Got a headache? Drink water. Combating a sickness? Water can help. For every issue you can think of, one of the first recommendations everyone from your mama to your doctor will make is to drink more water!
But not all water is created equal–contaminants in the tap can mean the stuff you’re swigging isn’t exactly the same as the purest, cleanest water out there. I set out to find the best water filtration system, and both Clearly Filtered and Berkey proved worthwhile contenders. There was definitely a clear winner…
If convenience is the name of your game… Clearly Filtered
Berkey’s stainless steel systems range in size from 1.5 gallons all the way to 6 gallons, and let me tell you–they’re heavy. Hauling the Berkey over to the sink to wash fruit or moving it to other parts of the kitchen wasn’t at all convenient to me. It’s not portable but it requires lots of fill-ups, and it fit really awkwardly in my sink.
All in all, Clearly Filtered’s water pitcher couldn’t have entered my life at a better time. It’s easy to fill up, filters water efficiently (so you’re not waiting around), and isn’t too bulky, so it can be stored in the fridge with ease. I know it’s the little things, but I just love an ice-cold cup of water. It’s also just highly portable in a way that Berkey isn’t–I can take my Clearly Filtered pitcher on road trips or wherever else I please.
If you want a pitcher with a built-in filter…Clearly Filtered
A lot of water filtration systems are sold in pieces–you have to buy the pitcher, then the filter, and any replacements separately (AKA: $$$, not convenient).
With Clearly Filtered, the filter is included, and so is the reusable priming bag (the thing you use to get your filter ready for its first use). Clearly Filtered’s filter does need to be replaced every few months, but you can subscribe & save 10% to get them shipped right to your door–shipping is always free in the United States, too! As a bonus, the pitcher is small enough to fit into your fridge, which is great for people like me who enjoy their water chilled.
Berkey doesn’t have a pitcher in their product line-up, and while Berkey has 6 different filtration system sizes, they’re to remain on the countertop, solidly unchilled.
If you’re looking for a countertop water filter…Berkey
The Clearly Filtered pitcher and water bottle are designed to be portable, whereas the Berkey water filtration system sits on your countertop. Think of it like a traditional water cooler that people gather around in an office, only it’s sleek and made of stainless steel.
Clearly Filtered does have options if you’re looking to filter water for a large group of people, but they are designed to be discreet, as attachments under your sink, which is my preference anyways.
If you’re looking for product variety…Clearly Filtered
Want to take your delicious, filtered water to the gym? Both Berkey and Clearly Filtered have water bottles in their product lineup, but Berkey has 1 option made from plastic and Clearly Filtered has 8 different types, all made from glass, stainless steel, or medical-grade Tritan materials.
Berkey also has a shower filter, a primer, and replacement filter, plus spigots and stands. Clearly Filtered has a water pitcher, tons of replacement filter options, an under-the-sink filtering system, water bottles, and fridge filters. Berkey’s options feel more like accessories instead of genuinely useful products like Clearly Filtered’s.
Clearly Filtered’s products are more affordable, too. Their water pitcher + filter starts at $81 with a subscription, whereas Berkey’s travel filter starts at $327. Clearly, Clearly Filtered wins here!
And the winner is (drumroll please)...Clearly Filtered!
Both of these are good options for anyone looking to drink water that is free of most contaminants but, for me, Clearly Filtered is the winner. The convenience of having portable filtration with both the pitcher and the water bottle options just works for my lifestyle. Don’t just take my word for it, though–get one for yourself today!
