Water2 vs Brita vs Franke vs Waterdrop
The honest comparison you've been looking for. 8 under-sink water filters compared - with real prices, technology breakdowns, and the truth about celebrity marketing.
Your Instagram Feed Is Full of Bear Grylls...
If you've been on social media lately, you've probably seen Bear Grylls telling you that UK tap water is "terrible" and that you need a Water2 filter. You might already have a Brita, seen Franke in showrooms, or wondered if there's a cheaper option that works just as well.
Good news: We've compared all 8 major under-sink water filter options available in the UK. Every product has an image, a link to buy, and honest pricing including 5-year total costs.
💡 Spoiler: The lesser-known brands often provide identical or better filtration at 30-50% lower cost. The difference? Marketing budgets, not technology.
Well-Known Brands (You've Heard of These)
Water2 Pod 2.0
Bear Grylls Endorsed
- ✓Celebrity marketing (Bear Grylls)
- ✓Coconut shell activated carbon
- ✓Silver ionization
Brita mypure P1
Household Name Since 1966
- ✓59 years filtration expertise
- ✓P1000 cartridge system
- ✓Dedicated filtered water tap
Franke Filterflow
Swiss Premium Engineering
- ✓Premium metal housing
- ✓Swiss engineering since 1911
- ✓Multiple filter options (inc. RO)
Quooker CUBE
Luxury Boiling Tap + Filter
- ✓Instant 100°C boiling water
- ✓Chilled & sparkling filtered water
- ✓Premium Dutch engineering
Lesser-Known Value Options (Often Better Value)
Waterdrop 10UA
Budget Champion
- ✓Lowest 5-year cost
- ✓NSF 42/53 certified
- ✓Direct connect installation
Waterdrop TSA 3-Stage
Mid-Range Value
- ✓3-stage filtration
- ✓Hollow fibre membrane
- ✓DIY-friendly installation
Osmio Indra
UK Specialist
- ✓UK-based company (Essex)
- ✓Excellent UK support
- ✓Nano filtration technology
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Maximum Filtration
- ✓Removes 99.9% of contaminants
- ✓Including fluoride & TDS
- ✓Tankless direct flow options
Complete Price Comparison
| Product | Initial | Annual | 5-Year | Filter Life | Filtration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Water2 Pod 2.0 Bear Grylls Endorsed | £129 | £99 | £525 | 12 months | 0.1 micron |
Brita mypure P1 Household Name Since 1966 | £100-150 | £35 | £240-290 | 12 months | 0.5 micron |
Franke Filterflow Swiss Premium Engineering | £150-300 | £60 | £450-600 | 6 months | 0.5 micron |
Quooker CUBE Luxury Boiling Tap + Filter | £2,000+ | £100+ | £2,400+ | 12 months | Carbon + Hollow Fibre |
Waterdrop 10UA Budget Champion | £40-70 | £30-40 | £190-270 | 12 months | 0.5 micron |
Waterdrop TSA 3-Stage Mid-Range Value | £70-90 | £40-50 | £270-340 | 12 months | 0.01 micron (hollow fibre) |
Osmio Indra UK Specialist | £99 | £40-50 | £300-350 | 12 months | 0.1 micron |
Reverse Osmosis Systems Maximum Filtration | £350-500 | £60-80 | £690-820 | 12-24 months | 0.0001 micron |
🔋 The Water2 "Battery" Myth - Debunked
What People Think It Does
- ✗UV-C light purification
- ✗Kills bacteria and viruses
- ✗Active purification technology
- ✗Makes water "safer"
What It Actually Does
- ✓Powers an LED reminder light
- ✓Buzzes when filter needs changing
- ✓Tracks usage (smart feature)
- ✓Convenient - but not purification
Bottom line: The Water2 filter uses the same activated carbon + silver ionization technology as competitors. The battery is a smart reminder feature, not UV purification. This is a good filter, but the "battery" isn't what makes it special - and it's not worth £525 over 5 years when alternatives cost £190-290.
What's Actually Inside These Filters?
Activated Carbon
Used by: ALL brands
Removes chlorine, taste, odour, and some contaminants through adsorption. Made from coconut shells or coal. This is the core technology in every filter here.
Ion Exchange
Used by: Brita, Franke, some others
Reduces limescale and heavy metals by exchanging ions. Particularly useful in hard water areas like Hampshire.
Reverse Osmosis
Used by: Osmio RO, Waterdrop RO, Franke RO
0.0001 micron membrane removes 99.9% of everything including fluoride, TDS, bacteria. The only way to remove fluoride effectively.
The Marketing vs Reality
Here's the truth: all these filters use similar core technology. The main differences are:
- →Water2 spends on Bear Grylls + Instagram ads
- →Brita spends on TV advertising + brand recognition
- →Franke maintains showrooms + premium positioning
- →Waterdrop/Osmio spend on product development instead
Quick Decision Guide
Hampshire & Wiltshire Hard Water Considerations
Living in Andover, Marlborough, or Hungerford, you're dealing with some of the UK's hardest water - often exceeding 300mg/l calcium carbonate.
Best for Hard Water Areas
- ✓Brita mypure P1 - Ion exchange for limescale
- ✓RO Systems - Removes everything inc. hardness
- ✓Franke with softener - If you have whole-house softener
Note: Standard carbon filters (Water2, Waterdrop basic) don't significantly reduce hardness. For limescale reduction, choose filters with ion exchange or RO.
Need Professional Installation?
Rosebourne Plumbing can install any of these water filter systems in your Andover, Marlborough, or Hungerford home. Professional installation ensures no leaks and optimal performance.
Sources & Product Links
Well-Known Brands
Value Options
Research
Scientific
Prof. Peter Jarvis, Cranfield University; Drinking Water Inspectorate UK