H2O Insider

PUR Review

Founded 1986Greenfield, OHparent-owned

PUR offers widely available pitcher and faucet filters at competitive prices with NSF 53 certification for lead reduction.

7.0
H2O Insider Score
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PUR: Accessible NSF 53 Lead Protection With a Short Filter Life Problem

PUR is the second most widely distributed water filter brand in the US after Brita, with a presence in virtually every grocery store, pharmacy, and big-box retailer. Their PUR Plus filter line carries genuine NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead removal — a fact that distinguishes it from the entry-level PUR Classic (NSF 42 only).

The persistent problem with PUR is the 40-gallon pitcher filter life. At $10 per replacement filter and 40 gallons, PUR's cost per gallon runs $0.25 — more thanClearly Filtered ($0.25/100 gallons... wait, same) but considerably more than Brita Elite ($0.10/120 gallons). A family of 4 replaces PUR Plus pitcher filters every 2–3 weeks, generating both cost and waste that the category doesn't require.

PUR Brand Score: 6.5/10

Retail Availability10.0

Sold in virtually every retail chain — easiest to find in a pinch

NSF 53 (Plus line)8.0

96.5% lead removal — solid but below Brita Elite (99.0%) and Epic Nano (99.9%)

Faucet Filter Value8.0

PUR Plus faucet ($35, 100 gal) is competitive with Brita faucet at the same price point

Pitcher Filter Life3.0

40-gallon pitcher filter is the shortest life in NSF 53 category — high ongoing cost

Cost Per Gallon (Pitcher)4.5

$0.25/gallon — 2.5x more expensive than Brita Elite per gallon of lead-protected water

PFAS Coverage2.0

No NSF P473 on any PUR product — not a PFAS solution

PUR Faucet > PUR Pitcher

If you're set on PUR: buy the faucet filter ($35, 100 gallons) rather than the pitcher. The faucet filter has a longer life, no tank to fill, and immediate filtered water at the tap. The pitcher's 40-gallon filter life is the weakest link in PUR's product line. For pitchers specifically, Brita Elite is a better choice at equivalent price with 3x the filter life.

Related Reading

Lead in Drinking Water

PUR Plus NSF 53 at 96.5% lead removal vs Brita Elite at 99.0% — which pitcher to choose

PFAS in Drinking Water

Why PUR holds no NSF P473 certification and what to buy instead for PFAS protection

Best Pitcher Water Filters

Full pitcher comparison placing PUR Plus against all NSF 53 and P473 certified alternatives

Brita Review

Better filter life, better lead removal, same price — why Brita Elite beats PUR pitcher for most buyers

Clearly Filtered Pitcher Review

When PFAS matters more than cost: NSF P473-certified pitcher with 100-gallon filter life

Epic Nano Review

NSF P473 at $45 — the PFAS-certified alternative at a price point close to PUR Plus

PUR Product Line

7.0
Pitcher

PUR Plus 11-Cup Pitcher

pur

$30+ $120/yr

  • ✓Very affordable ($30)
  • ✓Widely available at major retailers
Price unavailable

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