Is Brita or PUR a better water filter? This analysis of Brita vs. PUR will help you in making a better decision.
We’ll examine different parameters such as design, filtration speed, filter performance, and popular product questions. The taste of the water obtained after filtration is an important factor that will influence our decision-making process.
Comparison of Brita vs. PUR
As opposed to the Brita filter, the PUR filter eliminates more contaminants. Brita, on the other hand, fared much better in our TDS and taste inspection. Both PUR and Brita have a wide range of pitcher styles and sizes.
PUR would be the better option if you need to eliminate a variety of contaminants, though Brita works better for most people.
We can go over the similarities and differences between PUR vs. Brita filters in the table below:
| Factors | Brita Everyday | PUR Basic |
| Taste Inspection | 83% | 69% |
| TDS | 396 ppm | 511 ppm |
| Filtering Rate | 1.05 cups per minute | 0.80 cups per minute |
| Reservoir Filling Volume | 5.7 cups | 3.8 cups |
| Cost | Check Here | Check Here |
One model each of PUR and Brita was compared to obtain the above specifications. However, keep in mind that pitchers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
The PUR Basic and Brita Everyday models were used to calculate the filtration rate. We filled both to their reservoir volume and then timed them appropriately.
Finally, we focussed on TDS and taste inspection results obtained from our own research.
A Brief Overview
Both PUR and Brita water filters are well-known brands, but is PUR or Brita better?
In simple words, the rationale behind the design of water filters is to extract contaminants from the drinking water, eliminating any undesirable taste while saving money on bottled water.
This review will compare PUR vs. Brita, the two common filters available on the market.
PUR vs. Brita Filters
If you’re worried about a particular contaminant, the table below shows the different impurities that will get filtered out by each of these filters.
It may be noted that both brands claim to filter only city tap water (water from natural sources such as ponds, streams, or country wells is not intended to be filtered).
The following components are reduced by PUR and Brita standard filters (such as the types mentioned above):
- Mercury
- Chlorine (odor & taste)
- Cadmium
- Zinc
- Copper
In addition to the components mentioned above, PUR filters also minimize the following impurities:
- Industrial contaminants such as Carbon Tetrachloride, Benzene, Tetrachloroethylene, Nonylphenol, Bisphenol A, and TCEP (It may be noted that the standard Brita filter cannot remove Benzene, which is a chemical commonly used and is considered to be a human carcinogen). In order to remove Benzene with the Brita filter, you’ll need to buy the “Longlast” filter.
- Herbicides such as 2, 4-D, Linuron, and Atrazine.
- Parasites such as cysts.
- Class I Sediments such as Nominal Particulate.
- Pharmaceuticals such as Carbamazepine, Atenolol, and Estrone.
There is no information on the efficacy listed on standard Brita filters in filtering out industrial contaminants, herbicides, sediments, or select pharmaceuticals.
Each brand has more sophisticated filters which will get rid of even more contaminants, such as asbestos and lead. With Brita, this means using the “LongLast” filter and for PUR, it would be using the Lead Reduction filter.
What Makes Brita and PUR Filters So Effective?
Both water filters, as previously mentioned, depend on a single filter made of ion exchange resin and activated carbon.
Brita Filters
The activated carbon enhances the odor and taste of the water by reducing mercury and chlorine, while copper, zinc, and cadmium are captured from the water by the ion exchange resin.
The “Longlast” and “Standard” are 2 main pitcher filters from Brita. Most Brita pitchers are compatible with both filters, except for Brita Infinity and Brita Stream.
The “Longlast” filter is expected to last three times as long as a “Standard” filter, but it also costs more.
The standard filter can be changed for a reasonable price when bought in bulk, for example, a package of 6 Brita filters. If you purchase one Brita filter for replacement, you’ll pay a little extra.
Both the filters are BPA-free, but the contaminants removed by each of them are quite different.
The LongLast filter lasts longer, however, if you are looking for something cheaper, the Standard would be a better option.
If you are not really particular about purchasing Brita filters, generic filters are sold by AmazonBasics for a lower cost.
PUR Filters
Pitcher filters are available in two types from PUR: Lead Reduction and Basic.
The Lead Reduction filter, just as its name implies, removes lead in addition to performing the same function as the Basic filter.
However, Linuron (a herbicide), as well as certain synthetic contaminants and pharmaceuticals, are not filtered out by the Lead Reduction filter.
Is It Possible To Use Brita And PUR Filters Interchangeably?
One of the most commonly asked questions from customers is whether these filters can be swapped. While both filters have a remarkably similar appearance and utilize the same water filtration design, these filters cannot be interchanged.
Subtle design variations help to ensure that each brand can only be used with the labeled filter that comes with it.
If you aren’t happy with the filtration but would like to stick with your current water pitcher, consider changing the filter to the upgraded version of the same brand.
Brita’s filtration system works with either the Standard Filter or the Longlast Filter. The PUR counterpart can be used with either the Basic Filter or the Lead Reduction Filter.
Design Differences
PUR and Brita come in a variety of models.
For the purposes of this comparison, we’ll be looking at the 10 Cup Brita Everyday Water Filter and the 7 Cup PUR Water Filter. PUR and Brita seem to be visually identical.
The top tank is filled with water, filtered by a single filter (made up of ion exchange resin and activated carbon), and then the water is deposited into the pitcher’s base.
When we pour the water for drinking, the water travels from the base to the pitcher and out of the spout.
Both filters have a comfortable handle for grip and an easy-to-pour spout.
The filling process and the water volume are the 2 major differences in design that distinguish one from the other.
Water Volume
The total capacity is the second distinguishing factor. The Brita filter has a capacity of 10 cups, the PUR filter, on the other hand, only has a capacity of 7 cups.
However, both differences are somewhat vague, as some Brita and PUR filters have an easy flip lid, while others do not.
Both these filters come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 5 to 40 cups.
Filling Process
The easy-fill lid from the PUR filter helps you fill the water filter pitcher without having to remove the entire lid. The easy-fill top is a feature not offered by the Brita filter. Due to this reason, when filling it, you’ll need to take off the entire top lid.
PUR vs. Brita Faucet Filters
It can be a tedious task to fill and pour the water filter pitcher. Both Brita and PUR provide faucet versions of their filters for filtering water without having to pour and store it in another container.
Contaminants Removed By Brita And PUR On-Tap Filters
Brita
The Brita faucet filter is capable of removing lead by 99%, as well as reducing chlorine, which is the major factor behind odor and taste. This filter also removes 52 other pollutants.
PUR
PUR’s faucet filter, on the other hand, can remove over 80 contaminants, including lead by 99%.
Opt for the faucet filters over the pitcher if lead contamination is a concern. If you prefer a pitcher, use the PUR Lead Reduction filter or Brita Long Last filter.
Designs For Brita And PUR Faucet Filters
Both types of filters are designed to be screwed directly onto the faucet, thereby filtering the tap water prior to discharging through a secondary waterspout.
Both are designed to screw directly onto the faucet and filter the tap water through the device before discharging it through a secondary waterspout. Each unit has a similar filter size but with a different orientation.
The faucet version of both filters has minor differences. The Brita’s key filter is vertically oriented. The PUR filter on the other hand is horizontally oriented for most cases.
PUR does have a vertical filter version on various models.
Filters for kitchen faucets are attached directly to the faucet.
It may be noted that faucet filters offered by both brands are only compatible with regular faucet heads. The Brita and PUR faucet filters are unlikely to match a spray, pull-out, large, or irregular-shaped faucet.
Finishes For Brita On-Tap Filter
The Brita Faucet filter comes in two colors: chrome and white.
Finishes For PUR Faucets
PUR’s faucet filter comes in black, metallic grey, chrome, white, or stainless steel, so it can match your current kitchen faucet.
Brita And PUR Filters Shelf Life
Brita Faucet Filter has the capacity to filter roughly 100 gallons of water (about 4 months of everyday use) before being replaced. Both faucet filters have a light flashing notification feature when it’s time for a replacement.
PUR And Brita Smart Filters
The Bluetooth capabilities of the PUR Ultimate Faucet System allow the filters to be accessed using the PUR app from your smartphone to monitor water consumption, filter use, and other characteristics.
Brita did not initially offer the smart on-tap filter. However, the Brita Infinity Wi-Fi-connected pitcher is now available.
Pairing the filter with Wi-Fi enables new filters to be automatically ordered from Amazon when it detects that the existing filter needs to be replaced.
Brita vs. PUR Tests
We consider 2 factors when evaluating the performance of both water filters:
- Taste (based on opinion)
- TDS (factual)
The taste test included a group of a few people who randomly tasted the water obtained from PUR and Brita and rated them on a scale of 1-5 based on their preferences.
TDS stands for “total dissolved solids,” which means it measures components in the water that aren’t part of pure water. A higher number shows that the water is not pure.
Taste Test: PUR vs. Brita
The taste of water filtered by PUR and Brita water filters can differ depending on the water quality. Neither filter is designed for filtering water from natural sources such as rural water, well water, or any other water source as previously stated.
Both filters are intended to minimize chlorine content in the water, which enhances the taste and eliminates any chemical odors.
More than any other parameter tested such as TDS, what really matters is the taste and this can only be determined by tasting water obtained after filtration.
Brita filter yielded better-tasting water, according to our taste tests, rating 83%. PUR came in the second position, with a score of 69%.
Few of our family and friends participated in this test and rated the taste of water on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest.
Water was poured into an unmarked paper Dixie cup which had a notation on the bottom of the cup so that we could identify the filter used.
Participants In The Test
Adult volunteers made up the whole group. The participants ranged in age from 22 to 65.
Type Of Water
We used ordinary tap water for our test. The water was quite hard and no RO or other water purifying systems were available for the test, even though the home used a water-softening system.
Filtering Issues With The PUR
During our initial testing, we found that the PUR filter performed significantly worse than Brita. The following were the results of the initial test:
Brita filter filtered better at 88% and PUR at 40%.
Problem
In spite of strictly following PUR’s setup instructions, the PUR-filtered water had a strong metallic taste. This was only found in water obtained from the PUR filter, not in tap water.
Possible Reasons
This felt strange, so we assumed we had a defective filter (which could have been the case). But before buying a new filter, we wanted to pass 5 gallons of water through the PUR filter to check if it simply needed to be flushed.
Solution
After that, using new test volunteers, we tested the three filters again to check if the findings had changed, which they had. The second set of results seemed to be more reliable.
Nonetheless, we felt it was important to mention how difficult it was to get the water from the PUR filter to taste good.
TDS Test
TDS which refers to the “total dissolved solids” in water were measured using a TDS meter.
In general, a higher number indicates less pure water, although there are some exceptions. High TDS values can also be due to increased levels of minerals found naturally in water.
Similarly, a high concentration of dissolved salt in water (as in softened water) can also raise TDS levels.
Data On TDS (Before And After)
Here’s what we discovered:
Comparing PUR vs. Brita, we found that when more water was poured into the filter, the taste improved dramatically. Based on the findings, we thought that as more water was poured in, TDS would improve as well.
The first, second, and third pours show various stages of filter pouring.
- First Pour – without flushing; the filter was simply mounted, the reservoir was filled, and we waited for the water to filter for performing the test.
- Second Pour –the reservoir was filled a few times to give it a mild to moderate flush before testing the water.
- Third Pour – before running tests on the water, the reservoir was filled a number of times, and we let two gallons of water run through the filter.
The more each filter was flushed, the TDS levels improved, with Brita and the third-party PUR filter showing the most significant difference between the first and third tests.
As the water was flushed through the PUR filter, the TDS values did not significantly change.
Conclusion
Is Brita or PUR better at filtering water?
One may be superior compared to the other in certain areas, but what works for someone may not be suitable for another person.
Since each model has advantages and disadvantages, here are some of the most important considerations for choosing between Brita vs. PUR:
Brita is the one to opt for:
- If you prefer to save money on filters – Brita filters were found to be lower priced than PUR filters at the time of our study. Additionally, if you would like to save more money, you can purchase Amazon’s generic Brita filters for even less.
- If you would like water that tastes better – The Brita-filtered water tasted better from our taste tests. Having said that, our sample sizes were very small. Despite this, our scores obtained from the tests had a minor variance. Additionally, the taste of local water would be different. In our taste tests conducted with hard water, Brita came out on top.
PUR is the one to opt for:
If you would like a pitcher that can clear more contaminants – In comparison to Brita, the PUR filters will eliminate a wider range of contaminants, according to the company’s specifications.
If you are concerned about the safety of tap water, this filter might be a good option.