If you’ve been shopping around for a solid water filtration system lately, chances are you’ve come across the SimPure T1-400 series. They’ve got that sleek, under-sink, tankless design everyone’s talking about—and the performance to back it up. But here’s where most people get stuck: do you go with the SimPure T1-400 UV tankless RO system, or the SimPure T1-400 ALK system with remineralization?
I get it. Both sound great on paper, and honestly, they are. But they’re made for slightly different needs. Let’s go over what sets them apart, in plain English, so you can decide which one actually makes sense for you.
The SimPure T1-400 Series — A Quick Look
Before we split hairs, let’s talk about what these two have in common. Both the UV and ALK systems are part of the SimPure T1-400 family—an 8-stage, tankless reverse osmosis setup that filters out almost everything you don’t want in your water. We’re talking chlorine, lead, fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals, and all the usual suspects.
They’re fast too—up to 400 gallons per day, so you’ll never be waiting around for your system to “catch up.” And because they’re tankless, you save a ton of space under the sink. No bulky water tanks taking up room you could use for, well, literally anything else.
Plus, the filters twist right out for easy replacement (seriously, it’s a 3-second job), and you get an alert when it’s time to change them. So you’re not guessing or waiting for your water to start tasting weird.
Now, the main difference between these two versions comes down to what happens after all that purification.
SimPure T1-400 UV Tankless RO System — The Germ Terminator
Let’s start with the SimPure T1-400 UV tankless RO system. This one’s the “better safe than sorry” option. It has a built-in UV sterilization light that zaps bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms before the water ever hits your glass.
If your water source is a well, or if you live in an area where the pipes are older (you know the ones that rattle when you turn the faucet?), UV protection is a lifesaver. It’s basically that final “don’t mess around” layer of safety.
I’ve seen people describe the water from the UV version as incredibly clean—like, pure pure. It has that crisp, neutral taste you get from bottled water, only without the plastic waste.
Now, there’s one thing to keep in mind: because it removes almost everything, it also strips out the minerals that give water its natural flavor. Some folks don’t notice it, others find it a bit too flat. Totally personal preference.
SimPure T1-400 ALK System with Remineralization — For Taste and Wellness
Then there’s the SimPure T1-400 ALK system with remineralization. This one takes the same powerful 8-stage filtration process but adds something back at the end—healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium.
That’s what gives the water a more natural taste and a slightly higher pH (a little on the alkaline side). Think smooth, balanced, and just a bit more refreshing. Coffee and tea taste better with it, and if you’re into the whole alkaline water trend, you’ll love it even more.
I know a few people who’ve switched to this system just for the taste alone. Once you get used to mineralized water, it’s hard to go back to that flat “filtered” taste again. And honestly, if your tap water is already safe but just blah, this is the upgrade you’ll actually feel.
Everything else—flow rate, design, build quality—is the same as the UV version. You’re just deciding between sterilization or remineralization as that final touch.
Which One’s Right for You?
Here’s how I’d think about it:
- If your water quality is sketchy or you’re using a well, go for the UV model. You’ll have the peace of mind that your water’s been sterilized and nearly 0m TDS and is safe to drink, no matter what.
- If your city water is generally clean and you just want it to taste amazing, the ALK version is the way to go. It’s better for daily hydration, cooking, and just about everything else.
You really can’t go wrong with either. Both deliver top-tier filtration, save space, and make life easier. It just depends on whether you care more about pure protection or mineral-rich flavor.
My Take
If I were setting this up in a city apartment, I’d probably go with the T1-400 ALK. I’m a coffee drinker, and mineralized water makes a noticeable difference. But if I were out on a rural property using well water? No question—I’d pick the T1-400 UV for the extra peace of mind.
At the end of the day, both are part of SimPure’s push toward smarter, cleaner, and more efficient home water systems. And whichever way you go, you’ll still end up with water that’s miles better than what’s coming straight out of the tap.
So yeah, the real “winner” here depends on you—your water source, your taste preferences, and what makes you feel good about what you’re drinking. Either way, you’ll be sipping clean, safe, great-tasting water every single day—and that’s a win no matter how you pour it.
