Quick Take
Score: 6.8/10 | Soma is beautiful. The design won awards. The sustainability story is compelling. But if you're buying a water filter to actually filter water, there are much better options.
The Research
Soma is certified to NSF 42 for chlorine reduction and taste improvement. That's it.
No NSF 53 for lead. No P473 for PFAS. No significant contaminant reduction beyond basic chlorine and aesthetic improvements.
The 65% plant-based filter (coconut shell carbon and plant-based casing) is genuinely innovative from a sustainability standpoint. But innovation in materials doesn't equal innovation in filtration performance.
Real-World Testing
The shatter-resistant glass carafe looks beautiful on a counter or in a fridge. The bamboo handle feels premium. Filter life is 40 gallons or about 2 months - shorter than most competitors.
Filtration is fast - under 5 minutes for a full pitcher. But that speed reflects the limited filtration happening.
The Honest Assessment
What I Love: If you're choosing between unfiltered tap water and Soma, choose Soma. The design is genuinely beautiful. The sustainability story matters. It makes filtered water feel less clinical.
What Could Be Better: For the price ($50 pitcher, $15/filter), you could buy a Clearly Filtered pitcher that actually removes contaminants. The B-Corp certification is nice but doesn't filter your water.
The Bottom Line
Soma is for design-conscious households with already-clean water who want basic chlorine improvement in a beautiful package. It's not for families with real water quality concerns.
