Clearly Filtered vs Brita: Pitcher Battle
Clearly Filtered vs Brita Elite: Brita Elite is listed for lead, Clearly Filtered for chlorine and taste/odor only, and neither for PFAS. Listings, price and cost per gallon compared.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
$90
Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher
$42
Quick Verdict
Brita Elite ranks higher: it is listed under NSF/ANSI 53 for lead and costs less per gallon ($0.10 vs $0.25), while Clearly Filtered is listed for chlorine and taste/odor only. Neither pitcher is listed for PFAS; if PFAS is a concern, the ZeroWater ZR-0810N is listed for PFOA/PFOS.
The Honest Comparison: Listings Make the Decision
Clearly Filtered vs Brita Elite isn't a fair fight on contaminant coverage. Clearly Filtered's own report says it is tested against 365+ contaminants, but it is certified only under NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine and taste/odor. Brita Elite is certified for taste, lead, and pharmaceuticals. Neither carries a PFAS certification. On cost, Brita Elite's $0.10/gallon vs Clearly Filtered's $0.25/gallon is meaningful.
The decision follows the listings. If your concern is lead and chlorine, Brita Elite at less than half the price is listed under NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, and Clearly Filtered is not. If PFAS is in your water, neither pitcher is listed for it. The ZeroWater ZR-0810N ($35) is listed under NSF/ANSI 53 for lead, PFOA and PFOS.
Side-by-Side: Certification and Performance
| Factor | Clearly Filtered | Brita Elite |
|---|---|---|
| NSF 42 (taste/odor) | ✓ | ✓ |
| NSF 53 (lead) | ✗ | ✓ |
| NSF 401 (pharmaceuticals) | ✗ | ✓ |
| NSF 53 (PFOA/PFOS) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Contaminants tested (brand claim) | 365+ | ~30 |
| Pitcher price | $90 | $42 |
| Filter life | 100 gallons | 120 gallons |
| Cost per gallon | $0.25 | $0.10 |
| Fill speed | 15–20 min | 5–10 min |
If PFAS Is Your Concern
Total Cost of Ownership
| Period | Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher | Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $230 | $102 |
| 3 years | $510 | $222 |
| 5 years | $790 | $342 |
| 10 years | $1,490 | $642 |