Chlorine is added to municipal water to kill bacteria - but at the tap it causes bad taste, odor, and reacts with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs), which are classified as possible carcinogens. The filters below are NSF 42 certified at minimum for chlorine reduction, with top picks also carrying NSF 53 for broader contaminant removal.
NSF 42 certifies chlorine taste and odor reduction - every filter on this list carries it. NSF 53 adds health-effect contaminants: PFAS, lead, VOCs, and chloramine byproducts. If chlorine taste is your only concern, NSF 42 is sufficient. If you also want PFAS or lead removal, choose a filter with NSF 53.
- Best whole house: SpringWell CF+ - NSF 42 & 53 - removes chlorine at every tap - 9 GPM
- Best whole house for iron: iSpring WGB32BM - 3-stage - 15 GPM - removes chlorine + iron + manganese
- Best under-sink: Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage - NSF 42, 53, 401 - no tank - 15x flow
- Best pitcher: Clearly Filtered - NSF 42, 53, 244 - also removes PFAS and lead
- Removes chloramine, not just chlorine
- Whole house - every tap protected
- Lifetime tank warranty
- DIY installation friendly
- Does not remove bacteria
- Limited iron removal
- 9 GPM - not for large homes
Full review of the SpringWell CF+ →
- Highest flow rate - 15 GPM
- Removes chlorine + iron + manganese
- Lowest annual cost (Mid tier)
- 3-stage dedicated filtration
- NSF certified components, not system
- No PFAS removal
- Not effective for iron above 3 ppm
Full review of the iSpring WGB32BM →
- NSF 42 + 53 + 401 triple certified
- Reduces PFAS, lead, pharmaceuticals
- No storage tank - instant flow
- Zero water waste - no RO membrane
- Does NOT remove fluoride
- Does NOT remove arsenic or nitrates
- Requires drilling for dedicated faucet
- Filter replacement every 6 months
Full review of the Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage →
Full comparison - chlorine filters 2026
| Model | Chlorine | Chloramine | PFAS | NSF | Type | Annual cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell CF+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 42, 53 | Whole house | Premium | SpringWell link pending |
| iSpring WGB32BM | Yes | Limited | No | Components | Whole house | Mid | Check price on Amazon ↗ (paid link) |
| Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage | Yes | Yes | Yes | 42, 53, 401 | Under-sink | Mid | Check price on Amazon ↗ (paid link) Check price on Aquasana ↗ (paid link) |
How to choose a chlorine filter
Whole house filters remove chlorine at entry - protecting every tap, shower, and appliance. Point-of-use filters (under-sink, pitcher) protect only at that specific outlet. If chlorine smell in the shower bothers you, a whole house filter is the only solution. If you only care about drinking water, under-sink is simpler and cheaper.
Many utilities now use chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) instead of chlorine - it's harder to remove and requires catalytic carbon media specifically. Standard activated carbon reduces chlorine but is much less effective against chloramine. SpringWell CF+ uses catalytic carbon and is rated for both. Check your utility's water quality report to know which disinfectant they use.
If your water has iron staining, choose iSpring WGB32BM - it handles chlorine and iron simultaneously. If PFAS is also a concern, choose SpringWell CF+ (NSF 53) or Aquasana Claryum (NSF 53 + 401). A filter that only carries NSF 42 removes chlorine taste but leaves PFAS and lead untouched.
iSpring WGB32BM at 15 GPM handles large homes and farms. SpringWell CF+ at 9 GPM covers 1-3 bathrooms comfortably. For a family of 4 in a standard home, 9 GPM is generally sufficient. If you have a large home with 4+ bathrooms or frequent simultaneous water use, opt for the 15 GPM iSpring.