Aquasana Replacement filters
- Under-sink
- Point of use
- City water
- Well water
- Replacement element
- Listed
$83.99as of 2026-08-30
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand officialRetailer listing
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Our verdict on the Aquasana Replacement filters
Aquasana's AQ-C3-R, also sold as AQ-5300R, is the OEM three-cartridge replacement for AQ-5300 and AQ-6300 systems, rated for 600 gallons or six months. It is not the correct set for AQ-5300+ or AQ-6300M hosts.[1][2][3]
Best for
- Owners of AQ-5300 or AQ-6300 under-sink systems who need the OEM 600-gallon, six-month replacement set.
Not for
- AQ-5300+ or AQ-6300M owners, whose manual specifies AQ-C3M-R instead.
Secondary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand officialRetailer listing
Certification check: Aquasana Replacement filters
Listed by WQA under NSF/ANSI 401, NSF/ANSI 42, and NSF/ANSI 53, checked in the certifier directories as of 2026-08-30.
- WQA
- NSF/ANSI 401NSF/ANSI 42NSF/ANSI 53
IAPMO R&T and WQA certify products against the same NSF/ANSI standards as NSF, so a listing from either one is an equivalent third-party certification, not a lesser one.
| Directory | Result | Listing |
|---|---|---|
| NSF | No listing found (checked 2026-08-30) | View listing |
| IAPMO R&T | No listing found (checked 2026-08-30) | No URL recorded |
| WQA | Listing found (checked 2026-08-30) | View listing |
Claimed vs. certified: Aquasana Replacement filters
| Contaminant | Status | Third-party listing | What the brand says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78 contaminants | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| Chloramines | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| Cysts | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS) | Marketed only | No entry |
|
| Chlorine | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| Lead | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| Microplastics | Certified and marketed |
|
|
| Asbestos | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Atenolol | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Bisphenol A | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Carbamazepine | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Chloramine | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Cyst | Certified only |
| No entry |
| DEET | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Estrone | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Ibuprofen | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Linuron | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Meprobamate | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Mercury | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Methyl tert-butyl ether | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Metolachlor | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Naproxen | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Nonyl phenol | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Particulate | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Perfluorooctane sulfonate | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Phenytoin | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Taste and odor | Certified only |
| No entry |
| TCEP | Certified only |
| No entry |
| TCPP | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Trimethoprim | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Turbidity | Certified only |
| No entry |
| Volatile organic compounds | Certified only |
| No entry |
How long the Aquasana Replacement filters lasts, and what it costs a year
The Aquasana Replacement filters is rated for 600 gallons or 6 months, verified 2026-08-30. Replacing it on that schedule costs $167.98 a year, verified 2026-08-30.
Rated capacity
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheetBrand official
Cost per year
| Element | Replace | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| AQ-C3-R | every 6 months, or every 600 gallons | $167.98 |
| Total per year | $167.98 | |
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
What the Aquasana Replacement filters does not do
AQ-C3-R is the replacement set for AQ-5300 and AQ-6300; it does not fit AQ-5300+ or AQ-6300M, which use AQ-C3M-R. The Aquasana Replacement filters's recorded operating limits are Filter service capacity up to 600 gallons, Filter service interval up to 6 months, Operating pressure at least 20 psi and up to 80 psi, Operating temperature at least 40 °F and up to 90 °F, verified 2026-08-30.
AQ-C3-R is the replacement set for AQ-5300 and AQ-6300; it does not fit AQ-5300+ or AQ-6300M, which use AQ-C3M-R.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
This filter does not remove every contaminant that may be present in tap water.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet
Operating limits
| Parameter | Limit | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Filter service capacity | up to 600 gallons[1] | Replace at 600 gallons or six months, whichever comes first. Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official |
| Filter service interval | up to 6 months[1] | Replace at six months or 600 gallons, whichever comes first. Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official |
| Operating pressure | at least 20 psi and up to 80 psi[1] | Published range for AQ-6300 when used with AQ-C3-R. Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet |
| Operating temperature | at least 40 °F and up to 90 °F[1] | Published range for AQ-6300 when used with AQ-C3-R; cold-water use only. Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet |
Do not buy it for these situations
Well waterDo not use on microbiologically unsafe water or water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
Water pressureThe host system must operate within the published 20-80 psi range.[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet
Fit and sizing: Aquasana Replacement filters
The Aquasana Replacement filters is a under-sink unit installed at the point of use, for city water and well water. It is rated for 0.5 gpm of service flow, verified 2026-08-30.
| Form factor | Under-sink |
|---|---|
| Installed at | Point of use (one fixture) |
| Water source | City water and Well water |
| Service flow | 0.5 gpm[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet |
| Operating pressure | 20–80 psi[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet |
| Operating temperature | 40–90 °F[1] Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Manufacturer datasheet |
What the Aquasana Replacement filters really costs
The Aquasana Replacement filters costs $83.99 as of 2026-08-30. Over ten years, including installation and replacement elements, the recorded total is $1,763.79.
Replacement schedule
| Element | Replace | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| AQ-C3-R | every 6 months, or every 600 gallons | $167.98 |
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
Ten-year cost of ownership
| Purchase price (as of 2026-08-30) | $83.99 |
|---|---|
| Replacement elements, 10 × $167.98/year | $1,679.80 |
| Sum of the lines above (as of 2026-08-30) | $1,763.79 |
| Recorded ten-year total | $1,763.79 |
Money-back guarantee: 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee (90 days)[1]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
Installing the Aquasana Replacement filters
Installing the Aquasana Replacement filters is an easy job. DIY install, verified 2026-08-30.
Tools required
- Aquasana plastic housing wrench, only if a housing will not loosen by hand
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
Manufacturer documentation
- Install manual: https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dwd0f38665/PDF/AQ-C2-R-C3-R-C3M-R_Replacement.pdf (accessed 2026-08-30)
- Install video: https://vimeo.com/1094498707 (accessed 2026-08-30)
Ongoing maintenance
- Replace the AQ-C3-R filter set at 600 gallons or six months, whichever comes first. — every 6 months
- Replace the included filter-life indicator battery when changing the filters. — every 6 months
- Inspect the housing O-rings during each filter change and replace them if damaged. — every 6 months
- Replace the filter housings to reduce leak risk. — every 60 months
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30Brand official
Track record: Aquasana Replacement filters
Amazon shows 4.2 out of 5 from 2,962 reviews as of 2026-08-30.
| Source | Rating | Reviews | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 4.2 out of 5 | 2,962 | 2026-08-30 |
The Aquasana Replacement filters against its family and its rivals
The Aquasana Replacement filters has 2 siblings in its family: AQ-C2-R, AQ-C3M-R.
The rest of the family
| Model | What differs |
|---|---|
| AQ-C2-R | Two-filter set for AQ-5200 and AQ-6200, rated for 500 gallons or six months. |
| AQ-C3M-R | Three-filter Max Flow set for AQ-5300+ and AQ-6300M, rated for 800 gallons or six months. |
The Aquasana Replacement filters and cartridges sold as compatible
WQA's current listings identify AQ-5300 with replacement element AQ-C3-R under NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, and NSF/ANSI 401, and the same directory retains legacy AQ-5300R rows. This record makes no certification claim for third-party cartridges marketed as compatible with those hosts.[1][2][3]
Primary sourceVerified 2026-08-30WQA listing
Aquasana Replacement filters questions, answered
How often should Aquasana AQ-5300R filters be replaced?
Replace AQ-5300R every six months or after 600 gallons of use. Aquasana's AQ-5300R replacement manual gives that exact schedule for the element used in the AQ-5300 host.
Sources: [1]
Which systems fit Aquasana AQ-5300R or AQ-C3-R filters?
Does AQ-5300R fit the AQ-5300+ Max Flow system?
No; Aquasana specifies AQ-5300R for AQ-5300 and assigns the separate AQ-5300+R element to AQ-5300+. The AQ-5300R manual distinguishes those replacement models and gives them different rated capacities.
Sources: [1]
What certification claims are listed for AQ-5300R?
Verified health claim
WQA lists the AQ-5300 host with current AQ-C3-R replacement elements under NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53, and NSF/ANSI 401, while legacy AQ-5300R rows also remain in the directory. The current AQ-C3-R rows include chlorine and chloramine aesthetic reduction, lead, cyst, PFOA, PFOS, microplastics, and the other substances itemized in those rows; dated NSF and IAPMO R&T exact-model searches returned no listing on 2026-08-30.
Do I need tools to replace AQ-C3-R filters?
Usually no; Aquasana directs users to hand-tighten the housings. If a housing cannot be loosened by hand, use the plastic wrench included with the original system; the manual's no-tools instruction applies to tightening.
Sources: [1]
Sources and data report: Aquasana Replacement filters
Every figure above is taken from the highest-trust source that carries it and re-derived from that source by a separate check. How we verify product data.
What we could not establish, and why
| Field | Why it is blank |
|---|---|
| certified.certIndexKey | The repository certification corpus was searched for AQ-5300, AQ-5300R, and AQ-C3-R, but no matching index record was present; the dated live WQA listing is recorded separately and this null is not a certification conclusion. |
| mechanism.treatmentMethods | Aquasana names a 5-micron pre-filter and says two Claryum filters combine activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion exchange, and a sub-micron pre-filter, but neither the product page nor manuals map those media to an exact ordered stage sequence expressible with the schema's one-method-per-stage vocabulary. |
| fit.bathroomsServed | The product page, current replacement manual, and performance data sheet do not publish a bathroom count for this point-of-use replacement element. |
| fit.householdSize | The product page, current replacement manual, and performance data sheet do not publish a household-size rating for this point-of-use replacement element. |
| fit.roOutputGpd | AQ-C3-R is not a reverse-osmosis membrane; the manufacturer sources publish no RO output for it. |
| fit.roTankCapacity | AQ-C3-R serves non-RO AQ-5300/AQ-6300 hosts and the manufacturer sources publish no storage-tank capacity. |
| fit.dimensions | Aquasana's current product page, manual, and performance data sheet do not publish a complete height-width-depth set for the replacement assembly; the Amazon dimensions are ambiguous between cartridge, set, and packaging. |
| fit.connectionSize | The replacement elements twist into proprietary host housings and the reviewed OEM documents publish no standalone plumbing connection size for AQ-C3-R. |
| fit.requiresElectricity | The manual documents an included battery for the filter-life indicator but does not clearly state whether the schema's electricity requirement refers to indicator power or filtration operation, so no boolean was inferred. |
| fit.requiresDrain | The replacement procedure uses a sink to discard residual water, but the reviewed OEM documents do not explicitly publish a neutral drain-connection requirement for the host system. |
| cost.msrp | Aquasana displays a current one-time price but does not label a separate manufacturer suggested retail price on the product page. |
| cost.wasteRatio | AQ-C3-R is not a reverse-osmosis membrane and the manufacturer sources publish no drain-to-product waste ratio. |
| cost.warranty | Aquasana publishes a 180-day limited warranty for faucet and shower water filters, but the schema can express a non-lifetime term only in years; converting the published days to a fractional year would weaken the source wording. |
| install.estimatedHours | The current US product page calls the change quick and tool-free, and the manual gives steps, but neither reviewed current US source publishes an exact time estimate. |
| seo.verification | This field is intentionally left null for the independent verification loop to stamp after research. |
Every source behind this page
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.aquasana.com/water-filter-replacements/under-sink-water-filter-replacements/claryum-3-stage-filter-replacements-100236384.html
- Aquasana's current US product page identifies AQ-C3-R / 100236384 and shows the replacement set in stock.
- The current product page says the AQ-C3-R set replaces filters in AQ-5300 and AQ-6300 systems.
- The current product page identifies the replacement set as AQ-C3-R and lists AQ-5300 and AQ-6300 compatibility.
- Aquasana's current US product page displayed a one-time price of $83.99 for AQ-C3-R.
- Aquasana describes the filter change as quick and tool-free.
- The dated $83.99 product price supports the arithmetic of two sets per year, or $167.98 annually.
- The current product page displays a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee for AQ-C3-R.
- Aquasana describes the AQ-C3-R filter change as quick and tool-free.
- The current product page identifies the set as AQ-C3-R and lists AQ-5300/AQ-6300 compatibility.
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dwd0f38665/PDF/AQ-C2-R-C3-R-C3M-R_Replacement.pdf
- Aquasana's current replacement manual maps AQ-C3-R to AQ-5300 and AQ-6300.
- The current replacement manual specifies 600 gallons for AQ-C3-R in AQ-5300 and AQ-6300.
- The current replacement manual specifies a six-month replacement interval for AQ-C3-R in AQ-5300 and AQ-6300.
- The manual maps AQ-C3-R to AQ-5300/AQ-6300, maps AQ-C3M-R to AQ-5300+/AQ-6300M, and gives the AQ-C3-R interval as six months or 600 gallons.
- The compatibility table maps AQ-C3-R to AQ-5300/AQ-6300 and AQ-C3M-R to AQ-5300+/AQ-6300M.
- The current replacement manual gives AQ-C3-R a 600-gallon or six-month replacement limit in AQ-5300 and AQ-6300.
- The current replacement manual gives AQ-C3-R a six-month or 600-gallon replacement limit in AQ-5300 and AQ-6300.
- The manual carries the microbiologically unsafe or unknown-quality water warning and requires adequate disinfection.
- The replacement manual provides a consumer cartridge-change procedure and says to hand-tighten the housings.
- Aquasana's current manual specifies replacement of AQ-C3-R every six months or 600 gallons of use.
- The current manual gives a short illustrated shutoff, housing-removal, filter-swap, flush, and battery-change procedure.
- The manual directs hand-tightening and says to use the plastic wrench only if a housing is too tight to remove by hand.
- Current AQ-C2-R/AQ-C3-R/AQ-C3M-R replacement instructions, host compatibility, flush procedure, replacement interval, housing inspection, and battery replacement.
- The manual gives the six-month/600-gallon filter interval, battery replacement, O-ring inspection, and five-year housing replacement warning.
- The current manual maps AQ-C3-R to AQ-5300 and AQ-6300.
- The manual says to use the original-system plastic wrench if a housing is too tight to remove by hand and separately says not to use tools for tightening.
- Manufacturer datasheetaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dw9c1b6a70/PDF/AQ-6300_Performance_Data.pdf
- The AQ-6300 performance data sheet identifies AQ-C3-R as the replacement and gives a rated capacity of 600 gallons.
- The performance data sheet states that the system does not remove all contaminants that may be present in tap water.
- The AQ-6300/AQ-C3-R performance data sheet gives an operating pressure range of 20-80 psi.
- The AQ-6300/AQ-C3-R performance data sheet gives an operating temperature range of 40-90°F and directs cold-water use only.
- The performance data sheet specifies 20-80 psi for the AQ-6300/AQ-C3-R configuration.
- The AQ-6300 performance data sheet identifies AQ-C3-R and gives a rated flow of 0.5 gpm.
- The AQ-6300/AQ-C3-R performance data sheet specifies 20-80 psi.
- The AQ-6300/AQ-C3-R performance data sheet specifies 40-90°F.
- Retailer listingaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHYLYPM
- The exact Amazon listing identifies the OEM item as Aquasana AQ-5300R / AQ-C3-R and lists AQ-5300/AQ-6300 compatibility.
- Amazon's exact B00CHYLYPM product page was opened and confirmed as Aquasana AQ-5300R / AQ-C3-R with a one-time price of $83.99.
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-08-30https://vimeo.com/1094498707
- The live Vimeo page is published by Aquasana as the Claryum Under Sink Water Filter Replacement Guide and identifies AQ-5300 among the covered systems.
- Government agencyaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
- The CPSC recall index was checked for Aquasana, AQ-5300R, and AQ-C3-R; no exact-product recall was found.
- Unverifiedaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.google.com/search?q=%22AQ-5300R%22+recall
- A live exact-model recall search returned manuals and product pages but no exact-product recall report.
- Unverifiedaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.google.com/search?q=%22AQ-5300R%22+lawsuit+OR+litigation
- A live exact-model litigation search returned no credible litigation result for AQ-5300R or AQ-C3-R.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-08-30https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/aquasana_inc/sid/1/keyword/aquasana
- WQA's NSF/ANSI 42 listing names AQ-5300 with current AQ-C3-R and legacy AQ-5300R replacement rows.
- WQA's NSF/ANSI 42 listing names AQ-5300/AQ-5300R and its aesthetic claims.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-08-30https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/aquasana_inc/sid/3/keyword/aquasana
- WQA's NSF/ANSI 53 listing names AQ-5300 with current AQ-C3-R and legacy AQ-5300R replacement rows.
- WQA's NSF/ANSI 53 listing names AQ-5300/AQ-5300R and its health-effect claims.
- WQA listingaccessed: 2026-08-30https://find.wqa.org/find-products/ctl/detail/mid/1054/cid/aquasana_inc/sid/63/keyword/aquasana
- WQA's NSF/ANSI 401 listing names AQ-5300 with current AQ-C3-R and legacy AQ-5300R replacement rows.
- WQA's NSF/ANSI 401 listing names AQ-5300/AQ-5300R and its emerging-compound claims.
- Brand officialaccessed: 2026-08-30https://www.aquasana.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-aquasana-Library/default/dw7ce1ad19/PDF/AQ-5200R-5300R-5300%2BR_Replacement.pdf
- Aquasana's AQ-5300R replacement manual specifies replacement every six months or 600 gallons of use for AQ-5300R.
- Aquasana's AQ-5300R replacement manual identifies AQ-5300R for use with AQ-5300.
- Aquasana's manual identifies AQ-5300R for AQ-5300 and separately identifies AQ-5300+R for AQ-5300+, with 600-gallon and 800-gallon schedules respectively.
- NSF listingaccessed: 2026-08-30https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=AQ-5300R&hdModlStd=ModlStd&submit3=Search
- The dated NSF exact-model search displayed no matching products.
- IAPMO listingaccessed: 2026-08-30https://pld.iapmo.org/
- Dated IAPMO R&T searches for AQ-5300R, AQ-5300, and the Aquasana listee returned no exact-model listing.
Cite this page
TapWaterData Editorial. "Aquasana Filter Replacement: AQ-5300R Cert Check." TapWaterData, verified 2026-08-30. https://www.tapwaterdata.com/filters/brand/aquasana/replacement-filters
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