To help you find the best water filtration system for your kitchen, we have conducted an in-depth Hydroviv water filter review to find whether it’s worth its Shark Tank hype.
We have made an epic comparison of the water filters from Hydroviv, Epic, and Frizzlife. We will evaluate each of these based on the ratings it receives in the parameters.
So, let us dive into this complete review and comparison guide without further delay.
1️⃣ Hydroviv Water Filter Review: Under-Sink
Pros
- The filtration system has an NSF certification of standards 42 and 53.
- The product is customized to remove a range of contaminants specific to your location.
- It has a very compact size, which saves a lot of space.
- The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
- It comes with an installation kit with all the necessary parts.
- It also has the potential to filter the water from a well.
Cons
- The product is a little pricey for some people.
- It does not remove fluoride.
Hydroviv Under-Sink water filters are designed uniquely, which ends the one-size-fits-all approach.
Here's How We Test Products At Aquaprofessor
⚖ Comparison Table: Hydroviv Review vs Epic vs Frizzlife
Let us glance at the comparison between Hydroviv, Epic, and Frizzlife water filters.
| Parameters | Hydroviv | Frizzlife | Epic Smart Shield |
| Installation and Maintenance | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Water Filtration Capacity | 9/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Removal of Contaminants | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Certification | 10/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Customer Service | 10/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Full Details | Read Review>>> | Read Review>>> | Read Review>>> |
Established in July 2015, Hydroviv follows a unique concept of tailoring each filter to remove harmful chemicals specific to an area’s water supply.
Apart from the Under-Sink water filters, it also makes refrigerator filters, freezers, as well as shower filters.
Some Interesting Facts!
Eric Roy, Ph.D., the founder of Hydroviv, entered Shark Tank (Season 10) as a pitcher for his water filtration brand. He bid $400,000 in exchange for 10% of his company’s equity.
Mark Cuban, American Entrepreneur and Shark Tank judge, made a fantastic deal with Roy by agreeing to give the raised amount 20% of the stake instead of 10%.
Update: The deal was later canceled.
Also Read: Aquasana vs Hydroviv Under-Sink
Installation and Maintenance
It is hassle-free to install this filter under the counter. All you need to do is follow the instructions given in the explanatory video on the company’s website.
The installation of this filter does not include any complicated procedures. It neither requires a plumber nor does it require drilling.
In fact, the filter is connected to the faucet in less than 15 minutes with screw-on connections.
For maintenance, it only asks for basic cleaning of the housing with dish soap whenever the cartridge is removed.
It is also recommended to frequently clean the faucet to avoid contamination in the filtered tap water.
Additionally, it’s best to replace filters once every six months. This interval can be more or less depending on the consumption.
If you notice a sudden change in the flow rate, taste, or smell, it is a sign that the filter needs a replacement.
Also Read: How To Clean RO Filters Step-By-Step
Water Filtration Capacity
The water filtration capacity of the under-sink filter is 720 gallons, which lasts for six months under normal usage—washing utensils, hands, fruits, vegetables, etc.
However, when a person lives with a joint family, they must take advice from the company regarding cartridge replacement interval.
The reason is that the consumption rate and the replacement frequency vary depending on the number of consumers.
Removal of Contaminants
Hydroviv filters remove harmful impurities that are particular to one’s area of residence.
Removes 1000+ Contaminants
The product is certified to remove around 1000+ potential contaminants that have adverse health impacts; for example, arsenic, lead, chromium 6, pesticides, PFOA, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), mercury, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and the aesthetic impurities like odor, taste, of chlorine
Also Read: Check Hydroviv FAQ List For Details on Hydroviv Certifications
As soon as your order is placed, the company’s researchers start making a complete list of harmful contaminants present in your natural water supply. The information is gathered, via the zip code, from municipal data and surveys.
The product is designed to function based on what impurities are present in the customer’s city water supply.
What I do not like about the under-sink filter is that it does not remove fluoride.
Although Hydroviv claims that removing fluoride can compromise the filter’s effectiveness for other elements. That’s why they don’t tackle excess water fluoridation.
Earlier, I was going to recommend the product to my parents. However, I was highly disappointed when I learned that it could not remove fluoride.
⭐ Hydroviv Filter Certification
The filtration system has two major certifications from NSF International, standard 42 and standard 53.
Independent testing shows that this filter can also remove PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl substances), which are harmful artificially-made impurities.
Hydroviv Complaints & Customer Service
As a part of customer service, the company provides a 30-day full refund and return policy without asking any questions for its esteemed clients.
Additional Features:
Additionally, the company provides the customer with a 1 year limited warranty. For the consumer’s assistance, there are options of having a conversation via email, live chat, or phone.
Honestly, I found the customer support representatives helpful and patient. I wanted to know about the flow rate of the filtration system, so I contacted the team via live chat.
In just a couple of seconds, I got an in-depth response from the team.
Apart from this, I had some more technical questions to which the representatives responded quickly and calmly.
Also Read: Aquasana vs. Berkey Water Filters
2️⃣ Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filters
Pros
- It has a quick and hassle-free process installation.
- It has an excellent capacity for filtering water.
- Quite affordable as compared to other similar products in the market.
- Certified against two NSF standards.
- Due to its tankless design, it is easy to fit it in smaller areas.
Cons
- It makes a lot of disturbing noise and vibrates constantly.
- Does not support refrigerator integration.
Frizzlife offers a wide range of under-counter water filters with long-lasting, rigid plastic housing. Some are accompanied by a kitchen faucet, while others can get connected to the existing faucet connection. The unfiltered water goes through 2-stages of filtration to reach its optimum quality without any impurities.
Also Read: Frizzlife Vs Waterdrop Filters
Installation and Maintenance
The product has a relatively easy DIY installation and does not require any professional plumbers.
If you choose the variant that connects to your current faucet, you do not need to buy any separate faucet or make any holes or drillings.
It comes with an installation kit, including the following:
It requires no extra cost in the name of maintenance. All you are required to do is replace the filters once every 6-8 months. The intervals may vary depending on the utilization.
The replacement filters have a budget-friendly price. In fact, the daily cost of drinking pure water from the Frizzlife water filter is just $0.09.
Water Filtration Capacity
The filtration capacity of this under sink system is 1600 gallons of water. With this capacity, the filter can easily last up to 6 to 8 months under regular use.
The filter has a flow rate of 2 gallons of water per minute, running with a pressure of 60 psi. It has the potential to fill a cup of water in just 3 seconds.
Removal of Contaminants
Its two-stage filtration process decontaminates water by eliminating impurities in two different steps.
Apart from this, the poor taste and odor from water, predominantly chlorine, is removed.
⭐ Frizzlife Certification
Note:
Frizzlife under sink water filter is tested and certified by IAPMO R&T. It is certified against NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53.
Therefore, it can remove the impurities that are not related to health (bad taste and smell) and those that have negative health effects (lead).
Frizzlife Customer Service
Well, the product has positive online reviews on its official website. So, it is visible that it has done a commendable job satisfying the customers by providing service, and healthier and better-tasting water.
Honestly, I also found the call and email service of Frizzlife good. The after-sales service is excellent.
When I was facing an issue of a sudden decline in water pressure, the team quickly and calmly helped me resolve the issue.
Despite all this, I have only given this product a 9 on 10 because it does not have a live chat option on its website.
Sometimes, while going through the description and specifications, the customer may need guidance, directions, or assistance.
For this purpose, a live chat option must be made available for convenience.
Also Read: SimPure Countertop RO Review
3️⃣ Epic Smart Shield Under Sink Water Filters
Pros
- Remove fluoride.
- It is eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Quite easy to install.
- Incredibly low maintenance cost.
Cons
- Itis independently certified
- Many customers, including me, have faced a slight and temporary decline in water pressure.
Epic Smart Shield water filter is made in the USA and is 100% eco-friendly. It is sustainable in the sense that all the filters are recyclable. Therefore, you do not throw them away after replacement. The filtration system uses a sustainable carbon block filter made up of coconut shells. Additionally, the plastic used in the filter housing is 100% BPA-free.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation is pretty straightforward and hassle-free with a simple DIY procedure. Thanks to the heavy-duty Velcro tape, you are not required to make any alterations to your current plumbing.
Due to its compact size, it fits pretty quickly under the sink, but still, you must check the measurements of the filter and the space underneath the counter.
The maintenance does not require anything other than the replacement of filters. Under regular use, this system requires a replacement once a year. It can vary depending on the rate of usage.
Since the filters need a change only after 12 months, the maintenance cost is far less than many competitors. This ensures that no frequent expense is required to get the cleanest water.
Water Filtration Capacity
The filtration capacity of Epic Smart Shield is 651 gallons of drinking water per filter. It means that this product can produce at least 651 gallons of contaminant-free water.
The rate at which the water flows is 1.25 gallons per minute. However, it largely depends upon the water pressure.
Removal of Contaminants
This filter can reduce the amount of lead, PFOA, E.coli, chloramine, glyphosate, uranium, mercury, pharmaceuticals, and fluoride in your drinking water.
Instead of coal, Epic uses coconut shells for making activated carbon filters. It also removes bad taste and odor from water.
The product is specialized in removing only harmful substances, leaving behind essential minerals.
Honestly, I noticed a huge improvement in taste and water quality after installing this under-sink water filter system.
⭐ Epic Water Filters Certification
The Smart Shield range of Epic has undergone certification testing by independent labs that tested them according to NSF standards against standards 42, 53, and 401.
The product is independently certified by IAPMO R&T for its claims after being evaluated based on field and lab tests.
Epic Water Filters Customer Service
The entire team of customer support is very polite and respectful. They have good knowledge about the technical know-how of the product.
After three months of installation, there was a sudden decrease in water pressure. So, I decided to contact the customer service team.
They immediately provided me with some troubleshoots, and I was able to fix the issue quickly.
Conclusion
So, after reviewing all three Undersink water filtration systems, it is your call to choose the right one for you.
So, now is the time for you to decide about your health.
Hydroviv Filter Review: FAQs
1. How long does a Hydroviv water filter last?
Hydroviv water filters usually last for around six months.
Depending upon the consumption and the number of consumers, the replacement intervals can be more or less.
For the exact duration, you can reach out to the company through customer care support.
2. Does Hydroviv remove good minerals?
No, not at all. The Hydroviv filtration system does not remove any healthy minerals like sodium or magnesium, for these are not meant to be removed.
It only removes toxic contaminants that are present in your drinking water supply.
3. Did Hydroviv get a Shark Tank deal?
No. Hydroviv, founded by Eric Roy, received an offer from Mark Cuban at Shark Tank (Season 10), which promised a sum of $400,000 by diluting 20% of the total equity.
However, the deal was not finalized and Hydroviv did not receive the investment.
4. Do Hydroviv water filters use reverse osmosis?
No, Hydroviv does not use the Reverse Osmosis system or any particular filter media.
Instead, it uses an amalgamation of many filtration media that helps remove 1000+ harmful impurities.
5. Why doesn’t Hydroviv provide blanket lists of contaminants/percentages removed?
Hydroviv does not want to misguide people and does not provide any such blanket list.
Since every filter is optimized and does not follow the one-size-fits-all approach, the company can not advertise specific percentages.
Adarsh is a Health & Nutrition Sciences graduate with expertise in environmental health. He is associated with ventures like Glacier Fresh Filter and Simpure Filter Systems. Through Aqua Professor, he intends to provide helpful information to every home to help them make smarter decisions.
Not sure how you can recommend the Frizzlife filter with these two cons.
It makes a lot of disturbing noise and vibrates constantly.
It does not claim to contain BPA-free plastic.
Total deal breakers
Thanks for your feedback, Ben! I’m making it clear: I compared frizzlife with hydroviv (The Shark-Tank star filter!) and found that despite its cons, it offers a good water flow rate!
But obviously, if your needs don’t match with frizzlife filter, more options are available. It’s all about your best choice, and I am here to help!
Thoughts anyone?
Very nice comparison. Straight to the point, unbiased, with useful information. Thanks for the help.
JP
Your welcome JP!
I looked at the Epic shield filter on their website, and they list it as being tested and certified by IAPMO R&T. It is certified against NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53. Same as Fizzlife.
Thanks for updating me with the latest info Leonard. Made suitable changes ??
We are ready to remove all our Hydroviv filters (we have 3 shower, 1 under sink and 1 fridge filter) because the replacement cost is nearly as much as the purchase price of the unit. This is crazy.
You got a point there Barbara. That’s why you may consider going with Frizzlife or Epic water filter we compared in this guide
Hydroviv’s customer service is perhaps the worst customer service I’ve ever encountered. I asked them what size fittings were on their product, because I knew I had to hook it up to a nonstandard (british) plumbing system. They responded and CONFIRMED a pipe fitting. So I bought an adapter that fits for what they confirmed. The product shows up, it doesn’t fit the adapter. I try calling them, they tell me they can’t take calls and redirect me back to email. So now I have a $175 brick because I can’t hook it up to my local plumbing, and they will do nothing to help. They can’t even give me a McMaster part number to fix my situation… I’ve heard they even charge a “restocking fee” if you have to return. I hope they go out of business, they don’t deserve to exist.
Hey Tim, it’s pretty bad you experienced poor customer service from Hydroviv. You can refer to other competitors we reviewed. Meanwhile we will bring this to the attention of the Hydroviv team from our side as well.