If you love the Chemex idea but want a more affordable, flexible, or travel-friendly setup, these are the best alternatives worth considering.

The Hario Craft Kit V60 Plastic Dripper with Glass Coffee Range Server is the closest everyday rival for anyone who wants to stay in pour-over territory. Compared with the Chemex, it’s much cheaper at £26.98 and gives you a more hands-on brew. The V60’s spiral ribs and single large hole allow more control over flow rate, which means you can tweak extraction by adjusting grind size, pour speed, and water temperature. What’s better: it’s lighter, less fragile, and the included server, spoon, and filters make it a better value bundle. What’s worse: it’s less of a statement piece, and the brew can be less forgiving than Chemex if your grind is inconsistent. Choose this if you want a proper filter coffee setup without paying for the Chemex name and glasswork.

The Aeropress Go is for people who want speed, portability, and a cup that leans fuller-bodied than Chemex. At £37.90, it sits in a similar price range to the 3-cup Chemex, but it produces coffee in about a minute rather than a slow pour-over session. It’s brilliant for travel, office desks, and anyone who wants repeatable results with minimal fuss. What’s better: it’s near-indestructible, compact, and far more forgiving than a pour-over brewer. What’s worse: it doesn’t give you the same clean, delicate clarity that a Chemex is known for. Pick this if you want something practical and versatile, especially if you like experimenting with espresso-style concentrates or cold brew.

The Chemex 6-Cup Classic Series is the obvious upgrade if you like the original design but need a bit more capacity. At £43.00, it’s actually slightly cheaper than the 3-cup version, which makes it an easy choice for households that brew for two or want a larger single serving. The brewing profile is essentially the same: clean, bright, and filter-forward. What’s better: better value per cup and more flexibility for guests. What’s worse: it takes more coffee and water, so it’s overkill if you only ever make one small mug. Choose this if you already know you like Chemex coffee and want the same experience with less compromise on volume.

The Chemex 8-Cup Classic Series is for bigger brews and serious filter coffee drinkers. At £47.99, it costs a little more, but it gives you the most room to brew for multiple people or to make a generous batch for later. Like the 3-cup model, it delivers that crisp, clean cup that highlights origin character and lighter roasts. What’s better: excellent for entertaining and batch brewing. What’s worse: it’s larger, less convenient for small kitchens, and not ideal if you only make one cup at a time. Choose this if your Chemex is part of a morning routine for two or more.

The Bialetti Moka Express Italia Collection is the best alternative if you want something stronger, richer, and more stove-top focused. At £33.90, it’s a different style entirely: instead of paper-filter clarity, you get a concentrated, espresso-like cup with more body and intensity. What’s better: it’s fast, iconic, and great for milk drinks or a punchier morning coffee. What’s worse: it requires a bit more attention, can taste harsh if overheated, and won’t replicate Chemex’s clean filter profile. Choose this if you prefer bold coffee or want a budget-friendly brewer that feels classic and durable.

In short, the Hario V60 is the best value pour-over alternative, the Aeropress Go is the most versatile, the larger Chemexes are the most logical upgrades, and the Bialetti is for anyone who wants a stronger brew style altogether.