Showing guidance for Canada
Home / Guides / Water

Berkey vs LifeStraw vs Frizzlife: Three Different Kinds of Water Filter

Updated October 28, 2026By the Prep For Outage Team2 min readSources linkedHow we chooseCompare brands

Advertiser disclosure: some links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission. It never changes our advice. Details

On this pageThey are not direct rivalsHow to pickCheck each makerQuick answers

These three brands solve different problems. Here is when a countertop gravity system, a personal filter or an under-sink system fits.

Key takeaways
  • Berkey, LifeStraw and Frizzlife solve different problems.
  • Gravity filters work without power or pressure. Under-sink ones need pressure.
  • Many households sensibly own one home filter and one personal filter.
Honest note: we have not tested these filters. We compare the type of product each brand is best known for and send you to the maker for current specs, certifications and prices.

They are not direct rivals

BerkeyLifeStrawFrizzlife
Known forCountertop gravity systemsPersonal straws, bottles and gravity filtersUnder-sink, countertop and pitcher filters
Needs power or water pressureNoNoUnder-sink models need water pressure
Best forA household with no running waterGrab bags, travel, a backup for each personEveryday drinking water while taps work
Check on the maker's pageCertifications, element life, shipping to CanadaWhat each model removes, rated litresCertifications, filter life, install needs

How to pick

  • No running water for days: a gravity system, plus stored water.
  • One person on the move: a straw or bottle filter.
  • Better daily water now, helpful in an outage that keeps taps running: an under-sink system.

Many households sensibly own two: a gravity or pump filter for home and a personal filter for each go-bag.

Check each maker

Quick comparison

BrandBest for
BBerkeyCountertop gravity filter systems
LLifeStrawPortable filters for backup and travel
FFrizzlifeHome countertop and under-sink filters

Prices change often, so click through for the current price.

B
BerkeyCountertop gravity filter systems

Gravity-fed countertop systems. Check shipping to your country.

  • Gravity-fed, no pump needed
  • Check which contaminants each model is rated for
  • Plan how you will refill and clean it
See current price at Berkey Opens the maker's site in a new tab. Prices change often.
L
LifeStrawPortable filters for backup and travel

Personal and gravity options. Check what each model removes.

  • Straw, bottle and larger formats
  • Handy as a backup, not your main supply
  • Check exactly what each model removes
See current price at LifeStraw Opens the maker's site in a new tab. Prices change often.
F
FrizzlifeHome countertop and under-sink filters

Under-sink and pitcher systems. Check install requirements.

  • Systems for daily home use
  • Compare certifications and filter life
  • Check replacement cost
See current price at Frizzlife Opens the maker's site in a new tab. Prices change often.

Quick answers

Which one should I buy first?

Buy stored water first. Then choose a gravity filter for the home or a personal filter for each person.

Do these remove viruses?

It depends on the model. Check the product page for virus claims and certifications.

Get the free 72-hour kit

A printable checklist, water planner and emergency contacts page. No signup.

Download the PDF Try the outage planner

Keep reading

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we make money. General information only, not professional advice.

Compare brands and prices↓
Get the free 72-hour kit (PDF)