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The 5 best water filter pitchers: Stay hydrated
Maybe your water smells funny and tastes metallic. These could be signs that it is time to change your water filter. The best water filters not only improve the taste of your water but they can also remove many of the harmful materials that hide in your water supply.
While no water filter will completely remove every single contaminant, the best water filters can purify your water and help protect your family's health. Those who depend on well water could be at a higher risk for contaminants, but that is where a water filter can help.
Based on our in-depth analysis and thousands of real customer reviews, these are the best water filters in 2024.
Features: 8 cups of water | BPA-free | Lifetime guarantee
Our pick for the best water filter pitcher is the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher. It is a workhorse, removing 2,000% more common contaminants than the leading competitor. This includes crucial materials like lead, chlorine, cadmium, microplastics, herbicides, and pesticides. Unlike many other popular brands, the Aquagear filter uses selective filtration to retain the healthy minerals that your body needs, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
With a capacity of 120 gallons, it far exceeds the lifetime of other water filters while still holding eight full cups of water. Using BPA-free, recyclable materials, the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is inspected in an ISO 17025 accredited lab and topped off with a lifetime guarantee. Even better, with every purchase, Aquagear gifts six months of clean water to someone in need.
Pros
- Removes high levels of contaminants
- Long filter life
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Longer filtering time
- Limited size
- Pricier filter
Features: 18 cups of water | BPA-free | Filter lasts six months
The Brita 18-Cup UltraMax Water Dispenser is an oversized water filter pitcher designed for big families and large groups. It is large enough to hold 18 cups of water. That is equal to about six 24-ounce water bottles, making this pitcher especially convenient for afterschool practices and morning runs. Brita estimates that you can reduce your use of plastic water bottles by 1,800 bottles each year by using its water filter dispenser. In addition to BPA-free materials, Brita adds convenient bonus features like its precision pour spigot and easy locking lid. Despite its enormous capacity, the space-efficient design is still compact enough to fit on a refrigerator shelf.
Brita's 18-Cup UltraMax Water Dispenser tackles certain minerals in your water, including chlorine, to perfect both your water's taste and odor. The water filter also removes any mercury, copper, zinc, and cadmium that may be lurking in your water supply. While compatible with a standard filter, the Longlast+ filter lasts approximately six months before a replacement is needed. It is three times longer than the life of a standard filter.
Pros:
- Longlast+ filter technology
- Excellent filtration system
- Durable build
Cons
- Limited lifespan
- Some leaking issues
- Filters may require replacement sooner
Features: 10 cups of water | 2-month filters | Sticker indicator
The Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher is excellent for the average user, with an adequate size that holds either 10 cups of water, or the equivalent of three 24-ounce reusable water bottles. Using advanced filter technology, its design is certified to remove a number of different contaminants, including copper, mercury, and cadmium. It also makes any necessary chlorine adjustments to improve both taste and smell. However, its removal process is far more limited than other pitchers, like the UltraMax, which contains an advanced water filter.
Still, the Everyday Water Filter Pitcher is a lightweight and extremely space-efficient water filter pitcher that incorporates an easy-fill lid for simple refills. A helpful sticker indicator also quickly shows you when a refill is needed. It uses a standard filter, which has a life of approximately two months before a replacement filter is needed.
Pros:
- Excellent for chlorine
- Flip-top lid for refilling
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Struggles to remove lead
- Mediocre flow
- 2-month filter replacement
Features: 10 cup-capacity | LED display | Multi-stage filter
The Waterdrop Chubby is an industry leader when it comes to a budget water filter pitcher.
Its capacity is limited to just 10 cups, or 3.5 liters, but its filter promises a long life of up to 200 gallons, the most of any water filter on our list. In addition to the convenient spout lid, the intelligent indicator is a convenient addition that automatically senses when you are pouring water, showing filter usage on the LED display. Just one Chubby water filter allows for more than 1,600 16-ounce water bottles before replacement is needed.
Multi-stage water filter technology is combined with silver-loaded activated carbon to purify your water. It works to reduce the number of impurities, targeting contaminants like arsenic, fluoride, and lead. The design features a plastic pitcher that is made from lead-free NSF 372-certified materials and is also NSF 42-certified, reducing the effects of chlorine in your water and significantly improving smell and taste.
Pros:
- Automatic lid
- Smart filter indicator
- 7-step filtration
Cons
- Subpar with hard water
- Missing activated charcoal
- Average filter life
Features: 10 cups of water | BPA-free | 5-stage filtration
The ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready Pour Pitcher is built to quickly pour water without sacrificing quality. There is excellent water flow with a comfort-grip handle and Ready-Pure technology, a plus when you are in a hurry. Refills will not be needed as often with its capacity of 80 ounces, but a Quick Fill spigot makes it easy to add water when needed. The entire pitcher is BPA-free.
The 10-Cup Ready Pour Pitcher uses ZeroWater's signature 5-stage water filtration system that works to eliminate total dissolved solids within your water while also reducing lead and other contaminants. Each filter typically lasts for around 20 gallons, depending on use. There is even a free laboratory-grade Water Quality Meter that is included with your purchase to help you track improvements.
Pros:
- 5-stage filter system
- NSF-certified
- Compatible with LongLast filtering cartridge
Cons
- May miss some contaminants
- Bulky design
- Limited filter life without LongLast
What is the best water filter pitcher?
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is the best water filter pitcher. It has adequate capacity, one of the most capable water filters, and a durable design.
| Quick comparison | Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher | Brita 18-Cup Ultramax Water Dispenser | Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher | Waterdrop Chubby | ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready Pour Pitcher |
Price | $69.95 | $34 | $28.00 | $27.99 | $34.99 |
Capacity | 8 cups | 18 cups | 10 cups | 10 cups | 10 cups |
Filter Lifespan | 6 months | 6 months with Longlast+ filter | 2 months | 3 months | 2-4 months, depending on the level of TDS in water |
Which water filter pitcher is right for you?
With so many water filters on the market, they can all start to appear the same after a while. To find the right water filter for your needs, these considerations are a great place to begin your search.
Choose this water filter pitcher... | When you want... |
Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher | A high-end model with lead removal |
Brita Longlast+ Filter | A filter that has three times the life of other pitchers |
Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher | A beginner-friendly water filter pitcher |
Clearly Filtered Pitcher | When you want a water filter specifically designed to remove contaminants |
Waterdrop Chubby | When affordability is your priority |
ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready Pour Pitcher | When you want a family-friendly water pitcher with lead removal |
How did we choose these water filter pitchers?
Water filters have become more and more popular since research has proven the health benefits that they can provide. However, each water filter can be significantly different from the next. Finding the right one for your family's needs can be difficult if you are not familiar with how water filters work.
There are several types of water filters available today:
- Water filter pitchers are often the most affordable and accessible options for water filtration, using a replaceable filter that is built into the pitcher itself. Although convenient, there is often a limited capacity, so it is best for light use.
- A countertop filter is usually much larger than the average water filter pitcher, holding a greater amount of water with an easily accessible design.
- A faucet filter attaches directly to your sink's faucet with a switch to activate and turn off the system. Because it is linked to your sink, there is no need to refill water like you do with a pitcher.
- Under-sink filters are installed underneath the sink and connected directly to your water line for unlimited filtration. There is typically a separate faucet installed, but be aware that filters for this type of filter are typically more expensive than water filter pitchers.
To find the best water filters, we considered several factors:
- Contaminants: Consider which kinds of contaminants should be removed from your water. For example, while the Clearly Filtered Pitcher removes over 200 contaminants, others like the Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher are more limited in what they can filter.
- Capacity: The size of your household and the amount of water you drink will help determine what size is appropriate for your needs. If you have more than four people in your household, you will likely need a larger pitcher that holds more water at a time.
- Filter: A filter's lifespan matters because it determines how often you will need to replace your water filter. It is important to look for filters with longer longevity because in addition to the hassle of repeatedly replacing your filter it will end up costing you more, too.
- Price: Cost is always a concern, but water filter pitchers can differ significantly in price. Our picks for the best water filter pitchers range from around $27 to $50 each. The cost of replacement filters varies, depending on the model and brand.
We also looked to customer experience, analyzing thousands of real consumer reviews before determining the best water filters.
How does a water filter pitcher work?
A water filter system is designed to remove the harmful materials commonly found in different types of drinking water, such as tap, well, and reclaimed water. A water filter system not only provides cleaner, healthier water for you to drink, but it usually tastes and smells significantly better, too.
What types of water filter systems are there?
There are several ways to use a water filter. Perhaps most common are water filter pitchers, which use replaceable filters. However, other options available include countertop water filters, faucet water filters, and under-sink water filters.
What water filter pitcher removes fluoride?
The Waterdrop Chubby water filter targets filtering out contaminants like fluoride, as well as arsenic and lead.
What contaminants should a water filter remove?
Water filters commonly remove microscopic particles while reducing the amount of chlorine to improve taste and smell. Other minerals and contaminants that may be removed from your water include lead, radium, copper, herbicides, and pesticides.
Are there alternative water pitchers worth considering?
The best water filter for you largely depends on your usage. You may want to consider a faucet system if you have a big family, while others find a water pitcher perfect for small household use.
With so many types of water filters available, these are some of the picks that almost made our list of best water filters.