We’ve put a range of PFAS-removing water filters through eight rigorous, hands-on tests to find out which are the best.
We scored each filter using a weighted system that reflects real-world performance, from contaminant removal and design to filtration rate and filter longevity. With this data, we ranked the top-performing models for PFAS removal based on their total scores.
With verified PFAS reduction, high-efficiency purification, and the ability to remove more contaminants than any other water filter we’ve tested so far, AquaTru (specifically the Carafe model) came out on top as the best water filter for PFAS in household drinking water.
Aquatru Carafe & Classic
Waterdrop G3 P800
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Table of Contents
Our Testing & Selection Process
To find the most effective filters for removing PFAS, we tested each product across multiple performance categories. Our main focus was contaminant removal*, with this being the biggest category to influence a filter’s score. We also evaluated filtration speed, design and build quality, ease of setup, and the simplicity of any ongoing requirements.
Since this guide is about PFAS, we only considered filters that are officially certified to NSF Standard 53 for PFAs reduction. Any filter that didn’t meet this benchmark wasn’t included.
From there, we scored every system based on its overall contaminant reduction capabilities, since many folks also want to reduce other health-harmful or taste-affecting contaminants (like chlorine, lead, and VOCs) from their drinking water.
We combined our own controlled at-home testing with lab results to reach our scores. If measurable data wasn’t necessary or available, such as when testing ease of use, we used our own experience-based evaluations to inform our scoring.
*We tested broadly but not specifically for PFAS, as discussed in the next section.
Learn about our testing and scoring process here.
To identify the best water filters for PFAS, we started by narrowing the field to only the systems that had official certifications for PFAS reduction (specifically NSF/ANSI 53, for the reduction of PFOA/PFOS. These are two of the most common PFAS compounds used as surrogates for the entire group of nearly 15,000 chemicals). We didn’t consider filters without this certification, regardless of the manufacturer’s claims.
If you’ve seen our other guides, you’ll know we factor in our own water quality test results when comparing filters and choosing the winners. But in this case, certified lab testing under NSF/ANSI standards is far more precise than anything we could replicate in-house. So, rather than conducting our own limited in-house testing for PFOS/PFOA, we used these independent third-party certifications to establish a baseline.
Note: We still conducted our own lab testing for other common drinking water contaminants that are easier and more affordable to detect.
Once we confirmed that a filter met this certification requirement, we scored it using our internal ranking system. The filters that performed well and scored highest are the featured filters in this guide, ranked according to their scores.
PFAS reduction isn’t something every filter can do, and not a lot of manufacturers have gone through the certification process (which is time-consuming, not to mention expensive). That means the list of qualified products that we recommend is small, but we’ll continue adding to it as more filters that meet our criteria become available.
We also decided not to feature certain water filters in this list if:
-They had availability issues or weren’t easily accessible to US buyers.
-They passed PFAS certification but performed poorly in other important areas, like durability or flow rate, affecting their practicality for long-term, real-world use.
The 4 Best Water Filters that Remove PFAS
| Product | Aquatru Carafe |  Waterdrop G3 P800 |  Clearly Filtered Pitcher |  ZeroWater |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | 9.57 | 9.21 | 8.78 | 8.62 |
| Price | $349.00 | $699 | $90 | $39.99 |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401, 372 | NSF 42, 53, 58 & 372 | NSF 42, 53 | NSF 42, 53 |
| Filter Capacity | 300 gal and 1,200 gal | 800 gallons | 100 gallons | 25 gallons |
| Cost per Gallon | $0.19 | $0.11 | $0.55 | $0.70 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 2 years | Vessels 90 days, filters 30 days |
| Read Review | Aquatru Carafe review | Waterdrop G3 P800 review | Clearly Filtered Pitcher review | ZeroWater review |
AquaTru Countertop RO Systems
We’ve tested the AquaTru RO system in two configurations: the slightly smaller Carafe and the full-size Classic model. Both models have been certified by IAPMO to NSF/ANSI 53 to reduce PFOA and PFOS. In our testing, the Carafe and Classic systems delivered near-identical contaminant reduction results and currently stand as the two highest-performing water filters we’ve reviewed.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $349.00+ |
| Contaminants Reduced | 83+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401, 372 |
| Process | Mechanical + Carbon + Reverse Osmosis |
| Filter Capacity | 300 – 1,200 gal. |
| Annual Cost | ~$60 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why They’re Our Top Picks
These AquaTru models took first and second place in our scoring system, with the AquaTru Carafe just edging out the Classic model (scoring 9.57 and 9.54 respectively). Both units use the same core filtration technology: a 4-stage reverse osmosis process that’s certified to remove a wide range of contaminants—every single contaminant that AquaTru claims to reduce.
What gave the Carafe model the lead over the Classic system? It came down to a single design feature: the purified water collects in a glass carafe (hence the name) rather than an internal plastic tank, as is the case with the Classic model. That gave it a higher component quality score. You might prefer this model if you want the peace of mind of storing your purified water in a non-leaching container.
AquaTru’s NSF/ANSI Certifications for PFAS
Both AquaTru units are certified by IAPMO to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53*, which specifically validates their ability to reduce PFOA and PFOS. Under this certification protocol, filters have to demonstrate a reduction of these contaminants to below the EPA’s health advisory level, which is currently 70 parts per trillion (PPT), based on controlled laboratory testing.
We’ve reviewed dozens of filters, and very few manufacturers go through the expense and rigor of obtaining this certification—hence why AquaTru’s systems stand out.
Our Performance Testing
Our own performance testing focused more generally on common drinking water contaminants that are easy to detect with a lab test. We used a Tap Score testing kit by SimpleLab to take samples of our water, then shipped them to the lab for testing.
Both AquaTru models eliminated 100% of lead, fluoride, uranium, molybdenum, barium, and chlorine in our water, earning them each a score of 9.91 out of 10. They’re also far more efficient than traditional RO units, with a 4:1 purified-water-to-wastewater ratio; the best we’ve seen so far.
Design & Usability
In terms of design, here’s where the AquaTru models differ slightly. The Carafe is the smaller model, with a compact design, using a glass carafe to collect the purified water instead of a plastic water tank. Both filters scored similarly here, but the Carafe got the highest score of 10.00, while the Countertop model was slightly behind with a score of 9.50.
We found the two units equally easy to set up, with no plumbing or tools required. We just plugged them in, filled the tanks with water and flushed the filters. Our setup scores were equally high, with both systems earning a 10.00 in this category.
Maintenance is straightforward and not too regular, although the Carafe model requires a bit more work due to its smaller filter capacity (meaning its filters need replacing more often). Still, this wasn’t enough to affect its score, and the two systems got identical scores of 9.75 here.
Final Verdict
The AquaTru Carafe and Classic countertop RO systems are our top pick for removing PFAS thanks to their certified performance and excellent contaminant reduction in our own testing, as well as their high scores across all other testing categories.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.57 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 100% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 0.3 GPM |
| Component Quality | Exceptional |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Exceptional |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.19/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
Waterdrop G3 P800
The Waterdrop G3 P800 was the next-highest scoring water filter we tested that meets our criteria for PFAS removal. This high-efficiency under-sink RO system greatly reduced or removed the 10 contaminants with health effects detected in our water, and, importantly, it’s also certified by IAPMO for PFOA/PFOS removal.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $539 – $999 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 10+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 372 |
| Process | Mechanical + Carbon + RO |
| Filter Capacity | 550/ 1100/ 2900 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$145 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
How It Compares to AquaTru
The G3 P800 earned an overall weighted score of 9.21, putting it in third place behind the two AquaTru models. While it didn’t outperform the AquaTru systems with its contaminant reduction performance, it came really close, reducing or removing contaminants like fluoride, lead, arsenic, barium, and nitrate, earning it a respectable 9.28.
Like AquaTru’s models, the Waterdrop G3 P800 is a reverse osmosis system, which is what gives it such capable and comprehensive water purification abilities.
The big difference is that it’s designed to install at the cold water line under your kitchen sink (the process is more complex than simply plugging the unit in and resulted in a lower setup score of 7.00). This gives you near-instant access to purified water whenever you turn on the dedicated faucet, with none of the tank filling and emptying required by AquaTru.
As with AquaTru, the G3 P800 has an NSF/ANSI 53 certification that lists PFOS/PFOA as two of the contaminants it can reduce within this Standard. This tells us that the filter was capable of reducing these forever chemicals down to below the EPA’s suggested limits under test conditions.
It’s worth noting that the AquaTru filters carry more extensive certifications overall (they’re certified to reduce 84 contaminants), while the G3 is certified for fewer than 10 contaminants.
Design, Installation, & Maintenance
Design-wise, the G3 P800 earned a 9.70, the same as the AquaTru Carafe. We loved the helpful features, like the faucet-mounted TDS meter and the LED filter life indicators, which give you insights into your water quality and filter replacement requirements where you’d usually have to guess.
The UV sterilizer is a nice bonus feature and offers peace of mind that the purified water is protected from microorganisms inside the system itself.
The only design letdown is that the base model doesn’t include a remineralization filter, although you can buy a separate post-filter that’s easy enough to tack on to the main unit.
We’ve already mentioned that installation is more challenging, but we found maintenance for this unit as quick and easy as the AquaTru systems. Combined with its low ongoing filter replacement cost of just 11 cents per gallon, the G3 P800 earned a perfect score of 10.00 in this category.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a PFAS-certified reverse osmosis system that filters water straight to the tap, the Waterdrop G3 P800 is our recommended choice. While it doesn’t outperform AquaTru in many categories, it comes really close, making it another top contender in this list.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.21 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 9.50 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 3.50 |
| Performance Certification | NSF 42, 53, 58 |
| Filtration Rate | 800 GPD |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Weak |
| Servicing Requirements | Exceptional |
| Costs | $0.11/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping to lower 48 states |
| Returns | 30 days |
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is a gravity-fed water filter that significantly reduced 8 contaminants with health effects in our water testing. It’s one of the few pitchers available that’s certified for PFAS reduction (this time by the WQA), and, unlike the other systems we’ve reviewed so far, it doesn’t require electricity, a high upfront spend, or a difficult installation.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $90.00 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 350+ |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 |
| Process | Coconut Carbon Block |
| Filter Capacity | 100 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$150 |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why We Like It
Clearly Filtered’s pitcher is our top recommended water filter pitcher for PFAS reduction, ranking third in this list (with the fourth-highest overall performance score of 8.78). As it can be assembled and used almost instantly, it’s ideal for renters, students, anyone with limited counter space, and families who want better-quality drinking water on a budget.
If you prefer a single-filter system that you can get up and running in less than five minutes, Clearly Filtered offers a good solution.
Clearly Filtered’s Performance
The big selling point of the Clearly Filtered pitcher is that it has been independently tested to reduce more than 360 contaminants—much more impressive than we see for the average water filter pitcher.
In our own testing (which was limited to the contaminants detected in our water supply), the pitcher earned an 8.24 score for contaminant reduction. This was based on its ability to reduce or remove barium, strontium, and other minerals and chemicals. The score was pulled down slightly by the presence of cobalt (0.00054 PPM) in our filtered water; a testing anomaly we don’t have an answer for yet.
Comparing its certifications to AquaTru’s, the Clearly Filtered pitcher is only officially certified for three contaminants. This lack of broader third-party testing does leave a bit of uncertainty when we compare it to systems like AquaTru, hence its lower certification score of 7.00.
Design, Filtration Speed, & Value
Many water filter pitchers we’ve tested have concerned us with their flimsy plastic designs, but the Clearly Filtered pitcher received a 9.70 score in the design category—one of the highest scores we’ve awarded a filter of its kind.
The BPA-free Tritan plastic jug feels solid and durable, and its WQA certification for lead-free materials and design safety is a big bonus.
We clocked the pitcher’s filtration rate at 2.27 gallons per hour, based on the time it took (just over 13 minutes) to filter 0.5 gallons of water. That’s faster than most other gravity-fed pitchers, earning it a score of 10.00. Plus, the 100-gallon filter life is more than double the industry average. That said, the filter replacement cost is still pretty high, at 55 cents per gallon, hence why its maintenance score was lower at 8.75.
Final Thoughts
The Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher is the best water filter pitcher for pfas we tested. It might not have the power or the clever technology of an RO system, but it delivered a solid, dependable performance in our testing. At less than $100 with no installation required, it’s the most accessible way to reduce PFAS that we came across.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.78 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.30 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for <1% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 2.27 GPH |
| Component Quality | Outstanding |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.55/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | 1 year |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Returns | 30 days |
ZeroWater Pitcher
The ZeroWater Pitcher is another gravity-fed water filter with more impressive performance claims than most pitchers on the market. The filter uses ion exchange and other media to reduce TDS down to 0, and has a handful of performance certifications—including an IAPMO certification for PFOA/PFOS reduction under NSF/ANSI 53. It performed well across multiple categories in our testing and earned an overall weighted score of 8.62, putting it fourth in this list.
Best For
Product Specs
| Price | $39.99 |
| Contaminants Reduced | 24 |
| Certifications | NSF/ANSI 42 & 53 |
| Process | Activated Carbon + Ion Exchange Resin |
| Filter Capacity | 25 gallons |
| Annual Cost | ~$110 |
| Warranty | Vessels 90 days, filters 30 days |
Why We Like It
The ZeroWater pitcher is a solid option for anyone who wants to reduce PFAS and track their water quality in real time. The included TDS meter is something that’s typically only sold with RO systems, but because ZeroWater is uniquely designed to reduce TDS*, you can use the TDS meter to keep track of the filter’s performance and know when it needs replacing.
The pitcher’s easy setup was a big standout feature for us, earning it a 9.50 score in this category. It’s one of the few pitchers offering filters that are ready to install and use instantly, with no priming, flushing, or soaking required.
How It Performed
In our testing, the ZeroWater pitcher greatly reduced or removed health-harmful contaminants, including uranium, fluoride, copper, and barium.
Along with its certifications, including for PFOA/PFOS, the pitcher received a score of 8.34 for contaminant reduction.
As with Clearly Filtered, there was an anomaly that pulled its score down slightly: 3.4 PPB of chloroform was detected in the filtered water sample, suggesting it doesn’t effectively reduce disinfection byproducts.
We scored ZeroWater a perfect 10.00 for its filtration rate. It filtered 0.391 gallons of water in just under 9 minutes; a speed of 2.62 gallons per hour (slightly faster than the Clearly Filtered pitcher and well above average for a gravity-fed system).
As you’d expect from a water filter pitcher, the ZeroWater pitcher has a simple, lightweight design. While it feels flimsier than the Clearly Filtered pitcher, it’s certified for material safety as a component of its performance certifications, contributing to its design score of 8.80.
Where this pitcher falls short is cost. It’s more affordable upfront than Clearly Filtered’s pitcher, but with the filters only lasting 40 gallons, you might need a new one as often as once every 1-2 weeks, which equates to a higher running cost of around 70 cents per gallon.
In Summary
We think the ZeroWater pitcher is ideal for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, no-prime water filter pitcher that’s certified to reduce PFAS forever chemicals. It’s one of the fastest-filtering pitchers we’ve tested, but its short filter life and higher ongoing cost keep it just below our top three picks.
| Criteria | Results |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.62 |
| Health Related Contaminants | 8.30 |
| Aesthetic Related Contaminants | 9.90 |
| Performance Certification | Certified for 25% of reduction claims |
| Filtration Rate | 2.62 GPH |
| Component Quality | Fair |
| Component Certification | Certified |
| Setup | Outstanding |
| Servicing Requirements | Outstanding |
| Costs | $0.70/ gallon |
| Warranty Length | Vessels 90 days, filters 30 days |
| Shipping | Free shipping on orders above $60 to continental US |
| Returns | No returns |
Frequently Asked Questions
What water filter will remove PFAS?
The best water filters for removing PFAS are reverse osmosis systems, some carbon filters, and water distillers. If you want to be certain that a filter can remove PFAS from your drinking water, look for third-party testing as proof – or, even better, an official NSF certification.
Do water filters filter out PFAS?
Not all water filters are guaranteed to reduce PFAS levels, so shop around and read guides like this one to invest wisely in the best filter for removing PFAS. Unless a water filter has proof of testing for its ability to remove forever chemicals, assume that it can’t.
Does Brita water filter remove PFAS?
No, Brita filters aren’t designed to filter PFAS. These filters can only remove a small selection of contaminants, namely those that affect water’s taste and smell.
Does the Zero Water filter remove PFAS?
Yes, the Zero Water pitcher is certified to remove PFAS
Does distilling water remove PFAs?
Yes. Up to 99% of PFAS are removed by distilling water. However, distillation is an incredibly lengthy process, so we didn’t include any distillers in this guide.
Do reverse osmosis filters remove PFAS?
Yes, a reverse osmosis filter can remove almost 100% of PFAs.
Can granular activated carbon filters remove PFAS?
It depends. Some activated carbon filters remove virtually all PFAS from drinking water. However, some types of activated carbon filters don’t reduce PFAS at all.
Does bottled water have PFAS?
Yes, PFAS have been found in bottled water, so you’re not necessarily safer if you exclusively drink bottled water rather than tap water.
Does boiling water reduce PFAS?
No. Boiling water will only cause some of the water to evaporate, increasing the concentration of toxic substances compared to the volume of water.
About Our Experts
This guide was produced by Brian Campbell, WaterFilterGuru.com’s Founder and Water Filter Specialist, who researched, reviewed, and tested our shortlisted products. You can learn more about Brian in the author bio below.
Hello- I would like to know if this is better for our body than drinking distilled water?
If what is better than drinking distilled water?