Boroux Compact 1.8 Gal vs Purewell 3-Stage PW-OB

Last updated: November 9, 2026

The Purewell 3-Stage PW-OB is the better gravity water filter overall, rated 3.5 to 2.6. The Purewell 3-Stage PW-OB leads on value, certification and capacity. The Purewell 3-Stage PW-OB costs $203.01 less ($145.99 vs $349).

Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Boroux Compact 1.8 Gal vs Purewell 3-Stage PW-OB

Which should you buy?

Scores side by side

Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 2.25 gal gravity water filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.

Factor weightPurewell 3-Stage PW-OBBoroux Compact 1.8 Gal
Overall rating3.5/52.6/5
Value 25%84 $64.88 per gallon of capacity ($145.99, 2.2 gal)16 $193.89 per gallon of capacity ($349, 1.8 gal)
Running cost 15%74 $0.012 per gallon filtered ($36.99 per element, 3,000 gal each)71 $0.013 per gallon filtered ($79.50 per element, 6,000 gal each)
Capacity 15%17 2.2 gal tank7 1.8 gal tank
Certification 20%40 states certification to NSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 37210 states certification to NSF/ANSI/CAN 372
Element life 15%100 3,000 gal rated per element100 6,000 gal rated per element
Warranty 10%0 warranty not published, scored as none0 warranty not published, scored as none

Specifications

Purewell 3-Stage PW-OBBoroux Compact 1.8 Gal
Capacity and flow
Tank capacity2.2 gal1.8 gal
Price per gallon of capacity$64.88$193.89
Elements included22
Maximum elements2-
Flow, as shipped4 gal/hr-
Filtration
Element typeBlack carbon composite: 0.01 micron UF membrane, silver ion membrane and carbon blockBoroux Foundation Black carbon element, 9.5 in
CertifiedNSF/ANSI 42, NSF/ANSI 372NSF/ANSI/CAN 372
Certification detailListing: the black carbon filter passed NSF/ANSI 42 certification and the system passed NSF/ANSI 372.Filter listing (maker copy): NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certified by WQA, a lead-free materials standard, not a contaminant reduction certification. System listing: filters tested and independently verified by third-party accredited laboratories, none named.
Fluoride-Add-on filter
Running cost
Rated life per element3,000 gal each6,000 gal each
Replacement element37 $79.5 $
Cost per gallon filtered$0.012$0.013
Build
Material304 stainless steel304 stainless steel
Height20 in17.5 in
Diameter8.9 in8 in
Weight8.5 lb-

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