Water filter brands

A neutral overview of the brands readers ask about most. Certifications are model-specific and change over time, so always confirm the exact model in NSF's public listings before you buy.

Brita

Pitchers, dispensers, faucet filters and bottles. Brita sells more than one cartridge for the same pitchers, and the cartridges carry different certified claims, so compare the cartridge, not the pitcher. Check the model number in the NSF listings before buying for lead or PFAS.

PUR

Faucet-mount filters, pitchers and dispensers. PUR's faucet systems are among the most common faucet-mount filters in the US. As with any brand, confirm which contaminants the specific filter model is certified to reduce.

ZeroWater

Pitchers and dispensers with a multi-stage filter that includes ion-exchange resin, sold with a handheld TDS meter. A TDS reading of zero shows that dissolved minerals were removed. It does not by itself tell you about lead, PFAS or microbes, so check the certification for those.

iSpring

US-based maker of under-sink reverse osmosis systems, whole-house filters and replacement cartridges. For RO, look for system-level certification to NSF/ANSI 58 and check whether the listing covers the full system or only some components.

Enagic (Kangen)

Japanese maker of water ionizers sold as “Kangen Water” machines through a network of independent distributors, often for several thousand dollars. Ionizers change pH through electrolysis. Health claims made for alkaline water are not supported by good human evidence. See our alkaline water guide before buying.