Carbon Water Filter

Explore our full line of carbon water filter replacements, including granular activated carbon (GAC) and carbon block filters. At All Filters, we have various sizes, including standard 10-inch and 20-inch filters, with 2.5-inch slim cartridges and 4.5-inch BB cartridges. Designed for reverse osmosis (RO) systems, RV water filters, whole-house filtration systems, and more, these filters effectively reduce chlorine taste and odor. Be sure to explore our NSF 42 carbon media cartridges, which provide reliable and high-performance filtration.

Carbon Filter Cross Reference Chart

Size

Rating

SpiroPure

Pentek

Hydronix

Culligan

Carbon Block Series

Carbon Block Series

Bonded PAC

2.5" x 5"
Carbon
Filter

  • 0.5 micron

  • 5 micron

2.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 0.5 micron

  • 1 micron

  • 5 micron

  • 10 micron

2.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 0.5 micron

  • 1 micron

  • 5 micron

  • 10 micron

2.5" x 30"
Carbon
Filter

  • 5 micron

  • 10 micron

2.5" x 40"
Carbon
Filter

  • 5 micron

4.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 0.5 micron

  • 1 micron

  • 5 micron

  • 10 micron

4.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 0.5 micron

  • 1 micron

  • 5 micron

  • 10 micron

Catalytic Carbon

CC1 Series

Catalytic Carbon

2.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

1 micron

SP-CC1-10

     

2.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

1 micron

SP-CC1-20

     

4.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

1 micron

SP-CC1-BB

     

4.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

1 micron

SP-CC1-20BB

     
GAC Series

GAC Series

Granular Activated Carbon

2.5" x 5"
Carbon
Filter

  • 20 micron

2.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 20 micron

2.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 20 micron

4.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 20 micron

4.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 20 micron

RFC Series

RFC Series

Radial Flow Carbon

2.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 25 micron

2.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 25 micron

4.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 25 micron

4.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 25 micron

C Series

C Series

Carbon Impregnated Non-Cellulose Polyester

2.5" x 5"
Carbon
Filter

  • 5 micron

2.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 1 micron

  • 5 micron

2.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 5 micron

4.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 5 micron

4.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 5 micron

NCP Series

NCP Series

Carbon Impregnated Non-Cellulose Polyester

2.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 10 micron

2.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 10 micron

4.5" x 10"
Carbon
Filter

  • 10 micron

4.5" x 20"
Carbon
Filter

  • 10 micron

Shop Carbon Water Filter Cartridges by Type

All Filters carries carbon filter cartridges in several distinct media types. Understanding the differences helps you compare options before you buy rather than guessing from a size and micron rating alone. Our carbon block (also known as powdered activated carbon), granular activated carbon (GAC), catalytic carbon, and radial flow carbon cartridges are all designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor, but each is built for a slightly different balance of filtration fineness, flow rate, and specialty performance.

Carbon Block Water Filters

Carbon block cartridges are made from powdered activated carbon compressed and bonded into a solid block, which gives them finer, more consistent filtration than loose carbon media. They're a strong choice if taste, odor, chemical, some heavy metals, and chlorine reduction are your main concerns. The compressed structure reduces channeling, which is the water finding a path of least resistance through the media instead of filtering evenly.

Granular Activated Carbon Filters

Granular activated carbon (GAC) cartridges use loose carbon granules packed into the housing, offering a higher flow rate than carbon block media since water moves through the granules with less resistance. The approximate micron rating of All Filters GAC series is 20 microns. GAC is commonly used for general taste, odor, and chlorine-related concerns in RO, RV, whole-house, and under-sink systems alike. If you're searching for an activated carbon water filter or a straightforward carbon water filter replacement, GAC is typically the right starting point.

Catalytic Carbon Filters

Catalytic carbon is a specialized form of activated carbon manufactured to more effectively break down chloramine, a chlorine-ammonia compound some municipal water systems use instead of standard chlorine for its stability over larger water distribution networks. If your water utility uses chloramine and a standard carbon filter isn't fully resolving taste or odor, SpiroPure’s 1 micron catalytic carbon cartridges are an excellent replacement for regular activated carbon. They can also handle hydrogen sulfide (that rotten egg smell) in well water. See our catalytic carbon and chloramine removal guide for more detail. Confirm system compatibility and performance specs on the product page before selecting a catalytic carbon cartridge.

Radial Flow Carbon Filters

Radial flow carbon filters are engineered so water passes through the media from the side walls across the radius, maximizing contact with the carbon while maintaining stronger flow than a standard axial-flow cartridge. This design makes radial flow carbon a good fit when you want reliable chlorine and odor reduction without the pressure drop (due to their 25 micron rating equivalent) that finer carbon block media can introduce, particularly in higher-demand whole-house or RV applications.

Choose the Right Carbon Water Filter Replacement

At All Filters, our water filter with carbon products are designed for efficient chlorine and chemical reduction, ensuring cleaner, safer drinking water for your home or business. You can find the right carbon filter cartridge for your specific system using our cross-reference chart. Our SpiroPure brand carbon water filters come in various sizes and micron ratings to fit your water filtration system. These high-quality filters offer a more cost-effective option than other branded carbon filters and activated carbon water filter products.

Match the Filter Size to Your Housing

Before ordering, check the exact size of your current cartridge or filter housing. All Filters stocks standard 10-inch and 20-inch slim (2.5") cartridges as well as 4.5-inch Big Blue (BB) sizes, covering the vast majority of residential and light commercial housings. Ordering the correct size the first time avoids a mismatched fit and a second shipment. If starting from scratch, consider water flow, usage, household size, the installation space, and replacement filter costs.

Check the Micron Rating Before You Buy

Micron rating determines what size particles a filter can capture, and it also affects water flow. A finer micron rating on a dense carbon block filter increases contact time and area but can slow flow more than a coarser, granular carbon style. Compare the micron ratings available for your size on the cross-reference chart and choose based on your water quality needs, system type, and how much flow rate matters for your application.

Confirm Compatibility with RO, RV, or Whole House Systems

All Filters carries carbon cartridges for whole-house filtration setups, reverse osmosis systems, RV water filters, and under-sink systems, but not every cartridge fits every system. Confirm your system type alongside size and micron rating before purchasing to make sure the replacement cartridge you choose is compatible with your housing or system type.

Trusted Carbon Filtration Solutions

Our website offers custom solutions to provide the best possible shopping experience, helping you find the right products. We offer competitive pricing, and our durable filters minimize the need for frequent replacements. We offer a satisfaction guarantee on many of our carbon filters along with hassle-free returns, so you can shop with peace of mind. Our team is available 7 days a week to provide customer support by phone or on live chat. Order online today and get the perfect filter for your system that provides cleaner, fresher water.

FAQs on Carbon Water Filters

What does an activated carbon water filter remove?

Carbon water filters adsorb chemicals from water, particularly chlorine taste and odor, but also herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and to some degree, PFAs. Because they adsorb and do not filter, they are generally not adequate for removing TDS, minerals, or heavy metals.
A granular activated carbon (GAC) filter is composed of loose carbon granules that have been packed in a cartridge. Water flows steadily through the granules, which adsorb the unwanted contaminants as it passes by. Adsorption is when the unwanted chemicals adhere or stick to the carbon.
Yes, carbon water filters are safe for drinking water and are generally made with organic materials like coconut shell fibers. They are usually made for drinking water purposes and applications, and excel at improving the taste and smell of drinking water.
How often to replace a carbon filter cartridge depends upon water quality, usage, and media type. Typically, a carbon filter should be replaced every 6-12 months. You should replace if you notice particles in water, a change in taste or odor, or a sudden decrease in water flow.
Carbon block filters are composed of powdered activated carbon that has been compressed with heat and pressure into a solid block. GAC is loose powder hard-packed into a cartridge. Block filters offer enhanced filtration and less channeling, while GAC filters offer a higher flow rate.
Yes. Carbon water filtration reduces chlorine taste and odor along with many organic compounds, without adding anything to the water. It's a widely used, safe first step for improving drinking water quality. Keep in mind carbon media doesn't remove minerals, TDS, or heavy metals, so it's often paired with other filtration for those concerns. Even better, if you're not drinking enough water because of the taste, some proactive filtration can help you stay hydrated!
There's no single best option. It depends on your water quality, usage, and priorities. Carbon block offers finer filtration and reduces channeling, GAC offers higher flow, catalytic carbon targets chloramine, and radial flow balances contact time with flow rate. See our carbon block vs. GAC comparison to match a type to your needs.
You cannot effectively clean most carbon filter cartridges. Carbon media works by adsorption, and once its surface is saturated, rinsing or cleaning it doesn't restore that capacity. Rather than attempting to clean them, order and replace your carbon water filter replacement schedule, which is typically every 6–12 months depending on usage and water quality. Note: media tanks with a bed of carbon can be backwashed to remove dirt and debris and extend the life, but it does not regenerate the media.
Yes. Activated carbon is one of the oldest and most established water filtration technologies, NSF 42-certified for chlorine taste and odor reduction and effective against a broad range of organic compounds and VOCs. Performance depends on choosing the right media type and micron rating for your water and replacing the cartridge on schedule.

More Carbon Filter FAQs