The Best Portable Water Filter in 2024 - Top Rated Picks

Here are top 5 Best Portable Water Filters: 

• Best Overall - Sawyer Products SP105 MINI
• Best Filtered Water Bottle - Grayl Ultrapress
• Best for Sterilizing Water - SteriPEN Ultra
• Best Pump Style - Survivor Filter PRO
• Best Portable Gravity Filter Bag - LifeStraw Mission

To help you make a wiser decision, below Harold Price has compiled the reviews for the top 5 Best Portable Water Filters.

1. Best Overall - Sawyer Products SP105 MINI

The Sawyer Products SP105 MINI Water Filtration System is a compact and versatile personal filtration system designed for outdoor activities, traveling, and emergency situations. Weighing only 2 ounces, this second-generation filtration system provides 0.1 micron absolute filtration, removing bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics from water sources. With its cluster of micro-fibrous tubes, the filter traps harmful bacteria and protozoa on the outer walls, ensuring that your drinking water is safe. The MINI filter removes 7 log (99.99999%) of all bacteria and 6 log (99.9999%) of all protozoa, exceeding EPA guidelines. This filter is compatible with hydration pack tubing, disposable bottles with a 28mm thread, a drinking pouch, and a straw, offering various ways to access clean water.

Key Features:

• Weighs only 2 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand
• Provides 0.1 micron absolute filtration, removing bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics
• Removes 7 log (99.99999%) of all bacteria and 6 log (99.9999%) of all protozoa, exceeding EPA guidelines
• Compatible with hydration pack tubing, disposable bottles with a 28mm thread, a drinking pouch, and a straw

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Pros:

• Lightweight and portable design, easy to carry in a backpack or pocket
• Filters out bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics, ensuring safe drinking water
• Exceeds EPA guidelines for water filtration
• Compatible with multiple drinking options, making it versatile and easy to use
• Provides long-lasting filtration for up to 100,000 gallons of water

Cons:

• Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure the filter stays effective
• Does not filter out viruses or chemicals, such as Chlorine or Lead

The Sawyer Products SP105 MINI Water Filtration System is a reliable and versatile option for accessing safe drinking water in outdoor activities, Travel, and emergencies. With its lightweight and compact design, and ability to filter out bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics, this filter is an essential tool for anyone who needs to access clean water on the go. While it does require regular cleaning and maintenance and does not filter out viruses or chemicals, it remains an excellent option for those looking for a portable and effective water filtration system.

2. Best Filtered Water Bottle - Grayl Ultrapress

The Grayl UltraPress water purifier and filter bottle is a compact and easy-to-use solution for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking safe drinking water from any fresh water source in the world. With a capacity of 500ml, this BPA-free bottle removes 99.9999% of disease-causing bacteria and viruses, including Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Cholera, Salmonella, Dysentery, and more.

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The UltraPress requires no setup and can make purified drinking water in only 10 seconds, with a fast-flow rate of 3 liters per minute. It's ideal for hikers, backpackers, campers, emergency preppers, or anyone traveling globally seeking reliable access to safe drinking water. Simply fill the bottle, press down, and drink without any need for sucking, squeezing, or pumping.

 

The compact size of the UltraPress makes it easy to pack, clip onto a backpack, or carry in a cup holder. It allows anyone to safely drink from hotel sinks, beachside taco stands, public bathrooms, rivers, and lakes. With this water purifier bottle, you'll be self-reliant and just seconds away from making clean drinking water anywhere you go.

3. Best for Sterilizing Water - SteriPEN Ultra

The SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier is a high-tech solution for sterilizing water. It features a user-friendly OLED display that shows treatment success/failure, treatment status, treatment volume, and battery status. With the ability to recharge Ultra via computer, outlet, or portable solar panel, you'll never have to worry about buying or replacing batteries again. The 8,000-treatment lamp provides over 7 years of water purification.

Key Features:

• High-contrast OLED display
• Rechargeable via computer, outlet, or portable solar panel
• 8,000-treatment lamp provides over 7 years of water purification

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Pros:

• No need to buy or replace batteries
• User-friendly OLED display for easy monitoring
• Rechargeable via multiple methods
• Long lifespan of the lamp provides years of use
• Lightweight and portable, making it great for outdoor activities and travel
• Effectively sterilizes water and eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa

Cons:

• May not be as effective against certain contaminants like chemicals or heavy metals
• Only purifies a small volume of water at a time
• Relies on a functional battery and/or electrical source to operate
• Can be expensive compared to other water purification methods

Overall, the SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier is a great option for those who need a portable and reliable water sterilization solution. Its rechargeable and long-lasting lamp, user-friendly OLED display, and effectiveness against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. However, it may not be the best option for those looking to purify large volumes of water or remove certain contaminants.

4. Best Pump Style - Survivor Filter PRO

The Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System is a lightweight and portable water filter that is perfect for backpacking, Camping, and survival situations. This water purifier uses a pump-style filtration system that is designed to remove 99.999% of tested virus, bacteria, and parasites from water sources. It is made of high-quality materials and is built to last.

Key Features:

• Pump-style filtration system
• Lightweight and portable design
• Removes 99.999% of tested virus, bacteria, and parasites from water sources

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Pros:

• Effective in removing viruses, bacteria, and parasites
• Portable and lightweight, making it easy to take on outdoor adventures
• Durable and built to last
• Can filter up to 17 ounces of water per minute
• Comes with a carrying case and cleaning kit
• Can be used with a hydration pack

Cons:

• May not be as effective against certain contaminants like chemicals or heavy metals
• Pumping can be tiring and time-consuming
• Replacement filters can be expensive

The Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System is an excellent option for those who need a portable and reliable water filter for outdoor adventures or survival situations. Its pump-style filtration system effectively removes viruses, bacteria, and parasites from water sources, and its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to take on the go. While it may not be as effective against certain contaminants like chemicals or heavy metals, it is a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize clean drinking water.

5. Best Portable Gravity Filter Bag - LifeStraw Mission

The LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System is a high-volume gravity-fed purifier that is designed for camping and emergency preparedness. It can purify up to 5 liters of water at a time, making it a great option for groups or families. This water purifier uses a portable gravity filter bag that removes bacteria, protozoa, and viruses from water sources, ensuring safe and clean drinking water.

Key Features:

• High-volume gravity-fed purifier
• Portable gravity filter bag
• Removes bacteria, protozoa, and viruses from water sources

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Pros:

• Can purify up to 5 liters of water at a time, making it ideal for groups or families
• Portable and easy to use
• Removes bacteria, protozoa, and viruses from water sources, ensuring safe and clean drinking water
• Durable and built to last
• No electricity or batteries required
• Comes with a storage bag for easy transportation

Cons:

• May not be as effective against certain contaminants like chemicals or heavy metals
• Can be heavy and bulky to transport when filled with water
• Requires a clean water source to work effectively

The LifeStraw Mission Water Purification System is an excellent option for groups or families who need a portable and reliable water purifier for camping or emergency situations. Its high-volume gravity-fed purifier and portable gravity filter bag make it easy to use and transport, and its ability to remove bacteria, protozoa, and viruses from water sources ensures safe and clean drinking water. While it may not be as effective against certain contaminants like chemicals or heavy metals, it is a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize clean drinking water.

Read more: Best Camping Water Filter for your need

Here are the 5 FAQs of portable water filters:

What is a portable water filter?

A portable water filter is a device that can be used to filter water from a natural source, such as a river or lake, making it safe for drinking or other uses. It typically uses a combination of physical and/or chemical filtration methods to remove impurities from the water.

How does a portable water filter work?

A portable water filter works by using one or more filtration methods to remove impurities from water. Some common methods include activated carbon filtration, Ceramic filtration, and Reverse Osmosis. The specific method used can vary depending on the type of filter.

What types of impurities can a portable water filter remove?

A portable water filter can typically remove a wide range of impurities from water, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, Sediment, and heavy metals. However, the specific impurities that a filter can remove will depend on its filtration method and design.

How long do portable water filters last?

The lifespan of a portable water filter will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of filter, the quality of the water being filtered, and how often the filter is used. Some filters may last for several thousand liters of water, while others may need to be replaced after just a few hundred liters.

Can a portable water filter replace boiling water?

While a portable water filter can be a highly effective way to purify water, it should not be relied on as the sole method of water purification in all situations. Boiling water is still one of the most effective ways to remove impurities and ensure that water is safe to drink, especially in situations where the water is known to be contaminated with harmful bacteria or viruses.