Berkey vs. Reverse Osmosis: Which Water Filtration System Is the Best?

You fill your glass, trusting that the water flowing from your tap is safe. But what if it isn't? From industrial runoff to aging pipes, a host of unseen contaminants can lurk in even treated municipal water, potentially impacting your health and well-being.

While simple pitcher filters offer limited protection, many homeowners are left wondering: Are they doing enough? The choice between a Berkey and a Reverse Osmosis system—each promising a different approach to purification—only adds to the confusion.

Which system truly offers peace of mind? This article cuts through the marketing hype to provide a clear comparison, empowering you to make the best decision for your family’s health.

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Berkey vs. Reverse Osmosis Filter at a Glance

» Check out another showdown: Brita vs. Reverse Osmosis Filter

Berkey Water Filtration System



The Berkey water filter uses gravity. Its Black Berkey Elements, made from a special material blend, remove more contaminants and last longer than other filters. You can also clean these elements, so you don't need to replace them as often.

Reverse osmosis works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane, moving it from an area of lower concentration to one of higher concentration.

Because the gravity-fed Berkey system doesn't need electricity or plumbing, it's perfect for outdoor use or travel. With the Black Berkey Elements, it claims to reduce many contaminants, including:

• Trihalomethanes
• Inorganic minerals
• Heavy metals
• Pesticides
• VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• Petroleum products
• PFAs (perfluorinated chemicals)
• Rust
• Pharmaceuticals
• Silt
• Sediment
• Radioactive substances

» Check out the best reverse osmosis filtration systems

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

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Reverse osmosis effectively filters out many impurities, such as:

• Viruses
• Suspended particles
• Organic waste
• Colloids
• Bacteria

But, reverse osmosis requires more maintenance than gravity-fed systems. This is mainly because the membrane needs regular replacement. It significantly reduces microplastics, PFAs, lead, and arsenic in water.

Reverse osmosis is often used for large-scale water treatment, such as wastewater treatment, cleaning polluted rivers, and purifying water for municipal drinking supplies.

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Berkey vs. Reverse Osmosis: Cost and Maintenance

Berkey Water Filter

Gravity-fed filtration systems are less expensive, with costs ranging from under $50 to a few hundred dollars. Their filter elements can often be cleaned and reused, extending their lifespan.

Filters typically last for 500-1000 gallons, with some, like Berkey systems, exceeding several thousand gallons. Maintenance is minimal, primarily requiring replacement of filter elements as needed.

Berkey systems, for example, cost around $400 and have filter elements priced at approximately $50.

Reverse Osmosis Filter

Reverse osmosis filters typically last two to three years and can range in price from a few hundred to thousands dollars, depending on the system size.

These systems often require regular maintenance due to plumbing connections and potential electricity use. They may also necessitate the periodic replacement of filter elements.

» Find out if drinking filtered water is good for your health

Berkey vs. Reverse Osmosis: Health Risks

Berkey Water Filter

Gravity-fed systems like Berkey retain beneficial minerals, are generally less expensive and easier to maintain, and offer more portable options. But, they may not effectively remove contaminants in areas with moderate to highly contaminated water.

Reverse Osmosis Filter

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing contaminants, including PFAs, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, and is commonly used in municipal water treatment.

But, it demineralizes water, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalance. This requires electrolyte supplementation, adding cost and inconvenience. Reverse osmosis often requires electricity and/or plumbing, and can be less portable than gravity-fed systems.

» Check out the best water filters for smelly water

Berkey vs. Reverse Osmosis: Use Cases

Berkey Water Filter

While Berkey claims high performance, some users report that their gravity-fed filters may not effectively remove all dissolved solids and heavy metals, particularly if filter elements are not replaced timely.

Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis systems, while highly effective at removing contaminants, can significantly reduce or eliminate essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances.

This demineralized water can also be acidic, potentially increasing the risk of leaching substances from pipes into the water supply.

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Berkey vs. Reverse Osmosis: Taste

Berkey Water Filter

Gravity-fed systems like Berkey retain some minerals, improving taste and potentially providing health benefits. They also effectively remove chlorine in water, improving taste.

But, these systems are best suited for areas with low to moderate water contamination levels, as their contaminant removal may be limited compared to reverse osmosis.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis can significantly reduce mineral content, potentially resulting in a "flat" taste for some. But, its comprehensive contaminant removal makes it ideal for areas with high water contamination levels, where nutrient composition may be less of a concern.

» Check out the health benefits of filtered water

Our Verdict: Which Water Filter Is the Best?

While both Berkey and Reverse Osmosis systems offer significant improvements over basic filtration, Reverse Osmosis ultimately provides the most comprehensive purification.

Its multi-stage process effectively eliminates a wider spectrum of contaminants, making it the ideal choice for those with serious concerns about water quality or those living in areas with known contamination issues.

But, the Berkey’s simplicity and affordability make it a practical solution for many, especially those in situations where a more complex system isn't feasible. In the end, the decision hinges on your individual priorities: ultimate purity versus practicality and affordability.

» Start transforming your tap water: Get a Reverse Osmosis System