The Water Filter Lab
Waterdrop VS Aquasana Comparison: Which Undersink Filter Reigns Supreme?
comparisons

Waterdrop VS Aquasana Comparison: Which Undersink Filter Reigns Supreme?

·Updated ·5 min read·By
On this page
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money · How we research.

Short answer: pick the Waterdrop G3P800 if you want reverse osmosis, the broadest reduction at one tap, including dissolved solids and fluoride. Pick the Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage (AQ-6200) if you want a simpler carbon filter that keeps minerals in, needs no power and wastes no water. They aren't really rivals: one is RO, the other is high-end carbon.

Updated October 1, 2026: we rewrote this comparison around the specific models we link (the old version compared models we don't link and quoted warranty terms we could not confirm), re-checked both links (both in stock on the day of this update), and replaced the FAQ. We don't run a lab. Figures below come from each manufacturer's product page, performance data sheet or listing.

Side by side

Waterdrop G3P800 (tankless reverse osmosis)

  • Technology: RO membrane plus pre/post filters and a UV stage (10 stages)
  • Certification: IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 58, plus 372
  • Output: 800 GPD
  • Wastewater: yes, 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio
  • Power: yes, needs an outlet
  • Filters: 6 months / 550 gal (pre), 12 months / 1,100 gal (carbon block), 24 months / 2,900 gal (RO)
  • Lowers TDS: yes

Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage AQ-6200 (carbon block)

  • Technology: two-stage Claryum carbon-based filtration
  • Certification: WQA tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (including P473) and 401
  • Flow: 0.5 gpm rated
  • Wastewater: none
  • Power: none
  • Filters: 6 months or 500 gallons
  • Lowers TDS: no (the listing says so directly)

What each one removes

Aquasana AQ-6200: its performance data sheet lists NSF/ANSI 53 reductions for lead, mercury, cysts, asbestos, MTBE, PFOA and PFOS, turbidity and VOCs (by chloroform surrogate), plus NSF/ANSI 401 claims for a list of pharmaceuticals and other emerging contaminants. It keeps calcium and magnesium. Fluoride is not on its claim list.

Waterdrop G3P800: as an NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system, it works on dissolved substances that carbon doesn't, such as salts, nitrates and fluoride. Waterdrop lists fluoride, PFOA and PFOS, TDS, chromium, chlorine and lead among the substances it reduces. Check the performance data sheet for which claims are certified and which are only "tested by a third-party laboratory."

CDC's general guidance matches: reverse osmosis removes some chemicals, including lead, copper, chromium, chloride and sodium, and may reduce fluoride, arsenic and nitrate. Carbon filtration mainly targets chlorine taste and odor and organic chemicals, plus whatever specific claims the model is certified for.

Which kitchen each one suits

Choose the Waterdrop G3P800 if:

  • You want fluoride, nitrate or overall TDS reduction
  • You have an outlet under the sink
  • You can accept some water going to the drain in exchange for broad reduction

Waterdrop G3P800 tankless RO

Reverse osmosis, NSF/ANSI 58 certified, 800 GPD, 3:1 pure-to-drain.

Check G3P800 price at Waterdrop

Choose the Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage if:

  • Your main complaints are chlorine taste, and lead or PFAS per your water report
  • You want to keep the minerals in your water
  • You have no outlet, or don't want any wastewater

Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage (AQ-6200)

Carbon under-sink filter, WQA certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401. 500 gallons or 6 months per filter set. Does not reduce TDS.

Check price on Amazon

Cost of ownership (how to compare)

We don't publish prices because they change weekly. Compare filter cost per year instead: Aquasana's filter set is rated for 6 months or 500 gallons, so most homes buy two sets a year. Waterdrop's G3P800 schedule is one pre-filter every 6 months, one carbon block a year and one RO membrane every two years. Price those replacement sets on the day you buy.

Nashville notes

On Metro Water Services city water, chlorine taste is the most common complaint, and a carbon filter handles it. If your goal is fluoride reduction, or you want the lowest dissolved solids for coffee or baby formula, RO is the right tool. See our fluoride guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterdrop or Aquasana better?

They solve different problems. The Waterdrop G3P800 is a reverse osmosis system that lowers dissolved solids and lists NSF/ANSI 58 certification. The Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage is a carbon filter certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 that keeps minerals in and does not reduce TDS. Choose RO for the broadest reduction, carbon for simpler installation and no wastewater.

Does the Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage remove fluoride?

Fluoride is not among the claims on the AQ-6200 performance data sheet, and the listing says it will not reduce total dissolved solids. If fluoride is your concern, use a reverse osmosis system.

Do both filters reduce PFAS?

Both list PFOA/PFOS reduction claims. Aquasana's performance data sheet lists PFOA and PFOS under NSF/ANSI 53. Waterdrop lists PFOA and PFOS among the substances the G3P800 reduces and certifies the system to NSF/ANSI 53 and 58. Our PFAS guide has more.

Which one wastes water?

Only the RO system. Waterdrop lists a 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio for the G3P800. The Aquasana carbon filter sends no water to the drain.

Where to buy

We earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Waterdrop

Check G3P800 price at Waterdrop

Aquasana

Check price on Amazon

Related articles