I like the MSR Aquatabs. Granted, you have to wait a few minutes, but that is usually not a problem. I've used numerous filters throughout the years but I typically am places where the water is pretty clear and I don't feel a need to filter and tabs are fine. Really, in most places I frequent, I just pick free running water and don't treat or filter.
There are a lot of good new filters available but I feel that in most cases water is pretty good and purification is not necessary in the US. It is one of those safety concerns like seat belts, 99.99% of people will not need it but it can suck if you are in the 0.01% that finds it necessary. That said, I recommend purification for most people and do not condone not purifying.
Crypto is pretty ubiquitous throughout the world, but rarely causes issues. Crypto just made news for Portland water. They had a number of detections in 2017 and now have to spend over 100 million on a new treatment facility to treat the cities currently untreated water.