The Best Water Filter Pitchers

There's no drink more refreshing than a tall, cold glass of water on a hot day. And thirst-quenching deliciousness aside, water is, after all, life. But to make your water even more enjoyable, why not filter out all the impurities first? Instead of taking your chances with tap water, opt for a cleaner way to think about water with these water filter pitchers. Take your pick from our favorites so that you get the clean water you need and eliminate single-use plastic bottles, all with one purchase.

Brita Metro Pitcher

A Tried & True Kitchen Classic

This water filter is a fan-favorite, and for good reason.
Best Overall

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This water pitcher is thoughtfully designed to maximize fridge space, all while holding enough water for five full cups. The 48-ounce pitcher helps cut down on waste by helping to eliminate nearly 2,000 plastic water bottles per year, making it a practical investment that’s also good for the environment. With an easy-fill locking lid and filter that reduces chlorine, mercury, copper, and zinc, you’ll always have cleaner, better-tasting water on hand. Effective for up to six months or every 120 gallons, this pitcher is a purchase you won’t regret.

Pros:

  • The pitcher has a slim design that will fit onto fridge shelves easily
  • Holds enough water to fill five cups or two 24-ounce water bottles
  • The filter will reduce levels of chlorine, mercury, copper, zinc, and cadmium in your water to keep you healthier

Cons:

  • The indicator light on the filter can be tricky to use
  • It can be hard to remove and replace the filters after six months of use

Waterdrop Elfin 5-Cup Water Filter Pitcher

A Water Filter That Lasts and Lasts

This versatile filter delivers clean water for up to 200 gallons.
Runner Up

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Designed to reduce the taste and odor of chlorine in your drinking water, this water pitcher has a 7-stage filter that reduces arsenic, fluoride, lead, and several other contaminants to keep you safe and keep your water tasting great. The five-cup capacity ensures that the pitcher is compact enough to fit into any fridge without being excessively heavy when full. Store it at home, at the office, or even in college dormitories easily for fresh-tasting water in every glass. With a gravity induction indicator, the pitcher will even let you know when it’s time to replace the filter, ensuring you never let it lapse and always have a clean glass.

Pros:

  • The pitcher is designed to filter out many contaminants in drinking water to ensure you get the hydration you need without any chemicals
  • The small size makes it easy to store in any fridge and carry anywhere
  • The pitcher has an indicator to help remind you when it’s time to change the filter

Cons:

  • The LED light indicator requires a battery
  • To ensure the water enters the filter, you must hold the lid open

PUR Water Filter Pitcher Filtration System

A Compact Water Filter For Any Fridge

Even in the smallest spaces, this filter gets the job done.
Best for Small Spaces

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With an easy-fill lid for more efficient use, this pitcher is what water-drinking dreams are made of. The seven-cup pitcher has a PUR filtration system that reduces contaminants and delivers clean and safe drinking water without all the harsh additives and pollutants that come from your pipes. As a developer in water filtration for over three decades, PUR has designed a filter that functions well and is said to remove 2x more contaminants than other leading brands, making it an easy choice to add to your kitchen.

Pros:

  • The pitcher holds 7 cups of water, making it well-suited for larger households
  • The filter removes common contaminants that come from plumbing and pipes
  • The easy-fill lid makes it simple to use

Cons:

  • The water filter is a bit slow, which can mean it takes longer to fil the entire pitcher
  • The lid doesn’t seal at the top of the pitcher, which can cause spills when pouring at a steep angle

Brita UltraMax UltraSlim Dispenser

A 25-Cup Pitcher for Everyone

This large pitcher has enough water for even the biggest gatherings.
Best for Groups

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This water filter has a reservoir big enough for 25 cups of water (or eight 24-ounce bottles), so you won’t have to keep refilling it over and over again. The plastic pitcher is made of BPA-free, ultraslim plastic to keep you healthy, and the Brita filter ensures each cup tastes great, too. With the proprietary Stream water filter that reduces chlorine, you’ll get clean water without any of the hassle. Plus, the filter lasts for about two months, so you don’t have to constantly replace it or deal with annoying maintenance.

Pros:

  • The pitcher is made from BPA-free plastic, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals seeping into your food
  • The dispenser can hold up to 25 cups of water so that you always have enough

Cons:

  • The larger size is more challenging to fit in refrigerators
  • The pitcher does not come with a filter included with the purchase

LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher

A Sleek and Sophisticated Pitcher

This minimal style looks great and works great, too.
Most Stylish

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Designed not only to protect against heavy metals like chlorine and lead, this filter also removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics to deliver water that is fresh and safe to drink. The streamlined pitcher is made from BPA-free plastic and has a contrasting inner filter for a beautiful and functional final product. The large pitcher will fit up to seven cups of water so that you never run out, and the filter will last for about a year for super low maintenance.

Pros:

  • The pitcher filters out parasites and bacteria along with heavy metals, making it a multipurpose solution
  • The pitcher is made from BPA-free plastic, so there are no harsh added chemicals
  • The filter lasts for about 40 gallons of water, which equates to about a year’s worth, so you don’t have to change the filter often

Cons:

  • The base and the pitcher are two separate pieces which require assembly
  • The top has a small opening, which may not work with every type of faucet

Frequently Asked Questions

Do water filters expire?

Typically, no. As long as water filters remain dry, they should still be able to absorb impurities and filter out harsh substances, even if they have been sitting on the shelf. To revive very old filters, it may be best to first soak them in water before use.

How do I know when to replace my water filter?

Some water filter pitchers have indicators that will instruct you when to change the filter. If you don’t have an indicator, you can likely tell if your filter needs to be replaced by the speed of filtration and the taste of your water. If it begins to taste bad, it’s likely time for a new filter.

How long do water filters last?

The lifespan of a water filter depends on how often it is being used. On average, water filters should last between 3 to 6 months. Some, however, may need to be replaced more often. Check the specific instructions for your filter to be sure.