Customer Testimonials
Real Stories, Real Clean Water
At Filter United, we take pride in providing high-quality home filtration solutions that our community can rely on. From improved taste to peace of mind, see what our customers are saying about their experience. Browse our verified customer reviews and photos below to see the Filter United difference in action.
Margot B.
Budget RO system that works & cheaper than big-box stores.
This VIVA21 5-stage RO system is a straightforward water filtration solution that costs significantly less than comparable units at Home Depot or Lowes. If you're looking for basic reverse osmosis without fancy features, this delivers.Installation took about 2 hours with basic plumbing knowledge. The color-coded tubing and clear instructions helped, though you'll want to watch a YouTube video or two if you've never installed an RO system before. Everything needed is included except the drill bit for the faucet hole.The 5-stage filtration follows the standard RO setup: sediment filter, carbon block, RO membrane, post-carbon, and polishing filter. Water tastes noticeably cleaner than our tap water.The tank is compact enough to fit under most sinks, though it does take up meaningful space. Flow rate is typical for this type of system not instant, but adequate for drinking and cooking. The included faucet is basic but functional.One consideration: replacement filters will be an ongoing cost. Still cheaper than buying bottled water or the $300 systems from established brands. Does what it's supposed to do at a reasonable price point.
George Chu
Flexible design! Perfect for Renovations!
I really like how modular the VIVA21 system is. It fit perfectly under my sink even with all the changes happening during our kitchen renovation, and it connected easily with our new gold faucet. The setup felt flexible and clean.The water tastes incredibly fresh! No more chlorine taste at all.Simple install, great design, and the water quality speaks for itself.
P. Jones
Good lower capacity system.
This is a good quality lower capacity system. It is only 50 gallons per day where other systems are 75 to 100 gpd. You can increase the usable water by installing a larger storage tank or replacing the membrane with a 75 or 100gpd membrane. A pump to increase pressure will also increase the production of water, filer efficiency, and delivery speed through the faucet. Five stage includes the 3 filters before the RO membrane, the RO membrane, and a carbon post filter to polish the water. The water that comes out will be more acidic than the source and lacking minerals. You can make this unit a 6 stage by adding an alkaline inline filter stage after the polishing carbon filter. This will make the water more alkaline by reintroducing some of the minerals that were stripped out. It will improve the taste as RO water can taste a bit stale.This unit includes a leak detector but it appears to work by detecting water on the floor near the unit. If you have a sink leak it could trigger the RO unit to turn off. Just keep that in mind. Most leaks that I have seen were due to installation issues.Tips to avoid leaks:The push to connect fittings will accept about 5/8" of tubing. Before assembly, take a permanent marker and mark a line 5/8" from the end of the tube. This way, when you push the tube into the fitting you know when it is all the way in.Buy some silicone plumbing grease. Lubricate the O-rings and threads on the cartridge housings. This will allow you to tighten the housing and compress the O-ring seal without binding. It will also make disassembly much easier when you need to change the filters.Use a tubing cutter or utility knife to make square clean cuts on the tubing to retain the round shape of the tube. Any scissor or diagonal cutter will deform the shape of the tube and lead to leaks.I recommend you invest in a TDS meter to verify your filter is working properly and to maintain the filter and identify issues. The filter will reject at least 90% of the contaminates in your water. So if your TDS at the source is 140 you should expect the meter to read 14 or less after the filter. I like to install a T, valve, and length of hose off of the line to the storage tank. This allows me to test water that comes off of the RO unit directly. It also allows me to flush the prefilters without having to disconnect the lines.The RO membrane can be damaged by Chlorine. This is why there is a prefilter to remove chlorine before the membrane. A common mistake people make with maintenance is not replacing the prefilters every 6 months or before they have lost their effectiveness. If you fail to maintain the prefilters, your membrane will get damaged and those are more expensive to replace. RO membranes perform better at higher temperatures and higher pressures.As I mentioned earlier, the RO water is more acidic than the source. It is highly reactive and will erode copper and other metals. It is critical that you only use plastic tubing and faucets designed for RO to transport the RO water. Connecting your RO to the copper line to your icemaker would not be a good idea as the copper line would eventually pinhole due to the corrosive water and the copper would contaminate the water. Additionally, the icemaker is often made of cast aluminum or other metals that could erode and contaminate the water. If you are going to do it anyway, at least run a plastic line to the icemaker.I am impressed with the overall quality of this kit. It represents a good value for a 5 stage filter. If you have water pressure below 40 psi or have a well pump you should probably look for a system that includes a booster pump as that is more difficult to add later. You can easily add a 6th alkaline stage, higher capacity membrane, or larger tank to this system so it is a good starter kit. My only knock on it would be that I prefer a clear first stage housing so I can see the condition of the filter but that is not a deal breaker. Under $200 for a kit like this is a good deal.
Phemsley
Nice set of Backup filters for RO System.
Nice replacement filters for my iSpring RO system. They are a reasonable price for the quality and getting a 3 pack satisfies my first 3 stages. I recently replaced my RO filters so I haven't used these yet, but based on the quality I don't see any issues. They match the other filters I use so I don't have any concerns about them fitting in my iSpring system.Happy to have them, always nice to have an extra set of filters ready when needed, especially since these are generally replaced every 6-12 months.
Mr Aloha Friday
They are 5 micron, they fit, water tastes good, test strip shows chlorine is removed.
Contrary to what another reviewer said, the labels state these are 5 micron filters. Test after installation shows chlorine has been removed effectively. I am perfectly comfortable using them for our drinking water and my aquarium, and Mrs Aloha Friday and I consider our fish, shrimp and snails family. One could choose 1 micron instead, but for me, it slows the flow too much and isn't necessary. Our system is under our kitchen sink in the back of a cabinet and we have a dedicated tap for the filtered water. Aside from removing a slide out drawer full of Mrs AF's cleaning products and battling the containers to get them open in the tightest imaginable space, crouched down on my knees, the filters themselves were a breeze to install and fit perfectly. The swearing heard throughout the neighborhood was purely due to the poor choice of location for the system, not the filters. ;o) We have an off-brand system, so off-brand filters always work well. This is the first time using the Viva21 brand, and the water tastes just as it should so far. We usually change filters out every 6 months or more, and if that isn't the case this time, I'll be back to let you know. Aloha!
Will Holland
Water tastes great.
I'm used to a pre filter, an activated carbon, and carbon block filter package. This kit contains two activated carbon filters and no carbon block filter. Taste is great on the first tank, but an RO system doesn't start showing declined water for about a year pending usage. These filters are clean, with very little dust rinsed off before installing, and fot a standard 10 inch canister. If I begin tasting anything off, I'll update the review, but so far, tastes is great.
Wilfredo Figueroa
Awesome 3-Stage Reverse Osmosis filters.
On October 29th I received a VIVA21 5-STAGE Reverse Osmosis Water filtration system for my Apec Essence Ro System. All the VIVA21 water filters were IDENTICAL & COMPATIBLE with my APEC. The installation was a SUCCESS. My Reverse Osmosis Water filtration system has never worked better. So far VIVA21 is working as good as the original ones. That's why I decided to purchase this VIVA21 3-STAGE filter set to replace on time in 3 months. These filters are OUT PERFORMING THE ORIGINAL ONES. Truly, AMAZING bang for your buck.
William B.
Reliable and well-made replacement filters.
These filter cartridges are neatly packaged and look professionally manufactured. I have not installed them yet, but the materials appear high quality and designed for a tight, secure fit. The labeling is clear and easy to match with each stage of a reverse osmosis system.The three-stage setup promises effective pre-filtration for sediment, chlorine, and other impurities. The construction looks durable enough to last the full twelve months as stated.Overall, these filters give a strong impression of quality and precision. They look like a dependable choice for maintaining clean, great-tasting water.
Gregory
High quality filters at a great price.
These are very nice filters. I have changed thousands and thousands(worked and lived on a large boat 10 years) and these are very well built. The carbon seems secure and not just at the bottom, there is a mesh screen in the middle for atructure and the sealing rungs are even nicer than standard units. These should perform exceptioanally well. Great value for the filters, they fit and have no leaks! Back to clean tasting water!
P. Jones
Look like well made filters.
This is a standard 10" prefilter set for ROI units. The carbon filters are coconut based and 5 micron filter size. They were individually sealed in a box.
PuzzledinAZ
Good quality!
This is a before install review but my husband has been handling our Krystal Pure KR10 reverse osmosis system and he knows they will work great. We normally buy KP filters but these seem like equivalent quality. These are a bit less expensive than theirs.These are 12 month filters but we replace them within that time frame.Obviously we’d need to install and run them for months to see if they didn’t hold up as well as KP’s own filters. I would update if they didn’t!
gusp201
This is a review of Viva21 Water Filter Replacement Cartridges.
The ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is B0FSXSLVQM.The 3 pack contains one 5 micron sediment filter and two carbon block filters. The filters are designed for the VIVA21’s 5-stage Reverse Osmosis system, but I ordered them for another purpose. The 3 filters will be used one at a time for installation in a 10” x 2.5” whole house filter housing. I’m trying to make an alternate use for the filters because our community has very old pipes and the water tastes terrible. So far, other brands of filters that I have used in the past do not last longer than 4 weeks before the water starts to have a foul taste.I understand that this experiment will void the 12 month warranty.
Tony C
Perfect Fit and Great to Have on Hand for Routine Filter Changes.
This 1–3 stage pre-filter replacement set fits perfectly in my 4-stage under-sink RO system (10x2.5 size). My setup includes sediment, carbon, RO membrane, and post-RO carbon filters, so these cartridges cover the stages that need to be replaced most frequently. It’s great to have a set ready before it’s time to swap them out—especially since the RO membrane lasts 2–3 times longer than these stages. Overall, a convenient and reliable replacement set that keeps my system running smoothly and water tasting fresh.
Dagget2
Nice set of Filters that I can use in my 3M drinking Water Filter System.
I got these filters to replace my current kitchen sink drinking water filter system. There are times I find it had to get 2.5” wide and 10” tall filters that fit in me 3M system. You need to replace the filter every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage. Since I changed my filters at the end of June, I will not be ready to replace until after December. My 3M system on is a 2-stage filter setup so I will only use the sediment and 1 of the carbon filters. The other carbon filter will be used on the following change out. I compared these filters in size to a old filter I had laying around. They are an exact match.I got the O-Ring, these filters and a new faucet for my next system change out. When I finally get to install all of these items, I will update the reviews.
Sunflower
Fits
I ordered this three-stage filter replacement for my APEC reverse osmosis water filter. It comes with a pre filter (the white one) and two carbon filters. They fit exactly like they should and seem to be doing as good of a job filtering as the other ones I have been ordering from another seller. The water in my location is very low quality and, has several cancer causing contaminates according to the water reports on the EPA website. I’m also allergic to chlorine so filtration is required.Installation was easy. Turn on the water on the RO tap on your sink and allow it to drain completely (I usually put this water into a pitcher in the fridge and fill up my dog bowls with it), then turn off the water going to the unit. After that, place a towel under the RO system, unscrew the filter holders from the unit, discard the old one and replace it with these ones. Then, make sure the receptacles are tightened down all the way. Repeat for the other two. Then turn the water back on that goes to the unit. Takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. My plumber who initially installed this system told me to let it fill up, then empty the system entirely. Let it fill, then drink. I normally keep the water as I mentioned because it takes about 45 minutes to fill times 2 before you can drink it.The water doesn’t have any smell coming from the system and the water is crystal clear. As for the price, they are about $5 more than I spent on filters prior to this set. They do seem slightly higher quality than the previous set, however.* As a side note since I have a Masters in Nutrition, I would suggest using trace mineral supplements to replace minerals taken out of your reverse osmosis water to maintain health.*
TJSynkral
Compatible with most RO's.
These are great filters that should work with most RO systems. I don't like to buy the brand name refills because I don't believe there is a lot of difference across brands.
Tony C.
Good Quality Replacement Set for My RO System.
This 5-stage reverse osmosis water filter replacement cartridge set is a great match for my under-sink RO system. The cartridges are a common size and fit perfectly without any issues. It’s nice to have a full set on hand so I can replace the sediment and carbon filters as needed. Since the RO membrane typically lasts longer than the other stages, I’ll likely hold onto that one for another 12 months before changing it. Overall, this is a good quality and convenient replacement set to keep my system running efficiently.
Rebecca Barnhouse
Great Value, Easy Upgrade for Clean Water.
This 5-stage RO replacement set is affordable but high-performing and comparable to like expensive replacement filters.. The cartridges feel well-made, fit perfectly, and refreshed my system’s water quality immediately. Installation was straightforward and took only a few minutes with basic instructions. A reliable, cost-effective way to keep an RO system running at its best.
Ryder Dye
Great reverse osmosis replacement filter set!
This is a reverse osmosis water filtration 5-piece replacement filter kit. Keep in mind that you will still need to purchase a reverse osmosis water filter system. That system will include usually a large 5 gallon drum to hold water, and the entire system will be installed under the sink, and will probably have a small dispenser next to your main kitchen faucet as ours does. This is a set of just replacement filters for that system. This kit includes the following:Stage 1 Sediment FilterStage 2/3 Activated Carbon FiltersStage 4 Reverse Osmosis MembraneStage 5 Post Activated Carbon MembraneThis replacement filter set is self intuitive; your reverse osmosis system will have filter holders for each stage; simply unscrew the base from the screw mount of the system, remove the filter, and replace with this new one (after removing the plastic packaging). I have done a lot of research over the years, and to me, nothing makes me feel safer than drinking water filtered this way. I feel it is most definitely my favorite tasting water.
Angus
Great deal on a full set of replacement cartridges. Works with APEC ROES system!
These seem like OEM quality, but I just got them and installed them. Can't comment yet about long-term performance, but I have changed the filters on this system annually for the last three years and this set seems to be indistinguishable from the branded sets I have purchased previously. Water tastes great and everything seems to be working just as intended. I was nervous about sizing because no claims were made about compatibility, but I think these filters will be compatible with many of the existing systems...but of course I cannot guarantee that. It did work out well for me. The price seems fairly equivalent to the OEM system, so I would likely stick with that in the future, but in this case it did work out well for me.
Tigres13
High quality American brand.
This was exactly what I needed for my under sink reverse osmosis system. The filters are indivdually wrapped so they stay hygienic if you are not installing them right away, which is a huge deal for me as the membrane is only changed once every 5 years or so. Every filter for nicely into my unit without any extra wiggle like I have seen with some other brands. The company is an American brand and offers support that is extremely accessible too.
Wilfredo Figueroa
Awesome Reverse Osmosis 5-Stage filters.
Supposedly New York City has the best water in the world. However I moved to upstate NY in 98 and the water there just didn't taste as good. In September of 2024 I purchased an Apec Reverse Osmosis 5 stage water filtration system. I was really surprised that it worked so well.On a recent Amazon Vine search I found a 5 stage reverse osmosis sold by VIVA21 and I ordered it for my Apec system. Immediately I began removing the old filters to put in the new ones. All of the 5-Stage VIVA21 reverse osmosis filters were IDENTICAL & COMPATIBLE to the Apec system. After I was done I began the procedure of filling & emptying the water tank a couple of times to remove impurities. Afterwards I checked the water quality with an electronic water tester I brought on Amazon. My water was reading 387 (taste is not very pleasant) at that level. I didn't remove the filters on time. With the new VIVA21 REVERSE OSMOSIS 5-STAGE WATER FILTERS added. The new reading is 26 (ideal drinking water). Bottom line these filters are working as good as the original ones. This is a good value for your hard earned money. I highly recommend them.
Will Holland
Fits standard 10" cartridge RO units.
This kit comes with all filters to swap out a complete 5 stage 10 inch cartridge RO filter system. The filters appear to be OEM, as the post carbon filter is the exact same size and shape as mine, just with different stickers. You will need to save and re-use your existing fittings, as the post filter comes without them. Installation was a breeze as the post filter and membrane were almost identical, and took only about 10 minutes to complete. My old system used 1 carbon block, and 1 granulated carbon filter, where this one uses 2 carbon blocks, eliminating all of the filter washing common with granulated carbon. One thing I would change, is the post carbon filter doesn't have a flow indicator, but as can be seen in the photo, I simply noted the shape and went with it. One note if this is your first filter swap, pick up some silicone grease from the plumbing section at the hardware store, coating your O-rings and line ends when reassembling will prolong your O-rings and ensure against small leaks.
Phemsley
Full Set for 5 Stage RO System.
This is a good full replacement for a 5 stage RO system. I have an iSpring system and these all appear to be compatable and match other filters that I have. I can't speak to their effectiveness as I recently replaced my filters and haven't needed to install these yet, but I was pleased to find they all matched the fit so I will be able to use them on my next replacement.The price seems a little high compared to other filter sets I've purchased, but still inline with what you would expect for a full set of filters.Overall happy with the quality and look forward to having another set of filters ready when needed!
Just A Dream Away
Best replacement reverse osmosis kit, at a bargain price.
These filters are identical to the OEM filters, but at 64% of the price listed for the OEM filters. As such, this pack is a bargain.They’re also marked as, Made in the USA, which is important in terms of quality manufacturing.The labels and instructions are clear.Every filter of the 5 stage filters in this kit is clearly labeled. As such, it’s easy to know in which filter canister each one goes.The fit and design are perfect. The only filter that’s slightly narrower, is the fifth stage filter, the one that connects between the storage tank and the RO faucet. However, this is a non-issue because the fifth stage filter in the kit still fits fine on the holder brackets above the reverse osmosis membrane. The fifth filter makes one last past on the water coming out of the tank, before it comes out of the faucet, the water however has already been thoroughly cleaned at this stage. The fifth stage filter isn’t labeled in which direction the water should flow, like the arrow printed on the OEM filter. However, you can deduct in which direction to connect the last stage filter from the identical exterior design as the OEM filter.The rest of the filters are identical in all aspects.After draining the tank a couple of times to flush the carbon from the system, as is recommended when replacing your filters, the water tastes absolutely amazing!This will be my go-to-kit for replacement filters for our reverse osmosis system going forward.
J. Smith
Great Fit, Great Value — Working Well So Far.
I run a home-grown filtration setup using standard 10” filter housings, and these all slid right into place exactly as they should. No forcing, no trimming, no surprises.I’ve only had the system up and running for a couple of weeks, but so far it’s been working great. I’m feeding both our ice maker and the drinking water faucet at the kitchen sink, and the water quality has been excellent.For the price, getting all five filtration stages in one set is a really good deal. Everything looks well made and is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.If you’re running a standard 10” RO system and need a full replacement set, this one’s easy to recommend.
Hiep
High volume filter for clean drinking water.
The filter has a reverse osmosis membrane that seem to be high volume as it fills up the reservoir quickly. The first gallon has to be flushed to clear out the carbon residue in the filters like any other filter sets. It fits the 5 stage water filtration system well without any fuss. The silicon seals and filter materials seem to be well made. Works well to filter drinking water. It is easy to install just like the other filters of the same type. The stage 5 carbon filter was slightly confusing as it does not have a directional arrow. Guessed the water comes in on right side and out on left like the previous filters, seem to work fine this way.
Make It Fig
Perfect replacement for the VIVA21.
This replacement set of cartridges fits the VIVA21 well and installs easily without any leaks or issues. These are sized perfectly and replace just like the original cartridges. I installed this et with no issues. This is a good value for the price.
Mr. Brucker
Accurate fit and solid quality for RO/DI systems went from 250TDS to 10 TDS.
This replacement set fit my Bulk Reef Supply RO/DI system perfectly. All cartridges were the correct size and included everything needed for a full five-stage setup. The RO membrane looks nearly identical to a Dow Filmtec and delivers clean, low TDS water, around 10 ppm in my case. Build quality feels solid, and overall it’s a great value for maintaining a reef or home filtration system.
Ickrocks
Good RO filter replacement.
These RO filters are well protected in the packaging and each one is labeled clearly so you don’t accidentally install a filter in the wrong position. They appear to fit the VIVA21 RO system exactly as advertised and will likely work on other RO systems. After installing them, I haven’t noticed any sediments making it through or any bad taste in the water. Overall, they’re straightforward, clean, and seem to do the job well.

