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PUR vs. Brita – Water Filter Comparison Based on Material, Technology, and Price

PUR is a company based in America that has been manufacturing water treatment products for more than 30 years. Brita is also a water filtration company based in Germany, one that has been active since 1966. The main difference between PUR and Brita is that Brita has been around for a longer time, which means they have more experience in creating quality filters.

PUR and Brita are often compared to each other because they sell several common types of products: water filter dispensers, pitchers, and faucet-mounted filters. Due to its longevity and experience, Brita is more expensive than PUR. The average Brita filter system costs $30 and lasts six months, whereas the average PUR system costs $17 and lasts two months (for standard products).

Both PUR and Brita use similar carbon block technology to filter contaminants out of the water and remove odor. This results in better-tasting water, for which the consumers stated barely any differences. Some popular filter systems include the standard Brita and PUR filters, along with the Brita Long-Last and the PUR Lead Reduction water filter. Each filter has different features that consumers need to be acquainted with.

What Are the Differences Between PUR and Brita Water Filters?

The main differences between PUR and Brita water filters are listed below:

  1. Taste: PUR advertises to remove twice the number of contaminants that Brita does. As a result, the absence of the contaminants is supposed to make the water taste better. While the quality of the PUR water filter may be slightly better as compared to Brita, customers have discovered no notable differences in their taste.
  2. Material: PUR filters are made from coconut shells, whereas Brita filters use carbon block materials. The materials are similar, but the material for Brita filters was made to last longer in comparison to PUR filters.
  3. Technology: PUR water filters use MAXION® Filter Technology, whereas Brita filters use Long-Last Technology. The MAXION® Filter Technology focuses on improving the quality of the water, whereas Long-Last Technology aims to increase durability.
  4. Installation: As long as the same type of filter is purchased, there is no difference in installation between Brita and PUR. Neither has complicated tubing and drilling is not usually required to make the installation. All that is needed is a compatible faucet to install the filter.
  5. Lifespan: Due to the Long-Last Technology, Brita water filters last three times longer than PUR water filters. A Brita filter needs to be replaced once every six months, whereas a PUR filter needs replacing once every two months.

Which One Is Better to Remove Water Contaminants, Brita or PUR?

Both Brita and PUR water filters can remove certain contaminants in water. Consumers have to choose based on the contamination level of their water. Below is a comparison table of what contaminants are removed by PUR and Brita water filters.

ContaminantBrita Water FilterPUR Water Filter
LinuronNOYES
Particulate Class IYESYES
SedimentsNONO
2,4-DNOYES
AsbestosYESNO
AtelolNOYES
Industrial PollutantsNONO
TrimethoprimNOYES
EstroneNOYES
TCEPNOYES
AtrazineNOYES
SimazineNOYES
NaproxenYESNO
Particulate Class VIYESYES
Carbon TetrachlorideNOYES
Nonyl PhenolYESYES
Bisphenol A (BPA)YESYES
IbuprofenYESNO
HerbicidesNONO
BenzeneYESYES
Microbial CystsYESYES
CopperYESYES
PharmaceuticalsNONO
TetrachloroethyleneNOYES
LeadYESYES
ZincYESYES
ChlorineYESYES
CarbamazepineNOYES
CadmiumYESYES
MercuryYESYES

Brita filters are efficient at removing chlorine, asbestos, mercury, copper, and other similar contaminants. PUR removes almost the same contaminants and has shown more efficiency as compared to Brita. PUR also removes extra contaminants such as pesticides from the water, making it a better choice for municipal water near farmland.

Which Materials Are Used by Brita and PUR?

differences between pur and brita filtersBrita water filters are made using single-stage activated carbon filter material, whereas PUR filters are made using a sediment trap filter along with activated carbon media.

The activated carbon block material in Brita has the purpose of reducing most of the contaminants from the water, along with non-woven material and sediments. The material also uses Long-Last technology, which allows the Brita filter to last three times as long as the PUR filter. Quality-wise, the material used in the Brita filter is superior to PUR.

PUR filters use multiple filtration levels. The sediment-water filter material will trap slightly visible contaminants (sediments), whereas the carbon block filter will capture the remaining particles and remove taste and odor. The PUR filter material uses MAXION® Filter Technology, which is a WQA-approved material to remove mercury, lead, chlorine, pesticides, and more.

Are Brita and PUR Water Filters Convenient to the Water Quality Guidelines?

Water quality defines the water condition and whether the contaminants in the water affect its drinkability or not. Every brand of water filter needs to convene with the GDWQ (Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality) in order to be accepted. Both PUR and Brita follow the GDWQ guidelines, regardless of the type of filter that is being sold. The condition is that the appropriate filter is to be used on the appropriate kind of water.

What Are the Average Prices for Brita and PUR Water Filters?

The average price for a Brita water filter is around $30. The average price for a PUR water filter is around $17. Brita filters are more expensive than PUR filters, which cost only around half that price. The capacity and type of the filter will determine the price. For example, a countertop pitcher filter with a higher capacity will be more expensive. Extra features such as LED lighting may also add to the price. Basic faucet models are usually the least expensive ones.

Are Brita Water Filters More Expensive Than PUR Water Filters?

Yes, Brita water filters are more expensive than PUR water filters. Considering the price difference between the two, Brita water filters are almost double the price of PUR water filters. This is only the case if the investment is considered in the short term, and not in the long term.

Brita water filters are twice the price of PUR water filters, but their “Long-last” technology makes them last three times as long. Upon purchase, Brita water filters are more expensive, but in the long term, PUR water filters will cost more. This is because homeowners would have to buy 3 PUR filters in 6 months, but only one Brita filter. The materials from which the filters are made are similar, but the technology gives more longevity to the Brita filter. For this reason, Brita filters are more expensive.

Which Water Filter Brand Is Better for Water Taste, Brita or PUR?

pur vs brita filters comparisonWater taste is affected by contaminants that are potentially present in water. Water filters have the capacity of removing these contaminants, improving the taste.

Brita filters can reduce the taste and odor of chlorine. Brita filters can also remove taste traces of lead, copper, asbestos, sediment, mercury, and other contaminants that are commonly present in the water. PUR filters advertise doing the same thing, removing 99% of the contaminants mentioned above. PUR filters also reduce 92% of the pesticides present in the water. PUR advertises an ability to remove twice the amount of contaminants from the water as compared to Brita.

Even if PUR advertises to remove more contaminants from the water, multiple customers claim that there is no notable taste difference between the two. So, the taste of water for Brita is the same as PUR.

Users need to remember that neither PUR nor Brita is designed to be used on well water or rural water unless a sediment water filter is used as well. The water taste may be different if one filter is used on well water, whereas the other is used on municipal water.

How Is the Average Lifespan Comparison Between Brita and PUR Water Filters?

A Brita filter takes an average of 15 minutes longer to filter the water than a PUR water filter. A PUR filter needs to be replaced on average once every 2 months. A Brita filter has a longer-lasting filter that lasts as long as 6 months.

Brita filters last three times longer than PUR filters. This means they bring a lot of value for the money. Brita filters are also easier to maintain, as they do not need an installation that is so frequent. As it will not require frequent maintenance, the cost of keeping Brita filters running will be lower as compared to PUR.

Are Brita Water Filters Better for Faucets?

No, Brita water filters are not better for faucets. Both Brita and PUR filters were designed to be easily installed on a faucet. The designs are similar, and the size does not differ either. The main difference lies in the orientation. Brita’s main filter was designed to be installed vertically, whereas most PUR water filters are to be installed horizontally. The choice for which one is better for the faucet will depend on the preference.

A notable aspect to remember is that both PUR and Brita water filters can only be attached to standard faucets. If the kitchen has a spray, pull-out, relative-large, or strangely-shaped faucet, there is a chance that neither of the faucet filters can be installed on your waterline.

Is Brita Water Filter Cartridge Better Than PUR Water Filter Cartridge?

When it comes to installation, none of the filters may be considered better than the other. The only difference is in whether you wish for the filter to be installed vertically or horizontally.

Brita water filters are the better choice for those looking for a less expensive filter in the long run. The cartridges only require changing every six months, which means you will not spend as much time and money on maintenance. This makes Brita an easier filter to handle.

This durability is directly connected to its quality. The Long-Last filter technology speaks of the quality of the product, which means that the ability to filter will remain high even after a couple of months have passed. Brita is a better option for those who want quality water without going through too much trouble.

Is Installing a Brita Water Filter Harder Than PUR Water Filter?

No, installing a Brita water filter is not harder compared to a PUR water filter. Both PUR and Brita systems have a very similar installation process. The only difference between the two is that while PUR filters are usually installed horizontally, Brita filters are installed vertically. This will only affect the positioning of the filter, as the connections remain relatively the same. As long as the person performing the setup knows how to install a Brita water filter or a PUR filter, none of the systems should prove more difficult than the other to install.

What Are the Best Water Filter Products of Brita and PUR?

pur vs brita water filters price comparisonThe most popular Brita water filter is the Brita Standard water filter system, which is installed directly to the waterline. The water passes through the cartridge so that the filtered water flows directly to the faucet. The next in line when it comes to popularity is the Brita water filter pitcher and the Brita Long-Last water dispenser.

The most popular PUR water filter is the Standard Water Filter. It is effective in filtering the water, while maintaining a relatively low price. The second most popular filter is the PUR Lead Reduction water filter, followed by PUR MineralClear.

  • Brita Standard Water Filter – Longer-lasting filter as compared to other water filters.
  • Brita Water Filter Pitcher – Offers portability and immediate access to filtered water
  • Brita Long-Last Water Filter Dispenser – Offers a higher capacity of water as compared to the Pitcher and faster access to filtered water
  • PUR Standard Water Filter – Less expensive as compared to other filters
  • PUR Lead Reduction Water Filter – High capacity of removing lead from the water
  • PUR MineralClear Water Filter – Has smaller pores and is more efficient at removing minerals from water

Which PUR Water Filter Products Are Better Than Brita Water Filter Products?

These PUR water filters may be more efficient compared to Brita Water Filters:

  1. PUR Standard Water Filter: The PUR Standard Water Filter is better than the Brita standard filtering system or the Brita Pitcher, as it can remove a higher number of contaminants. Unlike Brita, PUR can eliminate contaminants such as Athelol, Atrazine, Carbon Tetrachloride, TCEP, and many more.
  2. PUR MineralClear: PUR MineralClear is better than products such as the Brita Standard Water Filter, as it has a higher capacity for filtering sediments and minerals. This is all thanks to the sediment-water filter that joins the carbon block filter.
  3. PUR Lead Reduction Water Filter: The PUR Lead Reduction water filter is better than the Brita Standard water filter when it comes to reducing lead. While the Brita Long-Last filter dispenser can also do the same thing, PUR does it at a much lower price.

Which Brita Water Filter Products Are Better Than PUR Water Filter Products?

Some Brita Water filters are much better than PUR water filters. It depends on the priorities of the user.

  1. Brita Standard Water Filter: The Brita Standard water filter is better compared to the PUR Standard water filter due to its high-filter longevity. Compared to PUR that only lasts for 2 months, Brita can last up to 6 months.
  2. Brita Water Filter Pitcher: In terms of portability, the Brita water filter pitcher is a better choice compared to other PUR water filters. This filter can easily be moved from one place of the counter to another, making it a better choice for those living in a smaller home.
  3. Brita Long-Last Water Filter Dispenser: The Brita Long-Last water filter dispenser is much more efficient than PUR at eliminating contaminants such as Asbestos, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and more.

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