Comparison table of filters based on water quality, purpose, and budget.
| Water type / issue | Recommended filter | Budget | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine, odors, turbidity | Carbon filter | Low | Good for drinking |
| Water hardness (scale) | Ion-exchange softener | Medium | High |
| Iron, rust | Iron removal + mechanical filter | Medium | Very high |
| Bacterial contamination | Membrane / ultraviolet | Medium–high | Maximum |
| High-quality drinking water | Reverse osmosis | High | Purest water |
| Whole-house water | Combined system | Medium–high | High |