Head-to-head comparisons
Two products, scored side by side on the same rubric. Each comparison leads with the verified row that decides it - certified vs marketed contaminants, AHAM-verified CADR, or true MERV - then the full sub-score breakdown and our opinion-framed verdict.
Water filters
- Aquasana AQ-5200 vs Big Berkey
NSF-certified lead and PFAS reduction vs 'tested to' lab claims with no certification. Side-by-side, including cost per gallon.
- Brita Elite vs ZeroWater Pitcher
Two certified pitchers compared. Both are certified for lead and PFOA/PFOS; the real difference is running cost - ZeroWater's 15-gallon filter is far costlier per gallon than the Brita Elite's 120-gallon filter.
- Brita Elite vs Brita Standard
Same brand, very different certifications. The Elite filter is certified for lead and PFAS; the Standard filter is not.
- LifeStraw Home vs Brita Elite
A long 'tested to' contaminant list with no active certification vs a pitcher genuinely certified for lead. A case study in claims versus proof.
- Epic Pure vs Brita Elite
A pitcher lab-tested to NSF standards for fluoride, lead, and PFAS vs one genuinely NSF-certified for lead. Tested to is not certified to.
- Clearly Filtered vs Brita Elite
365+ 'tested to' contaminant claims vs a handful of genuine NSF certifications. A case study in tested-to versus certified-to.
- AquaTru Classic vs Waterdrop G3P800
Countertop no-plumbing RO vs a tankless under-sink RO. Compared on certified contaminants, cost per gallon, and wastewater.
- AquaTru Classic vs Aquasana AQ-5200
A no-plumbing countertop RO vs a cheap-to-run under-sink carbon filter. Both certified for lead and PFAS - compared on cost per gallon and certified scope.
- Culligan US-EZ-4 vs Aquasana AQ-5200
Two genuinely certified under-sink carbon filters compared on certified contaminants, cost per gallon, and install.
- PUR Plus Pitcher vs PUR Faucet Mount
Same brand, two formats. Both certified for lead; compared on cost per gallon, flow, and convenience.
Air purifiers
- Coway Airmega Mighty vs MOOKA B-D02L
AHAM-verified sealed HEPA vs a budget unit with no AHAM CADR listing and an overstated room-size claim. Side-by-side FilterScored breakdown.
- Levoit Core 300S vs Coway Airmega Mighty
The two most popular budget air purifiers, compared on AHAM-verified CADR, ozone safety, and annual filter cost.
- Coway Airmega Mighty vs Winix 5500-2
Two medium-room favorites compared. The Winix adds a washable carbon filter but ships with a PlasmaWave ionizer.
- Levoit Core 400S vs Coway Airmega 400
A large-room value pick vs a high-output flagship. Compared on AHAM CADR, honest coverage, and filter cost.
- Blueair Blue Pure 211+ vs Austin Air HealthMate HM400
A 299-dollar mainstream large-room unit vs an 845-dollar steel-housing purifier. Compared on annual filter cost, ozone safety, and verified HEPA.
- IQAir HealthPro Plus vs Coway Airmega Mighty
A 900-dollar premium unit vs a 230-dollar mainstream one. A clear illustration of how FilterScored weights verified data and running cost.
- Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 vs Coway Airmega Mighty
A 650-dollar fan-purifier vs a 230-dollar dedicated purifier. Compared on verified CADR, room coverage, and filter cost.
Furnace filters
- Filtrete MPR 1900 vs Aprilaire 213
A famous 1-inch filter sold by a proprietary MPR number vs honest 4-inch MERV 13 media. Both are MERV 13 - the difference is labeling and airflow.
- Filtrete MPR 1900 vs Aerostar MERV 13
Two 1-inch MERV 13 filters. One markets a proprietary MPR number at a premium; the other prints true MERV 13 for a fraction of the price.