Do you want to filter your drinking water without going through the hassle and expense of installing a full-blown filtration system in your home or office?
If that's the case, you might want to consider a water filter pitcher.
More...
In this review, you'll find detailed information about some of the most popular water filter pitchers available today. We'll cover things like cost, filter life, overall design, and the types of contaminants that each of them removes.
All of them will make your water taste good. They all remove chlorine, odors, and bad taste from ordinary tap water.
But if you're concerned about contaminants like lead, fluoride and pesticides, you'll want to take a closer look.
Go for the one that takes care of your drinking water issues, even if it costs a little more. Your health is worth it!
You can click on a topic in the Quick Navigation below, or keep on scrolling to read the whole review.
Comparison Table: Best Water Filter Pitchers
**This table is best viewed in horizontal orientation on mobile devices.**
Product | Capacity | Filter Life | Warranty | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Clearly Filtered  | 2 quarts | 100 gallons | Lifetime | |
Aquagear  | 2 quarts | 120 gallons | Lifetime | |
ProOne  | 1.6 quarts | 225 gallons | 90 days | |
Epic Pure  | 2 quarts | 150 gallons | Lifetime | |
Alexapure  | 2 quarts | 80 gallons | 45 days | |
Zero Water  | 2.5 quarts | 40 gallons | 90 days on pitcher
30 days on filter |
I've also added the table below for those of you who are into numbers. It lists various contaminants and the percentage reduced by each of the top six brands.
The numbers came from published lab test results. Where it says "n/a", that means that there wasn't data for that contaminant. This is not a complete list, but it can give you a good idea of how the filters compare.
Water Filter Pitchers Contaminant Reduction Comparison Table
Suggested Reading - Chlorine vs Chloramine in Drinking Water: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter? (The Safe Healthy Home)
Which of these is a fluoride filter pitcher?
If your main concern is fluoride in your drinking water, you have several to choose from. All of the Top Six Picks except for Aquagear remove or reduce fluoride.
Read below for more details.
Presenting the 6 Best Water Filter Pitchers for 2023!
1. Clearly Filtered Clean Water Filter Pitcher (editor's choice)
See our top pick at Clearly Filtered.com.
First we have the Clearly Filtered Clean Water Pitcher.
This product underwent some major changes in design and performance several years ago. And I have to say, I'm impressed. It quickly became my favorite pitcher filter!
Clearly Filtered uses a unique filtration technology, which they call "Affinity". It's made of a blend of filter media including carbon and other proprietary components.
It's not NSF certified, but it has been tested by an independent EPA certified laboratory in accordance with NSF Standards 401, 42 and 53 for water quality and reduction of chemicals and emerging contaminants.
The Clearly Filtered pitcher underwent a new round of testing in August of 2021 which shows that it now removes over 365 contaminants.
According to the latest lab test data, the filter reduces up to 99.5% of fluoride, 98.3% of arsenic, and 99.9% of chlorine. It virtually eliminates heavy metals like lead (99.5%), VOCs (Volatile Organic Contaminants), and Chromium-6. Certain microorganisms, such as E. coli, cryptosporidium, giardia, and viruses are also reduced up to 99.9%.
It does a whole lot more, too. Detailed reports are available at the Clearly Filtered website if you'd like to get the complete picture.
Beneficial minerals are not filtered out of the water.
The pitcher holds 64 ounces (2 quarts), and it's made of BPA free medical grade Tritan plastic. And that includes the handle and lid!
In addition, the lid is designed to prevent any unfiltered water from escaping the reservoir and contaminating the clean water. That means you don't have to wait for all the water to drip through before you can pour any out.
You do have to take the lid off to fill it - there's no fill hole on the top. But, that's the trade-off for keeping the unfiltered water from leaking out. The lid snaps securely in place, too. It's not going to fall off when you pour.
The filter can last up to 100 gallons or 3-6 months, depending on how much you use it and your water quality.
Check the price and availability of replacement filters at Amazon.com by clicking here.
You can also get replacements directly from the manufacturer. Clearly Filtered has a VIP Filter Program with automatic shipping that gives you a 10% discount on filters. Shipping is free.
Want to save even more?
Clearly Filtered is offering an additional 10% off your purchase if you use the code: SAFEHEALTHYHOME2020 when you checkout at their website. That's in addition to the discount on filters when you sign up for the VIP Filter Program.
Clearly Filtered Quick Summary
Warranty: Lifetime replacement warranty
Filter Materials: Proprietary blend of carbon and other materials
Biggest Complaint: Water sometimes leaks out around filter (Note: readjusting or flipping over the gasket usually solves this.)
Best Features: Reduces 365+ contaminants from tap water, including fluoride; filters last a long time; no spill lid; excellent customer service
You can check the current price of the Clearly Filtered Pitcher at Amazon.com by clicking here.
Click here to buy at ClearlyFiltered.com and join the VIP Filter Program.
Be sure to use the code: SAFEHEALTHYHOME2020 for an additional 10% off your purchase at ClearlyFiltered.com.
2. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher (superior lead removal)
Grab this pitcher at GoAquagear.com and stop worrying about lead in your water.
Next up is the Aquagear. This pitcher is made of 100% recyclable BPA free plastic, and it holds 2 quarts.
The filter is good for 120 gallons, which works out to about 6 months under normal use. You'll find that the water filters through quickly at first, but it slows down a good bit as the filter gets older.
You'll know it's time to replace it when the flow slows down to a trickle.
The replacement filters are a bit on the expensive side but you don't have to replace them very often. You can check the exact current price at Amazon by clicking here.
If you want to save money on replacement filters (and who doesn't?), Aquagear has a subscription service that takes 20% off the retail price and automatically sends you a new filter every 6 months.
The subscription is only available through the Aquagear website. You can sign up when you buy a new pitcher at this link.
You can also sign up for the subscription service later at this link.
This filter is EPA/ANSI certified. It meets or exceeds NSF Standards 42 and 53 for contaminant reduction.
I checked out the independent lab testing results at the manufacturer's website, and I was impressed.
The tests showed a significant reduction in dangerous contaminants, including chlorine, lead, mercury, trihalomethanes, PFOA, microplastics, and asbestos.
You may know that Flint, Michigan has an ongoing crisis with lead contamination in the drinking water.
The Aquagear pitcher was actually tested on tap water from a home in Flint in March of 2016. The water sample started at a level of 0.046 mg/L (the EPA standard for lead in drinking water is 0).
After filtering with Aquagear, there was no lead detected in the sample.
So if you're looking for a lead reducing filter, Aquagear is a good choice.
The filter removes heavy metals, but it leaves healthy trace minerals in the water.
The Aquagear filter is designed to be used only with tap water from municipal treated sources. It does not remove bacteria or viruses. So don't go putting water from a pond or stream in it, or you might end up getting sick.
You also shouldn't use it if you're on a well, unless you've tested your water for biological contaminants and you're sure it's clear.
Aquagear Quick Summary
Filter materials: activated coconut carbon and ion exchange materials.
Warranty: The Aquagear comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. If the pitcher ever breaks, they will replace it for free.
Biggest Complaints: Hard to pour; filter doesn't last very long; doesn't reduce fluoride.
Best Features: Excellent lead reduction.
Click here to check the current price of the Aquagear pitcher at Amazon.com.
Click here to check the current price at Aquagear and sign up for the filter replacement subscription. Use code SAFEHEALTHYHOME for a 10% discount.
3. ProOne Water Filter Pitcher (best for emergency preparedness)
Check out this pitcher style survival filter at ProOne USA.
The ProOne (formerly Propur) water purifier pitcher is quite a bit different from all the other pitchers we're looking at. The main difference is the filter itself.
This filter is the same one used in the ProOne gravity water filters, only in a smaller size.
The ProOne G2.0 M filter is made of silver infused white ceramic with ProSorb™ granular activated carbon based media. Instead of just using it once and throwing it away, this filter can be washed and reused for up to 6 months or 225 gallons.
You can use almost any kind of water in this pitcher - not just tap water. That includes well water and water from lakes, ponds, rivers, and rain. So it's great for emergency situations and camping as well as for everyday use.
Independent lab tests show that the ProOne G2.0 filter reduces or removes fluoride (about 96%), pesticides, chloramines, VOCs, bacteria, viruses, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and more. The filter completely reduces lead in drinking water.
It does not remove beneficial minerals.
Lab test results are available at the ProOne USA website if you'd like to see more.
The pitcher is easy to use. There's no need to prime the filter before using it the first time.
It holds 3.5 liters overall and 1.5 liters of filtered water. Because of the type of filter it uses, it's slower at filtering than other pitchers. This seems to be more of a problem when you first start using it. It takes some time for a new filter to absorb the water.
Scrubbing the filter element can help the surface to become more porous and absorb better, too.
When you buy a ProOne water pitcher, you'll get one filter, but you can buy more any time.
To check the current price of replacement filters at Amazon, click here.
Replacement filters are also available from the manufacturer, ProOne USA.
If you like to drink infused water, you might be interested to know that it comes with a removable fruit infuser tube.
To use it, you take out the tube, fill it with pieces of fruit or vegetables, and snap it back in. The tube hangs down into the filtered water chamber and infuses into the water.
ProOne Quick Summary
Filter Materials: silver infused white ceramic with granular activated carbon based media.
Warranty: 90 day limited warranty on pitcher and filter.
Biggest Complaints: Hard to pour and slow filtering.
Best Features: Removes heavy metals like lead, fluoride, bacteria, and many other contaminants; long filter life; can use non-potable water - best water filter pitcher for emergency preparedness/survival.
Check the current price of the ProOne Pitcher at Amazon.com here.
4. Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher (built-in filter timer)
Epic Pure is one of two water filtration jugs made by Epic Water Filters.
It features a 150 gallon capacity activated carbon filter that removes up to 99.99% of over 200 contaminants.
The Epic Pure is excellent for reducing lead, chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride.
Grab an Epic Pure at Epic Water
It also takes out microplastics, chromium-6, and PFOA, along with a host of other toxic substances. (Click here to see the performance data sheet.)
But, it doesn't take out microbiological contaminants, so you should only use it with treated tap water.
This BPA free pitcher holds about 8 cups of filtered water in the lower part and 6 cups in the upper reservoir. There's a flip top opening on the lid that makes it easy to fill.
The spout is designed to allow you to pour out filtered water while there's still water in the reservoir. That's helpful when you're in a hurry to get a glass of water!
Another nice feature is the LED timer on the lid that tells you when it's time to replace the filter.
And, it comes in two colors: white and navy.
Epic Pure filters last for about 3 months with average use. The replacements are definitely on the expensive side. But, you can save 20% on replacements by joining the Clean Water Club subscription service when you purchase directly from Epic Water Filters.
Want more details? Please see my hands-on review of the Epic Pure and Nano water filter pitchers.
You can also save 20% on the price of a pitcher system when you shop at Epic Water Filters and enter coupon code safehealthyhome20. Shipping is free and they have lots of payment options.
Epic Pure Quick Summary
Filter Materials: Solid block carbon.
Warranty: Lifetime.
Biggest Complaints: Reservoir sometimes fall out while pouring; expensive replacement filters.
Best Features: Removes many contaminants including lead and fluoride; built-in filter timer.
Check the current price of the Epic Pure pitcher at Amazon.com.
Or, shop for the Epic Pure filter pitcher at Epic Water here. Use coupon code safehealthyhome20 for 20% off your order.
5. Alexapure Water Filter Pitcher (effective and affordable)
This is a filter pitcher that I bought for myself to take on a long trip one time. Here it is sitting on my kitchen counter.
I was so impressed that I wrote an in-depth review on it when I got back home. You can read it here: Why I Recommend the Alexapure Water Filter Pitcher
Shop for Alexapure at My Patriot Supply.
Alexapure pitchers and filter elements are made of BPA free food grade plastic. And they're made in the USA by My Patriot Supply, a family-owned business specializing in products for survival and preparedness.
If you want a filter that removes major contaminants, this is a good choice. It reduces up to 99.99% of a huge array of contaminants, including arsenic, chlorine, lead, pesticides, Chromium-6, trihalomethanes, VOCs, and many more.
Fluoride is reduced by 90%. That's about the same as the other Top Five picks.
Like all the other pitchers - except for ProOne - you should only put treated municipal tap water through this filter. It does not remove biological contaminants.
The pitcher has an attractive design with a sturdy handle and a lid that stays firmly in place when you're pouring. It holds 8 cups of water.
You generally have to replace the filters after about 80 gallons or every two months. But, depending on the quality of the water you put in, they can last for up to 250 gallons.
One drawback is the cost of replacing the filters. They are a bit on the expensive side. Click here to check the current price of replacements at Amazon.
Or check the price of replacement filters at the manufacturer's website (My Patriot Supply) here.
You can usually save a good bit by buying from My Patriot Supply - that goes for the filters and the pitcher. They often put it on sale, so it's always worth taking a look.
Alexapure Quick Summary
Filter Materials: Activated carbon.
Warranty: 45-day no questions asked guarantee (unopened products).
Biggest Complaint: Replacement filters are expensive.
Best Features: Easy to fill; lid stays on tight; fast filtering.
Check the current price of the Alexapure at Amazon.com by clicking here.
6. ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (removes Total Dissolved Solids)
See the ZeroWater at Amazon.
ZeroWater is one of the best water filter pitchers available today. It doesn't remove all contaminants, but it does a better job than most of the others.
It's priced reasonably, too.
This filter is NSF certified under Standards 42 and 53. Standard 42 pertains to chlorine and hydrogen sulfide, and 53 pertains to lead, chromium-6, and mercury.
According to the ZeroWater website, it also reduces pharmaceuticals, chloramine, pesticides, fluoride, and arsenic in drinking water.
They also state that "The current system is meant to be used with municipally treated, potable water as the current filter will not remove microbiological contaminants.."
You can use it with well water, provided you've had your water tested and it's free of biological contaminants.
It also removes 99.6% of detectable Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from the water.
TDS refers to the non-organic solids that can make water taste bad. But it also includes minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium, which you might rather not have taken out.
And, you should know that TDS is considered a secondary contaminant by the EPA. It has more to do with aesthetic effects than safety.
There's a handy dispenser at the bottom of the pitcher, so you don't have to take it out of the fridge to get a glass of water. None of the other pitchers have this feature.
ZeroWater uses a 5-stage filtration system instead of the usual 2-stage filter. This allows it to take out more contaminants. But it also makes it slower than the others.
When you order the system, you'll also get a free TDS meter so you can test your filtered water for those TDS. That's how you'll determine when you need to replace the filter.
The filters can last anywhere from a few weeks to 6 months depending on your tap water quality and how much water you consume.
If you notice the water starting to taste or smell funny, that's also an indication the the filter is at the end of its life.
The filters are not the cheapest, but again, they remove more contaminants than most pitcher filters. If you can find them in multipacks, you'll save a good bit of money.
Check the price and availability of replacement filters at Amazon.com by clicking here.
If you buy one of these, you might also want to check out ZeroWater's filter recycling program.
You send in your used filters and they'll send you one $10 coupon code for every 2 filters you send. The coupons are only redeemable at ZeroWater.com, and you pay for shipping to send them in. It may or may not be worth it, depending on how much the shipping costs.
ZeroWater Quick Summary
Materials: activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy; ion exchange
Warranty: 90 days on the pitcher; 30 days on the filter.
Biggest Complaints: Slow filtering, lid comes off easily when pouring; filters don't last long; fishy odor (not as common as a couple of years ago).
Best Features: Reduces fluoride, lead, and other contaminants, including TDS; handy dispenser.
Click here to check the current price of the ZeroWater pitcher at Amazon.com.
Other Water Filter Pitchers to Consider
Waterdrop Chubby Water Filter Pitcher (best budget priced pitcher)
This very popular water filter pitcher from Waterdrop gets high marks for speedy filtration and longevity.
The Waterdrop Chubby comes with a 7-stage activated carbon filter that removes chlorine, lead, fluoride, and many other contaminants.
Get great tasting water fast with the Chubby from Waterdrop
One filter is good for 200 gallons - twice as much as most of the more expensive brands. And replacement filters are inexpensive, especially if you buy them in a multipack. So, the Chubby is a great choice for those on a tight budget.
The BPA free plastic pitcher holds 10 cups yet is slim enough to fit on most refrigerator doors. It has an attractive natural wood handle, and it comes in your choice of blue, white or clear.
Click here to check the price and current specials at Waterdrop.
Epic Nano Water Filter Pitcher (removes bacteria and virus)
The Epic Nano from Epic Water Filters is designed for well water, camping, and emergency preparedness.
This pitcher looks identical to the Epic Pure, but the filters are not the same.
The Nano removes many of the same contaminants as the Epic Pure, and it also takes out 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and cysts.
Shop for the Epic Nano at Epic Water Filters
But, it doesn't remove as much chlorine or fluoride as the Epic Pure. So, if you want a fluoride reducing filter, this isn't the one for you.
All of the other features of the Epic Pure apply to the Nano - the pitcher design, size, filter life and timer, and warranty.
Read my in-depth review and comparison of the two Epic Water models.
Click here to check price and availability at Amazon.
Click here to check the price at Epic Water Filters. Use coupon code safehealthyhome20 for 20% off your order.
Clear2O Advanced Water Filtration Pitcher (fastest filtering)
Clear2O designed this pitcher style water purifier for people who don't have time to wait around for their water to filter.
The design is like no other pitcher filter I've seen. All the other models in this post use gravity to allow the water to drip down through the filter.
Grab a Clear2O at Amazon and speed up your water filtration.
But this one attaches to the faucet and uses water pressure to force tap water through the solid block carbon filter.
It only takes about a minute to fill the 9 cup capacity pitcher!
Although it's super fast, it might not work well in your home, depending on the type of water faucets you have. You can't use it with a pull-down or pull-out faucet. When I tested it, I had to use it in the bathroom.
If you'd like more information, please see my in-depth review of the Clear2O Model CWS100 water filtration pitcher.
Nakii Water Filter Pitcher (perfect size for fridge door)
Here's a pitcher with a modern slim design that fits well on the door of most refrigerators. Consequently, the capacity is on the small side - about 7-1/2 cups.
The activated carbon fiber filter is made in Japan, and the pitcher itself is made in China. Filter life is about 150 gallons.
Check out the Nakii pitcher at Amazon.
It reduces 97% of chlorine, mercury, and suspended solids. Lead is reduced by 50%, and it does not reduce fluoride.
Like most pitcher type filters, the Nakii should only be used with treated tap water.
PUR Classic 11-Cup Pitcher (holds the most)
This pitcher has a large capacity of 11 cups and it's relatively inexpensive.
The PUR filter is NSF/ANSI Standard 42 certified for chlorine and zinc reduction, as well as Standard 53 certified for some VOCs.
Grab one of these big Pur pitchers at Amazon.
And it removes 99% of lead. That sounds good, but I want to point out that the EPA standard for safe exposure to lead is zero. If you have a concern about lead in your water, this really is not an adequate filter.
If you're looking for a fluoride filter, this model is not the one you're looking for. It does not remove fluoride.
You should only put treated tap water in it, by the way, because it does not remove biological contaminants.
A nice design feature on this pitcher is an LED light on the lid that tells you when it's time for a replacement. There seems to be a flaw in the design, though, because a lot of people say that it doesn't work. Hopefully PUR will work on improving it.
The filter life is 40 gallons, or about 1 to 2 months, depending on the quality of the water you put into it.
Since they wear out in a month or two, you'll always want to keep some extras on hand. You can save yourself some money by buying them in multi-packs.
Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher (just the basics)
Everybody knows about Brita, and many people have one in their home. In spite of its popularity, it's not the best choice.
The standard filter in the 10-cup Brita Everyday Pitcher does a great job of making water taste better, but that's about all it does.
See the Brita pitcher at Amazon.
It's NSF/ANSI 42 certified for reduction of chlorine taste and odor and zinc reduction, and it's NSF/ANSI 53 certified for reduction of cadmium, copper, and mercury.
This Brita filter will not remove fluoride, lead, chromium-6, or biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses. So you don't want to use it to filter untreated tap water.
You'll need to replace the filter after 40 gallons, or about every 2 months.
If all you care about is the taste and smell of your drinking water, then this model might fit the bill.
LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher (removes bacteria and parasites)
If you're familiar with LifeStraw's personal water filtration devices, you'll want to check out their latest offering.
It's hard to find a pitcher filter that removes biological contaminants from drinking water, but this one does.
The secret is in the filter, which is actually made of two parts - a carbon filter and a membrane.
Buy a Lifestraw pitcher at Amazon, and get bacteria and parasites out of your water.
Besides biologicals, Lifestraw filter pitchers reduce heavy metals including lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides.
Another plus for this model is that it's made of glass - a rare feature for a filtration pitcher!
On the down side, the filter life isn't so great. You'll need to replace the carbon filter after 40 gallons, but the membrane is good for 264 gallons.
Get the lowdown on the LifeStraw Home in this post: My Review of LifeStraw’s New Water Filter Pitcher
Santevia MINA Slim (best alkaline water pitcher)
Made by Santevia, the MINA Slim filter pitcher holds 9 cups of water, and the filter life is 80 gallons.
One of the main selling points of this filter is that it raises the pH of the water, creating "alkaline water."
Add minerals to your water with a Santevia MINA Slim from Amazon.
It does this by adding minerals - specifically calcium and magnesium - to the water as part of the filtration process.
According to the manufacturer, the 6-stage filter reduces chlorine, lead and other unspecified contaminants.
Whether drinking alkaline water is beneficial isn't clear. There are plenty of arguments on both sides. And that's is why I'm putting this pitcher down here in the "see also" category.
If you've done the research and you've decided that you want to drink alkaline water, then maybe you'll want to take a closer look at the Santevia MINA Slim.
For more details, including my own pH testing on the MINA Slim, please see my review: Santevia MINA Slim Alkaline Water Pitcher: Does It Work?
Are filtered water pitchers worth it?
Yes, they can be. Here's why:
1. They're inexpensive.
You can pick up one of these pitchers for somewhere between about $20 up to $75. But remember, like anything else, you get what you pay for. The cheapest model might not be the best choice.
Also keep in mind that you will have to replace the filters, so you should factor that into the cost.
2. They're portable and easy to use.
Just fill the top with tap water and wait for it to filter through. There's no need to install anything to your plumbing.
You can use them at home or take them with you to the office, on vacation, or wherever you like. And you can keep them in the fridge if you like your water chilled.
3. They can remove a wide range of contaminants, depending on the brand.
At a minimum, most pitcher filters will improve water quality by taking out chlorine and making your tap water taste and smell better.
Many pitchers will also remove dangerous water contaminants like lead and chemicals. Again, do your homework and look for a model that removes the toxins that you're most worried about.
Verdict: Choose ProOne or Clearly Filtered
Any of the pitcher filters in this review are going to give you better tasting water.
But, I think that if you're going to buy one, it's best to get the most bang for your buck and go for one that does more than just improve the taste.
So my personal recommendation would be either the ProOne or Clearly Filtered. That's because they remove or reduce more of the contaminants that I'm most concerned about.
And out of those two, I think the ProOne is the best water filter pitcher overall in terms of contaminant reduction. I also like the fact that you can use it in emergency situations when potable water might not be available.
Clearly Filtered is great for contaminant reduction. And if fluoride is your main concern, it has an excellent reduction rate. Plus it has that no spill lid and is made of medical grade plastic. It's my personal favorite and the one I use when I'm traveling.
Drinking more water - and drinking clean, filtered water - is an important part of enjoying a healthier lifestyle. Don't put it off!
Go check out the selection of the best water filter pitchers today at Amazon.com!
What about you? Do you have any of these filter pitchers in your home? Which one do you think is the best water filter pitcher? Let us hear from you in the comments!
Last Updated on March 1, 2023
Thank you. Great info. Easy to understand. Answered all my questions. You had me at the best way to view is to turn my device to horizontal.
So, impressive.
Can you compare Clearly filtered clean water VS Epic water filter? Is there much difference in these?
Hi, Diane! Both Clearly Filtered and Epic are covered in this review.
Ok, update to my earlier question. I contacted Clearly Filtered, who reiterated that theirs could not be used with natural sources of water. When I asked "why," they stated "because untreated water from natural sources may contain viruses or pesticides" that theirs does not filter out. However, there was nothing specific…so I'm wondering if this is just an issue of them not wanting to make the claim for liability reasons. When I compare it against ProOne, it seems like Clearly Filtered is better overall.
Can you explain a little more about why the ProOne pitcher is the only one that can be used with non-municipal water sources? I'm gathering from other comments that it is because it filters out bacteria, like E. Coli and Giardia. However, it appears from your chart that Clearly Filtered does as well. I'm trying to decide between these two. I like the fact that the ProOne could be used in an emergency preparedness situation, but I like the better filtration that Clearly Filtered has in most categories.
Hi, Heather! Although the lab test results for both brands are similar, Clearly Filtered specifically states in the user instructions to use only cool tap water. The warranty says that not following the instructions will void the warranty. So, even though you might be able to use it with non-potable water, the company makes no claims regarding its use. ProOne, on the other hand, says that you can use any kind of water.
Best tasting water and fastest filling only happens with Clear2o. It removes over 200 contaminants and it’s the fastest pitcher. Installing can be a hassle sometimes, but I am so happy I changed to Clear2O pitcher. I have used the Clearly Filter in the past, pitcher was expensive, need to soak filter, lid falls off and the design is poorly made. When you pay top dollar you expect better quality and Clearly Filter disappointed.
Thanks for information. The waterdrop filter pitcher I bought has been in use for more than a month, with a very long life, fast water supply, and no need to wait for a long time. Good filtering effect. It comes with an LED light that alerts you to the status of the filter. very useful:)
Hi, Terese! I’ve heard good things about the Waterdrop pitcher and hope to review it soon.
Hi Marge, the propur filter is silver infused. I read that silver can leech into the filtered water. Do you have any info about this? Thanks!
Hi, Kay! I have asked Propur about the silver, and they told me that the silver used in the filter is infused into the ceramic and does not leach out. Also, according to a paper by the WHO, “there is no evidence that the use of silver in household water filters has either caused adverse health effects or leached excessive levels of silver into filtered water.”
Hi Marge thanks for all the great information.
We have a saltwater pool. Are any of these filters capable of making the pool water drinkable?
Hi, Adi! I’m pretty sure that salt water would damage all of these filters. You could always contact the manufacturers and ask them. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, Thanks for the very informative reviews. My question is…if Propur removes bacteria and viruses, why do you still prefer the Clearly Filtered pitcher?
Thanks!
Sharon
Hi, Sharon! I say Clearly Filtered is my personal favorite because of how and when I use a pitcher filter. I only use a pitcher filter when traveling, and then I’m drinking water from a clean source, so I don’t need to be concerned about bacteria and viruses in the water. The Clearly Filtered one filters faster and holds more than the Propur, and the design allows you to pour out filtered water (without spillage) before the reservoir is empty. So, I can check into my hotel room and have good filtered water to drink in no time. Now, if I were a camper (which I’m not), and didn’t want to haul along something like a gravity filter, I’d use the Propur instead. Hope that helps.
I also love the Clearly filtered pitcher… There has been controversy on whether one can leave the pitcher out of the fridge or not. Many say yes, it's fine, if used in a few days. Others say it should be refrigerated in order to prevent Algae growth. Either way, it should be kept of our the sun when out. What may you recommend – in or out of the fridge? Thank you!
Hi, Ellen! It depends on whether you prefer your water chilled or at room temperature. When I do use a pitcher (like on vacation), I keep it out on the counter so it’s convenient for making coffee or a cup of tea. I also prefer my water at room temperature most of the time. But, if I want it cold, I can add ice.
Marge, I am glad I found your great analysis of water pitchers before I bought one. Our city water contains chloramine. So, I will definitely buy your top pick model Clearly Filtered over the Alexapure. Thanks.
Glad to be of help, Steve!
The major disadvantage of the Alexapure pitcher is that it does not remove chloramine. The Clearly Filtered pitcher would be a better choice if you have chloramine in your drinking water.
Can you clarify why the Clearly Filtered pitcher is not NSF certified? I use well water with a very high iron concentration. Is this model an appropriate choice for me.
Thank you for your very through analysis and comparisons.
Hi, CJ! Regarding NSF certification, I’ll refer you to another post for my explanation about why some companies don’t go the certification route and why I think NSF certification isn’t all that important. Here’s the link directly to that section of the post: https://thesafehealthyhome.com/best-home-water-filter/#tab-con-7
According to the lab test results, Clearly Filtered reduces iron by 99.4%, so it should improve the taste of your well water. It does not remove minerals, though, so if you have hard water, it’s not going to help with that. Do you have any other concerns about your well water?
Thanks for your fast response. I do have hard water and have a 30 year old water softener that is probably not functioning that well. For the last year I’ve taken to purchasing gallon jugs of water to use for drinking and cooking…tedious but did the job. But now that my state is in a lock-down mode due to Covid-19 and I’m in a high-risk age group, I’m unable to get out to the store. I will review your column again and make my purchase today. Take care.
I really appreciate your detail in reviewing these products, and it has helped me in choosing one for my family and one for a gift for my adult children. Do you know anything about the Aquatru purification system? Thanks!!
Hi, Tamara! I’m so glad I could be of help to you. Aquatru is on my short list of systems to check out – just haven’t had a chance yet.
Great, thanks. Let me know what you think, please… I might purchase one. 🙂
Can I use a Brita filter in a Pur pitcher?
Hi, Rhonda! No, they are not compatible.
Hi, thanks for the article!
I came across this filter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W68TH7W
It sounds quite interesting and it claims to remove bacteria!?
How would you rate this?
Hi, Saul! Well, it does look interesting, for sure. I did a little digging and found that it’s actually manufactured by Aquaphor, which, as far as I can tell, is a Russian company. Link to the Aquaphor page here: https://aquaphor.com/pitchers/jshmidt-500 If it does what they claim, then it seems like a good product to me. I would like to see third party test results, though. There’s nothing published on their website, and Aquaphor is not listed with NSF.
Hello,
Any thoughts on the Epic Water filters? – How would you say their pitcher holds up to the ones mentioned above?
I have a berkey for at home use but am looking for a pitcher to travel with. What’s the biggest difference in contaminant reduction with berkey vs the best of these pitchers?
Thanks!!
Hi, Ivy! The biggest difference between Berkey and most of these pitchers is that the Berkey can be used with any water (except saltwater), and most of the pitchers should only be used with potable water because they don’t remove biological contaminants. The Propur pitcher is the one that comes closest to the Berkey in terms of contaminant reduction, and it removes fluoride without needing any extra filters. The LifeStraw pitcher does remove biologicals, but it doesn’t remove fluoride, chloramine, arsenic, nitrates, or nitrites.
Hope that helps.
Hello Marge,
I am an oddity. I have well water and, all in all, am pretty happy with the taste. My concern is that my coffee makers gets plugged up so easily (lime scale, I think). Are any of these water filters capable of improving coffee maker performance?
Thanks for any advice you may offer.
Hi, Bruce! I have the same problem with well water leaving mineral deposits in my electric tea kettle. Unfortunately, none of these pitcher filters will remove minerals from the water. What you’d need is either a water distiller or a reverse osmosis system.
I have heard that Zero Water does the best job in cleaning the water, but I have heard that it does too well of cleaning it, as it also takes out the vital minerals that we need and so therefore it’s no good. Thx.
Hi Alan! You’re right – ZeroWater will take out beneficial minerals along with other TDS. Most people get most of their minerals from food, anyway, so it’s probably not a problem.
What is the date on the data at the top? Do you know how I could access some more up to date?
I’m specifically looking which is the best filter for removing lead but leaving in minerals (sp. calcium and magnesium)?
I updated the information earlier this year. You can always go to the manufacturers’ websites to see what they have there, but that’s where my data comes from. All of the top five remove lead but leave in minerals. The only types of filters that do remove minerals are reverse osmosis and distillers.
I want to make a correction here – all of the top five remove lead, but ZeroWater does remove minerals. The other four do not.
Your article on the countertop Propur says it reduces calcium by 81%. Do you know if that’s different for the pitcher version?
Hi, MM! The pitcher uses the same filter as the countertop, so the calcium reduction is the same.
Thanks for the great information. Can you make any recommendations or point me in the direction of information on water pitchers to try to correct the smell of reservoir water with algae bloom issues (geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol)?
Hi, Dee! Any filter that uses activated carbon should help with algae bloom contamination. This article suggests that the ZeroWater pitcher is a good choice because of its multi-stage filtration: Water pitcher filters can remove toxins from algal blooms, Stone Lab says
Marge Which pitchers remove microplastics? thanks.
Hi, Joy! Good question. The Clearly Filtered pitcher reduces 99.9% of microplastics, according to their published lab test results. I’m not sure about the others, but I’m going to find out, and I’ll update the post accordingly.
I received an advertisement for a
turapur Pitcher Fountain of Youth water pitcher. I have a lot of iron in my water. What is your thoughts on this pitcher? Thank you!
Hi, Marilyn! I never heard of Turapur. I did manage to find their website. Here’s the link: https://turapur.com/products/turapur-water-pitcher/ There certainly isn’t much information there or anything to give it credibility. My guess is it’s a private label. It looks pretty scammy to me. I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole.
Your chart at the top says that the propur filter lasts 600 gallons and their own website says 225 gallons (other than for fluoride). Just thought I’d point that out so you can correct it or defend it with other info you have that I don’t have. They also posted different filtering results for other brands on their website than you have here. I think yours are correct and they are just being shady salesmen but whatever. (I have a propur, a clearly filtered, a zero, and an RO system. So I have no skin in the game. It just really seams like propur lies more than the others).
Hi, Jade! I’m a little confused myself, now. It says 600 gallons in the Questions and Answers but 225 on the comparison chart on that page. The comparison chart wasn’t there back when I did my original research, so I went by the company’s answer in the Q&As. I’ll get in touch with them and find out what the right number is. There’s a huge difference between 225 and 600! Thanks very much for pointing this out. I’m going to change the number in this post to 225 until I hear otherwise from Propur. Better to err on the side of caution.
I found out from Propur that the correct number is 225.
Hi Marge!
Thanks so much for the work you’ve done here.
Heads – up: Amazon link for Alexapure filter isn’t currently showing a price– https://www.amazon.com/Alexapure-Water-Pitcher-Replacement-Filter/dp/B0744CCXQM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?imprToken=zMdGJntS.bhsjI4sXFefIA&slotNum=1&s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1509396408&sr=1-1&keywords=alexapure+replacement+filters&linkCode=sl1&tag=waterfilterpitchers08-20&linkId=394eaf948b80161317efba20ea27f865
Cheers,
Krista
Hi, Krista! It looks like Alexapure isn’t available on Amazon at the moment, unfortunately. I’m hoping they’ll bring it back. I’m going to keep checking, and will update it if they do. But, it is available from the manufacturer, My Patriot Supply. Link is in the article. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Marge.
I think we’re going to go for the Alexapure as our primary pitcher, through Patriot supply.
I’d like to have a backup pitcher for our emergency kit, but can’t swing another Alexa, due to filter costs. Have you tested any that totally remove metals, bacteria, & viruses without clog problems in turbid water? I’ve seen what Lifestraw and some “outdoor” specialists offer, but they’re primarily backpacker oriented – Didn’t see anything there that combines a quick filtration rate with ease of use at all stages: collecting dirty water, storing the clean, keeping “before” and “after” safely apart, keeping small parts to a minimum, and cleaning, all without cross contamination. I feel that even a child should be able to figure it out, in the event adult help isn’t available. Or, even when it is. (chuckle)
Many thanks and happy sipping!
Krista
Hi, Krista! Did you check out the new LifeStraw pitcher? It’s listed in this article. I also did a separate review of it, which you can read here: https://thesafehealthyhome.com/lifestraw-home-glass-water-filter-pitcher-review/
Hi Marge,
I appreciate your knowledge about the water pitchers. I just purchased a Zerowater instead of a Brita which I ‘ve used for many years. It did not say where the materials are from for the pitcher; designed USA, assembled Mexico with imported materials. Would you know from where these materials come? Brita is
Canadian or was last time I looked.
Thank you.
Elaine
Hi, Elaine! I looked in the Q&A section of the Amazon listing for the Brita pitcher. The manufacturer’s answer is this: “Hi Joann, that’s a great question! Pour Through Systems are manufactured in China. If you have any further questions, please give us a call at 1-800-24-BRITA Monday-Friday, between 9am-5:30pm EST. We’re always happy to help! – Brita Consumer Services”
WOW, Thank you for doing such a wonderful comparison!
My concern is fluoride and calcium. It seems I would need to get a distiller or get the Zero Water filter for calcium. Online reviews say that Zero Water filters don’t last very long.
The other option is the Clearly Filtered pitcher because it does so good with Fluoride. But nothing about calcium. Like most American’s I am over calcified resulting with OA and CPPD. To battle this I am making Mg Bicarbonate water and don’t want calcium in my water.
I am very interested in the FIXT water pitcher that JerseyEd mentioned. I would love to see a comparison of it with the Clearly Filtered.
Thank you again for all of your hard work to put this together, it really helped me.
What’s your opinion on following Zerowater glass pitcher? How does it compare to other pitchers? I’m looking for an affordable glass or stainless filter which removes wide variety of contaminants?
https://www.amazon.com/ZeroWater-Ready-Pour-Dispenser-BPA-Free-Certified/dp/B073WG9GVW/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=zero+water&qid=1554928134&s=home-garden&sr=1-8
Hi, Ash! The filter is the same as the one in the pitcher, so it would be the same in its ability to reduce contaminants. That’s good. From reading some customer reviews, it looks like the plastic spigot has some problems which Zerowater is aware of and may be correcting in the future. In the meantime, you could probably buy a stainless steel spigot to replace the one that comes with it. This may be a good option for you.
Hello…thank you for writing this article. I am curious if you have done any research on the Shaklee “Get Clean” pitcher?
Hi, Nancy! No, I haven’t. Not familiar with that one. I’ll have to look into it.
I’m curious why so many contaminant values for the Aquapure are n/a? Do they not publish their filter’s efficiency?
Hi, Dee! Not sure if you’re asking about Aquagear or Alexapure, since there is no Aquapure. Where it says N/A in the table, that means there is no data. It could be that they don’t reduce those contaminants, they don’t test for it, or they simply don’t publish it. Not every filter works for every type of contaminant. It depends on the type of filtration media they use.
Hi there,
I notice you did not comment on Brita’s new LongLast filter, which is NF 401 certified to remove contaminants and can last up to 6 months. In my mind, this is a clear winner over all of your top picks that do not remove biologicals.
Hi, Sierra! Thanks for bringing this up. I did mention the Brita LongLast filter in another post (https://thesafehealthyhome.com/best-lead-removal-water-filters), but I need to add the information to this post. You can use the LongLast in any Brita system, I believe.
Nice article Marge, very informative. What about the Seychelles water filters, none were mentioned and I thought they were considered a top tier unit? Thoughts?
Hi, James! Seychelle does make high quality water filters. Some other brands actually use Seychelle filters with their own private label. Clearly Filtered, for example, formerly used a Seychelle filter, but now they have their own proprietary design.
Seychelle may be included in my 2019 updated list of top water filter pitchers. Thanks for asking!
Thank you for your prompt and informative reply regarding NSF certification vs tested to NSF standards.
While perusing the link on the NSF site you provided, I came across 5 criteria addressing the above mentioned differences. All of them are important, but the one that resonates with me is the last one. It states that certification enhances the possibility that the filters will continue to meet the standards moving forward.
As for removing aluminum, it seems to play a role in memory loss (recently came across a mention that copper also contributes to this as well). It seems to me that inflammation along with memory loss, diabetes, cancer, etc are on the rise. It appears that distillation and RO will remove aluminum and everything else, requiring one to have beneficial TDS added back. Sigh, so many things to consider! Which is why your expertise is so appreciated! 🙂
Yes, aluminum can cause serious health problems, and you’d think the EPA would consider it a primary contaminant. Another reason to take your health into your own hands and not rely on the government to watch out for your best interests. Distillation and RO do remove aluminum. So do several of the survival type gravity filters, which I’ve reviewed in this post: Countertop Gravity Water Filters: Which is Best? And they don’t take out beneficial minerals, so no need to add them back in.
I am very interested in Clearly Filtered because of the pitcher design. However, while they have had an independent test done according to NSF standards 42, 53, & 401 and passed with flying colors, I wonder why they haven’t applied for certification. This is why I will probably go with the Propur as it also filters microplastics. I haven’t found a pitcher filter that also removes aluminum. Do you have any input on the subject?
Thank you for your time and dedication.
Hi! That’s a great question about NSF certification. I’d like to refer you to another post for my explanation about why some companies don’t go the certification route and why NSF certification isn’t all that important. Here’s the link directly to that section of the post: https://thesafehealthyhome.com/best-home-water-filter/#tab-con-7
I don’t have an explanation for the aluminum question. I’m going to do a little more digging and see if I can find some more information. I do know that aluminum is not regulated by the EPA in public water supplies. It’s considered a “nuisance” chemical and is on the list of secondary drinking water standards. Individual states may regulate aluminum levels, though. The only way to know for sure if your water has a high level of aluminum is to have it tested.
We have RO on our Refrigerate well water. I like to fill a pitcher of water up for the coffee pot in the morning. Is a Pur water filter pitcher safe if you already have RO well water? Or should I take the filter out of the Pur water filter and just use it as a pitcher. Thank you
Hi, Debbie! I’m not quite sure why you would want to filter water that has already been filtered by reverse osmosis. RO removes virtually all contaminants from the water. It wouldn’t do any harm to put it through a pitcher type filter, but it’s unnecessary. To answer your question, I guess I’d just use the PUR as a pitcher, without the filter.
This is a great analysis and the comments are as valuable as the original article. Well done!
Thank you, P J!
Hi Marge: I am a first time reader of your website, and enjoy reading your articles. I own both the Big Berkey and ProPur gravity water filters and swear by them.
As for water pitchers, I would like to know if you plan to review the FIXT water pitcher filter and add it to your comparisons list. http://www.FixtWater.com
Thank you
I’m not familiar with that pitcher. I’ll take a look.
Hey Marge,
Excellent and well-written review! This is the first I’ve seen of the filter with the fruit infuser. I may need to give that a try 🙂
I hope everyone replaces a conventional filter pitcher with one of the pitchers you reviewed here. I’ve seen videos on YouTube with pH tests on popular pitchers that aren’t very promising.
Cheers,
Pete
Thank you so much for your reviews Marge! It has been very helpful.
Many municipalities are switching to using monochloramines instead of chlorine, you’ve listed Propur as removing them but I’m wondering about the other filters.
i’m also trying to find information on the flow rate for the propure pitcher, which is how I found your review. I’d love to see this data added as part of your reviews.
Hi, Peg! Thanks for your comment and for keeping me on my toes!
The Clearly Filtered pitcher also reduces chloramine up to 99.9%, according to the lab test results. (There’s a link in the article.) Zero Water reduces chloramine, according to their website, but I haven’t found the actual lab test results, so I don’t know exactly how much. Alexapure makes no claims about chloramine.
I haven’t come across documentation of flow rate for any of the pitcher filters. I have tried out several different brands, and they all seem to be about the same. They usually start out well, but as time goes by, they slow down until the filters need to be replaced. The state of the water that you put in has a lot to do with it, too.
Honestly, I put pen to paper and realized that for one person almost all of these filters cost around 110 bucks (with pitcher purchase) to run for a year. All the filters are between 40-50 bucks, with the Propur being cheapest at 40. So all of them cost 80-100 to run after you have the pitcher. The Zero filter is 15 dollars, but it would take at least 3 of them to equal one of the better ones (I like Aquagear, Clearly Filtered, and ProPur the best) and that would be 45 bucks…so ProPur is still cheaper to run and takes out more contaminants AND you can put any kind of water in it. With Zero, you do save about 30 bucks on the pitcher when you buy it the first time, but down the line the price pretty much evens out, plus you would be wasting materials by going through filters faster and not gaining much in return (if you care about what you put in the landfill; I didn’t explore the recycling program though). ProPur’s website also states it takes out micro plastics, the latest scary contaminant out there. The thing I really like about Zero is the 20 and 30 cup counter top dispenser. None of the other companies offer that 🙁 and I wish they did. I think I am also going with ProPur (600 gallons?!), although Clearly Filerted and Aquagear would not be bad choices. Additionally, the company that sells Alexapure has some weird negative customer reviews on their website (they sell survival supplies) that scared me off, and I found Zero’s website obnoxious and couldn’t wait to get off of it!