Aquasana Claryum 2-Stage Under Sink Water Filter AQ-5200

Water Filters

Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel)

Name: Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel)
Brand: Aquasana

#1 · Best Overall

7.8 /10 Our score

Lowest verified price $112.49 Amazon

Our verdict

The best all-around choice for municipal water. If it sells out, the AQ-6200 successor carries the same certifications.

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

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Last reviewed October 25, 2026

Review

What to know about Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel)

A two-stage Claryum carbon-block filter with its own faucet and no wastewater. Wirecutter's favorite under-sink filter, and Consumer Reports lists it among PFAS-removing under-sink models. Aquasana's successor AQ-6200 carries the same 42/53 (P473)/401 certifications.

Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

The AQ-5200 is WQA-certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (including P473 for PFOA and PFOS) and 401. That covers PFAS, lead and chlorine in one cartridge set. Wirecutter names it its favorite under-sink filter, and Consumer Reports lists it among PFAS-removing under-sink models.

It is also affordable to buy, and Amazon.com sells and stocks it. Filters run about $148 a year, higher than the Culligan but reasonable for the certification.

What to know

Skip it if you need fluoride, TDS or nitrate reduction. It does not remove them. Also skip it if you can't add a faucet hole.

Performance

Score breakdown

PFAS reduction evidence

Strength of proof that the system cuts PFAS: a current NSF/ANSI 53/58 PFOA/PFOS or total-PFAS certification (NSF, WQA or IAPMO) and/or independent lab results (TechGearLab/Tap Score, Quality Water Lab). Certified plus lab-verified scores highest; marketing-only claims score lowest.

8.5

WQA NSF 53/P473 PFOA/PFOS certification, corroborated by Wirecutter and CR; no independent lab PFAS number.

Other contaminant coverage

Certified or lab-verified reduction of lead, chlorine/chloramine, VOCs, pharmaceuticals (NSF 401), microplastics, and for RO, TDS, fluoride, nitrate and arsenic.

7.0

42/53/401 covers chlorine, lead, VOCs and pharmaceuticals; no TDS or fluoride reduction.

Value

Upfront price plus annual filter cost per gallon, judged against the protection delivered.

8.5

$112.49 upfront and about $148 a year in filters.

Installation & cabinet fit

DIY difficulty, whether it needs a drilled faucet hole, a drain saddle or an electrical outlet, renter-friendliness, and under-sink footprint (tank vs tankless).

7.5

Compact, no power or drain; the dedicated faucet may need a hole.

Flow & daily convenience

Flow rate or production speed, filter-change ease, and filter-life reminders.

6.0

Rated 0.5 gpm; 500 gal/6-month changes; no reminder.

Health, materials & sustainability

Lead-free component certification (NSF 372), BPA disclosures, wastewater ratio, energy use, effects on pH and minerals, and any media leaching found in lab tests.

8.0

No wastewater; Aquasana says BPA-free; minerals kept.

Reliability & support

Leak reports, warranty length, availability of replacement parts and filters.

7.0

Leaks are mostly blamed on over-tightening; filters widely sold; successor model exists.

Specifications

Aquasana AQ-5200.56 (Claryum 2-Stage, chrome; .55 = brushed nickel) specs

Design

Filter type: Carbon block (Claryum), 2-stage
Filtration stages: 2

PFAS

PFAS certification (as stated by maker): WQA-certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (includes P473 PFOA/PFOS) and 401
Third-party certified for PFAS: Yes

Maintenance

Filter capacity (primary cartridge): 500 gal
Rated filter life: 6 months
Est. annual filter cost: 148 USD

Performance

Rated flow rate: 0.5 gpm

Sustainability

Pure-to-drain ratio (RO): None (no RO)

Installation

Needs electrical outlet: No
Uses dedicated faucet (drilling may be needed): Yes

Shopping

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Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

Retailer	Price	Availability
AmazonLowest	$112.49 $199.99	In Stock	View deal

Lowest verified price $112.49

30-day low $112.49

90-day average $112.49

90-day low $112.49

Based on 2 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

More coverage

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Head-to-head

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