We believe in transparency. Certain links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. learn more about affiliate disclosure
Buying a water purifier is no longer just about “RO vs UV.” In 2026, the smarter question is – What type of water do you receive at home and what exactly needs to be removed?
If you choose the wrong technology, you either:
Overpay for unnecessary features
Or worse – drink water that isn’t properly purified
This guide breaks everything down in simple, shopper-friendly language so you can make a confident buying decision.
First, Understand Your Water Source
The quality of water entering your home dictates exactly what kind of filtration you need. Don’t overspend on tech you don’t require.
Water Source
Typical Issue
Recommended Technology
Municipal (Tap)
Bacteria, cysts
UV / UF
Borewell
High TDS, heavy salts
RO
Tanker Water
Mixed contamination
RO + UV + UF
Low TDS (below 200 ppm)
Mainly microbes
UF
Pro Tip
Check your TDS level using a ₹300–₹500 TDS meter before buying. Ideal drinking water TDS: 50–300 ppm.
Understand Purification Technologies
RO (Reverse Osmosis)
This process removes dissolved salts (TDS), reduces water hardness, and filters out harmful heavy metals like arsenic and lead; making it one of the most effective purification methods available today.
BEST FOR:
Borewell water
Hard water areas
Removes some essential minerals (look for models with mineral retention).
UV (Ultraviolet)
Removes:
Bacteria
Viruses
Best For:
Municipal water with low TDS
Does not remove dissolved salts.
UF (Ultra Filtration)
Removes:
Bacteria
Cysts
Best For:
Low TDS municipal water
No electricity requirement
Does not remove dissolved salts.
RO+UV+UF (Multi-Stage)
The safest all-rounder.
Best For:
Mixed water sources
Tanker supply
Uncertain quality
Most recommended for Indian households in 2026.
Storage Capacity Guide
Choose based on family size:
Family Size
Recommended Storage
1–2 Members
5–7 Litres
3–4 Members
7–10 Litres
5+ Members
10–12 Litres
If frequent power cuts occur → choose higher storage.
Budget Guide (2026 Pricing)
Entry-Level
₹1,500 – ₹3,000
Gravity (UF) models
Manual Operation
7 – 20L Storage
Work without electricity
Municipal water with low TDS
Mid-Range
₹6,000 – ₹10,000
UV / Basic RO
Automatic purification
6 – 8L Storage
Electricity Required
Municipal & Borewell Water
Premium
₹10,000 – ₹18,000+
RO + UV + UF advanced
Fully Automatic
8 – 12L Storage
Electricity Required
Borewell, Tanker, or Mixed
Annual Maintenance Cost:
RO & Advanced Models: Approximately ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per year, depending on filter type, usage, and service charges.
Entry-Level (Gravity/UF) Water Purifiers: Usually below ₹1,000 per year (mainly filter replacement and basic cleaning).
Certifications You Should NOT Ignore
Always check for:
ISI Mark
NSF Certification
WQA Approval
ISO Certification
A reputed brand with certified components ensures safety.
Mistakes to Avoid
Buying RO for already low TDS water
Ignoring annual maintenance cost
Choosing unknown local brands without service support
Don’t buy based on brand hype alone. Buy based on:
Your water source
TDS level
Service availability in your city
Long-term maintenance cost
Clean drinking water is a daily necessity, not a luxury.
Your Experience Matters, Share Your Feedback
If this guide helped you understand how to choose the right water purifier, we’d genuinely love to hear from you. Your feedback does three important things:
Helps other shoppers make confident decisions
Allows us to improve and update our buying guides
Brings real, practical insights from real users
Have you recently purchased a water purifier?, Are you confused between RO and UV?, Did a particular brand exceed (or disappoint) your expectations?, Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
Even a short comment like:
Your city + water source
The model you bought
Your experience so far
…can help hundreds of other readers avoid mistakes and choose wisely.
We personally read every comment and respond with tailored suggestions whenever needed. Let’s build a smarter, informed community of buyers – together.
