Both Berkey and Clearly Filtered are popular choices for people who want serious water filtration beyond basic pitchers. Both market themselves as comprehensive solutions. But when it comes to PFAS — the "forever chemicals" now detected in the drinking water of over 176 million Americans — they are not equal.
The core difference comes down to one thing: independent certification. Clearly Filtered holds NSF/ANSI third-party certification for PFAS removal. Berkey does not. Here's everything you need to know.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Berkey | Clearly Filtered |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS Removal | Claimed (self-tested only) | 99.5% (3rd-party tested) |
| NSF PFAS Certification | ❌ Not certified | ✅ NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 |
| Lead Removal | Claimed (self-reported) | ✅ NSF certified |
| Contaminants Removed | 200+ (manufacturer claims) | 365+ (3rd-party tested) |
| Type | Gravity-feed stainless steel | Gravity-feed pitcher |
| Capacity | 1.5–6 gallons (various) | 10 cups (~2.5 gallons) |
| Price (system) | $300–$600+ | ~$90 |
| Replacement Cost | ~$130 per pair every 3–5 years | ~$50 every 4 months (~100 gal) |
| FDA Import Issues | ⚠️ Import ban (2023, reversed) | None |
| Best For | High-volume gravity filtration | Certified PFAS removal |
Berkey: What You Need to Know
Berkey has been in the water filtration market for decades and commands a loyal following. Their gravity-fed stainless steel systems (Big Berkey, Royal Berkey, etc.) are genuinely impressive in design — no electricity needed, high capacity, and long filter lifespans.
The company claims their Black Berkey filters remove PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride (with add-on filters), bacteria, viruses, and a range of other contaminants. These claims are based on internal testing commissioned by the company.
In 2023, the FDA issued an import alert on Berkey products, citing concerns about unapproved public health claims. The import alert was subsequently reversed in late 2023 after Berkey contested it. The episode highlighted ongoing regulatory scrutiny around the brand's marketing claims.
To be clear: Berkey filters may perform well in practice. Many users report satisfaction. But if you're specifically trying to protect against PFAS and want verifiable proof that your filter works, Berkey's current certification status doesn't provide that assurance.
Clearly Filtered: What You Need to Know
Clearly Filtered takes a fundamentally different approach — rather than making broad claims, they submit their products to independent NSF testing and publish the results. Their pitcher is certified to:
- NSF/ANSI 42 — Aesthetic effects (chlorine taste and odor)
- NSF/ANSI 53 — Health effects (heavy metals, VOCs, and more)
- NSF/ANSI 401 — Emerging contaminants including PFAS
The 99.5% PFAS removal figure comes from manufacturer-commissioned third-party testing (not self-testing). Their filter media uses Affinity Filtration Technology — a proprietary blend engineered specifically for PFAS and other chemical contaminants.
The main trade-off vs Berkey: smaller capacity. The Clearly Filtered pitcher holds about 10 cups at a time and requires filter replacement every ~100 gallons (roughly every 4 months for an average household). Berkey's large systems hold 2.25–6 gallons and filters last 3–5 years.
When to Choose Berkey
Berkey is the better choice if:
- You want large-volume filtration (great for families or off-grid use)
- PFAS is not your primary concern (e.g., you're on a well and mainly worried about bacteria/viruses)
- You want a filter that works without electricity and with minimal maintenance
- You've already tested your water and know PFAS isn't present at concerning levels
When to Choose Clearly Filtered
Clearly Filtered is the better choice if:
- PFAS removal is your primary reason for buying a filter
- You want independently certified, verifiable performance claims
- You're on municipal water and don't need bacteria/virus removal
- You want comprehensive removal of 365+ contaminants including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and heavy metals
- You want a lower upfront cost
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is NSF/ANSI certified for PFAS removal. It's the most verifiable PFAS solution at the pitcher level. If budget allows and you want maximum filtration, the AquaTru reverse osmosis system is the premium upgrade.
Shop Clearly Filtered →
Cost Comparison Over Time
5-Year Total Cost Estimate
Berkey is cheaper over a 5-year horizon because their filters last much longer. The trade-off is that you're paying less for unverified PFAS protection vs paying more for certified PFAS protection with Clearly Filtered. If PFAS is what you're buying for, the extra cost is the cost of certainty.