Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This never changes which products we pick. We compare published certifications and each maker’s own claims. We do not list prices because they change often. This guide is general information, not medical or water-safety advice.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been found in drinking water across the United States. The good news is that some home filters can greatly reduce them. According to the EPA, three types of filters work best: activated carbon, ion exchange and reverse osmosis, as long as you replace the filters on time.
The hard part is knowing which claims to trust. Some filters are certified by an independent body for PFOA and PFOS reduction. Others are only tested by a lab the company hired. Both can be useful, but they are not the same thing. Below we compare five popular options and tell you exactly what each maker claims.
Start here: Before buying any filter, look up your local water quality report (your water utility publishes one every year). It tells you what is actually in your water, so you can choose a filter that targets it.
Quick picks
IAPMO certified for PFOA/PFOS.
120 gallons per filter.
Lab-tested on 386+ contaminants.
Countertop reverse osmosis.
Tankless, 600 gallons per day.
PFAS water filters compared
| Filter | Type | PFAS claim (per maker) | Filter life | Install | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZeroWater 10-Cup | Pitcher, 5-stage ion exchange | IAPMO certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS | Depends on your water’s TDS | None | View |
| Aquagear Pitcher | Pitcher | Third-party tested for PFOA/PFOS | 120 gallons | None | View |
| Clearly Filtered Pitcher | Pitcher | Independently lab-tested, 386+ contaminants | 100 gallons, about 4 months | None | View |
| AquaTru Glass Carafe | Countertop reverse osmosis, 4-stage | Says it removes PFOA + PFOS, certified to NSF standards | RO filter: 1 year or 600 gallons | Plug in, no plumbing | View |
| Waterdrop G3P600 | Under-sink reverse osmosis, tankless | NSF/ANSI 58 for TDS; SGS lab-tested for PFAS | See listing per stage | Under-sink install | View |
Claims come from each maker’s Amazon listing and can change. Always check the current certification on the certifier’s website.
1. ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher: best certified pitcher
ZeroWater uses a 5-stage ion exchange filter. The company says it is IAPMO certified to reduce PFOA/PFOS, lead, chromium and mercury, and the pitcher comes with a TDS meter so you can see when the filter is used up. The pitcher is made of BPA-free plastic.
What we like
- Independent certification for PFOA/PFOS
- TDS meter shows when to change the filter
- No installation
- Ready-pour dispenser design
Keep in mind
- Filters wear out faster if your water has high TDS
- Also removes minerals, which changes the taste
- Filtering is slow
2. Aquagear Pitcher: longest filter life
Aquagear says its filter is third-party tested to reduce lead, chlorine, microplastics, PFOA and PFOS, and lasts 120 gallons, about three times longer than a standard pitcher filter. The company also includes a free filter recycling program.
What we like
- Long filter life means fewer changes
- Free filter recycling
- Targets lead and PFOA/PFOS
- Simple to use
Keep in mind
- Lab-tested claims, check certification details on the listing
- Slower than a basic pitcher
- Plastic pitcher body
3. Clearly Filtered Pitcher: most contaminants tested
Clearly Filtered is known for publishing detailed lab results. The company says its pitcher is independently tested by a third-party lab against 386+ contaminants, and each filter handles about 100 gallons, roughly four months of daily use.
What we like
- Very detailed published test results
- Long filter life
- Targets a wide range of contaminants
Keep in mind
- PFAS results are from lab testing, check which certifications cover PFAS
- Filters cost more than basic pitchers
- Pitcher body is BPA-free plastic
4. AquaTru Glass Carafe: best no-install reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the strongest home methods for reducing PFAS. AquaTru puts it on your counter: you fill the tank with tap water and it filters into a glass carafe. No plumbing or drilling. AquaTru says it removes PFOA and PFOS and is tested and certified to NSF standards. The RO filter lasts about a year or 600 gallons.
What we like
- Reverse osmosis without installation
- Your water ends up in glass, not plastic
- Long-lasting RO filter
- Good for renters
Keep in mind
- Takes counter space and needs an outlet
- Like all RO, it removes minerals
- You refill the tank by hand
5. Waterdrop G3P600: best under-sink reverse osmosis
If you own your home and want filtered water straight from a faucet, an under-sink RO system is the most convenient. Waterdrop says the G3P600 is certified to NSF/ANSI 58 for TDS reduction and NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free materials, and that SGS lab testing showed it reduces PFAS. It is tankless, makes up to 600 gallons a day and has a smart faucet that shows TDS and filter life.
What we like
- Filtered water on tap all day
- Smart faucet shows filter life
- Low drain ratio for an RO system
- No tank under the sink
Keep in mind
- Needs installation and a drain connection
- PFAS result is SGS lab-tested, not part of the 58 TDS certification
- Needs power
How to choose a PFAS water filter
- Look for certification. The EPA suggests looking for NSF/ANSI 53 (carbon filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) for PFOA/PFOS claims, and checking the certifier’s website to confirm.
- Know the difference between “certified” and “tested”. Certified means an independent body checked the product against a standard. Tested means a lab ran tests, often paid by the brand.
- Replace filters on time. EPA says filters only work if they are maintained as the maker directs. An old filter can stop working.
- Pitcher or RO? Pitchers are cheap and easy. Reverse osmosis usually reduces more contaminants but costs more and wastes some water.
- Check your water first. Your utility’s yearly water quality report tells you what you are dealing with.
FAQ
Do Brita filters remove PFAS?
It depends on the filter. Standard pitcher filters mainly improve taste. Some newer filters carry PFOA/PFOS certifications. Always check the exact filter model on the certifier’s website.
Does boiling water remove PFAS?
No. PFAS do not break down when you boil water. Boiling can actually concentrate them slightly as water evaporates.
Is reverse osmosis better than a pitcher?
Reverse osmosis is usually more thorough, and EPA lists it as one of the most effective methods. But a certified pitcher is a good, affordable start, especially for renters.
Does a filter remove all PFAS?
No filter is perfect. According to the EPA, as of 2024 the current filter certification standards had not yet been updated to show removal down to EPA’s newest drinking water levels. A good filter can still greatly reduce PFAS.
Claims and certifications come from each manufacturer’s Amazon listing at the time of writing and can change. Confirm current certifications with NSF, IAPMO, WQA or the brand before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.