Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) vs Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)
Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel)
Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)
The short answer
Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) and Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) finish almost level in our scoring (7.8 vs 7.7 out of 10), so the right pick depends on what you value most. Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) is stronger on pfas reduction evidence, value, health, materials & sustainability and reliability & support. Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) is stronger on installation & cabinet fit and flow & daily convenience. At current verified prices, the Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) costs about $12.50 less.
- Choose the Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) if: Most homeowners on municipal water who want certified PFAS, lead and chlorine reduction without RO wastewater.
- Choose the Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) if: Renters or crowded cabinets where you don't want a second faucet or a drilled hole.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) | Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS reduction evidence | 8.5WQA NSF 53/P473 PFOA/PFOS certification, corroborated by Wirecutter and CR; no independent lab PFAS number. | 7.5Certified per maker data sheet only; certifier inconsistent. |
| Other contaminant coverage | 7.042/53/401 covers chlorine, lead, VOCs and pharmaceuticals; no TDS or fluoride reduction. | 7.042/53/401 coverage. |
| Value | 8.5$112.49 upfront and about $148 a year in filters. | 8.0$124.99; long-life cartridge. |
| Installation & cabinet fit | 7.5Compact, no power or drain; the dedicated faucet may need a hole. | 9.5No drilling, faucet or power. |
| Flow & daily convenience | 6.0Rated 0.5 gpm; 500 gal/6-month changes; no reminder. | 8.01.5 gpm through the main faucet; cold only. |
| Health, materials & sustainability | 8.0No wastewater; Aquasana says BPA-free; minerals kept. | 7.5No wastewater; BPA-free claim is brand-level. |
| Reliability & support | 7.0Leaks are mostly blamed on over-tightening; filters widely sold; successor model exists. | 6.01-year warranty; third-party Amazon seller. |
Specifications
| Spec | Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) | Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) |
|---|---|---|
| Filter type | Carbon block (Claryum), 2-stage | Inline carbon block (Claryum), single cartridge |
| PFAS certification (as stated by maker) | WQA-certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (includes P473 PFOA/PFOS) and 401 | IAPMO-certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (includes P473) and 401; 95% PFOA/PFOS reduction |
| Third-party certified for PFAS | Yes | Yes |
| Filtration stages | 2 | 1 |
| Filter capacity (primary cartridge) | 500 gal | 784 gal |
| Rated filter life | 6 months | 6 months |
| Rated flow rate | 0.5 gpm | 1.5 gpm |
| Est. annual filter cost | 148 USD | — |
| Pure-to-drain ratio (RO) | None (no RO) | None (no RO) |
| Needs electrical outlet | No | No |
| Uses dedicated faucet (drilling may be needed) | Yes | No |
Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel)
Pros
- Certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (P473) and 401
- Favorite under-sink filter at Wirecutter
- No wastewater and no electricity
- Sold and stocked by Amazon.com
Cons
- Some owners report leaks, mostly from over-tightened O-rings
- Replacement set costs about $148 a year
- No TDS or fluoride reduction
- Aquasana's own store now sells the AQ-6200 successor
The best all-around choice for municipal water. If it sells out, the AQ-6200 successor carries the same certifications.
Full Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) review →Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)
Pros
- No drilling and no second faucet
- Certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (P473) and 401
- 1.5 gpm flow
- 784-gallon cartridge
Cons
- Only cold water is filtered
- Certifier named inconsistently across listings
- No independent review found
- 1-year limited warranty
The right pick when installation limits decide it. Check the certification on the box before you rely on it.
Full Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Under-Sink Filters for PFAS of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.