Best Water Filter Pitchers of 2026
Our tests found that most water filter pitchers will purge your tap water of bad tastes and odors, but some will make you wait
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Water filter pitchers aren’t the most effective way to purify your tap water, but they can remove unappetizing flavors and unpleasant odors, and some can even eliminate toxins such as lead and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). That makes the best of them a practical, inexpensive choice compared with other water filter options that may require professional installation and costly filter replacements. They’re also a better economic and environmental option than disposable plastic water bottles.
“Water filter pitchers are convenient because there’s no under-sink installation,” says Mike Sedlak, a CR test engineer who oversees water filter testing. “With most, you just fill it up with tap water, place it in the refrigerator, and wait.”
Not all the water filters in our pitcher ratings reflect a characteristic handle-and-spout design. Some, like the Culligan ZEROD40, don’t have a handle at all, but are designed to sit on a kitchen counter and dispense water through a spigot. But because they use the same gravity-based filtration technology as traditional pitchers, we include them in that category and subject them to the same tests as water filter pitchers that you pour from.
Best Water Filter Pitchers
Worst Water Filter Pitchers
How to Choose a Water Filter Pitcher
Considering why you need a water filter will help you choose the right one. Do you need a pitcher that simply removes odors and improves the taste of your water? Or one that reduces the risk of exposure to lead and other concerning chemicals? Our comprehensive ratings can help you determine which model fits your needs.
Capacity is also key. You don’t want to spend your days and nights refilling a pitcher that’s too small. Depending on your household’s collective thirst, a small family can get by with a 2-liter water filter pitcher, while a larger household should invest in a 4-liter size. Some consumers prefer a pitcher that can fit in the refrigerator door. Water filter pitcher designs are continually improving. There are even glass and stainless steel pitchers available for those who prefer to avoid plastic.
Regarding price, consider not just the water filter pitcher’s original purchase price but also the annual cost of replacement cartridges, which can add up to more than the pitcher itself. Filter replacement costs are included in our water filter pitcher ratings.
Do Water Filter Pitchers Work?
To be clear, the water filter pitchers we test are intended for use with potable water—that is, water that’s safe to drink—to improve taste and remove unpleasant odors. Based on our tests, 10 of the 14 pitchers in our ratings do a very good job of improving flavor and reducing odor.
If you’re concerned about potential contaminants in your water, request a Consumer Confidence Report from your water supplier to determine whether any harmful substances are present. If you’re on well water, have your water tested. Then choose a filter that’s certified to remove whatever concerning substances those tests reveal.
Some manufacturers claim that their pitchers remove specific contaminants, such as chlorine, lead, and PFAS. The only way to be sure they actually do so is to verify that the filter is certified for the removal of those substances by an accredited laboratory, such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the Water Quality Association, or the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials. Be wary of water filter marketing language that says “tested to” or “meets standards.” Certified products will bear a seal from the testing organization.
Of the pitchers in our tests, four–Brita Denali with Elite filter, Culligan ZEROD40, Culligan Zero Water ZD-012-RP, and ZeroWater Ready-Pour ZD-010RP–are certified to NSF standards to reduce lead, chlorine, and PFAS.
