LARQ Pitcher PureVis Review: Lab Analysis & Hands-On Testing

Full Analysis of the LARQ Pitcher PureVis

Please note: We tested the LARQ Pitcher PureVis together with the Advanced Pitcher Filter element.

Filtration: 3.12/5.00

The LARQ Pitcher PureVis scored 3.12/5.00 on filtration. In our lab testing, it didn’t stand out as particularly good or bad, but it delivered clean-tasting water. It has no NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction but is backed by third-party testing to 100% filter life – although mostly for easier-to-remove organics.

1. Lab Results: 3.89/5.00

In our lab test comparing an unfiltered and a filtered tap water sample, the LARQ performed adequately, removing the following undesirable impurities and contaminants to below the minimum detection level (i.e., 100%): chlorine, bromodichloromethane*, dibromochloromethane*, and chloroform*.

Substances that remained in our water were:

• Copper – reduced by 63%, which is quite solid. Notably, our lab findings may appear less impressive than LARQ’s third-party test data, which claims the reduction of copper by 99.20-99.70%. However, it is important to consider the differing test conditions: the LARQ feed water had a 300x greater concentration of copper (~3 ppm) compared to our feed water, where it hovered near the limits of detection.
• Manganese was reduced by 33%, which is poor.
• Barium was reduced by a high 85%.
• Boron actually increased by 103% which seems unlikely to be natural fluctuations and suggests potential leaching. This isn’t ideal; however, the final boron level of 0.0311 ppm is well below even the strictest boron health guideline we could find (0.5 ppm).
• Strontium was reduced by 74%, again solid.
• Nitrate was reduced by 65%, also quite solid.
• Same for fluoride at 66% reduction.
• Iron saw a poor 26% reduction.

Finally, limescale was reduced by 44%, so rather moderate. That means there are likely better options if your main goal is protecting your kettle or coffee maker from limescale buildup.

Aside from contaminant reduction, silver wasn’t detected in the unfiltered water but was measured in the LARQ’s filtered water sample at 0.0046 ppm, again suggesting potential leaching. Still, this level is far below the strictest silver health guideline we could find, set at 0.1 ppm. So, from a health perspective, this shouldn’t be a concern.

Lab Results Charts

2. NSF/ANSI Certifications and Other Test Data

The LARQ Pitcher PureVis (with the Advanced Filter) has no NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant reduction. However, it is supported by third-party testing conducted against NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, and 401.

A total of 67 contaminants were tested, with full results available in the official performance data sheet. Reported reduction rates at the start of the filter’s life include lead (99.30-99.70%), mercury (98.40-98.60%), PFOA (98.00%), PFOS (99.10%), dozens of VOCs (92.40-95.30%), and several emerging compounds including pharmaceuticals (96.00-99.80%). That said, while 67 substances covered sounds like a lot, they are mainly easier-to-remove organic contaminants.

3. Filtration Process

The Advanced Filter cartridge appears to be based on activated carbon media, which can primarily reduce unpleasant tastes and odors, chlorine and chloramine, disinfection byproducts, and other organic contaminants. It can also reduce certain metals, such as lead and mercury.

The manufacturer also references “Nano Zero” filtration but does not provide a detailed explanation of the underlying technology, suggesting it may be primarily a branding term.

In addition to filtration, the pitcher uses UV-C light to eliminate heterotrophic bacteria in the clean water reservoir. These bacteria are not considered a health concern, but they can contribute to bad taste and odor, especially when water sits for longer periods or when filter cartridges are older. The UV-C light activates automatically or manually.

Please note: The LARQ Pitcher PureVis should not be used with microbiologically unsafe (non-potable) water. The UV-C system was not tested for that purpose and is unlikely to provide protection against harmful pathogens.

4. Taste and Odor Tests

In our test, the filtered water from the LARQ pitcher had a much better taste than our tap water and no odor.

Usability: 3.90/5.00

The LARQ pitcher achieved a usability score of 3.90/5.00, based on its performance in the following categories:

1. Initial system assembly including filter priming (0.80/1.00)
2. Day-to-day use (2.20/3.10)
3. Filter replacements (0.90/0.90)

1. Initial Setup: 0.80/1.00

Assembling the LARQ pitcher is straightforward. A handy (but tiny!) instruction booklet with clear illustrations is included; however, if the small font is too challenging to decipher, a PDF of the manual is also available to download from the manufacturer’s website. It is also easy to connect to the LARQ app on iOS (more details on the app below).

Here’s a quick overview of the setup process:

1. Remove the PureVis wand. Wash the pitcher before use.
2. Charge the wand by connecting the magnetic charger to the gold charging pins on top. Starting with a full charge is recommended.
3. Remove the filter from its packaging and soak in water for 10 minutes.
4. Install the filter into the reservoir and put the filter lid on. The lid should snap into place.
5. Reset the filter life indicator by pressing the Λ button for 5 seconds (the indicator light will turn white for 5 seconds followed by a flash of blue light).
6. Fill up the reservoir with tap water. Pour out the first batch of filtered water.
7. Now your pitcher is ready to use.

2. Day-to-Day Use: 2.20/3.10

2.1 Speed & Water Capacity: 0.50/1.20

The LARQ pitcher is a decent choice for daily use. The main caveat: it has smaller reservoirs (4.25-cup feed, 8.5-cup filtered) that are not well-balanced. As the filtered capacity is double the size of the feed, you need to refill twice in order to top up the filtered reservoir. As a result, more refills are needed to keep up with your daily demands – we estimate 6-8 per day for the average-sized US and US family households, respectively.

While on-demand filtering takes a little patience (the LARQ could filter 4 cups of water in 4:30 min. in our 2025 filtration speed test), it still filters fast enough to handle thirst bursts and can meet the daily water needs of the average-sized US households.

Finally, the pitcher fits both on the shelves and in the door of a standard fridge (dimensions: 5″x10.2″x10″). However, the smaller feed capacity means you won’t be able to fill a large 40-oz bottle with a single refill.

2.2 Handling & Pouring: 0.95/1.15

The LARQ pitcher feels good in hand – very sturdy but not cumbersome. It pours smoothly without spills, even when pouring quickly. That said, care must be taken not to tilt too steeply while there’s still unfiltered water left, or it may escape from the pour-through tab.

Its weight (including the wet filter cartridge) is average compared to the other pitchers we have tested, coming in at 2 lb 12.67 oz. While heavier weight may indicate sturdier construction (e.g., thicker plastic) and/or more filter media (desirable for better filtration results), it also can make handling more of a challenge.

2.3 Refilling: 0.55/0.75

The LARQ pitcher is easy to refill thanks to its oval pour-through tab.

2.4 Other: 0.20/0.20

The LARQ has a couple of unique features. The first is the easy-to-use app. It accurately tracks water consumption and can send alerts to keep you on track with your hydration goals. It also displays water saved, reduced carbon footprint, and reduced plastic waste.

In addition, this pitcher implements a UV-C light (PureVis) to eliminate heterotrophic bacteria in the clean water reservoir. As mentioned above, while these bugs are not a health concern, they can still cause an unpleasant taste and odor, especially with stagnant water or old filter cartridges.

The light activates automatically (upon refill – lasting 3:30 min., or every 6 hours – lasting 1:00 min.) and manually (using the app or by pressing the Lambda button on the pitcher – lasts 30 seconds).

Of course, these added features mean this pitcher comes with a battery. Fortunately, recharging is super easy: you just remove the PureVis Wand from the pitcher and connect the magnetic charger to the gold charging pins on top of the wand. After charging, disconnect the wand from the charger and insert it back into the pitcher.

3. Filter Replacements: 0.90/0.90

Filter replacements are very easy, and smart sensors track the volume of water consumed (not just the time that elapsed since last filter change). This information is stored in the app, which tracks gallons filtered as well as filter age. If that wasn’t enough, filter health is also communicated to you via the pitcher’s light ring.

Rated filter life is 60 gallons. Assuming 300 gallons of yearly water consumption for the average household, we estimate that you will only have to change the filter 5x annually. Note: this estimate is consistent with the manufacturer’s projections for filter replacements every 2-3 months.

Costs: 3.16/5.00

Based on value for money, the LARQ pitcher achieved a cost score of 3.16 out of 5.00, indicating it is relatively expensive for what it offers compared to competing pitchers (a score of 4.00 represents average value). Notably, its upfront price is substantially above average compared to the other water filter pitchers we tested, and its annual filter replacement cost is well above average.

1. Upfront Price

As of September 16, 2025, the LARQ pitcher is priced at $168, which is substantially above the $58.53 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. That said, you can save $29 with a filter subscription.

2. Long-Term Expenses for Filter Replacements

Based on 300 gallons consumption and a 60-gallon filter life, we estimate $160 in annual filter replacement costs, which is well above the $120.13 average across all the water filter pitchers we tested. However, you can save ~20% with a filter subscription.

3. Product Warranty

The system is covered by a 1-year warranty.

4. Other Cost Factors

• Simple app tracks filtered water consumption (measured by sensor) and other metrics.
• UV-C light reduces heterotrophic bacteria, improving the taste and smell of your water.
• Pitcher feels very sturdy and well-built.

Additional

1. Appearance

Upscale, modern look with two color options.

2. Materials

The pitcher is made of BPA and phthalate-free materials.

3. Easy-to-Clean

Pitcher (without wand and filter) is dishwasher-safe.

4. Rechargeable Battery

The PureVis Wand is powered by an easily rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 1 month.

5. Frequent Customer Complaints

We read about issues with malfunctioning PureVis wands (UV-C light), water spilling when pouring, and issues with the refill flap. Other customers complained about taste issues, unhelpful customer service, and problems with the app (iOS seems fine but Android users report connection issues, tracking failures, and more).

We did not experience most of these issues firsthand. Our PureVis wand worked as expected, and the taste of our filtered water improved considerably compared to our tap water. We found the oval pour-through tab made refilling simple, and the pitcher poured smoothly without spilling. That said, we did find that unfiltered water would escape from the pour-through tab if we tilted the pitcher too steeply while pouring. We did not have any trouble with the app, though we tested it using iOS. Fortunately, we did not have any need to contact customer service, so we cannot comment on their support.

Bottom Line: Pricey Extras, Only Average Filtration (3.28/5.00)

Filtration weighted at 60%, and usability and cost at 20% each, the LARQ pitcher scored a final rating of 3.28 out of 5.00.

With its modern appearance and feature-focused design, the LARQ pitcher caters to the tech-forward crowd. Between the app which tracks your water consumption and filter life to the UV-C light that keeps your water smelling and tasting fresh, it’s a unique offering amongst the water filter pitchers.

However, our lab testing suggests that it doesn’t excel at its core function: filtration. It performed adequately, only fully removing 4 contaminants (chlorine and DPBs) from our water. In addition, it has no NSF/ANSI certifications for contaminant removal, though it does have some third party-testing (mostly for easier-to-remove organics). It improved the taste of our water and was generally easy to set up, use, and maintain, though its smaller feed size requires more frequent refills.

Even with a 1-year warranty, with its substantially higher upfront cost and well above-average annual filter replacement costs, it is hard to recommend the LARQ over better-performing options.