Eating healthy gets a lot of attention (as it should), but not enough attention is given to drinking healthy. However, it’s definitely worth considering, given the rising number of contaminants present in drinking water. If nothing else, high levels of certain minerals in your water can actually affect the taste of your espresso, and for me, that’s a hard pass.
So let’s break down five of the most popular filtered water pitchers, at price points ranging from cheap-and-cheerful to splash-out. Read on to discover what they offer in terms of contaminant reduction, filter lifespan and cost, pitcher design, and taste — and which you should choose based on your budget and priorities.
At a Glance, here are the top 5 Water Filter Pitchers Ranked:
| Capacity | Filter Lifespan | Certified for Lead Removal | Certified for Microplastics Removal | Pitcher Price | Annual Filter Cost | |
| PUR PLUS | 7 cups | 40 gallons / 2 months | Yes | Yes | $22.99 | ~$38 |
| Brita Denali | 6 cups | 2 months | No (Standard) / Yes (Elite) | Yes (Elite) | $26.99 | ~$50 (Standard) |
| ZeroWater | 7 cups | 3 months | Yes | No | $26.99 | ~$70 |
| LifeStraw Home | 7 cups | 2 months (carbon) / 1 year (membrane) | Yes | Yes | $64.00 | ~$144 |
| LARQ PureVis | 8 cups | 60 gallons / 2 months | Yes (Advanced filter only) | No | $154.00 | ~$160 – $186 |
PUR PLUS 7-Cup Pitcher
The PUR PLUS 7-Cup Pitcher has a narrow profile that fits well in the fridge, and it’s made from dishwasher-safe plastic for easy cleaning. Its LockFit design keeps filtered and unfiltered water separate at all times, so you don’t need to worry about cross-contamination between the filter and the reservoir. Overall, it’s simple to set up and use.
Another bonus is that the filter-change light shifts from green to yellow to red as it gets closer to replacement time, so you can order new filters to arrive on schedule. Unfortunately, the battery isn’t rechargeable, so eventually the light will stop working. Hopefully, by that point, you’ll have a good understanding of your regular filter replacement schedule.
Contaminant Reduction
According to the company’s filtration data, PUR PLUS pitchers are BPA-free, certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to reduce microplastics, and certified by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to reduce lead, with additional certification for reducing chlorine, certain pharmaceuticals, certain herbicides, and other chemicals. They’re not, however, certified to filter microbes.
The filter uses activated carbon filters to trap certain contaminants on their surface, with ion exchange resins removing heavy metals like lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper, and an advanced pleated paper filter that reduces additional particulates and contaminants. Notably, PUR claims that their 3-in-1 filtration technology has been certified to reduce 3x more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s Standard filter.
PUR PLUS filters are also certified to reduce odor- and taste-altering chemicals, and the activated carbon and ion help to eliminate metallic and chlorine-based flavors in your water, giving it a fresher, cleaner taste.
Pricing & Filter Lifespan
The PUR PLUS pitcher itself is $22.99. The filters are designed to be replaced every 40 gallons or up to 2 months, and a 3-pack costs around $19 on Amazon, so you’re looking at $38/year in filter replacement costs. While it’s one of the more affordable options, the PUR PLUS offers robust lead and microplastic filtration, making it a fantastic option for health-conscious individuals who don’t want to spend $100+ on a water pitcher.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for the filtration quality offered
- Certified to reduce lead, microplastics, and 3x more contaminants than Brita’s Standard filter
- Filter-change indicator takes the guesswork out of replacements
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to set up
Cons:
- Non-rechargeable battery means the filter-change light will eventually stop working
- Narrower capacity than some competitors
- Not certified to filter microbes
Brita Denali 6-Cup Water Pitcher
The Brita Denali has a flip-top lid that makes it easy to refill, and with a width of just 4.45 inches, it’ll fit well between the pickle jar and the milk carton in your fridge. It also includes a small light which will let you know when the filter needs to be replaced.
While the Standard Brita filter removes chlorine and copper, it’s more limited when it comes to removing other contaminants that may affect the taste of your water. As the Elite filter offers stronger filtration, it’s more likely to give you the crisp, clean taste you’re looking for.
As an added plus, Brita products are carried in many major retail stores, making it easy to stock up on filters while you’re out running your regular errands.
Contaminant Reduction
The Denali comes with one of Brita’s Standard filters, which are certified to reduce copper, mercury, chlorine, and cadmium. As their Standard filters are NOT certified to reduce lead, it’s typically better to purchase their Elite filters instead, which are certified to remove 99% of the lead in your water and reduce a further 30 contaminants, including asbestos, benzene, microplastics, and DEET. To see the full list, check out the performance data for their Standard filters and their Elite filters.
Pricing & Filter Lifespan
The pitcher itself comes in at $26.99. As far as the filters go, Brita recommends that their Standard filters be replaced every 2 months. A 3-pack will set you back $24.99, so you’re looking at spending around $50 per year to maintain your pitcher’s effectiveness. If you opt for their Elite filters, they’ll need to be replaced every six months and cost $44.99 for a 2-pack.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Widely available in major retail stores, making filter replacement convenient
- Slim profile fits easily in the fridge
- Flip-top lid makes refilling simple
Cons:
- Smallest capacity on this list at 6 cups
- Standard filter does not cover lead, making the Elite filter a near-necessity
- Elite filters are pricier and less widely stocked than Standard
- More limited contaminant reduction compared to competitors at a similar price point
ZeroWater 7-Cup Pitcher
The ZeroWater 7-Cup Pitcher is BPA-free, with a 4.9-inch width that’s wider than the Brita Denali and PUR PLUS. The Ready-Pour design allows you to pour clean water while the reservoir is still filtering, which is helpful since the filtering process takes a while due to the multiple filtration stages.
In general, the filter leaves water with a noticeably pure and neutral taste. However, be aware that for up to a week after replacing the filter, your water might have a slightly funky or metallic taste.
Contaminant Reduction
The ZeroWater filter pitcher is certified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to reduce lead, chromium, mercury, and PFOA/PFOS, and uses a 5-stage filtration system to remove total dissolved solids (TDS). These include both organic and inorganic materials (like metals, minerals, salts, and ions) that are dissolved in the water. Check out the IAPMO, NSF, and WQA performance data sheets to learn more.
ZeroWater’s 5-stage system includes a mesh filter screen, a foam layer, a fine filter screen with oxidation reduction, an ion-exchange resin, and an ultra-fine mesh screen, creating a challenging gauntlet for contaminants.
Boasting an impressive 99.6% TDS reduction rate, it’s an excellent choice for rural and remote communities that rely on groundwater, which is often high in various dissolved minerals that can have an impact on health.
Pricing & Filter Lifespan
The ZeroWater 7-Cup pitcher is $26.99. The filters have a 3-month lifespan (but poor water quality can shorten it), and a 3-pack is $52.66, so you’ll likely spend about $70.21 per year on filters. The pitcher’s handy TDS meter will keep you updated on when you should be ready to replace the filter; it’s recommended that you replace it when the meter reads 006.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class TDS reduction at 99.6%
- Includes a built-in TDS meter so you always know when to replace the filter
- Ready-Pour design lets you pour while the reservoir is still filtering
- Great choice for rural areas relying on groundwater
Cons:
- High annual filter cost
- Wider profile may be a tighter fit in the fridge
- Water may taste slightly off for up to a week after a filter change
- Not certified to reduce microplastics
LifeStraw Home 7-Cup Plastic
The LifeStraw Home 7-Cup is a nice-looking pitcher that comes in six colors, with a sleek cylindrical design that looks great sitting in a fridge or on a kitchen counter. It has an easy-fill lid and an ergonomic handle located near the top of the pitcher for easy pouring. Unfortunately, the 11.25-inch height is an issue for fridges with shorter shelf space.
Thanks to the carbon filter, the LifeStraw Home rids water of that dreaded chlorinated aftertaste. And since it holds onto healthy minerals rather than eliminating them, you don’t wind up with flat, flavorless water.
Just note that since the water is being filtered through both an activated carbon filter and a tightly woven membrane, the filtering process does take a bit longer than other pitchers.
Contaminant Reduction
According to LifeStraw’s performance data, their pitcher removes bacteria and parasites, including E. Coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium, as well as filtering lead, mercury, chlorine, dissolved pharmaceuticals, microplastics, herbicides, pesticides, and PFAs. It pairs an activated carbon + ion exchange filter with a membrane filter to filter out harmful contaminants while retaining naturally occurring minerals like magnesium and potassium.
It’s unique among pitchers in the mid-range price point as it promises to remove parasites and bacteria as well as the usual pollutants. This makes it a great option for rural communities and other regions with agricultural runoff or weak water treatment (though if hard water is an issue, you should also invest in a water softener).
Pricing & Filter Lifespan
The LifeStraw pitcher is $64. The carbon + ion filters ($108) last about two months, and the membrane filter ($36) lasts about a year, so you’ll be paying about $144 per year in total to keep your pitcher working as intended.
If you’d prefer a glass version as opposed to plastic, they also sell a glass version for $92. However, its filter casing is still made with plastic.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The only pitcher on this list certified to remove bacteria and parasites
- Retains healthy minerals like magnesium and potassium
- Available in six colors with a sleek design that looks good on a countertop
- Removes a wide range of contaminants, including PFAs, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural runoff
Cons:
- Most expensive ongoing costs on this list at ~$144/year in filters
- At 11.25 inches tall, may not fit on shorter fridge shelves
- Slower filtering process due to the dual-filter system
- Glass version still uses a plastic filter casing
LARQ Pitcher PureVis
The LARQ Pitcher PureVis combines standard filtration with UV-C purification to prevent the growth of bio-contaminants in your drinking water. The UV system self-cleans every six hours, stopping odor-causing bacteria from developing and keeping the water tasting clean no matter how long it’s been sitting in the pitcher.
Like the other pitchers on this list, the PureVis includes a smart sensor that’ll alert you when you need to change the filter. However, unlike the others, it also pairs with a companion app that can track your water intake and carbon footprint.
Contaminant Reduction
According to LARQ’s performance data, their plant-based filters are independently tested to NSF/ANSI 42, 53, and 401 standards. Their Essential filter is certified to protect against chlorine, mercury, cadmium, and copper, as well as assorted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their Advanced filter is also certified for lead, haloacetic acids, PFAs, many pharmaceuticals, and certain herbicides and pesticides.
Interestingly, the Essential filter outperforms the Advanced filter for many contaminants, though it unfortunately has not been tested for lead reduction. It’s also worth noting that the Advanced filter might actually remove healthy minerals alongside harmful ones.
Pricing & Filter Lifespan
LARQ’s Pitcher PureVis is a whopping $154. The filters, which should be replaced every 60 gallons or 2 months, cost $30.95, while 3-packs delivered every 6 months cost $79.95. Advanced filters are available on a subscription basis, so depending on whether you get a subscription, your yearly costs will be between $159.90 and $185.70.
It’s the most expensive option on this list, but it offers some pretty unique features that other pitchers don’t. The UV decontamination system helps water taste fresher for longer and provides ongoing protection against bacterial growth, and the companion app can help you optimize your sensor performance through firmware updates.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- UV-C purification actively prevents bacterial growth, keeping water fresher for longer
- Companion app tracks water intake and carbon footprint
- Plant-based filters
Cons:
- By far the most expensive pitcher on the list at $154
- Highest annual cost when not on a filter subscription
- Microplastics reduction not certified
- Lead certification only applies to the Advanced filter, not the Essential
Final Thoughts
All of these pitchers are great in their own right and are a far cry better than drinking straight from the tap. If you’re looking for the best value without sacrificing performance, the PUR PLUS 7-Cup Pitcher is our pick: its 3-in-1 filtration technology delivers certified lead and microplastic reduction at just $22.99. For those who want to go a step further, the LifeStraw Home 7-Cup earns the runner-up spot thanks to its unique ability to remove bacteria and parasites on top of the usual contaminants, making it ideal for anyone on well water or in areas with agricultural runoff.
Whether you choose one of these pitchers or something completely different, make sure to double-check that its filters are certified to reduce lead and any other contaminants you’re specifically worried about.
For best results, follow the recommended filter replacement schedule and clean your pitcher regularly. Happy hydrating!
