUses existing faucet (no separate faucet)
Install Time~30-45 min DIY—
FlowMax Flow (no tank)—
Dimensions12"L x 4.25"W x 12.88"H—
MaterialMetal—
Water Waste—None
Reduction Rate—90-99% across tested contaminants
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