Buying a water purifier? 5 options that deserve a spot on your shortlist

Most of us trust the water purifier installed in our homes to deliver safe drinking water. A low TDS reading on the meter or a two-, three- or four-year warranty from the manufacturer is often enough to put our minds at ease. But neither tells the complete story. TDS measures the concentration of dissolved solids in water, not the exact contaminants present in it. Similarly, a long warranty doesn’t necessarily mean a purifier will maintain the same filtration performance throughout its claimed lifespan. The quality of purified water, filter life and the amount of water wasted during purification deserve just as much attention.

With brands offering different filtration technologies and claims around filter life, choosing a water purifier requires looking beyond the advertised features. Some models focus on extending filter life, while others offer adaptive filtration, mineralisation or features that simplify maintenance.

If you’re planning to buy a water purifier for your home, here are five options worth considering.

Native M3 Pro

The Native M3 Pro is designed for households looking to reduce the hassle of frequent filter replacements. It uses RO-based purification and features a stainless steel storage tank, app-based monitoring and a smart display that provides information about filter health and water quality. Its mineralisation system is designed to add minerals to purified water. One of its main highlights is the company’s three-year filter-life claim, backed by a three-year unconditional warranty.

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The longer replacement interval could make it appealing to households that want to keep routine maintenance to a minimum. Actual filter life, however, depends on the incoming water quality and usage.

Native M1 Pro

The Native M1 Pro is an alternative for buyers considering Urban Company’s water purifier range but who do not necessarily need the M3 Pro’s premium features. It combines RO-based purification with UV treatment, copper enrichment, alkaline treatment and mineralisation. The purifier also offers app-based monitoring, allowing users to keep track of its operation and filter status. Its two-year filter-life claim makes it worth considering for households looking for a balance between purification features and routine maintenance.

Compared with the M3 Pro, the shorter replacement interval is an important distinction. Buyers should also consider the available storage capacity and installation requirements when deciding whether it suits their household.

Atomberg Intellon

The Atomberg Intellon stands out for its adaptive filtration system, which adjusts purification based on the incoming water’s TDS. It combines RO, UF and UV purification with an alkaliser and offers four operating modes. An eight-litre storage tank and app connectivity round out its feature set. The adaptive system is intended to avoid unnecessary RO filtration when the source water’s TDS is relatively low, although the suitability of any mode depends on the actual water quality.

Atomberg also offers a two-year filter-life claim. This purifier is worth considering if you want more control over the purification process instead of relying on a conventional, fixed RO setup.

Aquaguard Aspire Glow 2X

The Aquaguard Aspire Glow 2X combines RO and UV purification with active copper and alkaline treatment. Its 12-stage purification system is designed to address a range of impurities, while the real-time TDS display shows the readings for incoming and purified water. Auto-flush technology helps maintain the filtration system, and the included mega sediment filter provides an additional stage of protection against sediment. Intelligent halo lights communicate the purifier’s operating status, making it easier to identify when attention may be required.

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The model is designed for municipal, borewell and tanker water with TDS levels up to 2,000 mg/L, according to Eureka Forbes. The source water should still be tested to establish which contaminants need treatment.

LG WW141NF

The LG WW141NF focuses on storage hygiene and automated maintenance. It features an eight-litre stainless steel tank, RO filtration, a mineral booster and digital sterilisation care. The mineral booster is designed to add minerals such as calcium and magnesium to purified water. LG’s automated cleaning system can clean the tank, faucet, hose and internal water pipes, reducing the need for manual cleaning.

The stainless steel tank sets the LG WW141NF apart from models with conventional storage tanks. Its wall-mounted design also helps keep the kitchen counter free, while the automated cleaning system takes care of the tank, faucet, hose and internal pipes. Filters still need to be replaced when required to keep the purifier working properly.

Best water purifiers in India: Price list

Water purifier	Price
Native M3 Pro	Rs 24,999
Native M1 Pro	Rs 15,499
Atomberg Intellon	Rs 16,999
Aquaguard Aspire Glow 2X	Rs 14,999
LG WW141NF	Rs 16,490

Note: Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the retailer, location and ongoing offers.

What to check before buying a water purifier

• Test your source water: Get your water tested to identify contaminants. A TDS meter measures dissolved solids but cannot identify specific substances such as lead or arsenic.
• Choose the right purification technology: RO is useful for reducing dissolved salts and certain contaminants, but it isn’t necessary for every water source. Depending on the water quality, UV or UF filtration may be sufficient.
• Look beyond the warranty: A long warranty doesn’t automatically guarantee that filters will last for the entire advertised period. Check the coverage, exclusions and replacement filter costs before buying.
• Consider water wastage: Water recovery indicates how much of the incoming water becomes purified water. If you live in an area with water shortages, a purifier with better water recovery can help reduce wastage.

Inside India’s water purifier industry

Water purifier maintenance and filter replacement costs can add up over time, making long-term ownership an important factor to consider before buying one. In this interview, Leapure’s MD and CEO Rakesh Kaul discusses these challenges, the company’s AIoT-enabled purifiers and its approach to reducing water wastage.

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