Sign In

Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

Brita Basic Faucet vs PUR PLUS Faucet (FM2500V) Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Brita Basic Faucet

$32.49 from Amazon(+1 more)

PUR Faucet Water Filter

$21.99 from Amazon(+1 more)
Two faucet-mount water faucets, the Brita Basic Faucet and PUR PLUS Faucet (FM2500V), held side-by-side by a reviewer for comparison purposes.

Overall Verdict

True to its name, the Brita Basic is the entry-level offering in Brita's portfolio of faucet-mount water filters. But being Brita's cheapest model doesn't mean it's a bad deal.

In our performance tests, the Brita could filter out all traces of chlorine in the water we pumped through it, achieving a perfect score. The Brita also passed our flow rate test. When attached to a high-pressure faucet (2.2 GPM), the Brita Basic can produce clean water at a steady rate of 0.7 GPM. While it's not the best we've seen, it's not bad either.

Unless you're in the market for a filter that can rapidly cleanse and output water, the Brita Basic will work fine.

The PUR Plus FM2500V also has great chlorine-filtering performance. However, unlike the Brita Basic, which passed the flow rate test, the PUR FM2500V is one of the few models that failed our database. It has a very slow filtering flow rate of 0.3 GPM, which can be annoying if you're used to having high-flow tap water in your kitchen.

Fortunately, the PUR FM2500V isn't a lost cause. Design and build quality-wise, it's much better than the Brita Basic. Though made from plastic, the filter feels solid in hand. Its sleek, modern design has also made it an enduring hit among consumers.

If you value aesthetics and don't mind the slow flow rate, the PUR Plus FM2500V will be as good a choice as any!

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Relatively affordable.
  • Excellent chlorine filtration ability (nearly 100%).
  • Looks premium with its chrome-plated housing.
  • The routing valve’s handle is intuitive to use.
  • Comes with a filter change indicator.
  • Excellent chlorine filtering ability
  • Easy installation and servicing with "one-click" system
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • A filter change indicator
  • The filter could be tugged out of the housing without depressing the filter release button.
  • Leaks during filtration, necessitating the use of plumbing tape.
  • Low flow rate in filtering mode
  • Weak grip on faucet due to the one-click system
  • Flimsy routing valve’s handle
  • The plastic construction can be problematic for long-term durability

Key Specs

Filtering flow rate
0.7 GPM
0.44 GPM
Capacity
100 gals
100 gals
Qualifications
NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 53, 401
NSF/ANSI Standard 42
Dimensions
L5 x W2.2 x H5.2 inches
L6.5 x W2.5 x H5.5 inches
Weight
0.8 pounds
1 pound
Warranty
1-year
2-year

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$26.60
$21.81
$32.49 at AmazonCheck Price on Walmart
$21.99 at AmazonCheck Price on Walmart

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.6
6.8

Chlorine Test

10
10
Two water testing strips are placed on a color chart and held next to the Brita Basic filter.
Two activated test strips on a color chart. The control strip, showing the result for the chlorinated water, is to the left. The strip displaying the result of the water filtered by the Brita Basic is to the right.
Two water testing strips are placed on a color chart and held next to the Brita Basic filter.
Brita Basic Faucet Water Filtration System Chlorine Test 2
Two water test strips laid on a color chart, held to the left of the PUR Plus FM2500V water filter mounted on a faucet.
Two activated test strips are laid on a color chart, showing the water quality result. The strip to the left is from the chlorine water pumped through the filter. The second strip is from the filtered water of the PUR FM2500V.
Two water test strips laid on a color chart, held to the left of the PUR Plus FM2500V water filter mounted on a faucet.
PUR Faucet Water Filter (FM2500V) Chlorine Test
Before
10+ mg/l
10+ mg/l
After
~0 mg/l
~0 mg/l

Flow Rate Test

6.0
4.7
Duration
20 secs
20 secs
Amount
0.233 gallons
0.148 gallons
Flow Rate
0.7 GPM
0.44 GPM

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.7
7.8

In the Box

The full content of the Brita Basic’s shipping box, including the filter, six pieces of accessories, and a manual.
The full content of the Brita Basic’s shipping box, including the filter, six pieces of accessories, and a manual.
Three grey, plastic faucet adapters are arranged in two rows with three rubber seals.
The grey PUR PFM350V filter is in the middle, surrounded by its accessories, manuals, and the shipping box.

Weight & Dimensions

The dimensions of the Brita Basic are marked to the side. The length is 5 inches, width 2.2 inches, and height 5.2 inches.
The dimensions of the PUR Plus FM2500V. Its length is 6.5 inches, width is 2.5 inches, and height is 5.5 inches.
Length
5.0" (12.7 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Width
2.2" (5.6 cm)
2.5" (6.4 cm)
Height
5.2" (13.2 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)
Weight
0.8 lbs (0.4 kg)
1 pound

Build Quality

6.2
7.5
The Brita Basic faucet-mount water filtration system’s housing, once the filter has been fully assembled.
The silvery, chrome-plated housing of the Brita Basic faucet-mount water filter when fully assembled.
The Brita Basic faucet-mount water filtration system’s housing, once the filter has been fully assembled.
A side view of the Brita Basic faucet-mount water filter, revealing the small, black, plastic filter release button.
The grey, plastic PUR Plus FM2500V faucet-mount filter on its side on a grey table.

Filter Piece

7.0
8.5
The chrome-plated filter piece of the Brita Basic on the table.
The filter piece of the Brita Basic
The chrome-plated filter piece of the Brita Basic on the table.
A top-down view of the filter housing and the filter piece.
The plastic, blue-colored filter cartridge of the PUR Plus FM2500V standing upright on a grey table.
Filter Model
Brita CXB-016 Filter
PUR Plus MineralCore™
Filtration Process
Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange Resin & MineralCore™
Certifications
ANSI Standard 42, 53, and 401
ANSI Standard 42, 53, 401
Filter Capacity
100 gallons
100 gallons

Routing Valve

7.0
6.0
A close-up view of the routing valve’s handle of the Brita Basic and the mode-indicating symbols on the side of the filter.
The handle of the routing valve to the side of the Brita Basic. Note the white notch and the symbols on the housing denoting the switching modes.
The handle of the PUR Plus FM2500V’s routing valve in the horizontal position.
The routing valve’s handle is in the horizontal position, which will allow water to bypass the filter.
The handle of the PUR Plus FM2500V’s routing valve in the horizontal position.
The handle of the PUR Plus FM2500V is in the vertical position, activating the water filtering mode.
Type of Valve
Rotating
Rotating

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.9
9.4

Installation

8.0
8.5
A close-up view of the thin metal mesh screen in the center of the Brita Basic filter’s mounting port.
The metal mesh screen at the center of the filter’s mounting port.
A close-up view of the thin metal mesh screen in the center of the Brita Basic filter’s mounting port.
The silvery Brita Basic faucet-mount water filter with a grey, plastic faucet adapter.
A close-up shot of the PUR Plus FM2500V’s mounting port when mated with a metal faucet adapter.
The PUR Plus FM2500V’s mounting port when mated with a faucet adapter. Note the white disengaging buttons to either side of the port.
A close-up shot of the PUR Plus FM2500V’s mounting port when mated with a metal faucet adapter.
The PUR Plus FM2500V leans backward when mounted on the faucet.

Ease of Use

10
10

Leak

9.0
10

Maintenance

8.0
8.0
The removed filter piece of the Brita Basic is to the left, while the filter housing is to the right.
The removed filter piece of the Brita Basic is to the left, while the filter housing is to the right.
A close-up shot of the indicator light at the top of the Brita Basic faucet-mount water filtration system.
The filter change indicator light on the PUR Plus FM2500V faucet-mount water filter.
Filter Indicator
Yes
Yes
Replacement
4 months
1-2 months