Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filters: We Compare the Top 3 Models

This article may contain affiliate links to products we think you will find helpful. If you buy an item via links on this page, we may earn a commission.

Looking for an Apex countertop water filter, but aren’t sure which model to choose? You’ve come to the right place.

Apex Countertop Water Filter Reviews – Features & Comparisons

In this Apex countertop water filter review, we’ll cover three of Apex’s premium water filter models, discuss more about the brand and why it’s unique, and recommend what we think is the best Apex water filter on the market. Let’s get started!

  1. Apex MR-1030 Countertop Water Filter
  2. Apex MR-1050 Countertop Drinking Water Filter
  3. Apex EXPRT MR-2050 Quality Dual Countertop Drinking Water Filter

Out of all of the Apex products on the market, these are the three we think are the best. They each have a unique set of features, so let’s take a look.

Apex MR-1030 Countertop Water Filter

Features

  • 3 Stage Filtration with KDF and Coconut Shell Activated Carbon filter
  • Raises pH with calcite
  • Size: 14.5 x 6.5 x 6.3 in
  • Filter life: 750 Gallons 
  • Made in the USA

The Apex-1030 is your basic countertop water filtration system that will remove impurities, harmful contaminants and improve the overall quality of your tap water.

There are 3 stages of water filtration:

  1. Removes heavy metals and controls microorganisms with Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF-55)
  2. Coconut Shell Activated Carbon to remove chlorine & odors.
  3. Calcite is used to raise the pH.

This water filter comes in several different colors so you can choose your favorite or the one that fits your decor the best. Your color options are clear, blue, black, green, red, or chrome.

With this model, you’ll enjoy the same product quality, installation, and convenience as with all the Apex Products. Your clean water comes with USA manufacturing, a sleek design, and great customer service.

Best Use: This is a good overall water filter that can remove the most common contaminants, metals, and microorganisms from your water supply.


Apex MR-1050 Countertop Drinking Water Filter

Features

  • Fits Standard Faucets
  • 5 Stage Alkaline Filtration & Remineralization
  • Uses carbon block filters to remove common contaminants
  • Size: 12 x 4.5 x 4.5 in
  • Filter life: 750 Gallons 
  • Made in the USA

Filtration: Removes common contaminants & produces alkaline water.

The filtration system of the MR-1050 uses 5 ways to produce cleaner alkaline water.

  • KDF-55 removes Bacteria, Heavy Metals, and Bacteria
  • Granular Activated Carbon filters out Chlorine, Chloramine, Benzene, organic chemicals and odors
  • Alkaline Beads add Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium
  • Calcite is added back to the water to increase alkalinity
  • Micro felt pads help to filter the water as it goes through the process.

The clear reservoir sits directly on your counter. And similar to model-1030, it can be purchased in a variety of colors.

All of the hardware comes inside the box for a quick and easy installation. All you have to do is remove the aerator screen from your faucet and screw the Apex diverter valve on.

One reason this product is convenient is that you can still use your unfiltered tap water out of the faucet for rinsing dishes, washing your hands, and other tasks that require water. The filter sits quietly to the side and is available whenever you need drinking water, providing an extra tap for easily filling your glass.

The Apex-1050 water filter installed on the kitchen counter.
The Apex water filter sits to the side of your sink, so you can still use your regular faucet head for cleaning and uses when you don’t need filtered water.

Not only is this solution environmentally responsible, sleek, and convenient, but it’s also affordable. It’s one of the most economical Apex solutions on the market. It’s made in the USA by a quality manufacturer who stands behind its products and provides excellent support for any questions you may have.


Apex EXPRT MR-2050 Quality Dual Countertop Drinking Water Filter

Features

  • Fits Most Standard Domestic Faucets
  • Dual Filtration System
  • 5 Stage Alkaline Filtration & Remineralization
  • 5 Carbon block filter to remove common contaminants
  • Size: 16 x 12 x 6 in
  • Filter life: 750 Gallons 
  • Made in the USA

What Makes It Different? Extra level of filtration to remove additional parasites, pesticides and sediment, and more.

This model is similar to the MR-1050, but it contains an extra filtration stage. The first stage is the carbon filtration (RF-1010) which will remove sediment down to 5 microns and filter parasites such as Giardia that can cause intestinal problems. The carbon filter also removes pesticides other impurities from your water.

The second stage is the same alkaline mineral filter available in MR-1050. This filter will add back the helpful minerals removed during the earlier filtration process (calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and increase the pH of your water.

It offers the same easy installation, environmentally friendly production, the convenience of the other two models in our review.

Note: When ordering replacement filters you will need both APEX RF-1050 and the APEX RF-1010.

About Apex Water

Apex is a family-owned operation in Gardena, California. It was started in 1997. Their goal is to provide products for healthy consumption of water worldwide. They manufacture and distribute high-quality items that offer affordable solutions to the average consumer.

Apex’s products are compliant with the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of the state of California. This act protects users from harmful chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects. Now consumers all over the world can benefit from the safest products on the market.

Apex designs its filtration systems to give the water in your house maximum exposure to the filtration process to ensure the cleanest, purest water possible. On-site development and production afford Apex maximum control over their products to ensure the best quality. They are also capable of providing customized solutions for your unique household needs.

Installation & FAQs

Installing these products is easy. They don’t require hard-to-use tools, and they come with all the hardware you need to hook them up.

To install, remove the aerator on your faucet and replace it with the diverter valve that comes in the box of your new Apex product. The rotating collar on the diverter valve makes it easy to install.

installation diagram for Apex water filters

Can I hook up my Apex countertop water filter to any faucet?

No. The Apex water filters included in this review are designed to work with most domestic standard faucets. They will not work with pull-down sprayers or designer faucets.

Two of the most common adapters are shipped with the product, additional sizes including a Universal adapter, and can be ordered by request. If you aren’t sure of the fit, call the Apex customer service number to double-check since the unit will not operate correctly without the correct adapter.

Is my Apex Unit portable?

Of course! Some models are more compact than others, but you can uninstall any of the products and take them with you. Just remember to keep your original faucet aerator and any other parts removed so it can be reassembled.

And if you want something really portable, check out our favorite alkaline water pitchers.

What if I have problems with my water filter?

Apex designs and manufactures all of its water filter systems in the United States. Apex is a family-owned company, so they take pride in their products and keep a close watch on production to ensure quality. However, if you do have problems with your unit, you can contact them by email, phone, or live chat.

Our Recommendation

While all Apex products are high-quality, we recommend the MR-1050 for most folks, because it offers the best value. It’s affordable and convenient, offering the clean water you need at a price you can afford. It’s easy to install and use, and you’ll get everything you need from this unit.

If you need additional filtration for your water, you may opt for the dual filter design of the MR-2050 Countertop Water Filter System.