Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Sep 15, 2023
This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Top Pick: What’s the Best Gravity Water Filter?
The best gravity water filter in 2023 is the Big Berkey, because it is NSF-tested to remove most types of contaminants from almost any water source, we have a long 3,000-gallon filter life, water storage volume is ideal for families, system assembly is easy and maintenance is affordable, tanks are made from durable and food-grade stainless steel, and there’s a lifetime warranty.
Looking for the perfect gravity water filter? Look no further! With the market for gravity water filters being quite vast, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find the right system for your needs.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive buying guide. Till this day, our team has evaluated 20+ different gravity water filters to bring you the top options available. Get ready to discover your ideal system and enjoy clean, filtered water with ease.
| Gravity Filters | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best Overall: Big Berkey |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
Price: $$$ Tank Size: 2.25 gal NSF: 42, 53 Annual Cost: ~$55 Warranty: 2 Years to Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best for Alkaline Water: Santevia |
Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
Price: $$ Tank Size: 2.6 gal NSF: 42, 53 Annual Cost: ~$200 Warranty: 30 Days Read Review: Click |
 Best Portable Gravity Filter Bag: LifeStraw Mission |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
Price: $$ Tank Size: 1.3 gal NSF: P231 Annual Cost: – Warranty: 3 Years (Limited) Read Review: Click |
Our Top Picks
In our opinion, the Big Berkey is the best gravity water filter in 2023.
Berkey is easily the most popular gravity water filter brand currently on the market – and rightly so!
Simply put, a Berkey system transforms water from virtually any fresh source – stream, lake, well or tap water – into cleaner, healthier drinking water which is great for everyday life and in any SHTF scenario.
Furthermore, Berkeys come in different sizes but they’re all simple to put together, use, and maintain, and yet highly effective at providing water that easily meets drinking standards. 4.5 stars!
By the way, the perfect size for you depends on how much purified water you need on a daily basis. Larger system equals more water, meaning higher filtration speed and storage capacity.
|
Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter System |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Drinking Water Storage: | 2.25 Gallons |
| NSF: | 42, 53 |
| Annual Filter Cost: | ~$55 |
| Warranty: | 2 Years to Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Big Berkey is best for people who want a highly effective and easy-to-use gravity filter for home use and prepping.
→ Read Our Full Big Berkey Review Here
The ProOne Big+ is our second choice when it comes to the best gravity-fed water filter systems.
Just like Berkey, ProOne (formerly Propur) gravity filters can be fed with water from just about any water supply including tap, lake, stream, river, pond, or rain water. What’s more, they’re easy to use and do an outstanding job at removing even the most stubborn contaminants providing H2O of great purity that also tastes delicious.
That said, for our final verdict we must take into account all drawbacks listed below. Thus, our final rating will be 4.0 stars!
ProOne Big+ Gravity Water Filter |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Water Storage: | 3 Gallons |
| NSF: | 42, 53, 401, P231 |
| Annual Filter Cost: | ~$140-170 |
| Warranty: | 1 to 5 Years |
|
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The ProOne is best for people who don’t mind slow filtration and paying a higher price in return for effective contaminant removal (NSF-tested).
→ Read Our Full Propur Review Here
Santevia’s Gravity Water System not only removes potentially harmful water contaminants, it also “boosts pH and alkalinity to make mineralized alkaline water”.
That said, at this time there seems to be no solid scientific evidence supporting the claim that alkaline water is any healthier than regular drinking water.
One thing is for certain, though, the Santevia may not be perfect but it’s still the best alkaline gravity water filter in 2023. 3.5 stars!
|
Santevia Alkaline Gravity Water System |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Drinking Water Storage: | 2.6 Gallons |
| NSF: | 42, 53 (Unverified) |
| Annual Filter Cost: | ~$200 |
| Warranty: | 30 Days |
|
Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Santevia Gravity Water System is best for people looking for a filter that provides alkaline drinking water.
Next, we’ll take a look at the LifeStraw Mission.
In our opinion, it’s the #1 gravity bag water filter in 2023. And thanks to its portability and the fact that it does remove viruses which is especially important when you’re ion the great outdoors or traveling internationally, the LifeStraw Mission is also our favorite backpacking water filter for both solo and group use. 4.5 stars!
|
LifeStraw Mission Gravity Water Filter Bag |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Water Storage: | 1.3 Gallons |
| NSF: | P231 |
| Annual Filter Cost: | – |
| Warranty: | 3 Years Limited |
|
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The LifeStraw Mission is best for people who need a portable and highly compact yet effective gravity filter.
The pH Recharge by Invigorated Water is another so-called alkaline water filter, meaning that apart from filtering several contaminants as well as bad taste it increases the pH value of water by up to 2.0+ points – just like the Santevia gravity filter above.
In addition, with its glass body and wooden stand the pH Recharge has a great design and clean look. But it also has a few major issues which you can check below. 3 stars.
Invigorated Water pH-Recharge Purification System |
|
| Price: | $ |
| Clean Water Storage: | 1.25 Gallons |
| NSF: | – |
| Annual Filter Cost: | ~$200 |
| Warranty: | 1 Year (Upon Registration) |
|
Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The pH Recharge is our second best alkaline gravity filter that’s also pretty affordable at purchase.
Zen Water Systems’ countertop gravity filter seems extremely attractive for people on a tight budget, people in need for a low-cost solution to their water contamination problem.
The manufacturer promises that the filter system transforms ordinary tap water into purified, healthy, and great-tasting mineral spring water – truth or fiction?
Well, the Zen does a great job at improving water taste which most people love. But performance-wise it cannot be compared to the cream of the crop. The good news, it comes with added health benefits, e.g. remineralization.
Bottom line: A reasonable choice at such a low price. 3.5 stars!
Zen Water Systems Vitality Gravity-Fed Water Filter |
|
| Price: | $ |
| Clean Water Storage: | 2.5 Gallons |
| NSF: | – |
| Annual Filter Cost: | ~$70 |
| Warranty: | 10-30 Days |
|
Overall Rating: 3.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Zen Water Systems is best for people on a very tight budget.
Our final review features the Alexapure Pro. Interestingly enough, it’s quite similar to the Big Berkey filter in many ways:
However, filter elements are very expensive.
All in all, 3 stars.
Alexapure Pro Gravity-Fed Water Filter |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Drinking Water Storage: | 2.25 Gallons |
| NSF: | 42, 53, P231 |
| Annual Filter Cost: | ~$240+ |
| Warranty: | None |
|
Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on treatment process, contaminant reduction rates, NSF/ANSI standards, filter capacity, tank size, cost, user ratings, our own testing, warranties, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Alexapure Pro is best for effective gravity water filtration but maintenance cost are very high.
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Gravity System | Price | Filter Process | Filter Life | Storage | NSF/ANSI | Annually | Warranty | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter | $$$ | Activated Carbon + Ion Exchange + Other | 3,000 Gallons | 2.25 gal | 42, 53 | ~$55 | 2 Years to Life | |
| ProOne Big+ Gravity Water Filter | $$$ | GAC, Proprietary Media, Outer Ceramic Shell | 1,000-1,200 Gallons | 3 gal | 42, 53, 401, P231 | ~$140-170 | 1-5 Years | |
| Santevia Alkaline Gravity Water System | $$ | Ceramic Pre-Filter, AA, KDF, GAC, Mineral Balls | 4 Months to 2 Years | 2.6 gal | 42, 53 | ~$200 | 30 Days | |
| LifeStraw Mission Gravity Water Filter | $$ | 0.02 Ultrafiltration Membrane | 4,755 Gallons | 1.3 gal | P231 | – | 3 Years | |
| pH Recharge Gravity Water Filter | $ | GAC, Zeolite, KDF, Ceramic Stone Blend | 96 Gallons | 1.25 gal | – | ~$200 | 1 Year Warranty Upon Registration | |
| Zen Water Systems Gravity Water Filter | $ | Ceramic Pre-Filter, Silver-Impregnated GAC, Mineral/Ceramic Balls | 500-1,000 Gallons | 1.5 gal | – | ~$70 | 10-30 Days | |
| Alexapure Pro Gravity Water Filter | $$$ | Ceramic Shell, Activated Carbon + Other | 200 Gallons | 2.25 gal | 42, 53, P231 | $240+ | None |
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a gravity water filter. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
Are you planning to use your new gravity water filter indoors or outdoors?
What difference does that make? Well, depending on the application you’ll likely be facing a completely different range of water contaminants.
For example: Most tap water is chlorinated or chloraminated to kill waterborne pathogens. So while you don’t have to worry about bacteria and viruses, you probably want to get rid of that unpleasant chlorine taste and smell.
On the other hand, if you are planning a camping trip in the backcountry where you don’t have access to a safe freshwater source, a gravity water filter needs to be capable of removing dangerous bacteria, protozoa, cysts, viruses etc.
Simply put, the filter you buy needs to be designed for the purpose you’re intending to use it for. Or, you buy an all-rounder like the Berkey which basically removes all the harmful contaminants from tap water, well water, and water sources like rivers and lakes.
Personally, we like to rely on NSF testing/certifications when it comes to filtration effectiveness. Otherwise, brands and manufacturers can make claims all day long about which contaminants their water filtration systems remove. Reality is, only independent lab testing can provide proof.
In the realm of gravity water filters, these are the most important NSF standards you should look out for:
We get it; fast filtration without long waiting times seems desirable. However, most filter media require a long-enough contact time with the water to pull out as many contaminants as possible.
In other words: Thorough filtration takes time. But don’t make the mistake and confuse thorough filtration with low quality, clogged filters that won’t let any water pass through.
We like long-lasting filters as they save you time and money. Black Berkey purification elements, for example, last up to 3,000 gallons or 3 years. Compare that to the 96 gallons you get out of the PH001 filter cartridge by Invigorated Water.
Our tip: When shopping for a gravity water purifier also check capacity, price, and availability of replacement filters.
A filter’s portability becomes important when you’re thinking about using it outdoors.
The two main factors that determine portability are physical size and weight. Obviously, the smaller and the lighter, the better.
At the same time, a small system means low storage tank capacity and in some cases even slower filtration speed. Thus, if all you want is a gravity filter for your kitchen countertop, we recommend you go for a larger unit for maximum convenience.
When it comes to gravity filtration system materials, food-grade stainless steel and glass are our preferred choices. We don’t really like plastic, even if it’s free from BPA and BPS.
First and foremost, a cleverly designed system is easy to use and maintain.
The exact opposite of clever design is when the spigot of a gravity water filter system is positioned too high so that much of the filtered water cannot be dispensed.
More on Gravity Water Filters
First of all, what is a gravity water filter?
Just like a water filter pitcher, a gravity water filter relies on the force of gravity to push water from an upper chamber through one or more filtration elements into a lower storage tank. The filtered water can then be dispensed via a simple spigot.
The main advantages of a high-quality gravity water filter is that it make water safe(r) to drink and greatly improves aesthetics without the need for electricity or water pressure from a faucet or pipe. Certainly the main disadvantage is that you have to refill each system manually.
How about installation and maintenance? Don’t worry, gravity filters are quick to assemble and all they need for maintenance is a good cleaning every now and then.
As we said, gravity water filters use the force of gravity to direct water from an upper chamber through one or more filter elements into a lower water reservoir ready for dispensing.
Most units are supposed to stand on a flat surface, such as your kitchen countertop or the ground if you are outdoors.
Gravity filter bags are just a tiny bit different: They consist of a bag to fill in the feed water and a hose with a filter element attached. If you open the valve, water is filtered on demand. Some gravity filter bags also feature a second bag to store the filtered water in.
As far as the water purification process is concerned, most countertop gravity filters rely on ceramic filter elements. Some may also use some sort of activated carbon filter media.
Mere sediment filters are mainly used outdoors. They need to be small and portable and therefore only provide basic filtration.
Obviously, the most important benefit of a gravity filter is that it gives you access to clean drinking water, at least if the filtration process is solid – clean water means mostly free from potentially harmful contaminants that may otherwise affect the health of your family.
In addition to filtered water being healthier, it also tastes and smells much, much better. For improved tap water taste and odor, efficient chlorine removal is key.
If you receive water from a private well, you might be dealing with organic contamination, or high iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide content. A good gravity filter can easily eliminate these contaminants.
A benefit specific to gravity filters is that they’re great for emergency situations as they require neither electricity nor a functioning plumbing system to work. So if sh*t hits the fan and you’re the proud owner of a Berkey system or something comparable, all you need is a nearby freshwater source to feed the filtration process.
Using any home water filter is a lot more eco-friendly than buying bottled water and producing plastic waste. Above that, many bottled waters are literally plain tap water filled into a water bottle, so why even bother?
Another reason to invest in a countertop gravity water filter or any type of water filter really is reduced cost. Buying water bottles is just so much more expensive than investing your money in a high quality water filter system. And yes, we’ve taken into account expenses for replacement filters.
Putting together most gravity filter systems is a breeze. It can be done without tools in 5 to 10 minutes. As for maintenance, all you need to do is re-prime your filter elements and clean the water tanks every once in a while – easy!
Probably the main disadvantage of using a gravity water filter is that you have to refill it manually. Many people don’t see a problem in that, but some may consider it inconvenient.
Remember that we mentioned that thorough filtration takes time? It may take even longer with gravity filters. That’s because the pressure created by gravity force is nowhere near as high as water pressure in your home’s plumbing system.
Putting together most gravity filter systems is a breeze. It can be done without tools in 5 to 10 minutes. As an example, here’s how you assemble a Berkey:
What do you need to do to keep your gravity filter system in good shape?
Again, using Berkey as our prime example, each filter element requires cleaning every now and then. Frequency depends on the quality of your water like turbidity and sediment content. Whenever filtration speed starts to decrease significantly, it’s probably time for another cleanse.
Simply remove the filter(s) and scrub the exterior with a brush or scouring pad. The idea is to remove the outside layer which absorbed the vast majority of impurities. If scrubbing doesn’t work, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel away a thin layer under running water.
When you’re done, keep in mind to re-prime each filter element before reinstalling.
Another essential task is washing the upper and lower chamber with soapy dishwater, about monthly.
How did we become experts in reviewing gravity water filters? The process involved thorough research and hands-on testing among other key ingredients:
Our gravity filter evaluation process is mostly based on: Contaminant reduction rates (30%), costs (25%), testing and user opinions (20%), life of filter elements (15%), support & product warranty (10%).
We’ve rated each filter on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating.
Questions? Ask away!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.
This is a really thorough review of the systems I’ve seen yet so thank you! I purchased a Big Berky last week from Amazon. I needed to watch a YouTube video to figure out how to set up, which took maybe 30 min to do. But after that, it’s perfect. The steel containers are sturdy and the filter really does clean the water better than any other system I have used.
Reply