Bettertap™Compare
Better Tap vs Noam Water, Culligan, Avalon & Brio
Shopping for the best countertop water bar? Here's an honest, side-by-side look at how the Better Tap water bar compares with popular alternatives on price, filtration, minerals, UV-C treatment, installation and ongoing service.
| Better Tap | Noam Water | Culligan (RO) | Avalon | Brio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,280 — or lease from $25/mo | Varies by model | Quote-based (RO system) | $150–$400 (bottleless cooler) | $150–$400 (bottleless cooler) |
| Filtration | Multi-stage MAZE filter | Water-bar filter (varies) | Reverse osmosis | Carbon filter (varies) | Carbon filter (varies) |
| Keeps healthy minerals | Yes — keeps calcium & magnesium | Varies | No — RO removes minerals | Varies | Varies |
| UV-C microbiological treatment | Yes — NSF/ANSI 55 Class B | Varies | Not typical | Some models | Some models |
| Water sent to drain | None | Varies | Yes — RO wastes water | None | None |
| NSF/ANSI certification | 42, 53, 401 & 55 Class B | Varies by model | Varies by model | Varies by model | Varies by model |
| Hot, cold & room-temp on tap | Yes | Yes | No (under-sink) | Hot & cold | Hot & cold |
| Installation | Professional install included | Varies | Professional (plumbed) | Countertop, self-setup | Countertop, self-setup |
| Ongoing service | Included on paid plans | Varies | Filters & service extra | Filters extra | Filters extra |
Competitor details vary by model and change over time — check each brand's current specifications. This comparison reflects typical products in each category. "Varies" means it depends on the specific model.
Common questions
Better Tap vs the alternatives
Better Tap reduces contaminants while keeping calcium and magnesium and wastes no water, whereas reverse osmosis removes minerals and sends water to the drain.
Better Tap adds a multi-stage MAZE filter plus UV-C microbiological treatment (certified to NSF/ANSI 55 Class B) and professional installation, with service included on paid plans.
Better Tap is independently certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 and 55 Class B for the reduction of the substances listed in the Performance Data Sheet.