Blue water filter pitcher on a kitchen counter with fresh lemons

Best Water Filters for PFAS, Heavy Metals, and Chlorine

Why Your Water Filter Choice Matters

Even in clean-looking tap water, invisible contaminants like PFAS (“forever chemicals”), chromium-6, and nitrates can sneak through. The best water filter for your home depends on your budget and which contaminants are most common in your area. Here’s how top-rated filters from the EWG and Mamavation compare — from budget-friendly basics to advanced toxin removal.

Clear countertop water filter dispenser with spigot

Effectiveness: One of the highest overall performers, removing >99% of PFAS, plus strong chromium-6, fluoride, and heavy metal removal. Independently tested to NSF standards for 365+ contaminants.
Cost: $120 Initial cost/ $400/year (filter changes every 4 months).
Pros: Broadest coverage; excellent for PFAS, lead, chlorine, VOCs, chromium-6.
Cons: Expensive filters ($60–70 each).

Clearly Filtered Pitcher

Effectiveness: Nearly 100% effective at removing many common contaminants; ranked highly for PFAS removal (98%). Chromium-6: Only ~47% removal. Nitrates: Minimal reduction.
Filter Life & Cost: $70 initial cost / $247 per year.
Pros: High PFAS removal, long-lasting filter, built-in timer, simple design.
Cons: Not effective for chromium-6 or nitrates.

Epic Pure Pitcher

Bottled Water: Better Alternatives to Plastic

All plastic bottled water contains microplastics—tiny fragments that break off from the bottle itself and can carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates. To date, no brand has been found to be plastic-free. For truly clean hydration, choose filtered tap water in glass or stainless steel instead.

Glass bottle of Mountain Valley spring water beside its case

Reverse Osmosis: Is It Worth It?

Reverse osmosis (RO) is generally more effective than carbon filters, but the best choice depends on your goals:

Effectiveness: RO removes a far wider range of contaminants, including PFAS, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates, and heavy metals that most carbon filters can’t fully eliminate.
Taste & everyday use: High-quality carbon filters (like Clearly Filtered or Epic Pure) do an excellent job for chlorine, PFAS, and taste improvement, and they’re easier and cheaper to maintain.
Downside of RO: It also removes beneficial minerals and can waste 2–4 gallons of water for every gallon filtered.

Three-stage under-sink water filtration system

Hand filling a glass with filtered water from a kitchen faucet

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