Berkey vs Rorra: A Comparison Between Big Berkey and Rorra Water Filters

When it comes to clean, safe drinking water, Berkey water filters have long been a trusted choice for households, travelers, and preparedness-minded individuals alike. With a reputation for powerful, gravity-fed filtration and long-lasting components, it's no surprise that they are among the most popular options on the market. That said, it's natural for alternatives to emerge, and one of those is Rorra.

In this guide, we'll take an objective look at both Berkey and Rorra water filters, highlight the key differences, and address any misinformation, so you can make an informed decision based on facts, not marketing.

In this article, you’ll learn more about:

• Filtration performance of both systems
• Their filter longevity
• Construction and materials
• Portability and use cases
• Some misinformation about Berkey circulating on the Internet
• How Berkey and Rorra filters compare side by side (comparison table)

What Is the Difference Between Big Berkey and Rorra Water Filters?

When it comes to long-term water filtration solutions, Big Berkey stands out as a trusted choice for households and off-grid living alike. Known for its ability to remove over 200 common drinking water contaminants, Berkey systems also boast exceptional filter longevity, making them a smart, cost-effective investment over time.

Rorra, a newer player in the market, offers a more targeted approach — focusing primarily on select contaminants like PFAS and microplastics. While it introduces innovative technology, its filtration scope is more limited compared to Berkey.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the two systems and their filtration capabilities.

Filtration Performance

Berkey: Black Berkey filters are known for their exceptional ability to remove over 200 contaminants, including arsenic, lead and other heavy metals, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS ("forever chemicals"), chlorine, pesticides, and more. Independent testing by State & EPA-accredited laboratories has verified the effectiveness of the Black Berkey filter elements (exceeding EPA 7 ANSI / NSF (Std. 53) protocol), with published testing results available on the Berkey website.

Rorra: Rorra filters also claim to remove a wide range of contaminants, but this is limited to 50+ contaminants compared to 200+ by Berkey. Third-party testing results and certifications are not as extensively published or verified. Some performance claims lack the rigorous, independently verified lab data available for Berkey.

Filter Longevity

Berkey: Black Berkey filters are known for their impressive lifespan of up to 3,000 gallons per filter, or 6,000 gallons per pair. For most households, that means years of use before replacement is needed, making Berkey a cost-effective long-term solution. More affordable Ultra Sterasyl ceramic replacement filters with a filter lifespan of 800 gallons can also be used in place of the Black Berkey filters.

Rorra: Rorra filters typically last up to 200 gallons or 90 days before needing replacement. This means significantly more frequent filter changes, which may result in higher long-term costs and added maintenance compared to a Berkey. Replacement filters are only available on subscription, shipped every 90 days at a cost of $65 per shipment. The system comes with a handy battery-powered performance indicator that changes color from white to yellow when there are only 10 days of filter life left.

Construction and Materials

Berkey: Made from high-quality stainless steel in the USA, Berkey systems are built for durability, portability, and longevity. The Black Berkey filters themselves are also manufactured in the USA.

Rorra: Rorra units, like the Berkey, are made from high-quality, durable stainless steel and are manufactured in the USA.

Portability and Use Cases

Berkey: Berkey systems are gravity-fed, require no electricity, and come in various sizes (with capacities ranging from 1.5 gallons in the Travel Berkey up to 6 gallons in the Crown Berkey) to meet different needs, from single users to large families. They are ideal for home, travel, off-grid living, and emergency preparedness.

Rorra: Rorra's lightweight and durable design makes it portable, but limited capacity (maximum storage capacity of 1.5 gallons of filtered water) and the need for frequent filter replacement may make it less ideal for large groups or for off-grid or emergency use.

Addressing Misinformation from Rorra

We believe in informed decision-making based on facts. That’s why we want to address some incorrect claims made on Rorra’s website (see the comparison table):

• Claim: "Berkey filters are not made in the USA."
  Fact: Berkey filtration systems and Black Berkey purification elements are made in the USA. 
• Claim: "Berkey filters don’t remove microplastics or forever chemicals (PFAS)."
  Fact: Black Berkey filters have been independently tested and proven to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA, PFOS, and others, along with being able to remove microplastics.

We encourage users to verify claims by reviewing independently published test results and certifications.

Comparison of Berkey vs Rorra

Make an Informed Choice

Berkey water filters remain a trusted, proven solution for those who want reliable protection from a wide range of contaminants, exceptional long-term value, and verified performance. While it’s understandable to compare options, it's also important to separate marketing from science. Independent test results, durable construction, decades of satisfied customers, and long-lasting filters make Berkey a sound investment for families and individuals alike.

We encourage customers to verify any claims they see and to choose their water filtration system based on performance, reliability, and transparency.

Check out our home filtration options.

FAQs

• What’s the difference between Berkey and Rorra water filters?
  Berkey offers longer-lasting filters capable of removing over 200 contaminants; Rorra is more limited in its scope and lifespan.
• Is Berkey better than Rorra?
  Berkey provides superior filtration performance and long-term value.
• How does Berkey’s filtration system compare to Rorra’s?
  Berkey filters are independently tested for over 200 contaminants, while Rorra is tested to remove over 50 contaminants.
• Which water filter removes more contaminants – Berkey or Rorra?
  Berkey removes more contaminants and publishes verified third-party test results from EPA/NSF cerrtified labs.
• Is Berkey a better value compared to Rorra?
  Yes—its durability, filter lifespan, and superior performance offer better long-term value.
• How long do Berkey and Rorra filters last?
  Berkey: up to 6,000 gallons per pair; Rorra: around 200 gallons per filter.
• Can you travel with Berkey or Rorra? Which is more portable?
  Both are portable, but Berkey offers more sizes and greater capacity for off-grid use.
• Why do some people prefer Berkey over Rorra?
  Berkey is a popular choice due to its proven performance, filter longevity, and wide range of size options.
• What are the maintenance differences between Berkey and Rorra?
  Berkey requires far less frequent filter replacement, making maintenance easier and more cost-effective over time.