Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filters for Australia in 2026

Reverse osmosis water filters in Australia have been a popular solution for removing fluoride (and all the nasty contaminants) for many years.

Whether you're in favour of or against water fluoridation, there's no disagreement that this common contaminant is present among our drinking water sources. However, many people all over Australia are choosing something different now.

A reverse osmosis (RO) water filter is an excellent way to remove fluoride and virtually all other harmful contaminants found in our water supply in Australia. Best of all? It won't cost much more than what most households spend on bottled drinks at restaurants or cafes each month. Remember, everything adds up.

Reverse osmosis water filters are the gold standard for removing impurities and ensuring that you're getting clean, safe water. Whether you're looking to improve the taste of your water, remove harmful heavy metals or simply have peace of mind about what you're drinking, a reverse osmosis water filter may be just what you need.

Untreated water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane, removing up to 99.9% of all organic solids in the water. With a reverse osmosis filter, you can have peace of mind knowing that the drinking water in your home will nurture your family’s health, not just quench thirst.

Common contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, dirt, metals, chemicals, pesticides, nitrates, chlorine, fluoride and many more are completely removed with a trusty reverse osmosis system. It is widely considered the best filtration method to improve the taste and quality of your drinking water.

In this video, we dive deep into reverse osmosis water filters, comparing the most popular models and explaining how they work. From the basics of sediment, carbon, and membrane stages to the importance of remineralising your water for optimal pH, we give you all the essential info to choose the right system for your needs. Discover the benefits of alkalising filters and why a five-stage system or seven-stage might be the best option for clean, mineral-rich water.

• Superior Purity: Removes more contaminants than any other type of water filter.

• Cost-Effective: Cheaper and cleaner than bottled water over time.

• Taste: Baking, cooking and coffee taste significantly better.

• Targeted Removal: The best option available for fluoride, chlorine, and PFAS.

• Affordable: Systems are available for various budgets.

Reverse osmosis systems make tap water safe to drink—simple as that. Unlike other filtration methods which remove targeted contaminants but leave others behind, the powerful purification process of RO removes almost all types found in Australian public supplies with ease.

RO systems can remove:

• Fluoride

• Lead and heavy metals

• Chlorine and chloramine

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Parasites and cysts

• Nitrates and sulfates

• Detergents and pharmaceutical residues

A Note on pH:
Traditionally, reverse osmosis creates acidic water because it strips away dissolved solids. However, our most popular RO systems for 2026 elevate the pH of the water after it has been radically purified by the membrane. This process, known as remineralisation, adds healthy minerals back in, creating alkaline water that is better for your body.

There are a few downsides to reverse osmosis systems. Let's go through them:

1. Needs Occasional Maintenance: Most water filters need attention. Specifically, cartridges need changing every 6 to 12 months depending on water usage and sediment levels in your local supply. RO systems also include a membrane and typically a storage tank, both of which require occasional checks.

2. Produces Water Slowly: Due to the nature of RO systems (filtering water through a very fine membrane), the process is slower than standard carbon filters. Most under-sink units use a tank to buffer this so you have water on demand, while modern benchtop units use internal pumps to speed this up.

3. Removes Essential Minerals: The filtration is so thorough that it removes beneficial minerals too. This is not a huge problem, however, as the best systems (listed below) remineralise the water again before it hits your glass.

4. Water Wastage: The membrane splits water, sending contaminants down the drain and clean water to your tank. While this ensures purity, it does result in some wastewater.

5. Acidic Water (if not remineralised): Because RO strips dissolved solids, it leaves water in an acidic state (below 7 pH). For this reason, we do not recommend reverse osmosis for rainwater. Consuming acidic water creates all sorts of problems for your health, so we do not recommend drinking water below 7 pH. This is why we recommend systems that include an alkaline or remineralising stage.

Find out if reverse osmosis is the best water filter for your home.

Reverse osmosis water filters remain the best way to purify your drinking water from the many contaminants that pollute our water supply in Australia. Here are the top-rated systems for 2026:

Best For: Complete purification without needing existing whole-house filters.

This is a powerhouse system designed for those who want the absolute cleanest water possible. As a "Stand Alone" triple housing system, it requires no pre-filtration, making it perfect for standard homes.

• Toxic Contaminant Removal: It is specifically engineered to target and remove the most difficult contaminants, including Fluoride, Chloramines, Heavy Metals, and chemical runoff.

• High-End Filtration: Utilising a 3-stage pre-filtration and membrane process, it ensures that your water is stripped of impurities before it even reaches the storage tank.

• Complete Kit: Comes with everything required for installation under your sink.

Best For: Homes with existing Whole House Water Filtration.

If you have already installed a Whole House Water Filter to remove sediment and chlorine from your mains water, this Twin Housing system is your ideal match.

• Compact Efficiency: Because your whole house filter does the "heavy lifting" on sediment and chlorine, this unit focuses strictly on the ultra-fine contaminants that whole house filters miss, like Fluoride and heavy metals.

• Space Saving: With only two housings plus the membrane, it takes up less space under the sink than the Triple system.

• Targeted Purification: Delivers the same "Ultrapure" removal rates for toxic contaminants, relying on your pre-existing home filtration for the first stage of protection.

Best For: Modern benchtops, instant temperature control, and renters.

The Philips Aquaporin is a leap forward in benchtop filtration technology for 2026. It combines advanced Aquaporin Inside™ technology (biomimetic filtration) with a compressor for a premium hydration experience.

• No Installation Required: A true "plug and play" benchtop solution. No plumbing needed.

• Instant Hot & Cold: Enjoy water anywhere from chilled 5°C to boiling 100°C instantly. Perfect for tea, coffee, or a cold drink on a hot Aussie day.

• Advanced Filtration: Removes over 110 contaminants down to 0.0001 microns, including viruses, bacteria, lead, pesticides, and chlorine.

• UV-C LED Sterilisation: The tank features UV-C technology to prevent secondary pollution and keep bacteria at bay.

• Smart Features: Real-time TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) monitoring and filter replacement alerts. The 6L tank is generous, and the QuickTwist filter design makes changes effortless.

Best For: Renters and budget-conscious buyers who want alkaline water.

The RO 4000 is a classic, reliable multi-stage system that sits on your benchtop and connects easily to your kitchen spout.

• Renter Friendly: Connects to standard tap spouts with a diverter valve—no drilling or plumbing required. Take it with you when you move!

• American Alkaline Cartridge: Unlike standard RO systems that leave water acidic, this unit includes an American Alkaline post-filter to remineralise the water, raising the pH and improving the taste.

• Effective Removal: More than enough to handle Australian tap water issues, effectively removing fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, and harsh chemicals.

Best For: Health enthusiasts seeking Hydrogen-rich, high-alkaline water.

The HPF 7 Stage is the "Rolls Royce" of health-focused filtration. It doesn't just clean the water; it revitalises it.

• T-300 Hydrogen Rich High Alkaline Cartridge: One of the few filters in the world capable of raising and retaining a constant pH between 8.5 and 9.5 for extended periods. It uses pure sub-nanometer minerals and magnesium to provide superior stability.

• Life Energy Ceramic (Far Infrared): Uses infrared emitting frequency balls to activate water molecules, making the water more readily available for cellular absorption.

• Magnetic Water Energiser: Utilises negative diffusing technology to activate negative energy in the water, which many users find beneficial for detoxification and reducing calcification.

• 7 Stages of Filtration: Ensures absolute purity before the remineralisation and energisation stages begin.

Best For: Those who want pure water with a neutral pH at a great price.

The HPF 4 Stage is a highly effective under-sink unit that strips contaminants without the complexity of the 7-stage energy, hydrogen or magnetic stages.

• Low Alkaline / Neutral pH: While it cleans the water just as effectively as larger units, the post-filter is designed to bring the water back to a neutral or slightly alkaline level (around 7 pH to 8 pH). This is perfect for those who want safe water without high-alkalinity.

• Compact & Effective: A streamlined design that fits easily under most sinks.

• Complete Protection: excellent removal rates for fluoride, bacteria, heavy metals, and sediment.

Choosing the right filter depends on your living situation and your health goals:

• Renters: Look at the Philips Aquaporin or the MWF RO 4000. These require no plumbing and sit right on your bench.

• Homeowners with Whole House Filters: The Ultrapure Toxic Twin is designed specifically for you to save space and money.

• Maximum Health Benefits: If you want water that is high in pH, hydrogen-rich, and energised, the HPF 7 Stage is the ultimate choice.

• Pure & Simple: If you just want the bad stuff out and a neutral taste, the HPF 4 Stage or Ultrapure Toxic Triple are robust, reliable options.

If you’d like to learn more about reverse osmosis before purchasing a unit, feel free to check out our Buyer's Guide to Reverse Osmosis.

We carry the replacement cartridges for all these systems and provide convenient reminders for when it’s time to replace your reverse osmosis water filter cartridges.

Check out our full collection of reverse osmosis water filters to find the best one for your needs, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Reverse Osmosis filters with us. Have a great day!