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Waterdrop WD-FC-01 vs Brita Basic Faucet Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Waterdrop WD-FC-01

$19.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Brita Basic Faucet

Check Price on Amazon(+1 more)
Two faucet-mount water faucets, the Waterdrop WD-FC-01 and Brita Basic Faucet, held side-by-side by a reviewer for comparison purposes.

Overall Verdict

The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 is one of the best performers in our database. With a perfect chlorine filtering score and one of the highest flow rates in filtering mode (1.29 GPM) … if it’s performance you’re looking for, then this model is perfect.

That doesn’t mean it’s lacking in terms of design, though. The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 looks very good with its sleek, modular design. Its only issue is that it’s made mostly of plastic, which can negatively affect its long-term durability.

The Brita Basic, on the other hand, has great chlorine filtration ability. But its flow rate falls short of the WD-FC-01 at 0.7 GPM. The design’s decent, but we spotted a few manufacturing issues with our test unit. Namely, the filter cartridge can’t be solidly locked to the filter compartment.

Overall, the Waterdrop WD-FC-01 will be a much better purchase than the Brita Basic.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent chlorine filtration efficiency.
  • High filtering flow rate.
  • Unique design and installation system.
  • Replacement filter is readily available.
  • 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.
  • While unique, the installation system of the filter is hard to figure out.
  • Plastic construction makes long-term durability a concern.
  • The filter could be tugged out of the housing without depressing the filter release button.
  • Leaks during filtration, necessitating the use of plumbing tape.

Key Specs

Filtering flow rate
1.29 GPM
0.7 GPM
Capacity
320 gals
100 gals
Qualifications
NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and NSF/ANSI Standard 372
NSF/ANSI Standard 42, 53, 401
Dimensions
L6 x W2.5 x H4.3 inches
1-year
Weight
0.7 pounds
L5 x W2.2 x H5.2 inches
Warranty
1-year
0.8 pounds

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$19.88
$26.60
$19.99 at AmazonCheck Price on WaterdropCheck Price on Walmart
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
9.6
9.2

Lead Test

10
10
Waterdrop WD FC 01 Faucet Water Filter Lead Test
Brita Basic Faucet Water Filtration System Lead Test
Before
200 mg/l
200 mg/l
After
~0 mg/l
~0 mg/l

Chlorine Test

9.5
10
The color chart with two used test strips stuck to it is held to the right of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01.
Two test strips showing the control to the left (measuring the chlorinated water we pumped through the filter) and, to the right, is the result of the filtered water produced by the WD-FC-01.
The color chart with two used test strips stuck to it is held to the right of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01.
Waterdrop WD-FC-01 Faucet Water Filter Chlorine Test 2
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
Before
10+ mg/l
10+ mg/l
After
~0.1-0.5 mg/l
~0 mg/l

Flow Rate Test

9.0
6.0
Duration
20 secs
20 secs
Amount
0.43 gallons
0.233 gallons
Flow Rate
1.29 GPM
0.7 GPM

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.1
6.7

In the Box

The content of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01’s shipping box laid out on a white table.
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.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01 are marked to the side, length (5 inches), width (2.2 inches), height (5.2 inches).
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.
Length
6.0" (15.2 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Width
2.5" (6.4 cm)
2.2" (5.6 cm)
Height
4.3" (10.9 cm)
5.2" (13.2 cm)
Weight
0.7 lbs (0.3 kg)
0.8 lbs (0.4 kg)

Build Quality

8.3
6.2
The disassembled parts of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01 faucet-mount water filter. The connection port on both parts is visible.
The Waterdrop WD-FC-01’s modular design allows it to be disassembled into two compact pieces via a port.
The disassembled parts of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01 faucet-mount water filter. The connection port on both parts is visible.
The fully-assembled Waterdrop WD-FC-01 water filter, with the filter compartment locked onto the main housing.
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.

Filter Piece

10
7.0
The filter piece of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01. The exterior is made from grey polyester material, which is soaked with water.
The filter piece of the Waterdrop WD-FC-01. The grey polyester membrane on the outside is soaked after being flushed.
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.
Filter Model
Waterdrop WD-FF-01A replacement filter
Brita CXB-016 Filter
Filtration Process
Activated carbon with polyester membrane; mineral core
Activated Carbon
Certifications
NSF/ANSI 42
ANSI Standard 42, 53, and 401
Filter Capacity
320 gallons
100 gallons

Routing Valve

8.2
7.0
The silver handle of the routing valve. Printed on the handle are “Pure” and “Tap” with arrows, denoting turning directions.
The silver handle of the routing valve. Printed on the handle are “Pure” and “Tap” with arrows, denoting turning directions.
The silver plastic twist ring at the top of the WD-FC-01 filter.
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.
Type of Valve
Rotating
Rotating

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
10
8.9

Installation

10
8.0
The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 with a yellow faucet adapter attached to its mounting port through the silver plastic twist ring.
The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 with a yellow faucet adapter attached to it via the plastic twist ring.
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.

Ease of Use

10
10

Leak

10
9.0

Maintenance

10
8.0
The Waterdrop WD-FC-01’s filter in the center, with the housing and pieces of the filter compartment surrounding it.
The filter will last roughly 3 months under normal usage.
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.
Filter Indicator
No
Yes
Replacement
3 months
4 months