You ever take a drink of tap water and feel that nagging worry about what’s really in there? I’ve been through that, especially when it comes to fluoride and heavy metals like lead and mercury—two contaminants that can sneak into your water and stick around far too long. After researching and trying out a few different filters, I’ve zeroed in on the best water filters that handle both fluoride and heavy metals like a pro.
Here’s the scoop on which filters are up to the challenge.
Top Water Filters for Fluoride and Heavy Metals
1. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher – Best Overall
When I say this filter pitcher handles it all, I’m not exaggerating. The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher removes over 365 contaminants, including fluoride and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Its filtration system is designed to go after even the most stubborn contaminants, making it my top choice for heavy-duty filtration.
Key Features:
- Fluoride Removal: 99.9%
- Heavy Metals Removal: 99.9% (lead, mercury, arsenic, etc.)
- Filter Lifespan: 100 gallons
- Filter Time: Around 15 minutes for a full pitcher
- Price: $$$ (mid-to-high)
Why It’s Great:
- Removes the widest range of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Filter lifespan is decent, giving you about 2-3 months before needing a replacement.
- The water tastes amazing—no more metallic or chemical taste.
Downside:
- Filters are on the pricier side, but the performance justifies it.
2. Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher – Best for Fluoride Removal
If fluoride is your main concern, the Epic Pure Water Filter Pitcher does a phenomenal job. It removes up to 97.8% of fluoride and also tackles heavy metals like lead, mercury, and chromium. Plus, it has an eco-friendly angle with recyclable filters, which I love.
Key Features:
- Fluoride Removal: 97.8%
- Heavy Metals Removal: 99% (lead, mercury, chromium)
- Filter Lifespan: 150 gallons
- Filter Time: 5-10 minutes per pitcher
- Price: $$$ (mid-range)
Why It’s Great:
- Excellent fluoride filtration without sacrificing on heavy metal removal.
- The filter lifespan is longer than most—150 gallons means fewer replacements.
- Recyclable filters are a bonus if you care about environmental impact.
Downside:
- Some users report slower filtration after the filter has been used for a few months.
3. Berkey Water Filter System – Best for Large Quantities
If you need something that filters more than just a pitcher at a time, the Berkey Water Filter System is a powerhouse. It’s great for families or people who want more water at their disposal. The Berkey handles fluoride with the addition of a separate fluoride filter (which you attach), and its primary filter removes heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Key Features:
- Fluoride Removal: 97% with additional fluoride filters
- Heavy Metals Removal: 99.9% (lead, mercury, arsenic)
- Filter Lifespan: 3,000 gallons (main filter), 1,000 gallons (fluoride filter)
- Price: $$$$ (high upfront cost but long-lasting)
Why It’s Great:
- One of the longest-lasting filters on the market—no frequent replacements needed.
- Handles large quantities of water, which is perfect if you use filtered water for cooking too.
- Removes just about every contaminant imaginable with a proven track record.
Downside:
- Bulky and not as easy to store as a pitcher.
- Fluoride filters need to be purchased separately.
4. Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher – Best Eco-Friendly Option
If you’re looking for an eco-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher is your best bet. It removes up to 90% of fluoride and tackles heavy metals like lead, mercury, and copper. Aquagear also offers a recycling program for used filters, which makes it a solid pick for the eco-minded.
Key Features:
- Fluoride Removal: 90%
- Heavy Metals Removal: 99.9% (lead, mercury, copper)
- Filter Lifespan: 120 gallons
- Filter Time: Around 10 minutes per full pitcher
- Price: $$$ (mid-range)
Why It’s Great:
- Removes key contaminants without using any BPA in its materials.
- The company has a recycling program for used filters, which is rare.
- The water tastes incredibly clean and crisp.
Downside:
- Fluoride removal isn’t quite as high as some competitors, but still solid.
- Filtration can slow down over time.
5. ZeroWater 12-Cup Pitcher – Best Budget Pick
The ZeroWater Pitcher is one of the most affordable options that still packs a serious punch when it comes to removing heavy metals and fluoride. It uses a 5-stage filtration system and comes with a TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids) so you can actually see how pure your water is. This pitcher excels at removing heavy metals, and while its fluoride removal is a bit lower, it’s still a good pick if you’re on a budget.
Key Features:
- Fluoride Removal: ~75%
- Heavy Metals Removal: 99.6% (lead, mercury, chromium)
- Filter Lifespan: 40 gallons
- Filter Time: 5-10 minutes per full pitcher
- Price: $$ (budget-friendly)
Why It’s Great:
- Comes with a TDS meter to measure water purity, which is a cool feature.
- Filters are affordable and easy to replace.
- Perfect for people who don’t want to break the bank but still want decent filtration.
Downside:
- Fluoride removal isn’t as high as some premium options.
- Filter needs replacing more frequently compared to competitors.
Comparison Table: Best Water Filters for Fluoride and Heavy Metals
| Filter | Fluoride Removal | Heavy Metals Removal | Filter Lifespan | Price | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearly Filtered Pitcher | 99.9% | 99.9% | 100 gallons | $$$ | Removes over 365 contaminants |
| Epic Pure Pitcher | 97.8% | 99% | 150 gallons | $$$ | Recyclable filters |
| Berkey Water System | 97% (with filter) | 99.9% | 3,000 gallons | $$$$ | Handles large quantities |
| Aquagear Pitcher | 90% | 99.9% | 120 gallons | $$$ | Eco-friendly, recyclable |
| ZeroWater Pitcher | ~75% | 99.6% | 40 gallons | $$ | Budget-friendly, TDS meter |
Final Thoughts: Which Filter Should You Choose?
If fluoride and heavy metals are your main concerns, Clearly Filtered takes the top spot. It removes almost everything and gives you peace of mind, though you’ll pay a bit more for those results. If fluoride is your top concern and you’re looking for something more affordable, the Epic Pure is a solid choice with excellent fluoride removal and a great filter lifespan.
For those who need large quantities of filtered water, the Berkey is unbeatable, especially if you add on the fluoride filter. And for the budget-conscious, ZeroWater still performs well, even if it doesn’t completely eliminate fluoride.
In any case, you’ll definitely notice a huge difference in taste and quality once you start filtering out those pesky contaminants.