The biggest differences between BOROUX and Berkey come down to certification, published lab results, chamber construction and filter availability. Our BOROUX Foundation Filters are WQA certified to NSF Standards, we publish third-party lab results for 80+ contaminants, and our 3-gallon and 1.8-gallon systems are pressed stainless steel with a one-piece lid and no welded seams. On the Berkey side, standalone Black Berkey® elements are currently unavailable, with no restock date announced.
How do BOROUX and Berkey compare?
BOROUX and Berkey are both stainless steel gravity systems. The biggest differences are the filters each one ships with and how much of the testing you can check for yourself.
| BOROUX | Berkey | |
|---|---|---|
| System sizes | 1.8 gallons and 3 gallons | 1.5 to 6 gallons, from the Travel to the Crown |
| Filters included | BOROUX Foundation Filters | Phoenix Gravity New Millennium Edition elements |
| Fluoride add-on | BOROUX Proactive Fluoride Filters | PF-2 elements |
| Chambers | Pressed stainless steel with a one-piece lid | Stainless steel |
What do BOROUX and Berkey have in common?
Both work the same simple way. You pour tap water into the upper chamber, gravity pulls it through the black carbon filters, and filtered water collects in the lower chamber until you open the spigot. There's nothing to plug in or install under the sink.
Both systems also take nine-inch filters with a 3/8-inch stem. That shared format is why our BOROUX Foundation Filters drop straight into a Berkey, and why you can switch filters without changing systems.
What makes BOROUX different?
A few things set our systems apart, and you can check each one before you buy:
- Certification you can look up. Our BOROUX Foundation Filters are WQA certified to NSF Standards, and the Water Quality Association Gold Seal comes with annual facility audits.
- Published lab results. We post third-party test results for 80+ contaminants, so you can see what was tested and how much was reduced.
- Pressed chambers. Our chambers are pressed stainless steel with a one-piece lid, so there are no welded seams.
- Filters crafted in the USA. Our filters are made in the USA by our family business in Pueblo, Colorado.
- Time to decide. Every system comes with our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
What should you look for in a gravity water filter system?
Whichever brand you choose, four checks make the decision easier:
- Certification and test reports. Look for a certification from an independent body and lab results you can read. A brand that posts both is easy to compare.
- Capacity. Think about how much water your household drinks and cooks with. A family of four that fills water bottles twice a day will want more room than a couple.
- Filter life and cost. Check how long a pair of filters lasts and what a replacement pair costs. That's your real yearly cost.
- Fit with what you have. If you already own a Berkey or another nine-inch system, a compatible filter may be all you need.
What other gravity water filters should you consider?
Two other gravity systems often come up when families compare countertop filters. Here's what their makers say about them.
ProOne
ProOne sells stainless gravity systems in five sizes with its G3.0 filter, which has a ceramic outer shell and a carbon-based core. The G3.0 comes in 7-inch and 9-inch lengths, and ProOne says it fits other brands' systems. ProOne also says its stainless gravity systems are now NSF certified, including the G3.0 filter and the housing.
Alexapure Pro
The Alexapure Pro has 2.5-gallon chambers in 304 stainless steel and ships with one filter. It holds up to four, and its maker rates each filter for up to 200 gallons. Its maker says the filters are made in the USA.
Our BOROUX Foundation Filters also fit ProOne Big+ and Big II and Alexapure systems, so the chambers you choose don't lock you into one filter brand.
Which system fits your household?
The right choice depends on where you're starting:
- You already own a Berkey. Keep it and switch the filters. BOROUX Foundation Filters fit every current Berkey model and come with published test results.
- You're buying your first system for a family. Our BOROUX 3-Gallon Water Filter System holds enough for a busy household, and the 1.8-Gallon Water Filter System fits smaller kitchens and smaller families.
- You want fluoride reduction too. Add BOROUX Proactive Fluoride Filters under the upper filters in either system.
FAQ
What is the best alternative to a Berkey water filter?
The best alternative fits your counter and household and has certification and lab results you can check. Our BOROUX systems check those boxes: our BOROUX Foundation Filters are WQA certified to NSF Standards, our lab results are public, and our pressed stainless steel chambers come in 3-gallon and 1.8-gallon sizes.
Is BOROUX better than Berkey?
We're biased, so judge by what you can check. Our filters are WQA certified to NSF Standards, our lab results are public, and our chambers are pressed with a one-piece lid.
Can I use BOROUX filters in a Berkey?
Yes. BOROUX Foundation Filters fit the Travel, Big, Light, Royal, Imperial and Crown Berkey without adapters.
Can I use Black Berkey filters in a BOROUX system?
Yes. Black Berkey filters are the same nine-inch size with a 3/8-inch stem, so a good pair you already own fits our chambers.
Berkey vs Alexapure: which is better?
They suit different needs. The Alexapure Pro has 2.5-gallon chambers and takes up to four filters, while Berkey offers six system sizes. Compare filter life, replacement cost and certification for the size you need.
How long do BOROUX Foundation Filters last?
Up to 12 months per pair, depending on your water quality and how much you use.
Is BOROUX affiliated with Berkey?
No. BOROUX is our own brand, and we aren't affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Berkey. We mention Berkey here so Berkey owners know which filters fit their systems.
Ready to compare for yourself?
If you'd like a gravity system with certified filters and test results you can read today, start with the 3-Gallon Water Filter System. It comes with two BOROUX Foundation Filters and our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
