Clean water is essential for health. But with so many water filter brands on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right system for your home. Two popular options are Aquasana and LifeSource water filters.
But how exactly do these two brands stack up? In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare Aquasana and LifeSource side-by-side to reveal the pros, cons, cost, features, and key differences between these two filtration leaders.
Read on to determine if Aquasana or LifeSource is the best choice for your household.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factors | Aquasana | LifeSource |
| Filtration Stages | 5-7 stages | 4-6 stages |
| Filtration Technology | Activated carbon, sub-micron, UV, ion exchange | Sediment filter, carbon block, KDF media, ion exchange |
| Contaminant Removal | Excellent broad filtration of chlorine, chemicals, bacteria, etc | Specializes in heavy metal removal like lead |
| Filter Life | 6-12 months | 1-3 years |
| Filter Cost | $50-150 per filter set | $200-400 per filter set |
| Installation | Designed for DIY | Requires professional |
| Warranty | 3-10 years | 25 years |
| Customer Service | Highly rated | Mixed reviews |
Overview Of Aquasana Water Filters
Founded in 1998, Aquasana is one of the pioneering brands in home water filtration. Their systems use multiple stages of filtration to maximize contaminant removal while retaining healthy minerals.
Aquasana offers whole house, under sink, shower filter, and water pitcher options for diverse needs. Their filtration technologies include activated carbon, sub-micron mechanical, UV, and ion exchange filtration. Replacement filters cost $50-130 depending on the model.
Key Pros:
- NSF certified filtration reduces up to 99% of contaminants
- Retains beneficial minerals in water
- Easy filter replacement every 6-12 months
- Affordable systems for any budget
Potential Cons:
- May need professional installation for some models
- Not ideal for significant sediment or hard water issues
- Some durability issues reported in reviews
Cost: $$-$$$ depending on system chosen
Also Read: Is Waterboy Better Than LifeSource Water Filter?
Overview Of Lifesource Water Filters
LifeSource Water specializes in whole house water filter systems designed to address a wide range of water problems. Their systems use a patented 6-stage process combining carbon, kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF), and other media.
LifeSource claims to remove up to 99% of water contaminants including lead, bacteria, chlorine, pharmaceuticals and microplastics. Replacement filters cost approximately $200-400 per set every 1-3 years.
Key Pros:
- Comprehensive whole house filtration
- Proprietary KDF technology for heavy metals
- Long lasting filters (up to 3 years)
- 25 year limited manufacturer warranty
Potential Cons:
- Expensive initial investment
- Possible pressure/flow issues in some homes
- Mixed reviews of taste improvement
Cost: $$$$-$$$$$
Comparison Of Features Between Aquasana Vs. Lifesource
Filtration Technology
One major difference between Aquasana and LifeSource is the filtration methods used:
Aquasana systems utilize 5-7 stages of filtration including:
- Activated carbon – absorbs chemicals and chlorine
- Sub-micron mechanical – traps particulates
- Ion exchange – reduces lead and heavy metals
- UV filtration – destroys bacteria and cysts
- Mineralizing – adds healthy minerals
LifeSource relies primarily on:
- Sediment pre-filter – removes large particles
- Activated carbon block – absorbs some contaminants
- KDF media – reduces heavy metals like lead
- Ion exchange – additional contaminant removal
Aquasana wins for using more advanced filtration technology to maximize contaminant removal. LifeSource’s KDF media is a standout for heavy metal reduction, but lacks robust filtration stages.
Also Read: Choose The Better Option Between Berkey And Hydroviv.
Filtration Effectiveness
Based on their technology, how well do Aquasana and LifeSource systems perform?:
Chlorine removal – Both effectively reduce chlorine taste and odor via carbon filters. Aquasana also uses sub-micron filtration to further reduce chlorine by up to 97%.
Lead reduction – Aquasana’s ion exchange and LifeSource’s KDF media both significantly decrease lead levels. Slight edge to LifeSource.
Bacteria – Aquasana’s UV stage gives it better bacteria removal. LifeSource has limited bacteria fighting capability.
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals – Aquasana removes more engineered chemicals like pesticides and pharmaceuticals trace compounds through sub-micron filtration.
Hard Water – Neither system fully softens hard water on its own.
Overall, Aquasana delivers better filtration performance for common contaminants like chlorine, bacteria and chemicals. LifeSource’s strength is lead removal.
Filter Longevity
How long do filters last before needing replacement is a huge cost consideration:
Most Aquasana filters need to be changed every 6-12 months depending on usage and water quality. Their replacement filters range from $50-150 per set.
LifeSource filters have an impressive 1-3 years lifespan before replacement is required. However, their filters cost $200-400 per set.
While LifeSource filters last significantly longer, the higher upfront cost may balance out the savings over time. Still, less frequent replacements are more convenient for most homeowners.
Installation & Maintenance
Here’s how Aquasana and LifeSource compare for setup and ongoing maintenance:
Aquasana systems are designed for DIY installation in most cases. Their twist or clamp fittings allow for easy install without plumbing changes. Maintenance involves replacing filters on your own schedule.
LifeSource recommends professional installation for most models due to pipe cutting and complex setup. Maintenance requires replacing filters on the prescribed schedule, but no other routine maintenance needed.
Aquasana systems win for easier DIY install and maintenance. But LifeSource provides solid technical support if professional help is preferred.
Warranties & Customer Service
An important consideration for any major purchase is the warranty protection and customer service reputation:
- Aquasana – 3-10 year limited warranties based on the product. Positive reputation for helpful customer service and support.
- LifeSource – Outstanding 25 year limited manufacturer warranty on hardware. Mixed reviews of customer service responsiveness.
While Aquasana provides better customer service, LifeSource’s industry-leading 25 year warranty offers substantial peace of mind on your investment.
Watch the video to know more!
Best Aquasana Water Filter Systems
To summarize, here are some of Aquasana’s top recommended water filter models for different needs:
- OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis – For undersink use, the OptimH2O RO system delivers pure water through reverse osmosis, carbon and UV stages.
- Rhino Equipped Whole House – This comprehensive 7-stage whole house system effectively reduces chlorine, lead, bacteria, chemicals and more.
- Claryum Shower Filter – The 2-stage Claryum filter removes chlorine for healthier skin and hair while showering. Easy install.
- Claryum Countertop – For convenient filtered water directly from your tap, the countertop Claryum hooks up in minutes to remove 66 contaminants.
Aquasana gives you excellent whole home and point-of-use filtration options for any household’s needs.
Also Read: Comparison Between Aquasana And Pentair: Which Water Filtration System Is Better?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For whole home use, a multistage system like Aquasana Rhino delivers the most complete filtration. It combines technologies like carbon, sub-micron, UV, and ion exchange to remove a broad range of contaminants. For undersink filtration, reverse osmosis systems are the most thorough.
RO filters like Aquasana OptimH2O remove up to 99% of contaminants through a semi-permeable membrane and carbon/UV stages.
Brands like Pelican, Clearly Filtered, and Aquios are viewed as quality alternatives comparable to Aquasana systems. However, Aquasana is widely regarded as the leader in performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
With proper filter replacements, Aquasana systems can last 10-15 years for most whole house units. Even undersink RO systems can function effectively for 5-10 years with routine filter changes every 2-3 years.
No, LifeSource does not use reverse osmosis technology in their water filters. They rely on a multi-stage process involving sediment filtration, activated carbon block, KDF media for heavy metals, and ion exchange. While decent filtration, it does not match the contaminant removal capability of reverse osmosis.
The Verdict
In summary, when comparing Aquasana and LifeSource overall:
- Aquasana is better for removing a wide range of common contaminants. Their filtration technology is more advanced and thorough.
- LifeSource’s strength is reducing heavy metals, especially lead. Their filters also last significantly longer between changes.
For most homeowners wanting reliable whole house filtration, Aquasana is likely the superior choice. Their systems deliver healthier, cleaner water for all uses throughout your home.
However, if lead contamination is your chief concern, the specialized filtration of LifeSource may be the right solution. Their 25 year warranty also offers solid long-term protection on your investment.
We hope this detailed guide makes it easy to decide on the best water filtration system for your household’s needs!
