Water Filter Comparisons
Popular filters side by side: what each is certified to remove, what it costs to run, and which one we'd buy.
12 comparisons
Scores are each filter's overall score out of 5. How we score
AquaTru vs Berkey (2026): Certified RO vs Gravity Filter
The AquaTru Carafe carries IAPMO R&T certifications for lead, fluoride, arsenic, and PFOA and PFOS; the Berkey needs no power or plumbing, but NSF International certifies it only for chlorine, taste, and odor.
Culligan MaxClear vs Berkey (2026): Lead Certified or Not
The MaxClear is certified for lead and Total PFAS by IAPMO R&T; the Berkey with Phoenix elements is certified only for chlorine, taste, and odor, but costs far less to run.
Aquasana vs Waterdrop (2026): Tank vs Tankless RO
Both under-sink RO systems are certified for lead, fluoride and PFOA/PFOS, but the tankless Waterdrop G3P800 costs less to run while the Aquasana SmartFlow adds arsenic, nitrate and a remineralizer.
PUR vs Brita (2026): Total PFAS or Longer Filter Life?
PUR’s filter is certified for more, including Total PFAS. Brita’s lasts three times as long and costs less to run. Here’s which one fits your water.
ZeroWater vs Brita (2026): More Certified or Cheaper to Run?
ZeroWater is certified for more contaminants. Brita lasts six times longer per filter and costs a fraction as much to run. Here’s which one fits your water.
AquaTru Carafe vs Classic (2026): Same Standards, Two Sizes
Same maker, same four certification standards. The real differences are how much water each makes, how much counter space it takes, and what it costs per gallon.
AquaTru vs Waterdrop (2026): Which RO System Should You Buy?
Countertop RO or tankless under-sink RO: what each is certified to remove, how they’re set up, and who should buy which.
AquaTru vs Brita (2026): Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Countertop reverse osmosis or the best-known pitcher: what each is certified to remove, what it costs to run, and when to upgrade.
AquaTru vs ZeroWater (2026): Which Removes More?
Countertop reverse osmosis or the Culligan ZeroWater pitcher: what each is certified to remove, what it costs to run, and who should buy which.
iSpring RCC7AK vs APEC ROES-50 (2026): Which RO System Wins?
Two budget under-sink RO systems, both certified to NSF/ANSI 58 but for very different claims: what each removes, what it costs to run, and which to buy.











