You know the moment—you pour yourself a glass of water, take a sip, and there’s just something off. Maybe it’s the faint taste of chlorine, or worse, that odd metallic aftertaste. That’s when you know your tap water isn’t cutting it. After dealing with this frustration myself, I turned to water filter pitchers. But not just any water filter—I wanted something that could get rid of everything. From contaminants like lead and chlorine to microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and even PFAS (those pesky “forever chemicals”). Here’s what I found after testing the top contenders.
What You Need to Look for in a Water Filter Pitcher
Before we dive into the best water filter pitchers, it’s essential to know what exactly they should be removing. A good pitcher will handle:
- Chlorine: The most common taste and smell issue in tap water.
- Lead: Harmful especially for children and older homes may have lead pipes.
- PFAS: Known as “forever chemicals”, linked to serious health problems.
- Heavy Metals: Mercury, arsenic, cadmium.
- Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles sneaking into water supplies.
- Pesticides: Common in agricultural areas.
The best water filter pitchers will also address the following factors:
Filter Longevity
How often will you need to change the filter? Some last for 40 gallons, others for up to 150 gallons. This impacts cost in the long run.
Filter Speed
Some pitchers filter water fast; others take their sweet time. If you’re impatient like me, this matters!
Price vs. Performance
You can find pitchers from $20 to $150, but how much do you need to spend to get great filtration?
My Top Picks for the Best Water Filter Pitchers in 2024
1. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher – Best Overall
If you’re looking for a pitcher that removes everything you can think of, Clearly Filtered is your go-to. This one claims to remove over 365+ contaminants, including the ones most pitchers miss, like PFAS, fluoride, and lead. It’s a beast when it comes to heavy-duty filtration, and the taste? Crisp and clean, no matter what your local water supply throws at you.
Key Features:
- Removes: 99.9% of fluoride, lead, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, PFAS, and more.
- Filter Lifespan: 100 gallons.
- Filtration Speed: About 15 minutes per full pitcher.
Pros:
- Removes more contaminants than almost any other pitcher.
- Long filter life compared to most competitors.
- BPA-free materials.
Cons:
- Pricier filters ($50+ per replacement).
- Slower filtration time.
2. ZeroWater 12-Cup Pitcher – Best for Heavy Metals
The ZeroWater pitcher is another powerhouse that focuses on giving you the purest water possible. Its five-stage filtration system even comes with a built-in TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids) to measure water purity. It’s particularly effective at removing lead, chromium, and mercury, which is rare among most water filters.
Key Features:
- Removes: 99.6% of dissolved solids, lead, chromium, PFAS, fluoride.
- Filter Lifespan: Around 40 gallons.
- Filtration Speed: Relatively fast (5-10 minutes per full pitcher).
Pros:
- Comes with a TDS meter so you can see the results.
- Removes virtually all dissolved solids.
- Affordable upfront price for pitcher and replacement filters.
Cons:
- Filter needs to be replaced more frequently.
- Plastic construction feels less premium.
3. Brita Elite (Longlast) – Best for Budget
Brita is a household name when it comes to water pitchers, and their Elite Longlast filter is a great option if you’re looking to balance cost and performance. While it doesn’t remove everything (it falls short on PFAS and microplastics), it does tackle the basics like chlorine, lead, and mercury, making it a solid choice for those on a budget.
Key Features:
- Removes: Lead, chlorine, cadmium, mercury.
- Filter Lifespan: 120 gallons (3 times longer than regular filters).
- Filtration Speed: Quick filtering (3-5 minutes per full pitcher).
Pros:
- Very affordable, especially for replacement filters.
- Long-lasting filter means fewer replacements.
- Easy to find filters at most stores.
Cons:
- Doesn’t filter out PFAS or pharmaceuticals.
- Limited heavy metal and microplastic removal.
4. Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher – Best for Fluoride Removal
The Epic Pure is designed for people who are especially concerned about fluoride, and it excels in that area, removing up to 97.8% of fluoride along with other key contaminants like lead and chlorine. It’s also eco-friendly—the filters are 100% recyclable!
Key Features:
- Removes: Fluoride, lead, chlorine, microplastics, pharmaceuticals.
- Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons.
- Filtration Speed: 5-10 minutes.
Pros:
- Great for fluoride removal.
- Long-lasting filters.
- Filters are recyclable.
Cons:
- Mid-range price.
- Some users report slower filtration over time.
5. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Best Eco-Friendly
For those who want high-quality filtration with an environmentally friendly twist, the Aquagear is a fantastic option. It removes over 90 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, PFAS, and even pharmaceuticals. Plus, the company offers a recycling program for used filters, which I really appreciated.
Key Features:
- Removes: 99.9% of lead, chlorine, mercury, microplastics, and fluoride.
- Filter Lifespan: 120 gallons.
- Filtration Speed: Moderate (10-12 minutes per full pitcher).
Pros:
- 100% recyclable filters.
- Great taste and improved water quality.
- BPA-free materials.
Cons:
- Filter replacements are pricier than most.
- Filtration can slow down after a few months.
Comparison Table: Best Water Filter Pitchers
| Pitcher | Contaminants Removed | Filter Lifespan | Speed | Price Range | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearly Filtered | 365+ contaminants | 100 gallons | Moderate | $$$$ | Removes PFAS, fluoride |
| ZeroWater 12-Cup | Heavy metals, TDS | 40 gallons | Fast | $$$ | Comes with TDS meter |
| Brita Elite Longlast | Lead, chlorine, mercury | 120 gallons | Very fast | $$ | Budget-friendly |
| Epic Pure | Fluoride, pharmaceuticals | 150 gallons | Moderate | $$$ | Recyclable filters |
| Aquagear | Lead, chlorine, PFAS | 120 gallons | Moderate | $$$ | Eco-friendly, recyclable |
How to Choose the Right Pitcher for You
The right pitcher depends on what contaminants you’re most concerned about. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- If you want to remove as much as possible, go for the Clearly Filtered or ZeroWater.
- If fluoride is your main concern, the Epic Pure or Aquagear are your best bets.
- On a budget? The Brita Elite Longlast delivers great value for everyday filtration.
Final Thoughts: My Go-To
After going through all these pitchers and experiencing how each one worked in my home, the Clearly Filtered pitcher won me over for its unmatched performance in removing nearly every contaminant I could think of. The water tastes pure, and while the filter replacements aren’t cheap, they last longer than most, which made it worth it for me.
So, if you’re serious about getting rid of all the nasties in your water, give one of these a try. You’ll notice the difference—both in taste and peace of mind.