Berkey Travel Berkey vs SpringWell UF1
Different approaches to water treatment compared side by side. Best for various water quality situations.
Berkey Travel Berkey
Gravity Filter
$284
VS
SpringWell UF1
Under-Sink Filter
$150
Berkey Travel Berkey and SpringWell UF1 are different types of water treatment systems. The Berkey Travel Berkey costs $134 more. 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: $134
The Berkey Travel Berkey costs $134 more. The question is whether the differences justify the cost for your situation.
Full Spec Comparison
| Specification | Berkey Travel Berkey | SpringWell UF1 |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | Black Berkey purification elements | Carbon block + ultrafiltration |
| Capacity | 1.5 gallons | — |
| Flow Rate | ~1.5 gallons/hour | 2 GPM |
| Filter Life | 6,000 gallons (2+ years) | 1,000 gallons (~6 months) |
| Chlorine Removal | 99.9% | 99.6% |
| Lead Removal | 99.9% | 99% |
| Bacteria Removal | 99.9999% | — |
| PFAS Removal | Claimed but not NSF certified | 95%+ (NSF P473 pending) |
| Certifications | None (third-party tested) | NSF 42, 53 |
| Installation | None required | Under-sink, DIY |
| Replacement Filter | — | 5 |
| Waste Water | — | None |
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 SpringWell UF1 if:
You want contaminant removal without RO waste water. Chlorine, lead, and PFAS are your concerns. You prefer a simpler under-sink setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Berkey Travel Berkey or SpringWell UF1 better?
It depends on your situation. SpringWell UF1 ($150) 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 SpringWell UF1 worth it at $150?
SpringWell UF1 is one of the most popular water treatment systems on the market. At $150, it offers strong performance for the price. Under-sink filtration for chlorine, PFAS, and lead without RO waste water.
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 →