Honest Comparison
PUR vs Brita for PFAS — Neither Filter Removes Forever Chemicals
PUR and Brita are two of the most popular water filter brands in the US. Both make good products. Neither removes PFAS. This is not a failure on their part — they do exactly what they are certified to do. The problem is PFAS certification requires a completely different filtration technology. Here is what each brand is actually certified for, and what to buy if PFAS is your concern.
Last updated: May 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
The Short Answer
- PUR removes PFAS: No. Certified to NSF 42 and NSF 53 only.
- Brita removes PFAS: No. Certified to NSF 42 and NSF 53 only.
- Winner for PFAS: Neither. You need a different product category entirely.
- What to buy instead: Clearly Filtered pitcher (a certified PFAS reduction claim), AquaTru RO, or Waterdrop RO system.
Why Certifications Matter for PFAS
Every reputable water filter certification comes from NSF International, an independent testing organization. The certification number tells you exactly what the filter was tested for. A filter with NSF 42 was tested for taste and odor. A filter with NSF 53 was tested for health contaminants like lead. Neither of those covers PFAS.
PFAS has its own certification: NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 with a PFAS reduction claim. This standard tests specifically for PFOA and PFOS removal. There is also NSF 244, which covers a broader range of PFAS compounds. Brita and PUR hold neither. You can verify any filter's certifications at the NSF certification database .
| NSF Standard | What It Tests For | Covers PFAS? | Brita / PUR? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSF 42 | Taste, odor, chlorine | Both hold this | |
| NSF 53 | Lead, chloramine, VOCs, some pesticides | Both hold this | |
| NSF 401 | Pharmaceuticals, herbicides, BPA | Brita Longlast only | |
| NSF certification guide | PFOA and PFOS specifically | Neither holds this | |
| NSF 58 | Reverse osmosis performance (removes PFAS) | Neither holds this | |
| NSF 244 | Broad PFAS compound removal | Neither holds this |
Learn more: NSF Certification Explained
PUR vs Brita — Head to Head
Both are good filters for what they do
PUR and Brita are not bad products. They reduce real contaminants that affect millions of Americans. If lead or chlorine taste is your concern, either will work. The issue is specific: PFAS is a newer category of contamination that requires different technology. Neither brand has built that into a pitcher format and had it independently certified. Until they do, pitchers labeled a certified PFAS reduction claim — like Clearly Filtered — are the only certified PFAS pitcher option.
Why Brita and PUR Cannot Remove PFAS
Both brands use granular activated carbon (GAC). Carbon in this form has a large surface area that adsorbs (binds) certain molecules. It works well for chlorine and organic compounds. It does not work well for PFAS for two reasons.
1. PFAS molecules have a fluorine shield
PFAS are made of carbon and fluorine bonds. The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry. It does not react with or attach easily to standard activated carbon. The fluorine atoms create a shield that allows PFAS to pass through without being captured.
2. GAC pore size is too large
Granular activated carbon is sized for chlorine and organic molecules. PFAS molecules are smaller in some ways but require a specific type of carbon media with a different charge to bind to them. Catalytic carbon or ion exchange resin is needed. Standard GAC does not have this.
3. Neither brand has invested in a certified PFAS claim
Earning a certified PFAS claim requires redesigning the filter media and paying for third-party certification. It is possible to build a certified PFAS pitcher — Clearly Filtered has done it. Brita and PUR have not made this investment as of 2026.
What to Buy Instead
If PFAS is in your tap water and you have been relying on Brita or PUR, here are three options that actually work:
Best Drop-In Replacement for Brita/PUR
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
$99 · certified for PFAS reduction · 100-gallon filter life
Looks and functions like a pitcher. Fills from the top. Goes in the fridge. The only difference is the filter uses Clearly Filtered's Affinity Filtration technology instead of GAC. certified for 99.7% PFOA and 99.9% PFOS removal. Same format as Brita, completely different performance on PFAS.
Best Countertop RO (No Plumbing)
AquaTru Countertop RO System
$475 · NSF 58 · 99.9% PFOA/PFOS · No installation needed
If you want the gold standard in countertop PFAS removal, AquaTru uses reverse osmosis. The RO membrane physically blocks PFAS molecules regardless of compound type. No plumbing required. Plugs into a standard outlet. Best for renters who cannot install under-sink systems.
Best Under-Sink RO (Homeowners)
Waterdrop G3P800 Tankless RO
$759 · NSF 58 · 800 GPD · Remineralization included
If you own your home, an under-sink RO delivers clean water on demand at every fill. The Waterdrop G3P800 is tankless, installs under the kitchen sink, and removes 99%+ of PFAS compounds via the RO membrane. Remineralization filter adds calcium and magnesium back so the water tastes balanced.
See the full comparison: Best Countertop Water Filters for PFAS and Best PFAS Water Filters, All Types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PUR remove PFAS?
No. PUR filters hold NSF Standard 42 certification (taste and odor) and NSF Standard 53 certification (lead, chlorine, some pesticides). PUR does not hold a certified PFAS claim or NSF 244, the certifications that test for PFAS removal. PUR has never claimed PFAS removal on its pitcher or faucet filter products.
Does Brita remove PFAS?
No. Standard Brita pitchers are certified to NSF 42 and NSF 53. The Brita Longlast filter adds certifications for asbestos, benzene, and pharmaceuticals, but still does not hold a certified PFAS claim for PFAS. Brita does not test or claim PFAS removal on any of its current products.
Which is better, PUR or Brita?
For PFAS: neither. They perform at the same level — zero certified PFAS removal. For general water quality, PUR holds more NSF 53 certifications than the standard Brita pitcher, covering more heavy metals and some pesticides. The Brita Longlast filter adds asbestos and pharmaceuticals. Neither removes PFAS.
What is the difference between NSF 42 and NSF 53?
NSF Standard 42 tests for aesthetic improvements — taste, odor, and chlorine. NSF Standard 53 tests for health contaminants like lead, cysts, chloramine, and some pesticides. Neither standard tests for PFAS. You need a certified PFAS claim (for carbon-based PFAS filters) or NSF 58 (for reverse osmosis systems) to confirm PFAS removal.
What should I buy instead of Brita or PUR if I have PFAS?
For renters and budget buyers: the Clearly Filtered pitcher ($99, independent lab data rather than a PFAS certification) is a direct swap for Brita or PUR and actually removes PFAS. For homeowners who want more capacity: the AquaTru countertop RO system ($475, and the only certified PFAS claim here) or a Waterdrop under-sink RO system remove 99%+ of all PFAS compounds. For whole-home coverage, see our best whole-house PFAS filter guide.
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