Comparisons
Brita vs PUR (2026): Which Filter Actually Removes Lead and PFAS?
It's a tie at the top and a trap at the bottom. Brita Elite and PUR Plus are both certified for lead, PFAS and microplastics. Each brand's cheaper basic filter is certified for neither lead nor PFAS, and those are the ones that often come in the box.
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Key takeaways
- Pick Brita Elite if you want the longest filter life: 120 gallons, three times PUR Plus.
- Pick PUR Plus if PFAS is your main worry. It's certified against seven PFAS compounds, not just PFOA and PFOS.
- For a faucet filter, both brands' faucet mounts are certified for lead, but neither is certified for PFAS.
- Skip the white Brita Original and basic PUR filters if you care about lead or PFAS.
Brita vs PUR pitcher filters, side by side
| Brita Original (white) | Brita Elite (blue) | PUR basic | PUR Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | No | 99.5–99.6% | No | 99.2–99.9% |
| PFAS | No | PFOA/PFOS 98.1% | No | 7 PFAS, 99.75% |
| Microplastics | No | 99.6% | No | 99.8% |
| Chlorine taste | 95% | 97.4% | 97.5% | 97.5% |
| Filter life | 40 gal | 120 gal | 40 gal | 40 gal |
| Standards | 42, 53 | 42, 53, 401 | 42, 53, 401 | 42, 53, 401 |
From Brita's and PUR's certified performance data sheets.[1][2][3] Brita's PFOA/PFOS and microplastics claims apply to the pitcher models listed on its data sheet.
The winner depends on your water
If you're worried about lead, it's a tie. Both Elite and PUR Plus cut lead by more than 99% in certification testing. Pick whichever fits the pitcher you already own.
If you're worried about PFAS, PUR Plus has the edge. Most filters are only tested against PFOA and PFOS. PUR Plus was certified against a mix of seven PFAS, including PFHxS and PFNA, which got their own EPA limits in 2024 (the EPA has since proposed withdrawing those two limits).[2][4]
If you hate changing filters, Brita Elite wins easily. One cartridge lasts about six months for a typical household, versus about two for PUR Plus.[1]
Longest filter life
Brita Elite filter (in any Brita pitcher)
Pitcher cartridge
The cheapest certified PFAS option if you already own a Brita pitcher.
PFAS: PFOA and PFOS reduction certified under NSF/ANSI 53, 98.1% in testing. Certified by IAPMO R&T (PFOA/PFOS), WQA (other claims). See the evidence.
- Fits standard Brita pitchers and dispensers
- Rated for 120 gallons, about 6 months
- Slow, small batches
- PFOA/PFOS and microplastics claims apply only to the pitcher models listed on the data sheet
- The white Brita Original (Standard) filter is not certified for lead or PFAS. Buy the blue Elite.
Broadest PFAS claim
PUR Plus pitcher filter (PPF951K)
Pitcher cartridge
The broadest certified PFAS claim of any pitcher filter we checked, plus lead and microplastics.
PFAS: Total PFAS (7 compounds including PFOA and PFOS) reduced 99.75%; lead 99.2–99.9%. Certified by IAPMO R&T. See the evidence.
- Certified for lead, PFAS and microplastics
- Fits PUR pitchers and dispensers
- Rated for 40 gallons, about 2 months
- The basic PUR filter (PPF900Z) is not certified for lead or PFAS. Buy the Plus.
What about faucet filters?
Both brands make faucet-mount filters certified for lead, and neither is certified for PFAS.[5][6] PUR's is listed in NSF's own directory. Brita's is certified by WQA and has a slightly higher lead reduction figure on its data sheet. Either is a good choice for renters. See our under-sink and faucet filter guide for more.
Bottom line
Don't choose by brand. Choose by cartridge: Brita Elite or PUR Plus, never the basic filter, if lead or PFAS is why you're filtering. Not sure what's in your water? Test it first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brita or PUR better for lead?
They're about even. Brita Elite (99.5–99.6%) and PUR Plus (99.2–99.9%) are both certified to reduce lead. The basic filters from both brands are not.
Is Brita or PUR better for PFAS?
PUR Plus. It's certified against seven PFAS compounds at 99.75% reduction. Brita Elite is certified for PFOA and PFOS at 98.1%.
Can I put a PUR filter in a Brita pitcher?
No. The cartridges are different shapes. Buy the filter made for your pitcher brand.
Which lasts longer, Brita or PUR?
Brita Elite, at 120 gallons (about six months). PUR Plus and both brands' basic filters last about 40 gallons.
Sources
- Brita, Elite filter performance data sheet. brita.com
- PUR, pitcher filter performance data sheet (PPF951K and PPF900Z). pur.com
- Brita, Standard filter performance data sheet. brita.ca
- US EPA, “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)” drinking water regulation page. epa.gov
- NSF International, PUR listings under NSF/ANSI 53. info.nsf.org
- Brita, faucet filter performance data sheet (FF-100, FR-200). assets.ctfassets.net
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Rules and certifications change. We last checked these sources on October 8, 2026. Found an error? Tell us and we will correct it.