Best Water Filtration For Kitchen Faucet: PUR and Brita Compared

A faucet-mounted filter can give you drinking water directly from the kitchen tap without a separate pitcher or under-sink setup. The right choice depends on more than filtration claims: your faucet must be compatible, and you’ll want a filter capacity and spray setup that suit your routine. These five PUR and Brita options all attach to the faucet, but they differ in orientation, included filters, and stated features.

Our Picks: Best Water Filtration For Kitchen Faucet reviews

1. PUR Plus Vertical Faucet-Mount System for Broad Filtration Claims

This vertical PUR system is a straightforward option if you want filtered water at the sink and your faucet can support a mounted unit. Its filter is certified to reduce lead and is also certified to reduce microplastics, chlorine, and 70 chemical and physical substances that may be found in tap or bottled water. Those claims make it a strong fit for shoppers who want a faucet filter with a broad stated reduction profile.

The unit installs without tools and has a filter-change light. Its filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use, whichever comes first. The vertical design distinguishes it from PUR’s horizontal models, so consider the space around your faucet and sink before choosing between them.

The main limitation is fit: this model is not designed for pull-out or handheld faucets. As with any filter, its stated reduction claims do not guarantee it addresses every concern in your local water supply. Check your water information and the filter’s certification details if you’re targeting a specific substance.

Pros:

• WQA-certified to reduce lead and NSF-certified for other listed reductions
• Rated for up to 100 gallons or three months
• Tool-free installation and a filter-change light
• Vertical style for shoppers who prefer that orientation

Cons:

• Not designed for pull-out or handheld faucets
• Requires replacement at the stated capacity or time limit

Verdict: Choose this PUR model if its vertical shape suits your sink and you want a filter with broad stated reduction claims and a built-in replacement reminder.

2. Brita Elite Chrome System with Two Filters Included

This chrome Brita faucet-mount system is a practical option if you want two filters included and prefer a finish that stands out less on a chrome faucet. Brita says its carbon-block technology reduces chlorine taste and odor as well as 60+ contaminants, including 99% of lead. The system also includes a filter indicator and two spray options.

Installation is tool-free, and the filtered water is available directly from the tap. Having two filters in the package gives you a replacement on hand, though you’ll still need to follow the product’s replacement guidance. The listing identifies a four-month filter interval; actual timing can depend on use and the manufacturer’s instructions.

This system is made without BPA, according to the product information. It fits standard faucets but does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets. If you want more spray choices, the white Brita model below offers three; if you want PUR’s stated microplastic reduction certification, consider one of the PUR options instead.

Pros:

• Includes two filters
• Reduces chlorine taste and odor and 60+ listed contaminants, including 99% of lead
• Two spray options and a filter indicator
• Tool-free installation and a chrome finish

Cons:

• Does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets
• Offers two spray options rather than the three on the white Brita model

Verdict: This is a sensible pick if you want a chrome faucet filter with two filters included and your faucet is a standard compatible style.

3. PUR Plus Horizontal System with a 100-Gallon Filter

This horizontal PUR system offers the brand’s 3-in-1 filtration approach in a different orientation from the vertical model. Its filter is certified to reduce lead and other listed chemical and physical substances, including microplastics. PUR also describes natural mineral filtration as part of the filter’s design.

The system comes with one genuine PUR filter rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. A filter-change light provides a reminder, and an on/off lever lets you choose when to draw filtered water. Installation is tool-free, but compatibility is specific: it fits many standard faucets with visible external aerators and is not compatible with pull-out faucets or internal aerators.

Compared with the vertical PUR option, the key choice is form rather than a different stated capacity. Check the available clearance around your faucet, and inspect the faucet aerator before buying. If you’re unsure about your water’s needs, compare the filter’s certified reductions with your local water information.

Pros:

• WQA- and NSF-certified reductions include lead and microplastics
• Rated for up to 100 gallons or three months
• On/off lever and filter-change light
• Tool-free installation on compatible faucets

Cons:

• Not compatible with pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators
• Includes one filter, so a replacement will be needed later

Verdict: Pick this horizontal PUR model if your faucet has a visible external aerator and you want the brand’s stated filtration features in a horizontal mount.

4. PUR Plus Horizontal Filter with an On/Off Lever

This PUR Plus horizontal faucet filter is another option for shoppers who want an on-demand lever and a reminder light. Its 3-in-1 filter is described as reducing lead and other chemical and physical substances, including microplastics. The filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use.

The horizontal mount keeps the filter beside the faucet, while the lever lets you switch to filtered water when you need it. The listing calls for a standard faucet with a visible external aerator and notes that pull-out faucets and faucets with internal aerators are not compatible. Make that fit check before ordering; tool-free installation won’t help if the faucet connection is wrong.

This model has much in common with the other horizontal PUR pick. The supplied details do not establish a meaningful difference in filtration capacity, so choose based on the specific listing, fit, and availability rather than assuming one has a stronger filter. Both include one filter and a change indicator.

Pros:

• Filter is rated for up to 100 gallons or three months
• On/off lever for filtered water when needed
• Filter-change light
• Tool-free installation on compatible faucets

Cons:

• Not suitable for pull-out faucets or faucets with internal aerators
• Only one filter is included

Verdict: Consider this model if you want a horizontal PUR unit with a lever and your faucet has the required visible external aerator.

5. Brita Elite Advanced White System with Three Spray Options

This white Brita faucet filter has three spray options, giving it more stated flow choices than the chrome Brita model in this group. Brita says its carbon-block technology reduces chlorine taste and odor and 60+ contaminants, including 99% of lead. The system also has a filter indicator and is made without BPA.

It installs without tools and supplies filtered water directly at the faucet. One filter is included, and the listing identifies a four-month filter interval. Brita also says the system can replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles per year; treat that as the brand’s stated comparison, not a guarantee of your household’s actual savings or bottle use.

Like the chrome model, this system is for standard faucets and does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets. It may suit you if you prefer a white finish and want three spray options. Choose another option if your faucet is incompatible or if PUR’s stated microplastic reduction certification is a priority.

Pros:

• Three spray options
• Reduces chlorine taste and odor and 60+ listed contaminants, including 99% of lead
• Filter indicator and tool-free installation
• Made without BPA, according to the product information

Cons:

• Does not fit pull-out or spray-style faucets
• Includes one filter

Verdict: Choose the white Brita if three spray options are useful to you and your faucet is a compatible standard style.

How to Choose a Kitchen Faucet Water Filter

Check Faucet Compatibility First

Faucet-mounted filters do not fit every sink. The products here are designed for standard faucets, and the listings specifically exclude pull-out or spray-style faucets for the Brita models. PUR’s horizontal models call for a visible external aerator and exclude pull-out faucets and internal aerators; the vertical PUR model is not designed for pull-out or handheld faucets. Check your faucet type and the product’s fit notes before ordering.

Match Filtration Claims to Your Water Concerns

Compare the specific reduction claims rather than relying on a broad phrase such as “cleaner water.” The PUR listings state certification for lead reduction and reductions that include microplastics, while Brita lists chlorine taste and odor reduction and 60+ contaminants, including 99% of lead. If you have a particular concern, check your local water information and the product’s certification details to see whether that filter addresses it.

Consider Capacity and Replacement Reminders

The PUR models in this guide are rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use and include a filter-change light. The Brita listings identify a four-month filter interval and include an indicator. These are replacement guidelines, not a reason to ignore the product instructions. Filter life is also worth considering when comparing ongoing upkeep, especially if your household uses filtered water often.

Think About the Mount’s Shape and Sink Space

A vertical or horizontal filter can affect the space around your faucet and how easily you reach the controls. Compare the product photos with your sink layout, including nearby backsplash space and room for your hands under the faucet. A filter that fits the faucet still needs to leave enough room for the way you wash dishes and fill containers.

Choose the Controls and Spray Options You’ll Use

PUR’s horizontal models include an on/off lever for filtered water. The Brita options provide two or three spray choices, depending on the model. Think about whether you value switching between spray modes or prefer a dedicated control for filtered water. More options are only useful if they suit your routine.

Check What Comes in the Box

The Brita chrome system includes two filters, while the white Brita model and the PUR options listed here include one filter each. If you want a replacement available from the start, the included quantity may matter. Before buying additional filters later, verify that the replacement is made for your specific system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a faucet-mounted filter fit any kitchen faucet?

No. These filters are intended for compatible standard faucets, and some models exclude pull-out, spray-style, or handheld faucets. PUR’s horizontal models also specify a visible external aerator and exclude internal aerators. Check the exact product fit notes and your faucet before ordering.

Which option in this guide is rated for 100 gallons?

The three PUR models listed here are rated for up to 100 gallons or three months of regular use. Follow the instructions for your specific filter and replace it according to its guidance.

Do these faucet filters reduce lead?

The supplied product information states that all five options reduce lead. PUR lists WQA certification for lead reduction, while Brita says its systems reduce 99% of lead. For a specific water concern, check the product’s certification information and your local water details.

Which filter includes the most spray options?

The white Brita Elite Advanced system has three spray options. The chrome Brita Elite system has two. The PUR listings describe an on/off lever on the horizontal models rather than multiple spray options.

Do these systems need tools to install?

The supplied descriptions say these faucet-mounted systems install without tools. They still need a compatible faucet connection, so confirm the fit requirements before you begin.

Does a faucet filter remove every contaminant?

No filter should be assumed to address every possible water issue. Each product lists specific reduction claims. Compare those claims with your water information, and consult the product’s certification details if you are concerned about a particular substance.

Which faucet filter is the best starting point for most shoppers?

The PUR Plus horizontal system is a strong starting point if your faucet has a visible external aerator and you want a 100-gallon filter, an on/off lever, and the stated PUR certifications. If you want more spray choices or two filters included, compare the Brita models instead.

Final Recommendation

For a compatible standard faucet, the PUR Plus horizontal model is the most balanced pick in this group: it offers a 100-gallon-or-three-month filter, a change light, an on/off lever, and stated certifications that include lead and microplastic reduction. The Brita Elite chrome system is a useful alternative if you want two filters included, while the white Brita model offers three spray options. Confirm faucet compatibility and match the listed filtration claims to your water needs before choosing.