A faucet-mount filter can make drinking water more convenient by filtering it at the sink, without a separate pitcher or refill step. The best choice depends on your faucet style, the contaminants you want to reduce, and how often you are willing to replace the filter. These five options from PUR and Brita offer tool-free installation and on-demand filtered water, but their certifications, filter life, and spray settings differ.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key filtration details | Filter life | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Water Filtration System | WQA-certified lead reduction; NSF-certified reduction of microplastics, chlorine, and other substances | Up to 100 gallons or 3 months | Filter-change light |
| Brita Elite Chrome Faucet Water Filter System | Reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead | Up to 4 months | Two spray options; two filters included |
| PUR Plus Horizontal Faucet Mount System | WQA- and NSF-certified reduction of lead and other substances, including microplastics | Up to 100 gallons or 3 months | Horizontal design with on/off lever |
| Brita Elite Advanced White Faucet Water Filter System | Reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead | Up to 4 months | Three spray options |
| PUR Plus Horizontal Faucet Mount Water Filtration System | WQA- and NSF-certified reduction of lead and other substances, including microplastics | Up to 100 gallons or 3 months | Natural mineral filtration and filter-change light |
Our Picks: Best Faucet Filter For Drinking Water reviews
1. PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Filter: A Strong All-Around Choice
This vertical PUR faucet-mount system is a practical pick if lead reduction and broad contaminant-reduction claims are high on your list. Its 3-in-1 filter is WQA-certified to reduce lead and NSF-certified to reduce microplastics, chlorine, and 70 chemical and physical substances described in the product information.
The system installs without tools on most standard faucets and has a light that signals when the filter needs replacing. The filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. That capacity gives you a clear replacement guideline, though your actual schedule may depend on how much water you filter.
Its vertical design keeps the setup straightforward, but it is not made for pull-out or handheld faucets. As with any faucet-mount unit, check your faucet style before ordering. Compared with the Brita picks below, this PUR model highlights a larger number of covered substances in its product claims, while its listed filter life is shorter than Brita’s.
Pros:
- WQA-certified to reduce lead
- NSF-certified to reduce microplastics, chlorine, and other substances
- Tool-free installation and a filter-change light
- Rated for up to 100 gallons or three months
Cons:
- Does not fit pull-out or handheld faucets
- Filter replacement is based on a shorter stated interval than the Brita options
Verdict: Choose this PUR model if you want a broad set of stated filtration claims and a simple filter-change reminder, provided your faucet is compatible.
2. Brita Elite Chrome System: A Convenient Two-Filter Bundle
This chrome-finish Brita system is supplied with two filters, so you have a replacement ready when the first one reaches the end of its service life. Brita says its carbon-block technology reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead.
The unit offers two spray options and a filter indicator, giving you a choice of water flow and a reminder to replace the filter. Installation is designed to take minutes without tools, but the system fits standard faucets only. It does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets.
Its stated filter life is up to four months, longer than the three-month interval listed for the PUR models here. That may mean fewer scheduled changes, though the right choice still depends on your water use and the filtration claims you want. Brita also states that the system can replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles per year; treat that as a brand estimate, since your own bottle use will vary.
Pros:
- Two filters are included
- Reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including lead
- Two spray options and a filter-change indicator
- Stated filter life of up to four months
Cons:
- Does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets
- Has fewer spray options than the white Brita model below
Verdict: This is a good fit if you want a chrome finish, two included filters, and a longer stated replacement interval, and your faucet is a standard fixed model.
3. PUR Plus Horizontal System: A Faucet Filter with an On/Off Lever
This horizontal PUR filter is designed for people who want to switch between filtered and unfiltered water using an on/off lever. Its 3-in-1 filter is described as certified by WQA and NSF to reduce 70 chemical and physical substances, including lead and microplastics.
Installation is tool-free, and the filter-change light helps you track when to replace the cartridge. The filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. PUR says it fits most faucets with visible external aerators, but it is not a universal fit; check your faucet before buying.
The horizontal layout is the main design distinction from the vertical PUR option. Its filtration claims and listed filter life are similar, so the choice between the two is mainly about the shape you prefer and which design works better with the space around your faucet. The product information does not provide a fit guarantee for every faucet that has an external aerator.
Pros:
- On/off lever for switching to filtered water
- WQA- and NSF-certified filtration claims that include lead and microplastics
- Tool-free installation and filter-change light
- Rated for up to 100 gallons or three months
Cons:
- Not compatible with every faucet; it is intended for models with visible external aerators
- Requires more frequent replacement by time than the Brita systems’ stated interval
Verdict: Pick this horizontal PUR system if you want its on/off lever and certification claims and have a compatible faucet with a visible external aerator.
4. Brita Elite Advanced White System: Three Spray Options
The white Brita Elite Advanced offers the same core filtration claims as the chrome Brita option, with a different finish and three spray options instead of two. Brita says its carbon-block filter reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead.
The system comes with one filter and includes a filter indicator. Brita lists up to four months of filter life. Its tool-free installation is meant for standard faucets, not pull-out or spray-style models, so faucet compatibility is a key point to confirm before ordering.
The extra spray option may be useful if you want more choice in how water flows from the faucet. The trade-off is that this listing includes one filter, while the chrome bundle includes two. Both Brita models share the same stated contaminant-reduction claims, so the most practical difference is the included filter count, finish, and spray settings.
Pros:
- Three spray options
- Reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including lead
- Filter indicator and tool-free installation
- Stated filter life of up to four months
Cons:
- Only one filter is included
- Does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets
Verdict: Choose this Brita if you want three spray settings and a white finish, and you do not need the second filter included with the chrome bundle.
5. PUR Plus Horizontal Filter: A Simple Setup with Natural Mineral Filtration
This PUR Plus horizontal faucet system uses a 3-in-1 filter and includes natural mineral filtration. PUR says its filter is certified by WQA and NSF to reduce 70 chemical and physical substances, including lead, and is NSF-certified to reduce microplastics.
The system has an on/off lever for on-demand filtered water, a filter-change light, and tool-free installation. The filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. It is designed for most standard faucets with visible external aerators, but not pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators.
Its listed features are close to those of the other horizontal PUR pick. The most useful comparison is to check the individual product listing for the exact system details and filter compatibility before choosing between them. If you want the horizontal design and natural mineral filtration, this model makes those features explicit in its product information.
Pros:
- 3-in-1 filtration with stated lead and microplastic reduction
- Natural mineral filtration
- On/off lever, filter-change light, and tool-free installation
- Rated for up to 100 gallons or three months
Cons:
- Not compatible with pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators
- Filter replacement is more frequent by time than the Brita options’ stated interval
Verdict: This is a sensible option if you want a horizontal PUR system with natural mineral filtration and your faucet has a compatible external aerator.
How to Choose a Faucet Filter for Drinking Water
Check the Filter’s Contaminant Claims
Start with what you want a filter to reduce. The PUR models in this guide list WQA and NSF certification claims that include lead reduction; the PUR descriptions also include claims for microplastics and other substances. Brita lists reduction of chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead. Compare the product’s specific claims with your needs rather than choosing by brand name alone.
Make Sure It Fits Your Faucet
Compatibility is one of the most important practical details. The Brita systems are designed for standard faucets and do not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets. PUR’s horizontal systems are intended for most standard faucets with visible external aerators and are not compatible with pull-out faucets or internal aerators. If you are unsure what type of faucet you have, check its aerator and compare it with the product’s installation information before ordering.
Compare Filter Life and Replacement Reminders
PUR lists its faucet filters for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. Brita lists up to four months for the Elite systems. These are product-life estimates, not a reason to ignore a replacement indicator or the manufacturer’s instructions. A filter-change light or indicator can make it easier to keep track of replacement timing.
Consider How You Want to Use the Faucet
Some models include an on/off lever for filtered water, while the Brita options list two or three spray settings. Think about whether you want to switch between filtered and unfiltered water, or whether different spray options matter to you. Also consider the space around your faucet and whether a vertical or horizontal body will work better.
Look at What Comes in the Box
The Brita chrome option includes two filters, while the white Brita option includes one. That difference may matter if you want a replacement ready without placing a separate filter order. The PUR models listed here include one faucet-mount filter. Check the current product listing for the contents and the replacement cartridge that fits your chosen system.
Balance Convenience with Ongoing Filter Changes
Faucet-mounted filters provide filtered water directly at the sink, but they still need compatible installation and regular cartridge changes. Compare the stated filter life, replacement reminders, and the amount of filtered water you expect to use. The right fit is the one that matches your faucet and filtration priorities without making upkeep a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do faucet water filters fit every kitchen faucet?
No. The products here are designed for standard faucets, and several specifically exclude pull-out or spray-style models. Some PUR horizontal systems also require a visible external aerator. Check your faucet style against the product’s compatibility details before buying.
Which option has the longest stated filter life?
The Brita Elite systems list filter life of up to four months. The PUR models list up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. Actual replacement timing depends on use, so follow the filter indicator and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Which filters in this guide list lead reduction?
All five product descriptions include lead-reduction claims. PUR lists WQA certification for lead reduction, while Brita says its systems reduce more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead. Check the product details for the full filtration information and certification language.
Do these faucet filters remove microplastics?
The PUR product descriptions state that their filters are NSF-certified to reduce microplastics. The Brita descriptions supplied for these models do not list microplastic reduction, so compare the specific claims if that feature is important to you.
Do faucet-mounted filters need electricity?
The product information describes tool-free, faucet-mounted systems and does not list a need for electrical power. The filter indicators or lights are included to help signal when the filter needs to be changed.
How do I know when to replace the filter?
The PUR systems include a filter-change light, and the Brita systems include a filter indicator. Use those reminders along with the stated capacity or time limit and the manufacturer’s replacement instructions.
Final Recommendation
The PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Water Filtration System is a strong all-around pick if you want stated lead, microplastic, and broader contaminant-reduction claims, along with a filter-change light. For a longer stated filter interval and a choice of spray settings, consider a Brita Elite model. Before choosing either brand, confirm that your faucet is compatible and compare the filter claims with the water concerns you want to address.