WaterFilterComparisons’ Review

The PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System is a sleek faucet-attached water filter that offers exceptional performance, seamless installation, and an affordable price. In our PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System review, we’ll discuss the system’s specs, performance, installation, and pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right option for your home.

Product Specs

• Size: 6.8” x 2.9” x 5.2”; 11.2 ounces (0.7 lbs)
• Capacity: 100 gallons
• Filtration Technology: Mineral Core™ featuring activated carbon, ion exchange material, and natural minerals
• Contaminants Addressed: Lead, mercury, chlorine, and certain pesticides
• Certifications: NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401
• Flow Rate: 0.52 gallons per minute (GPM)
• Installation: Tool-free, attaches directly to faucets
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Performance

The PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System delivers great performance for a faucet-mounted filter, especially given its compact size and low cost. The system uses a proprietary Mineral Core™ filter that contains a combination of activated carbon, ion exchange material, and natural minerals.

Together, the filtration media helps reduce over 70 contaminants including lead, mercury, chlorine, and certain pesticides.
While the PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System doesn’t offer their performance of more comprehensive under sink or whole house systems, it still offers significantly better filtration than standard pitcher filters or unfiltered tap water. In fact, PUR notes that the filter reduces 10x more contaminants than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter (OB03).

The Mineral Core™ also improves the taste of the water, making the filter a great entry-level system for anyone interested in improving the quality of their tap water.

Certifications

One of the system’s biggest strengths is its strong certification profile. The PUR PLUS is certified by the NSF and WQA to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401.

• NSF 42 covers aesthetic improvements like chlorine taste and odor.
• NSF 53 ensures the system reduces health-related contaminants like lead and mercury.
• NSF 401 is less common and covers emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and herbicides.

These certifications give consumers confidence that the product has been independently tested and verified to perform as claimed. While many faucet filters are only certified to NSF 42, PUR goes a step further, especially with the inclusion of NSF 401—a major plus for this model. We will note that the filter’s performance data sheet doesn’t confirm how testing was split between NSF and WQA, but a faucet filter certified to these standards is impressive nonetheless.

Flow Rate

At 0.52 GPM, the PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System offers a flow rate that’s typical for faucet-mounted filters. While the flow rate is average, we like that the system features a lever allowing you to easily switch between filtered and unfiltered water. So you could fill a pot with filtered tap water, then switch to unfiltered tap water for better water pressure when washing dishes since tap water normally has a flow rate of 1-2.2 GPM. If you want to use filtered water all the time but desire a better flow rate, you may need to consider a higher-end whole house and under sink systems.

Limitations

Despite its strengths, the PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System does have limitations. Most notably, it doesn’t offer protection against contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, and microplastics that higher-end systems address. As a result, we recommend this as an entry-level system, but there are better options if your goal is to maximize protection against contaminants.

We also saw many users report issues with leaks and dripping, which seem to get worse over time. Some people even mentioned the faucet would spray water from the connection to the point where it was no longer usable. Another downside is the filter’s 100 gallon capacity, which is comparable to other faucet systems but may not actually last three months, resulting in frequent replacements.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation is quick and tool-free—just remove your faucet’s aerator and attach the system, then tighten by hand and flush it before use. If you don’t have a standard faucet, you’ll need to use one of the included adapters.

Installation Steps:

1. Remove your faucet’s aerator
2. Choose and attach the appropriate adapter (if needed)
3. Attach the PUR PLUS system to the faucet
4. Twist to secure and run water to flush the filter

The filter features an indicator light to let you know when it’s time for a replacement, which is recommended every 100 gallons or up to three months. To replace the filter, twist the cover off the horizontal block and swap the filters before screwing the cover back on and flushing the system.

Pros and Cons

Here are a few pros and cons of the filter based on our findings and what other users are saying.

Pros

• Certified to NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401
• Proprietary Mineral Core™ that improves water taste
• Easy, tool-free installation and replacements
• Filter change light to indicate when a replacement is needed
• 2-year limited warranty

Cons

• Lacks protection against contaminants like PFOA, PFOS, and microplastics
• User reports of issues with leaks, dripping, and spraying
• 100 gallon capacity may not actually last three months

FAQs

How long does the Pur PLUS Faucet Filtration System last?

Each filter lasts for up to 100 gallons or up to three months, depending on usage.

What does the Pur PLUS Faucet Filtration System remove?

It reduces over 70 contaminants including lead, mercury, chlorine, and certain pesticides. It does not tackle contaminants like PFAS chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or cysts.

Will the Pur PLUS Faucet Filtration System reduce my water pressure?

The filter features a flow rate of 0.52 GPM, which is lower than the usual 1-2.2 GPM flow rate of unfiltered tap water from a faucet. So your water pressure will be lower when using filtered water, but you can easily toggle to unfiltered water if you need a faster flow rate for washing dishes or filling up something up quickly.

Summary

The PUR PLUS Faucet Filtration System is a solid choice for those looking for a quick and easy way to improve the taste and safety of their tap water. Its impressive certifications and affordable price point make it a popular option, especially for renters and small households.

That said, the system doesn’t compare to higher-end whole house and under sink systems or even some countertop systems that offer protection against additional contaminants. There’s a lot of negative feedback about leaks, and the 100 gallon capacity could end up leading to more frequent replacements than you’d expect. As an alternative, we’d recommend a system like the Aquasana Clean Water Machine, which is a countertop system that features protection against 78 contaminants including microplastics and PFAS along with a 300 gallon capacity to extend the time between replacements.

Looking for more top-rated filtration systems? Check out our post on the best faucet water filters to find the right option for your home.