Brita vs PUR: Which Water Filter Pitcher Is Better?
Compare Brita and PUR water filter pitchers on NSF certifications, taste, filter life, cost, and design to find the best fit for your tap water.
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Brita
Best overall for taste and value. Reduces chlorine taste and odor, certified by NSF for multiple contaminants. Wide variety of pitcher sizes and styles.
Check pricePUR
Stronger contaminant reduction including lead and mercury. NSF certified for more health-related contaminants. Slightly higher filter cost but longer filter life.
Check priceChoose Brita for better taste and lower cost; choose PUR if you need to reduce heavy metals like lead.
Spec by spec
Highlighted cell wins that row.
| Brita | PUR | |
|---|---|---|
| NSF Certifications | NSF 42 (chlorine taste/odor, sediment) | NSF 42, 53 (cysts, lead, mercury, etc.) |
| Filter Life | 40 gallons (about 2 months) | 40 gallons (about 2 months) |
| Filtration Speed | ~5 minutes per full pitcher | ~8 minutes per full pitcher |
| Pitcher Capacity | 6 to 10 cups (various models) | 7 to 11 cups (various models) |
| Filter Cost (per filter) | Lower (check current price on Amazon) | Higher (check current price on Amazon) |
| Contaminant Reduction | Chlorine, sediment, some organics | Chlorine, lead, mercury, cysts, pharmaceuticals |
| Design Options | Multiple colors, slim, classic, stream | Classic pitcher with handle, few colors |
Who should buy which
- + You want the best-tasting filtered water at a low cost.
- + You prefer a wide selection of pitcher designs and colors.
- + Your water quality is good but you want to remove chlorine taste.
- + Your tap water contains lead, mercury, or other heavy metals.
- + You want a filter certified to reduce more health contaminants.
- + You are willing to pay a bit more for stronger filtration.
Quick questions
Are Brita and PUR filters interchangeable?
No. Brita and PUR filters are not interchangeable. Each brand uses a proprietary filter design that only fits its own pitchers. Always buy the correct replacement filter for your pitcher.
Which filter removes more contaminants?
PUR filters are certified to remove more health-related contaminants including lead, mercury, and cysts. Brita filters focus on taste and odor reduction. Check the NSF certification label for details.
How often should I replace the filter?
Both Brita and PUR recommend replacing the filter every 40 gallons or about 2 months. Some models have an electronic indicator to remind you. Replace sooner if you notice a change in taste or flow.
Do Brita or PUR filters remove fluoride?
Standard Brita and PUR pitchers do not remove fluoride. If fluoride reduction is important, look for specialized filters like those from ZeroWater or a reverse osmosis system. Neither brand claims fluoride removal in their standard pitcher filters.
Can I use Brita or PUR filters with well water?
Yes, but well water may contain sediment, bacteria, or other contaminants that these pitchers are not designed to handle. Consider a whole-house filtration system or a UV filter for well water. For basic taste improvement, a pitcher can help, but test your well water first.
