After rigorous testing, we found the ZeroWater 12-cup Water Filter Pitcher to be the best overall filter pitcher for 2025. It was unmatched in removing contaminants.
If you’re ready to take home a pitcher for cleaner, better-tasting water, without the cost of bottled varieties, check out our rundown below. We’ve run all the tests and settled on the following models as the best water filter pitchers of 2025. Keep reading if you’re thirsty for the details.
Best water filter pitchers compared
As mentioned earlier in this article, there are quite a variety of contaminants worth removing from your tap water. The team here at our lab settled on three primary tests to benchmark the efficacy of these filters: TDS, pH and chlorine. Before we began the actual testing process, each pitcher was removed from the packaging, cleaned and then prepared per the manufacturer’s instructions. This is very important, as most of these filters utilize activated carbon filtration, which will deposit sediment into the first batches of water that you filter if not cleaned properly in advance.
Testing for TDS
TDS stands for total dissolved solids and encompasses many different impurities present in water. Examples of the most common TDS include “calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, nitrate and silica,” according to the US Geological Survey. In practice, calcium and magnesium deposits in tap water result in so-called “hard water” that tastes bad and can be actively detrimental to your health at higher concentrations. (Read more about TDS from the EPA and USGS.)
We began TDS testing by mixing an 8-gallon bucket of tap water, measured at a concentration of 220 ppm TDS, with table salt until we reached a TDS measurement of 300. Generally speaking, 50-150 TDS is considered an ideal range for drinking water. We used an Orapxi water quality tester to take these measurements and since the ZeroWater filter includes a TDS tester as well, all TDS readings were verified on both devices. Once we had established our control source, we measured 1 liter of the 300 TDS water into each of the water filter pitchers and allowed the full quantity to pass through the filter.
Once finished, we measured the TDS again and noted the percentage change using the pre- and post-filtration TDS measurements. This process was repeated for higher and lower TDS concentrations, and our findings indicate that each of the units we tested is very consistent at removing the same percentage of overall TDS from any water passing through it.
TDS test results
TDS (% change)
Aarke Purifier
-39
Brita Metro Standard
-45.6
Brita Everyday
-45.6
Brita Longlast
-3.1
Hydros
-17.5
Larq self-cleaning
-2.2
Lifestraw
-2
Pur Plus
-6
ZeroWater
-100
Chlorine removal testing
Chlorine in your drinking water may sound strange, but it is a common practice for water treatment facilities to add chlorine to the water supply as a disinfectant. This is highly effective at getting rid of other, nastier contaminants in the water, but the World Health Organization estimates that a concentration of ~0.2-4 ppm is standard for tap water, indicating that at least some is left over after disinfection. Chlorine can also impact the taste of water by giving it a chemical taste and odor.
For our testing, we decided to ramp things up a notch and test water prepared at a concentration similar to that of a swimming pool — 10 ppm chlorine. This elevated chlorine testing of 10 ppm instead of ~0.2-4 ppm gave us a clear indication of the changes after filtration. Once again, each filter was tested with 1 liter of solution and compared to results from the water prefiltration and once again, filters such as the ZeroWater substantially outperformed the others.
pH Level Analysis
Finally, during TDS testing, we also measured the change in pH. pH stands for “potential of hydrogen” and is used to quantify a substance’s acidity. A pH of zero is highly acidic, seven is neither acidic nor basic, and 14 represents a fundamental substance. Since the minerals that comprise the TDS in tap water increase the alkalinity, we expected the filtration process to decrease the water’s pH. Indeed, this was the case, and you can see a table of the pH changes below.
Here’s a table of our most recent TDS removal test results, calculated using the pre- and post-filtration pH measurement. The data represents an average of three test runs for each filter pitcher.
Type of filter
Most standard consumer filter pitchers reduce impurities that affect the taste and purity of water, such as chlorine, lead, copper, and other heavy metals. Other, more expensive filter systems, such as reverse osmosis and ion exchange, can remove bacteria and viruses from water. For this list, we focused on basic, mechanical filters, which comprise the majority of home filter pitcher types. Mechanical water filters, while limited in their function, are some of the most affordable and don’t require costly installation.
Capacity and household size
Before you choose a model, consider how many water drinkers your filter pitcher will be used by and your daily water consumption needs. A small or medium pitcher will likely suffice if it’s just you or you and one other person. Consider a large pitcher or dispenser jug if three or four water drinkers occupy your space. You’ll also want to consider how much refrigerator space you have available if you plan to store your water filter pitcher there.
Material and build quality
The majority of water filter pitchers are made out of BPA-free plastic. Most are not dishwasher-safe. If you prefer a sturdier build, there are options for water filter pitchers made from glass and metal to add a refined touch to your H20 experience. Glass water filter pitchers may be dishwasher-safe, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
Cost
Consider what you’d like to spend on your filter pitcher. Options range from $20 to $105 or more. If you opt for an integrated water filter system that filters water before it even reaches your tap, you can expect to pay well into the hundreds.
Consider the cost of the replacement filters, too. Most need to be replaced every three or so months and those costs can add up over the course of a year.
Water filter pitcher FAQs
What contaminants should a water filter pitcher remove?
Most water filter pitchers improve the taste and smell of drinking water by ridding it of odorous chemicals such as chlorine. Some more expensive or high-quality models also remove heavy metals, pesticides, PFAs, pathogens, and other contaminants. Each pitcher should state clearly on the packaging or website the exact materials it is intended to remove from water.
Do water filter pitchers remove bacteria?
No. Water filter pitchers will remove many harmful contaminants, such as lead, copper, chlorine, and organic compounds that affect the taste, but they will do nothing to kill bacteria. Your tap water should already be treated for bacteria, but if you’re concerned about it, a standard water filter is not going to help.
If left unchanged for long periods, a water filter itself could build up grime that could potentially cause bacteria to grow and permeate your water. Because of that, change your filter regularly as each brand prescribes.
How about Brita versus Pur?
Both Pur and Brita are household names and available at most major retailers. Generally speaking, Pur may be slightly better than Brita for contaminant removal, but the filters themselves have a shorter lifespan and may be more expensive overall. Brita seems to focus on the taste of the water, has a longer lifespan for filters, and is generally easier to find.
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