Quick answer: The best water filter for PFAS is the AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis system ($449). It’s NSF/ANSI P473 certified to remove 99.9% of PFAS. For a budget option, the Clearly Filtered pitcher ($90) is WQA-certified for PFAS removal.
I spent three months researching every water filter that claims to remove PFAS. I read the certification databases, compared independent lab results, calculated cost-per-gallon, and talked to families who own these systems. What I found is that most filters marketed for PFAS have no independent proof they work — and some of the most popular brands don’t remove PFAS at all.
This guide cuts through the marketing. Every filter I recommend below has been independently tested and certified by a third-party lab. No manufacturer claims. No "up to" percentages. Just verified numbers.
Why PFAS Removal Matters
PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a class of synthetic chemicals that have earned the nickname "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down in the environment or in your body. They accumulate over time, and they’re everywhere.
According to CDC/NHANES data, PFAS are found in the blood of 97% of Americans. They’re in the water supply of communities serving over 100 million people. And the health effects are serious:
- Cancer — linked to kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease — disrupts thyroid hormone production
- Immune suppression — reduces vaccine effectiveness, especially in children
- Developmental issues — associated with low birth weight and developmental delays in children
- Hormone disruption — interferes with estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones
In 2024, the EPA set the first-ever enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water: 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most common PFAS compounds. To put that in perspective, 4 parts per trillion is like 4 drops of water in 20 Olympic swimming pools. It’s an extraordinarily low limit — and many water systems across the country currently exceed it.
If your water has PFAS above those levels, a certified filter is the most practical way to protect your family right now.
How I Evaluated Filters — My Criteria
I didn’t just pick the most popular filters or the ones with the best marketing. I used a strict set of criteria, and I excluded anything that couldn’t meet them.
- Must have NSF/ANSI P473 or WQA certification for PFAS — independent third-party testing is non-negotiable. If a manufacturer only provides their own lab data, I did not include them.
- Published removal percentages — how much PFAS does the filter actually remove? Vague claims like "reduces contaminants" don’t count.
- Cost of ownership — the purchase price is just the start. I calculated annual filter replacement costs and cost-per-gallon for each system.
- Practicality for families — ease of use, countertop vs. under-sink, maintenance requirements, and how the filter fits into daily life with kids.
- No manufacturer-only data — I excluded any filter that relies solely on self-reported or in-house testing without independent verification.
The 3 Best Water Filters for PFAS
Out of every filter I evaluated, three stood out. Each one serves a different need and budget, and all three have the independent certification to back their claims.
AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis
The AquaTru is a 4-stage reverse osmosis system that sits on your countertop and requires zero plumbing. Water passes through a sediment pre-filter, a pre-carbon block, a reverse osmosis membrane, and a post-carbon polishing filter. It’s certified across five NSF standards — more than any other countertop system I’ve found.
Beyond PFAS, the AquaTru also removes 99.1% of lead, fluoride, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, chlorine, and dozens of other contaminants. The filters last 6–12 months depending on the stage, and replacement costs are surprisingly low for an RO system.
Pros
- Most comprehensive filtration available
- NSF certified across 5 standards
- No plumbing — sits on countertop
- Lowest cost per gallon ($0.12)
- Removes lead, fluoride, microplastics
Cons
- $449 upfront cost
- Requires electricity to operate
- 1-gallon tank (families may refill often)
- RO process produces some wastewater
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
The Clearly Filtered pitcher uses a proprietary carbon block technology called Affinity Filtration. Unlike the loose granular carbon in a Brita, this is a compressed solid block that forces water through at a much finer level — fine enough to capture PFAS molecules. It’s WQA-certified for PFAS removal and claims to reduce 365+ contaminants.
The Clearly Filtered pitcher also removes lead, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. Replacement filters run $30–$40 each and last about 4 months, which brings the annual cost higher than the AquaTru. But at $90 for the pitcher, the entry point is much more accessible.
Pros
- Low upfront cost ($90–$100)
- No electricity needed
- Familiar pitcher format, easy to use
- Removes 365+ contaminants
- WQA-certified PFAS removal
Cons
- Slow filtration (several minutes per fill)
- Higher ongoing filter cost ($120–$160/year)
- Smaller capacity than countertop systems
- Filter replacement every 4 months
Aquasana Under-Sink Water Filter
The Aquasana under-sink system combines carbon block, ion exchange, and sub-micron filtration into a multi-stage filter that installs beneath your kitchen sink. Once installed, you get on-demand filtered water straight from a dedicated faucet — no filling pitchers or tanks. It’s NSF 53 and P473 certified.
The Aquasana is ideal for homeowners who want a permanent, set-it-and-forget-it solution. The filters have a larger capacity than pitcher-based systems, the per-gallon cost is low, and you don’t have to think about refilling anything. The trade-off is that it requires basic plumbing installation.
Pros
- On-demand filtered water from faucet
- Larger capacity, great for families
- Lowest annual filter cost ($50–$70)
- NSF 53 + P473 certified
- No counter space required
Cons
- Requires basic plumbing installation
- Only practical if you own your home
- Does not remove fluoride
- Dedicated faucet takes up sink space
What About Other Popular Filters?
I know you’re wondering about some other well-known brands. Here’s why they didn’t make my list.
Filters I Don’t Recommend for PFAS
- Berkey — No NSF certification of any kind. The EPA issued a stop-sale order over unverified health claims. I cannot verify their PFAS removal claims. See my AquaTru vs Berkey comparison.
- Brita — Does not remove PFAS at all. Uses granular activated carbon, which cannot capture PFAS molecules. Read my full breakdown.
- ZeroWater — Removes some contaminants through ion exchange, but is not NSF P473 certified for PFAS. Without that certification, I can’t confirm PFAS removal rates.
- PUR — Similar to Brita. Uses activated carbon designed for chlorine and taste improvement, not PFAS removal. Not P473 certified.
- Refrigerator filters — Generally basic carbon filters designed for taste. Not effective for PFAS, lead, or other health-related contaminants.
I know some of these brands are popular, and I know some people will disagree. But my standard is simple: if there’s no independent certification for PFAS removal, I won’t recommend it for PFAS removal. Marketing claims and manufacturer-provided data are not enough when we’re talking about forever chemicals in your family’s drinking water.
The Certification That Matters — NSF/ANSI P473
If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: look for NSF/ANSI P473. It’s the only certification that specifically verifies a filter can reduce PFAS compounds in drinking water.
An independent lab tests the filter under controlled conditions and verifies removal of specific PFAS compounds including PFOA, PFOS, and others. If a filter doesn’t have P473 (or equivalent WQA certification), you have no proof it removes PFAS.
Here’s what the certification process involves:
- An independent, accredited lab (not the manufacturer) conducts the testing
- The filter is tested under controlled conditions that simulate real-world use
- Specific PFAS compounds are measured before and after filtration — including PFOA, PFOS, and other common PFAS
- The filter must meet strict reduction thresholds to pass
- Ongoing surveillance ensures the manufacturer continues to meet the standard
WQA (Water Quality Association) certification is the other credible option. WQA is an independent third-party testing body, and their PFAS certification is equally trustworthy. The Clearly Filtered pitcher holds WQA certification rather than NSF, and that’s perfectly valid.
What is not valid is a manufacturer saying "our filter removes PFAS" without any independent testing. If you see PFAS claims but no P473 or WQA certification, be skeptical.
How to Check If Your Water Has PFAS
Before you invest in a PFAS filter, it’s worth knowing whether PFAS are actually a concern in your water. Here are three ways to find out:
- Use our free water quality tool — it pulls from EPA data for your ZIP code and will flag known PFAS contamination. Check your water quality here.
- Read your utility’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — your water utility is required to publish an annual water quality report. Starting in 2026, EPA regulations require public water systems to test for and report PFAS levels.
- Order a home test kit — if you want precise numbers for your specific tap, a home test kit like Tap Score will test for individual PFAS compounds and give you exact concentrations.
That said, given how widespread PFAS contamination is — affecting water systems serving over 100 million Americans — a PFAS-certified filter is a reasonable precaution even if your utility hasn’t reported elevated levels yet. Many water systems have not been tested, and the new EPA limits are so low that contamination may only show up once the 2026 testing requirements take full effect.
The Bottom Line
Don’t buy a PFAS filter based on marketing claims. Buy one based on independent certification.
The AquaTru is the best overall — NSF P473 certified, 99.9% PFAS removal, and the most comprehensive filtration you can get on a countertop. The Clearly Filtered pitcher is the best budget option — WQA certified, 99.5% PFAS removal, and under $100. The Aquasana under-sink is the best permanent install — NSF P473 certified with on-demand filtered water from your faucet.
Any of these three will protect your family from PFAS. The one that’s right for you depends on your budget, your living situation, and whether you want a countertop, pitcher, or under-sink solution. But all three have the one thing that matters most: independent proof that they actually work.