ABSTRACT This study investigated the adsorption using mixed adsorbents comprising different proportions of commercially available granular activated carbons (GACs) and compared their performance to single GACs for removing algal organic matter (AOM) and pesticides. In addition to diverse GAC ratios, the effects of adsorbent dosage and solution pH were investigated for AOM, pesticides, and an AOM‐pesticide mixture. The mixed adsorbents can achieve overall higher removal of AOM and pesticides in a mixture. Surprisingly, even the removal of single adsorbates increased when mixed adsorbents were used. The AOM removal increased from 25%–29% using single GACs to 44% using a suitable adsorbent mixture; similarly, the pesticide removal increased from 52%–67% to 74%. The adsorbent ratio was the key influential factor. Additionally, the pH value also significantly affected the adsorption. Using a mixture of different adsorbents is a promising method for treating drinking water.