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Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect Under Sink Water Filter AQ-MF-1
Water Filters

Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)

#4 · Best for Renters (No Drilling)
7.7 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $124.99 Amazon
Our verdict
The right pick when installation limits decide it. Check the certification on the box before you rely on it.

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

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

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Last reviewed October 25, 2026
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Review

What to know about Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)

A single inline Claryum cartridge that connects between the cold-water valve and your existing faucet, so there's no hole to drill and no extra tap. IAPMO-certified to NSF/ANSI 53 (incl. P473) for 95% PFOA/PFOS reduction, with a fast 1.5 gpm flow. The certified no-drill pick for renters and crowded sinks.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

The install is the draw. It fits without drilling, so it suits renters and cabinets with no room for another faucet. Aquasana's performance data sheet lists NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (P473, 95% PFOA/PFOS) and 401, with 1.5 gpm flow and a 784-gallon cartridge.

The flow is three times that of the faucet-based Aquasana models, so filling a pot is faster.

What to know

Skip it if you want filtered hot water or independent corroboration. Only cold water is filtered, and the certification rests on Aquasana's own data sheet. Sources also differ on whether the certifier is IAPMO or WQA.
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.

7.5
Certified per maker data sheet only; certifier inconsistent.
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 coverage.
Value

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

8.0
$124.99; long-life cartridge.
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).

9.5
No drilling, faucet or power.
Flow & daily convenience

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

8.0
1.5 gpm through the main faucet; cold only.
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.

7.5
No wastewater; BPA-free claim is brand-level.
Reliability & support

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

6.0
1-year warranty; third-party Amazon seller.
Specifications

Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect) specs

Design

Filter type
Inline carbon block (Claryum), single cartridge
Filtration stages
1

PFAS

PFAS certification (as stated by maker)
IAPMO-certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 (includes P473) and 401; 95% PFOA/PFOS reduction
Third-party certified for PFAS
Yes

Maintenance

Filter capacity (primary cartridge)
784 gal
Rated filter life
6 months

Performance

Rated flow rate
1.5 gpm

Sustainability

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

Installation

Needs electrical outlet
No
Uses dedicated faucet (drilling may be needed)
No
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RetailerPriceAvailability
AmazonLowest $124.99 $249.99 In Stock View deal
Lowest verified price $124.99
30-day low $124.99
90-day average $124.99
90-day low $124.99

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

More coverage

Guides featuring Aquasana AQ-MF-1 (Claryum Direct Connect)

The Best Under-Sink Filters for PFAS of 2026 Best for Renters (No Drilling) · #4
Head-to-head

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