Best Cheap Shower Filters

Shower filters are an easy and effective way to improve the quality of your shower water without installing a whole-house filtration system. Not only do they remove chlorine and other contaminants from your water, but they can also improve the smell and taste of your water, making it more pleasant to shower in.

Additionally, many people have found that shower filters can help to relieve dry skin and scalp, as well as other skin conditions such as eczema.

But here’s the deal:

Affordable Shower Filters Compared

Quickly compare price and features of the shower filters we reviewed:

Ranking	Shower Filter	MSRP	Cartridge Price (each)	Average Replacement (months)	Price Per Shower (365)	Award	Ratings
1	Sprite SL2-CM Slim-Line	$34.95	$11.98	6	$0.07	Best Overall	98
2	Hotel Spa Compact Universal Shower Filter	$18.50	$12.50	6	$0.07	Lifetime Warranty	95
3	Brita In-Line Shower Filtration System	$21.98	$10.98	6	$0.06	All-in-One	92
4	MXBOLD Filtered Shower Head	$24.97	$11.99	6	$0.07	Trending	90
5	FEELSO 18 Stage Shower Filter	$16.99	$9.45	6	$0.05	Multi-Stage Filtration	88
6	Brondell VivaSpring Compact Shower Filter	$19.99	$17.78	6	$0.10	Compact	87

Best Cheap Shower Filters of 2024

Here are our reviews and ratings of some shower filters that won’t break the bank:

American-based Sprite wins the hearts of many with the design and performance of the Sprite SL2-CM. This particular model is one of the company’s bestselling shower filters, and for a good reason.

The Sprite SL2-CM is a slim, unobtrusive filter that can be easily installed in minutes without needing tools. It’s also one of the more affordable filters on the market, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers. While the MSRP on this is $34.95, it was always significantly cheaper when we checked it over several months.

This shower filter uses a proprietary filtration system called Chlorgon (read more about it here). Essentially it’s a redox media combined with copper, zinc, and calcium sulfide. This media is very effective at reducing chlorine and other contaminants such as dirt, rust, odors, and sediment.

The cartridges retail for $19.99 apiece, but again, we’ve found that you can always find them cheaper online. Depending on water quality and usage, they need to be replaced every 6-8 months. Overall it equates to about $0.07 per shower.

At about 2″ in length and width, the Hotel Spa Compact Universal Shower Filter is one of the smaller shower filters on the market. This makes it a good choice for those with limited space in their shower or who don’t want a filter that sticks out like a sore thumb.

Featuring 3-stage filtration, the Hotel Spa Compact Universal Shower Filter uses a KDF 55 media to remove chlorine and other contaminants. When using this filter, you can expect 99% chlorine to be filtered out.

Competitively priced at about $18.50, it is one of the cheapest shower filters on our list. In addition, replacement cartridges are affordable and can be found for as little as $12.50. In total, you can expect to pay about $0.07 per shower.

Another advantage this shower filter has over others in the market is the warranty. Hotel Spa offers a lifetime warranty on their shower filters, which is pretty much unheard of (most other brands only offer a 1-year warranty).

What customers are saying: This shower filter has mixed reviews, with some praising its easy installation and improvement in water quality, while others report issues like weak water pressure, frequent filter replacements, or no noticeable difference in hair and skin.

Want clean water without the unsightly look of a shower filter? Check out the Brita In-Line Shower Filtration System. This unique filtration system attaches directly to your shower head and filters water as it comes out.

But not only does it have an unimposing design, but it also doesn’t lower the height of your shower head (like some other inline filters do).

While showering with this filter will only set you back $0.06 on average per shower, the filters (WFSHF302) are quite hard to find. You’ll have your best chances on Amazon or Home Depot.

As far as filtration, it gets the job done if you are only looking to remove chlorine. However, it does not remove other contaminants like some other filters on our list. Overall, it’s a good and affordable option if you want filtered water without the shower filter look.

What customers are saying: This shower filter is easy to install and effectively clears chlorine from water, providing a better shower experience. However, some customers report difficulty finding replacement filters and issues with the shower head’s movement and water pressure.

While we have some rather proven brands on our list, like Sprite and Brita, we also wanted to include some up-and-comers. The MXBOLD Filtered Shower Head is one such product.

Featuring an impressive 15-stage filtration system, the MXBOLD is an all-in-one shower head and filter combo. This means you don’t have to worry about attaching filters to your shower head or wall, as the filter is built right in.

Providing much better performance than many other filters on our list, the MXBOLD removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants. As a result, you can expect softer skin and hair and less dryness.

The MXBOLD is one of the more expensive options on our list at $24.97. However, we believe that it is worth the price. You can also find cheaper replacement filters, which helps offset the cost.

Of course, MXBOLD is by no means a household brand. So be sure to purchase through a reputable retailer with proper return policies, just in case you’re unsatisfied with the product.

What customers are saying: Mixed reviews mention both satisfaction with easy installation, pressure settings, and improved water quality, while others complain about product durability, fear of explosions, and receiving used items.

Before you purchase a water filter, it’s always a good idea to get a test kit to see what contaminants are in your water. That way, you can make an informed decision about which filter will be best for your needs.

But if you don’t want to go through that hassle, then the best all-around option is the FEELSO 18 Stage Shower Filter. With an industry-leading 18 stages of filtration, the FEELSO can remove just about anything from your water. This includes chlorine, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and so much more.

While we won’t list every filtration stage, some notable filters within this system are a KDF 55, calcium sulfite, coconut activated carbon, PP cotton, and far infrared ceramic balls. All of these work together to give you the cleanest shower possible.

Like MXBOLD, FEELSO is another unknown brand. However, this product has earned thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, so you can be confident that it is a quality product.

Without wasting so much on advertising and marketing expenses, this shower filter is cheaper than the competitors. At only $19.99, it is one of the more affordable options on our list, yet it doesn’t sacrifice quality or performance.

Oh, and did we mention that the cartridges only need to be replaced once every six months? Not bad!

What customers are saying: This shower filter has mixed reviews, with some customers noticing a significant improvement in water quality and others experiencing various issues from reduced water pressure to broken parts.

This streamlined filter is similar in many ways to the Sprite HO2-WH-M. It removes chlorine, lead, mercury, and copper from your water to give you a clean shower experience. Certified to NSF/ANSI 177 for shower filtration, you know this product will do its job.

To provide filtered water, the VivaSpring uses an advanced KDF-55 filtration media that only needs replacement once every six months. However, if there were any downsides, it’s around the long-term cost. Replacement cartridges for the VivaSpring will set you back $17.78 each. This equates to roughly a price of $0.10 per shower, which, while still cheap, is two times more than other shower filters we reviewed.

For aesthetics, the design is very sleek and compact, so it will look great in any shower. Additionally, the filter can be used with any shower head, which is always a nice touch.

Considerations When Buying a Budget-Friendly Shower Filter

While you still need to look for many key features when buying a shower filter on a budget, there are a few other considerations to remember. Here are some things to look for:

How often will the filter need to be replaced?

This is one of the most important factors when buying a shower filter. Depending on your water type, some filters need to be replaced more often than others. That’s why when we put together this list, we only looked at filters with a lifespan of at least six months.

Too frequent replacement can add up quickly and negate any savings you hope to achieve by using a budget-friendly model.

What is the cost of replacement cartridges?

Aside from the replacement frequency, you’ll also want to consider the cost of replacement cartridges. As we mentioned, some models can be as much as two times the cost of others. So, while the initial purchase price may be cheaper, the long-term cost may not be.

Multi-packs can provide some savings, but be sure to do the math before making your purchase.

Is the filter certified by NSF/ANSI for shower filtration?

What good is a shower filter if it’s not properly certified? When looking at budget-friendly models, be sure to check for certification by NSF/ANSI. Just because they are affordable doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality.

How easy is the shower filter to install and use?

All shower filters we reviewed contain an industry-standard 1/2″ threading and can be easily installed with simply Teflon tape and a wrench. However, some models are easier to use than others.

Here’s a helpful guide on how to install shower filters from popular brands.

What is the warranty?

Warranties are an easy way to see if the company behind the product stands behind their product. We only considered models with a warranty of at least 90 days for shower filters. This shows that the company is confident in the quality of its product and is willing to put its money where its mouth is.

What is the market saying?

We always recommend looking at what others say about the product when possible. After all, who better to give an honest review than someone who has used the product?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Ultimately, the right budget-friendly shower filter will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, all of the models we’ve reviewed offer a great value and are sure to provide you with clean, filtered water for a fraction of the cost of higher-end models.

So, whether you’re looking for a basic model to remove chlorine or something with a little more filtration power, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect shower filter on our list.