Water Filter vs Water Purifier: Which to Choose?

Miriam Gubovicova
Author: Miriam Gubovicova
Water Filter vs Water Purifier: Which to Choose?
Choosing between a water filter and purifier depends on your water quality needs: filters are great for city water, while purifiers remove viruses and heavy metals, ideal for well or questionable sources.

Skip the confusion – here’s what you need to know about water filters and purifiers:

Filters catch dirt, bacteria, and bad tastes. Think of them as fancy strainers. Perfect for city water. Purifiers remove everything – including viruses and heavy metals. Best for well water or questionable sources.

FeatureWater FiltersWater Purifiers
Cost$20-200$100-1000
MaintenanceEvery 2-3 monthsEvery 1-5 years
Best ForCity waterWell water, travel
RemovesDirt, chlorine, bacteriaEverything (including viruses)
InstallationDIY-friendlyMay need pro help

Pick a filter if you:

  • Use city water
  • Want better taste
  • Need basic protection
  • Have a tight budget

Get a purifier if you:

  • Use well water
  • Travel internationally
  • Need maximum protection
  • Can spend more upfront

Not sure which you need? Test your water first. City water usually needs just a filter. Questionable water sources? Don’t risk it – get a purifier.

Real reason why FLUORIDE is in our tap water (and is it safe?)

What Are Water Filters?

Think of water filters as bouncers at a club – they decide what gets through and what doesn’t. They use physical barriers and special materials to clean your water.

How Water Filters Work

Each filter type has its own specialty. Here’s a breakdown:

Filter MethodWhat It DoesWhat It Removes
Physical BarriersBlocks particles with meshSand, dirt, sediment
Carbon FiltersSoaks up unwanted stuffChlorine, bad tastes, odors
Ion ExchangeTrades bad ions for good onesHard water minerals
Reverse OsmosisPushes water through tiny holesHeavy metals, dissolved solids
UV LightDestroys organismsBacteria, parasites

Different Types of Filters

Your water problems determine which filter you need:

Filter TypeBest ForMaintenance Needs
Under-Sink ROFull water cleanupNew membrane once a year
Faucet-MountBasic water issuesNew filter every 2-3 months
PitcherBetter taste and smellNew filter every 40 gallons
Whole HouseComplete home coverageClean every 6-12 months
Shower FilterLess chlorineNew filter every 6 months

Let’s talk numbers (from NSF International tests):

  • Carbon filters? They catch 73% of bad stuff
  • RO systems? They grab 99% of dissolved solids
  • UV filters? They knock out 99.99% of tiny organisms

Here’s the deal: Get your water tested first. The EPA says there could be 90 different problems hiding in your tap water. A simple test shows you exactly what you’re dealing with.

Got well water? Start with sediment filters. City water? Carbon filters usually work great. See arsenic or heavy metals in your test? That’s when you want reverse osmosis.

What Are Water Purifiers?

Water purifiers do what regular filters can’t – they remove both the stuff you can see AND the microscopic threats in your water. They’re like a security system for your drinking water.

How Water Purifiers Work

Here’s what happens inside a water purifier:

MethodWhat It DoesRemoval Rate
Reverse OsmosisPushes water through a super-fine membrane99% of contaminants
UV LightBreaks down harmful organisms99.9% of microorganisms
ChemicalUses iodine or chlorine treatmentKills most pathogens
DistillationTurns water to steam, then back to liquidRemoves most impurities

Take the MSR Guardian Purifier – it uses a pump with filters so small they can catch viruses. Standard filters just can’t match that.

Different Types of Purifiers

Let’s break down which purifier works best for what:

Purifier TypeBest ForMain AdvantageDrawback
RO SystemsHome setupGets rid of 99% of bad stuffUses extra water
UV PurifiersClean but unsafe waterNo added chemicalsOnly works on clear water
ChemicalEmergency situationsEasy to carryMakes water taste different
DistillersPerfect purity needsMost complete cleaningTakes time

For travelers, the LARQ UV Water Purifier is a game-changer. It zaps all the nasty stuff – protozoa, cysts, bacteria, viruses – using just UV light.

Here’s how an RO purifier cleans your water:

  1. Catches dirt and sand
  2. Traps chemicals
  3. Blocks tiny dissolved particles
  4. Makes the water taste better

Here’s the deal: If you’re on city water, a basic filter might be enough. But if you’re using well water or traveling off the beaten path? That’s when you need a purifier.

Filters vs. Purifiers: Main Differences

Here’s what filters and purifiers can do for your water:

What Each System Removes

SystemRemovesDoesn’t RemoveBest For
Water FiltersSediment, chlorine, bacteria, parasites, dust, sand, dirt, clay, silt, debris, pesticidesViruses, some heavy metalsCity water, backcountry water from clean sources
Water PurifiersEverything filters remove PLUS viruses, heavy metals, fluoride, hard water mineralsN/A – removes nearly all contaminantsWell water, international travel, questionable water sources

Here’s the bottom line: Filters catch about 90% of contaminants. Purifiers? They knock out up to 99%.

How Each System Works

FeatureWater FiltersWater Purifiers
Main MethodPhysical straining, activated carbonUV light, reverse osmosis, chemical treatment
Setup Cost$50-200$200-1000
Filter ChangesEvery 2-3 monthsEvery 1-5 years
DIY Install?YesOften needs pro help
NSF RatingAvailable on many modelsRequired for most systems

Think of it this way:

Filters are like a kitchen strainer – they catch the big stuff but let tiny things slip through. Purifiers? They’re more like a high-tech security system that stops EVERYTHING.

The big differences:

  • Filters need more frequent changes but won’t break the bank
  • Purifiers cost more upfront but need less maintenance
  • Filters = good for basic cleaning
  • Purifiers = best for total protection

Quick tip: Look for the NSF rating on your system. It’s like a report card that shows exactly what your filter or purifier can handle.

Going camping? A filter works fine for clean mountain streams. But if you’re traveling somewhere with iffy water quality, spend the extra money on a purifier. Your stomach will thank you later.

When to Use Each System

Here’s a clear guide to help you pick between a filter and purifier:

Water SourceBest SystemWhy Choose It
City WaterWater FilterGets rid of chlorine and bad taste
Well WaterWater PurifierKills bacteria and removes metals
Mountain StreamsWater FilterCleans already-decent water
International TravelWater PurifierMakes unsafe water drinkable
Homes with Lead PipesWater PurifierTakes out metals and toxins

Best Uses at Home

Let’s look at what works best for different homes:

For Apartments:

  • Filter pitcher: $50 max
  • Faucet filter: Under $50
  • Under-counter system: $170

For Houses:

  • Whole-house filter: $1,677.98 (city water)
  • Reverse osmosis: $999 (well water)
  • UV system: Extra bacteria protection

Here’s what to pick based on your water:

Your WaterYour GoalBest Pick
City WaterBetter TasteBasic Filter
City WaterNo Lead4-Stage RO Purifier
Well WaterNo IronWhole-House Purifier
Well WaterSafe DrinkingUV + RO System

Want to save money? An under-counter filter costs $170 and handles 4,000 gallons.

Here’s something scary: Tests show 118 of 120 U.S. spots had unsafe levels of lead, arsenic, or PFAS. Get your water tested if you’re not sure.

Bottom line: Most city folks do fine with filters. But if you’ve got well water or sketchy sources, go for a purifier. Don’t cheap out on clean water.

Health and Earth Effects

Here’s what filters and purifiers do for you and the environment:

Minerals in Your Water

Each system handles water minerals differently:

System TypeEffect on MineralsWhat It Means for You
Carbon FilterKeeps mineralsYou get natural calcium and magnesium
Reverse OsmosisRemoves mineralsYou’ll need minerals from food
UV PurifierKeeps mineralsMineral content stays the same
DistillationRemoves mineralsYou get pure water without minerals

Here’s something interesting: The WHO says water isn’t a great source of minerals anyway. Your body only absorbs about 1% of calcium from water. Compare that to broccoli at 85%.

Environmental Impact

Let’s look at how these systems affect the planet:

Impact AreaWater FiltersWater Purifiers
Plastic WasteCuts 300M tons yearlySame as filters
Carbon OutputSaves 2.5M tons CO2/yearHigher due to power use
Filter ChangesEvery 6 monthsEvery 3-4 months
Energy UseMinimalMore power needed

The Problem With Bottled Water:

  • Creates 300M tons of plastic waste yearly
  • Pumps out 2.5M tons of CO2 each year
  • Most bottles become trash

Filters and purifiers help fix this by making tap water better to drink. But heads up: purifiers need more power for their UV lights and RO systems.

Money Talk: Switch from bottled water to a filter, and it pays for itself in 3 months.

"Full-home water filtration cuts mineral buildup in appliances. This boosts energy efficiency and reduces waste." – Filtration Ltd.

Both options protect your appliances from mineral buildup. That means they’ll work better, last longer, and use less power – good for your wallet and the planet.

How to Pick the Right System

Check Your Water Quality

Let’s start with what’s actually in your water. Here’s what to do:

1. Get Your Water Report

Head over to EWG’s Tap Water Database and type in your zip code. You’ll see exactly what’s flowing through your pipes.

2. Test Your Water at Home

Grab a Tap Score test kit to check for:

  • Lead
  • Heavy metals
  • PFAS chemicals
  • Chlorine
Test TypeWhat It ShowsWhen to Test
Municipal ReportBasic stuffOnce a year
Home Test KitCommon problemsEvery 6 months
Lab AnalysisEverythingBefore buying filters

Cost Breakdown

Here’s what different systems will cost you:

System TypeUpfront CostYearly CostsHow Long It Lasts
Pristine Hydro (Under-sink)$1,999$7510+ years
Pure Effects Ultra-UC$725$17310+ years
AquaTru (Countertop)$449$595+ years

Save Money By:

  • Getting the right filter size for your bathrooms
  • Checking how much water you need
  • Looking for NSF certification
  • Planning filter changes (every 6-12 months)

Do This First:

  • Check if you own your place
  • Know your space limits
  • Know how much time you’ll spend on maintenance
  • Test your water pressure

"I used Tap Score to test my water and get a better idea of what was in my tap water." – Dr. Organic Mommy

Match Your Problem to Your Solution:

  • Hard water? Get a water softener
  • Weird taste or smell? Carbon filter’s your friend
  • Lots of issues? Go with reverse osmosis
  • Worried about bacteria? UV purifier works best

Bottom line: Let your water test results and budget guide you. And always look for that NSF certification – it’s proof the system does what it claims.

Setup and Care

Here’s what you need to know about setting up and maintaining your water filter system:

Installation TypeCost RangeBest For
DIY Basic Filter$50-$500Under-sink, countertop filters
DIY Complex System$600-$1,500Whole-house filters
Professional Install$300-$500 extraUV systems, RO systems

Want to DIY or call a pro? Here’s a breakdown of what each system needs:

System TypeTools NeededTime RequiredDifficulty
Faucet FilterBasic tools30 minutesEasy
Under-sinkWrench, pliers2-3 hoursMedium
Whole HouseFull tool set4-6 hoursHard

Your filters won’t last forever. Here’s when to swap them out:

ComponentReplace EveryCost
Sediment Filter6-12 months$20-50
Carbon Filter6-12 months$50-100
RO Membrane24 months$100-200
UV Bulb12 months$80-120

Call a pro if you:

  • Have zero plumbing experience
  • Need UV system setup (240V power required)
  • Want a whole-house system
  • Need complex RO installation

Save money by:

  • Setting filter replacement alerts
  • Buying filters in bulk
  • Learning basic maintenance
  • Getting yearly check-ups

Keep your system running smooth:

  • Check pressure gauges monthly
  • Clean filter housing twice yearly
  • Test water quality annually
  • Sanitize storage tanks once a year

Got a Pelican PSE2000? Let it soak for 48 hours before first use. Run water until it’s clear after install.

"The instructions were extremely easy to follow. Because I don’t have a lot of plumbing experience, I called in a friend of mine to help. We were able to get this installed over the course of a couple of beers!" – Pelican PSE2000 User

Pro installation costs:

  • Basic filter: $120-200
  • Under-sink: $250-350
  • Whole house: $300-600
  • UV system with electrical: $460-750

What Experts Say

The numbers on U.S. water quality paint a clear picture: 45% of tap water contains PFAS chemicals, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. Even worse? Consumer Reports found dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, or PFAS in 118 out of 120 locations they tested.

Here’s what top experts say about water filtration:

ExpertOrganizationBottom Line
David CwiertnyUniversity of IowaTest first, buy second
Mark Hyman, MDCleveland ClinicPick reverse osmosis
Erin BrockovichEnvironmental ActivistDon’t wait to act

What Actually Works?

Let’s break down what different filters can (and can’t) do:

Filter TypeWhat It CatchesWhat It Misses
Pitcher/FridgeChlorine, some metalsMost viruses
Under-sink ROMost bad stuffSome good minerals
UV SystemBacteria, virusesChemicals

The data shows:

  • Basic filters (like pitchers) = 50% PFAS reduction
  • Reverse osmosis = 90%+ contaminant removal

"We simply can’t continue to survive with toxic drinking water." – Erin Brockovich

Want to protect your water? Here’s your game plan:

When to TestWhat to Look ForWhy It Matters
Every 6 monthsBasic stuffSee if filter works
Once a yearEverythingCatch new problems
Post-disasterEmergency checkStay safe

5 steps to better water:

  • Get your water tested
  • Pick a filter based on results
  • Look for NSF certification
  • Change filters on time
  • Read your yearly water report

"Not everybody needs them, but I can think of a lot of reasons why people might." – David Cwiertny, University of Iowa

Remember: The right filter depends on YOUR water. What works for your neighbor might not work for you.

Wrap-Up

Here’s a simple guide to help you pick between water filters and purifiers.

FeatureWater FiltersWater Purifiers
Best ForMunicipal water, basic cleaningWell water, lakes, questionable sources
RemovesChlorine, sediment, bacteriaEverything filters do + viruses
Cost$20-200$100-1000
MaintenanceEvery 2-3 monthsEvery 1-5 years
Power NeededNoOften yes
InstallationDIY friendlyMay need pro help

The choice between a filter and purifier comes down to your water source and needs.

Get a filter if you:

  • Use city water
  • Want better-tasting water
  • Need basic protection
  • Have a smaller budget

Pick a purifier if you:

  • Use well water
  • Travel outside the country
  • Need the highest level of protection
  • Can handle higher upfront costs

Here’s what works best for different water sources:

Water SourceBest ChoiceWhy
City TapFilterRemoves chlorine taste, basic contaminants
WellPurifierHandles bacteria, viruses, chemicals
Lake/StreamBothFilter debris + purify microorganisms
Unknown SourcePurifierMaximum safety against all threats

Quick Facts:

  • EPA monitors 90+ water contaminants
  • Replace filters every 2-3 months
  • Service purifiers every 1-5 years
  • Filters start at $20
  • Purifiers cost $100-1000

Bottom Line: Your water source tells you what you need. City water? A filter works fine. Sketchy source? Get a purifier. Not sure? Test your water first.

Helpful Links

Water Testing Help

Here’s how to test your water and find what you need:

Testing OptionDetailsCost Range
State LabsEPA-certified, highest accuracy$25-50 per test
National Testing LabsFull city water analysisFrom $195
SimpleLab TapScoreComplete well water testingFrom $195
Aqua ScienceBasic test kit (pH, TDS, hardness)Free

Main Contacts:

  • EPA Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • Your State Health Department
  • Local County Health Office

Getting Your Water Tested:

  1. City water users: Check your yearly CCR report
  2. Well owners: Contact state-certified labs
  3. Get sample containers: Ask your lab
  4. Follow instructions: Use lab’s exact methods
  5. Send samples fast: Meet lab timeframes

When to Test:

Water TypeWhat to TestTesting Schedule
City WaterBasic contaminantsOnce a year
Well WaterBacteria, nitratesOnce a year
Well WaterArsenicSummer and winter
Any WaterPFASWhen needed

Where to Find Help:

  • EPA’s state certification list
  • Your state’s water guidelines
  • How to collect samples
  • Understanding test results

Quick Tip: Don’t trust home test kits for major concerns. Use state-certified labs for the best results when picking water treatment systems.

Need Help Now?

  • EPA: 1-800-426-4791
  • DEQ Emergency: 1-800-522-0206
  • MN Well Help: health.wells@state.mn.us

FAQs

Which is better, a water purifier or a filter?

It depends on what’s in your water:

Water TypePick ThisHere’s Why
City water with dirtFilterGets rid of particles, keeps minerals
Well water + bacteriaPurifierEliminates harmful germs
TravelingBothGets rid of everything bad
Regular tap waterFilterDoes the job for less money
Water with virusesPurifierOnly option that works

What’s the difference between a filter and purifier?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

What It DoesFilterPurifier
Catches dirtSometimes
Stops bacteriaMost do
Blocks viruses
Keeps minerals✗*
Smallest particle caught0.0001 micronsEverything
Works best forCity waterWell water, travel

*Some RO purifiers add minerals back in.

Think of it this way:

  • Filters work like a kitchen strainer
  • Purifiers kill ALL the bad stuff
  • Filters keep the good minerals; purifiers don’t
  • Purifiers clean better but cost more

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