You can snag a basic countertop or under-sink RO system for under $200. These are the entry-level heroes that remove most of the bad stuff—lead, chlorine, fluoride—without robbing your grocery budget.
But here’s the catch: they’re slower than a sloth on a lazy Sunday. You might wait ten minutes for a liter of filtered water. And the filters? You'll swap them every six months for about $30 to $50 a pop.
Great for: Renters, budget watchers, or anyone who thinks $150 is the sweet spot for "good enough." Just don't expect it to win any design awards—it’s a plastic beast under your sink.
