Aquagear Filter Pitcher Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the Aquagear

Filtration: 3.07/5.00

The Aquagear water filter pitcher scored 3.07/5.00 for filtration. How? It achieved solid results in our 2025 lab testing, improving upon the mediocre 2024 performance. In our 2025 test, the filtered water also had a much better taste than our tap water. In 2024, there was some taste remaining (no odor in either test round). And finally, while the pitcher doesn’t have any NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction, it does have third-party testing for dozens of impurities to 100% filter life; however, it’s limited in regards to contaminant types, mostly covering “easier-to-remove” organics.

1. Lab Results: 4.07/5.00 (2025) & 3.42/5.00 (2024)

In our 2024 and 2025 lab tests comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the Aquagear pitcher could remove 9 undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (so essentially to 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane*, bromoform, dibromochloromethane*, chloroform*, copper, iron, manganese, and barium.

The following substances remained in our water:

• Boron – showed no reduction in 2024 and only 5% in 2025.
• Lithium increased by 100% in 2024 (not present in 2025). Lithium was detected near the analytical detection limit (0.01 ppm) in 2024, so this percentage change reflects a minimal absolute difference and could also represent natural fluctuations. We don’t expect the Aquagear filter to add lithium to the water but it may not reduce it, either.
• Strontium was reduced by 17% in 2024, which is very poor. In 2025, it was reduced by a moderate 50%.
• Nitrate was reduced by 20% in 2025, which is very poor and much lower compared to the 100% reduction in 2024.
• Fluoride increased by 28% in 2024. However, it’s unlikely that the Aquagear adds fluoride to the water, as there’s no fluoride-based filter media. Such a large increase is also unlikely to be the result of natural variability. That said, our 2024 fluoride test method is known to be susceptible to alkalinity interference, with higher alkalinity producing artificially elevated fluoride readings. Because the filtered water showed increased alkalinity, it’s possible that this apparent fluoride increase is not real. At the same time, we don’t think the Aquagear is effective at fluoride reduction. All of this was confirmed in our 2025 testing, where we used a different lab method to measure fluoride (we consider this method to be much more reliable compared to 2024). Here, the Aquagear reduced fluoride by a very poor 10%.
• Uranium was reduced by a poor 29% in 2024 (not present in 2025).

Finally, hardness increased by 114% in 2024 and by 156% in 2025. These increases might actually be the pitcher releasing ions from its ion exchange resin and should subside quickly. That said, the Aquagear still might not be suited for protecting your kettle and/or coffee maker from limescale buildup.

Aside from contaminant reduction, we found zinc (0.01 ppm) in our 2024 filtered water suggesting potential leaching. However, zinc is merely an aesthetic impurity which only becomes relevant (e.g., impacting water taste) at a much higher level (5 ppm) than detected in our sample per the EPA secondary standards. Also, at first glance, our lab findings seem to contradict Aquagear’s third-party test data which claim the reduction of zinc by 99.99%. This apparent discrepancy may be explained by differing test conditions: Aquagear evaluated zinc removal from feed water spiked to ~10 ppm, whereas our feed water contained no detectable zinc; therefore, the zinc observed post-filtration is most consistent with trace leaching rather than incomplete removal.

In 2025, we found titanium (0.00228 ppm) added to our filtered water. We couldn’t find any health guideline for titanium in drinking water; the lack of a guideline suggests it shouldn’t be a major health concern.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The Aquagear pitcher does not have any NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction. However, it does have third-party testing for dozens of impurities to 100% filter life against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401 (microplastics were tested against a “modified NSF/ANSI standard”). This testing covers primarily what we consider “easier-to-remove” organics and only a few heavy metals. Listed reduction rates include:

• Lead (99.35-99.41%)
• Mercury (93.33-95.00%)
• Cadmium (96.55-96.67%)
• Asbestos (99.97%)
• Dozens of VOCs (99.97%)
• PFOA (96.20%)
• PFOS (56%)
• Microplastics (99.99%)
• Pesticides and herbicides (99.86-99.99%)
• Several pharmaceuticals (99.87-99.99%)

3. Filtration Process

The Aquagear filter cartridge contains activated carbon and ion exchange resin. Activated carbon removes things like bad tastes and odors, chlorine/chloramine, disinfection byproducts and other organics, as well as certain metals. Ion exchange targets dissolved, unwanted ions in the water.

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our 2024 test, the filtered water was odorless but had some taste remaining. In our 2025 test, the filtered water was odorless as well, and the taste was much improved compared to our tap water but not 100% perfect.

Usability: 3.50/5.00

The Aquagear achieved a usability score of 3.50/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.90/1.00)
2. Day-to-day use (2.00/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.60/0.90)

1. Initial Setup: 0.90/1.00

Assembling the Aquagear was not as straightforward as some of the other pitchers, though the manufacturer does provide clear, illustrated directions outlining each step. In addition, a convenient QR code links users to a tutorial video.

The biggest challenge lies with the filter priming – our faucet was too big for the flushing assembly to fit around. We had to push it up against the faucet forcefully. Not only was this inconvenient, but we suspect it could prove difficult for someone older or with limited mobility.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the setup process:

1. Attach or hold the flushing assembly to your faucet and run cold water for 2 minutes at low pressure. The flushing assembly bulb does not have to fit your faucet perfectly; press the bulb as firmly to your faucet as possible. It is normal to see some water leaking around the cap of the flushing assembly; you may lower the water pressure slightly to correct this.
2. Screw the filter cartridge onto the reservoir securely.
3. Place the reservoir into the carafe and secure the lid on top of the pitcher.
4. Now your pitcher is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.00/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 1.00/1.20

The Aquagear pitcher is a decent choice for daily use but there are better options if day-to-day practicality is your primary concern. On a positive note, its reservoirs are large and well-balanced (7-cup feed, 10-cup filtered capacity), so it can store enough water and requires fewer daily refills to keep your family hydrated – we estimate 4-5 refills for the average-sized US and US family households, respectively. This means you will not have to make repeated trips to the faucet, unlike with models that have smaller feed (or feed + filtered) reservoirs.

In addition, the Aquagear filters fast enough to meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households, and it can handle thirst bursts. That said, on-demand filtering takes some patience. In our 2025 filtration speed test, the pitcher could filter 4 cups in a reasonable 4:46 min. It performed even better in our 2024 test, clocking in at 3:45 min.

Finally, the pitcher fits both on the shelves and in the door of a standard fridge (dimensions: 5.5″x10.5″x11.25″), and thanks to the generous feed and filtered capacities, you can fill a large 40-oz bottle with a single refill.

2.2 Handling & Pouring: 0.45/1.15

The Aquagear’s plastic handle is particularly comfortable with its interior indentations for finger placement. However, the pour spout cover often gets stuck or pops out of place, causing water to spray in all directions – occasionally it needs to be pushed back into position. Additionally, the lid can be hard to remove, doesn’t align easily with the pitcher, and sometimes pops off when pouring. Like the Seychelle RAD, these factors unfortunately make the Aquagear one of our least favorite pitchers when it comes to pouring.

It is relatively light compared to the other pitchers we have tested, with a weight including the wet filter cartridge of 1 lb 12.44 oz. While handling is made easier with a lighter pitcher, less weight may indicate flimsier construction (e.g., thinner plastic) and/or less filter media (not ideal for optimal filtration performance).

2.3 Refilling: 0.55/0.75

The Aquagear is easy to refill owing to its oval pour-through tab.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.60/0.90

Filter replacements are very easy though there is no filter change indicator to alert you to do so.

Rated filter life is 120 gallons. Assuming 300 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate that you will have to change the filter 2.5x annually. However, the manufacturer notes the filter lasts up to 6 months, so at minimum, it should be changed twice yearly.

Costs: 4.03/5.00

Based on value for money, the Aquagear pitcher achieved a cost score of 4.03 out of 5.00, indicating it is priced about average for what it offers compared to competing pitchers (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, while its upfront price is slightly above average compared to the other water filter pitchers we tested, its annual filter replacement cost is around average.

1. Upfront Price

As of September 16, 2025, the Aquagear is priced at $69.95, which is slightly above the $58.53 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 300 gallons consumption and a 120-gallon filter life, we estimate $125 in annual filter replacement costs, which is around the $120.13 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. That said, you can save 20% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a lifetime warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

• The Aquagear’s filter media is claimed to be made in the USA.
• Aquagear offers a filter recycling program. They provide a prepaid shipping label, though you don’t get a free filter in exchange for sending back used filters.

Additional

1. BPA-Free

This pitcher is made from BPA-free materials.

2. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with taste, slow filtration or clogged filters, and design flaws.

Like some of the other customers, we noticed a few poor design elements: we had trouble with the pour spout cover getting stuck or popping out of place, causing water to spray in all directions. The lid doesn’t seem to fit well, either – it can be hard to remove/replace and sometimes pops off when pouring. The priming assembly doesn’t seem to fit large faucets, making initial setup a slight challenge.

We also detected some remaining taste to our 2024 water, though our 2025 testing yielded much better-tasting water. However, we did not find that the Aquagear filtered particularly slowly, nor was it prone to clogging.

Bottom Line: No Match for Other Pitcher Filters (3.35/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the Aquagear pitcher scored a final rating of 3.35 out of 5.00.

The Aquagear achieved solid results in our 2025 lab testing, fully removing 9 contaminants and producing water with no odor and a much-improved taste (the 2024 results were mediocre and some taste remained). It isn’t NSF/ANSI certified for contaminant reduction, but it is third-party tested to 100% filter life (but mostly for easier-to-remove organics).

However, it has some design flaws leading to usability issues: the lid doesn’t fit well and tends to fall off, the spout cover gets stuck, causing water to spray while pouring, and the priming assembly does not fit all faucets, requiring force to hold it up to the faucet during filter priming. We do like its comfortable handle and large capacity (fewer refills), as well as its lifetime warranty and pre-paid recycling program for used filters. Overall, we think there are better water filter pitchers out there.