Quick Take
Score: 7.8/10 | Aquagear positions itself as the "healthy minerals" alternative to ZeroWater's total removal approach. It's a reasonable middle ground, though PFAS performance lags behind top competitors.
The Research
Aquagear is NSF certified to Standards 42 and 53 for:
- Lead (99.9%)
- Fluoride (90%)
- Chlorine
- Chromium 6
- Mercury
The key differentiator: Aquagear is designed to retain healthy minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium while removing harmful contaminants. This addresses the "flat taste" complaint common with ZeroWater.
However, independent Montreal testing showed only 60% total PFAS removal - significantly lower than Clearly Filtered (96%) or ZeroWater (~100%).
Real-World Testing
The 150-gallon filter life is excellent - roughly 4-6 months for typical families. The lifetime guarantee on the pitcher body (not filters) shows confidence in construction quality.
Made in the USA with BPA-free food-grade materials. The 8-cup capacity is slightly smaller than 10-cup competitors.
The Honest Assessment
What I Love: Retaining minerals addresses a legitimate criticism of aggressive filtration. The lifetime guarantee is rare in this category. Filter life keeps ongoing costs reasonable.
What Could Be Better: 60% PFAS removal may not satisfy families with serious contamination concerns. The 8-cup capacity requires more frequent refilling. Less widely available than Brita or ZeroWater.
The Bottom Line
Aquagear is ideal for families who want to remove harmful contaminants while keeping beneficial minerals, but not the best choice if PFAS is your primary concern.
