--- title: "Waterdrop X16 Review: Tankless Purified Water on Demand" description: "We installed the Waterdrop X16 tankless reverse osmosis system and tested its flow, measured dispensing, and water quality in a home kitchen." date: "2026-10-08" modified: "2026-10-08" authors: - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/waterdrop-x16-review/" categories: - "Reviews" tags: - "SPR" --- # Waterdrop X16 Review: Tankless Purified Water on Demand ![Waterdrop x16]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* I’ve installed several under-sink reverse osmosis systems over the years, and I just replaced one I liked with the[ Waterdrop X16](), wondering whether I’d notice much difference. I did. The X16 takes up less under-sink space because there’s no separate holding tank, the filters are much easier to change, and—most noticeably—it produces purified water faster than tank-style RO systems. It even measures the dispensed amount in ounces. Ahead, I'll cover what makes this unit special, how it earned high marks in my review, and the one minor change I’d ask Waterdrop to make. - ![Faucet aand plug-in for Waterdrop x16]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Easy plug-in connections on the Waterdrop x16]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Basic hookup for the Waterdrop x16]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Installing the Waterdrop x16 faucet]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Sliding the Waterdrop x16 into place]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* [][][] ## How Easy Is the Waterdrop X16 to Install? Installation was easier than I expected for a system this advanced. The tubing uses plug-in connections, and the three main filters slide behind the front cover, where each can be twisted out and replaced independently. I added a line to feed purified water to my refrigerator ice maker, and the[ X16]() supplied it without the pressure problems I’ve encountered with conventional RO systems. Waterdrop takes the initial flushing seriously. Once installation was complete, the system automatically ran through a 35-minute flush while the faucet display counted down. There was no temptation to shorten the process or wonder whether I’d flushed it long enough. ![Birds eye view on top of digital faucet]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* ## Fast Water Flow Without a Storage Tank This is where the X16 really impressed me. Waterdrop rates it at 1,600 gallons per day, and in everyday use the difference between this and my previous RO systems was evident. I filled a 2-gallon jug and immediately filled a large cooking pot afterward without the flow weakening. That matters to anyone who uses a lot of water for cooking or drinking. Conventional RO systems start slowing down once their small storage tanks are depleted. The [X]()[1]()[6](), on the other hand, dispenses huge volumes of water on demand. I found it far more convenient for cooking and filling pitchers with purified water. It occasionally runs an automatic cycle that I can hear if I’m standing near the sink, but the sound is subdued. It never bothered me. ![Installed faucet on Waterdrop x16]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* ## The Smart Faucet Is More Useful Than I Expected I initially thought the digital faucet might be more gadget than necessity. Then I started using the measured-dispensing feature. The dial lets me select an amount (in ounces), press the control, and walk away while the faucet dispenses exactly that amount before stopping. I checked its accuracy with several measuring cups, and it was spot-on every time. When a bread recipe called for 1½ cups of water, I simply placed the bread-machine pan beneath the faucet, selected 12 ounces, and pressed the button—no measuring cup and no splashing. The faucet also displays information for the three filters so I can see when each needs attention rather than replacing everything at once. My only complaint is placement: the display and dial sit on top of the relatively tall faucet. At 5 feet 8 inches tall, I still have to stretch slightly to read it. Shorter users may find that annoying. ![Filters are easy to remove on the Waterdrop x16]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* ## Who Is the Waterdrop X16 Best For? The [X16]() makes the most sense for households that use substantial amounts of purified water and are tired of waiting for a traditional RO tank to refill. It’s also appealing for cooks because of the measured dispensing, and its strong flow makes connecting an ice maker much more practical. The water itself was excellent in my testing: crystal clear, clean-tasting, and perfect for making clear iced tea. Waterdrop also lists NSF/ANSI 42, 58, and 372 certifications and a 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio, meaning its safety standards and wastewater production are independently verified. This is a premium RO system, and smaller households that only fill a few drinking glasses each day probably don’t need its capacity. But for busy kitchens, larger families, or anyone frustrated by slow RO flow, the X16’s successful combination of speed, excellent water quality, and genuinely useful smart features in one well-designed system makes it a winner. ## Author Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.