Aquatru Water Filter Review: Why AquaTru Might NOT Be Worth It (Buyer BEWARE)
Aquatru Water Filter Review: Why AquaTru Might NOT Be Worth It (Buyer BEWARE)
It’s big and bulky. You will need enough counter space for this filter.
It will also need easy access to an electric plug (120-volt AC wall plug). Consider getting a Berkey filter if you want a countertop filter that doesn’t require any electricity.
These are the biggest flaws I could find so far and there is more to say but first things first,
this article is a real review from personal experience.
I personally own and use the AquaTru water filter (The AQUA TRU Classic 2019) in my home so this AquaTru review is coming from my personal experience owning and using this product.
I still use it to this day and a friend of mine also purchased it based on my recommendation.
I have also looked at several video reviews and verified customer reviews to inform my take in this article.
The special offer linked to in this after was only supplied by an AquaTru agent *AFTER* this review had already been written and published.
Finally, you can scroll to the bottom of this article to see real experiences written by other AquaTru customers in the comments section.
AquaTru Water Filter | Berkey Water Filter |
- Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified). - Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters). - Lead 97.5% - Benzene 99.9% - Chlorine 96.6% - Cysts 99.99% | - Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required). - Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required). - Lead 97.5% - Benzene 99.8% |
Available in 1-size only. | Available in various sizes. |
Plastic materials. | Metal & plastic materials. |
Number of filters: 3 | Number of filters: 2 - 4 |
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters. | Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters |
4-stage filter process. | 2-stage filter process. |
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts. | 2.25 Gallons |
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm | 19" High x 8.5" Diameter |
System: 1 year limited warranty. | Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year. |
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru). | Berkey Contaminants List NSF/ANSI test results |
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK | SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale |
How Does AquaTru Work?
AquaTru reverse osmosis is how everything works and it is based on 4 stages as follows.
Stage 1: This stage is the mechanical pre-filter that removes sediment (rust, sand, stones, and dust) from water. It removes all the bits and pieces so that the other filter stages run smoother.
Stage 2: This is the activated carbon pre-filter that removes 99% of chloramines and chlorine. The water is already pretty safe to drink at this point but the stages don’t end here.
Stage 3: The third stage is the ultra-reverse osmosis filter. This stage eliminates toxic inorganic contaminants.
This includes everything from chromium-6, trace pharmaceuticals, lead, and other heavy metals. In fact, this is really the stage that does all the “heavy lifting”.
Stage 4: COV filter coconut shell activated carbon. The final stage is responsible for eliminating toxic organic chemicals.
All of these stages make it so powerful that it can become a “coke filter” as you can see in the viral video.
How Much Does AquaTru Cost?
Currently, the price of the AquaTru reverse osmosis water filter is a few hundred dollars – check the latest price here.
These prices do not include the cost of replacement filters. However, remember it can save thousands of dollars over time.
This is because it will save you the on-going cost of having to buy bottled water.
Yes, it uses electricity but the AquaTru uses a 120-volt outlet. This means that it only consumes approximately $2.00 / year in electricity.
What’s AquaTru’s Refund Policy?
AquaTru offers a standard 30-day money back guarantee. There is also a full 1 year limited warranty (it states this directly on its website at the time of writing this review).
If you have any questions about the AquaTru warranty and guarantee then you should contact AquaTru customer service via email at cs@aquatruwater.com
AquaTru Remineralization?
Yes, AquaTru remineralizes water post-filtration.
Reverse osmosis is known for removing everything, including both harmful contaminants and beneficial minerals from water. This often leaves the water “empty.” However, most modern reverse osmosis filters, like AquaTru, will often remineralize the water, meaning they add back healthy nutrients and minerals to address this issue.
AquaTru Set-Up
Before using this water filter system, the manufacturer say that you must clean each tank with warm and soapy water.
- Once it’s clean, start by connecting your power cord to AquaTru.
- After lifting the side cover of the base, screw the three filters into their specific, color-coded spots.
- Replace the cover.
- Then place the filtered water tank on the front of the base. Remove the water tank without a back filter, fill it with tap water and put it back in the base.
- On the back of your AquaTru base, activate the red on / off switch.
- At this point, the device begins to filter.
- The company notes that bubbles and opacities may occur at first power up, even though this is simply the trapped air leaking from all three filters.
- The control panel indicates that each filter is performing its task while the water is circulating through it.
- Finally, just place your glass under the front of the filtered water tank, press the blue button and the water comes out.
AquaTru Filter Cartridges
All the filter cartridges are propriety and manufactured by AquaTru:
- Cartridge 1 – 2 – This is the Pre-filter/Carbon filter. The first and second stage filters remove basic sediments like debris, dirt, sand and other floating contaminants. The carbon filter can also remove chlorine, toxic chemicals, and other biological agents.
- Cartridge 3 – This is the ‘Ultra Reverse Osmosis’ filter. It is a patented process that’s very similar to Reverse Osmosis because it removes difficult to treat and unwanted contaminants
- Cartridge 4 – The Carbon VOC filter is the final stage. It will treat and remove anything that the first 3 cartridges can’t treat. It will also improve water taste and give your water a clean sparkling appearance.
How Long Do The Filters Last?
It is small enough to fit on your countertop but filters your water in a few minutes and is capable of treating up to 1200 gallons of water before the filters need to be replaced.
The plastic is both BPS and BPA-free and its 4-stage reverse osmosis will remove fluoride, lead, and more, to filter out a total of over 75 chemicals. filters out over 75 chemicals including fluoride and lead.
The only drawback is the cost but there are usually money off coupons to be found online, 15% off was the highest that I was able to obtain.
AquaTru Key Features
The first thing to note is that AquaTru is not the cheapest water filter that you can buy today.
However, it is undoubtedly very popular and a powerful form of filtration among water purifiers that works off of “Ultra Reverse Osmosis” technology. This technology is capable of removing large amounts of contaminants.
The difference between the ultra reverse osmosis and regular reverse osmosis is that the former is more effective at eliminating impurities.
For instance, AquaTru is able to remove more harmful chemicals. Chemicals that include lead, herbicides, drug residues, pharmaceuticals and chromium.
The ultra reverse osmosis works within 4 levels of filtration.
The first stage is the pre-filter. Stage 2 is activated carbon. And then the third stage is the ultra-reverse osmosis filter. The final stage is the activated carbon filter made of coconut shells.
Key Features:
- A powerful 4-stage filtration process that removes many bacteria and harmful chemicals.
- Very easy to install, set up and configure.
- It uses ultra-filtration through reverse osmosis.
- Compact design which means that it can fit under the kitchen counter.
- NSF certified to eliminate a long list of pollutants.
AquaTru’s Technical Specification
In general, the AquaTru filter is 14″ high x 14″ wide x 12″ wide and consists of the following parts:
- A tap water tank and a clean water tank. Both tanks are made of Tritan BPA and BPS-free plastic and dishwasher safe.
- Power cable.
- 4 different filtration levels (in 3 interchangeable filters).
- Base unit housing electronics and filters.
Aquatru vs Aquasana Clean Machine
Aquasana Clean Machine | AquaTru |
Does not filter fluoride. | Filters fluoride by 91.8% |
20.25" x 5.5" x 11.625" (L x W x H) | 14" x 14" x 12" (L x W x H) |
Filter cartridges can treat 320 (approx) gallons of water before replacements are necessary. | Filter cartridges can treat 600-1200 (approx) gallons of water before replacements are necessary. |
N/A | 4-Stage Filtration |
BPA free Plastic | BPA free Tritan plastic |
Does not change the water's pH level. | Does not change the water's pH level. |
No special offer. | SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK |
AquaTru Filter Replacement – How Often?
The AquaTru device itself will tell you when to replace the filters. However, the AquaTru RO filter can last 2 years, or 1,200 gallons, while the pre-filter and VOC filter lasts 1 year or 600 gallons, (depending on your usage).
AquaTru Water Filter vs. Berkey
AquaTru Water Filter | Berkey Water Filter |
- Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified). - Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters). - Lead 97.5% - Benzene 99.9% - Chlorine 96.6% - Cysts 99.99% | - Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required). - Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required). - Lead 97.5% - Benzene 99.8% |
Available in 1-size only. | Available in various sizes. |
Plastic materials. | Metal & plastic materials. |
Number of filters: 3 | Number of filters: 2 - 4 |
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters. | Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters |
4-stage filter process. | 2-stage filter process. |
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts. | 2.25 Gallons |
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm | 19" High x 8.5" Diameter |
System: 1 year limited warranty. | Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year. |
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru). | Berkey Contaminants List NSF/ANSI test results |
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK | SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale |
The biggest selling point of the Berkey is that it’s suitable for emergency situations because it doesn’t use or need electricity to work.
The Big Berkey can filter up to 6 gallons while the AquaTru can only do 3 liters. And it can do this in less than 15 minutes.
Berkey can be cheaper – depending on which option you take. At the time of writing this, the cheapest model of Berkey (1.5 gallons) costs $230+.
However, this does NOT include the special filters that you will need to effectively treat things like fluoride.
AquaTru vs Kangen WaterÂ
The biggest difference between AquaTru and Kangen is that Kangen produces alkaline ionised water and AquaTru does not.Â
In addition to that, there is a substantial difference in price. AquaTru is priced at a few hundred dollars, while Kangen carries a price tag of a couple of thousand dollars.
However, both are countertop water treatment devices that produce fresh tasting filtered drinking water.
AquaTru Water Filter | Kangen SD501 Platinum |
Only generated filtered drinking water. | Generates 5 water types including alkaline water. |
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon. | Filter methods: Activated Carbon |
Number of filters: 3 | Number of filters: 1 |
4-stage filter process. | 1-stage filter process. |
6.5-7pH | 2.5 – 11.5 pH |
357 to -25 (Negative ORP) | -800 (Negative ORP) |
Electrode plates: N/A | Electrode plates: 7 |
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru). | Kangen SD501 Data Sheet |
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK | N/A |
1 year limited warranty. | 5 year warranty. |
$$ | $$$$ |
AquaTru Water Filter Review: Is It WORTH It?
I say this because it is a good water filter system that creates impressive results but I can’t ignore some customer complaints that highlight potential issues with the quality of the materials.
Now, it’s important to be clear that there are many happy customer reviews online from people who own the AquaTru.
Most comments an1d reviews seem to show that people are satisfied and happy with their purchase.
Particularly happy with the performance.
So if you are trying to reduce the cost and effort of installing (and maintaining) an integrated reverse osmosis system, this may be a good option.
You can get an equally powerful portable water filter for around $100 – $150 with the Aquasana Clean Water Machine.
If you want a machine that does not need electricity then consider a Berkey Water Filter which is also cheaper than AquaTru.
It is also a better machine for emergency situations because you can still use it in a power cut.
The bottom line is AquaTru’s level of filtration is seriously impressive and worth the investment.