Staying hydrated in the summer heat is critical—but what’s in your water matters just as much as how much you drink. With contaminants like lead, fluoride, chlorine, and even microplastics hiding in your tap water, choosing the right water filter can transform your daily routine.
If you’re stuck deciding between Clearly Filtered vs Brita, you’re not alone. These two popular pitchers promise safer, better-tasting water—but they differ significantly in performance, features, and value. In this expert comparison, you’ll uncover the pros, cons, and key differences between the Clearly Filtered No.1 Pitcher and the Brita Everyday Elite. Let’s help you decide which one deserves a spot in your fridge this summer.
Top Picks
- Best Value: Brita Everyday Elite Water Filter Pitcher
- Best Overall: Clearly Filtered No.1 Filtered Water Pitcher
How We Chose These Water Filters
When selecting these water filters, we focused on several key factors that matter most to you: contaminant removal capabilities, filter lifespan, ease of use, taste improvement, and customer feedback. Both Clearly Filtered and Brita offer pitchers that reduce a wide range of harmful substances, but they differ in the specific contaminants they target and how long their filters last. We also considered design features like capacity, refill convenience, and indicator systems that help you know when it’s time to replace the filter. By balancing performance with user experience and price, these two filters stood out as excellent choices for transforming your summer hydration.
Brita Everyday Elite
If you’re looking to upgrade your hydration game this summer, the Brita Everyday Elite Water Filter Pitcher is a solid choice. It holds a generous 10 cups of water, which means fewer trips to the fridge, and it fits nicely in most fridges without taking up too much space. The Elite filter inside is designed to tackle a bunch of contaminants like lead, chlorine, and mercury, so your water tastes cleaner and fresher. Plus, the SmartLight indicator takes the guesswork out of when to swap filters, which is super handy. Whether you’re filling up your reusable bottles for a day out or just want better-tasting water at home, this pitcher makes it easy to stay hydrated without the waste of plastic bottles.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Effective contaminant removal including lead | ✗ Some users report the indicator light battery life is short |
| ✓ Long-lasting filter (about 6 months) | ✗ Plastic pitcher may develop cracks over time |
| ✓ SmartLight filter change indicator | ✗ Does not filter out fluoride |
| ✓ Large capacity reduces frequent refills | ✗ Replacement filters can be hard to find in some regions |
| ✓ Fits easily in most refrigerators |
What People Say
People appreciate how well this pitcher filters out contaminants, especially lead, and how the SmartLight indicator helps keep track of filter life. Many mention the improved taste and the convenience of its size and design, making it a kitchen staple for daily hydration.
- The Brita Everyday Elite Water Filter Pitcher is a 10-cup capacity pitcher that effectively filters water, including removing 99% of lead. It comes with one Brita Elite filter, which lasts approximately six months. The pitcher is designed for ease of use, with an easy-fill lid and a flip-top pouring spout. The pitcher’s large capacity and long-lasting filters provide convenience and reduce the need for frequent refills. A SmartLight indicator on the pitcher alerts you when it’s time to change the filter. Very fast filtering of water. Water tastes very good. I live in a small rural town and sometimes our water tastes terrible. I don’t trust that it is totally free of chemicals especially lead. The elite filter is guaranteed to remove a ton of chemicals. I find this a great value for money. Don’t keep buying bottled water, it is a waste. Keep this in the fridge and have fresh cold water at all times. I highly recommend these Brita and the elite filters. I like that this has a battery and tells you when to change filter.
– Richard Bissell
- It’s working great, love having filtered water and not buying plastic jugs of distilled water (with all the plastic we already are eating, drinking, and breathing) and cheaper! Definitely cheaper than individual plastic bottles. Works out to 12 cents a gallon getting filtered water for my steel water bottle. Great!
– Deborah J. Nelson
Save Over Time
Switching to this Brita pitcher means you’re cutting down on buying bottled water, which saves money over time and reduces plastic waste. The Elite filters last about six months, so you’re not constantly replacing them, which adds to the savings.
Good Value For Your Money
You get cleaner, better-tasting water without the hassle of constant refills or filter changes. The SmartLight indicator helps you get the most out of each filter, so you’re not wasting money on early replacements.
How It Helps You
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Living in an area with lead pipes | Removes 99% of lead, giving you peace of mind about your tap water safety. |
| Wanting to reduce plastic waste | Replaces up to 900 single-use plastic bottles per filter, cutting down on environmental impact. |
| Needing a fridge-friendly water pitcher | Compact design fits easily in most refrigerators without taking up too much space. |
| Keeping track of filter changes | SmartLight indicator reminds you exactly when it’s time to swap filters. |
Health Perks
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Lead Reduction | Filters out 99% of lead, which is crucial for safe drinking water. |
| Chlorine Taste and Odor Removal | Improves water taste by reducing chlorine and its smell. |
| Removes Other Contaminants | Reduces mercury, benzene, asbestos, and cadmium for cleaner water. |
Ease of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Filling the pitcher | Easy |
| Changing the filter | Moderate |
| Using the SmartLight indicator | Easy |
| Pouring water | Easy |
Versatility
Great for everyday hydration at home, office, or outdoor activities. Fits most fridges and works with all Brita Elite filters, making it adaptable to your lifestyle.
Problem Solving
Addresses common water quality issues like lead and chlorine taste, while also helping you avoid plastic waste and track filter life easily.
Eco Friendliness
By replacing hundreds of single-use plastic bottles, this pitcher helps reduce plastic pollution and waste, making it a greener choice for your hydration needs.
Why You’ll Like It
- Removes 99% of lead and reduces chlorine, mercury, benzene, and more
- Large 10-cup capacity fits most fridges and reduces refills
- SmartLight filter indicator takes the guesswork out of replacements
- Easy-fill lid and flip-top spout for hassle-free use
- Compatible with all Brita pitchers except Stream
Rating: 4.5 (total: 6315+)
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
If you’re tired of worrying about what’s lurking in your tap water, the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is a game changer. It’s designed to tackle over 365 contaminants, including fluoride, lead, chlorine, and even microplastics, so you can drink with confidence. The pitcher holds a decent amount of water, perfect for keeping on your counter or in the fridge for easy access throughout the day. Whether you’re filling up for your morning coffee, prepping for a summer picnic, or just want better-tasting water at home, this pitcher makes it simple. It’s a bit slower to filter than some others, but that’s because it’s doing a thorough job. Plus, the filter lasts longer than many competitors, so you’re not swapping it out every few weeks. If you’ve been debating Clearly Filtered vs Brita, this one stands out for its advanced filtration and clean taste.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Removes a wide range of contaminants including fluoride | ✗ Filtering can be slower, especially when filter is nearing end of life |
| ✓ Long-lasting filter life compared to many competitors | ✗ Reservoir can be tricky to remove due to new design |
| ✓ BPA-free, medical-grade materials for peace of mind | ✗ Some users report occasional leaking or loose lid issues |
| ✓ Improves taste and odor of tap water noticeably | ✗ Pitcher is made of plastic, which some wish was more premium |
| ✓ Good customer support and thoughtful design updates | ✗ Filter priming process can be a bit fiddly at first |
What People Say
Users love how thoroughly this pitcher filters water, especially appreciating the removal of fluoride and microplastics. Many mention the fresh taste and how it improves their coffee and tea. While filtration speed can be slower than some pitchers, the quality and longevity of the filter make up for it. The pitcher’s design and customer service also get positive nods.
- This is the first water pitcher filter I’ve had, but I think it’s great. I no longer need to buy the numerous 3 L bottles of spring water I’ve been getting for decades, lugging them from the supermarket every week. Also, I don’t have to worry about microplastics in bottled water. The filtered water tastes fresh and free of the taste or chlorine by-products you often get from tap water, and works very well with coffee. The filters last about three months if you fill the pitcher every day, and I’ve found it slows filtration a bit near the end but still works well. The pitcher feels well-made and the company’s customer service is responsive, even sending me an improved reservoir free of charge.
– SW
- I buy bottled water in bulk and always feel guilty about the amount of plastic wasted. I wanted a filter that removes chlorine and fluoride as well as contaminants and after reviewing this one, it seemed like the best. After receiving my unit and preparing it, I could not be more pleased. The water tastes great and filters rather quickly. I fill up a container for the fridge for drinking and I also use it for my coffee, tea and plants as well. It’s a definite recommended item for anyone reading this review.
– karend
Save Over Time
The filter’s longer lifespan means fewer replacements, which helps keep ongoing costs down. Plus, cutting out bottled water saves you money and reduces plastic waste, making this pitcher a smart investment for your wallet and the planet.
Good Value For Your Money
You get peace of mind knowing your water is cleaner and safer, along with better taste for everyday hydration and brewing drinks. The durable pitcher and responsive customer service add value beyond just filtering water.
How It Helps You
| Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Concerned about fluoride in tap water | Effectively removes fluoride, which many standard filters don’t, giving you cleaner water. |
| Wanting to avoid plastic bottled water | Reduces plastic waste by replacing dozens of single-use bottles with filtered tap water. |
| Using water for coffee or tea | Improves taste by removing chlorine and other chemicals that affect flavor. |
| Looking for a durable, safe pitcher | Made with BPA-free, medical-grade plastic that’s built to last and safe for daily use. |
Health Perks
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Fluoride Removal | Filters out fluoride, which is often added to municipal water but some prefer to avoid. |
| Heavy Metal Reduction | Removes lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals that can be harmful over time. |
| Microplastics Filtration | Captures microplastics that bottled water and many filters miss. |
| Chlorine and Chemical Removal | Improves water taste and smell by reducing chlorine and other chemical contaminants. |
Ease of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Filling the pitcher | Easy |
| Changing the filter | Moderate |
| Priming the filter | Moderate |
| Pouring water | Easy |
Versatility
Great for everyday hydration, brewing coffee or tea, and even watering plants. Its size fits well on counters or in fridges, making it a flexible choice for home, office, or dorm life.
Problem Solving
Addresses concerns about fluoride, heavy metals, and microplastics that many other pitchers overlook, while also improving taste and reducing plastic bottle use.
Eco Friendliness
By cutting down on bottled water, this pitcher helps reduce plastic waste and environmental impact, making it a more sustainable hydration option.
Why You’ll Like It
- Removes over 365 contaminants including fluoride, lead, chlorine, and microplastics
- Filter lasts about 100 gallons or roughly 3-6 months depending on use
- Medical-grade, BPA-free Tritan plastic pitcher for safety and durability
- Fresh tasting water that works great for coffee, tea, and everyday drinking
- Redesigned reservoir prevents wobbling and improves pouring experience
Rating: 4 (total: 1984+)
FAQ
How Do Clearly Filtered and Brita Compare When It Comes To Removing Contaminants?
When you’re deciding between Clearly Filtered vs Brita, it really comes down to what contaminants you want removed and how thorough you want the filtration to be. Brita Everyday Elite pitchers do a great job removing chlorine taste and odor, lead, asbestos, mercury, and some other common contaminants. Their Elite filter lasts about six months and is very user-friendly with a SmartLight indicator to remind you when to change it. On the other hand, Clearly Filtered targets over 365 contaminants, including fluoride, PFAS, microplastics, and more, which Brita doesn’t filter out. If fluoride removal is important to you, Clearly Filtered is the better choice. However, it filters more slowly and requires a bit more patience during priming. Both pitchers improve taste significantly, but your choice depends on your specific water concerns and how much filtration detail you want.
What Should I Know About Using And Maintaining These Water Filters During Summer?
To get the best summer hydration experience, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. With the Brita pitcher, it’s super easy to refill thanks to the flip lid, and the SmartLight indicator helps you stay on top of filter changes so your water stays fresh and clean. The filter lasts about 120 gallons or roughly six months with regular use. For Clearly Filtered, the filter life is shorter—about three months if you fill it daily—but it removes more contaminants. You’ll need to prime the filter carefully, which can take some time, but once set up, it delivers crisp, clean water. Both pitchers are manual and freestanding, so you can keep them in your fridge or on the counter. Just remember to replace filters on time to avoid any drop in water quality.
Are There Any Common Issues Or Tips To Keep In Mind When Choosing Between These Two Filters?
Yes, a few things to watch out for can help you avoid frustration. Some users find the Clearly Filtered pitcher’s priming process tricky because the filter and priming bag need careful handling to avoid leaks. The pitcher itself is lighter but feels less sturdy than Brita’s. Brita’s pitcher is more durable and has a convenient SmartLight filter indicator, but some have reported cracking issues with the plastic over time. Also, Brita doesn’t remove fluoride, so if that’s a concern for you, Clearly Filtered is worth the extra effort. Both pitchers reduce plastic bottle waste and improve water taste, so think about which features matter most to you—ease of use and durability with Brita, or broader contaminant removal with Clearly Filtered.
Wrapping Up
Choosing between Clearly Filtered and Brita depends on what you prioritize most in your water filtration. If you want a filter that tackles over 365 contaminants including fluoride and microplastics, and you don’t mind a longer filtration time and higher price, Clearly Filtered is a strong contender. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a large capacity, easy refill system, and effective removal of lead and chlorine, the Brita Everyday Elite Water Filter Pitcher offers great value. Either way, upgrading your water filter this summer will help you enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water that supports your hydration and health goals.
| Brita Everyday Elite Water Filter Pitcher | Clearly Filtered No.1 Filtered Water Pitcher | |
|---|---|---|
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| Rating | 4.5/5 (1000+ reviews) | 4/5 (500+ reviews) |
| Highlights | Removes 99% of lead, includes 1 filter, 10-cup capacity, BPA-free, SmartLight filter life indicator. | Targets 365+ contaminants including fluoride, chlorine, PFAS, microplastics, lead, BPA/BPS free, includes 1 filter. |
| Pros | Effective lead removal, large capacity, easy to refill, long-lasting filter. | Removes a wide range of contaminants, good taste, larger capacity. |
| Cons | Some users report durability issues with the pitcher. | Some users experience issues with the design and filter priming. |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
✅ Final Verdict: Clearly Filtered vs Brita
When comparing Clearly Filtered vs Brita, it’s clear that both pitchers offer valuable solutions for cleaner, better-tasting water—but they serve different user priorities.
If your goal is maximum contaminant removal, including fluoride, PFAS, microplastics, and 365+ toxins, then the Clearly Filtered Pitcher is your best bet. It’s ideal for health-conscious users who want top-tier filtration, especially in areas with questionable tap water quality. While the filtration is slower and requires priming, the safety and peace of mind it delivers are hard to beat.
On the other hand, if you want a more affordable, fridge-friendly, and low-maintenance option that still offers excellent protection against lead and chlorine, the Brita Everyday Elite shines. With its long-lasting filter, SmartLight change indicator, and wider availability, it’s a user-friendly pick for busy households looking for a reliable daily-use filter.
🏆 Choose Clearly Filtered: If you care most about deep filtration and removing fluoride.
🥇 Choose Brita Elite: If you want ease of use, lead removal, and great taste at a lower price.
No matter which you choose, you’re making a smart move toward safer, sustainable hydration this summer.
