PUR Plus Vertical
Score: 78/100
Brita UltraMax Elite
Score: 70/100Rankings
The PUR PLUS Vertical Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a point-of-use filter that attaches directly to standard kitchen faucets to reduce 70 chemical and physical substances, including lead and microplastics. It utilizes Mineral Core Technology for enhanced taste and features a vertical design with a one-click installation process that requires no tools. Best suited for renters seeking tool-free installation and portability for temporary living situations.
The Brita UltraMax Water Dispenser offers a large 27-cup capacity with certified 99% lead reduction, making it a convenient option for families and offices. Its primary limitation is the lack of comprehensive contaminant filtration, such as arsenic and fluoride, and its large physical footprint. It is best suited for busy households with safe municipal water who prioritize convenience and volume over advanced purification.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3 months | 6 monthsbest | |
— | 1 stagesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.4 inchesbest | 9.67 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 2.8 inchesbest | 13.94 inches |
| ↓ lower better | 6.4 inches | 5.19 inchesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Health & Safety(2) | ||
Certifications | NSF, WQA | null |
Remineralization | true | false |
Installation & Compatibility(2) | ||
Installation Type | Faucet Mount | Countertop |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | PSI | N/A PSI |
Filtration & Performance(5) | ||
Filtration Technology | Mineral Core Technology | Carbon-Block |
Flow Rate (GPM) | GPM | null GPM |
Filtration Stages (stages) | stages | 1 stages |
Micron Rating (microns) | microns | null microns |
Pure to Drain Ratio (ratio) | ratio | N/A ratio |
Maintenance & Warranty(2) | ||
Filter Lifespan (months) | 3 months | 6 months |
Warranty (years) | years | null years |
Dimensions & Build(3) | ||
Height (inches) | 5.4 inches | 9.67 inches |
Width (inches) | 2.8 inches | 13.94 inches |
Depth (inches) | 6.4 inches | 5.19 inches |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers from TechGearLab highlight the PUR PLUS Vertical Faucet for its simplicity and practical performance, noting it effectively removes lead, PFNA, chlorine, and common metals. The standout advantage is the tool-free installation, which is particularly valuable for renters seeking portable filtration without the commitment of under-sink systems. However, experts note significant limitations regarding its inability to handle fluoride, arsenic, or high uranium levels, making it unsuitable for homes with extreme water quality issues.
Everyday users commonly praise the easy installation and maintenance, noting the tool-free setup and straightforward filter changes. There is consistent feedback regarding effective taste improvement, with many confirming noticeable chlorine reduction. The convenient selective filtering via the on/off lever is a popular feature for those wanting control. However, recurring complaints include the limited contaminant range for severe water issues, the visually bulky vertical design, and the fact that filter life estimates vary based on household usage.
Professional reviewers assess the Brita UltraMax as a practical, large-capacity option for households with generally safe tap water that offers noticeable taste improvement and convenient, low-maintenance operation. While praised for its solid lead reduction and cost-effectiveness, experts caution that it is not a comprehensive water purification system and lacks the broad contaminant coverage of premium alternatives, particularly regarding arsenic, fluoride, and comprehensive PFAS removal.
Everyday consumers generally praise the product for its convenience, large capacity, and noticeable improvement in water taste, particularly appreciating the fridge-friendly design and long filter life. However, recurring complaints focus on the significant space requirements, unintuitive filling logistics, and disappointment regarding its inability to filter specific contaminants like arsenic and fluoride found in some municipal water supplies.
