Brita Longlast vs Standard (2021): Which Water Pitcher Filter Should You Buy?

Pitcher filters are an easy and convenient way of removing contaminants from your home’s water. Unlike faucet filtration systems, however, the cost of pitcher filters can add up as you replace them. Brita understands this predicament. Known for its pitchers and dispensers, the company has also taken strides to develop longer-lasting filters. It’s the reason behind the Brita Longlast filter. With its presence, however, is it still worth getting the original Brita Standard filter?

Brita Longlast vs Standard Water Pitcher Filter Comparison Chart

Brita System

The Brita Longlast and Standard filters are part of an extensive catalog of water cleaning products.

Brita’s Longlast and Standard pour-through filters belong to an extensive catalog of water cleaning products. Apart from pitchers and dispensers, Brita also offers bottles and faucet systems. Compared to the latter, pitcher filters are easier to use and require little maintenance. That’s part of the attraction behind these products.

Now, both the Brita Longlast and Standard filters are designed to fit the company’s range of water containers. The standard model is compatible with all of the brand’s water dispensers and pitchers, except for the Stream lineup. The Longlast filter claims the same. Regardless of style or variant, however, Brita’s pitchers and dispensers will come with a specific filter already.

If you’re getting replacements, the Brita Longlast is available in 1 or 2-pack options. Meanwhile, the standard version can be purchased as a single item or as a pack of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10.

Design and Mechanism

The Brita Longlast has longer-lasting filters and an improved water flow system compared to the Brita Standard.

The Brita Longlast and Standard filters are both cylindrical-shaped, designed to fit into the reservoir of compatible pitchers and dispensers. Along the sides of the products, you’ll find grooves that fasten to ridges of the reservoir. On top of the cartridges, there’s a short knob for gripping as you insert or pull the filters from their containers. Both the Longlast and Standard filters use BPA-free housing as well.

Now, it’s easy to distinguish between the two. The Longlast comes in a blue finish, while the standard filter is available in white. Inside the cylinders, the differences are even more pronounced. The Brita Longlast, for instance, employs a patented pleated filter, along with active filtering agents. Brita’s Standard filter, on the other hand, uses an ion exchange resin mixed with activated carbon granules.

Brita also shares that the Longlast improves on the water flow system found on their Standard filters. Instead of an aeration design, it features a fibrous matrix for faster filtration. In any case, both the Longlast and Standard filters require no pre-soaking before use. The cartridges are recyclable, too, through Brita’s TerraCycle program.

Filtration

The Brita Longlast and Standard filters reduce a range of contaminants to ensure safer and better-tasting water.

Thanks to the new filtration technology, the Brita Longlast takes out more contaminants than the standard filters. The Longlast reduces benzene, asbestos, and Class I particulates. In addition, the filter can clear out traces of lead. Like the Standard Filter, Brita’s Longlast also reduces the taste and odor of chlorine, as well as traces of cadmium and mercury. However, the Standard filter does have the edge when clearing out copper and zinc.

As its name suggests, the Brita Longlast lasts much longer. The company shares these upgraded filters will only need to be replaced after 6 months. That’s equivalent to about 120 gallons of water being filtered. In contrast, the original Standard filters typically need replacement every 2 months.

It’s worth noting, however, that both products tend to leave filter residue when they’re freshly installed. Brita recommends discarding the first three containers of filtered water for pitchers and the first dispenser of filtered water for dispensers. To avoid wastage, you can also use the excess to water your plants.

Verdict

You’ll save more on the much improved Brita Longlast+ pour-through filters than the Brita Standard filters.

Water filter pitchers are more affordable compared to their electronic counterparts. However, the filter cartridges will need to be replaced periodically. Brita’s Standard filters are good on their own, reducing traces of many key contaminants. But the product only lasts for 2 months. And with a retail price of almost $7, costs tend to add up. Fortunately, users can save on the Standard filters if they opt for multi-packs.

Now, the Brita Longlast filters are not just an alternative to the standard variants. They’re a better version, too. With the new filter technology, they last for up to 6 months as well. They clear out more contaminants, too. Priced at around $16 for a single filter, you’ll even spend less on two for the year than on Brita’s Standard filters. Just like the Standard option, you can save and get discounts on the Longlast if you opt for the two-pack variant.

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