This Countertop RO Filter Requires No Plumbing and No Installation

The Dreo Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter is a solid option for anyone who wants purified water without the hassle of installation. As someone who’s tested plenty of filtration systems, I was excited to see if this sleek, compact unit could deliver the same high-quality results as bulkier under-sink models. After using it in my home for several weeks, I found it surprisingly easy to set up and convenient for daily use. But is it the right fit for everyone? In this review, I’ll break down its performance, ease of use, and whether it’s worth the space on your counter.

Dreo Countertop RO System: At a Glance

Rating 4/5

Dreo Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

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Dreo RO System Specs

Testing the Dreo Countertop RO Water Filter 

I tested the Dreo water filter in my kitchen for three weeks, incorporating it into my daily routine to see how well it performed. Each morning, I used it to fill my coffee machine to see if my family could notice the change from using the fridge’s filtered water (they didn’t—good sign!). Throughout the day, I kept one of the full pitchers in the fridge and drank exclusively from it to gauge the taste and consistency over time. For testing, I filled the raw water tank using my regular tap water, which contains measurable levels of common contaminants. There’s a noticeable taste to our raw water straight from the faucet, so it was a great way to test the reverse osmosis system while also comparing it to the other water filtration systems I use in my home. 

To evaluate the Dreo’s performance, I focused on filtration quality, ease of use, and overall convenience. I paid close attention to taste, noting whether the filtered water had any residual odors or off-flavors. I also timed how long it took to filter a full tank and observed how often I needed to refill it. Additionally, I considered its noise level, its footprint on my countertop, and how intuitive its controls were. After three weeks, I had a clear sense of whether this countertop reverse osmosis water filter delivered on its promises.

Impressive Reverse Osmosis in a Compact Unit

The Dreo countertop RO filter packs powerful filtration into a sleek, space-saving design. The 170-ounce raw water tank attaches to the back, and after inserting one of the pitchers into the collection area, the machine automatically starts filling it with purified water. While it’s not the fastest system—it takes about 2–3 minutes to fill a pitcher—it’s efficient and hassle-free. The process produces a moderate humming sound, but once it’s done, the unit is completely silent.

One standout feature is the LED display, which shows real-time levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in both raw and filtered water. According to the display, my tap water started at 280 ppm and dropped to just 5 ppm after filtration. To verify this, I used an electronic water tester, which showed my unfiltered water at 438 ppm and the filtered water at 15 ppm. While the numbers don’t match up perfectly, they don’t lie about the significant reduction in contaminants—and neither do my taste buds. The difference was immediately noticeable, with the filtered water tasting cleaner and fresher.

As Good As a Full Under-Sink RO System?

When it comes to filtration quality, the Dreo countertop RO water filter holds its own against traditional under-sink RO systems. In our testing last year, all the under-sink water filters I tried—including the APEC system I still have installed—produced water with a similar purity level, around 13–15 ppm. That means that this countertop and those under-sink models produce the same great-tasting, purified water.

The differences become clear when considering capacity and convenience. The Dreo has a 170-ounce raw water tank that needs to be refilled regularly as it empties. It’s a simple process, but it requires more hands-on maintenance than an under-sink system that provides a continuous supply of filtered water. For heavy water users, the constant refilling could be a downside.

One feature that sets the Dreo apart is its onboard LED display, which shows the current TDS levels and filter lifespan. With most under-sink systems, including the APEC, there’s no built-in reminder—users have to manually track filter changes based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Then there’s footprint and aesthetics. Under-sink RO systems take up a lot of space, but since they’re tucked away, they don’t interfere with the kitchen’s look. The Dreo, while compact for a countertop appliance, is still prominently visible. Fortunately, its sleek, modern design makes it an attractive addition rather than an eyesore.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what matters most—a hands-off, high-capacity system that stays out of sight or a smaller, stylish unit that offers more control.

A Smart Display That Keeps You Informed

One of the standout features of the Dreo RO water filter is its smart LED display, which provides real-time updates on your water quality and filter status. It shows the TDS levels of both the raw water and the freshly filtered water, so users can see just how much purification is happening. It also tracks the lifespan of both filters, making it easy to know exactly when it’s time to replace them—no guesswork needed.

Another useful feature is the water freshness alert. Over time, the TDS levels in the filtered water gradually rise as it sits in the pitcher. If left out for more than two days, the unit will flash a warning, reminding you to replace the water. Since the water isn’t refrigerated, this is a great safeguard to ensure that the freshest, cleanest water possible is always available.

Water Dispenser: Slow and Steady, but Not Ideal for Quick Fills

The Dreo has water dispenser buttons on the display, allowing users to choose between three fixed amounts of water (8, 12, or 16 ounces) or a continuous button that allows dispensing until the user manually stops it. While this feature sounds convenient, I found it to be frustratingly slow. The dispenser only releases a trickle of water, meaning even filling a small glass takes longer than expected. A disappointing aspect of the water dispenser is the delay in shutting off—it takes about one second after pressing the button for the water to stop, which feels like an unnecessary lag. Additionally, the water comes out at room temperature, which wasn’t ideal for quick, refreshing drinks. I’m not sure that there are many practical applications for this feature; it seems more of a gimmick. 

In my testing, I found that the best way to dispense water was to use the included pitchers. Fill one pitcher, put it in the fridge for fresh, cold water, and let the second pitcher fill as needed. This method was far more efficient and provided the bonus of chilled water whenever I wanted it.

A Solid Mid-Range Option for Pure Water at Home

At $299.99, the Dreo water filter sits in the middle of the price range for water filtration systems, with under-sink models we tested previously ranging from $150 to $500. For the price, the Dreo offers a solid blend of performance, design, and convenience. It’s not the cheapest option, but considering the ease of use, high-quality water, and helpful maintenance features, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, compact solution. It strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a smart pick for many households.

Buy the Dreo Countertop RO Water Filter on:

• Amazon for $299.99
• Dreo for $299.99

Product Comparisons

So, is the Dreo Countertop RO System right for you?

If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-use reverse osmosis system that doesn’t require installation, the Dreo Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter is a great option. It delivers high-quality filtered water, has a clear, helpful display to track filter life and water quality, and comes with two pitchers to keep cold, clean water ready to drink—as long as you remember to put the pitcher in the fridge. The filtration performance is just as good as under-sink systems, but without the hassle of installation or taking up cabinet space.

That said, it’s not without drawbacks. The water dispenser is slow, and the raw water tank needs frequent refilling, unlike continuous under-sink models. If you want a hands-off system with unlimited filtered water on demand, a traditional under-sink RO filter might be a better fit. But for renters, small kitchens, or anyone who wants great-tasting water without plumbing work, the Dreo is a strong choice.

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a seasoned product reviewer with hands-on experience testing home appliances, kitchen gadgets, and water filtration systems. His approach is straightforward and detailed, helping readers make informed decisions with real-world testing and honest insights.

 

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