Aquasana · Under-sink filter
Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect: what it removes and what it costs
Model: Claryum Direct Connect (AQ-MF-1)
The Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect is certified (NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 and NSF/ANSI 401) to reduce PFAS (PFOA/PFOS), lead, chlorine, chloramine, mercury and microplastics and 2 more of the contaminants we track. For 2 people drinking and cooking with it, replacement filters cost about $184 a year.
8
certified reductions we track
12¢
filters per gallon at rated life
Price checked 2026-10-23. We may earn a commission.
What the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect removes
"Certified" means a certifier (NSF, WQA, IAPMO or CSA) lists this exact product for that reduction claim; the listing is linked. "Brand test only" means Aquasana cites a lab report but no certifier lists the claim. See certified vs. tested.
| Contaminant | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("PFOA/PFOS") |
| Lead | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("Lead") |
| Chlorine | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 42 ("Chlorine") |
| Chloramine | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 42 ("Chloramine") |
| Mercury | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("Mercury") |
| Microplastics | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 401 ("Microplastics") |
| Cysts | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("Cyst") |
| VOCs | Certified | IAPMO R&T listing, NSF/ANSI 53 ("VOCs") |
Not verified, either way (no certification or brand claim): Fluoride, Arsenic, Nitrate, Chromium 6, TDS, Bacteria and viruses, Iron, Copper, Uranium, 1,4-dioxane.
What it costs to run
Yearly cost = replacements per year × filter price, for each filter it uses; a filter is replaced at its gallon rating or its month limit, whichever comes first. Water use: drinking and cooking water (0.28 gallons per person a day, EPA's average adult intake).
| Household | Gallons a year | Filters a year | Total a year | Per gallon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 102 | $184 | $184 | 180¢ |
| 2 people | 204 | $184 | $184 | 90¢ |
| 4 people | 409 | $184 | $184 | 45¢ |
Per-gallon costs in the table are for real use, so they also count any filter replaced at its month limit before it reaches its gallon rating. At rated filter life alone, filters cost 12¢ a gallon (the figure at the top of this page).
Replacement filters
| Filter | Rated life (gallons) | Rated life (months) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claryum Direct Connect Replacement Cartridge (AQ-MF-1-R) | 784 Source note | 6 Source note | $91.99 Source noteList price; Water for Life subscription price $78.19 aquasana.com |
Specs
- Type
- Under-sink filter
- Price
- $250
Source note
MSRP $249.99; sale price $124.99 seen 2026-10-23 aquasana.com
- Installation
- DIY (under-sink or inline fittings)
- Flow rate
- 1.5 gal/min
Source note
Rated service flow; same in performance data sheet and IAPMO listing aquasana.com
- Needs power
- No
Where it ranks
Compare the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect
Updates about the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect
- September 18, 2026 · PFAS drinking water rule argued in court; 2024 limits still in effect
Common questions
What does the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect remove?
The Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect is certified (NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 53 and NSF/ANSI 401) to reduce PFAS (PFOA/PFOS), lead, chlorine, chloramine, mercury and microplastics and 2 more of the contaminants we track. For 2 people drinking and cooking with it, replacement filters cost about $184 a year.
Does the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect remove PFAS?
Yes. It is certified for PFOA/PFOS reduction under NSF/ANSI 53 (IAPMO R&T listing).
How much does the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect cost to run?
About $184 a year for 2 people ($184 for 1, $184 for 4), counting replacement filters, for drinking and cooking water (0.28 gallons per person a day, EPA's average adult intake).
Data checked 2026-10-23. 102 filters tracked.