Waterdrop G2P600 vs G3P600: differences & which is right for you?
- Plumberly
- Jan 31
- 7 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
We’ve had a growing number of customers interested in the G Series Waterdrop reverse osmosis systems lately — and a question that keeps popping up is: What’s actually the difference between the Waterdrop G2P600 and the G3P600?
On the surface, both models look similar. Both are fast, tankless reverse osmosis (RO) systems designed for under-sink installation. But there are some important differences — especially when you think about day-to-day use, maintenance, and whether extra features are actually worth paying for.
This in-depth comparison breaks down the Waterdrop G2P600 vs G3P600 to answer one simple question: which system is right for your home?
So we took a proper look at the spec sheets and broke everything down in plain English — what the differences actually mean in real life, not just on paper.
G2P600 vs G3P600 difference in plain English (quick answer)
If you just want the short version, here it is:
G2P600 = a fast, compact, tankless RO system that does the job brilliantly, without extra tech
G3P600 = everything the G2P600 does plus a smarter tap that shows water quality (TDS) and filter life, extra features like holiday mode, an additional activated carbon filter to slightly improve taste, and more independent third-party verification
Both systems give you very clean drinking water. The G3P600 just gives you more information, more control, more verification and one extra filtration stage.
If you like things simple:
Go for the Waterdrop G2P600 reverse osmosis system ↗
If you like top-tier taste, data, features, and verified independent testing:
Go for the Waterdrop G3P600 reverse osmosis system ↗
Where the G2P600 and G3P600 actually differ
This is where the differences start to matter in everyday use.
1. The tap and “smart” features
This is the biggest and most noticeable difference.
Waterdrop G2P600
Standard tap (no display / readings)
Replacement reminder light on the under sink filter
Waterdrop G3P600
Smart tap display shows filter life & TDS water quality reading
Includes holiday mode (protects filters while you’re away)
What is TDS, in plain English? TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It’s a measurement of how many dissolved substances, like minerals, salts, and contaminants, are left in your water. A lower TDS reading generally means purer water.
In real terms:
The G2P600 has a basic tap
The G3P600 tap tells you when to change filters and shows you how clean the water is
Key takeaway: If you like checking water quality numbers and seeing these on the tap itself (rather than using a separate tester), the G3P600 has the edge here.
2. Filtration stages and maintenance
Both systems rely on reverse osmosis as the core filtration method, but they differ in how many filters they use, what each one does, and how often you’ll need to replace them.
Waterdrop G2P600 – simpler, lower-maintenance setup
The G2P600 uses two filters:
G2CF (pre-sediment & carbon filter) – removes sediment, rust, chlorine, and improves taste and odour
G2MRO (reverse osmosis membrane) – removes the bulk of contaminants including fluoride, nitrates, heavy metals, microplastics and TDS
Why this matters: Fewer filters means simpler maintenance, fewer replacements, and lower ongoing costs.
Waterdrop G3P600 – extra stage for taste and reassurance
The G3P600 uses three filters:
CF (pre-sediment & carbon filter) – removes sediment, chlorine, taste and odour
G3P600-RO (reverse osmosis membrane) – removes dissolved contaminants such as fluoride, nitrates, heavy metals, microplastics and TDS
CB (activated carbon block post-filter) – polishes the water after RO to further improve taste and odour
Why this matters: The additional carbon block filter doesn’t radically change filtration performance, but it can slightly improve taste and odour. The trade-off is one extra filter to replace compared with the G2P600.
Key takeaway:
G2P600 = fewer filters, simpler upkeep, lower long-term maintenance
G3P600 = extra polishing stage for taste adds an additional filter to maintain
Both systems produce very clean drinking water. The choice comes down to whether you prefer simplicity or extra refinement.
3. Certifications explained (what they actually mean)
Both systems are certified NSF/ANSI 372, but the G3P600 also carries NSF/ANSI 42 and 58. Here’s what that means in real life:
NSF/ANSI 372 (G2P600 & G3P600): Confirms the materials used are lead-free and safe for drinking water. This is a baseline safety certification — it doesn’t measure filtration performance.
NSF/ANSI 42 (G3P600 only): Independently verifies reduction of chlorine, taste, and odour. In everyday terms: better-tasting, better-smelling water.
NSF/ANSI 58 (G3P600 only): The key reverse osmosis performance certification. Confirms the RO membrane reduces TDS and contaminants such as fluoride, nitrates, and heavy metals as claimed.
Both systems are made from safe, lead-free materials. The G3P600 has additional independent testing that verifies filtration performance, which can offer extra reassurance if water quality is a top priority.
That’s not to say the G2P600 doesn’t perform in the same way — it uses similar RO technology — it simply hasn’t been through the same additional third-party testing to certify those reductions.
Key takeaway: The G3P600 has more independent verification behind it. The G2P600 still uses proven RO technology — it just hasn’t been certified to the same extent.
4. Size and weight under the sink
Both systems are compact compared to traditional RO setups, but it's worth noting:
G2P600 is smaller and lighter
G3P600 is taller and slightly heavier due to extra components
Waterdrop G2P600 vs G3P600 side-by-side comparison
Feature | G2P600 | G3P600 |
Flow rate | 600 GPD | 600 GPD |
Design | Tankless | Tankless |
Pure-to-waste ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 |
Smart display | No | Filter life + TDS |
Holiday mode | No | Yes |
Extra filtration stage | No | Yes |
Size & weight | Smaller & lighter | Larger & heavier |
Electricity required | Yes | Yes |
Independent testing | Less | More |
Which one makes more sense for most homes?
Choose the G2P600 if:
You want excellent RO filtration without top-spec extras
You prefer a simpler setup
You want lower long-term maintenance
Choose the G3P600 if:
You like seeing real-time water quality data
You want smart features like holiday mode
You’re happy with one extra filter change every 24 months
You want the reassurance of additional independent testing
What both the G2P600 and G3P600 do well
It’s worth highlighting what’s the same — because this is why both systems are popular. Both models offer:
600 GPD fast flow – no waiting for a tank to refill
Tankless design – no bulky pressure tank under the sink
2:1 pure-to-waste ratio – far more efficient than older RO systems
Compact footprint – well suited to UK kitchens
Electric pump – enables fast flow and better efficiency
From a plumber’s point of view, both are a big step forward from traditional tank-based RO systems.
If you want a deeper, plumber-led breakdown of why we rate Waterdrop so highly — including installation experience, long-term reliability, maintenance, and how these systems compare to traditional tank-based RO setups — we’ve covered that in detail here on our plumber’s perspective on the best reverse osmosis systems for UK homes.
Why people are choosing reverse osmosis in the first place
If you live in Poole, Bournemouth or Christchurch, you’ll already know we’re in a hard water area. Many people start with jug filters or basic under-sink carbon filters, but some want to go further — especially if they’re concerned about:
Fluoride
Nitrates
PFAS
Microplastics
Reverse osmosis is one of the most thorough forms of water filtration available for homes. It forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes a very high percentage of dissolved contaminants.
That’s why RO systems are typically used just for drinking and cooking water, rather than the whole house.
A plumber’s honest verdict
From a practical point of view looking at the Waterdrop G2P600 vs G3P600, both systems work very well. But as we often say to customers: the best system is the one you’ll actually maintain.
Both are solid choices — it really comes down to how much information, reassurance, and control you want day to day.
If you're keen to get filtered water for your shower also, then the Hello Klean shower head is popular with our customers.
FAQs about Waterdrop G2P600 & G3P600
What’s the main difference between the Waterdrop G2P600 and G3P600?
Both systems use the same fast, tankless reverse osmosis technology, but the G3P600 adds smart features and extra independent testing. The G2P600 focuses on simplicity and strong performance, while the G3P600 adds a smart tap with water quality (TDS) display, holiday mode, an extra carbon filter stage, and additional NSF certifications.
Do both the G2P600 and G3P600 remove the same contaminants?
In practice, yes — both use reverse osmosis membranes that remove a very high percentage of dissolved contaminants such as fluoride, nitrates, heavy metals, and microplastics.
The difference is that the G3P600 has undergone more third-party testing (NSF/ANSI 58) to independently verify those reductions, whereas the G2P600 uses similar technology but hasn’t been certified to the same extent.
What does TDS mean on the G3P600 tap?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It’s a measurement of how many dissolved substances are left in your water.
The G3P600’s smart tap displays TDS in real time, giving you a quick visual indication of water purity. Lower numbers generally mean purer water. The G2P600 doesn’t show TDS but still produces very clean RO water that you can test manually with a TDS reader.
Do the different NSF certifications actually matter in real life?
They can — depending on what gives you peace of mind.
NSF/ANSI 372 (both systems) confirms the materials are lead-free and safe.
NSF/ANSI 42 (G3P600 only) verifies chlorine, taste, and odour reduction.
NSF/ANSI 58 (G3P600 only) verifies reverse osmosis performance, including TDS and contaminant reduction.
In real terms, the G3P600 offers more independent verification of filtration performance, while the G2P600 relies on proven RO technology without the same level of third-party testing.
Is the G3P600 worth paying more for?
It depends on what you value.
If you like seeing water quality data on the tap, and value extra third-party testing, the G3P600 is worth it. If you prefer a simpler system with fewer filters and lower long-term maintenance, the G2P600 is excellent value.
Do both systems need electricity?
Yes. Both the G2P600 and G3P600 use a small electric pump to achieve their fast flow rate and efficient water usage.
Energy use is very low, but you do need a nearby power socket under the sink.
Do these systems remove limescale?
Yes — for drinking water only. Reverse osmosis removes calcium and magnesium, which are the minerals responsible for limescale.
That’s why RO systems are usually installed on a separate drinking water tap, rather than treating water for the whole house.
Which system is better for smaller UK kitchens?
The G2P600. It’s smaller, lighter, and has fewer components under the sink, making it slightly easier to fit into tighter cupboards.
Can a plumber install both systems?
Yes. Both systems can be installed by a plumber, and we can fit them for customers across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
While confident DIYers can install them, professional installation helps ensure tidy pipework, leak testing, and long-term reliability — especially in tight under-sink spaces.