Comparison
Older Philips pitcher filters: AWP200 or AWP260/AWP261?
Philips' older pitcher codes are easy to confuse because the vessels share a pour-through shape while the filter cartridges and reminder features differ. For an existing unit, start with the full model suffix printed on its base or paperwork, then confirm the cartridge code in the matching leaflet. AWP200/AWP201 and AWP260/AWP261 are separate filter families in the documents reviewed here; a Philips logo or similar lid is not proof they interchange.
Identify the cartridge before comparing claims
The exact AWP2900/11 leaflet identifies an AWP200/AWP201 one-piece cartridge with granular activated carbon and ion-exchange resin. It specifies a 1.5 L filtered-water tank, 0.25 L/min listed flow and 200 L filter capacity. Its brochure markets soluble-lead and chlorine reduction, but the exact sheet reviewed does not provide the full contaminant-by-contaminant test table or certification roster. The page for that code is an owner reference: a US-specific offer and current filter-support channel are not established by the available documents.
AWP2950/03 and AWP2970/03 use the AWP260/AWP261 family instead. Their exact Philips leaflets describe a hollow-fiber membrane with granular activated carbon, the same 1.5 L filtered-water tank and 200 L stated capacity, but a lower 0.15 L/min listed flow. That makes them a different filtration route and a slower listed fill than the AWP2900/11. Philips' marketing for the hollow-fiber pair discusses bacteria and particles, while the exact leaflet marks soluble-lead and water-hardness reduction as not applicable. Do not transfer one sibling's claim or cartridge to another.
The timer is the visible difference between the hollow-fiber siblings
Philips identifies AWP2950 as the no-timer version; AWP2970 adds a small digital replacement reminder. The family manual describes a 60-day countdown. It is a calendar prompt, not a flow meter, filter-condition sensor or water-quality test. The AWP2900 model is also listed without a timer. If you own the no-timer version, record the date you install a cartridge; if your unit has a display, still track the separate rated volume and follow the replacement instructions.
The 200 L cartridge rating and the manual's at-least-60-day schedule are separate pieces of guidance. Neither tells every household exactly when the other limit will be reached. Use the correct AWP cartridge, keep a note of replacement date and usage, and do not treat a countdown as permission to exceed the volume rating. The manual's first-use steps also take time: soak the cartridge for 15 minutes, shake it, seat the seal, and discard the first two filtered pitcher loads.
Use the test language for the right question
Philips specifies municipal tap water for these models and lists a 5–38 °C input range. The family instructions warn against unknown-source water, say to hand-wash rather than use a dishwasher, advise against freezing, and recommend using filtered water within 24 hours away from direct sunlight. These are pour-through pitchers, not a substitute for disinfection or a treatment choice for unsafe water.
The AWP2950/03 and AWP2970/03 leaflets advertise up to 99.9% bacteria reduction under laboratory conditions, but the materials reviewed here do not include an organism-specific performance table with challenge conditions and a complete certification scope. If a microbial result is essential, look for that exact evidence rather than relying on a headline percentage. The AWP2900/11's lead claim also needs a full test record if you require a documented result for a particular water concern. When the leaflet says lead reduction is not applicable, as it does for the AWP260 models, do not treat that system as a lead solution.
Compare the exact units, not the shared brand
For an existing AWP2900/11, see the AWP2900/11 owner reference. For the darker no-timer hollow-fiber pitcher, compare the AWP2950/03 assessment; for the white timer-equipped sibling, see the AWP2970/03 assessment. The exact manufacturer documents are the AWP2900/11 leaflet, AWP2950/03 leaflet, AWP2970/03 leaflet and the multilingual family manual.
These records are useful for identifying older Philips pitchers and following their documented routine. They do not establish a current US purchase or local replacement-cartridge channel for the exact /03 or /11 codes. If shopping rather than maintaining a unit you already own, choose a product with a confirmed local offer and compatible filter before comparing nominal capacity or broad feature claims.