Clearly Filtered vs Brita: Pitcher Battle
Clearly Filtered removes 232+ contaminants including PFAS. Brita removes 13. We tested both side-by-side. The performance gap is real — but so is the price difference.
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
$90
Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher
$42
Quick Verdict
Clearly Filtered wins on contaminant coverage — especially PFAS, chromium-6, and fluoride that Brita Elite does not address. Brita Elite wins on cost per gallon ($0.10 vs $0.25) and retail availability. Choose based on what your water test shows: if PFAS is a concern, Clearly Filtered; if lead and taste improvement only, Brita Elite.
The Honest Comparison: PFAS Makes the Decision
Clearly Filtered vs Brita Elite isn't a fair fight on contaminant coverage — Clearly Filtered covers 365+ contaminants with NSF P473 PFAS certification; Brita Elite covers taste, lead, and pharmaceuticals without PFAS certification. On lead removal, the gap narrows (99.5% vs 99.0%) but Brita Elite's $0.10/gallon cost vs Clearly Filtered's $0.25/gallon is meaningful.
The decision framework is simple: if PFAS is in your water (or you want protection against it), Clearly Filtered is the correct pitcher. If PFAS isn't a concern and your primary concern is lead and chlorine, Brita Elite at less than half the price provides NSF 53-certified lead protection at better cost efficiency.
Side-by-Side: Certification and Performance
| Factor | Clearly Filtered | Brita Elite |
|---|---|---|
| NSF 42 (taste/odor) | ✓ | ✓ |
| NSF 53 (lead) | ✓ | ✓ |
| NSF 401 (pharmaceuticals) | ✓ | ✓ |
| NSF P473 (PFAS) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lead removal (tested) | 99.5% | 99.0% |
| PFOA removal (tested) | 99.6% | Unverified |
| Contaminants tested | 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 |
The Smart Middle Option
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 |