← All gear
Water
Best Water Filters & Purifiers for Families
Make questionable tap or stored water safe to drink when the supply is compromised.
Make questionable tap or stored water safe to drink when the supply is compromised.
Below are the options we would actually put in our own home — what to get, what to skip, and who each one is for. Worth adding once the true essentials are covered.
Our picks
What we'd actually buy
Common questions
- What is the difference between a water filter and a purifier?
- A filter removes bacteria, protozoa, and debris. A purifier also handles viruses. For most U.S. tap and natural water sources a quality filter is enough, and you can add purification if you are unsure of the source.
- Do water filters remove viruses?
- Most everyday filters do not. If you may be drinking water that could carry viruses, use a purifier or pair a filter with purification tablets or boiling.
- How long do water filters last?
- It ranges from a few hundred to several thousand gallons. Check the cartridge rating and keep a spare, since a clogged filter is useless when you need it most.
Where it matters