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Brita is many people's first introduction to filtered water. The water jug is in millions of Dutch refrigerators and does what it promises: better-tasting tap water without installation. But what if you want more: less hassle, broader filtration, or simply more mineral-rich water? In this overview, we compare Brita with PureFilter Mineral+ and honestly assess when an upgrade is worthwhile.
Brita's best-known product is the Maxtra+ or Maxtra Pro filter jug: a transparent jug with a filter cartridge in the lid. You fill the jug with tap water, it seeps through the filter (activated carbon and ion exchanger) and ends up softer and fresher tasting in the lower part.
What a Brita does well:
What a Brita does NOT do:
PureFilter Mineral+ is not a water pitcher, but an under-sink filter. It connects once to the cold water line under your sink, takes 5 to 10 minutes to install, and filters the water in five steps before it comes out of your existing tap.
It filters more than 100 contaminants, including PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals (lead, copper), fluoride, nitrates, chlorine, and flavorings. And in the final step, it adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium via Swedish Mineral Rock™ – so no flat water, but water that's richer in minerals and softer in taste, comparable to good bottled mineral water.
A Brita pitcher mainly filters chlorine and limescale. PureFilter Mineral+ also removes PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, drug residues, and nitrates — more than 100 contaminants in five filtration steps.
Where a water jug makes the water flatter, PureFilter adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium via Swedish Mineral Rock™. The result is richer, softer water — comparable to good bottled mineral water.
You replace a Brita filter 13 times a year. PureFilter only needs one filter per year (for 1-3 people). Less hassle, and from year 2 onwards, it's cheaper per month than with a Brita.
| Reference | Brita Maxtra+ | PureFilter Mineral+ |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Water pitcher with filter cartridge | Under-sink filter |
| Filters chlorine & taste | Yes | Yes |
| Filters PFAS | No | Yes |
| Filters microplastics | Hardly | Yes |
| Filters heavy metals | Partially | Yes |
| Filters medicine residues | No | Yes |
| Adds minerals | No | Calcium, magnesium, potassium |
| Certification | NSF 42 (partial) | NSF 42, 53, 61, 372 |
| Straight from the tap | No, fill it first | Yes |
| Installation | None | 5–10 min, no plumber |
| Spot in kitchen | In the refrigerator or on the counter | Invisible under-sink |
| Replace filter | Every 4 weeks | Every 12 months |
| Acquisition | Approx. €30 | €149.00 |
| Replacement costs per year | ±€60–€80 | €49.90 (1–3 persons) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years |
Specifications based on publicly available manufacturer information, 2026.
One of the least discussed differences between a water pitcher and an under-sink filter is how often you have to deal with it. A Brita filter needs to be replaced every four weeks, which is 13 times a year. Most people forget to do that, and then the water is no longer properly filtered.
PureFilter Mineral+ has a filter cartridge that lasts up to 12 months (1–3 people) or 6 months (4+ people). Replace it once a year, and you're done. A €30 Brita pitcher with €70 worth of replacement filters per year = €100 in year 1. PureFilter is €149.00 in year 1, then €49.90 per year.
From year 2 onwards, you'll be cheaper per month than with a Brita.
| Option | Per liter |
|---|---|
| Bottled water (1.5L at €0.80) — ±€779/year | ±€0.53 / liter |
| Brita Maxtra + filters — ±€100/year | ±€0.07/litre |
| PureFilter Mineral+ — €149.00 (year 1) | ±€0.01 / litre |
Not every Dutch kitchen needs an under-sink system right away. Below you can see which choice best suits each situation.
For those who are moving beyond the water jug and are serious about filtration and taste, PureFilter Mineral+ is the logical next step. For those who are content with just taste improvement, Brita remains an excellent choice.
For each situation, you can see at a glance which choice makes the most sense.
For those who are moving on from the water pitcher and are serious about filtration and taste, PureFilter Mineral+ is the logical next step. For those who are content with just taste improvement, Brita remains a great choice.
Still not sure? Check out the complete overview of the best home water filters, or read how PureFilter compares to a Berkey or alongside a Quooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Brita filter PFAS from tap water?
No. Brita itself does not claim PFAS filtration in the Maxtra+ or Maxtra Pro filters. For effective removal of PFAS, you need a filter with multi-layered activated carbon and NSF 53 certification, such as PureFilter Mineral+. Read more about which water filter removes PFAS from tap water.
Is a Brita worse than an under-sink filter?
Not worse, just different. A Brita is designed to improve taste and reduce limescale at a low price. An under-sink system filters more broadly and adds minerals. Which one suits you depends on what you are looking for and how much you use.
How often should I change a Brita filter?
Every four weeks — that's 13 filters per year. If you forget, the water will be filtered less effectively, and bacteria can form. PureFilter, on the other hand, requires one filter per year (1–3 people) or two per year (4+ people).
Does PureFilter also add minerals?
Yes. That is the main difference from a Brita. In the final filtering step, PureFilter Mineral+ adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium via Swedish Mineral Rock™. This makes the water taste richer and softer — not flatter, as with a jug with an activated carbon filter.
Does PureFilter fit under every sink?
It fits in almost all Dutch kitchens. PureFilter Mineral+ is compact (10 × 2.5 inches, 1 kg) and fits next to standard connections. Installation takes 5 to 10 minutes with a wrench.
Can I keep my Brita in addition to PureFilter?
That's not necessary—PureFilter delivers filtered, mineral-rich water directly from your tap. But you can, of course, keep a Brita for specific uses (for example, to take water with you in a bottle). Most people who switch over get rid of their Brita.
Is PureFilter suitable for a large family?
Yes. For families of 4 or more, PureFilter provides one cartridge that lasts up to 6 months. A Brita jug with 13 filter replacements per year quickly becomes inconvenient and more expensive for large families.
Which water filter is right for me?
That depends on your situation, budget, and how much water you use. In our overview of the best home water filters, we compare the options fairly. Are you mainly concerned about PFAS? See which water filter removes PFAS from tap water. You can also compare PureFilter with a Berkey or see how it works with a Quooker.
