RO vs UV vs UF: which water purifier does your home actually need?
People search this as “RO vs UV vs UF water purifier which one for my water” · updated 2026-08
Short answer
Test your TDS first. Below 200 ppm on municipal supply, a UV+UF purifier is enough and RO only strips useful minerals. Between 200 and 500 ppm, RO+UV with a TDS controller or mineraliser is ideal. Above 500 ppm, or with borewell/tanker water, RO is mandatory.
- TDS meters cost under ₹500 — measure before you buy a ₹15,000 purifier.
- RO wastes 2-3 litres per litre purified unless the model is a low-waste design.
- Annual filter/membrane cost is often ₹2,000-4,000 — factor it into the price.
Match technology to your water
| Your water | TDS | Right purifier |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal, treated | Under 200 ppm | UV + UF (no RO needed) |
| Mixed municipal/tanker | 200-500 ppm | RO + UV + mineraliser |
| Borewell / hard water | 500-2000 ppm | RO + UV + UF, high-TDS membrane |
| Visibly muddy supply | Any | Add a sediment pre-filter |
Specs worth comparing
- Max input TDS the membrane supports (e.g. 2000 ppm) — under-rated membranes fail early.
- Storage tank litres: 7-8 L for a family of four in a power-cut area.
- Purification rate in litres/hour.
- Filter change interval and the actual cost of an AMC.
Air purifier confusion, cleared
Water and air purifiers are different products with different specs. If your concern is AQI rather than TDS, see the air purifier question below on CADR and room size.
Common follow-up questions
Does RO remove essential minerals?
Yes, RO removes most dissolved minerals. That is why models add a TDS controller or mineraliser to put back calcium and magnesium.
What TDS is safe to drink?
BIS considers up to 500 ppm acceptable, with under 300 ppm generally preferred for taste.