The 9 Best Water Filters of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE

Water filters can provide cleaner, crisper water than what comes from the tap — plus, fridge-friendly pitcher filters make it easy to have access to extra-chilled water at all times. 

“The purpose of a water filter is to improve water quality by removing impurities and contaminants,” says Brian Campbell, water treatment expert and founder of WaterFilterGuru.com. “Water filters are a good investment for anyone who values clean and safe drinking water and are particularly helpful to folks who live in areas with known water quality issues, people who have specific health concerns, or those looking for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for clean drinking water.”

To help you find the best water filter for your needs, we tested 16 pitcher-style filters from the top brands on the market. Over two weeks, we evaluated the differences in taste, odor, and appearance in our filtered water, as well as the efficiency and ease of use. We also kept in mind overall value when narrowing down this list.

Our Top Picks

Our Ratings

• Taste

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

• Flow rate isn’t fast

The Brita Stream is designed to remove the taste and odor of chlorine with every pour, filtering as you go to minimize wait time (there is a filter right underneath the spout that filters the water as you pour). When comparing the taste and smell of the water to a control glass of tap water, we were surprised at how clean and crisp the filtered water tasted. The filtered water also appeared to have better clarity and color.

While the flow rate of this pitcher isn’t the fastest, we found it performed well compared to several of the other options we tried, plus it allowed us to enjoy a cup of filtered water immediately. The intuitive and instant setup was another plus. It only took us a matter of minutes — it requires one run through a single cycle before discharging the water, and then it's ready to go.

Although we needed two hands to hold and pour the pitcher while full, as it can be a bit heavy, it wasn’t particularly cumbersome. We love that it can be easily stored in the fridge or under a cabinet thanks to its standard size and that it drastically improves the taste and smell of our water. Additional features we appreciated were the locking lid and the electronic indicator, which notified us whenever we needed to replace the filter.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2 months | Capacity: 10 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Our Ratings

• Taste

  4/5

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

For those looking for many of the same features offered by the Brita Stream Rapids Pitcher but at a lower price, the Pur Classic 11-Cup Water Filter is a clear winner. It operates similarly by rapidly filtering water as you pour and is certified to reduce 15 contaminants as well as certain pesticides, mercury, chlorine, and industrial pollutants.

What stands out about the Pur filter — beyond its wallet-friendly price — is the fact that it’s dishwasher-safe, allowing for quick and easy cleaning. A slim, easy-grip handle makes this easy to hold and pour with one hand when half-full, although we found it a bit heavy to pour one-handed when filled. Just be careful not to overfill it, as the lid’s lock is somewhat flimsy and will pop off if the water level is too high.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2 months | Capacity: 11 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Taste

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  4.7/5

• Value

  5/5

Designed especially for those living with well water or in a hurricane zone, this filter is made to remove chlorine, viruses, lead, microplastics, giardia, and more. We found that it distinctly improved the taste and look of our water during testing. It removed small bubbles and all hints of a metallic taste and an unpleasant aftertaste.

Our biggest frustration was how slowly it filtered — about 12 minutes to fill the pitcher — but we found that the superior taste of the filtered water was worth the wait. There’s a handy 90-day LED countdown light that alerts you when it’s almost time to change the filter, which has a longer lifespan than many of those that we tested; it should be swapped out every two to six months for optimal freshness.

We found the pitcher easy to fill (you only need to fill the pitcher up one time for it to reach its maximum capacity) and lightweight enough to carry back and forth to the fridge, as well as to pour directly into a glass. We were pleasantly surprised by the ease of using this product. Filling a glass was easy with this quality pitcher, and there was no spillage or leaking.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2-6 months | Capacity: 10 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Taste

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  4/5

• Value

  5/5

• Fits easily in the sink for refills

• Higher handle makes it easy to direct water flow

• Can fill the pitcher without removing lid

• Lghts up to let you know it's time for new filter

We were impressed by how well the Brita Tahoe pitcher filtered tap water. The filter is designed to reduce contaminants including lead, mercury, copper, zinc, cadmium, and more. We found that it completely eliminated any nasty odors and aftertaste and that our water tasted noticeably cleaner and fresher.

We love that there’s an option to install a long-lasting Elite filter, which keeps your water fresh for six months instead of the standard two. There’s even a handy SmartLight Indicator, which lets you know when it’s time to replace your filter when the light turns red.

This is a great pick for those who have smaller fridges or sinks and don’t mind the frequent refills a six-cup capacity will require. However, don't let the smaller capacity deter you; we were able to easily lift the pitcher with one hand. We also noted that the water flow was steady and did not drip or splash, and the pitcher could even be filled without taking off the lid thanks to a pressure-dip opening.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2-6 months | Capacity: 6 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: No

Our Ratings

• Taste

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Value

  4.9/5

Easily the chicest option on this list, this filter from Hydros is perfect for those who don’t like the look of boxy plastic pitchers. Its slightly tapered shape is elegant rather than an eyesore and looks right at home on countertops and dinner tables — plus, it takes up minimal room thanks to its slim design and low profile.

We found it easy to use and appreciated that it filtered instantly. While the capacity is fairly small, this also meant the process was quick. The glass design feels durable and lightweight but is inherently more fragile than plastic.

One important note: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for discarding the first fills. We found that the water had a bit of a metallic taste to it after running water through the filter for the first time. We noted that this is likely because the filter is made of coconut carbon, which is different from most typical carbon water filters, but when we ran water through the filter a second time, it tasted much better.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2 months | Capacity: 5 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Taste

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  4.2/5

• Value

  5/5

This Pur dispenser is ideal for those who prefer the convenience of filling a glass straight from the fridge without the need to heft a full pitcher of water. We loved how the pull-down spout made it easy to filter water into cups, water bottles, and more with more precision than a pitcher. Convenient carrying handles make this easy to tote to the sink when it requires refilling — but with a 30-cup capacity, you don’t have to worry about ferrying it back and forth daily.

Our biggest gripe was the amount of time it took to filter (the dispenser filled up halfway in 30 minutes), but given that it doesn’t need to be refilled as often because of its capacity, we didn’t find this to be a deal-breaker. Plus, we were hooked once we tasted the results. The filtered water was noticeably more clean and crisp, with no unpleasant aftertaste.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2 months | Capacity: 30 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Taste

  5/5

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Value

  3.8/5

Dual filters mean this eight-cup pitcher can get rid of similar contaminants to its single-filter competitors, plus it’s able to add back beneficial mineral content. It targets everything from lead to mercury, aluminum, asbestos, pesticides, odors, cloudiness, and more. Beyond removing these contaminants, the alkaline filter also elevates the water’s pH to 9.5.

The setup of the two filters was fast and easy; it only required a three-minute rinse of each, which can be done manually or by fastening them to a faucet with the included equipment. We appreciated how lightweight the pitcher is, making it easy to carry and pour from. Above all, we loved how convenient the fill-top lid was, which allowed us to fill the filter reservoir through the spout without removing the lid.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2 months | Capacity: 8 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

• Doesn't keep water cold

If you’re looking for a filtered water bottle you can take on the go, the LifeStraw Go Series water bottle has you covered. This durable, 22-ounce BPA-free water bottle comes with a membrane microfilter, an activated carbon filter, and a silicone mouthpiece. If used daily, the membrane filter lasts for approximately five years, and the carbon filter lasts about two months.

The two-stage filter system removes waterborne bacteria and parasites. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or traveling, this leak-proof water bottle is an easy way to have safe, good-tasting water wherever you go. If you prefer your water to be icy cold, the one drawback of this plastic bottle is that it doesn't keep water cold for long.

In addition to the good water you’ll enjoy with this product, LifeStraw provides safe drinking water to a child in need for a year for every water bottle sold.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 2 months | Capacity: 22 ounces | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes

Our Ratings

• Taste

  4/5

• Ease of Use

  4.2/5

• Value

  3.8/5

This elegant, modern pitcher is as functional as it is fashionable and futuristic. Designed with an advanced, plant-based filter to remove chlorine, lead, benzene, mercury, and more, we found it highly effective in terms of filter speed and the resulting taste. It took less than four minutes for the water to run through the filter to fill up the reservoir (about half the pitcher) during our tests, which was notably faster than many of the other models we tried. 

We were impressed with the convenient pressure-dip lid, which enables you to fill it up without having to remove the lid entirely — perfect for kids or busy parents who want one-handed convenience. High-tech extras like bacteria-neutralizing technology and the Pure Vis Wand, which operates on a rechargeable lithium battery to track the filter’s flow rate and let you know when you need a new one, helped mitigate the price.

While the pitcher is significantly more expensive than any of the other models we tried, we found the connected Larq app — which tracks your water intake and how much plastic you’re saving by opting for a filter — genuinely motivated us to drink more water, which made the splurge feel more reasonable.

Filter Replacement Frequency: 3 months | Capacity: 8 cups | Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, after removing the PureVis Wand

What to Know About Water Filters

Type and Capacity 

When purchasing a pitcher that’s designed to store water after it’s been filtered or to filter while it’s being poured, consider the size in relation to your fridge or countertop. All of the options on this list were chosen for their relatively discreet profiles, which are designed to fit between shelves in the average fridge. Capacity is crucial to consider as well. Are you looking for a pitcher that will provide filtered water just for personal use, or will it be used by your entire family? Lower capacities will require you to refill the filter more often, which would be impractical for larger households.

Filter Replacement Frequency

Consider the recommended replacement window when buying water filters, as the frequency may make or break your decision if you’re someone who may forget to keep up with the maintenance. “It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep up with regular filter changes to prevent bacterial growth, avoid recontamination, and maintain filter effectiveness and flow rate,” says Campbell. 

Most pitcher-style filters require a filter replacement every two months, with advanced filters lasting about six months. While it’s more of an upfront investment, opting for the six-month filters will save you more money (and require less upkeep) in the long run. 

Value

Pitcher-style filters are a much more affordable option than most under-sink or fridge built-ins, making them a more attractive upfront cost. But it’s important to consider the cost of filter replacements, which more often than not may still be a better value than these more costly built-in filter types.

Behind the Scenes

We tested 16 water filters from top-rated brands to narrow down a list of those we ranked most efficient, easy to use, and which most greatly impacted the taste, smell, and clarity of the water. Our team received expert guidance from Daniel L. McCurry, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California, in planning our rigorous testing steps.

• Setup: To test each filter, our testers evaluated a glass of control water (or just plain tap water) and a glass of filtered water. First, each filter was set up per the manufacturer’s instructions before use, and we took careful note of how clear the instructions were and how intuitive and fast the setup was.
• Ease of Use: After prepping the filters, we used stopwatches to time how long it took to filter one full cycle of water through the pitcher, noticing how efficient the pour spout or dispenser was and if it was easy to lift and maneuver the pitcher. 
• Taste and Odor: After pouring our filtered test glass, we examined the water for cloudiness, odors, small bubbles or particles, and any distinguishable immediate taste or aftertaste. We tasted the control and the filtered water back-to-back and observed if there were any differences between the two. We then repeated this process with a blindfolded taste test. 
• Efficacy: We tested these water filters daily over two weeks, taking note of any changes in efficacy or water quality.

After our testing period, we rated each filter on a scale of one to five, with five performing the highest. The nine devices with the top average scores made this list and earned the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of water filter removes the most contaminants?

  A reverse osmosis system, in conjunction with a carbon filter, is the most effective filtering method for removing maximum contaminants, according to the Environmental Working Group. These are designed with several filter stages instead of just one, including a filter for sediment and carbon and a unique semipermeable membrane that blocks heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, fluoride, and more from passing through. These types of filters are most typically found in under-sink or countertop filter systems.

• What is the best kind of filter for hard water?

  The most efficient kind of filter for getting rid of the high levels of calcium and magnesium in hard water is an ion exchange unit with activated alumina, according to the CDC. These also work to greatly reduce fluoride content in water. Primarily, these are larger-scale filters, as pitcher-style options are targeted more at chlorine, lead, heavy metals, and other impurities.

• How do you know if your water needs to be filtered?

  “The only way to know exactly what your water contains, and in turn what issues need to be addressed, is to test a sample using a certified laboratory,” says Campbell. “Lab testing is always the first step I recommend to folks who are looking to purchase a water treatment device,” he adds, explaining that it will offer data and insight into your needs that can best guide your purchase decision.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Sophie Dodd is a commerce contributor who has been writing for PEOPLE since 2018. She covers travel and lifestyle, with a keen focus on home goods. For this story, Sophie did a deep dive into the results of our water filter lab testing and used her expertise as a commerce and lifestyle writer to research the products that scored the highest to narrow down this list. We received expert guidance from Daniel L. McCurry, Ph.D., and Brian Campbell, too.

Our Expert Panel

• Daniel L. McCurry, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California.
• Brian Campbell is a water treatment expert and the founder of WaterFilterGuru.com.

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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