Boroux vs Berkey: Which I Found Best?

I recently bought water filters from both Boroux and Berkey about 30 days ago. I don’t know why, but I love trying out new water bottles and filtration systems to see how well they perform. This time, I went for two popular brands: Boroux and Berkey, and after using them for a while, I decided it was time to compare the two. For the first time, I’m writing a comparison overview, and I must say, I’ve developed a strong liking for both Boroux and Berkey.

While there are many exciting things to share from my experience, I stumbled upon even more interesting facts while doing some research about these water filters. So, stick with me as I dive into today’s Boroux vs Berkey comparison review. Let’s take a closer look at both brands and see how they measure up!

My Journey With Boroux and Berkey

Before we jump into the comparison, let me tell you a little about my experience. I had heard a lot about Berkey filters and how they were a top choice for many people, especially for those looking for high-quality filtration. When I saw Boroux filters popping up as a cheaper, but promising alternative, I couldn’t resist giving them a try.

I got my hands on a Boroux Legacy System and also tried out a Big Silver Water Filter from Berkey. After 30 days of using both, I felt it was time to compare them head-to-head. There are a lot of similarities between the two brands, but there are also some key differences that can affect your decision depending on your needs.

Boroux vs Berkey: Comparison Table

I included a comparison table for those short on time who want to learn about the key differences. However, reading the article is recommended for a better understanding of my experience.

Feature	Boroux	Berkey
Filtration	Removes heavy metals, PFAS, chlorine.	Removes heavy metals, chlorine, microbes.
Microbial Filtration	Does not filter microorganisms.	Filters bacteria, viruses, and cysts.
Filter Lifespan	6,000 gallons per filter (12,000 gallons for a pair).	6,000 gallons per filter (12,000 gallons for a pair).
Certifications	NSF/ANSI certified, FIFRA compliant.	No official certification.
Material	Stainless steel, activated carbon with silver.	Stainless steel, activated carbon, ceramic, silver.
Price per Gallon	$0.012/gallon.	$0.02–0.03/gallon.
Spigot	Stainless steel spigot included.	Plastic spigot.
Design	Compact, portable, no plumbing needed.	Larger, may need plumbing in some models.
Warranty	Lifetime on housing, 1-year on filters.	1-year on filters.
Fluoride Filtration	Not available yet.	Available with PF2 filters.
Taste	Good taste, removes metallic/chemical flavors.	Good taste, but occasional aftertaste.
Ideal For	Travel, camping, small households.	Long-term use, larger families, remote areas.

Also Read: LifeStraw vs Sawyer: I Tried Both As A Frequent Traveller

Boroux vs Berkey: The  Basics

Boroux and Berkey are top water filtration brands. While Berkey is a legacy brand, Boroux now makes similar filters and complies with new EPA regulations.

Boroux – New Players

Boroux is a new player in the water filtration industry. Originally, they were known for making high-quality, shatterproof drinkware from stainless steel and glass. However, in 2023, they shifted their focus to water filtration systems to fill the gap left by Berkey, especially because Berkey faced legal problems with its filtration technology.

Boroux Filters Review

Their filters are very similar to Berkey’s, especially their Foundation Filters, which use the same formulation as the Black Berkey Filters. While Boroux is not yet certified, they have undergone rigorous third-party testing to verify their performance. They are also FIFRA-compliant, which is a significant advantage over Berkey, as Berkey’s filters faced issues with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and were classified as pesticides.

What I love about Boroux is that it’s FIFRA-compliant, meaning it meets EPA guidelines, something that Berkey can no longer claim due to regulatory issues.

Reason Berkey is Best For Filtration

Berkey has been around for many years and is known for making some of the best water filters. Their main product is the Big Silver Water Filter, and people trust the Black Berkey filters for removing different kinds of impurities. However, Berkey filters are not being sold anymore because of regulatory issues, and Boroux now manages their filtration technology.

Who Has the Best Filter Systems: Boroux vs Berkey

Both filters remove heavy metals and contaminants, but Boroux does not claim to filter microorganisms, unlike Berkey’s broader filtration claims.

Boroux Filters

Boroux uses Foundation Filters, made from activated carbon with silver as an antimicrobial agent. These filters do a great job of removing heavy metals and other contaminants, and they last up to 6,000 gallons per filter (or 12,000 gallons for a pair). The lack of microbial filtration, however, means that if I’m drinking from untreated well water or remote sources, I need to be cautious and use an additional purification method.

Boroux’s focus on cost-effectiveness and transparency is a big plus for me as a traveler. The filters are durable, and the system is portable, making it easy to carry on trips.

Berkey Filters

The Black Berkey filters by Berkey are known for their ability to remove many types of impurities, including germs and viruses. This is very useful for me as someone who often camps and travels, especially in rural areas where I’m unsure about the water quality. While traveling, I had to use Boroux filters because Berkey doesn’t sell its filters directly anymore.

Berkey was my first choice for long trips to places where I was uncertain about the safety of the local water because it is known for effective filtration.

Performance and Testing

Boroux filters last 12,000 gallons per pair, with reinforced designs. Berkey’s filters had fragile stems and faced durability issues over time.

Boroux Testing and Compliance

I really appreciate that Boroux places an emphasis on transparency. Their filters have been through third-party testing, and their products are NSF/ANSI certified, ensuring that they meet standards for removing contaminants like lead and chlorine. What makes Boroux especially appealing to me is that it is FIFRA-compliant, which means it meets EPA standards.

Berkey Testing and Certification

It’s hard to ignore that Berkey has had some regulatory issues, but I believe in their products. The company faced problems with the EPA labeling its products as pesticides, and the Black Berkey filters are no longer certified. This raises some concerns, but in my experience, Berkey’s filters still work well despite these issues, especially for travelers like me who need a reliable way to filter microbes from water.

Cost Comparison: Berkey vs Boroux

Broux costs $0.012 per gallon, while Berkety costs a little more, between $0.02 and $0.038 per gallon. This makes Broux the cheaper option.

Boroux Bottle Price

The filters in the Boroux Legacy System can last for up to 12,000 gallons, making it very cost-effective. It costs about $0.012 per gallon, which is cheaper than many other water filtration systems. For someone like me who travels often, Boroux is the perfect choice because it’s portable, reliable, and affordable.

Berkey’s Price

Berkey is somewhat more expensive, but for those who prioritize microbial filtration, its reputation and ability to eliminate a broader range of toxins make it worth the price. However, since Berkey filters are no longer available directly, prices may vary depending on where you purchase them, which might ultimately make Boroux a more cost-effective choice.

User Experience

Boroux User Experience

Boroux filters are user-friendly and easy to set up. They include a Stem Saver to protect the delicate filter stems. The stainless steel spigot enhances the appearance compared to Berkey’s plastic one. This filter is ideal for apartment dwellers or those on the move, as it is compact and requires no plumbing.

Berket User Experience

Although the Berkey is slightly heavier than the Boroux, it can still be used for short periods. I found that the height of the Legacy model might make it difficult to fit under some kitchen cabinets, which could be an issue for those with limited space. While the Boroux has a more durable stainless steel spigot compared to Berkey’s plastic one, overall, the Berkey system is still effective and easy to use.

Pros and Cons of Bororux vs Berkey

Boroux Pros

• Cost-effective: Great value for the price.
• Durable: Stainless steel housing and reinforced filters.
• Transparent testing: Clear and accessible testing results.
• Portable: Compact design, no plumbing required.

Boroux Cons

• No microbial filtration: Not ideal for untreated water.
• Tall design: May not fit in some cabinets.

Berkey Pros

• Comprehensive filtration: Removes microorganisms, great for remote areas.
• Trusted brand: Reliable for long-term use.

Berkey Cons

• Regulatory issues: No longer certified.
• Higher cost: More expensive compared to Boroux.

Final Thought

The key difference between Boroux vs Berkey is that Boroux does not filter microorganisms, whereas Berkey claims to do so. Boroux lasts for 12,000 gallons, lacks fluoride filters, and meets EPA compliance, unlike Berkey.

If you are looking for affordability, then Boroux is the better option. However, if you need microbial filtration, Berkey is the best choice. The ultimate decision between Boroux and Berkey depends on your needs and priorities. Refer to the comparison table above to choose what is best for you.

FAQs