Berkey Travel Berkey vs APEC ROES-50
Different approaches to water treatment compared side by side. Best for various water quality situations.
Berkey Travel Berkey
Gravity Filter
$284
VS
APEC ROES-50
Reverse Osmosis System
$200
Berkey Travel Berkey and APEC ROES-50 are different types of water treatment systems. The right choice depends on your water data, household size, and which features matter most to you. Check your city's water quality first to understand what you are treating.
Price Difference: $84
The Berkey Travel Berkey costs $84 more. The question is whether the differences justify the cost for your situation.
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | Berkey Travel Berkey | APEC ROES-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | Black Berkey purification elements | — |
| Capacity | 1.5 gallons | — |
| Flow Rate | ~1.5 gallons/hour | 50 GPD |
| Filter Life | 6,000 gallons (2+ years) | — |
| Chlorine Removal | 99.9% | — |
| Lead Removal | 99.9% | 99% |
| Bacteria Removal | 99.9999% | — |
| PFAS Removal | Claimed but not NSF certified | 95%+ |
| Certifications | None (third-party tested) | NSF 58 |
| Installation | None required | Under-sink, DIY |
| Stages | — | 5-stage |
| TDS Removal | — | 99% |
| Arsenic Removal | — | 99% |
| Fluoride Removal | — | 97% |
| Tank Size | — | 4 gallons |
| Waste Ratio | — | 3:1 |
| Filter Replacement | — | 0-50/year |
When Each System Makes Sense
Choose Berkey Travel Berkey if:
You need portable water purification. You live off-grid or want emergency preparedness. You prefer gravity-fed systems with no electricity.
Choose APEC ROES-50 if:
PFAS, lead, or arsenic are your primary concerns. You want the most thorough filtration at the kitchen tap. Budget-friendly under-sink RO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Berkey Travel Berkey or APEC ROES-50 better?
It depends on your situation. APEC ROES-50 ($200) is the better value for most homes. Berkey Travel Berkey ($284) offers premium features that may justify the cost for larger households or those wanting maximum convenience.
Is the APEC ROES-50 worth it at $200?
APEC ROES-50 is one of the most popular water treatment systems on the market. At $200, it offers strong performance for the price. Budget under-sink RO for lead, PFAS, arsenic, and TDS reduction.
What is the difference between a water softener and a water filter?
A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium, magnesium) that cause scale. A filter removes contaminants (chlorine, PFAS, lead). They solve different problems. Many homes need both. See our detailed guide. Read our full guide →
Related Guides
Affiliate disclosure: CheckMyTap earns a commission if you purchase through our links. This does not affect our analysis. We compare systems based on water data and household needs, not commission rates. Full disclosure →