LifeStraw Personal
Score: 70/100
Brita Elite
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Brita Elite Faucet Mount is a convenient, certified solution for reducing lead and contaminants directly from the tap with an easy twist-and-lock installation. Its main drawbacks are a slow flow rate and short filter lifespan, which may frustrate users seeking speed or low maintenance. It is best suited for budget-conscious households with standard faucets who prioritize lead reduction and ease of use.
The LifeStraw Personal Water Purifier is an ultralight, portable straw-style purification system designed for hiking, camping, and emergency use. It utilizes hollow-fiber membrane microfiltration to remove bacteria and parasites without requiring batteries or chemicals. It is best suited for backcountry hikers and travelers to low-risk regions prioritizing weight savings.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.1 GPM | 0.7 GPMbest | |
4,000 monthsbest | 100 months | |
1 stagesbest | 1 stagesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.2 micronsbest | — |
— | 0.08 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.98 inchesbest | 9.84 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 0.98 inchesbest | 2.37 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 8.66 inches | 6 inchesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Health & Safety(2) | ||
Certifications | NSF P231 | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 |
Chlorine Reduction | false | true |
Installation & Compatibility(1) | ||
Installation Type | Personal | Faucet Mount |
Filtration & Performance(3) | ||
Filtration Technology | Microfiltration | Carbon-Block |
Flow Rate (GPM) | 0.1 GPM | 0.7 GPM |
Micron Rating (microns) | 0.2 microns | null microns |
Maintenance & Warranty(2) | ||
Filter Lifespan (months) | 4000 months | 100 months |
Warranty (years) | years | 0.08 years |
Dimensions & Build(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 0.98 inches | 9.84 inches |
Width (inches) | 0.98 inches | 2.37 inches |
Depth (inches) | 8.66 inches | 6.0 inches |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers from Outdoor Gear Lab highlight the LifeStraw as an unbeatable option for those seeking a lightweight, simple, and affordable on-the-go filter.
Everyday users praise the product for its extreme portability, weight savings, and intuitive operation without maintenance.
Professional reviewers praise the Brita Elite for its robust contaminant reduction capabilities, specifically highlighting its certified ability to remove 99% of lead and other impurities. Editors appreciate its lightweight design and ease of installation, viewing it as a reliable, no-waste alternative to bottled water. However, critics consistently note that the 0.7 GPM flow rate is mediocre compared to faster competitors, and the plastic construction feels less premium.
Everyday users commonly praise the ease of installation and the noticeable improvement in water taste, with many appreciating the reliable lead reduction. The filter indicator is frequently cited as a helpful feature. Recurring complaints focus on the slow flow rate, which users find annoying for filling tasks, as well as issues with leaks and incompatibility with pull-out faucets. Some users in hard water areas report premature filter clogging.
“5 easy steps, no tools”
“signals perfectly at 100 gallons”
