Best Water Filter? Brita, ZeroWater, PUR, Berkey, Aquaphor, AquaTrue

BRANDS TESTED: ZeroWater, PUR, Brita, Aquaphor, AquaTrue, Lifestraw, Survivor Filter Pro, Frizzlife, Sawyer, RV Filter and a homemade filter. Filters tested for removing total dissolved solids, removing red food coloring and removing iron. Several filters cut open after the testing to compare the filter media. I purchased all of the filters and supplies used for testing the filters. So, thanks for supporting the channel!

➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[dimitary]

I like the balls on the company that included a TDS meter with their product. Now that's a power game I need to use.

[BYOTools]

Zero Water and AuquaTru stock just went up in my book that’s for sure. Another amazing video for sure.

[electronicsNmore]

Great work as usual! ZeroWater's results are impressive considering the low cost. Don't be surprised if you see a black tinted SUV parked in front of your house after a few of the water filtration companies see this video. LOL

[abot]

I actually bought the Zerowater based off amazon reviews and wanted to see how good it was and man am I happy that I got it over anything else after seeing how it compares from your tests. As always, exceptional testing and you are doing us a huge service with your content. On behalf of all your viewers, we thank you.

[audreywy]

Well, I bet that by the end of the week ZeroWater is going to wondering why their sales are booming! Great job, I've always wondered which filter was the best at filtering.

[joshrogne]

Water filter companies didn't even know they were at risk of being exposed by Project Farm. No manufacturer of any product is safe now. Awesome work man. Congrats on 2M subs. 🤘🏻

[yoshyoka]

This is my field of expertise, so I might be able to clear things up a little.
- TDS should not to be considered a measure to determine filter performance, unless the filter is designed only to do that specifically (as the RO or Zero filter). TDS only states how much ionic compounds are dissolved in water, some of which (e.g. Calcium and Magnesium) are actually desirable for taste.
- Life straws (either UF membranes or ceramic NF elements) will not withhold dissolved solids, but will retain bacteria, something the other filters will be hopeless at.
- The technology of the zero filter is called "mixed bed ion exchange", and a active carbon fleece in as retaining net and chlorine reduction. It will remove all dissolved solids, but has the downside of having a terrible capacity (lifetime is very short).
- You can have very good heavy metal reduction and scale protection with cation ion exchange, but you will not reduce TDS. Water will taste slightly saltier.
- You can have scale protection and good taste with a little more complex anion decarbonization resins (TDS will still remain the same).
- Both a Zero filter and an RO should not be used for bacterial removal: use the life straw for that (or just boil it!).
- Gravity fed filters are unfortunately generally a growing ground for bacteria.
- Not all activated carbon is born equal; It generally has little influence on TDS, but is great at removing chlorine and complex organic or inorganic molecules. some are specifically cationic active and can remove heavy metals very well.

Indeed to test filters properly you are going to need several thousand $ in equipment, the important thing is to select the correct filter for the correct application.

[carlm.m.]

That was one of the best test ideas. The way you went about testing them is something none of them would ever have allowed their company to perform publicly, except for Zero Water and Aqua True. Great job putting up relevant content.

[MattBond]

Could certainly include a microbial test condition! Survival filters, ie Sawyer and life straw are more designed for microbes than contaminates. I'm a microbiologist, if you want some ideas for tests feel free to let me know! Great vid as always!

[jialixx]

Zerowater did an amazing work, especially considering it's price. However, I read some reviews complain about the lifetime of the filter is very short, which make sense considering it removes all the solid in the water. Another amazing review!!

[pgc]

My 40 cup zero water dispenser is awesome. I even water my plants with the water and they’ve never been healthier and NO residue in the pots. Of course we drink it and cook with it. Not sure why folks say the filters are expensive because I only have to change my filters every 3-4 months with heavy use. I test every week so I know it’s working.

I appreciate you breaking down the science for us. Thank you 😊

[Fang.]

Would love to see surge protectors on this channel sometime assuming it can be done safely. Love the content <3

[darthbubba]

As an RVer I've been waiting for this test. I'm sure I'll have to wait for the Zerowater to be restocked at the store now... You may be saving people's health with this video - Thank You!

[Moonlit_Monsters]

This type of unbiased testing and information is, in my opinion, what the internet was made for. These videos are always excellent and informative. Coupled with listening to feedback from the community makes this channel a real gem.

Thank you for your work Project Farm!

[BrianHeimbuecher]

I've been using ZeroWater for years. The water tastes great! And when Newark NJ had their water crisis four years ago, the company stepped up with free filters. Nice touch.

[pesmergareaper]

Thanks for cutting the filters apart at the end. I was curious how the Zero Water was doing so well compared to the more expensive options. Once you cut it open it was clear- the Zero Water uses DI resins to filter the water. This will do a great job at removing just about any impurity from the water, but it will probably deplete itself pretty quickly. DI resins are also more expensive than carbon blocks (generally) so it would be interesting to see the gallons treated per $ spent on the filter. This would be a longer term project which probably wouldnt make for good YouTube though...Entertaining video!

[sarahf]

So glad you did a water purifier test. I would love to see an air purifier test soon. I'm especially curious about which ones are best at filtering allergens and mold spores! :)

[calvinist_cody]

I remember seeing TV ads about the Zero Water filter. I can’t believe that filter works better than the insanely expensive reverse osmosis filter. Thank you Project Farm for being the unbiased tester to find out if the claims hold up!

[derek]

Thank you for showing actual results. Berkey fans might hate this, but most independent testing shows that berkey's do very little and after a month you might as well just drink right from a well. I'm content with my Zero Water, just wish they made a big canister like some of the berkey ones.

[chrluc]

When Sawyer said they filter 100, 000 gallons, I expected you to say “we’re going to test that!”