Aquasana AQ-5300 3-Stage Under Sink Filter Review: Our Verdict

If you’ve ever turned on your tap and wondered what might be lurking in that “clean” water, you’re not alone. These days, more people are looking for ways to improve their home water quality without relying on bottled water or bulky filtration systems. That’s where under sink water filters step in—and the Aquasana AQ-5300 3-stage under sink filter happens to be one of the standout options in that category.

This system is designed to be tucked away beneath your kitchen sink, quietly working to filter out a wide array of contaminants, all while maintaining water pressure and flow. Aquasana markets the AQ-5300 as an efficient, cost-effective solution for families wanting cleaner, healthier water straight from the tap.

But how does it really hold up in day-to-day use? That’s what we’re digging into. From installation to filter changes, from taste improvements to how it handles contaminants, we’ll take a deep dive into the performance and features of the AQ-5300. If you’re considering investing in an under sink filter system, this hands-on look might just help you decide if the AQ-5300 is worth the space it takes up beneath your sink.

What You Get with the Aquasana AQ-5300 System

At first glance, the AQ-5300 offers a pretty standard under-sink filter setup. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that this model is trying to separate itself from the competition with a few extra touches. Here’s a look at what this system includes and how it operates once it’s installed in your kitchen.

Main Features

• Comes with three-stage filtration for broader contaminant removal
• Includes a separate, dedicated faucet for filtered water
• Uses NSF-certified Claryum® filtration technology
• Reduces over 70 contaminants including lead, chlorine, cysts, pharmaceuticals, and VOCs
• Designed for easy filter replacements with twist-off cartridges

Three-Stage Filtration Breakdown

The name says it all—three stages of filtration. Here’s how that works:

• Stage One: A sediment pre-filter captures larger particles like rust, dirt, and silt. This step helps protect the two later filters and extend their lifespan.
• Stage Two: Activated carbon filtration removes chlorine, bad odors, and tastes. This is what gives you that noticeable “clean” water flavor.
• Stage Three: Ion-exchange and sub-micron filtration target heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as microscopic contaminants including cysts.

Dimensions and Space Requirements

One of the most practical things to consider with under sink systems is space. You’ll need some cabinet real estate, but the AQ-5300 is fairly compact compared to many competitors.

Specification	Detail
Height	Around 9 inches
Width	Approximately 12 inches
Depth	Close to 4 inches (not including tubing)
Filter Life	Up to 600 gallons or 6 months
Flow Rate	About half a gallon per minute

The AQ-5300 doesn’t require electricity and connects directly to your cold water line. You’ll need to install the separate faucet, which may require drilling a hole in your sink or counter.

Real-World Use: Taste, Installation, and Maintenance

Let’s talk about what it’s actually like to live with the Aquasana AQ-5300. In theory, any filter system should give you better water. But in practice, convenience, taste, and cost can make or break your experience.

Taste and Water Quality

Once the system is installed and flushed properly, you’ll likely notice an immediate improvement in your tap water’s taste. Users often describe the difference as “night and day”—especially if your tap water has noticeable chlorine or metallic flavors.

With the AQ-5300, the water tends to taste fresher and cleaner, and most report that it works well for both drinking and cooking. Tea and coffee often taste better, too, which is a great bonus.

Installation Experience

While some handy homeowners manage the installation themselves, it’s not necessarily plug-and-play for everyone. Here’s what most users experience:

• If your sink already has an extra hole for a filtered water faucet, setup goes much smoother.
• If not, you may need to drill into stainless steel or granite, which can be intimidating or require professional help.
• The included instructions are clear, and most of the necessary parts are in the box.
• Setup can take about an hour for those familiar with basic plumbing tasks.

If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, having a plumber install it isn’t a bad idea—especially to avoid any leaks or incorrect fittings.

Filter Replacements and Costs

Filter replacement is where many filtration systems lose their charm. But Aquasana has made this process user-friendly.

• The twist-off design means no tools are needed.
• Replacement is clean and doesn’t result in a watery mess.
• Filter sets cost less than many other brands on the market, which helps with long-term savings.

Aquasana recommends changing the filters every six months or after 600 gallons of use. Families who use a lot of water might find themselves changing filters a bit more frequently, but most users find the maintenance routine manageable.

How It Stacks Up Against Other Filters

With dozens of under sink filter systems available, it helps to understand how the AQ-5300 compares in terms of value, performance, and convenience.

Feature	Aquasana AQ-5300	Comparable Brands (general)
Filter Stages	Three	Usually one to three
Contaminants Removed	Over 70	Typically 20–60
NSF Certification	Yes	Varies by brand
Flow Rate	About 0.5 GPM	Similar or slower
Filter Life	600 gallons / 6 months	Varies widely
Ease of Filter Change	Simple twist-off design	Often tool-based
Included Faucet	Yes	Sometimes optional
Cost of Replacement Filters	Moderate	Can be higher

One area where the AQ-5300 really shines is in its contaminant removal list. It goes beyond just basic chlorine and sediment, targeting pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and heavy metals, which many cheaper filters miss.

FAQs About the Aquasana AQ-5300

Does the Aquasana AQ-5300 remove fluoride?

No, the AQ-5300 does not remove fluoride. Aquasana does offer systems with fluoride-removal capabilities, but this model focuses on chlorine, lead, VOCs, and other common contaminants.

Can you install it yourself?

Yes, if you’re handy with basic tools and your sink setup is compatible. But if you’re dealing with countertop drilling or unsure about plumbing connections, hiring a professional can save time and stress.

How long do the filters last?

Aquasana recommends replacing the filters every six months or after filtering about 600 gallons of water. Some households may stretch that a bit depending on water usage, but regular replacement is key to maintaining performance.

Is the faucet required?

Yes, the system comes with and requires the dedicated faucet. It does not filter water that comes out of your main kitchen faucet.

Is there a noticeable drop in water pressure?

There’s a small drop, but it’s generally not enough to disrupt daily use. The system is designed to maintain a flow rate around half a gallon per minute, which is fine for filling glasses, cooking pots, or coffee makers.

Does it remove bacteria?

No, this model is not designed to remove living organisms like bacteria or viruses. It focuses on chemical contaminants, heavy metals, and particulates. If bacterial contamination is a concern in your area, a UV purification system might be a better fit.

Conclusion: Is the Aquasana AQ-5300 Worth It?

If you’re looking for a serious step up from pitcher filters or faucet-mounted models, the Aquasana AQ-5300 delivers solid performance in a discreet, under-sink package. Its three-stage filtration process covers a wide range of contaminants, improving both the safety and taste of your tap water. And once installed, the filter replacement process is straightforward and affordable.

The dedicated faucet setup may require a bit of extra effort, and it doesn’t cover your entire water supply, but it does an excellent job of providing clean drinking and cooking water on demand.

For homeowners or renters allowed to modify under-sink plumbing, the AQ-5300 strikes a nice balance between quality, convenience, and price. It may not have every bell and whistle, but it consistently earns high marks for doing exactly what it claims—delivering cleaner, better-tasting water with minimal hassle.

In the world of home water filtration, that reliability goes a long way.