1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. RO vs UV vs UF: Which Water Purifier Is Right for Your Home?

Buying Guide

RO vs UV vs UF: Which Water Purifier Is Right for Your Home?

20 August 2026 · 6 min read · By RO India Service technicians

Every purifier box says "100% safe water", but RO, UV and UF solve different problems. The right choice depends on your water source — not on the brand.

RO — Reverse Osmosis

Water is pushed through a very fine membrane that removes dissolved salts, heavy metals and most microbes. Best for: borewell, tanker or any water with TDS above about 300–500 mg/L. Note: it needs electricity and rejects some water, which can be reused for cleaning.

UV — Ultraviolet

A UV lamp kills bacteria and viruses. It does not remove dissolved salts or chemicals. Best for: low-TDS municipal water. The lamp must be replaced about once a year.

UF — Ultrafiltration

A hollow-fibre membrane removes bacteria, cysts and suspended particles, and works without electricity. Best for: low-TDS water in homes with irregular power. It does not reduce TDS.

Quick comparison

ROUVUF
Reduces TDSYesNoNo
Kills / removes germsYesYesYes
Needs electricityYesYesNo
Ideal input TDSHighLowLow

By city

  • Pilibhit & Bareilly: groundwater with iron and hardness — RO with a strong pre-filter.
  • Delhi: mixed supply, often high TDS — RO or RO+UV.
  • Pune: municipal supply may suit UV/UF; tanker water needs RO.
  • Hyderabad: borewell water with high TDS — RO or RO+UV.

Not sure? We test your water for free during any visit. See water TDS testing or book a visit.

Get your RO fixed today

One call or WhatsApp — we confirm a slot and a trained technician comes to your home. Pay only after the job is done.