Clearly Filtered vs Brita Filter Pitchers: Which is Better in 2023?

Clearly Filtered and Brita are two pitcher filters that seem to be everywhere at the moment. Both are incredibly popular water purification solutions for people who want to drink clean water without the commitment or spend of a system that connects directly to a water supply. But which is best?

If you’re looking for a review that clearly outlines the facts, helping you make a decision with confidence, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been researching, testing and reviewing water filters for more than a decade, and I’ve written for a number of key water industry publications, including WQP Magazine and WWD Magazine. 

In short, you can trust me to tell you what you need to know about a product.

📖 TL;DR Clearly Filtered vs Brita – Which is the Best?

While Clearly Filtered and Brita are two of the most popular filtration pitchers available, the Clearly Filtered pitcher reduces far more contaminants when compared to Brita. However Brita holds an official NSF certification comes at a significantly cheaper cost, both up front and for replacements.

If you need to reduce a larger amount of contaminants, Clearly Filtered is your best bet.

⚖️ Comparison Chart

Clearly Filtered Water PitcherBrita Grand Pitcher
ProductClearly Filtered Water Filter PitcherBrita Pitcher (Brita Grand)
Contaminants Reduced360+10+
Holding Capacity10 cups10 cups
Filter Capacity (lifespan)100 gallons/ 4 months40 gallons/ 2 months
WarrantyLifetime90 days
Annual Cost$140 – $270$30 – $60
Buying Options
Discounts My readers get 15% off Click here to get your coupon. n/a

💡 Filter Comparison

Clearly Filtered Filters

The Clearly Filtered filter elements use three stages of “affinity filtration technology”, which makes the filter a “serious” device – and I can certainly agree on that when it comes to contaminant reduction.

Water initially flows through a woven stainless steel mesh screen, which acts as a sediment pre-filter and prevents the later filter stages from clogging with larger particles. 

Clearly Filtered Affinity Filtration filter

The next stage of filtration is a granulated coconut carbon filter. This loose filtration layer traps aesthetic impurities, namely chlorine tastes and odors. 

Finally, there’s a composite shell filtration layer. This layer combines more than 7 proprietary filtration materials, giving water a longer contact time with the filter media and ultimately allowing for a broad range of contaminants to be reduced to a “superior level”.

Brita Filters

Brita’s filters are both convenient and effective, and can filter out a small selection of the most common tap water contaminants.

The Brita filters are made from coconut-based activated carbon media. This media uses the process of adsorption to bind to contaminants, trapping them in its pores. These contaminants build up in the filter over time, and will eventually clog the filter to the point that it needs to be replaced.

Brita also has a Longlast filter, which has recently had a redesign and now removes a broader range of contaminants. This filter lasts slightly longer than the standard Brita filter.

brita longlast filter replacement
Brita Longlast+ filters

🧫 What Contaminants Do They Remove?

Brita’s standard filter removes chlorine taste and odor, while the Longlast filter is capable of removing contaminants like lead, benzene, mercury, asbestos, cadmium, and other contaminants.

The table below shows the contaminant removal capabilities by Brita Standard, Longlast, and Clearly Filtered side by side. Brita does not remove bacteria!

ContaminantLonglast+StandardClearly Filtered
2,4-D85.50%>99.9%
Asbestos>99%>99.99%
Atenolol>95%>99.9%
Atrazine99.30%>99.8%
Benzene93.50%>99.8%
Bisphenol A95.50%>99.9%
Cadmium99.20%96.00%97.0%
Carbamazepine>96%>99.9%
Carbon Tetrachloride91.20%>99.8%
Chlorine97.40%95.00%>99.5%
Copper94.00%99.9%
DEET98.00%>99.9%
Endrin98.70%>99.8%
Estrone96.40%>99.9%
Ethylbenzene99.00%>99.8%
Ibuprofen94.90%>99.9%
Lead99.60%>99.3%
Linuron>93%>99.9%
Meprobamate>94%>99.9%
Mercury95.90%96.00%>98.4%
Metolachlor>94%>99.8%
Naproxen96.40%>99.9%
Nonyl phenol93.50%>99.9%
Particulate (Class I )99.60%>99.9%
P-Dichlorobenzene98.20%>99.8%
Phenytoin>95%>99.9%
Simazine98.40%>99.8%
TCEP99%>99.9%
TCPP>99%>99.9%
Tetrachloroethylene96.10%>99.7%
Trimethoprim>96%>99.9%
Zinc64.00%99.9%

The Clearly Filtered pitcher can reduce more than 360 harmful contaminants, including fluoride, lead, BPA, and PFOS. However, it retains healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium, which give water a pleasant alkaline taste.

Here is the full list of contaminants reduced by Clearly Filtered:

Contaminant% Reduction
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane>99.9%
1,1,1-Trichloroethane>99.7%
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane>99.8%
1,1,2-Trichloroethane>99.9%
1,1-Dichloroethane>99.8%
1,1-Dichloroethene>99.6%
1,1-Dichloroethylene>99.9%
1,1-Dichloropropene>99.6%
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene>99.9%
1,2,3-Trichloropropane>97.9%
1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene (hemellitol)>99.8%
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene>99.8%
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene>99.8%
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane(DBCP)>99.9%
1,2-Dibromoethane>99.9%
1,2-Dichloroethane>99.8%
1,2-Dichloropropane>99.8%
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene>99.8%
1,3-Butadiene>99.9%
1,3-Dichloropropane>99.8%
1,4-Dioxane>99.8%
17-beta-Estradiol>99.9%
1-Chloropropane>99.9%
2,2-Dichloropropane>99.8%
2,2-Dimethylphenol>99.9%
2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin)>98.0%
2,4,5-T>99.9%
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)>99.9%
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol>99.9%
2,4-D>99.9%
2,4-DB>99.9%
2,4-Dichlorophenol>99.9%
2,4-Dinitrophenol>99.9%
2,4-Dinitrotoluene>99.9%
2,6-Dinitrotoluene>99.8%
2-Chloronaphthalene>99.9%
2-Chlorophenol>99.9%
2-Furancarboxaldehyde>98.7%
2-Hexanone>99.9%
2-Methylbutane>99.9%
2-Nitrophenol>99.8%
2-Nitropropane>99.9%
3,5-Dichlorobenzoic Acid>99.9%
3-Hydroxycarbofuran99.0%
4-Androstene-3,17-dione>97.8%
4-Bromophenyl phenyl ether>99.9%
4-Chloro-3-methylphenol>99.9%
4-Chlorophenyl phenyl ether>99.9%
4-Nitrotoluene>99.9%
4-para-Nonylphenol>99.9%
4-tert-Octylphenol>99.9%
Acenaphthene>98.0%
Acenaphthylene>99.8%
Acetaminophen>99.9%
Acetochlor>98.1%
Acetone>99.9%
Acetonitrile>99.9%
Acifluorfen>99.9%
Acrylonitrile>99.9%
Alachlor (Lasso)>99.8%
Aldicarb Sulfone>97.9%
Aldicarb Sulfoxide>98.7%
Aldrin>99.8%
Algae>99.99%
Alpha - BHC>99.8%
Alpha-Chlordane>98.7%
Alpha-Lindane>94.3%
Aluminum88.40%
Ammonia>99.9%
Amoeba>99.99%
Anthracene>99.8%
Antimony>98.0%
Arsenic98.30%
Asbestos>99.99%
Atenolol>99.9%
Atraton>99.8%
Atrazine>99.8%
Barium99.9%
Bentazon99.9%
Benzaldehyde>99.9%
Benzene>99.8%
Benzo[a]anthracene>99.8%
Benzo[a]pyrene>99.8%
Benzo[b]fluoranthene>99.8%
Benzo[g,h,i]perylene>99.8%
Benzo[k]fluoranthene>99.8%
Beryllium>98.0%
Beta - BHC>99.8%
BHT>99.8%
Bis (2-chloroethoxy) Methane>99.9%
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) Adipate>99.8%
Bis (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate>99.8%
Bis(2-Chloroethyl) ether>98.0%
Bisphenol A>99.9%
Bromacil>99.8%
Bromobenzene>99.8%
Bromochloroacetic Acid>99.9%
Bromochloromethane>99.8%
Bromodichloroacetic acid>91.5%
Bromodichloromethane>99.9%
Bromoform>99.6%
Bromomethane>99.9%
Butachlor>99.8%
Butyl benzyl phthalate>99.8%
Butylate>99.8%
Cadmium97.0%
Caffeine>99.9%
Calcium Hypochlorite>99.5%
Carbamazepine>99.9%
Carbaryl>98.1%
Carbofuran>99.9%
Carbon Disulfide>99.9%
Carbon Tetrachloride>99.8%
Chloramben>99.9%
Chloramine>99.7%
Chlordane>98.7%
Chloride>99.9%
Chlorine>99.5%
Chlorneb>99.8%
Chloroacetonitrile>98.3%
Chlorodibromomethane>99.8%
Chloroethane>99.8%
Chloroform>99.8%
Chloromethane>99.9%
Chloropyrophos>99.8%
Chlorothalonil>99.8%
Chlorotrifluoromethane>99.9%
Chlorpropham>99.8%
Chlorpropham>99.8%
Chlorprophane>99.8%
Chlorpyrifos>99.8%
Chromium (hexavalent)97.8%
Chrysene>99.8%
Ciprofloxacin>99.9%
Cis - Chlordane>99.8%
Cis-1,2-Dichloroethene>99.8%
Cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene>99.9%
Cis-1,3-Dichloropropene>99.8%
Cobalt>97.1%
Copper99.9%
Cryptosporidium99.99%
Cyanazine>99.8%
Cyanazine (Bladex)>99.8%
Cycloate>99.8%
Cyclohexane>97.9%
Cyst>99.99%
Dacthal>97.9%
Dalapon>99.9%
DCPA>99.9%
DEET>99.9%
Delta - BHC>99.8%
Desenthylatrazine>98.3%
Desisopropylatrazine>98.7%
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate>98.7%
Diazinon (Spectracide)>97.9%
Dibenz[a,h]anthracene>99.8%
Dibromoacetic Acid>99.9%
Dibromomethane>99.9%
Dicamba>99.9%
Dichloroacetic Acid>99.9%
Dichlorodifluoromethane>99.9%
Dichloromethane(methylenechloride)>99.8%
Dichlorvos>99.8%
Diclofenac Sodium>99.9%
Diclorprop99.9%
Dieldrin>99.8%
Diethyl Phthalate>99.8%
Diisobutyl phthalate>98.0%
Dimethoate>97.9%
Dimethyl Phthalate>99.8%
Di-n-Butyl phthalate>99.8%
Dinitro-o-cresol>99.9%
Di-n-octyl phthalate>99.8%
Dinoseb>99.9%
Diphenamid>99.8%
Diphenylamine>99.9%
Diquat>98.7%
Disulfoton>99.8%
E. Coli99.99%
Endosulfan I>99.8%
Endosulfan II>99.8%
Endosulfan Sulfate>99.8%
Endothall>98.7%
Endrin>99.8%
Endrin Aldehyde>99.8%
Endrin Ketone>99.8%
EPFB>95.0%
EPTC>99.8%
Erythromycin>99.5%
Estradiol>99.9%
Estriol>97.9%
Estrone>99.9%
Ethinyl estradiol>99.9%
Ethoprop>99.8%
Ethylbenzene>99.8%
Ethylene Dibromide>99.9%
Etridiazole>99.8%
Fenamiphos>99.8%
Fenarimol>99.7%
Fluoranthene>99.8%
Fluorene>99.8%
Fluoride>99.5%
Fluorotrichloromethane>99.7%
Fluosilicate>99.5%
Fluosilicic Acid>99.5%
Fluoxetine>99.9%
Fluridone>99.8%
Formaldehyde>99.0%
Gemfibrozil>99.9%
GenX>99.4%
Germanium>97.9%
Giardia99.99%
Glyphosate>99.9%
Gross Alpha (Thorium 230)>98.0%
Gross Beta (Cesium 137)>98.0%
Heptachlor>99.8%
Heptachlor Epoxide>99.8%
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)>99.7%
Hexachlorobutadiene>99.8%
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene>99.8%
Hexachloroethane>99.9%
Hexachloropentadiene>99.9%
Hexadecanoic Acid>97.8%
Hexane(s)>99.9%
Hexazinone>99.8%
Ibuprofen>99.9%
Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene>99.8%
Iodine>99.5%
Iodomethane>99.0%
Iron99.9%
Isophorone>99.8%
Isopropyl Alcohol>99.9%
Isopropylbenzene>99.8%
Klebsiella99.99%
Lead>99.3%
Lindane>99.8%
Linuron>99.9%
Lithium>99.3%
Manganese>99.9%
m-Dichlorobenzene>99.8%
Meprobamate>99.9%
Mercury (Inorganic)>98.4%
Methomyl>98.0%
Methoxychlor>99.8%
Methyl ethyl ketone>99.8%
Methyl isobutyl ketone>99.8%
Methylcyclohexane>99.9%
Methylcyclopentane>99.9%
Metolachlor>99.8%
Metolachlor Oxanilic Acid>98.7%
Metribuzin>99.8%
MGK 264 - Isomer a>99.8%
Microplastics>99.9%
Molinate>99.8%
Molybdenum>98.1%
Monobromoacetic Acid99.8%
Monochloroacetic Acid>99.9%
Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene)>99.9%
MS2 Phage99.9999%
MTBE>97.9%
M-Xylene>99.8%
Nano-Chlordane>99.8%
Naphthalene>99.8%
Napropamide>99.8%
Naproxen>99.9%
N-Butylbenzene>99.8%
NFBS>95.0%
Nickel>99.1%
Nitrate>99.9%
Nitrate and nitrite>99.7%
Nitrite>99.7%
Nitrobenzene>99.9%
Nitrofen>99.8%
N-Nitrosodimethylamine>96.7%
N-Nitroso-di-N-butylamine>98.4%
N-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine>99.9%
Nonylphenol>99.9%
Norflurazon>99.8%
N-Propylbenzene>97.9%
o-Chlorotoluene>99.6%
Octadecanoic Acid>96.0%
o-Dichlorobenzene>99.8%
Oxamyl (Vydate)>98.7%
Oxyfluorfen>99.8%
o-Xylene>99.8%
p,p’ - DDD>99.8%
p,p’ - DDE>99.8%
p.p’ - DDT>99.8%
Paraquat>98.7%
p-Chlorotoluene>99.8%
P-Cresol>98.0%
p-Dichlorobenzene>99.8%
Pebulate>99.8%
Pentachlorophenol>99.9%
Pentane>97.9%
Perchlorate>96.0%
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)>95.0%
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)>95.0%
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)>95.0%
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)>99.5%
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)>99.0%
PFHA>95.0%
Phenanthrene>99.8%
Phenols>99.8%
Phenytoin>99.9%
Phthalates>99.8%
Picloram>99.9%
p-Isopropyltoluene>99.9%
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)>99.1%
Primidone>99.9%
Progesterone>99.9%
Prometon>99.8%
Prometryn>99.8%
Propachlor>99.8%
Propazine>99.8%
Propyzamide>99.8%
Psudomona Aeruginsoa99.99%
p-Xylene>99.8%
Pyrene>99.8%
Quinclorac>99.9%
Rotavirus99.9999%
Sec-Butylbenzene>99.8%
Selenium>99.1%
Silver98.8%
Simazine>99.8%
Simetryn>99.8%
Strontium>98.8%
Styrene>99.8%
Sulfamethoxazole>99.9%
Sulfate99.8%
Sulfide>99.0%
TCCP>99.9%
TCEP>99.9%
TCPP>99.9%
Tebuconazole>99.8%
Tebuthiuron>99.8%
Terbacil>99.8%
Terbutryn>99.8%
Tert-Butyl Alcohol>99.9%
Tert-Butylbenzene>99.8%
Testosterone>99.9%
Tetrachloroethene>99.7%
Tetrachloroterephthalic Acid>98.7%
Tetradecanoic Acid>97.9%
Tetrahydrofuran>99.9%
Thallium>98.0%
Thiobencarb>97.9%
Toluene>99.8%
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)>99.8%
Toxaphene>99.8%
Trans - Chlordane (Nonachlor)>99.6%
Trans-1,2-Dichloroethene>99.7%
Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene>99.9%
Trans-1,3-Dichloropropene>99.8%
Triadimefon>99.8%
Trichloroethene>99.8%
Trichlorofluoromethane>99.8%
Trichlorotrifluoroethane>99.9%
Triclosan>99.9%
Trifluralin>99.8%
Trimethoprim>99.9%
Uranium>96.7%
Vanadium>96.8%
Vernolate>99.8%
Vinclozolin>99.8%
Vinyl Chloride>99.9%
Xylenes (total)>99.8%
Zinc99.9%

🚦 Performance Comparison

The performance of a filter measures three primary things things:

  1. How long it lasts
  2. How effectively it does its job
  3. The speed of filtration

Clearly Filtered

The Clearly Filtered offers a fast and effective performance. The speed of filtration is particularly impressive, given just how many contaminants this filter reduces. The majority of customers are happy with how quickly this filter produces a batch of purified water.

With an oversized grip handle, the Clearly Filtered is designed to simplify pouring. The system features a water dam in the top reservoir, which prevents water from leaking out of the lid when you pour filtered water from the bottom chamber. This also prevents the clean water and unfiltered water from being able to mix inside the pitcher.

Clearly Filtered water dam feature

It’s worth knowing that the Clearly Filtered isn’t NSF certified for contaminant reduction, but it has been independently tested to NSF Standards 42, 53, 244, 401 and 473. While an actual NSF certification is the better choice, independent testing is still a positive sign. 

Brita

The Brita filter is BPA-free, and offers a similarly impressive performance in terms of speed. It takes the Brita filter about 40 seconds to fill a glass with filtered water. Brita boasts one of the fastest flow rates on the market, although, like all pitcher filters, this flow rate will slow down towards the end of the filter’s lifespan.

Brita Grand Pitcher Performance

Brita’s standard filter is NSF certified to Standards 42 and 53, for the removal of chlorine and lead, two of the most common tap water impurities in the US.

Brita’s Longlast filter is better performing for two reasons: it removes more contaminants and has a longer lifespan. This filter is WQA certified against NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401. Having an official NSF certification is a big selling point for Brita. It means that customers can trust Brita to remove these problem contaminants – and they don’t only have to rely on Brita’s word.

💲Water Filter Pitcher Models & Upfront Cost

Clearly Filtered Models

There’s just one Clearly Filtered pitcher available: the 80 ounce, or 10-cup pitcher. This pitcher carries enough water to supply a single person for the day.

For many people, this capacity pitcher will do the job. Even for bigger families, the pitcher will simply require refilling once or twice, which is a quick and easy job. 

Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher

Brita Models

Brita provides a much bigger variation of filter pitcher models, with 15 designs to choose from.

There are pitcher models in different shapes and styles, and with differing capacities. In most pitchers, however, you can use either the standard or the Longlast filter. This is really convenient, as it means you can choose a pitcher based on your preferred capacity or appearance, and still get your preferred filter, too.

brita water filter pitcher models

See below for the full list of Brita’s current available models:

  • Monterey with Longlast Filter
  • Ultraslim StreamÂŽ Dispenser
  • Ultramax Dispenser with Longlast Filter
  • StreamÂŽ Cascade Pitcher
  • Grand
  • Lake
  • Wave
  • Metro
  • Soho
  • Rapids StreamÂŽ Pitcher
  • Everyday
  • Pacifica
  • Space-Saver

📆 Filter Lifespan & Replacement Costs

Clearly Filtered

Clearly Filtered’s filters have a lifespan of 100 gallons, equating to just over 4 months. 

You can save money by buying filters in multipacks, rather than buying a single filter whenever you need a replacement.

The Clearly Filtered replacement cartridges aren’t the cheapest I’ve seen. A single filter costs $50, while a pack of three costs $140, and a pack of 6 costs $270.

Assuming you have three filters a year, that means you’ll be spending about $135 per year on replacement filters if you get the most savings with the 6-pack.

This is more expensive than the annual cost of replacement Brita filters (see below), but keep in mind that the Clearly Filtered offers a much more impressive contaminant reduction than any of Brita’s filters.

Brita

Brita’s standard filter has a 40 gallon lifespan, and needs to be replaced after approximately 2 months of use. 

The quality of your tap water will determine the actual filter lifespan. The more contaminants your water contains, the faster it will clog the filters.

A single Brita water filter costs about $6, but again, I would recommend buying multiple filters together to save money. A pack of 3 filters costs around $15, and a pack of 6 costs about $25. This is great value – it means you’d only spend $25 per year on filter changes if you opted for the 6-pack.

Brita’s Longlast filters are the brand’s real selling point when it comes to filter lifespan. These filters have a 6-month lifespan, or a third longer than the Clearly Filtered.

As you’d expect, the Brita Longlast filters are more expensive to replace. A single filter costs around $17, while you can buy a 2-pack of filters for $30. Still, this isn’t a bad price – it’s $5 more than the standard filter per year for a filter that offers a more thorough contaminant removal.

💬 Customer Reviews & Complaints

Clearly Filtered

Customers are pleased with the Clearly Filtered‘s ability to reduce such a broad range of contaminants. Many customers also noted the impressive filtration speed, and commented that their water tasted great.

Some reviewers complained about the initial price of the pitcher and the cost of the filter changes. Others said that the handle was a little flimsy, and commented that it would be handy if Clearly Filtered also offered a dispenser, which would make it easier to pour a glass of water without having to remove the pitcher from the fridge.

Brita

As one of the most established water pitcher brands, Brita has amassed thousands of reviews over the years, and most of them are positive.

Customers are happy with how affordable and effective the Brita filters are. The majority of reviewers agree that purified water from Brita’s pitchers tastes great, and that it’s easy to install and replace the filters.

On a negative side, some customers experienced leaking with their Brita filter cartridges, and some commented that the Brita filter replacement indicator isn’t quite accurate.

☑️ Pros and Cons of Clearly Filtered vs Brita Filter

👍 Clearly Filtered – Pros

Good filter life of up to 4 months

Though Clearly Filtered’s filters don’t last as long as Brita’s, they still have an impressive filter lifespan compared to the average pitcher filter life (around 2 months). 

Highly effective contaminant reduction

The Clearly Filtered is incredibly capable when it comes to contaminant reduction, and can filter more than 360 contaminants out of drinking water. 

Fast filtration

If you’re looking for faster access to clean drinking water, the Clearly Filtered is worth the investment. Customers agree that the filtration process is impressively speedy – or as fast as gravity filtration gets.

Relatively affordable

We know that the Clearly Filtered isn’t as cheap as the Brita. But it’s still a very affordable solution if you compare it to other methods of at-home water filtration, like under-sink filtration or reverse osmosis. 

Retains water’s natural minerals 

What’s particularly impressive about the Clearly Filtered is that, while being very effective at reducing almost 300 contaminants, the filtration process is selective enough to only reduce the harmful impurities. Healthy minerals are retained in the water, which give it a more pleasant alkaline taste.

👎 Clearly Filtered – Cons

Replacement filter cartridges are expensive 

The Clearly Filtered filters are much costlier than the Brita filters to replace. You’ll need to spend at least $135 per year on filter changes if you plan to use the pitcher every day.

Only one size and model available

While Brita has several models and capacities to choose from, there’s only one Clearly Filtered pitcher. This isn’t convenient for bigger families looking for a larger pitcher, or perhaps a full-sized dispenser that contains the same Clearly Filtered filter. 

Not actually NSF certified

While the Clearly Filtered filter has been tested to meet NSF standards, it would be more reassuring to customers if the filter had an actual NSF certification.

👍 Brita – Pros

From a trusted brand

Brita is an established, trusted brand that has been around for years. You can rely on Brita’s products because they’ve been proven to work, and Brita has offered a consistently high quality of filtration devices since the 90s. 

Suitable for smaller budgets

Brita’s products are particularly attractive to people with small budgets. You can spend less than $50 per year on filter changes, and the upfront filter costs are affordable, too. If you don’t want to invest in a more expensive filtration system, Brita’s pitchers are an ideal choice. 

Longlast filters have great lifespans

If you choose to buy Brita’s Longlast offering, you won’t need to replace the filter for 6 months. This is the longest pitcher filter lifespan that I know of at the moment. 

NSF certified

Brita has the advantage of an NSF certification for Standards 42 and 53 (the standard and Longlast filters) for chlorine and lead removal, and 401 (the Longlast filter). If you’re a first-time buyer or you just want the reassurance of third-party approval, Brita’s filters are a good choice.

👎 Brita – Cons

Not as thorough as Clearly Filtered

Brita’s standard filters can remove some of the most common drinking water contaminants, and the Longlast filters go one step further, also removing emerging contaminants and chemicals. But no Brita filter can match up to the Clearly Filtered when it comes to contaminant removal. Even Brita’s best Longlast filter only removes around 10 contaminants. 

Won’t purify water

Brita’s filters aren’t designed to purify water, and it’s not safe to run untreated water through them. They’re only designed to filter tap water. 

Slower filtration

It takes Brita longer to filter water than the Clearly Filtered, especially towards the end of the filter’s lifespan. However, Brita still offers one of the fastest filtration rates for a pitcher filter. 

❔ Should I Buy Clearly Filtered or Brita?

If you’ve reached the end of this article and you’re still wondering which filter to buy, I recommend the Clearly Filtered for the following reasons: 

  • It reduces more than ten times the number of contaminants than Brita, while still retaining water’s healthy minerals.
  • It comes in a single size that most people will find easiest to pour from and most suitable for countertop storing.
  • It’s pretty fast for a gravity filter, even with such thorough contaminant reduction.

In short, the Clearly Filtered might be more expensive than the Brita, but it’s still a better value for money. Brita has long-since been considered the market leader in pitcher filters, but it simply can’t keep up with the Clearly Filtered’s contaminant reduction capabilities. 

I don’t think the Brita pitcher is a bad choice by any means, and it has plenty of positive customer reviews to attest to that. If you’re just looking to reduce a few more common drinking water contaminants, and you like the idea of a filter that you only have to change twice a year, then the Brita is a filtration option to consider. 

But if you want to protect your family and reduce as many drinking water contaminants as possible, the Clearly Filtered is an obvious winner. In my opinion, the extra annual cost (which is still affordable for most people) is worth it for the quality of filtration you get.

If you still don’t know what’s right for you, check out customer reviews to see what people like you think about each of the filters. 

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