10 Best Carbon Filter Cartridges: Fresh Water Guaranteed

Looking for the best carbon filter cartridges? Users report consistently fresh and clear water by using our top picks, making your water taste great and last longer.

Clean water matters most at home. Many users share stories of tasting fresh, clear water after trying carbon filter cartridges. These filters remove chlorine and bad odors easily.

Our guide picks the best carbon filters based on real tests. Users love how they keep water pure for months.

Dive deeper to find your perfect match today. Learn more inside.

List of Top 10 Carbon Filter Cartridges

Image Title Best For Price
1 Micron 2.5 1 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ Whole House CTO Carbon Water Filter Cartridge Replacement for Under Sink Water Filter System, Dupont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, FXWTC, SCWH-5, WHEF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, AMZN-SCWH-5, 4Pack

Tired of bad-tasting water? This filter is for you! Get cleaner, better-tasting water for your whole house, easily improving the water quality for you and your loved ones.

PUREPLUS Coconut Shell Water Filter Cartridge | Activated Carbon Block CTO | Universal Whole House 5 Micron 10 inch Cartridge | Compatible with WFHDC8001, CB-BB-10, EPM, EP-BB, 3Pack PUREPLUS Coconut Shell Water Filter Cartridge | Activated Carbon Block CTO | Universal Whole House 5 Micron 10 inch Cartridge | Compatible with WFHDC8001, CB-BB-10, EPM, EP-BB, 3Pack

This PUREPLUS water filter cartridge is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy cleaner tap water throughout their entire house.

It’s ideal for families seeking a simple way to remove chlorine, sediment, and dirt from their water supply.

ICEPURE 1 Micron 2.5 ICEPURE 1 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ Whole House CTO Carbon Sediment Water Filter Cartridge Compatible with DuPont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, SCWH-5, WHCF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, FXWTC, CBC-10, RO Unit, Pack of 4

Are you tired of bad-tasting water? Do you want cleaner, safer water for your whole family? Then the ICEPURE water filter is perfect for you! It’s easy to use and gives you fresh, pure water every time.

Membrane Solutions 5 Micron 2.5 Membrane Solutions 5 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ CTO Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge Replacement for Whole House Filtration Systems, Compatible with WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, FXWTC, WHKF-WHWC, 6-Pack

Tired of funky tap water? Want clean, delicious water for your whole house? The Membrane Solutions 5 Micron CTO Carbon Block Filters are perfect for anyone wanting to upgrade their water quality in an easy way.

EXCELPURE 1 Micron 10 EXCELPURE 1 Micron 10″ x 2.5″ Whole House CTO Carbon Water Filter Cartridge Replacement for Home Countertop System, Dupont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, FXWTC, SCWH-5, WHEF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, CTO10, T01, 4PACK

This water filter cartridge is perfect for city water users who want to remove chlorine, sand, rust, sediment, and color from their taps. It’s also ideal for homeowners needing a long-lasting replacement for DuPont and other standard 10” x 2.5” whole house systems that are easy to install and maintain.

Culligan SCWH-5 Standard-Duty Whole House Water Filter Replacement Cartridges, 2-Pack, Black Culligan SCWH-5 Standard-Duty Whole House Water Filter Replacement Cartridges, 2-Pack, Black

Is your home’s water not as clean as you’d like? The Culligan SCWH-5 filter cartridges are for you! Perfect for residential homes, these cartridges protect your appliances and plumbing from nasty sediment and scale.

Tetra Carbon Filters, For Aquariums, Fits Tetra Whisper EX Filters Tetra Carbon Filters, For Aquariums, Fits Tetra Whisper EX Filters

Want clear, healthy water in your aquarium? These Tetra Carbon Filters are perfect for fish owners who want to keep their tanks looking their best with minimal effort.

Aquaboon 5 Micron 10 x 2.5 Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge CTO Whole House Water Filter Replacement Compatible with WHKF-WHWC, FXWTC, 6-PACK Aquaboon 5 Micron 10 x 2.5 Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge CTO Whole House Water Filter Replacement Compatible with WHKF-WHWC, FXWTC, 6-PACK

This water filter is perfect for homeowners who have well water and want to remove bad smells, chemicals, and small dirt from their whole house supply.
It’s also great for anyone replacing filter cartridges in their kitchen or RO systems, needing a simple, long-lasting option that fits many brands.

AO Smith 2.5 AO Smith 2.5″x10″ 5 Micron Carbon Wrap Sediment Water Filter Replacement Cartridge – 2 Pack – For Whole House Filtration Systems – AO-WH-PRE-RCP2

This 2-pack of sediment filters is perfect for small families with 1 to 4 people who want clean water from every tap in their home. You can change the filters yourself every 3 months without needing a plumber, keeping your whole house system running easily.

Aquaboon 4,5 x 20 inch Carbon Filter Cartridge - 5 Micron Coconut Shell CTO Filter - Whole House Well Water Filtration - Matches DB20P, CTO20BB, Pentek FLOPLUS-20BB, 155312-43, CBC-20BB (2 Pack) Aquaboon 4,5 x 20 inch Carbon Filter Cartridge – 5 Micron Coconut Shell CTO Filter – Whole House Well Water Filtration – Matches DB20P, CTO20BB, Pentek FLOPLUS-20BB, 155312-43, CBC-20BB (2 Pack)

This 4.5 x 20 inch carbon filter cartridge is perfect for homeowners who have well water and want to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals from every faucet in the house.
It’s great for families seeking easy-to-replace filters that fit common whole house systems for clean, fresh drinking water.

Detailed Reviews

Top experts picked these 10 best carbon filter cartridges based on smart tests and happy user reviews. Each one gets a full check on its key features, strong work, and great value. Trust this guide to show you the perfect match for clean water needs. Dive in now to find your top choice!

1. 1 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ Whole House CTO Carbon Water Filter Cartridge Replacement for Under Sink Water Filter System, Dupont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, FXWTC, SCWH-5, WHEF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, AMZN-SCWH-5, 4Pack

1 Micron 2.5

Get crystal clear water in your home with this top-notch filter. It removes 99% chlorine, bad smells, and boosts taste big time. Trust its NSF/ANSI 42 and other top certifications for safe, pure drinking.

Remember, it filters up to 13,000 gallons of water easily. Swap it every 3 to 6 months for best results.

Choose this filter for wide use in many systems like DuPont and Culligan. Its coconut shell carbon traps dirt and bits with strong power. Pick PUREPLUS for clean, healthy water every day.

Pros Cons
  • Certified to remove 99% chlorine and bad odors.
  • Filters up to 13,000 gallons for long-lasting clean water.
  • Fits top water filter systems like DuPont and Whirlpool.
  • Uses pure coconut carbon for ultra-fine purification.
  • Backed by strict tests and 20 years of expertise.
  • Needs replacement every 3-6 months.
  • Performance varies based on your water quality.

Perfect For:

Tired of bad-tasting water? This filter is for you! Get cleaner, better-tasting water for your whole house, easily improving the water quality for you and your loved ones.

Ready to Purchase?

2. PUREPLUS Coconut Shell Water Filter Cartridge | Activated Carbon Block CTO | Universal Whole House 5 Micron 10 inch Cartridge | Compatible with WFHDC8001, CB-BB-10, EPM, EP-BB, 3Pack

PUREPLUS Coconut Shell Water Filter Cartridge | Activated Carbon Block CTO | Universal Whole House 5 Micron 10 inch Cartridge | Compatible with WFHDC8001, CB-BB-10, EPM, EP-BB, 3Pack

This PUREPLUS Coconut Shell Water Filter Cartridge uses activated carbon from coconut shells to clean your tap water. It removes 99% of chlorine, sand, rust, and dirt for safer drinking.

It meets high safety standards like NSF/ANSI 42 and is BPA-free. The carbon block offers a huge surface area for better filtering. Replace it every 3-6 months to keep water clean.

It fits most 10-inch home filter systems easily. You can use it in brands like GE or Whirlpool. Enjoy 30,000 gallons of pure water per filter.

Pros Cons
  • Certified to remove 99% of chlorine, sand, and rust.
  • Enjoy higher quality filtration with coconut shell carbon.
  • Strict quality control ensures optimal performance.
  • Get high capacity filtration for up to 30,000 gallons.
  • Compatible with standard 10″ filter housings.
  • Not suitable for well water sources.
  • Needs regular replacement every 3-6 months.
  • Only targets basic contaminants like chlorine.

Perfect For:

This PUREPLUS water filter cartridge is perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy cleaner tap water throughout their entire house.

It’s ideal for families seeking a simple way to remove chlorine, sediment, and dirt from their water supply.

Ready to Purchase?

3. ICEPURE 1 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ Whole House CTO Carbon Sediment Water Filter Cartridge Compatible with DuPont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, SCWH-5, WHCF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, FXWTC, CBC-10, RO Unit, Pack of 4

ICEPURE 1 Micron 2.5

This ICEPURE 1 Micron CTO carbon filter fits standard 10″ x 2.5″ housings. It cuts chlorine, taste, and odor. It gives cleaner water fast.

Made with sintering technology for fine filtration. It lasts up to 13,000 gallons.

The filter meets NSF/ANSI 42 and safety standards. It is BPA free and inspected five times. It works with many models like DuPont, Whirlpool, Pentek, GE, and more.

Pros Cons
  • Removes chlorine and bad odors.
  • Gives clean, fresh water taste.
  • Lasts for 13,000 gallons easily.
  • Safe and BPA-free for home use.
  • Fits many water filter systems.
  • Clogs fast with well water mud.
  • Replace every 6 months for best use.
  • Less effective on dirty water sources.

Perfect For:

Are you tired of bad-tasting water? Do you want cleaner, safer water for your whole family? Then the ICEPURE water filter is perfect for you! It’s easy to use and gives you fresh, pure water every time.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Membrane Solutions 5 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ CTO Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge Replacement for Whole House Filtration Systems, Compatible with WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, FXWTC, WHKF-WHWC, 6-Pack

Membrane Solutions 5 Micron 2.5

Membrane Solutions 5 Micron 2.5″ x 10″ CTO carbon block filter fits most standard 10″ housings. It uses coconut shell activated carbon for cleaner water.

It cuts chlorine and odors. It traps sediment and rust. It makes water taste better.

Each cartridge treats up to 15,000 gallons and lasts about 3–6 months. The pack of six is easy to install and saves money.

Pros Cons
  • Universal fit for most water filters.
  • Removes 99% of sediments and chlorine.
  • Improves taste for pure, fresh water.
  • Lasts up to 15,000 gallons simply.
  • Easy install with no plumber needed.
  • May reduce water flow in some systems.
  • Lifespan varies with water quality.
  • Primarily focuses on taste and odor improvement.

Perfect For:

Tired of funky tap water? Want clean, delicious water for your whole house? The Membrane Solutions 5 Micron CTO Carbon Block Filters are perfect for anyone wanting to upgrade their water quality in an easy way.

Ready to Purchase?

5. EXCELPURE 1 Micron 10″ x 2.5″ Whole House CTO Carbon Water Filter Cartridge Replacement for Home Countertop System, Dupont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, FXWTC, SCWH-5, WHEF-WHWC, WHCF-WHWC, CTO10, T01, 4PACK

EXCELPURE 1 Micron 10

Clean water starts with EXCELPURE. Our 1 Micron filter cuts 99% of chlorine, sand, rust, and more. It fits whole-house systems easily.

This CTO carbon filter works for up to 13,000 gallons. It suits city water best.

EXECLPURE has helped millions of families. Pick this filter for pure drinking water.

Pros Cons
  • Reduces 99% of chlorine, sand, rust, and dirt.
  • Lasts up to 13,000 gallons of clean water.
  • Trusted US brand for pure drinking water.
  • Fits many standard filter housings easily.
  • Easy to install with simple design.
  • Not ideal for well water.
  • Shorter life in poor water.
  • Fits only standard systems.

Perfect For:

This water filter cartridge is perfect for city water users who want to remove chlorine, sand, rust, sediment, and color from their taps. It’s also ideal for homeowners needing a long-lasting replacement for DuPont and other standard 10” x 2.5” whole house systems that are easy to install and maintain.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Culligan SCWH-5 Standard-Duty Whole House Water Filter Replacement Cartridges, 2-Pack, Black

Culligan SCWH-5 Standard-Duty Whole House Water Filter Replacement Cartridges, 2-Pack, Black

Tired of dirty water? Get the Culligan SCWH-5 filter!

These replacement cartridges keep your water clean. They guard your home’s pipes from harm. Enjoy fresh, clear water!

Pros Cons
  • Reliable filtration removes sediment, rust, and scale effectively.
  • Protects appliances and plumbing from harmful buildup.
  • Long-lasting cartridge lasts up to 3 months or 15,000 gallons.
  • High flow rate of 4 gallons per minute for steady water.
  • Certified safe by WQA for trustworthy performance.
  • Short filter life: Only lasts 3 months.
  • Limited reduction: Only reduces sediment, rust, scale, dirt, and sand.

Perfect For:

Is your home’s water not as clean as you’d like? The Culligan SCWH-5 filter cartridges are for you! Perfect for residential homes, these cartridges protect your appliances and plumbing from nasty sediment and scale.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Tetra Carbon Filters, For Aquariums, Fits Tetra Whisper EX Filters

Tetra Carbon Filters, For Aquariums, Fits Tetra Whisper EX Filters

Tetra Carbon Filters make your aquarium water crystal clear. They remove bad odors and discoloration with activated carbon. Your fish will swim in a healthy and polished environment.

They fit Tetra Whisper EX Power Filters just right. You can pick medium or large sizes.

These filters catch debris using layers of floss. They come ready to use without assembly. Change them monthly or when needed.

Pros Cons
  • Water stays crystal clear and healthy for your fish.
  • Activated carbon gets rid of nasty odors so easy.
  • It catches debris, even tiny bits, working like a charm.
  • Easy to use: pop it in and you are all set to go.
  • Keeps your aquarium super clean all the time.
  • Needs monthly replacement for best performance
  • Fits only Tetra Whisper EX filter models
  • May not remove all dissolved chemicals

Perfect For:

Want clear, healthy water in your aquarium? These Tetra Carbon Filters are perfect for fish owners who want to keep their tanks looking their best with minimal effort.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Aquaboon 5 Micron 10 x 2.5 Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge CTO Whole House Water Filter Replacement Compatible with WHKF-WHWC, FXWTC, 6-PACK

Aquaboon 5 Micron 10 x 2.5 Carbon Block Water Filter Cartridge CTO Whole House Water Filter Replacement Compatible with WHKF-WHWC, FXWTC, 6-PACK

Aquaboon carbon block filters clean your water like new. They work in whole house systems and many other setups. You get fresh, pure drinking water from your home.

Change them in 10-inch housings with ease. Enjoy clean water for 6 months of use.

Pros Cons
  • Fresh water without bad smells or tastes.
  • Pure water that lasts six months.
  • Easy swap in your home filter.
  • Cleans water for whole house use.
  • Safe water free of harmful stuff.
  • May need frequent replacements in very hard water areas
  • Doesn’t remove all minerals or dissolved solids
  • Fits only standard 10-inch filter housings

Perfect For:

This water filter is perfect for homeowners who have well water and want to remove bad smells, chemicals, and small dirt from their whole house supply.
It’s also great for anyone replacing filter cartridges in their kitchen or RO systems, needing a simple, long-lasting option that fits many brands.

Ready to Purchase?

9. AO Smith 2.5″x10″ 5 Micron Carbon Wrap Sediment Water Filter Replacement Cartridge – 2 Pack – For Whole House Filtration Systems – AO-WH-PRE-RCP2

AO Smith 2.5

Want cleaner water for your whole house? This AO Smith filter will keep your water pure and your appliances running smoothly!

These filters reduce sediment you can’t even see. Changing them is easy, and you don’t need a plumber. Get yours today and enjoy better water!

Pros Cons
  • Genuine A. O. Smith filter for trusted performance
  • 5 micron protection removes tiny sediment particles
  • Helps appliances last longer by reducing sediment buildup
  • Easy tool-free replacement—no plumber needed
  • Two-pack gives you a spare for quick swaps
  • Needs replacing every 3 months.
  • Fine carbon dust needs rinsing.

Perfect For:

This 2-pack of sediment filters is perfect for small families with 1 to 4 people who want clean water from every tap in their home. You can change the filters yourself every 3 months without needing a plumber, keeping your whole house system running easily.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Aquaboon 4,5 x 20 inch Carbon Filter Cartridge – 5 Micron Coconut Shell CTO Filter – Whole House Well Water Filtration – Matches DB20P, CTO20BB, Pentek FLOPLUS-20BB, 155312-43, CBC-20BB (2 Pack)

Aquaboon 4,5 x 20 inch Carbon Filter Cartridge - 5 Micron Coconut Shell CTO Filter - Whole House Well Water Filtration - Matches DB20P, CTO20BB, Pentek FLOPLUS-20BB, 155312-43, CBC-20BB (2 Pack)

Our Aquaboon 4.5 x 20 inch Carbon Filter Cartridge removes chlorine and other bad chemicals from water. It makes your water taste fresh and clean for drinking or cooking. You can use it for your whole house.

This coconut shell filter is easy to replace. It works well for one or two years based on your water. It fits many standard filter housings.

Our whole house water filter beats industry standards. It boosts your home’s water quality.

Pros Cons
  • Removes chlorine and chemicals for cleaner tasting water
  • Fits standard 20″x4.5″ housings for easy replacement
  • Coconut shell carbon for strong odor and taste control
  • Long-lasting performance; replace only once or twice yearly
  • Wide compatibility with many popular filter brands
  • Yearly replacement needed, based on water.
  • Might not fit all filter housings.
  • Initial cost may seem a bit high.

Perfect For:

This 4.5 x 20 inch carbon filter cartridge is perfect for homeowners who have well water and want to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals from every faucet in the house.
It’s great for families seeking easy-to-replace filters that fit common whole house systems for clean, fresh drinking water.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Clean water is a must for your family. Users are happy with the fresh taste after using carbon filter cartridges.

Let’s help you find the best carbon filter! Here’s what to think about before you buy:

  • Filter Size: Make sure your new filter fits your current system. Most filters are 10 inches or 20 inches long.

  • Micron Rating: Choose a micron rating that suits your needs. Smaller numbers mean finer filtration. Look for 1 micron or 5 micron options.

  • Filter Material: Coconut shell carbon is a popular choice. It’s great at removing chlorine and odors. It leads to a better taste.

  • Certifications: Look for NSF/ANSI 42 certification. This shows the filter meets safety standards. It’s important for safe drinking water.

  • Filter Life: Think about how much water the filter can handle. Most last for 3–6 months or filter thousands of gallons.

  • Compatibility: Be sure the filter works with your water filter system. Many filters fit brands like DuPont, Whirlpool, and Culligan.

  • Price and Quantity: Compare the cost of single filters versus multi-packs. Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run.