PUR vs Brita: The Brita Elite filter is certified for lead in most Brita pitchers by IAPMO R&T, WQA, and NSF International, and it lasts 120 gallons, three times as long as the PUR PLUS, so it costs less to run. The PUR PLUS adds certified Total PFAS reduction, which the Brita Elite doesn’t have, and both are certified for microplastics (the Brita Elite in most Brita pitchers).
The catch: Brita’s PFOA and PFOS claim isn’t certified, so pick the PUR PLUS if PFAS is your concern.
Health information, not medical advice. Guidance differs for infants, pregnancy, and existing conditions. Test your own water and speak to a doctor or your local health authority. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links; it never affects our scores.
How do PUR and Brita compare?
Two of the best-known pitcher brands, each with a premium filter that carries the health claims. We compare PUR’s PUR PLUS filter and Brita’s Elite filter. The basic filters from both brands have no certified lead claim. How we score
| # | Filter | Score | Certified by | Lead | PFAS | Fluoride | Running cost | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Brita EliteBest of the twoPitcher | 4.1 | IAPMO, WQA, NSF | Certified | Claim | No | $0.14/gal | $47.99on Amazon › |
| 02 | PUR PLUS PitcherCertified for Total PFASPitcher | 4.0 | IAPMO, WQA, NSF | Certified | Certified | No | About $0.25/gal | $28.12on Amazon › |
Certified: Certified by an independent body (named in each pick). Lab test: Tested by a named independent lab, not certified. Claim: The maker's claim, not certified. No: No claim. PFAS means PFOA/PFOS, or Total PFAS where the pick says so.
What is each one certified to remove?
The PUR PLUS filter is certified by IAPMO R&T. The Brita Elite filter is certified for lead by IAPMO R&T, WQA, and NSF International, and for mercury, cadmium, and chlorine by WQA.
| Contaminant | PUR PLUS | Brita Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Certified | Certified |
| PFAS | Total PFAS | Not certified |
| Microplastics | Certified | Certified (most Brita pitchers) |
| Mercury, cadmium | Certified | Certified |
| Copper | Certified | No claim |
| Fluoride | No claim | No claim |
| Chlorine | Certified | Certified |
| Rated filter life | 40 gal | 120 gal |
PUR PLUS filter (PPF951K): IAPMO R&T files W-29903, W-29904, and W-29905. The basic PUR filter (PPF900Z) has no lead or PFAS claim. Brita Elite (OB06): IAPMO R&T file W-13905 lists it for lead in 11 Brita pitchers, but not the Everyday OB46. Brita says the Elite reduces PFOA and PFOS, but none of IAPMO R&T, WQA, or NSF International lists that claim.
Is PUR or Brita better for PFAS?
The PUR PLUS. It’s certified by IAPMO R&T for Total PFAS, which covers a longer list of PFAS compounds than PFOA and PFOS alone. Brita makes a PFOA and PFOS claim for the Elite, but no certifier lists it. See our PFAS guide.
Which is cheaper to run?
The Brita Elite. Each filter lasts about 120 gallons, which works out to about $0.14 a gallon at brita.com’s $32.99 price for a 2-pack. The PUR PLUS costs about $0.25 a gallon with a 3-pack of filters, and you change it three times as often. For a household that drinks a lot of filtered water, that difference adds up over a year.
Does PUR or Brita remove fluoride?
Neither is certified for fluoride. If fluoride is your concern, the Culligan ZeroWater pitcher is certified for it by IAPMO R&T, or step up to reverse osmosis. See our fluoride guide.
The two in detail
Brita Elite
Certified lead reduction in most Brita pitchers and a 120-gallon filter, at about $0.14 a gallon. No fluoride, TDS or certified PFAS claim.
PUR PLUS Pitcher
Certified lead and Total PFAS reduction for about $0.25 a gallon with a 3-pack of filters. You change it every 40 gallons, and owners say it slows as it fills.
PUR or Brita: Which should you buy?
Pick the Brita Elite if
Lead and chlorine are your main concerns and you want the fewest filter changes and the lowest running cost.
Pick the PUR PLUS if
PFAS is on your water report, and you don’t mind changing the filter about every two months.
Add ZeroWater to the mix
Compare every pitcher
See our pitcher roundup, ranked by certification.
Common questions
Is PUR or Brita better?
For most homes, the Brita Elite: It’s certified for lead, mercury, cadmium, and chlorine, and in most Brita pitchers for microplastics, and its filter lasts three times as long, so it costs less to run. The PUR PLUS is the better pick for PFAS: It’s certified by IAPMO R&T for Total PFAS and microplastics.
Do PUR and Brita remove lead?
Yes, with the right filter. The PUR PLUS filter is certified for lead by IAPMO R&T. The Brita Elite is certified for lead in most Brita pitchers, though not the Everyday OB46. The basic filters from both brands have no lead claim. See our lead guide.
Does Brita remove PFAS?
Brita says its Elite filter reduces PFOA and PFOS, but none of IAPMO R&T, WQA, or NSF International lists that claim, so it isn’t certified. The PUR PLUS is certified for Total PFAS.
How often do you change each filter?
Every 40 gallons for the PUR PLUS, which PUR puts at about two months. Every 120 gallons for the Brita Elite, which Brita puts at about six months.
Which is cheaper, PUR or Brita?
The Brita Elite is cheaper to run, at about $0.14 a gallon against about $0.25 for the PUR PLUS, because its filter lasts three times as long. Pitcher prices change often; the buttons on this page show current prices.
Sources
Prices as of October 14, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.