10 Best Water Filter Jugs UK 2024 | Brita, Aqua Optima and More

Our number one spot goes to the latest and greatest from Brita, their 'Style' jug. As you can guess, it gets its namesake from the fact it's probably their best-looking model yet! As well as a few colour choices, there are two size options, too: the XL of 2.3 litres, or the regular 1.4 litre for less thirsty homes. 

The MAXTRA+ filters it uses will gradually replace all forthcoming models, so it's probably a good time to get in on the action. Using their smartest tech yet, they utilise both ion exchange and micro carbon pearls suitable for soft, hard, or any water you want to transform into your tastiest drink yet! 

You may be wondering what the difference between all the Brita jugs are, or why some are better than others, and in the case of this 'Marella', a lot of it comes down to the design, and the lid – for example, the fact you can pop it open with your thumb whilst you refill, and tuck it in any fridge afterwards.

And of course, it still features the usual top-of-the-range Brita filtration technology (both carbon and ion exchange pearls), alongside a very comfortable, ergonomic handle, a reasonable capacity for a 2 person household, and good looks. Oh, and the price is right, too!

As well as filtering out unwanted compounds and chemicals, and removing odour, this clever system increases the pH of your water and uses remineralization to add minerals like calcium back in. It does so using coconut shell carbon, ion exchange and impressive-sounding zeolite, ceramic balls, and micro nets. 

Since it does employ a specialist process you won't be able to throw in any old filter, but if you do end up buying some of the brand's other styles (such as their smaller jug or tabletop tank), you can use them interchangeably. And with its massive 360 litre filter lifespan, you can be as forgetful as you like! 

For under £10, we think this is an excellent value jug, especially as it comes with the unique Evolve+ filter cartridge that lasts up to 30 days! The filter itself is not only 100% recyclable, it also features a patented 5-step filtration technology (try saying that one 5 times!) to reduce chlorine, limescale, heavy metals, and more. 

On top of all this, this 'Lacia' model jug has a super-easy pour-through lid so you can refill without the faff, and there's also a linkable app to let you know when it's time to replace the long-life filter with a fresh one.  

Boasting four times the lifespan of its competitors, the 5-stage triple capacity filters in Epic Waters' jug remove 99.9% of all tap water contaminants, including fluoride, lead, and basically everything even remotely risky. And as a bonus, it actually keeps trace minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium in the water for a healthier lifestyle. 

Although the filters aren't interchangeable with any other brand, if it's total reassurance and not a speck of a contaminant you're after, you'll probably want to stick with these ones anyway! The capacity is quite generous too, even though it still fits in most fridge doors. 

Amazon's own-brand products are simple: they're cheap, they're basic, (hence the name), and they do the job. Actually, this filter jug is also dishwasher-safe and has a much more comfortable handle than most, so perhaps it's better than basic!

Whilst the included branded filters do not feature ion exchange, if you do live in a hard water area you'll be pleased to know this model is also compatible with Brita's MAXTRA range. Best for 2-person households or similar, it's a good first filter jug to try out. 

If you're on a plastic-free mission but feeling frustrated that you're regularly throwing away used filters, Phox's jug could be the answer. They've done away with disposable cartridges by inventing the first refillable filter system, which only needs replacing with the provided sachets every 45 days!

The 'Clean' filter version removes chlorine odours and heavy metals and softens up hard water, but there's also an 'Alkaline' pack if you'd like pH balanced water with added electrolytes. The jug itself is made from glass and BPA-free plastic, and features alerts via their app when the filter carbon needs changing.  

White, grey, or blue tones a little boring for you? On the opposite end of the spectrum to our previous entry, the bright and cheery 'Elfin' by Waterdrop definitely will slot neatly in your fridge door. There are also several other colours to choose from, including green and yellow. 

Looks aside, the NSF-certified cartridge ensures your drinking water is safe, and the ergonomic handle makes for easy handling! Owing to the compact design, as well as the limited capacity, we'd say it's better for personal use or small occasions like camping trips.

Our first of several Brita products, and for good reason, the Elemaris XL will provide 2.4 litres when filtered. As well as being ideal for multi-person households, it could also lend a hand for single persons trying to meet the recommended 2 litres of water per day.

Compatible with both the older MAXTRA filters and the newer, improved MAXTRA+, it reduces limescale as well as filtering chlorine and other impurities. Its triumph becomes its setback, though: unless you have a large fridge or room to spare on an inner shelf, it probably won't fit very well.  

With its sustainable, natural oak handle and contemporary looks, this is a jug you can proudly bring to the table at a dinner party. Its 180 litre lifespan filter is made from coconut shell carbon with a plant-based casing – which, although eco-friendly, won't do much for hard water or limescale.  

A few reviewers have commented on its rather clunky size and shape, but you could go for the 6 cup model if this 10 cup version is just too large. We'd recommend this one for occasional use rather than daily family life, though, as the filters aren't interchangeable which may catch you out if you haven't stocked up.