My Thoughts on the Waterdrop X16 Tankless Reverse Osmosis System (after 1-month of use)

Everyone needs a reliable source of clean drinking water, but not all home water filtration systems are built the same. Charcoal membrane filter systems are OK, but they can’t get out all of the impurities. Reverse osmosis is the only way to go if you want the purest water possible.

That being said, I’ve tested the Waterdrop X16 tankless reverse osmosis system for about a month now, and I’m impressed with its performance and just about everything that it offers.

The system delivers exceptionally clean water with a 99% contaminant removal rate and fills glasses in seconds thanks to its massive 1,600 GPD capacity. It does all of this with the inclusion of a smart digital faucet that displays real-time water quality with a very convenient self-cleaning feature.

While it’s pricier than basic filters, and the unit is quite large, its 3:1 pure-to-waste ratio and UV sterilization make it worth considering.

Let me share what makes this system stand out from the competition and other RO units that I’ve tested in the past.

What is it?

The Waterdrop X16 is a high-capacity tankless reverse osmosis water filtration system designed for under-sink installation. Perfect for your home, business, or office space, it’s a great solution for anywhere you need a steady source of absolutely pure water.

I’ve found that this NSF-certified system delivers effortlessly, at an impressive 1,600 gallons per day. It utilizes an 11-stage filtration process with a 0.0001µm RO membrane to remove 99% of contaminants from your tap water. And it does the job really well.

What sets the X16 apart is its tankless design, measuring 18.2″ x 6.25″ x 16.72″. While this is still on the larger side of systems, it can fit vertically underneath most sinks without too much guesswork.

It features a smart digital faucet that displays real-time water quality and allows you to dispense precise amounts from 1 to 64 ounces.

The system includes three filters with varying lifespans: F1 (12 months), F2 (6 months), and F3 (24 months). Each filter’s status is monitored through color-coded indicators, making maintenance straightforward. Basically, you’re always in the know in terms of lifespan and when you need to think about swapping them out. It effectively eliminates guesswork and makes filter changes simple.

What I Liked

After extensively testing the Waterdrop X16, I’ve discovered several standout features that make this system worth considering.

First, I’m impressed by its blazing-fast flow rate – filling my 16-ounce glass in under 7 seconds means I’m not waiting around like with traditional RO systems. No more waiting around, dealing with a slow-to-fill faucet that can ultimately be annoyingly time consuming.

The 11-stage filtration process delivers exceptional water quality. I tested the TDS levels before and after filtration, and the system consistently reduced readings from 189 ppm to just 8 ppm. That’s a huge indicator that the system is successfully removing contaminants.

The taste difference is remarkable too – no more chlorine smell or metallic aftertaste. The well water in my home is finally drinkable without any funky flavors.

I truly love the smart interface features. The color-coded filter indicators make maintenance straightforward, and the digital faucet dial lets me dispense exact amounts from 1 to 64 ounces. It’s more of a full-sized faucet rather than a small, puny little faucet that most RO systems use.

I really appreciate its efficient 3:1 pure-to-waste water ratio, which means for every 3 gallons of purified water, only 1 gallon goes to waste. That’s a pretty decent exchange rate that minimizes the cost of water on your utility bill, using less water than any other RO system I’ve tested in the past.

Installation was surprisingly manageable, even for a DIY project. The clear instructions guided me through the process, and everything was laid out very simply.

Plus, the self-cleaning feature means less maintenance on my part, while the UV sterilization provides extra peace of mind about water safety. The UV sterilization feature adds an extra layer of protection by eliminating bacteria and viruses, ensuring your water isn’t just filtered but truly purified.

This is the first RO system that I’ve used that has a UV feature, and the added layer of purification is surely appreciated. UV does a great job at eliminating harmful bacteria that may be present.

What I Didn’t Like

Despite its impressive features, there’s a few notable drawbacks that have emerged during my testing of the Waterdrop X16.

First, I found the main unit’s size to be larger than expected, which could pose installation challenges in smaller under-sink spaces. While the system fits in my cabinet, I’d to reorganize my cleaning supplies to accommodate it. Small apartments or studios with undersized sinks may not be able to accommodate the larger than average size. While it doesn’t have a tank, it still takes up considerable room underneath my sink.

The faucet’s height also proved problematic. At nearly 17 inches tall, it mightn’t work well under low-hanging cabinets or in kitchens with limited vertical space. It’s much bigger than most RO system faucets, and nearly the same size as my standard faucet that is installed close by.

While installation wasn’t too troublesome, I did notice the stiff water supply hoses were difficult to maneuver. They required a bit of extra effort to position them correctly without kinking.

The filter replacement costs concern me too. At roughly $220 for a complete set every two years, it’s a significant ongoing expense that potential buyers should factor into their budget. Not to mention, the price of the X16 is considerable, at over $1500, even with available discounts and/or coupons.

And to be honest, I’m also slightly skeptical about the 1,600 GPD capacity claim. While the system delivers impressive flow rates, most households won’t come close to utilizing this capacity, making it seem like an unnecessary selling point.

Lastly, the digital display’s brightness can’t be adjusted, which might bother some users during nighttime use. It’s quite bright, which is honestly better than being overly dim, but some users may not enjoy waking up, half-asleep, in the middle of the night to use it.

Final Thoughts

After about a month of testing, I’m confident the Waterdrop X16 delivers on its promises. Despite its premium price point, the system’s rapid flow rate, superior filtration, and overall design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about water quality.

I’ve found the convenience of instant purified water and minimal maintenance requirements outweigh any minor drawbacks. Ultimately, this is my top recommendation for a tankless RO system. Sure, the price-point may not be favorable for some, but it’s a high-end device that was designed with all of the most important features prioritized. Two thumbs up, for sure.