Waterdrop G2 vs. G3: Which Is Better?

Water filtration systems are a common addition to millions of homes worldwide. Dozens of manufacturers have risen to the demand for excellent water filtration systems, creating a diverse pool of options to choose from. 

However, while the selection diversity is excellent, it can be a bit intimidating when attempting to narrow it down to the best option. So, perhaps you’re examining each of your choices one by one and found yourself on Waterdrop filters. 

Or maybe you’re sold on Waterdrop filters but not sure which one to buy. Just when you think the decision-making process has come to an end, you realize there are several different models. 

So, what’s the difference? Is one better? Which one should you pick? Although we can’t tell you definitively which option is best for your home, we can help by answering the other questions, so stick around to learn more!

What Are Waterdrop Filters?

The Waterdrop G2 and G3 models are innovative reverse osmosis filtration systems. As the name implies, both filters use the reverse osmosis process to filter water for your home. These types of systems tend to be reasonably fast, making them a solid choice for homes with considerable water demands. 

To simplify this further, both filters are essentially a fancy type of water filtration system. So, these may be a popular pick in homes with bad-tasting water, hard water, etc. They fit right underneath the sink, filtering the water directly as it comes from the faucet spout. 

Who Manufactures Waterdrop Filters?

A company called Ecolife Technologies, Inc. manufactures Waterdrop filters for reverse osmosis filtration systems. The filters are made in China, but the design originates in the USA. These particular filters are extremely popular on Amazon, with the seller making Amazon’s Top 500 ranks. 

Notable Features: Similarities Between The Waterdrop G2 And G3

Waterdrop filtration systems are well designed, featuring various additions that simplify the user experience. Before we start sifting through the differences between these two models, let’s examine the similarities.

Design

Both of these Waterdrop filters feature tankless designs. The design eliminates the possibility of contamination while the water waits in a storage tank before being used. The system filters water on demand, meaning the water is filtered right before it goes into your cup. 

However, while the tankless design is an attractive feature, there is a downside. Its design translates to a lack of a ‘reserve’ of filtered water. Since the system filters water in real-time, you might have a wait time. So, if you’re using large quantities of water at one time, you might have a wait time before you can fill your container entirely. 

That said, it’s usually not very long. If you’re filling a cup of water, it could take between 10 and 15 seconds. For the most part, this wait time is pretty reasonable, and most people don’t have an issue with it. 

Size

Waterdrop filters feature a small, compact design that works well with almost every sink size. Both systems are comparable in size and can fit comfortably beneath the sink, regardless of the size of the installation space. Of course, there are some limitations, but it’s reasonably small in the grand scheme of filtration systems. 

The compact size may deter folks who base their decisions solely on ‘optics.’ For instance, if you have the idea that bigger or bulkier is always better and more powerful, you may not like these systems. 

Installation

The compact size and seamless design make installation a breeze. Both filtration systems feature two primary components, including a base mount and the filter mount. Generally, installation requires securing the base in the appropriate spot. Then, you attach the filter mount by twisting it on the filter cartridge. 

Just like that, installation is complete (save for hooking up water lines and such). Most people can efficiently complete the installation process without any issues. 

Filtration Rate

Some water filtration systems can be irritatingly slow when it comes to filtration rates. This can be particularly bothersome when filling up deep pots, containers, etc. While there is somewhat of a wait time with the Waterdrop filtration systems, it’s surprisingly short. 

Even though the Waterdrop G3 features three composite filters, they don’t seem to overly affect its filtration speed. Both systems require roughly 12 seconds on average to fill a standard-sized glass. 

Filter Lifespan

Compared to some water filters, the Waterdrop G2 and G3 feature solid filter lives. Typically, a reverse osmosis filtration media should last roughly two years before tapping out. This is the same for both models. 

Alternatively, the activated carbon block filtration media usually lasts about one year, whether it’s in the G2 or G3.

Notable Features: Differences Between The Waterdrop G2 And G3

Before we dive into the exact features separating the two, let’s take a quick look at the fundamental differences between the two models. There may be some unfamiliar terms or bits of information in the chart, but we’ll get into that later. 

From there, we’ll take a closer look at each model’s differences, comparing and contrasting them to help you decide which option is better for your home. 

	Waterdrop G2	Waterdrop G3
Filtration stages	5	7
Composite filter	2	3
Anti-vibration pads	None	Yes
Filter life indicator	Less sophisticated	More sophisticated
Water taste	Good	Better
Filter change frequency	More	Less
Cost	Less	More

Composite Filters

Although the Waterdrop G2 and G3 systems share several similarities, the composite filtration portion is not one of them. In the Waterdrop G2, there are two composite filters. On the other hand, the Waterdrop G3 features three composite filters. 

The number of filters impacts its overall performance. The G3 offers a somewhat better filtration performance with the extra composite filter. However, the G2 still offers solid filtration performance despite the missing composite filter. 

Filtration Stages

The number of filtration stages can make a world of difference in the final quality of your water. The G2 model features five filtration stages, whereas the G3 offers seven filtration stages. This can be a helpful defining factor in the decision-making process: if you’re working with a limited budget and are ok with basic features, the G2 is an excellent choice. 

Or, if you want the best of the best when it comes to water filtration performance and advanced features, the G3 is your best bet. 

The Waterdrop G2’s filtration system includes:

• Sediment PP membrane
• Activated carbon block
• Sediment PP membrane
• Reverse osmosis membrane
• Activated carbon block

For many homes, the Waterdrop G2 offers adequate filtration that is plenty good enough to meet their needs. However, the Waterdrop G3 offers several excellent filters for those seeking the ultimate filtration performance. 

On the flip side, the Waterdrop G3’s filtration system features three specific filters:

• CF Filter (Pre-filter): This is the first stage of the filtration system, which consists of two filtration layers: PP cotton and a carbon block filtration layer with a 0.8-micron pore size. The cotton layer removes sediments like dust, rust, sand, and larger particles, while the carbon block filters Chlorine, VOCs, and other chemicals.  
• RO Filter (Main filter): This is the second stage of filtration at the system’s core. It removes the majority of the water’s impurities, including dissolved solids. It is a three-layer DOW RO membrane with a 0.0001-micron pore size that enables it to filter out the tiniest impurities from passing water.  
• CB Filter (Post filter): This is the third stage of the filtration process. It is a 0.5-micron coconut shell activated carbon block that works to filter any residual impurities and odor from the water. By doing this, the filter helps improve the taste of the water, ensuring you don’t end up with smelly or foul-tasting water. 

Smart Filter Life Indicator

Many water filtration systems feature an indicator light to let you know when it’s time to change the filter. Both the G2 and the G3 feature indicator lights, although the G2 indicator is basic. 

If you prefer more advanced features, the G3 offers a smarter filter life indicator. Although both lights do the trick just fine, it is a more sophisticated indicator. The filter light is an essential portion of the entire system, as it lets you know when a replacement is necessary. 

For example, if the filter’s lifespan is up without you knowing, you may end up drinking impure water. Depending on the overall quality of your tap water, this could end up making you sick. So, it’s essential to pay attention to your system’s filtration and stay on top of changing the filter. 

Noise Level

Neither of these filtration systems is particularly noisy. Nearly any filtration system working through reverse osmosis mechanisms is bound to make some noise, but generally, they aren’t overly loud. 

Compared to some of the other reverse osmosis filtration systems on the market, the Waterdrop G3 is remarkably quiet. However, any sound produced leaves room for improvement, so that’s what the company did. 

Some customers mentioned wanting noise-dampening features to help decrease noise levels while the system works. So, in response, the company added anti-vibration pads to the G3 that help dampen the noise it produces while working. The result: a surprisingly quiet water filtration system (you guessed it!). 

Cost

Given the extra features of the Waterdrop G3, the added cost makes sense. While the G3 isn’t drastically more expensive than the G2, there’s definitely and noticeable difference. In exchange for a few more of your hard-earned dollars, you get an extra composite filter and 7-stage filtration. 

In addition, the G3 is slightly quieter, has a smart filter life indicator, better stability, and so on – you probably get the point. 

So, Which One Is Better?

Ultimately, the decision of which filtration system is better falls to you. Since we’re all different, based on water consumption needs, budget, etc., giving one all-inclusive “this one is always better” answer is tricky. 

That said, we hope the information in this article helps you decide which option is better for you. For example, if you want the best, most-advanced features and cost isn’t an issue, the Waterdrop G3 is probably the best option. 

Or, if you’re working with a more limited budget or don’t need the extra bells and whistles, the Waterdrop G2 is a solid choice. While it would probably be easier if we could give a quick, one-is-always-better answer, the choice is up to you!