The SF100 and SF220 are AquaBliss's two most popular shower filters – and the most common question we get is: what actually makes them different, and is the SF220 worth the extra money? This comparison breaks it down without any filler.
Quick Verdict
- Choose SF100 if: you're on standard city water, budget is a factor, or you just want reliable chlorine removal with minimal fuss.
- Choose SF220 if: you have sensitive skin, high chlorine or VOC levels, or you want the longer cartridge life and extra filtration stages.
- Choose SF500 if: you have very hard water with visible scale buildup – the SF500 HD handles scale better than both.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SF100 | SF220 |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration stages | 12 | 20 |
| Chlorine removal | Yes | Yes |
| Heavy metal removal | Yes | Yes |
| VOC reduction | No | Yes |
| Maifan & tourmaline stones | No | Yes |
| Cartridge life | ~6 months | 6-8 months |
| Replacement cartridge | SFC100 | SFC220 |
| Amazon reviews (approx.) | 100,000+ | 50,000+ |
| Best for | Standard city water | Sensitive skin, higher chlorine |
The 8 Extra Filtration Stages in the SF220
Both filters share a core KDF-55 + calcium sulfite + activated carbon stack that handles chlorine and heavy metals. The SF220 adds:
- Maifan stones – remineralize water with trace minerals, popular for hair and skin health
- Tourmaline ceramic balls – claimed to produce far-infrared radiation and ionize water; primary effect in practice is additional particulate filtration
- Additional carbon layers – improve VOC (volatile organic compound) reduction
- Polypropylene cotton layers for finer sediment trapping
The practical upshot: the SF220 does measurably better on VOCs and has a marginally longer cartridge life. The Maifan/tourmaline claims are harder to verify independently, but many users report softer-feeling hair and skin, consistent with the extra mineral stages.
Price and Long-Term Cost
The SF100 is usually $5-10 cheaper upfront. Over time, the SF220's longer cartridge life (6-8 months vs. 6 months) partially offsets this. If you replace SF100 cartridges every 5 months in a hard-water area, and SF220 cartridges every 7 months, you'll buy 2-3 fewer SF220 cartridges per year.
Over a 2-year period, the total cost difference between owning an SF100 vs. SF220 is typically under $20. For most buyers, this is a preference decision, not a financial one.
Installation – Identical for Both
Both the SF100 and SF220 install in the same way: they thread inline between your existing shower arm and shower head using a standard 1/2-inch NPT connection. No tools, no plumber, no permanent changes. Most people do it in under 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SF220 worth the extra money over the SF100?
For most people in standard municipal water, the SF100 is enough. If you have sensitive skin, high VOC levels, or want the longer cartridge life, the SF220 is worth the few extra dollars.
Can I use the same cartridge in both filters?
No. SF100 takes the SFC100 cartridge. SF220 takes the SFC220. They are different sizes and media stacks and are not interchangeable.
Which is better for hard water?
Neither the SF100 nor SF220 fully softens hard water. For hard water with scale, the SF500 HD is a better choice.
Do both filters work with any shower head?
Yes. Both use a standard 1/2-inch NPT fitting and work inline with virtually any shower head.