The are expensive but I have tried the "less expensive" substitutes and they just don't last like these do. By the time you by 2 or 3 of the cheaper ones you're paying as much as 1 of these and don't have the hassle of changing them as often.
I ordered 2 Kenmore on the Sears website 2 Kenmore 9690 200 gal. water filters and was incorrectly sent 2 Kenmore 9999 water filters. Better warehouse quality control is needed by Sears.