DRINKING WATER FILTERS
Pitchers and Countertop
Filter Reviews
Countertop filters and water filter pitchers are popular options because of their low cost, ease-of-use, portability, and they don’t require installation. These systems can help you get cleaner, better-tasting water — but not all options are equally good. To help you choose the best countertop filter or water filter pitcher for your home, we’ve compared systems and created this guide with everything you need to know.
What is a Water Filter Pitcher?
Water filter pitchers are glass or plastic pitchers that have a filter built-in to remove contaminants and provide cleaner, better-tasting water. Most water filter pitchers work using gravity — water that’s poured in gets pushed down through a carbon filter by the natural force of gravity. As water passes through the filter, contaminants are caught and filtered water trickles through to the reservoir for use.
Pros and Cons of Water Filter Pitchers
Water filter pitchers are popular because they’re easy-to-use, low-cost, portable, and require no-installation. Simply pour water in, wait, and enjoy filtered water. You can even bring the filter with you when traveling to enjoy clean water wherever you go.
Drawbacks of these systems include limited efficacy, smaller capacity, and slow filtration speed. Since most water pitcher filters only feature one stage of filtration, they may not be able to remove all the contaminants in your water. To do this, you may need a system with multiple stages of filtration like a whole house or under sink filter. The pitchers also have limited capacity, so you’ll need to refill often and will find that doing so usually takes a while since you’ll need to wait for water to slowly pass through the filter.
What is a Countertop Water Filter?
Countertop water filters, sometimes referred to as dispensers, are systems that sit on a countertop and provide filtered water with the push of a button. They typically feature multi-stage filtration with two or more methods used to remove contaminants. Often, these systems will use some combination of activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion-exchange, and mechanical filtration among others. Some countertop water filters and dispensers use power to force water through the filter to immediately provide cleaner, better-tasting water.
Pros and Cons of Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters and dispensers are easy-to-use, require no-installation, and offer decent performance with fast filtration speed. You can fill them up and quickly get filtered water with the push of a button or pull of a handle.
Some of these systems don’t offer the same level of performance as more expensive whole house and under sink systems, but they are also generally much more affordable.
Differences Between Water Filter Pitchers and Countertop Filters
Pitchers and countertop filters are both popular among consumers, but there are a few differences to be aware of when comparing them:
Performance
Most pitchers only use one stage of filtration while countertop systems often use several — so countertop systems usually offer better performance and are more effective at removing contaminants.
Cost
Pitchers are generally the cheapest of all water filters, while countertop water filters and dispensers are a bit more expensive because of the enhanced features and performance they offer.
Capacity
Most pitchers are designed to be compact so you can fit them in the fridge, with a capacity that can hold around 10 cups of water. Countertop water filters and dispensers are intended to sit on a countertop where space isn’t as much of a concern, so they usually offer a higher capacity starting at around 15 cups.
Filtration Speed
Pitchers and countertop water filters usually rely on gravity to push water through the filter, which means you’ll need to wait for the water to slowly trickle through each time you fill it up. Some countertop systems and dispensers use power to push water through, which provides filtered water much faster by comparison.
Buyer’s Guide for Pitchers and Countertop Water Filters
Beyond product reviews, there’s a lot more you should know to choose the best water filter pitcher, countertop water filter, or dispenser. We’ve included everything you need to make an informed decision including a definition of what these systems are, the differences between them, and how to decide which one to purchase.
Should You Choose a Pitcher or Countertop Water Filter?
Now that you have more information about water filter pitchers and countertop water filters, it’s time to choose which option is best for your home.
Water filter pitchers are an affordable entry-level option if you want to improve the quality of your tap water, but countertop filters and dispensers offer greater performance and additional features at a higher cost if you have a higher budget to work with.
The most important factor in choosing a water filter is ensuring it will remove harmful contaminants that are present in your tap water, so it’s a good idea to check your local water quality report and cross reference the list of contaminants with what the filter you’re considering is certified to remove. If a pitcher will do the job, you can start with one and eventually upgrade if you want more features later on. However, if a pitcher won’t remove the contaminants identified in your water quality report — opt for a more robust option like a powered dispenser, under sink system, or whole house water filter.
Pitcher & Countertop Filters
Aquasana - Clean Water Machine - AQ-CWM-2-B
Claryum® technology filters 78 contaminants including lead and PFAS at the push of a button. No installation.
Learn More about the Aquasana - AQ-CWM-2-BBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.10
System
$199.99
Replacement
$60.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
78
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
300 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.5
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.10
System
$199.99
Replacement
$60.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
78
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
300 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.5
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Eco-friendly
- Electronic filter life indicator
- Replacement subscription option
Waterdrop - Lucid 10-Cup Water Pitcher Filter System - PT-07
Through multi-stage precision filtration, the filter can effectively reduce 97.4% of chlorine, taste and odor, rust, metal ions like calcium, magnesium, mercury and copper, and other substances to improve the taste of drinking water.
Learn More about the Waterdrop - PT-07Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.05
System
$21.24
Replacement
$32.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
19
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 372
Capacity
200 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.2
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.05
System
$21.24
Replacement
$32.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
19
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 372
Capacity
200 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.2
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
- Color options
Brita - Hub Instant Powerful Countertop Water Filtration - 87340
The Brita Hub™ Instant Countertop Water Filtration Device powered by Hamilton Beach® uses Brita’s best filter ever to reduce 70+ contaminants. It's easy to set up for instant, powerful water filtration.
Learn More about the Brita - 87340Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.25
System
$179.99
Replacement
$29.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
70
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
120 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.5
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.25
System
$179.99
Replacement
$29.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
70
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
120 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.5
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- 2-year warranty
- Easy install
- Electronic filter life indicator
Waterdrop - Electric Water Filter - ED01
With its electric design and one-key control, this countertop water dispenser gives you an experience beyond traditional pitchers and dispensers: faster filtration, more precise filter materials and effortless operation. Upgrade now for the ultimate in convenience and the most refreshing water.
Learn More about the Waterdrop - ED01Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.09
System
$49.99
Replacement
$18.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
34
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, 372
Capacity
200 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.2
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.09
System
$49.99
Replacement
$18.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
34
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, 372
Capacity
200 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0.2
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year warranty
- Easy install
- Electronic filter life indicator
- Color options
Pur - 7 Cup Pitcher - PPT700W
Enjoy cleaner, filtered water with a PUR Pitcher. PUR pitchers include a PUR Filter, certified to reduce 2x more contaminants than Brita's® leading pitcher filter
Learn More about the Pur - PPT700WBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.23
System
$19.19
Replacement
$27.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
19
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.23
System
$19.19
Replacement
$27.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
19
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
- Color options
Lifestraw - Lifestraw Home 7-Cup Glass - LSH7GLSSB21
It's time for a better water filter pitcher. Upgrade your water filtration with this pitcher made with sleek and sustainable materials. Independently lab tested by internationally recognized labs with all claims substantiated by publicly shared lab reports.
Learn More about the Lifestraw - LSH7GLSSB21Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.14
System
$64.99
Replacement
$16.95
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
56
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, P231
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.14
System
$64.99
Replacement
$16.95
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
56
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401, P231
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 3-year warranty
- Easy install
- Color options
Zero Water - 20 Cup Ready-Pour Dispenser - ZD-20RPN
The 20 Cup 5-stage Water Filtration Dispenser with Ready-Pour™ technology is perfect for in home or small office usage and holds more than enough water for your family and friends. The Ready-Pour™ technology suits your on-the-go lifestyle - you can dispense delicious water while the reservoir is still filtering. The compact design includes a one-hand, push and pour spout that allows you to dispense water into your cup or favorite water bottle without any lifting. The premium 5-stage water filtration removes 99.6% of all dissolved solids from your tap water – more than any other leading brand.
Learn More about the Zero Water - ZD-20RPNBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.87
System
$26.00
Replacement
$34.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
23
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.87
System
$26.00
Replacement
$34.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
23
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Easy install
- Replacement subscription option
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
Brita - Ultramax Water Dispenser - OB24
Ideal for busy families, offices and sports teams, the large-capacity Ultramax Water Dispenser holds almost twice as much water as our pitchers. System is made without BPA.
Learn More about the Brita - OB24Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.22
System
$39.00
Replacement
$17.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
4
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.22
System
$39.00
Replacement
$17.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
4
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
40 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- 90-day warranty
- Easy install
- Color options
- Replacement subscription option
Zero Water - 10 Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher - ZD-010RP
The 10 cup 5-stage Water Filtration pitcher with Ready-Pour™ technology is a popular choice for any household. With an 80 oz capacity, this water pitcher is the perfect size to quench both your family's and friends' thirst. Fitted with a comfort-grip handle and quick fill spigot, this pitcher provides an even easier way to fill your cup, bottle, or jug! The Ready-Pour™ technology suits your on-the-go lifestyle - you can dispense delicious water while the reservoir is still filtering. The 5-stage water filtration removes 99.6% of all dissolved solids from your tap water – more than any other leading brand.The filter is IAPMO certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, chromium and mercury. Every water pitcher comes with a free TDS Meter to check the levels of dissolved solids before and after filtering your tap water - to show there is nothing left behind but the purest tasting water.
Learn More about the Zero Water - ZD-010RPBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.87
System
$35.00
Replacement
$34.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
31
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0 GPM
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.87
System
$35.00
Replacement
$34.99
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
31
Certified
NSF/ANSI 42, 53
Capacity
20 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0 GPM
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 90-day satisfaction
Invigorated Water - pH Recharge Glass Alkaline Water Dispenser
pH Recharge Glass Countertop Alkaline Water Filter is a stylish, healthy alkaline water solution for your family.
Learn More about the Invigorated WaterBest Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.23
System
$122.00
Replacement
$22.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
0
Certified
-
Capacity
96 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Best Price*
Cost Per Gallon*
$0.23
System
$122.00
Replacement
$22.00
Performance
Total Contaminants Reduced
Certified
-
Capacity
96 gal
Flow Rate (gpm)
0
Key Contaminants Removed:
Lead
Chlorine/Chloramines
PFOA/PFOS
Pesticides & Herbicides
VOCs
Pharmaceuticals
Cysts
Microplastics
Other Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Replacement subscription option
- Color options
- Easy install
Other Types of Drinking Water Filters
Direct Connect
Direct Connect water filters – also known as Main Faucet Filters – are gaining popularity because of their high-performance and easy installation. We’ll help you make the best choice for your home.
Under Sink
Under Sink water filters offer a great mix of performance, affordability, easy installation, and simple maintenance. Learn about the benefits of these systems, the types available, and top selections.
Reverse Osmosis
These systems can remove up to 99% of contaminants in tap water, and many experts consider RO to be the most powerful and effective water filtration method available for home use.
Faucet Attach
Faucet Attach water filters are a popular choice due to their compact form, easy installation, and entry-level price point relative to other options. Learn more about these filters.
Resources
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The 5 Best Drinking Water Filtration Systems of 2025
With so many under-sink water filters to choose from, it’s hard to know which one is best. Check out our list of the best under-sink water filters here.
The 8 Best Shower Filters of 2025
Showering in clean, filtered water is not just a luxury — it’s a pathway to healthier skin, hair, and overall well-being. If you’re concerned about the invisible contaminants that may be lurking in your tap water, finding the right shower filter can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll delve into the seven best…
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*Product performance claims and prices were taken from publicly available information on Amazon, are accurate as of 9/1/2025, and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Cost per gallon is calculated as replacement filter price/capacity. Not all contaminants will be listed in charts. If you find information that is inaccurate, please send the correct info with supporting documentation to info@waterfiltercomparisons.com, and we will address any errors. As an Amazon Associate, Water Filter Comparisons receives a commission on purchases made through our Amazon links.