Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) vs Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W
Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)
Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W
The short answer
Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) comes out ahead overall with 7.7/10 against 7.4/10 for the Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W. Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) is stronger on value, installation & cabinet fit and health, materials & sustainability. Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W is stronger on pfas reduction evidence and other contaminant coverage. At current verified prices, the Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) costs about $634.01 less.
- 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.
- Choose the Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W if: Households with known high PFAS or TDS that want the best-documented broad removal and have an outlet and drain under the sink.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) | Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS reduction evidence | 7.5Certified per maker data sheet only; certifier inconsistent. | 9.0NSF 53 PFOA/PFOS certification plus an independent 14-compound panel, though only one panel. |
| Other contaminant coverage | 7.042/53/401 coverage. | 9.0RO plus NSF 58: TDS, fluoride, arsenic and nitrate on top of 42/53. |
| Value | 8.0$124.99; long-life cartridge. | 5.0$849 upfront; about $145 a year in filters. |
| Installation & cabinet fit | 9.5No drilling, faucet or power. | 5.0Needs an outlet, a drain saddle and a faucet hole. |
| Flow & daily convenience | 8.01.5 gpm through the main faucet; cold only. | 8.0Rated 800 GPD on demand with a filter-life faucet; no measured flow figure. |
| Health, materials & sustainability | 7.5No wastewater; BPA-free claim is brand-level. | 7.0NSF 372, efficient 3:1, but uses power; pH fell to 6.3 without remineralization. |
| Reliability & support | 6.01-year warranty; third-party Amazon seller. | 6.01-year warranty; many bundle ASINs. |
Specifications
| Spec | Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) | Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W |
|---|---|---|
| Filter type | Inline carbon block (Claryum), single cartridge | Tankless reverse osmosis (with UV LED) |
| PFAS certification (as stated by maker) | IAPMO-certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (includes P473) and 401; 95% PFOA/PFOS reduction | IAPMO R&T to NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS; also NSF/ANSI 42, 58, 372 |
| Third-party certified for PFAS | Yes | Yes |
| Filtration stages | 1 | — |
| Filter capacity (primary cartridge) | 784 gal | — |
| Rated filter life | 6 months | — |
| Rated flow rate | 1.5 gpm | — |
| Est. annual filter cost | — | 145 USD |
| Pure-to-drain ratio (RO) | None (no RO) | 3:1 |
| Needs electrical outlet | No | Yes |
| Uses dedicated faucet (drilling may be needed) | No | Yes |
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 →Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W
Pros
- Certified for PFOA/PFOS and lab-tested across 14 PFAS compounds
- Also certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 58 and 372
- Tankless design
- Broad RO coverage including TDS
Cons
- Premium price; street prices vary widely, so confirm you're buying the base unit
- Needs an outlet, a drain connection and a dedicated faucet
- Without the optional remineralization cartridge, Water Filter Guru measured pH dropping from 7.3 to 6.3
- 1-year warranty
The strongest choice for known high PFAS or high TDS. For everyone else, it is more system than you need.
Full Waterdrop WD-G3P800-W 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.