If your tap water smells like a science experiment or has enough minerals to qualify as a multivitamin, you seriously need a water purifier. But with India’s wonderfully unpredictable water quality — borewell in one room, tanker in the other — picking the right purifier is more important than picking the right smartphone. And yes, that was a dig at your last ₹20,000 RO you didn’t need.
This guide is here to clear the confusion, cut through the marketing fluff, and tell you exactly what you need based on your water type, not just brand hype.
Understanding TDS and Why It Matters
What is TDS?
TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, refers to the number of dissolved salts, metals, minerals, and gunk in your water. The higher it is, the worse your water tastes — and the more advanced your filtration needs to be.
| TDS Level (ppm) | Water Quality | Purifier Type Needed |
|---|---|---|
| < 250 | Too soft, low minerals | UV or UF (no RO needed) |
| 250–500 | Ideal range | UV + UF or RO with TDS control |
| 500–1000 | Hard, contaminated | RO mandatory |
| 1000–2000 | Very hard | RO with pre-filter suggested |
| > 2000 | Unsafe for home RO | Industrial-level filtration |
A ₹300 TDS meter is your best friend. Get one before you buy anything.
Know Your Water Source Before You Buy
Water quality varies drastically based on the source. Here’s what most people deal with:
| Source | Common Issues | Suggested Filtration |
|---|---|---|
| Borewell | High TDS, fluoride, arsenic, iron | RO + UV + UF |
| Municipal Supply | Chlorine, bacteria, low TDS | UV + UF |
| Tanker Water | Unknown, fluctuates daily | RO + UV + Carbon |
| River/Lake | Mud, microbes, organic pollutants | UV + UF |
Types of Water Purifiers (Explained Simply)
There are five main technologies, each built for a specific kind of mess your water might be carrying:
1. RO (Reverse Osmosis):
This is the big gun — it removes TDS, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and even dissolved salts. If your TDS is above 400, an RO is almost always necessary. Just make sure it comes with a TDS controller or mineralizer, because RO also removes good minerals.
2. UV (Ultraviolet):
This one zaps bacteria and viruses dead using UV light. It doesn’t change the TDS, so it’s perfect for municipal water or any low-TDS source that might have microbial contamination.
3. UF (Ultrafiltration):
UF uses a membrane to filter out bacteria and cysts — but not dissolved salts. It doesn’t need electricity, which makes it a good option in areas with low TDS and unreliable power. Think of it as UV’s silent partner.
4. Activated Carbon Filters:
These remove chlorine, bad odour, and pesticide residues. They’re often included as a pre-filter or inside UV/RO combos. Great for taste improvement, and essential if your water smells like pool water.
5. Gravity-Based Purifiers:
These use UF or basic filters without electricity. Best for rural or low-budget homes with water that’s not too hard. Don’t expect miracles — they can’t remove TDS or serious contaminants.
Best Water Purifiers in India
Urban Company Native M2 Water Purifier
The Urban Company Native M2 stands out for its minimalist, premium design and genuinely thoughtful engineering. At first glance, the build quality feels robust and refined, with a clean touch-control interface that works flawlessly. The 8-litre storage is ample for most families, and despite being a RO system, it’s surprisingly quiet, with only mild motor noise during refilling — noticeable only in absolute silence.
Water taste is excellent — fresh, clean, and odor-free. The TDS levels stay consistent, and the 10-stage purification (including alkaline and copper filtration) delivers noticeably smoother water. It also handles borewell water up to 1500 ppm TDS effortlessly, which is a big win for Indian homes.
One of its killer features? No filter change or maintenance for two years. That’s not a gimmick — it’s tested and backed by lab certifications. You’ll save ₹10–15K over time, easily.
Installation is free, though expect ₹250–₹500 extra for plumbing parts, depending on water pressure. Still, totally worth it.
Priced around ₹13,500 during sales, this purifier offers the best combo of premium aesthetics, reliable performance, and low ownership cost in its segment. Add in US FDA, ISI, and RoHS certifications, and you’re getting flagship-level peace of mind.
AO Smith Z9 Pro Black
The AO Smith Z9 Pro is one of the rare domestic water purifiers in India that offers instant hot water functionality — and it nails the execution. With temperature presets of ambient, 45°C, and 80°C, it’s perfect for anything from baby formula to green tea. Just note: the hot water feature only works when the storage tank is full, and yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve with the child-lock and faucet controls.
Water quality is outstanding thanks to 8-stage purification, which includes RO, SCMT, copper-enrichment, and alkaline mineralisation. Taste-wise, it’s clean, mineral-rich, and refreshing — noticeably better than most standard ROs. The RO self-cleaning cycle (every time it fills) extends membrane life, something budget brands totally ignore.
Installation can be hit or miss depending on your locality — AO Smith is still ramping up service coverage. In this user’s case, installation was smooth and quick, with friendly, knowledgeable technicians.
Minor annoyances? The faucet gets a few drops when raised/lowered, and 1L bottles might not fit without an extra pipe. Also, Z9 requires power to dispense water, unlike the Z8. But overall, for the price, features, and long-term reliability, the Z9 Pro is a stellar choice if hot water on demand is a must-have.
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Aquaguard Ritz 9-Stage RO+UV+Active Copper Tech Purifier
The Aquaguard Ritz 9-Stage RO+UV+Active Copper purifier is a stylish, well-rounded water purifier with some smart features — but expect a few initial surprises. The so-called free installation can come with hidden charges (~₹2475) for an iron remover and pre-filter, which are technically optional, but practically necessary if your iron levels exceed 150 ppm. At least the Aquaguard team provides it directly.
Performance-wise, it delivers consistently clean, palatable water — not ultra-sweet, but pleasant. The TDS meter is fairly accurate, and the system does a good job balancing purification and water retention (minimal waste unless your source water is really bad). The Active Copper + Zinc booster and Mineral Guard Tech are more than marketing fluff — they do make the water feel less flat compared to generic ROs.
Connectivity is a bonus: if you’ve got Wi-Fi, the purifier can sync for real-time status and alerts. The 6L stainless steel tank is hygienic and corrosion-free, but small for families of 4+, so refills can feel frequent.
Aesthetically, it’s sleek and low-profile. Runs even at low voltage, and no power is needed to dispense stored water. Just be prepared for minor service hiccups and space for add-ons. Still, a solid mid-premium pick overall.
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KENT Supreme Plus Alkaline+Copper RO Water Purifier
The KENT Supreme Plus is a feature-loaded water purifier that lives up to the brand’s legacy. From build quality to purification performance, it screams premium. The design is clean and solid, and the installation process was smooth — the technician wrapped it up neatly in under 30 minutes.
Where it really shines is its multi-layered purification: RO+UV+UF+TDS control, combined with Alkaline and Copper filters, ensures water that’s not just safe but also mineral-rich and pH-balanced. The alkaline filter improves taste and helps maintain body pH, while the copper infusion adds real-time trace elements known for boosting digestion and immunity. There’s also an inline UV LED in the storage tank, which keeps the stored water microbe-free 24/7 — a big plus for hygiene.
The RO membrane’s auto-flush helps maintain efficiency and reduces water rejection, which is often a hidden cost in many purifiers. Water taste is noticeably cleaner and smoother right from day one.
With TDS control, you can fine-tune the mineral content, which is great if you’re picky about water taste. Overall, a smart investment for those looking for a health-focused, low-maintenance RO with premium features.
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Native by UC Urban Company M1 Water Purifier
The Urban Company M1 is a budget-friendly sibling of the M2, offering most of the same high-end features at a slightly more affordable price. It arrives with a TDS meter included, which is a thoughtful addition, saving you the trouble of buying one separately.
Installation is completely free and smooth. Full marks on service.
In terms of build, the outer unit feels solid and well-constructed. However, the tap is a weak point — flimsy, plasticky, and not confidence-inspiring for long-term daily use. UC really needs to fix this in future batches.
The purifier itself is packed with serious tech: a 10-stage filtration system with alkaline and copper infusion, UV protection inside the tank, and a 2-year no-maintenance filter promise. Ideal for a variety of water sources, from borewell to tanker, it ensures safe, mineral-rich water.
The design is sleek and modern, easily blending into any kitchen. With an 8L tank and FDA-certified filtration, the M1 hits the sweet spot between affordability, features, and efficiency — just be gentle with the tap.
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Livpure Allura Premia Water Purifier
The Livpure Allura Premia strikes a solid balance between style, substance, and smart features. Its 10-stage purification system (RO+UV+UF+Alkaliser) delivers consistently clean and fresh-tasting water, while the mineralizer ensures essential minerals aren’t stripped out — a crucial detail many basic RO systems miss.
Aesthetically, it’s a winner. The sleek, modern design blends effortlessly into any kitchen space, and the 7-litre tank is sufficient for a small to medium-sized family. The in-tank UV sterilisation adds another layer of safety, keeping stored water protected round the clock.
A major bonus? The 30-month comprehensive warranty — no other brand offers this kind of set-it-and-forget-it peace of mind. Also worth appreciating is the water-saving tech, which reduces the massive waste RO systems are known for.
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Pureit Eco Water Saver RO+UV+MF+Mineral
The Pureit Eco Water Saver lives up to its name by offering a great mix of performance, water-saving tech, and ease of use. If you’re dealing with high TDS water, this purifier handles it like a champ. It brings the TDS down to a clean and crisp 130, and honestly, the taste is as good as Bisleri — no exaggeration.
With a 10-litre tank, it’s perfect for a family and takes around 40 minutes to fill completely. The mineral enhancer cartridge adds essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, and the UV+MF stages ensure the water is bacteria-free. The build quality is solid, made of good-grade plastic and can be easily wall-mounted. The water tap feels smooth and delivers with decent pressure.
Aesthetically, it looks sleek and elegant in a modern kitchen. One heads-up though — AMC (Annual Maintenance Cost) is around ₹5,500, so factor that into your budget.
The Smartsense indicator is a great touch, alerting you in advance when filters need replacing. Overall, it’s a well-rounded RO system that gets the job done without much fuss, and saves up to 60% water too.
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Aquaguard Delight Aquasaver RO+UV+UF+MC Tech
The Aquaguard Delight Aquasaver is a clear crowd favorite and a bestseller on Amazon for good reason. It packs a powerful 9-stage purification system that includes RO, UV, UF, and their unique NanoPore filter technology, which tackles modern contaminants like pesticides, microplastics, lead, and mercury—basically all the nasties you don’t want in your water.
One of its standout features is the Aquasaver Mineralizer Technology, which not only recovers about 60% more water compared to older models but also infuses essential minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water, improving taste and health benefits.
Installation is hassle-free with a free service plan that includes two free cleanings and unlimited repairs in the first year, making maintenance worry-free. The purifier is designed to handle water from all sources—municipal, borewell, or tanker—with a TDS tolerance up to 2000 mg/L.
The additional Mega Sediment Filter prevents dust and dirt from clogging internal filters, extending the purifier’s life. Overall, the Delight Aquasaver delivers reliable, tasty, and safe water with impressive water-saving efficiency—perfect for any household.
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Havells Siphon Alkaline Water Purifier
The Havells Siphon Alkaline purifier impresses with its 6-stage purification process, including RO, UV, and a unique Bacteriostatic Alkaline Taste Enhancer Cartridge that not only purifies but also enriches water with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. This cartridge boosts the pH to produce alkaline water with antioxidant properties, making it healthier and tastier.
One of the highlights is the double protection system—all water passes through the RO membrane for absolute purity, followed by UV treatment that eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses. The membrane performance enhancer prevents scaling caused by water hardness, improving RO membrane life and efficiency.
Smart features include a self-diagnostic mode, purification and tank-full indicators, and a cartridge life monitor that helps you stay ahead on maintenance. The ingress protection tank cover keeps dust and insects away, ensuring hygiene.
With its sleek, futuristic design and dual-tone finish, it fits well into modern kitchens. Overall, the Havells Siphon Alkaline combines advanced purification technology, smart features, and great aesthetics to deliver safe, alkaline, and refreshing water reliably.
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Pureit Revito Prime
The Pureit Revito Prime is a robust water purifier ideal for high TDS sources like tanker and borewell water, with an input TDS around 650 reduced effectively to around 60. Its advanced 7-stage purification includes RO, microfiltration, mineral enrichment, and in-tank UV sterilization, delivering clean, safe, and mineral-rich water with a pleasant taste. The purifier boasts high water-saving technology, conserving up to 70% water, which is among the best in its class.
The build quality is solid, featuring a sturdy design and premium components that complement modern kitchens. The purification and output flow rates are commendable, suitable for families with moderate to high water needs, including cooking and baby care.
A notable feature is the dual filter system: the external filter (ESF) and the internal GKK filter, designed for long life—approximately 13-14 months for ESF and up to 2 years for GKK. The smart indicator warns 15 days before filter expiry and suspends dispensing if not replaced, ensuring water quality. AMC costs are competitive, especially when ordering filters online to avoid service charges. Overall, Pureit Revito Prime offers reliable performance and value for money.
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Aquaguard Sure Delight NXT RO+UV Water Purifier
Aquaguard Sure Delight NXT RO+UV Water Purifier offers a compelling mix of price and performance, making it a popular choice for many households. Its filtration speed is impressively fast, ensuring quick access to clean water. Installation is straightforward, and the service team is responsive and professional.
One drawback is that the purifier does not include a built-in sediment filter, which must be purchased and installed separately. This adds to the initial setup cost and is something buyers should consider.
The purifier uses advanced RO Maxx technology that effectively removes harmful contaminants such as lead, mercury, microplastics, and pesticides. It also boasts UV e-boiling technology, guaranteeing water purity comparable to boiling for over 20 minutes, making it safe from bacteria and viruses.
It works well with various water sources, including municipal, borewell, and tanker water. The cartridge life is reasonably long, lasting up to a year or 6000 liters, which ensures consistent purification without frequent replacements.
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Havells Fab Alkaline Water Purifier
Havells Fab Alkaline Water Purifier delivers crisp, clean water with the added advantage of alkaline minerals, making it ideal for daily consumption. The purification process uses a unique 7-stage RO+UV system combined with Immuno Shield Technology, which enriches the water by adding essential minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc while improving the pH level to around 8. This not only ensures safety but also provides antioxidant benefits by lowering the Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP).
The design is sleek and premium, fitting well in modern kitchens. Its tall, sturdy build with ample plastic ensures durability. One standout feature is the transparent tank, allowing easy visibility of water levels and ensuring no sediment buildup without needing to open the lid. The brass touch faucet prevents splashing, adding to the convenience.
User-friendly features include smart indicators for cartridge life, purification status, and error alerts. The purifier supports multiple mounting options—tabletop, corner, or straight wall—making it versatile for any kitchen setup. Overall, Havells Fab balances health, hygiene, and aesthetics effectively in a reliable water purifier.
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Livpure Glo Star
The Livpure Glo Star RO+In-Tank UV+UF+Mineraliser offers an impressive mix of functionality, reliability, and sleek aesthetics, making it one of the better value-for-money purifiers in its category. Backed by a 7-stage purification process, it ensures water is thoroughly cleansed of impurities, chemicals, and pathogens. The RO membrane tackles dissolved solids, while the UF and UV systems eliminate bacteria and viruses. The in-tank UV sterilization—which activates hourly for 15 minutes—keeps stored water safe even during long power outages.
The built-in mineraliser restores essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, improving not just taste but also health benefits. Users report noticeably better water taste, comparable to bottled water. With a 7-liter storage tank, it’s ideal for small to mid-sized families.
Design-wise, the purifier scores high with its modern look, quiet operation, and clear LED indicators for power, purification, and tank status. The unit’s minimalistic, kitchen-friendly appearance makes it easy to integrate into most households.
After nearly a year of usage, performance remains consistent with no major issues reported, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a durable and stylish RO+UV+UF purifier under budget.
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AquaDart Zinc Copper Alkaline Hydrogen RO Water Purifier
The AquaDart Zinc Copper Alkaline Hydrogen RO Water Purifier offers a surprising punch of features at an extremely affordable price—making it a top pick under ₹5,000 for budget-conscious households. Despite its entry-level cost, it packs a multistage purification system that includes RO, UV, sediment and pre-carbon filters, along with an alkaline cartridge infused with zinc and copper. These additions not only purify the water but also enhance its taste and nutritional value.
One of the standout features is its TDS controller, which helps maintain balanced mineral content even if your input water TDS is as high as 2000 PPM—perfect for borewell or tanker water. The taste adjuster is a bonus, delivering consistently clean, crisp water.
With a 12L storage tank, it’s large enough for medium-sized families or even small office setups. Its fully automatic operation ensures minimal user intervention, while the sleek, compact design allows for easy placement in tight kitchens or countertops.
Installation is reported to be smooth and prompt, and initial performance has been stable. While long-term durability remains to be seen, it’s hard to argue with the value it delivers at this price point.
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V-Guard Zenora RO UF Water Purifier
The V-Guard Zenora RO UF Water Purifier is a solid performer in the budget segment, offering a blend of robust build quality, efficient purification, and thoughtful features designed for Indian households. Its 7-stage purification system includes a high-quality RO membrane and a hollow fiber UF layer, ensuring clean, safe drinking water even from high-TDS sources like borewell or tanker (up to 2000 ppm).
What makes Zenora stand out is the natural-tasting water, thanks to its Mineral Health Charger, which balances pH levels using calcite media. The water doesn’t taste overly processed or bland like some RO purifiers—it feels crisp and clean. The pre-filter included is capable of handling 3000 litres, which should last around a year for a typical family of four.
Installation is smooth and hassle-free, according to most users, and V-Guard sweetens the deal with a true 1-year unconditional warranty, covering everything from filters to electrical parts. The design is minimal yet elegant, and the unit feels sturdy with no obvious cost-cutting in materials.
With up to 40% water recovery, it also addresses RO water wastage better than many alternatives in this price range. Overall, a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers.
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Maintenance Matters
Water purifiers aren’t install-and-forget gadgets. RO membranes need replacing every 1–2 years, carbon and sediment filters every 6–12 months, and UV lamps roughly once a year. Skip maintenance and you might as well drink directly from the tap.
Expect to spend around ₹3,000–₹5,000/year on upkeep, depending on the model.
Bonus Tip: Water Softener ≠ Purifier
If your water feels like you’re showering in chalk powder, that’s hard water. Water softeners help remove calcium and magnesium, but they don’t make water safe for drinking. A softener + RO combo is great if your borewell water is hard and has high TDS.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
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Buying an expensive RO when your TDS is below 200 (waste of money and water)
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Thinking “more filters = better” (not always)
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Not checking your water source before buying
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Ignoring annual maintenance
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Falling for gimmicks like “copper-enriched” without understanding how it works
Final Words: What Should You Buy?
Simple:
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Borewell or hard water? RO with TDS controller + UV/UF
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Municipal water with low TDS? UV + UF or even a basic carbon purifier
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Tanker water or unpredictable source? Go with an RO + UV combo
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Rural or low-electricity area? Gravity UF (non-electric)
