Background Approximately 69% of population in Tanzania lacks better sanitation, while 45.6% lacks access to clean and safe water. To leverage this shortage, several technologies have been used for purifying water from various sources; however, there is still persistence of waterborne diseases. Main body This article reviewed the efficiency of common water filters in removing water contaminants such as Escherichia coli, fluoride, TSS, turbidity, nitrate, virus, BOD, COD, fecal coliform and color. Common water filters available in Tanzania markets include slow sand filter, ceramic filter, bone char, membrane purifier and bio sand filter. The effectiveness of each technology was evaluated in terms of its ability to remove water contaminants. Ceramic filter was found to be less expensive technology compared to the rest. Ineffectiveness of common water filters can be linked to persistence of waterborne diseases in Tanzania. Conclusion Ability of water filters in viral removal is of greater concern. This study suggests a ceramic filter as the best filter among all common filters available in Tanzania. Ceramic filters can be synthesized by locally available materials such as clay, saw dust, rice husk ashes and flour which make it efficient in removing all water contaminants, especially viruses.