Waterdrop Plus vs Brita Elite: Which Pitcher Filter Is Better in 2026?

Waterdrop WD-PF-01A Plus Replacement Filter (3-Pack)

VS

Brita Elite Replacement Filters (2-Pack)

At a Glance

The Waterdrop Plus is the hidden gem of the pitcher filter market, while the Brita Elite is the established premium choice. Each excels in different areas — this comparison breaks down where each one wins and who should buy which.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

PFAS & Specialized Contaminant Removal

The Waterdrop Plus uses ACF (Activated Carbon Fiber) technology specifically engineered for PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS removal. It also reduces fluoride and arsenic — two contaminants that most pitcher filters cannot touch. The Brita Elite removes 30+ contaminants including pharmaceuticals and pesticides, but does not specifically target PFAS or fluoride. For households with PFAS concerns, the Waterdrop Plus is the more targeted solution.

Lead Reduction & NSF Certifications

The Brita Elite carries NSF 42/53/401 — the premium triple certification covering chlorine, health contaminants (lead, cysts), and emerging contaminants (pharmaceuticals, pesticides). It reduces 99% of lead, which is critical for homes with older plumbing. The Waterdrop Plus has NSF 42/372 — covering chlorine taste/odor and lead-free materials, but the 372 certification means the filter itself is lead-free, not that it removes lead from water. This is an important distinction.

Filter Life & Capacity

The Waterdrop Plus delivers 200 gallons per filter — 67% more than the Brita Elite's 120 gallons. This translates to roughly 6 months of use per filter for both, but the Waterdrop Plus maintains performance longer in heavy-use households. With a 3-pack, the Waterdrop Plus provides 600 total gallons versus 240 for the Brita Elite 2-pack. Fewer replacements mean less hassle and less plastic waste.

Cost Per Gallon

The Waterdrop Plus 3-pack delivers 600 total gallons at the lowest per-gallon cost in our entire replacement filter catalog — pennies per gallon of clean water. The Brita Elite 2-pack provides 240 gallons at roughly double the per-gallon rate. Over a year of filtering 3 gallons daily, the Waterdrop Plus saves you more than half on replacement filter costs, making it one of the most economical pitcher filters available at any price.

Brand Ecosystem & Availability

Brita is the world's most recognized pitcher filter brand. Brita pitchers are available everywhere, and the Elite filter fits all Brita pitchers (except Stream). With 38,000+ reviews, it is a proven quantity. The Waterdrop Plus requires a Waterdrop pitcher, which is a smaller ecosystem — less widely available and with fewer pitcher options (8,500 reviews). Switching to Waterdrop means committing to a less mainstream brand with a smaller retail presence.

Who Should Get Which?

Frequently Asked Questions