Written by Sara Ibrahim. Sara researches home and kitchen products for Cupindy. · Published October 2026 · Last reviewed October 14, 2026
Lots of water filters now say “microplastics” on the box. Only some are certified for it, and the certification belongs to an exact model and cartridge. We looked up every pick below in three certifiers' databases before recommending it.
The short answer
Yes, some water filters are certified to reduce microplastics. Look for the “Microplastics” claim under NSF/ANSI 401: the test challenges filters with particles 0.5 to 1 micron and requires at least an 85% reduction. Then find your exact model and cartridge in the NSF, IAPMO or WQA database.
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Our quick pick
Brita Everyday Elite 10-Cup Pitcher
WQA lists this pitcher (model OB46) with the Elite filter for microplastics under NSF/ANSI 401. Nothing to install.
See the Brita Everyday Elite pitcher on AmazonThe claim rides on the Elite cartridge (OB06), the part you'll buy again.
Brita Elite replacement filterHow we checked: on October 14, 2026 we looked up every model on this page in the NSF, IAPMO R&T and WQA certification listings and read each maker's performance data sheet. We haven't lab-tested these filters ourselves.
Do water filters remove microplastics? What the certification actually tests
A filter is certified for microplastics when a certifier lists its model with a “Microplastics” reduction claim under NSF/ANSI 401, the standard for emerging compounds and incidental contaminants. NSF's own listing calls it “Microplastics Reduction”.
The test is narrow. Brita's data sheet shows it plainly: “Microplastics, particles 0.5 - 1 µm”, an influent challenge of more than 10,000 particles per milliliter, and an 85% minimum reduction set by NSF. PUR's sheet lists the same “At least 10,000 particles/mL” challenge and “≥85%” bar, and A. O. Smith's names “particles 0.5 to <1 µm”. On Brita's sheet, the microplastics row shows the same challenge, requirement and result as its “Particulate Reduction (Class I)” row.
Two things follow. The certification tells you how a filter handles particles in that size band; it says nothing about anything smaller than 0.5 micron. And the size words themselves are loose: the FDA notes that “there are currently no standard definitions for the size of microplastics or nanoplastics.”
“401 certified” doesn't mean certified for microplastics
NSF/ANSI 401 covers more than a dozen compounds, from ibuprofen to BPA, and each one is a separate claim. A filter can hold a 401 certificate without the microplastics claim: we read one 401 certificate that lists 13 compounds and no microplastics. Read the claim name, not the standard number.
The claim belongs to the cartridge, not just the pitcher
NSF lists one maker's pitchers for microplastics with one cartridge and the very same pitchers without it when paired with another. Amazon also lists third-party refills that put a big brand's filter name and “NSF certified” in their titles; a maker's certification covers its own listed cartridge, so check the refill's own model number too.
How to check any filter for microplastics in two minutes
- Find two model numbers on the box, listing or manual: the system and its replacement cartridge.
- Open the three databases: NSF's 401 listing, IAPMO R&T and WQA. A filter may appear in just one of them, so check all three.
- Find your exact model. A sister model or a “compatible” refill doesn't count.
- Read the claims. The word “Microplastics” must appear for that model and cartridge pair.
- Note the capacity in gallons. The claim holds only until the cartridge reaches it.
We ran this check on October 14, 2026. One page that ranks for this search calls two reverse osmosis systems “NSF-certified” for microplastics; neither model showed a microplastics claim in NSF's 401 listing or IAPMO's 401 files, and WQA's search returned no results for them. Listings change, so run the check yourself before you buy.
What health agencies say about microplastics in drinking water
No US drinking water limit exists for microplastics yet. On April 2, 2026, EPA announced its draft Contaminant Candidate List 6, which includes microplastics as a chemical group. EPA explains that the list covers contaminants “currently not subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulations but are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems,” and that “Contaminants listed on the CCL may require future regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).” The comment period closed on June 5, 2026.
The FDA's page on foods says: “Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.” In an August 2019 WHO news release, Dr Maria Neira said: “Based on the limited information we have, microplastics in drinking water don’t appear to pose a health risk at current levels. But we need to find out more.” We don't add a verdict of our own; a certified filter is a way to cut what you can, not a medical fix.
Best water filter pitcher for microplastics
A pitcher is the easiest place to start: no tools, and it lives in the fridge. The catch is the cartridge, which has to be the one named in the listing.
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Our pick for no-install filtering
Brita Everyday Elite 10-Cup Pitcher (OB46)
WQA lists the Everyday pitcher (OB46) with the Brita Elite filter (OB06) for microplastics under NSF/ANSI 401. Brita's data sheet shows 99.6% reduction of microplastics particles 0.5 to 1 micron and rates each filter at 120 gallons, “about every 6 months for the average family.”
Good for: renters, small households and anyone who wants certified microplastics filtering without plumbing
The drawback: the claim holds only with the Elite cartridge, and Brita's sheet says “For maximum efficiency, process no more than 2 gallons/7.5 liters daily,” so a big household may outgrow it.
See the Brita Everyday Elite pitcher on AmazonReplacement filter: Brita Elite filter (OB06)
Prefer PUR's pitchers? NSF lists several of them for microplastics only with the PPF951K or CRF-950Z cartridge, so match the refill before you rely on it.
Best faucet water filter for microplastics
A faucet mount filters straight from the tap. It suits households that use more water than a pitcher keeps up with.
Our faucet pick
PUR PLUS Horizontal Faucet Filter (PFM350V)
The PFM350V is listed for microplastics twice: in NSF's 401 listing and on IAPMO's certificate, both with the RF-9999 cartridge. PUR's data sheet shows 99.65% microplastics reduction and rates each filter at 100 gallons.
Good for: anyone who wants certified microplastics reduction at one tap without installing anything under the sink
The drawback: PUR says to “replace your PUR filter after 100 gallons of use or every 3 months”; its listing says it fits sinks with an external aerator, and PUR's data sheet sets a maximum water temperature of 82°F (28°C).
See the PUR PLUS faucet filter on AmazonReplacement filter: PUR RF-9999, 2-pack
Best under-sink water filter for microplastics
A direct-connect under-sink filter treats the cold water going to your normal faucet. It treats far more water per cartridge: 784 gallons, against 100 to 120 for the other two picks.
Our under-sink pick
A. O. Smith Advanced Direct Connect (AO-MF-ADV)
IAPMO lists the AO-MF-ADV for microplastics under NSF/ANSI 401 at 784 gallons per cartridge. A. O. Smith's data sheet shows 97.3% and 99.4% reduction figures for particles 0.5 to under 1 micron, against an 85% requirement.
Good for: homeowners who want certified microplastics filtering straight from the kitchen faucet
The drawback: you need a cold-water shutoff valve, 3 inches of clearance and two small screw holes for the bracket; the cartridge is due “every 6 months or every 784 gallons of use”.
See the A. O. Smith under-sink filter on AmazonReplacement filter: A. O. Smith AO-MF-ADV-R
Does reverse osmosis remove microplastics?
“Reverse osmosis is a process that forces water through an extremely thin barrier that separates chemicals from the water,” in EPA's words, and it's often sold for microplastics. Certification is still per model. On October 14, 2026, IAPMO listed microplastics for several reverse osmosis models, including AquaTru's countertop units and Aquasana's AQ-HSRO800. Two popular under-sink RO brands had no microplastics claim in NSF's 401 listing or IAPMO's 401 files, and WQA's search returned no results for them.
We don't link an RO pick: the AquaTru listings on Amazon don't show a model number we could match to the certificate, and they cost several times more than the filters above. Under-sink RO systems also need a drain connection. Our lead and PFAS filter guide covers what an RO system involves.
Does Brita filter microplastics? Brand by brand
- Brita: the Elite pitcher filter (OB06) is listed by WQA for microplastics with pitchers such as the Everyday (OB46); check your pitcher's model in WQA's listing. Brita's faucet system and its Hub countertop unit are listed too.
- PUR: the PFM350V faucet mount with the RF-9999 cartridge is listed by NSF and IAPMO; pitchers only with the PPF951K or CRF-950Z cartridge.
- ZeroWater: WQA lists its ZFM-400 faucet mount for microplastics. We found no microplastics listing for its 10-cup pitcher (ZP-010) when we checked.
- Other brands: search the model, not the brand. We found 1,127 NSF listing rows with the microplastics claim, about 81 of them in refrigerator filter categories.
The three filters compared
All three were sold or shipped by Amazon to a US address on October 14, 2026.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
| Filter | Listed for microplastics | |
|---|---|---|
| Brita Everyday Elite pitcher | WQA (with Elite OB06) | See on Amazon |
| PUR PLUS faucet (PFM350V) | NSF and IAPMO (with RF-9999) | See on Amazon |
| A. O. Smith under-sink (AO-MF-ADV) | IAPMO (with AO-MF-ADV-R) | See on Amazon |
Replacement cartridges and filter life
A certification only lasts as long as the cartridge.
- Brita Everyday Elite: Elite filter OB06, every 120 gallons (about 6 months for an average family).
- PUR PLUS faucet: RF-9999, every 100 gallons or 3 months.
- A. O. Smith under-sink: AO-MF-ADV-R, every 6 months or 784 gallons.
Questions people ask
Do water filters remove nanoplastics?
There's no separate nanoplastics claim. The NSF/ANSI 401 test counts particles from 0.5 to 1 micron, and nothing smaller is tested. The FDA describes nanoplastics as “typically considered to be less than one µm” and notes there are no standard size definitions, so the two ranges overlap only in part.
Is there a filter for both microplastics and PFAS?
Yes. PUR's PFM350V and A. O. Smith's AO-MF-ADV are listed for microplastics and for PFAS claims. Our lead and PFAS guide covers the PFAS side.
Is bottled water free of microplastics?
Not necessarily. The FDA lists bottled water among foods where studies have reported microplastics. It adds: “Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.”
Does a refrigerator filter remove microplastics?
Some do. NSF's 401 listing includes dozens of refrigerator filter listings with the microplastics claim. Look up your exact cartridge number first.
Does a water softener remove microplastics?
A softener exchanges hardness minerals; it isn't a particle filter. See our water softener guide.
Is the pitcher itself plastic?
Yes. The Brita listing names polystyrene as the material and says the pitcher is made without BPA. The 401 claim describes what comes out of the filter in testing; it doesn't rate the housing material.
Keep reading
- Water filter for lead and PFAS: certified picks checked by model number
- Whole house water filter guide
- Stainless steel vs plastic water bottles
- Plastic grades for food storage
Sources
- NSF: Drinking Water Treatment Units listings, NSF/ANSI 401 (PUR PFM350V, PUR pitchers), checked October 14, 2026
- IAPMO R&T Product Listing Directory: W-29905 (PUR), WP-11125 (A. O. Smith), W-10195 and WC-30193 (AquaTru), WC-31173 (Aquasana), checked October 14, 2026
- WQA: Find Gold Seal Certified Products (Brita LP; Zero Technologies), checked October 14, 2026
- Brita: Performance Data Sheet, Brita Elite filter (OB06)
- PUR: Performance Data Sheet, faucet mount filters RF9999 / RF3375
- PUR: Faucet System Support & FAQs
- A. O. Smith: AO-MF-ADV Performance Data Sheet
- A. O. Smith: AO-MF-ADV owner's manual
- US EPA: Draft Contaminant Candidate List 6 (CCL 6) (updated September 22, 2026)
- US FDA: Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Foods
- US EPA: Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water with a Home Filter
- WHO: WHO calls for more research into microplastics (August 22, 2019)
Cupindy is not affiliated with Brita, PUR, A. O. Smith, NSF, IAPMO or WQA. Certification listings change; we recheck them before each review of this page.
