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The Bottom Line
Brita is the cheapest and most widely available, but covers the fewest contaminants. Clearly Filtered removes the broadest range, including PFAS and lead. ZeroWater reduces total dissolved solids furthest but needs the most frequent filter changes.
These water filter pitcher reviews compare the three brands people search for most — not because one is universally “best,” but because they solve different problems.
| Brita | Clearly Filtered | ZeroWater | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it targets | Chlorine taste/odor | Broad: PFAS, lead, chlorine, VOCs | Total dissolved solids, lead, chromium |
| NSF certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, some models 53 | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, P473 | NSF/ANSI 42, 53 |
| Filter life | ~2 months | ~2 months | ~2-4 weeks (shorter, due to thorough filtration) |
| Filtration speed | Fast | Slower (more thorough) | Fast |
| Price position | Budget | Premium | Mid-range |
Best for Basic Taste: Brita
Brita is the most recognizable name for a reason — it’s cheap, widely available, and does a solid job on chlorine taste and odor. It’s not built for heavy metals or PFAS beyond a couple of specific certified models, so check the exact model’s NSF rating rather than assuming. ~$28.33 · 4.6★ (59,800+ ratings)
Best for Broad Contaminant Removal: Clearly Filtered
Clearly Filtered carries the widest certification range of the three, including PFAS (NSF/ANSI 401) — relevant if you’re specifically worried about that. It filters more slowly as a tradeoff for thoroughness, and costs more upfront and per filter. ~$100 · 4.1★ (926 ratings)
Best for Total Dissolved Solids: ZeroWater
ZeroWater’s selling point is a built-in TDS meter and the lowest total dissolved solids reading of the three — appealing if you want water that reads close to distilled. The tradeoff is the shortest filter life, meaning higher ongoing cost. ~$28.49 · 4.4★ (28,000+ ratings)
Water Filter Pitcher Reviews: Which Should You Buy?
If cost and convenience matter most, Brita. If you’re specifically worried about PFAS or lead, Clearly Filtered. If you want the lowest dissolved solids reading and don’t mind more frequent filter changes, ZeroWater. For the full buying framework (not just these three brands), see our water filter pitcher buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clearly Filtered actually worth the higher price over Brita?
Only if you have a specific reason to worry about PFAS, lead, or a wider range of contaminants — Brita’s NSF/ANSI 42 certification only covers taste and odor. If your main concern is chlorine taste, Brita does that job at a fraction of the cost.
Which pitcher costs the least over a full year?
Factoring in filter replacement frequency, Brita is typically cheapest annually since its filters last about as long as Clearly Filtered’s at a much lower unit cost. ZeroWater’s more frequent filter changes make it the priciest to maintain long-term, despite a low upfront cost.