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

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+ vs iSpring RCC7AK

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+ and iSpring RCC7AK score essentially the same (4.7 vs 4.7). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+
Ranked #1 in Best Under-Sink Water Filters
Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+
$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
iSpring RCC7AK
Ranked #2 in Best Under-Sink Water Filters
iSpring RCC7AK
$240

The RCC7AK is the best-overall RO pick — iSpring's 6-stage with alkaline remineralization removes more contaminants than non-RO competitors.

Strengths
  • Removes 99%+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, fluoride, arsenic
  • Alkaline remineralization adds minerals back
  • 6-stage filtration
Watch-outs
  • Wastes ~3 gallons per gallon produced (RO design)
  • Tank takes under-sink space
  • Annual filter replacements

How they stack up

Aquasana Claryum AQ-5300+

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

iSpring RCC7AK

Best RO. Adds minerals back. Wastes water.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAquasana Claryum AQ-5300+iSpring RCC7AK
TypeNon-RO multi-stage6-stage RO
Contaminants77 removed
WasteNone
Cartridge6-month
Stages6 (with alkaline)
CertNSF
Daily Output75 GPD
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