A faucet-mounted water filter is a simple way to get filtered water directly from your kitchen tap, without a countertop pitcher or a separate under-sink setup. The best choice depends on your faucet style, which contaminants you want the filter certified to reduce, and how often you’re willing to replace the cartridge. These five PUR and Brita options offer tool-free installation, but they differ in design, spray settings, and filter life.
Quick Comparison
| Water Filter | Filter Life | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Water Filtration System | Up to 100 gallons or 3 months | Lead reduction, filter-change light, vertical design | Those seeking a compact PUR option |
| Brita Elite Chrome Faucet Water Filter System | Up to 4 months | Reduces 60+ contaminants, two spray options | Shoppers who want a chrome finish and two filters |
| Brita Elite Advanced White Faucet Water Filter System | Up to 4 months | Reduces 60+ contaminants, three spray options | Those who want more spray choices |
| PUR PLUS Horizontal Faucet Mount System | Up to 100 gallons or 3 months | Lead and microplastic reduction, on/off lever | Those who prefer a horizontal PUR design |
| PUR Plus Horizontal Faucet Mount Filtration System | Up to 100 gallons or 3 months | Lead-reducing filter, filter-change light | Shoppers looking for a straightforward horizontal PUR unit |
Our Picks: Best Water Filter For Kitchen Tap reviews
1. PUR Plus Faucet-Mount Filter: A Compact Vertical Pick
This vertical PUR faucet filter is designed to provide filtered water on demand. Its filter uses 3-in-1 filtration and is certified by WQA to reduce lead. The product is also NSF-certified to reduce microplastics, chlorine, and other listed chemical and physical substances.
The unit installs without tools on most standard faucets. A filter-change light provides a reminder when it’s time for a replacement. The filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use, whichever comes first. Like the other faucet-mounted options here, it is not designed for pull-out or handheld faucets.
The vertical design may suit you if you want a PUR system with a clear replacement reminder and a stated gallon limit. Its main trade-off is compatibility: check that your faucet is a standard model before ordering. Brita’s Elite options offer a longer stated time between changes, while this PUR’s filtration claims specifically include microplastics.
Pros:
- WQA-certified to reduce lead
- NSF-certified to reduce microplastics and other listed substances
- Tool-free installation on most standard faucets
- Filter-change light and a stated 100-gallon limit
Cons:
- Not designed for pull-out or handheld faucets
- Filter replacement is due after three months or 100 gallons, whichever comes first
Verdict: Choose this PUR if you want a vertical faucet filter with a change light and clearly stated lead and microplastic reduction claims, provided your faucet is compatible.
2. Brita Elite Chrome Faucet Filter: Two Filters Included
This Brita faucet system comes with two filters and has a chrome finish. Its carbon-block filtration is certified to reduce chlorine taste and odor, and the product states that it reduces more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead. It offers two spray options and a filter indicator.
Installation is tool-free and intended for standard faucets. Brita says the system does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets, so faucet compatibility is worth checking before you buy. The filter is rated for up to four months, though your actual replacement schedule should follow the product instructions.
The two included filters make this a practical option if you want a replacement on hand. Compared with the white Brita Elite model below, this version has two spray options rather than three. Compared with the PUR picks, its listed filter life is expressed in months, not gallons.
Pros:
- Includes two filters
- Reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 listed contaminants
- Offers two spray options and a filter indicator
- Made without BPA, according to the product information
Cons:
- Does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets
- Has fewer spray options than the white Brita Elite model
Verdict: This is a good fit if you want a chrome faucet filter with two spray options and a spare filter included, as long as your faucet is a standard style.
3. Brita Elite Advanced White: Three Spray Options
This white Brita faucet filter shares the Elite filtration claims of the chrome model: it reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead. It comes with one filter, has a filter indicator, and offers three spray options for different tap-water tasks.
The system installs without tools on standard faucets. It is not made for pull-out or spray-style faucets, which rules it out for some sinks. Brita lists a filter life of up to four months. Since the package includes one filter, you’ll need to plan for replacements separately after the included cartridge is used.
The key difference between this and the chrome Elite is the finish, number of spray options, and number of filters included. Pick this version if three spray choices matter more to you than having a second filter in the package. If you prefer a PUR filter with a stated gallon limit and microplastic reduction certification, consider one of the PUR models instead.
Pros:
- Offers three spray options
- Reduces chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 listed contaminants
- Includes a filter indicator
- Tool-free installation for standard faucets
Cons:
- Includes one filter rather than two
- Does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets
Verdict: Choose this Brita if you want three spray options and a white finish, and your sink has a compatible standard faucet.
4. PUR PLUS Horizontal System: On-Demand Filtered Water
This horizontal PUR system includes one genuine PUR Plus filter and an on/off lever for choosing when to use filtered water. Its filtration claims include WQA and NSF certification for reducing listed chemical and physical substances, including lead, as well as NSF certification for reducing microplastics.
The unit installs without tools and is designed for most standard faucets with visible, external aerators. It is not compatible with pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators. The filter-change light helps signal when to replace the cartridge, which is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use.
This model is a strong match if you want the horizontal PUR design and want to control filtered-water flow with a lever. Its compatibility requirements are more specific than a general “standard faucet” fit, so check for an external aerator first. The Brita models are an alternative if you prefer multiple spray options or a filter rated for up to four months.
Pros:
- On/off lever provides filtered water on demand
- Certified to reduce lead and listed contaminants, including microplastics
- Includes a filter-change light
- Tool-free installation
Cons:
- Requires a compatible faucet with a visible, external aerator
- Not compatible with pull-out faucets or internal aerators
Verdict: Pick this horizontal PUR system if its filtration claims and on/off lever suit you, and your faucet has a visible external aerator.
5. PUR Plus Horizontal Filter: A Straightforward Lead-Reduction Option
This horizontal PUR Plus system is a faucet-mounted option for people who want filtered water directly from the tap. Its 3-in-1 filter is described as certified by WQA and NSF to reduce 70 chemical and physical substances, including lead and microplastics. The package includes one genuine PUR faucet filter.
The unit installs without tools and has an on/off lever for filtered water when you need it. It is compatible with most faucets that have visible external aerators, but not with pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators. The filter-change light offers a reminder, and the filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use.
On the key listed features, this model is similar to the other horizontal PUR system in this roundup. Before choosing either, focus on faucet fit and the included filter details in the listing. If you want spray options, the Brita Elite models offer two or three; the PUR units emphasize an on/off lever instead.
Pros:
- 3-in-1 filtration with listed lead and microplastic reduction claims
- On/off lever for filtered water on demand
- Filter-change light
- Tool-free installation on compatible faucets
Cons:
- Requires a compatible faucet with a visible external aerator
- Filter life is limited to up to 100 gallons or three months, whichever comes first
Verdict: This PUR is a practical choice if you want a horizontal faucet filter with an on/off lever and your faucet has a compatible external aerator.
How to Choose a Water Filter for Your Kitchen Tap
Check Your Faucet Before You Buy
Faucet filters do not fit every sink. These products are intended for standard faucets, and the listed models do not fit pull-out faucets. The horizontal PUR systems also call for a visible, external aerator and are not compatible with internal aerators. Check your faucet type and the product’s fit details before choosing a filter.
Compare the Contaminant Reduction Claims
Look at the specific reduction claims and certifications for the model you’re considering. The PUR options in this roundup state that they are certified to reduce lead and microplastics, along with other listed substances. The Brita Elite options state that they reduce chlorine taste and odor and more than 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead. These claims are not identical, so match the product information to your priorities.
Consider Filter Life and Replacement Reminders
PUR lists its filters for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. Brita lists up to four months for its Elite filters. These are maximum stated lifespans, not a guarantee that every household will get the same use from a cartridge. A filter-change light or indicator can make replacement easier to remember, but follow the instructions for your specific model.
Choose the Controls and Spray Options You’ll Use
The horizontal PUR models have an on/off lever for filtered water on demand. The Brita Elite models offer two or three spray options, depending on the version. Think about your daily routine: the lever may appeal if you want to switch between filtered and unfiltered water, while spray choices may matter if you prefer different water flows at the sink.
Factor in the Filters Included
The chrome Brita Elite package includes two filters, while the white Brita Elite and the listed PUR systems include one filter. An extra cartridge can be useful to have on hand, but compare the replacement requirements and the product details as well as the number included. The initial filter count does not change how often each cartridge needs replacing.
Decide Which Design Fits Your Sink
The products include vertical and horizontal faucet-mounted designs, plus different finishes and colors. Consider the space around your faucet and whether you prefer a visible lever, indicator, or spray control. The supplied product details do not give exact dimensions, so check the product listing if clearance is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these faucet filters fit every kitchen tap?
No. The Brita systems are listed for standard faucets and do not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets. The horizontal PUR systems require most standard faucets with visible external aerators and do not fit pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators. Check your faucet and the product’s compatibility details first.
Which filters in this roundup are certified to reduce lead?
All five products list lead reduction claims. The PUR options describe WQA certification to reduce lead, while the Brita Elite options state that they reduce 99% of lead. Check the individual product information for the exact certification and reduction details.
Do the PUR faucet filters reduce microplastics?
The PUR product descriptions state that their filters are NSF-certified to reduce microplastics. This claim applies to the PUR models listed here; check the relevant product information for the specific filter and its instructions.
How often should I replace a faucet filter?
The PUR filters are rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. The Brita Elite filters are listed for up to four months. Follow the instructions for your model and replace the filter when its indicator or guidance calls for it.
Can I use a faucet-mounted filter with hot water?
Check the instructions for the specific system before using hot water through it. The product details provided here do not state a hot-water limit, so do not assume that every filter is designed for hot water.
What is the difference between the two Brita Elite models?
The chrome version includes two filters and offers two spray options. The white version includes one filter and offers three spray options. Both list a filter life of up to four months and similar contaminant-reduction claims.
Which water filter is the best overall choice?
The best fit depends on your faucet and priorities. The PUR Plus vertical model lists a filter-change light and microplastic reduction certification. The Brita Elite chrome model includes two filters, while the white Brita offers three spray options. Confirm faucet compatibility before making your choice.
Final Recommendation
For a straightforward faucet-mounted filter with listed lead and microplastic reduction claims, the PUR Plus options are worth considering—especially if you have a compatible faucet with a visible external aerator for the horizontal models. If you prefer more spray choices or want two filters included, compare the Brita Elite versions. Start with faucet compatibility, then choose based on the filtration claims, controls, and replacement schedule that best suit your kitchen.