Water filter pitchers are worth it for most people who want better-tasting water and reduced common contaminants cheaply, without installation. They cost a little upfront plus filter replacements, but are far cheaper than bottled water and reduce plastic waste. They are not the most thorough filtration, so if you need to remove a wide range of contaminants, an under-sink or reverse osmosis system is better. This guide explains whether water filter pitchers are worth it.
Yes, for most people who want better-tasting water and reduced common contaminants cheaply with no installation. They are far cheaper than bottled water. For thorough contaminant removal, an under-sink or RO system is better.
When a Pitcher Is Worth It
- You want better-tasting water cheaply.
- You want to reduce chlorine and common contaminants.
- You cannot or do not want to install a filter.
- You want to cut bottled water cost and plastic.
Key Takeaway: The value case is bottled water. A pitcher pays for itself many times over against buying bottled water, while cutting plastic, so for taste and common contaminants it is an easy win, just not the most thorough filtration.
Cost vs Bottled Water
A pitcher plus filters costs a fraction of bottled water over a year, and avoids the plastic. See water filter pitcher vs bottled water.
What a Pitcher Does and Does Not Do
Pitchers improve taste and reduce chlorine, and many reduce lead and some metals, but they do not remove everything. For thorough removal, see best reverse osmosis systems and what water filters remove.
The Ongoing Cost
Factor in filter replacements; long-life filters lower the cost. See how often to change a filter.
When to Choose Something Else
If you need to remove a wide range of contaminants, or want filtered water on tap at volume, an under-sink or reverse osmosis system is better. See best water filters.
FAQ
Are water filter pitchers worth it?
Yes, for better-tasting water and reduced common contaminants cheaply with no installation, and they are far cheaper than bottled water. For thorough removal, choose under-sink or RO.
Do water filter pitchers save money?
Yes, compared with bottled water. A pitcher plus filters costs a fraction of bottled water over a year and avoids the plastic.
Are pitcher filters good enough?
For taste and common contaminants, yes. For removing a wide range of contaminants, an under-sink or reverse osmosis system is more thorough.
Bottom Line
Water filter pitchers are worth it for cheap, no-install, better-tasting water with reduced common contaminants, and they beat bottled water on cost and plastic. For thorough filtration, choose an under-sink or RO system. See our best water filter pitchers guide.
