Aquatru vs Berkey Countertop Filter Comparison in 2023

Last updated on January 2nd, 2023

With a recent spike in sales, Aquatru is one of the most popular brands. Water filters from Aquatru claim to be able to remove up to 83 harmful contaminants from the water they purify. This statement is established on Aquatru’s reverse osmosis technology. Distinguishing Aquatru vs Big Berkey, the only thing they have in mutual is that they are both countertop water filters.

With this comparison of Aquatru and Berkey countertop filters, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the best water filter for your household.

Despite Aquatru’s current “trendiness,” Berkey is a long-time favorite filtration brand with a devoted fan base that dates back to the company’s inception. Many choose Berkey since the brand is well-known and trusted in the water filter market, making it an excellent choice for first-time purchasers or wary clients who don’t want to squander their money.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Comparison Table

	Aquatru	Berkey
Image		Editor Choice
Filter capacity	600-1200 gallons	3000 gallons
Filtration rate	Fast	Slow
Holding capacity	1 gallon	2.25 gallons
Contaminants removed	83+	200+
Annual cost	Nearly $100	Nearly $45
Certification	NSF 42, 53, 58, P473	NSF 53
Warranty	1 year	Lifetime

Aquatru vs Berkey: Comparing Filters

Berkey Countertop Filter

Black Berkey components, Berkey’s gravity water filters, are a type of Berkey filter. If you’re intending to take the system on vacation or utilize it in an emergency, this means that they don’t rely on water pressure or electricity to function.

As many as four Berkey water filter elements can be installed at the same time in a single system. Coconut shell carbon is just one of six types of media in each filter, which traps impurities by using the adsorption process.

Filters in Berkey’s water systems are similar to gravity filters in that water flows through them as it enters the top chamber, allowing water to pass through while trapping impurities. The bottom chamber of the system receives the filtered water that exits the filters.

Aquatru Countertop Filter

Unlike Berkey, Aqua Tru’s water filtration system includes four stages of filtration. Aquatru’s water filter requires a 120-volt outlet to operate, so it won’t add significantly to your monthly utility expenditure.

Activated carbon filters like the Berkey’s use adsorption to catch 99.9 percent of the chlorine that would otherwise flow through a mechanical pre-filter.

The Aquatru, on the other hand, uses a reverse osmosis filter to remove the majority of pollutants, including heavy metals and trace medicines, from the water. Another coconut shell-activated carbon filter removes any leftover pollutants before it is finished.

You’ll need all three Aquatru water filters for your system to function. Aquatru’s reverse osmosis technology is far faster than Berkey’s when it comes to filtering tap water.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Comparative Analysis

Berkey Countertop Filter

Rather than for their ability to filter water quickly, Berkey Berkey filters are well-known for their long-term dependability. The Berkey might not be the decent option if you are looking for a filter water at home and require access to clean drinking water. The Berkey takes about an hour to purify 3.5 gallons of water because it is a gravity water filter. When it comes to water filters, this is one of the fastest on the market, but you’ll have to wait a couple of minutes to get a cup of water.

However, when it comes to the Berkey water filter’s ability to remove pollutants, the results are encouraging. The adsorption mechanism employed by Berkey allows it to eliminate more than 200 pollutants, making it one of the most effective reasonably priced water filters available. Filters that remove that many impurities and as thoroughly for the same price are hard to come by.

It has been proven that the elements of Berkey are superior to other gravity filters in terms of contaminant removal, and this is backed up by independent testing results. To surpass Berkey’s present performance claims, the company would have to obtain NSF certification rather than simply be independently evaluated for pollutant removal.

Aquatru Countertop Filter

With all the reverse osmosis characteristics of a normal RO system, but without RO’s high cost of labor-intensive installation and maintenance, the Aquatru provides a substantial performance advantage. Countertop Aquatru is one of the most advanced countertop water filtration devices now on the market.

Aquatru’s method is most known for its many water filtration stages. Compared to the treatment that a single filter could provide, tap water undergoes numerous stages of filtering before it reaches the consumer’s faucet. A high-speed electric motor powers the Aquatru’s filtering system, allowing users to get clean drinking water at the press of a button.

In the case of Aquatru and Berkey, however, not all aspects of Aquatru’s performance are superior. Aquatru’s filters have briefer lifespans than Berkey’s, so you will have to pay more money and work preserving them. The Aquatru suffers from this problem in terms of performance.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Storage Capacity and Filtration Rate

Aquatru water filter

Three quarts of purified water can be stored in the AquaTru Countertop Purifier’s holding tank. It’s also possible to relocate one of the AquaTru’s auxiliary tanks to the fridge or carry it around while the other filters. Filling a tank takes roughly five minutes, according to other AquaTru customers.

Berkey water filter

As an alternative, the 2.25-gallon storage capacity of the Berkey is significantly higher but it cannot be removed or used in conjunction with an additional tank. Only 3.75 gallons per hour may be filtered by a two-filter system, making it a far slower filtration method.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Life expectancy and replacement costs.

Berkey water filter

At $120 for two Berkey filters, which will last about four years (6,000 gallons), Berkey’s filtering elements are a better bargain than Aquatru’s, costing less than half as much. Adding two more filters for about $240 will provide you with a total of 12,000 gallons of filtered water, or about 8 years, which is an excellent lifespan for any water filter.

Aquatru water filter

As compared to Berkey, Aquatru’s pre-filters last for six months, Berkey’s VOC filters last for 12 months and the reverse osmosis membrane lasts two years. When your water filters need to be replaced, the system will notify you, and you’ll need to budget for replacement filters if you want the greatest tasting water from each filter.

Certifications

NSF/ANSI standard 58 certifies that the RO filter in AquaTru Countertop Purifier is effective against EPA-regulated pollutants, and IAPMO has independently certified the RO filter to meet this standard.

The system is also certified for standards 42, 53, and 401, which indicates it improves the water’s aesthetic quality, decreases contaminants with proven health impacts, and eliminates contaminants that may have health implications in the future. Finally, it has been certified for standard P473 – which indicates that it minimizes both PFOA and PFOS emissions.

NSF/ANSI standards 53 and 42 have been tested and passed on to the Big Berkey, but it has not been certified.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Comparative analysis of Features

Berkey 

• A long-established business that has earned customers’ trust

As a result of Berkey’s filters being on the market for a long time, the company has built an enormous fan base. While Aquatru’s filters are well-known, Berkey’s have been around longer and have a better track record.

• Useful in emergency

There is no need to connect Berkey’s water filter systems to a power source or a water supply to utilize them. As a result, you’d always have filtered water at your disposal, even when traveling or in an emergency.

• A wide range of choices

It doesn’t matter what your household size or budget is, there is an ideal Berkey water filter out there for you and your loved ones.

• Less expensive to maintain.

Berkey’s water filtration systems are superior to Aquatru’s in terms of cost. In contrast, Aquatru’s filters must be replaced more regularly and at a greater long-term expense.

• No NSF certification.

However, Berkey does not yet have NSF certification for its water filtration equipment. For customers who have never heard of Berkey before, knowing that the company’s goods are supported by an industry-recognized accreditation would undoubtedly encourage them to buy a filter from them.

• Takes more time to process

As a gravity device, the Berkey countertop water filter does not provide filtered water immediately. If you’re desperate for a drink and realize you’ve neglected to fill the chamber, this could be a problem. This can be avoided if you set up a regular habit of inspecting the chamber and re-filling as needed.

Aquatru 

• High-performance filtration technique

Today, reverse osmosis is the most widely used method of water filtering, in large part because it is the most effective method currently available. Aquatru’s reverse osmosis system solves the most common RO issue – water waste – making it one of the best RO systems on the market.

• The NSF approval

For the elimination of lead, chlorine odors and tastes, and other impurities, Aquatru’s water purification system has been NSF-certified to Standards 42, 53, 58, and 401. In this certification, you’ll discover proof that Aquatru’s system performs as stated.

• Water purification in real-time

If your Aquatru water filter is turned on and loaded with water, you can enjoy clean, filtered water at the touch of a button.d. If you neglect to refill the filter, you’ll still be able to rapidly fill the tank and press for clean water, but it’s a minor inconvenience.

• More affordable and hassle-free choice.

The Berkey had 232 pollutants eliminated, compared to AquaTru’s 83, making it the obvious winner in this comparison. In contrast to the AquaTru Countertop Purifier, the Big Berkey removes coliforms and petroleum compounds, which the AquaTru Countertop Purifier does not. The AquaTru Countertop Purifier does not outperform the Big Berkey in any other area.

The herbicide linuron and the medication atenolol are two toxins that the AquaTru model eliminates whereas the Big Berkey does not. Dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which contribute to hardness in water, are the most noticeable of these pollutants.

For up to 10 grains per gallon, the AquaTru Countertop Purifier is rated to reduce TDS by 87.1 percent (the standard measure of TDS). The AquaTrue Countertop Purifier is not water softening device by design, but it will improve the hardness of your water. Using a genuine water softening system is recommended if you have hard water or if your TDS level is more than 10 gallons per gallon.

You may not require the filtration power of Berkey, even though they have the most toxins removed. Finding out what toxins are present in your water will help you choose the best water treatment system for you. 

• Runs on electricity.

Aquatru’s reverse osmosis water filter, on the other hand, cannot be used in any situation. A power source is required to run it, thus you can’t use it in an area without electricity. If you’re searching for a filter that can be used in the event of an emergency, this shouldn’t be an issue.

• Few parts are made of plastic

Even though Aquatru’s water tank is BPA-free, you may be put off by the fact that Aquatru’s water filter is constructed of plastic. Aquatru, on the other hand, has a more stainless steel-based construction, which may make it more robust and easier to maintain in the long run.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Removing toxins/contaminants from the water

The Berkey had 232 pollutants eliminated, compared to AquaTru’s 83, making it the obvious winner in this comparison. In contrast to the AquaTru Countertop Purifier, the Big Berkey removes coliforms and petroleum compounds, which the AquaTru Countertop Purifier does not. The AquaTru Countertop Purifier does not outperform the Big Berkey in any other area.

The herbicide linuron and the medication atenolol are two toxins that the AquaTru model eliminates whereas the Big Berkey does not. Dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which contribute to hardness in water, are the most noticeable of these pollutants.

For up to 10 grains per gallon, the AquaTru Countertop Purifier is rated to reduce TDS by 87.1 percent (the standard measure of TDS). The AquaTrue Countertop Purifier is not water softening device by design, but it will improve the hardness of your water. Using a genuine water softening system is recommended if you have hard water or if your TDS level is more than 10 gallons per gallon.

You may not require the filtration power of Berkey, even though they have the most toxins removed. Finding out what toxins are present in your water will help you choose the best water treatment system for you.

Aquatru vs Berkey: Contaminants removal 

	Berkey	Aquatru
Pharmaceutical	17	10
Petroleum residues	0	6
Semi-volatile organic compounds	52	2
Heavy metals	24	11
Radioactive particles	24	2
Disinfectants	3	2
Perfluorinated chemicals	9	2
Herbicides	57	48
Pesticides	40	6
Total	232	83

Models & Upfront Cost: Aquatru vs Berkey

Berkey models

Every model of Berkey’s water filtering system costs several hundred dollars. However, when you take into account how long Berkey filters last and how durable Berkey products tend to be, Berkey’s systems make for an excellent long-term investment.

As of now, Berkey’s countertop water filters include the following models:

• Berkey: The Travel (1.5 gallons)
• Berkey: The Big (2.25 gallons)
• Berkey: The Royal(3.25 gallons)

• Berkey: The Imperial (4.5 gallons)
• Berkey: The Crown (6 gallons)
• Berkey: The Light (2.75 gallons)

The Big Berkey, the most popular model, costs under $300. Between $250 and $360, Berkey offers two filtration components in all of its filters. For an extra $100, you can add two more elements to your system of choice.

Aquatru models

Countertop water filtration from Aquatru is now limited to the company’s 4-stage Ultra Reverse Osmosis technology. The device, which costs roughly $440, is nearly twice as pricey as Berkey’s most affordable alternative.

Water filtration system accessories, demineralization solution, and descaling powder are all available from Aquatru along with the company’s one primary product at this time: their countertop water filtration system. An extra tank of purified water costs about $60, while a replacement tank for your tap water costs about $40.

FAQs: Aquatru vs Berkey

Is mold a problem with Berkey filters?

Mold can grow in the upper chamber of a Berkey Filter, which holds unpurified water. As water sits for a long period in the lower chamber, mold can grow. Mold can grow in Berkey filtration devices if they are not cleaned frequently enough or if the filters are clogged or old.

Is AquaTru composed of plastic or is it a synthetic material?

Water bottles made of Tritan plastic, the same kind that’s used in popular health-related items like the Nutri-Bullet and Vita-Mix, are made with no BPA or BPS. Universities and third-party laboratories have tested Tritan extensively, and the results consistently show that it is safe and free of estrogenic or androgenic activity.

Is AquaTru capable of filtering well water?

AquaTru is a water filtration system developed for municipal use. AquaTru is not designed to be used with water which is dangerous for microbiology. AquaTru water purification is an option if you are certain that your well water is devoid of biological pollutants.

How much of a difference do countertop water filters make?

Personal choice, available space, and the toxins you wish to remove from your water all play a role in this decision. If you only need to filter enough tap water to drink and cook with, a countertop water filter is an excellent option.

Conclusion: Aquatru vs Berkey

Both the Aquatru vs Berkey Countertop Filter have unique benefits and drawbacks. More impurities can be removed by the Berkey, but the AquaTru Countertop Purifier provides filtered water faster and more easily.

In this comparison of Aquatru vs Berkey, we believe that Berkey is the best countertop water filter since it removes more impurities than AquaTru and costs less than AquaTru.

Also Read: Aquatru Vs Zerowater