Do all water filters remove chlorine?

Almost all carbon-based water filters effectively remove chlorine taste and odor. This includes basic Brita and PUR filters, faucet mounts, under-sink systems, and whole-house carbon filters. Chlorine is one of the easiest contaminants to remove from water because activated carbon has a strong affinity for chlorine molecules. However, filters vary in how completely they remove chlorine and how many other contaminants they address alongside it.

What is the difference between chlorine and chloramine?

Chlorine and chloramine are both water disinfectants, but they require different filtration. Chlorine (Cl2) is removed by standard activated carbon filters. Chloramine (NH2Cl) is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that is more stable and harder to remove. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective against chloramine — you need catalytic carbon, which is available in systems like the Aquasana AQ-5300+ and Aquasana EQ-1000. Check with your water utility to find out which disinfectant they use.

Does a Brita filter remove chlorine?

Yes, Brita filters effectively remove chlorine taste and odor. Both the standard Brita filter and the Brita Elite (Longlast) filter are NSF-42 certified for chlorine reduction. The Elite filter lasts longer (6 months vs 2 months) and also removes lead and pharmaceuticals. For chlorine removal specifically, even the basic Brita filter works well — it is Brita's primary function.

What is the best filter to remove chlorine from tap water?

The best filter depends on your needs. For drinking water only: a Brita Elite pitcher ($40) or PUR PLUS faucet mount ($30). For drinking water plus other contaminants: the Aquasana AQ-5300+ under-sink system handles chlorine, chloramine, PFAS, and lead. For the whole house: the Aquasana EQ-1000 removes chlorine from every tap including showers. Since chlorine is easy to filter, choose based on your budget and whether you need additional contaminant removal.

Do shower filters remove chlorine?

Shower filters like the AquaBliss SF100 reduce chlorine in shower water, but not as completely as drinking water filters. They use KDF-55 and calcium sulfite media that work at the higher flow rates and temperatures of shower water. Many users report noticeable improvements in skin moisture, reduced hair dryness, and less chlorine odor. However, hot water reduces filter effectiveness, and shower filters do not remove chloramine. For complete shower chlorine removal, a whole-house system is more reliable.

Does boiling water remove chlorine?

Yes, boiling water does remove chlorine, but it is slow and impractical for daily use. Boiling water for 15-20 minutes will evaporate most free chlorine. Simply leaving water in an open container for 24 hours also allows chlorine to dissipate naturally. However, neither method works for chloramine, which is stable and does not evaporate. For practical daily use, a water filter is far more convenient and effective than boiling.

Is chlorine in tap water safe to drink?

Chlorine in tap water at EPA-regulated levels (up to 4 mg/L) is generally considered safe for most people. Chlorine serves a critical purpose: it kills harmful bacteria and viruses in the water supply. However, some people are sensitive to chlorine taste and odor. More importantly, chlorine reacts with organic matter in water to form byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been linked to health concerns with long-term exposure. Learn more at /contaminants/chlorine.

What is NSF 42 certification?

NSF/ANSI Standard 42 is the drinking water treatment standard for aesthetic effects, primarily chlorine taste and odor reduction. Filters certified to NSF-42 have been independently tested and verified to reduce chlorine to levels that improve water taste. NSF-42 is the most common certification for water filters and covers the primary reason most people buy filters. When shopping for a chlorine filter, NSF-42 certification is the baseline to look for.

How do I remove chloramine from water?

Removing chloramine requires catalytic carbon, not standard activated carbon. Standard carbon filters (Brita, basic PUR) are ineffective against chloramine. The Aquasana AQ-5300+ (under-sink) and Aquasana EQ-1000 (whole-house) both use catalytic carbon specifically designed for chloramine removal. Reverse osmosis systems also remove chloramine. First, check if your water utility uses chloramine — many cities have switched from chlorine to chloramine in recent years because it is more stable in distribution pipes.

Best Water Filters for Chlorine Removal (2026)

7 filters tested

Updated March 2026

Reddit-Verified Reviews

We compared 7 water filters for chlorine removal across every filter type: pitchers, faucet mounts, shower filters, under-sink, and whole-house systems. Chlorine is the easiest contaminant to filter — the key question is which filter type matches your needs and budget.

#	Product	Filter Type	Price	Rating	Certification	Chlorine Removal
#1	Brita Elite Filter Pitcher BEST OVERALL	Pitcher	$40	4.5	NSF-42	99% chlorine taste removal	View
#2	iSpring RCC7AK MOST THOROUGH	RO System	$219	4.7	NSF-42, NSF-58	99%+ chlorine removal	View
#3	Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Filter BEST WHOLE HOUSE	Whole House	$780	4.3	NSF-42	97% chlorine and chloramine removal	View
#4	Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow BEST UNDER-SINK	Under Sink	$165	4.4	NSF-42	97% chlorine and chloramine removal	View
#5	SpringWell CF1 Whole House Filter	Whole House	$830	4.6	NSF-42	95%+ chlorine removal	View
#6	PUR PLUS Faucet Mount BEST VALUE	Faucet	$30	4.3	NSF-42	97% chlorine taste removal	View
#7	AquaBliss SF100 Shower Filter BEST SHOWER	Shower	$35	4.4	No NSF certification	Reduces chlorine in shower water	View

Quick Compare: Best Chlorine Filters

BEST OVERALL

Brita Elite Filter Pitcher

Pitcher

$40

99% chlorine taste removal

View Deal

MOST THOROUGH

iSpring RCC7AK

RO System

$219

99%+ chlorine removal

View Deal

BEST WHOLE HOUSE

Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Filter

Whole House

$780

97% chlorine and chloramine removal

View Deal

BEST UNDER-SINK

Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow

Under Sink

$165

97% chlorine and chloramine removal

View Deal

SpringWell CF1 Whole House Filter

Whole House

$830

95%+ chlorine removal

View Deal

BEST VALUE

PUR PLUS Faucet Mount

Faucet

$30

97% chlorine taste removal

View Deal

What Reddit Says About Chlorine Filters

Top Reddit Recommendations

Brita Elite Pitcher

Reddit's default recommendation for basic chlorine taste removal

“For chlorine taste, honestly just get a Brita with the Elite filter. It is $40 and removes 99% of chlorine. No need to overthink this one.”

r/WaterTreatment

Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House

Top whole-house pick on r/homeowners for chlorine and chloramine

“Installed the Aquasana whole house last year. The difference in shower water is incredible — no more dry itchy skin, and the bathroom does not smell like a pool anymore.”

r/homeowners

AquaBliss SF100 Shower Filter

Most recommended shower filter for chlorine on Reddit beauty and hair subs

“My dermatologist suggested a shower filter for my eczema. Got the AquaBliss and within two weeks my skin was noticeably less dry and irritated. Worth every penny of the $35.”

r/SkincareAddiction

Aquasana AQ-5300+

Recommended for cities using chloramine instead of chlorine

“Check if your city uses chloramine first. Regular Brita does nothing for chloramine. The Aquasana uses catalytic carbon that actually handles it.”

r/Plumbing

Common Concerns

•Many people do not realize their city may use chloramine instead of chlorine — standard filters do not remove chloramine
•Shower and bath chlorine exposure is a frequent concern, especially for people with eczema, dry skin, or colored hair
•Chlorine byproducts (THMs, HAAs) formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter may be a bigger health concern than chlorine itself
•Apartment dwellers often cannot install whole-house systems and rely on pitcher and shower filters as their only options

Reddit Tips

•Check whether your utility uses chlorine or chloramine before buying a filter — it determines which type of carbon you need
•For chlorine taste only, even a basic Brita works fine. Save your money for more advanced filters only if you have other contaminants
•A shower filter is a worthwhile $35 investment if you have dry skin, eczema, or color-treated hair
•If you smell chlorine in your water, let it sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes — chlorine naturally dissipates (but chloramine does not)

Affiliate Disclosure: We earn affiliate commissions from purchases made through our links at no extra cost to you. This supports our testing and keeps our content free. Learn More

Detailed Filter Reviews

#1 BEST OVERALL

Brita Elite Filter Pitcher

Brita

(45,234)

$40

Pitcher

99% chlorine taste removal

NSF-42

The Brita Elite is our top pick for chlorine removal because it combines excellent NSF-42 certified chlorine taste and odor reduction with the widest availability and lowest cost of any quality filter. The Elite filter lasts 6 months (twice the standard Brita), removes 99% of chlorine taste, and also handles lead and pharmaceuticals.

Contaminant Removal95% • Excellent

Flow Rate70% • Good

Value Score98% • Excellent

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

Key Features

99% chlorine taste and odor reduction (NSF-42)
6-month filter life (120 gallons)
Also NSF-53 certified for lead removal
Available at virtually every retailer

Our Review

For pure chlorine taste and odor removal, the Brita Elite is hard to beat. At $40/year in filter costs, it is the most affordable effective option available. The NSF-42 certification specifically covers chlorine taste and odor reduction, and the Elite filter achieves 99% removal. It also handles lead (NSF-53) and pharmaceuticals (NSF-401), making it a well-rounded pitcher filter. The main limitation is that it does not handle chloramine, which some cities use instead of chlorine. If your water has a strong chlorine taste, this is the simplest fix.

Pros

+99% chlorine taste and odor removal (NSF-42)
+Lowest annual cost at $40/year
+6-month filter life — double the standard Brita
+Available at every major retailer
+Also removes lead, mercury, and pharmaceuticals

Cons

-Does not remove PFAS or fluoride
-Not effective for chloramine (different chemical)
-Slower flow than standard Brita filter
-Pitcher design limits water volume

Specifications

Stages

1-stage

Capacity

120 gal

Filter Life

6 months

Annual Filter Cost

$40/year

Warranty

1 year

Removes 7+ Contaminants

Chlorine

Lead

Mercury

Cadmium

Benzene

Asbestos

Pharmaceuticals

Best For

Best overall for chlorine taste removal

Budget chlorine filtration

Quick and easy chlorine reduction

Check Price on Amazon

#2 BEST VALUE

PUR PLUS Faucet Mount

PUR

(18,432)

$30

Faucet

97% chlorine taste removal

NSF-42

The PUR PLUS faucet mount provides instant chlorine-free water on demand for just $30. Simply attach it to your faucet and toggle between filtered and unfiltered water. NSF-42 certified for chlorine taste and odor, with the convenience of filtered water directly from the tap without filling a pitcher.

Contaminant Removal92% • Excellent

Flow Rate80% • Good

Value Score95% • Excellent

NSF-42

NSF-53

Key Features

NSF-42 certified chlorine removal
Installs in minutes without tools
Toggle switch for filtered/unfiltered water
Also NSF-53 certified for lead

Check Price on Amazon

#3 BEST WHOLE HOUSE

Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Filter

Aquasana

(3,245)

$780

Whole House

97% chlorine and chloramine removal

NSF-42

The Aquasana EQ-1000 provides whole-house chlorine removal from every tap, shower, and bath in your home. This matters because chlorine exposure occurs through skin absorption and inhalation during showers, not just drinking. Its catalytic carbon media also removes chloramine, which standard carbon cannot.

Contaminant Removal97% • Excellent

Flow Rate90% • Excellent

Value Score82% • Good

NSF-42

NSF-53

Key Features

Whole-house chlorine AND chloramine removal
1,000,000-gallon filter capacity (10 years)
7 GPM flow rate for consistent water pressure
Catalytic carbon handles chloramine

Check Price on Amazon

#4 BEST UNDER-SINK

Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow

Aquasana

(4,312)

$165

Under Sink

97% chlorine and chloramine removal

NSF-42

The Aquasana AQ-5300+ is the top under-sink option for chlorine removal because its catalytic carbon technology handles both chlorine AND chloramine — a distinction many filters miss. It also removes lead, PFAS, and 77+ other contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals.

Contaminant Removal97% • Excellent

Flow Rate75% • Good

Value Score82% • Good

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

NSF/ANSI P473

Key Features

Removes both chlorine and chloramine
3-stage Claryum filtration with catalytic carbon
Also removes PFAS, lead, and pharmaceuticals
Retains healthy minerals (calcium, magnesium)

Check Price on Amazon

#5 BEST SHOWER

AquaBliss SF100 Shower Filter

AquaBliss

(31,245)

$35

Shower

Reduces chlorine in shower water

No NSF certification

The AquaBliss SF100 is the most popular shower filter on Amazon with over 31,000 reviews. It uses a multi-stage filtration system including KDF-55, calcium sulfite, and activated carbon to reduce chlorine in shower water. Reducing chlorine in shower water can help with dry skin, itchy scalp, and hair damage.

Contaminant Removal75% • Good

Flow Rate90% • Excellent

Value Score95% • Excellent

Key Features

Multi-stage shower chlorine reduction
Installs in minutes on standard shower arms
6-month filter life
Helps with dry skin, hair, and chlorine odor

Check Price on Amazon

SpringWell CF1 Whole House Filter

SpringWell

(1,287)

$830

Whole House

95%+ chlorine removal

NSF-42

The SpringWell CF1 is an alternative whole-house system that removes chlorine with a higher flow rate (9+ GPM vs 7 GPM) than the Aquasana. Its catalytic carbon and KDF media handle chlorine effectively, though it may be less effective on chloramine than the Aquasana. The 1,000,000-gallon capacity lasts 6-9 years.

Contaminant Removal95% • Excellent

Flow Rate95% • Excellent

Value Score78% • Good

NSF-42

NSF-53

Key Features

9+ GPM flow rate (higher than Aquasana)
1,000,000-gallon capacity (6-9 years)
Catalytic carbon + KDF media
Lifetime warranty on tank

Check Price on Amazon

#7 MOST THOROUGH

iSpring RCC7AK

iSpring

(12,543)

$219

RO System

99%+ chlorine removal

NSF-42, NSF-58

The iSpring RCC7AK removes 99%+ of chlorine through both its carbon pre-filters and RO membrane. While reverse osmosis is overkill for chlorine alone, it is ideal if you want to remove chlorine PLUS other contaminants like fluoride, lead, PFAS, and arsenic in one system.

Contaminant Removal99% • Excellent

Flow Rate65% • Average

Value Score88% • Good

NSF-58

NSF-42

Gold Seal

Key Features

99%+ chlorine removal via carbon + RO
6-stage filtration with alkaline remineralization
Also removes fluoride, lead, arsenic, and PFAS
Lowest long-term cost ($55/yr)

Check Price on Amazon

How We Chose the Best Chlorine Filters

Our recommendations combine laboratory data, real-world user experiences, and value analysis to find filters that effectively remove chlorine from your water.

Certification Verification

We verify all NSF certifications directly with NSF International's database. Claims of 'NSF tested' are not the same as 'NSF certified' — we only recommend filters with verified certifications for the contaminants they claim to remove.

Lab Data Analysis

We analyze each filter's certified test results from NSF International and independent laboratories. We verify contaminant removal rates, flow rate measurements, and filter capacity claims against actual performance data.

Real-World Reddit Analysis

We analyze hundreds of Reddit posts, Amazon reviews, and forum discussions to understand how filters perform in actual homes over months and years of daily use.

Value Assessment

We calculate the true cost of ownership including initial price, filter replacements, and maintenance. The best filter is not always the cheapest upfront or the most expensive.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Chlorine Filter

Chlorine is the easiest contaminant to filter from water — almost any activated carbon filter handles it. The real question is which filter type best suits your situation and whether your water contains chlorine or chloramine.

Check Certifications

Look for NSF/ANSI certifications that specifically cover the contaminants you need removed. Generic 'NSF tested' claims are not the same as certified performance.

Compare Total Costs

Factor in filter replacements and maintenance, not just the upfront price. A cheaper system with expensive filters can cost more over 2-3 years.

Consider Filter Type

Different filter types suit different lifestyles. Pitchers need no installation but have lower capacity. Under-sink and RO systems require plumbing but offer better performance.

Read Real Reviews

Check Reddit and forums for long-term user experiences. Lab data shows what a filter can do; real reviews show what it actually does in daily use.

Which Filter Type Is Best for Chlorine Removal?

Pitcher Filters

Any quality pitcher filter removes chlorine effectively. The Brita Elite is the best value at $40/year in filter costs, and it is NSF-42 certified. For chlorine specifically, you do not need an expensive pitcher — even basic Brita and PUR filters work well. Upgrade to a premium pitcher only if you need to remove additional contaminants like PFAS or lead.

Faucet-Mount Filters

Faucet-mount filters like the PUR PLUS ($30) provide the most convenient chlorine removal — just turn on the tap. They are NSF-42 certified and also handle lead. The main advantage over pitchers is on-demand filtered water without waiting. Choose a faucet mount if convenience matters more than capacity.

Under-Sink Filters

Under-sink systems are worth it for chlorine if you also need to remove other contaminants. The Aquasana AQ-5300+ removes chlorine AND chloramine (which standard filters miss) plus PFAS and lead. If chlorine taste is your only issue, an under-sink system is more than you need — a pitcher or faucet mount will do.

Whole-House Filters

Whole-house systems remove chlorine from every water source including showers and baths. The Aquasana EQ-1000 is our top pick because its catalytic carbon handles both chlorine and chloramine. This matters for skin and hair health, as chlorine is absorbed through skin during bathing. Choose whole-house if shower water quality matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorine Filters

For drinking water, the Brita Elite pitcher is the best value at $40 with NSF-42 certified chlorine removal. For on-demand convenience, the PUR PLUS faucet mount ($30) provides chlorine-free water straight from the tap. For whole-house chlorine removal (including showers), the Aquasana EQ-1000 removes chlorine from every faucet. Chlorine is one of the easiest contaminants to filter — almost any carbon-based filter will remove it effectively.

Check Your Water for Chlorine

Enter your ZIP code to see if chlorine has been detected in your local water supply and what levels were found.

Check Your Water Quality

Why Chlorine in Your Water Is a Concern

Chlorine is added to municipal water supplies as a disinfectant, and it serves a critical public health purpose by killing harmful bacteria and viruses. At EPA-regulated levels (up to 4 mg/L), chlorine itself is generally safe. However, there are legitimate reasons to filter it. First, chlorine creates an unpleasant taste and odor that many people find objectionable. Second, and more importantly, chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Long-term exposure to these byproducts has been associated with increased cancer risk and reproductive issues in multiple studies. Third, chlorine exposure through shower and bath water can irritate skin and hair — dermatologists often recommend chlorine reduction for patients with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. It is worth noting that many water utilities have switched from chlorine to chloramine, which is more stable but requires different filtration technology.

Learn more about Chlorine in drinking water →

Best Water Filters for Chlorine Removal (2026)

Quick Compare: Best Chlorine Filters

What Reddit Says About Chlorine Filters

Top Reddit Recommendations

Common Concerns

Reddit Tips

Detailed Filter Reviews

Brita Elite Filter Pitcher

Key Features

Our Review

Pros

Cons

Specifications

Removes 7+ Contaminants

Best For

PUR PLUS Faucet Mount

Key Features

Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House Filter

Key Features

Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow

Key Features

AquaBliss SF100 Shower Filter

Key Features

SpringWell CF1 Whole House Filter

Key Features

iSpring RCC7AK

Key Features

How We Chose the Best Chlorine Filters

Certification Verification

Lab Data Analysis

Real-World Reddit Analysis

Value Assessment

Buying Guide: Choosing a Chlorine Filter

Check Certifications

Compare Total Costs

Consider Filter Type

Read Real Reviews

Which Filter Type Is Best for Chlorine Removal?

Pitcher Filters

Faucet-Mount Filters

Under-Sink Filters

Whole-House Filters

Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorine Filters

What is the best water filter to remove chlorine?

Do all water filters remove chlorine?

What is the difference between chlorine and chloramine?

Does a Brita filter remove chlorine?

What is the best filter to remove chlorine from tap water?

Do shower filters remove chlorine?

Does boiling water remove chlorine?

Is chlorine in tap water safe to drink?

What is NSF 42 certification?

How do I remove chloramine from water?

Check Your Water for Chlorine

Why Chlorine in Your Water Is a Concern

Related Resources

Filter Guides

Contaminant Information

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality