Some places have good-tasting tap water. Others, not so much. If you live in a latter area, it’s a good idea to consider using a home filter. If you don’t mind fiddling with your plumbing (or paying someone to do it), you can install an under-the-sink filter to, essentially, clean all the water that comes through your sink faucet. However, if you’re looking for the simplest way to filter water in your home, nothing beats the convenience of water filter pitchers.
It’s such a simple concept. You take a pitcher, add a secondary upper compartment to it, and add a filter layer in between. Basically, you put water in the upper compartment and clean water filters out to the main pitcher, ready to pour in your glass for a quick sip or in a bottle for chilling in the fridge.
The best water filter pitchers offer the most convenient way to enjoy clean water in your home. There’s no need to install anything and you can place the pitcher practically anywhere. Some people like to keep their pitchers in the fridge, just pouring water into a glass or their collapsible water bottle as needed. Others prefer to transfer the water to different containers for chilling. Whichever way you go, it’s a largely inexpensive and hassle-free solution.
The biggest drawback of water filter pitchers is that you have to fill them manually at the tap every time, then wait for the clean water to filter out. It’s a bit of a wait compared to under-the-sink and countertop water filter alternatives, which automatically get you clean water every time. It’s not a big deal, but it’s definitely a less efficient way to go.
Water filter dispensers work, pretty much, the same way as water filter pitchers, albeit with bigger water capacities. As such, they take up a heck of a lot more space, while being less portable, either being relegated to a spot in the countertop or stored in the fridge as soon as it’s filled from the tap. We decided to focus strictly on pitchers for this list, but most brands listed here also offer a larger-capacity dispenser in their lineup if that’s what you’re interested in.
These are the best water filter pitchers to enjoy clean water at home.
Pur Classic Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Excellent filtered water taste
- You can pour mid-filter
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Filtering takes longer than others
Capacity: 7 cups
Filter lifespan: 40 gallons
We found this water filter pitcher to be noticeably slower at filtering than other models. Seriously, it’s a pain if you’re the type who waits for the whole tank to filter through. Good thing is, you don’t have to wait for that, since you can easily pour the filtered water out of this pitcher, while the rest of the tank is still filtering. There’s no need to do anything special, either, since the pitcher is designed specifically for that, with the unfiltered section sealed enough that it doesn’t leak a single drop when you’re pouring. It’s a very nice, very user-friendly design. This pitcher is on the smaller end, only accommodating seven cups, although they also have bigger options for a few dollars more. We also love the neutral, clean taste its filtered water has, as it ably eliminates even the slightest hint of chlorine or plastic in the taste.
Waterdrop Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Long-lasting filter
- Filters at a fast rate
- Parts fit quickly and securely
Cons
- Filtering not as strong as others
Capacity: 10 cups
Filter lifespan: 200 gallons
Hate having to replace the filter on your water filter pitcher every couple months or so? Then, you’ll love this one, whose filter is rated to last up to 200 gallons, allowing you to use it for much longer before requiring a replacement. We love the taste of the water it produces, as it’s very comparable to the bottled water you get off the store. It’s not the cleanest we’ve tasted, but it’s a clear step-up from the taste of tap water. It uses a wide double filter, as opposed to the tall ones most designs employ. This allows it to actually filter water faster than others, since the water flows through two areas instead of just a single long one. Do note, the filter is a little more expensive than others, but it’s worth the extra charge just because of how much longer you can use it. Oh yeah, the pitcher surprisingly fits snugly in the shelf behind the fridge door – we thought it was a bit big for that, but it’s a nice surprise.
ZeroWater 10-Cup Round Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Extremely thorough filtration system
- Comes with TDS meter
Cons
- Filters slower than others
Capacity: 10 cups
Filter lifespan: 40 gallons
This water filter pitcher has an integrated TDS meter, allowing you to check the level of dissolved solids present in the filtered water it produces. This makes it easy to verify that your filter is doing its job properly, apart from alerting you when you need to replace the filter.
It uses a five-stage filtration process that doesn’t just take out your usual chemicals and particulates, but also lead, mercury, chromium, and PFOA/PFOS. We’ve heard people call it the gold standard for water filtration among pitchers and we can’t help but agree. Because of this, it does filter a bit slower than others, but it’s worth it for the level of purifying it actually does. The water it produces is flat, light, and mostly distilled of any flavor, which, we guess, is what all that heavy filtration gets you. It, basically, removes any imaginable taste. We like this round pitcher in particular, also they also have other styles if those are more to your liking.
Brita Standard Everyday Pitcher
Pros
- Reliable brand
- Clean-tasting water
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Doesn’t filter as strongly as others
Capacity: 10 cups
Filter lifespan: 40 gallons
Brita kickstarted the whole water filter pitcher category, so it’s no surprise they’re still one of the premiere names to this day. This version is our favorite of their pitcher designs, as it takes apart quickly and cleans easily, while being very comfortable to use. You do want to make sure the filter is securely seated because it’s easy to mistakenly think you have it properly set up when it isn’t. It comes with a standard filter, which can take out contaminants like cadmium, mercury, chlorine, copper, and zinc, although it’s also compatible with their Elite filters, which can handle lead, benzene, and other more harmful chemicals. The standard filter does a decent job at removing contaminants, giving the tap water we put in a cleaner and fresher taste. It’s not as thorough as other water filters, though, so highly contaminated water won’t clean up as well as it does on the Zerowater above. For most people who will be using a water filter pitcher for home use, though, it should be enough. You can also upgrade to the Elite filters if you need stronger filtration
LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher
Pros
- Removes bacteria from water
- Excellent filtration system
- Attractive aesthetics
Cons
- Not the most efficient shape for the fridge
Capacity: 10 cups
Filter lifespan: 40 gallons (activated carbon), 264 gallons (membrane microfilter)
At this point, most people probably know Lifestraw for their water filtering straws. Of course, they’ve long expanded their product line beyond that, including this water filter pitcher, which uses a two-part filter system consisting of a carbon filter and a membrane microfilter, each of which can be replaced separately as needed. That combo allows it to remove not just dissolved solids, but also bacteria, making it great to use even with the sketchiest water. The pitcher itself looks very pretty with its conical shape that’s wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, although it’s definitely not the most space-efficient way to keep cold water in the fridge. We like how smoothly it pours water, too, which makes it great to keep on the table during dinner.
