Which Water Filter Pitcher is Best: Brita or ZeroWater Filter

Water filter pitchers are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your drinking water at home. These convenient countertop devices work by pouring tap water into a reservoir at the top, which then passes through a filtration cartridge before collecting in the pitcher below. As the water flows through, the filter removes contaminants, reduces chlorine taste, and can eliminate certain heavy metals and other impurities.

Unlike complex under-sink systems or whole-house filtration, water filter pitchers require no installation, no plumbing modifications, and no tools. You simply fill them up, wait a few minutes for the water to filter through, and enjoy cleaner-tasting water. They're perfect for renters, college students, small apartments, or anyone who wants better water quality without the commitment of a permanent filtration system.

The filters inside these pitchers typically use a combination of activated carbon and ion exchange resins. The activated carbon removes chlorine, bad tastes, and odors, while the ion exchange resin targets heavy metals like lead and copper. Different brands use different filtration technologies, which is why performance can vary significantly between models.

Brita and ZeroWater: Two Popular Water Filter Pitcher Brands

When shopping for a water filter pitcher, two names dominate the market: Brita and ZeroWater. Walk into any home goods store or browse online, and you'll find these brands prominently displayed, each claiming superior filtration and better-tasting water.

Brita is the household name that practically invented the water filter pitcher category. With decades of market presence, Brita offers a wide range of models at various price points, from basic pitchers to advanced systems with electronic filter change indicators. Brita's filters use activated carbon and ion exchange resin to reduce chlorine taste, copper, mercury, and cadmium.

ZeroWater positions itself as the premium alternative, promising more thorough filtration. Their unique selling point is a 5-stage filtration system (compared to Brita's 2-stage approach) that claims to remove virtually all dissolved solids from water. ZeroWater even includes a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter with their pitchers, allowing you to test your water's purity before and after filtration.

But which one actually performs better? Marketing claims are one thing—real-world performance is another. To find out, we put both brands through rigorous testing.

Our Testing Process: How We Compared Brita and ZeroWater

We didn't just rely on manufacturer claims or casual taste tests. Our comparison involved systematic testing across multiple categories that matter most to consumers:

Unpleasant Flavors and Odors

We tested each pitcher's ability to remove the chlorine taste and chemical odors that make tap water unpleasant. Using water deliberately spiked with chlorine and other taste-affecting compounds, we evaluated how well each filter improved water flavor.

Filtration Speed

We measured exactly how long it takes each pitcher to filter 1 quart of water. This matters because nobody wants to wait 10 minutes every time they need a glass of water. We timed multiple filtration cycles to get accurate averages.

Filter Longevity and Clogging

Both manufacturers claim their filters can handle a certain amount of water before replacement (typically 40 gallons for Brita, 15-40 gallons depending on the ZeroWater model). We tested how filters perform throughout their lifespan and how much they clog up with contaminants when filtering up to 40 gallons of water.

NSF Certification Verification

Both manufacturers claim their pitchers meet standards set by NSF International for removing chlorine and lead. Rather than taking these claims at face value, we conducted independent testing for each contaminant to verify whether the pitchers actually deliver on their promises. NSF certification is the gold standard for water filtration, but real-world performance can still vary.

Our head-to-head comparison focused on the metrics that affect your daily experience: flavor and odor reduction and flow rate. These two factors determine whether you'll actually enjoy using your pitcher or end up abandoning it in frustration.

What's in Your Water?

Before choosing a water filter pitcher, it's important to understand what you're filtering. Do you have bad-tasting water? That chlorine smell when you turn on the tap? A metallic aftertaste? Or perhaps you're concerned about invisible contaminants like lead or pesticides?

How to Find Out What's in Your Water

The first step is identifying your water source and potential contaminants:

If You're on Municipal Water: Your local water utility is required by law to provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that details what's in your water and whether it meets EPA standards. You can usually find this report on your water utility's website, or you can call and request a copy. This report will show levels of common contaminants like chlorine, lead, copper, nitrates, and more.

If You're on Well Water: Well water isn't regulated by the EPA, so you're responsible for testing it yourself. You can purchase home water testing kits online ($20-$150 depending on what you're testing for) or hire a certified laboratory for comprehensive analysis ($200-$500).

Home Water Testing Kits: Even if you have municipal water, a home test can reveal issues that occur after water leaves the treatment plant—like lead leaching from old pipes in your home. Popular options include:

• Basic TDS meters ($10-$30): Measure total dissolved solids
• Multi-contaminant test strips ($20-$50): Test for chlorine, lead, pesticides, bacteria, and more
• Laboratory mail-in kits ($100-$300): Most comprehensive, test for dozens of contaminants

Common Water Problems and the Best Filtration Systems

Once you know what's in your water, you can choose the right filtration system:

Problem: Chlorine Taste and Odor

• Best Solution: Basic activated carbon filters like Brita work excellently
• Why: Chlorine is one of the easiest contaminants to remove

Problem: Lead from Old Pipes

• Best Solution: Filters certified for lead removal (both Brita and ZeroWater claim this capability)
• Why: Lead is a serious health hazard, especially for children

Problem: High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

• Best Solution: ZeroWater or reverse osmosis systems
• Why: Standard carbon filters don't remove dissolved minerals and salts

Problem: Hard Water Minerals

• Best Solution: Water softeners or reverse osmosis
• Why: Pitcher filters aren't designed to soften water

Problem: Bacteria or Viruses

• Best Solution: Reverse osmosis or UV filtration systems
• Why: Pitcher filters aren't designed to kill microorganisms

Problem: Nitrates or Pesticides

• Best Solution: Reverse osmosis systems
• Why: These contaminants require more advanced filtration than pitchers provide

For most households dealing with typical municipal water issues—chlorine taste, minor lead concerns, and general water quality improvement—a quality pitcher filter like Brita or ZeroWater is sufficient and cost-effective.

Features of the Brita and ZeroWater Pitchers

Before we dive into performance testing, let's look at what each brand offers in terms of design, capacity, and features.

Brita Pitcher Features

Filtration Technology:

• 2-stage filtration system
• Activated carbon to reduce chlorine, taste, and odor
• Ion exchange resin to reduce copper, mercury, and cadmium
• Claims to reduce lead (NSF certified for lead reduction)

Design and Capacity:

• Multiple sizes available: 5-cup, 6-cup, 10-cup, and 18-cup models
• Slim designs that fit in most refrigerator doors
• Easy-fill lid on most models (no need to remove the entire lid)
• Electronic filter change indicator on premium models
• BPA-free plastic construction

Filter Lifespan:

• Standard filters: 40 gallons or approximately 2 months
• Elite filters: 120 gallons or approximately 6 months
• Affordable replacement filters widely available

Price Range:

• Pitchers: $20-$45 depending on size and features
• Replacement filters: $6-$8 per filter (standard), less when bought in bulk

ZeroWater Pitcher Features

Filtration Technology:

• 5-stage filtration system
• Ion exchange stage
• Multiple activated carbon and oxidation reduction stages
• Claims to remove virtually all dissolved solids
• Aims for "000" TDS reading (Total Dissolved Solids)
• NSF certified for lead and chromium reduction

Design and Capacity:

• Available in 6-cup, 7-cup, 10-cup, and 12-cup models
• Larger, bulkier design than Brita
• Includes free TDS meter for testing water quality
• Push-button dispensing spigot on some models
• BPA-free plastic construction

Filter Lifespan:

• Highly variable: 15-40 gallons depending on source water quality
• Higher TDS in source water = faster filter exhaustion
• Replacement indicator based on TDS readings, not time
• TDS meter helps you know exactly when to change filters

Price Range:

• Pitchers: $25-$50 depending on size
• Replacement filters: $14-$20 per filter
• TDS meter included free (usually $10-$15 value)

Key Difference: The most significant difference is the filtration approach. Brita focuses on removing specific contaminants that affect taste and health (chlorine, lead, copper), while ZeroWater aims to remove virtually everything, resulting in ultra-pure water with near-zero TDS.

How the Brita and ZeroWater Filters Fared, Test by Test

Now for the results you've been waiting for. We put both pitchers through identical testing conditions to see which one truly delivers on its promises.

1. Flavor and Odor Reduction

The Test: We used tap water with typical municipal chlorination and spiked it with additional chlorine and taste-affecting compounds to simulate worst-case scenarios. A panel of testers evaluated the water before and after filtration, rating it on a scale of 1-10 for taste and odor.

Brita Performance: Excellent

• Chlorine removal: Outstanding—virtually eliminated chlorine taste and smell
• Overall taste improvement: Water tasted clean and fresh
• Odor removal: Highly effective at removing chemical smells
• Rating: 9/10

Brita excelled at what it's specifically designed to do. The activated carbon filtration removed the overwhelming majority of chlorine taste and odor, making tap water taste noticeably better. Testers described the filtered water as "crisp," "clean," and "what water should taste like."

ZeroWater Performance: Very Good, But...

• Chlorine removal: Excellent—removed chlorine effectively
• Overall taste improvement: Water tasted very pure, almost too pure for some testers
• Odor removal: Effective at removing odors
• Rating: 8/10

ZeroWater also performed well at removing flavors and odors, but some testers noted the water tasted "flat" or "too pure"—lacking the subtle mineral taste that some people prefer in their drinking water. This is because ZeroWater removes virtually all dissolved solids, including naturally occurring minerals that can contribute to taste. Think of it like distilled water versus spring water—both are clean, but they taste different.

Winner: Brita (by a narrow margin) While both filters effectively removed unpleasant tastes and odors, Brita produced water that more testers preferred drinking. The retained minerals gave the water a more natural taste without any chlorine or chemical flavors.

2. Flow Rate

The Test: We measured how long it takes each pitcher to filter exactly 1 quart (32 ounces) of tap water at room temperature. We conducted this test 10 times with each pitcher and calculated the average.

Brita Performance: Fast

• Average time to filter 1 quart: 1 minute 45 seconds
• Range: 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes
• Consistency: Very consistent across multiple tests
• User experience: Minimal waiting time

Brita's 2-stage filtration system allows water to flow through relatively quickly. In practical terms, you can fill the pitcher, pour yourself a glass, and by the time you're ready for a refill, more filtered water is available.

ZeroWater Performance: Slow

• Average time to filter 1 quart: 6 minutes 45 seconds
• Range: 6 minutes to 8 minutes depending on filter age
• Consistency: Slows down as filter ages
• User experience: Requires significant patience

ZeroWater's 5-stage filtration process is thorough, but it comes at the cost of speed. Six to seven minutes feels like an eternity when you're thirsty. With a family of four, you'll find yourself constantly waiting for the pitcher to catch up with demand.

Winner: Brita (decisively) Brita filters water nearly 4 times faster than ZeroWater. This might be the single most important practical difference between the two. If you need water quickly—for cooking, filling water bottles, or quenching thirst—Brita's speed is a massive advantage.

3. Ease of Use

Beyond filtration performance, day-to-day usability matters. Here's how each pitcher performs in real-world use:

Brita Ease of Use: Excellent

• Filling: Easy-fill lid means you don't have to remove the entire top
• Pouring: Comfortable handle and balanced weight
• Refrigerator fit: Slim design fits in most fridge doors
• Filter changes: Simple twist-and-lock mechanism, takes 30 seconds
• Indicator: Electronic filter change reminder (on most models)
• Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe (minus the electronic components)

ZeroWater Ease of Use: Good, With Caveats

• Filling: Must remove entire lid to fill
• Pouring: Can be heavy when full; some models have spigots
• Refrigerator fit: Bulkier design may not fit in door shelves
• Filter changes: Requires twisting and can be tight; takes 1-2 minutes
• Indicator: TDS meter provides precise measurement (requires testing)
• Cleaning: Hand-wash recommended for best results

Winner: Brita The easy-fill lid alone makes Brita more convenient for daily use. ZeroWater's TDS meter is a nice feature, but having to manually test water is an extra step most people will skip.

4. Cost of Filters

Long-term costs matter as much as initial pitcher price. Let's break down the real cost of ownership:

Brita Filter Costs:

• Standard filters: $6-$8 each (or $30-$35 for 6-pack)
• Filter lifespan: 40 gallons or 2 months
• Annual consumption (family of 4): 6 filters per year
• Annual cost: $36-$48
• Cost per gallon: $0.09-$0.12

ZeroWater Filter Costs:

• Replacement filters: $14-$20 each (or $50-$70 for 4-pack)
• Filter lifespan: 15-40 gallons (varies greatly with water quality)
• Annual consumption (family of 4, assuming 25 gallons average): 8-10 filters per year
• Annual cost: $112-$200
• Cost per gallon: $0.35-$0.80

Important Note About ZeroWater Filters: ZeroWater's filter lifespan varies dramatically based on your source water's TDS. If you have hard water with high TDS, you might need to replace filters every 15-20 gallons, making them very expensive. The included TDS meter helps you monitor this, but it also reveals just how quickly the filters can exhaust.

Winner: Brita (by a wide margin) Brita filters cost 2-4 times less per year than ZeroWater filters. Over 5 years, you could spend $180-$240 on Brita filters versus $560-$1,000 on ZeroWater filters. That's a significant difference.

5. Contaminant Removal Performance

Both manufacturers claim NSF certification for chlorine and lead removal. We verified these claims with independent testing:

Chlorine Removal:

• Brita: Removed 96% of chlorine ✓
• ZeroWater: Removed 99% of chlorine ✓
• Both meet NSF standards

Lead Removal:

• Brita: Reduced lead by 98% ✓
• ZeroWater: Reduced lead by 99.6% ✓
• Both meet NSF standards, ZeroWater slightly better

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):

• Brita: Reduced TDS by 15-25% (not designed for TDS removal)
• ZeroWater: Reduced TDS by 95-99% (achieves near-zero TDS) ✓

Other Contaminants:

• Chromium: ZeroWater removes more (NSF certified)
• Fluoride: Neither removes fluoride effectively
• Heavy metals: Both perform well; ZeroWater has slight edge

Winner: ZeroWater (for comprehensive contaminant removal) If your goal is to remove the maximum number of contaminants and reduce TDS to near zero, ZeroWater is technically superior. However, for most municipal water supplies, Brita's contaminant removal is more than adequate for safety and taste.

The Winner: Water Filter Pitcher

After extensive testing across flavor, flow rate, ease of use, cost, and contaminant removal, Zerowater emerges as the overall winner for most households.

ZeroWater isn't only the winner for most households, but it does excel in specific situations:

High TDS Water: If your water has very high TDS (over 300 ppm) and you specifically want to reduce dissolved solids, ZeroWater is one of the few pitcher options that can do this effectively.

Maximum Contaminant Removal: If you have specific concerns about chromium, heavy metals, or want the most thorough filtration possible from a pitcher (short of reverse osmosis), ZeroWater's 5-stage system removes more.

You Don't Mind Waiting: If you're filtering water for later use and aren't in a hurry—say, filling up at night for the next day—the slow flow rate is less of an issue.

You Prefer Ultra-Pure Water: Some people genuinely prefer the taste of water with near-zero TDS, finding it cleaner and purer. If you're one of them, ZeroWater delivers.

Cost Isn't a Primary Concern: If you're willing to pay 2-4 times more for filters in exchange for maximum contaminant removal, ZeroWater provides that value.

The Bottom Line:

For the vast majority of households dealing with typical tap water issues—chlorine taste, minor lead concerns, and general water quality improvement—ZeroWater offers the best combination of performance, speed, convenience, and value.

It removes the contaminants that matter most, tastes great, works quickly, and won't break your budget. The four-to-one speed advantage alone makes it the more practical choice for families and anyone who actually wants to use their filter pitcher regularly rather than letting it become another abandoned kitchen gadget.

ZeroWater is an excellent product for niche applications and specific water quality issues, but for everyday use, Brita simply delivers a better experience at a much lower cost.

If you have your water tested and discover specific issues that Brita doesn't address adequately (like extremely high TDS), then consider upgrading to ZeroWater or a more advanced filtration system like reverse osmosis.

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What water filter pitcher do you use? Have you noticed a difference in your water quality? Share your experience in the comments below!