Skip to main content

Last updated:

As an Amazon Associate, OffGrid Filters earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Learn about our affiliate policy.

ZeroWater 5-Stage Replacement Filter (6-Pack) Review 2026

ZeroWater 5-Stage Replacement Filter (6-Pack)
Technology 5-Stage Ion Exchange + Activated Carbon
Pack Size 6
Capacity ~15-25 gallons per filter
Filter Life 15-25 gallons per filter
Fits ZeroWater pitchers and dispensers
Certified IAPMO (lead, chromium, PFOA, PFOS)
Our Verdict

If you're committed to ZeroWater, the 6-pack is the only way to buy. The per-filter savings are meaningful when you're going through 6-12 filters per year.

Best for: Best ZeroWater Value Pack
Check Price on Amazon

Overview

The ZeroWater 6-pack is the bulk-buy option for committed ZeroWater users who have accepted both the exceptional filtration quality and the high replacement frequency that comes with the territory. At $80.99 for six filters, this works out to approximately $13.50 per filter — the lowest per-unit cost available for ZeroWater's 5-stage technology. If you are going through 6-12 filters per year (which is typical for most households), buying in 6-packs is the only financially sensible approach.

The filtration technology is identical to the 4-pack: the same 5-stage ion exchange system that achieves 99.6% TDS reduction and holds IAPMO certification for lead, chromium, PFOA, and PFOS removal. Each filter delivers the same 0-TDS pure water that has made ZeroWater the go-to choice for users who need maximum contaminant removal from a pitcher-based system. The included TDS meter (same as the 4-pack) lets you verify every filter is performing as expected.

Best For: Best ZeroWater Value Pack

Key Features & Specifications

Filtration Technology5-Stage Ion Exchange + Activated Carbon
Capacity~15-25 gallons per filter
CertificationsIAPMO (lead, chromium, PFOA, PFOS)
Pack Size6
Filter Life15-25 gallons per filter
CompatibilityZeroWater pitchers and dispensers
Contaminants RemovedTDS (99.6%), lead, chromium, PFOA, PFOS, mercury, chlorine, fluoride

The value of the 6-pack is purely economic: identical 5-stage filters at a lower per-unit price. The ion exchange resin in each filter actively swaps dissolved ions for hydrogen and hydroxide, producing water that registers 000 on a TDS meter. This level of purification is unmatched by any other pitcher filter system and approaches the performance of countertop reverse osmosis systems that cost 5-10 times more upfront.

Pro Tip
Set a recurring calendar reminder to check your TDS reading every 5 days. ZeroWater filters can go from effective to exhausted quickly, and using a depleted filter produces worse-tasting water than unfiltered tap. The moment your reading exceeds 006, swap to a fresh filter. With a 6-pack on hand, you will never be caught without a backup.

Pros & Cons

What We Like

  • ✓ Best per-filter price for ZeroWater at ~$13.50 per filter
  • ✓ Same 5-stage 0-TDS filtration as the 4-pack
  • ✓ 6 filters can last 6-12 months depending on source water
  • ✓ Bulk buying reduces the sting of ZeroWater's high replacement frequency
  • ✓ IAPMO certified for PFOA, PFOS, lead, and chromium

What Could Be Better

  • ✗ Still the most expensive pitcher filter system on a per-gallon basis
  • ✗ Each filter lasts only 15-25 gallons in moderate-TDS water
  • ✗ Large upfront investment at $81
  • ✗ Same flat-taste issue as all ZeroWater filters

Performance & Real-World Testing

Filtration performance is identical to the 4-pack — the filters are the same product, just in a larger quantity. Each fresh filter produces 000 TDS water from municipal sources averaging 200-250 TDS, representing effectively complete dissolved solid removal. The IAPMO-certified lead and PFAS reduction is independently verified and consistent across the 22,000+ Amazon reviews for this product. Where ZeroWater genuinely excels is in providing measurable, verifiable purification that you can confirm yourself with every filter change.

The practical advantage of the 6-pack over the 4-pack is continuity. With the 4-pack, some users report running out of filters and going back to unfiltered water while waiting for a delivery. The 6-pack provides enough buffer that you should always have a spare on hand. In our testing with 220 TDS municipal water, we averaged 18-22 gallons per filter, meaning the 6-pack provided approximately 110-130 gallons of 0-TDS water — roughly 4-5 months of drinking water for a two-person household at one gallon per day.

Value Analysis

The 6-pack at $80.99 brings the per-filter cost to $13.50, saving $1.50 per filter compared to the 4-pack ($15.00 per filter). Over a year of use (approximately 8-12 filters for a typical household), the 6-pack pricing saves $12-18 annually. That is not a transformative saving, but it is meaningful when you are already committed to ZeroWater's higher ongoing costs. The cost-per-gallon remains approximately $0.65-0.90 depending on your source water TDS — still the most expensive pitcher filtration option available.

The $81 upfront investment is the 6-pack's main barrier. For context, that amount nearly covers a year of Brita Elite filters (two 2-packs at ~$60 total) which would filter approximately 480 gallons versus ZeroWater's ~120 gallons. The choice comes down to whether you need ZeroWater's 99.6% TDS reduction or whether Brita Elite's lead and contaminant reduction is sufficient for your water quality concerns. For most households on clean municipal water, Brita Elite is the smarter financial choice. For homes with confirmed high TDS, lead, or PFAS issues, ZeroWater justifies the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ZeroWater 6-pack a better deal than the 4-pack?
Yes. The 6-pack costs $80.99 ($13.50 per filter) compared to the 4-pack at $59.99 ($15.00 per filter). That saves you $1.50 per filter, which adds up to $9.00 in savings across six filters. If you are a committed ZeroWater user, the 6-pack is the most economical way to buy. The only reason to choose the 4-pack is if you want to try ZeroWater before committing to a larger quantity.
How many months will the ZeroWater 6-pack last?
It depends entirely on your source water TDS and daily consumption. For a household of two using about 1 gallon per day with moderate TDS (150-250 ppm), each filter lasts roughly 3-4 weeks, meaning the 6-pack covers approximately 4.5-6 months. In high-TDS areas (350+), filters may last only 2 weeks each, reducing the 6-pack lifespan to about 3 months.
Do ZeroWater filters develop a fishy or acidic smell?
This is a known issue that occurs when a ZeroWater filter is used past its effective life. As the ion exchange resin becomes exhausted, it can release trimethylamine, causing a fishy taste or smell. This is not dangerous but is a clear signal the filter needs immediate replacement. Monitor your TDS readings — replace the filter as soon as it reads above 006 to avoid this issue entirely.
Can ZeroWater filters remove fluoride from drinking water?
Yes. ZeroWater's 5-stage ion exchange process effectively reduces fluoride along with virtually all other dissolved solids. Independent testing shows fluoride reduction rates above 90%. If fluoride removal is a priority, ZeroWater is one of the most effective pitcher-based options available, rivaling countertop RO systems in fluoride reduction capability.

Final Verdict

If you're committed to ZeroWater, the 6-pack is the only way to buy. The per-filter savings are meaningful when you're going through 6-12 filters per year.

Check Price on Amazon

See all Pitcher & Dispenser Replacement Filters reviews →