Head-to-head · Best Under-Sink Water Filters

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+ vs Frizzlife MP99

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+ comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about users wanting heavy-metal removal without RO water waste — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Under-Sink Water Filters

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+

4.7

$260

The Claryum is the best-overall non-RO pick — Aquasana's flagship removes 77 contaminants without RO water waste.

Strengths

— Removes 99% of 77 contaminants including lead, mercury, PFAS
— No water waste (not RO)
— Environmental-friendly cartridge design

Watch-outs

— Doesn't remove fluoride / arsenic (RO does)
— Higher upfront than basic filters
— Cartridge replacement every 6 months

$260 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Under-Sink Water Filters

Frizzlife MP99

4.5

$100

The MP99 is the budget pick — Frizzlife's easy-swap filter at under $100. Best for renters and first-time buyers.

Strengths

— Cheapest pick — under $100
— NSF 42/53 certified
— Twist-and-pull cartridge swap (no plumbing)

Watch-outs

— Doesn't remove fluoride / arsenic
— Lower flow rate
— No alkaline option

$100 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+

Best non-RO. No water waste. Lead + mercury removal.

Frizzlife MP99

Cheapest. Twist-and-pull cartridge. Limited contaminant removal.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+	Frizzlife MP99
Type	Non-RO multi-stage	Non-RO
Contaminants	77 removed	—
Waste	None	—
Cartridge	6-month	Twist-and-pull
Cert	—	NSF 42/53
Removal	—	99% lead/chlorine

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