The Best Water Bottles of 2023
While the tumbler is spacious, holding a generous amount of liquid, it doesn’t top the charts regarding insulation. It won’t maintain extreme temperatures for an extended duration like some of its peers. A word to the wise: If you’re the type to toss your tumbler into a bag without a second thought, you might want to rethink that. The Quencher doesn’t take kindly to being toppled over, and will spill its contents if not kept upright.
15 Popular Water Bottles, Ranked
In the age of social media, where trends take life at lightning speed, the idea of the emotional support water bottle has emerged, becoming almost a cultural necessity. It’s not just a reusable water bottle; it’s a statement, an accessory, and for many, an indispensable sidekick.
While the buzz about what fills your bottle — cue the discussions on WaterTok — creates waves, an equally intense dialogue bubbles up around the vessel itself. Some enthusiasts showcase their bottles as avidly as they do their favorite beverages. They’re not merely discussing hydration and breaking free from bottled water; they’re celebrating design, function, and style.
For many, their bottle is an extension of their personality. They have their loyal favorites, bottles that have accompanied them on adventures and have stories etched onto their surfaces. Others are still on a quest, hopping from one brand to another, seeking that perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. But one thing is certain: In this vast ocean of choices, whether you’re a connoisseur of bottles or just diving in, one of the bottle brands below may be an ideal fit, waiting to be uncapped by you.
15. Juggy
In the vibrant world of water bottles, the Juggy stands out when it comes to aesthetic charm. With a kaleidoscope of color options and designs bursting with character, it’s difficult not to be drawn to its vibrant personality. But while it may make a fashion statement, the Juggy has its quirks in functionality. The bottle’s insulation primarily relies on its sleeve, with the bottle itself lacking in this department. It may not be your go-to for long treks in sweltering heat or freezing climates.
When it comes to sipping, there’s a learning curve. Although handy, the straw can be a bit rebellious, occasionally jamming itself in odd angles.
There is a slight hiccup in the design, as well. Its generous size might be great for hydration, but it won’t be cozying up in your car’s cup holder anytime soon. In some ways, it makes up for such shortcoming by being completely leak-free — just be sure to secure all components tightly. The $49.99 price tag might seem steep, so keep an eye out for the company’s frequent sales.
14. Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Sustain Water Bottle
When diving into the realm of reliable water bottles, the Nalgene 32 ounce Wide Mouth Sustain is a beloved staple for many adventurers. Its palette spans a generous spectrum of colors, ensuring every user responds to a certain shade or branding. It doesn’t stop at just looking good; this bottle boasts being leak-proof and shatter-resistant, making it a trusty companion for urban jungles and actual ones.
Its insulation properties, however, leave something to be desired. If the primary goal is to keep drinks at a specific temperature, you might need to look elsewhere or invest in a separate sleeve. On the drinking front, while the wide mouth can be a tad overwhelming for some, Nalgene offers an array of accessories to tweak the experience to your liking.
Just a heads up for the road-trippers and daily commuters: This bottle might have to ride shotgun or in the back seat, as it’s not the most accommodating when fitting into standard cup holders. Yet, where the Nalgene 32 ounce shines brightest is in its affordability. With a price tag of just $16.99, it’s a steal for a durable and dependable hydration ally on all your escapades.
13. Hydroflask Wide Mouth
Hydroflask’ offers its Wide Mouth bottles as an emblem in the hydration sphere. Its initial palette, mostly muted, has been transformed by users into unique testimonies of their travels and passions. Wander across a college campus or a nature trail, and the plethora of stickers adorning each Hydroflask tells a tale of its own.
Yet, it’s not all about looks. One of Hydroflask’s standout features is its impeccable insulation capabilities. Fill it up, and hours later, your drink still promises that initial chill. The drinkability is adaptable, hinging on which cap variant you select, proving this bottle is both chic and utilitarian.
For the ever-mobile individual, the 20-ounce Wide Mouth, priced at $32.95, is tailored with portability at its core, slotting into most vehicle cup holders. However, a word of caution: Not all sizes in the Hydroflask range share this compatibility. If the road beckons you often, it’s worth weighing in on the size and convenience aspect before committing.
12. S’well Bottle
With its eye-catching designs, the S’well bottle has become a favorite for those looking to make a statement with their hydration choices. It boasts a dazzling array of colors, and the brand consistently surprises with new patterns, making it a common sight in stores like Target. While its aesthetics are a high point, some users report that the design may chip sooner than expected. A note for the ice-lovers: Ensure your cubes are smaller for easier refilling, given the bottle’s rather small opening and design.
Insulation is where the S’well Bottle truly shines. Your cold or hot beverages will maintain their temperatures for impressively long durations. Beyond its primary features, S’well offers adaptability, with a variety of bottle toppers, even filter options, ensuring a customized drinking experience.
One of the practical advantages is its fit. In a world where many bottles struggle for space, a S’well conveniently nestles into most car cup holders. It’s a blend of style, functionality, and convenience, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on any front.
11. Starbucks Cold Cup
From eclectic patterns to cups tailored exclusively for places as magical as Disney World, there’s a Starbucks Cold Cup design for every personality. It’s no wonder many have turned collecting these cups into a hobby, boasting vast and varied collections.
Insulation-wise, Starbucks Cold Cups offers only an okay performance. It might keep your drink cool for a while, but don’t expect it to compete with the insulation titans of the bottle world. Most users aren’t reaching for these cups for their temperature retention, admittedly; it’s all about the aesthetic allure.
In terms of usability, the default straw lid is functional and familiar to many. But for those who prefer a different drinking experience, there’s the option to swap it out with Starbucks’ strapless lid designs, available in stores. If you’re always on the go, rest assured: These cups will comfortably accompany you, sliding smoothly into your vehicle’s cup holder.
While the beauty and brand association come with a price, it can be pretty varied. A regular cup may set you back around $25, but if you’re eyeing one of those special Disney editions, be prepared to shell out up to $49.99.
10. Tervis Widemouth Bottle
Waltzing into the spotlight with an uncanny blend of customization and functionality, the Tervis Widemouth Bottle is a favorite for both the discerning and the laid-back. Owing to its wide range of collaborations, from niche groups to big-league companies, it’s not uncommon to find these bottles serving as exclusive merchandise in diverse locales.
The bottle isn’t just a visual treat, though. It promises a stunning insulation performance. If a refreshing cold sip on a blazing day is what you crave, the Tervis won’t disappoint. Any beverage, water, or iced concoction will maintain its temperature, making every gulp a pleasant experience.
Drinking from the Tervis is a little uncomfortable initially, since the cup doesn’t have a straw. Eschewing the standard straw design, it offers a spout or a wide top, catering to those who prefer an unobstructed flow. It’s the sort of bottle that doesn’t complicate things; it keeps it simple and efficient.
Mobility is also on its side. With the 24-ounce version, there’s no need to play the guessing game of wondering whether it will fit. It easily slides into a car’s cup holder, ensuring every drink is within arm’s reach, regardless of the road ahead.
9. Camelbak Eddy+
The Camelbak Eddy+ enters the bottle market with a more reserved approach to aesthetics. With a palette of limited colors, it might not win the prize for the most vibrant, but it certainly compensates in other areas. When it comes to insulation, it’s essential to keep expectations grounded; the regular Eddy+ isn’t designed for long-lasting temperature retention. Those hoping to relish an ice-cold drink might be disappointed, as ice tends to give up its chilly stand quite swiftly in this bottle.
However, the Eddy+ shines brilliantly in the actual act of drinking. The bottle sports a unique bite valve that transforms every sip into a delightful experience. Paired with a generously sized straw, hydrating on the go becomes a breeze and an enjoyable one at that.
For those constantly moving, the Eddy+ promises not to be a cumbersome companion. It’s designed to fit snugly into most car cup holders, ensuring hydration is always within easy reach. But perhaps its crowning jewel might be the price. At a budget-friendly $16, the Camelbak Eddy+ ensures both your thirst and wallet are well cared for.
8. Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Water Bottle
Venturing into the world of sustainable and efficient hydration solutions, the Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Water Bottle stands tall. At first glance, one might notice its limited palette in bottle color. However, this restriction is balanced by the resilience and durability of the coloration.
One of its standout features is its customization in the cap department. While the bottle’s hue might be predetermined, users can jazz up their Klean Kanteen by choosing from a diverse range of caps. Not only do these caps alter the aesthetics of the bottle, but they also play a pivotal role in determining how the user can interact with their beverage.
Speaking of beverages, whether it’s a frigid morning coffee or a midday cold brew, the bottle promises to maintain the temperature for hours on end. Its insulation game is strong, ensuring every sip feels right, irrespective of when it’s taken. The ease of drinking is where the Klean Kanteen truly showcases its versatility. Thanks to the myriad of lid options available, users have the luxury to define their drinking experience. Whether you’re a sipper, a gulper, or somewhere in between, there’s a lid tailored to your style. On the practical front, this bottle keeps things simple while comfortably finding its place in most car cup holders.
7. Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler
Stanley, a name that connotes tradition and reliability, steps up its contemporary appeal with the Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler. This tumbler epitomizes the blend between classic robustness and modern-day aesthetics. With many colors available, it’s no surprise that enthusiasts have turned collecting these tumblers into a fiery passion. The Starbucks X Stanley tumblers sold out in a matter of minutes. For those who desire a unique touch, custom designs are accessible on the Stanley website and platforms like Etsy, ensuring that every tumbler tells its own story.
While the tumbler is spacious, holding a generous amount of liquid, it doesn’t top the charts regarding insulation. It won’t maintain extreme temperatures for an extended duration like some of its peers. A word to the wise: If you’re the type to toss your tumbler into a bag without a second thought, you might want to rethink that. The Quencher doesn’t take kindly to being toppled over, and will spill its contents if not kept upright.
Drinking from the tumbler, however, is a delightful experience. Its well-designed handle ensures a firm grip, and the strawed top facilitates a smooth, uninterrupted flow. If you’re skeptical about it fitting in your car’s cup holder, given its 40 ounce size, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Crafted thoughtfully, the tumbler’s narrow bottom ensures compatibility with most cup holders.
6. Simple Modern Trek Tumbler
At first glance, the Simple Modern Trek Tumbler might seem like it’s riding on the coattails of the iconic Stanley design. There’s a palpable sense of déjà vu with its appearance, and while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it does feel a tad wannabe Stanley — a sentiment that is hard to shake off.
However, setting the resemblance aside, the Trek Tumbler does bring its own flair to the table. With a vibrant color palette, it offers users a chance to hydrate in style. Plus, the incorporated handle, both functional and stylish, ensures a comfortable grip while promising compatibility with most car cup holders. The 40-ounce version, despite its grand size, slots smoothly into these holders.
Insulation-wise, the Trek Tumbler stands tall. Those who invest in it are assured an all-day chilly beverage experience, a boon for those relentlessly hot days. Drinking from this tumbler is further made delightful with its generously sized straw, facilitating a smooth flow for every sip.
An added feather in its cap is the option for personalization. This feature resonates with those wanting a more tailored touch to their drinkware. Priced at $34.00 for the 40-ounce variant, it offers a balance of style and utility, albeit with an unmistakable nod to its Stanley inspiration.
5. Gatorade Gx
Gatorade, long synonymous with sports hydration, brings forth the Gx Bottle. It boasts an exciting array of colors, but what truly catches the eye is the customization aspect. Personalization options are aplenty, from capturing the essence of a favorite sports teams to unique designs.
However, when it comes to insulation, the Gx might leave users wanting; it doesn’t promise long-lasting temperature retention. Yet, with a reasonable $30 price tag, this slight compromise feels justifiable. The drinking experience is reminiscent of the classic sports bottle. A standout feature is the pod compatibility – users can pop in flavor pods directly, adding a refreshing twist to their hydration routine.
Designed with convenience, it snugly fits most cup holders, ensuring folks stay hydrated on the go. For the tech-savvy, Gatorade offers the Smart Gx variant, which tracks your hydration. But its heftier $70 price tag makes it an investment, only for those keen on merging hydration and tech.
4. Yeti Rambler Water Bottle
Yeti, a brand synonymous with rugged durability, presents the Rambler Water Bottle. With its aesthetics leaning towards the minimalistic, the color palette might seem somewhat understated, occasionally punctuated by a brighter shade.
Where it might appear simple in design, it compensates with performance. The Rambler boasts double-wall vacuum insulation, ensuring beverages remain at optimal temperatures for extended periods. Yet, it’s worth noting that the choice of lid can influence insulation efficacy.
Drinking from the Rambler is versatile, with several accessory options for varied sipping experiences. In regards to transport convenience, the 12 and 18-ounce versions slide effortlessly into most cup holders, while the 26-ounce variant could pose a snug fit challenge.
With a price spectrum spanning $25 for the 12 ounce, $30 for the 18 ounce, and peaking at $40 for the 26 ounce, the Yeti Rambler marries simplicity with stellar performance, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
3. BruMate Rotera
The BruMate Rotera exudes a sense of sophistication with its eye-popping colors. Its aesthetic charm is evident, showcasing delightful variations, though one can’t help but wish for an extended palette or perhaps even theme-based designs.
Performance is at the heart of the Rotera, promising an impressive 24-hour insulation. Be it a scorching summer day or a lazy afternoon, a drink remains refreshingly cold. A unique twist mechanism provides an engaging drinking experience. Simply twist to expose the straw and sip away. The design also incorporates a handle, making it convenient to carry around.
Size-wise, the 25-ounce variant will comfortably nestle into most cup holders. However, the more voluminous 35-ounce might challenge that fit. The Rotera’s price leans towards the higher end, with specific colors (like the mesmerizing Eclipse) for $52.99. The swappable silicone sleeve is a delightful addition, allowing users to switch things up as they please. In essence, the BruMate Rotera is a blend of aesthetic allure and commendable functionality, albeit with a slightly premium price tag.
2. Corkcicle Canteen
The Corkcicle Canteen is not just a water bottle — it’s a statement piece. It dazzles with enchanting colors, bridging the gap between functionality and art. Their offerings are stunning, with themes inspired by beloved franchises like Marvel and Disney. A drink from this canteen might just transport you to the magical world of your favorite characters.
Performance isn’t compromised for aesthetics. The Canteen promises all-day cold retention, ensuring your beverage remains refreshingly chilled. Its insulation prowess demands that the bottle stay closed for best results.
As for drinking, it offers a unique experience. The default open-top design might challenge on-the-go drinkers, especially drivers. However, purchasing the optional straw cap can bypass this minor hiccup.
Designed with convenience in mind, its base narrows, ensuring a snug fit in most cup holders. Priced at $42.95 for the 20-ounce variant, it’s clear that this isn’t your average bottle. Specialty designs might command a slightly higher price, but with frequent sales, there’s always an opportunity for a delightful deal.
1. Owala FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip isn’t just about quenching thirst; it’s an experience tinted with a spectrum of delightful hues. This bottle knows how to make a visual impact, consistently planting color traps to entice and surprise its users. However, a common grievance is that these captivating colors tend to run out of stock swiftly, making them coveted treasures.
In terms of function, the FreeSip shines with its impressive insulation. Ice might surrender to time and melt away, but the FreeSip ensures the water remains cold without the exterior becoming damp or sweaty.
The standout feature? Its dual-drinking mechanism. Users can seamlessly switch between sipping via the built-in straw or gulping from the generous wide mouth. The latter is so accommodating that one can pour water directly, bypassing the need to unscrew the entire lid. This design also considers safety, boasting a lock mechanism to guarantee that drinking spot remains uncontaminated.
Size variants cater to different needs, with the 19 and 24 ounce comfortably fitting into cupholders, while the bulkier 32 and 40 ounce may not. Pricing starts at a reasonable $24.99 for the 19 ounce and scales up, offering options for every budget.
The Best Water Bottles of 2023
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
Owala 24oz Stainless Steel FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip is the best water bottle for keeping drinks cold all day. The leakproof, lockable lid pairs with a straw or you can sip freely. Read More
Pros
- 2-in-1 leakproof lid
- Keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours
- Portable
Cons
ThermoFlask 32oz Bottle w/Chug Lid and Straw Lid
This 32-ounce bottle comes with a chug lid and a straw lid. The double insulation keeps drinks cold for hours and comes in multiple sizes/colors. Read More
Pros
- Double insulated
- Two lid options
- Great value
Cons
CamelBak 20oz Eddy+ Filtered by LifeStraw
Though it lacks insulation, this is the best filtered water bottle. It has a replaceable filter straw that lasts up to one year. Read More
Pros
- Filtered water on the go
- Filtered straw lasts a while
- Leakproof
Cons
- Not for kids under 12
- Have to press down to drink
- Not insulated
Ello Syndicate 20oz Glass Water Bottle
Made of glass, the Ello water bottle doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or absorb tastes and smells. Read More
Pros
- Protective silicone sleeve
- Easy to drink from
- Plastic-free
Cons
- Doesn’t keep drinks cold longterm
- Debris can build up under silicone sleeve
- No option for straw
Life Bottle 1 Gallon Water Bottle w/ Straw Lid and Chug Lid
This one-gallon water bottle has helpful timestamps to track your water consumption throughout the day. It comes with a straw lid and a chug lid. Read More
Pros
- Large capacity
- Two lid options
- Helps you drink more water
Cons
Written by Sarah Zorn and Rachel Murphy
Updated October 17, 2023
Staying hydrated is an easy tactic to help keep you healthy. By increasing your daily water intake, you’ll be giving your brain what it needs to think more quickly. It often helps quell the urge to overeat, too. Feeling sore? Being well-hydrated will assist the rest of your body by lubricating your joints, helping to stave off inflammation. With perks like these achievable through little more than remembering to drink a little more water a little more often, it’s hard to find a reason why you shouldn’t have a reusable water bottle at your side.
After testing the most popular water bottle brands, we’ve determined that the Owala Stainless Steel FreeSip (available at Amazon for $23.05) is the best water bottle you can buy. For a value-packed choice that keeps drinks frosty, check out the ThermoFlask Water Bottle (available at Amazon). However, the best water bottle for one person might not meet the specific needs of another, and there are many great water bottles in our guide to suit your needs.
The Owala FreeSip is the best water bottle we’ve tested.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle is the best water bottle you can buy. In our tests, the Owala water bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. While other water bottles, like the Stanley Go Flip, can keep drinks cold for longer, you should be filling it more frequently than that anyway.
The bottle is BPA-free and comes in three different sizes: 24-, 32-, and 40-ounce. There are multiple color combinations to choose from, making this an all-around great option for adults to bring to work or kids to take in their backpacks.
The lid features a unique, two-part lock system that keeps water from leaking out. The lock mechanism lifts, unveiling a press button that, when pushed, automatically flips back to unveil a dual-spout lid.
The Owala FreeSip gives you the option to drink from a straw or tilt it back all in one lid type, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of two lids or forgoing a straw for easy drinking.
The lid can be placed in the dishwasher, but the bottle is hand-wash only. An optional water bottle boot is available for purchase to help increase the longevity of this water bottle.
In short, if you need a water bottle that’s easy to tote around, keeps drinks cold, and comes in multiple styles and drinking methods, you can’t go wrong with the Owala FreeSip.
Pros
- 2-in-1 leakproof lid
- Keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours
- Portable
Cons
This double-insulated ThermoFlask water bottle offers the most bang for your buck.
ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle
The ThermoFlask water bottle offers the most value of any water bottle we tested. This stainless steel water bottle has a double-insulated interior wall and vacuum insulation that keeps drinks ice cold for hours. Similar water bottles in our guide are smaller and more expensive.
This water bottle also includes two lids—one that is compatible with a straw and another that allows for chugging. Two straws are also included, adding to the overall value the ThermoFlask offers. Its ability to stay cool all day long makes it a great water bottle for the gym or school.
One downside is that its lid cannot be placed in the dishwasher like our No. 1 pick, making cleaning it a bit more cumbersome. However, this is a minor tradeoff considering the tremendous value this water bottle offers.
It comes in various sizes starting at 18 ounces up to 64 ounces, as well as several color options. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, the ThermoFlask is the best water bottle to buy.
Pros
- Double insulated
- Two lid options
- Great value
Cons
This CamelBak water bottle comes with a reusable LifeStraw, so you can drink filtered water no matter where you are.
CamelBak Eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw
For clean water on the go, the CamelBak Eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw is the best filtered water bottle in our guide. It has two filtration stages that remove things like bacteria, microplastics, and odors. The LifeStraw filter lasts about one year with regular use—that’s every 1,000 gallons. So, you won’t need to replace the filter set often, but when you do, it’s an additional cost to consider.
This filtered weather bottle is also a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly water bottle, as it is made with 50% recycled material. It’s free of BPA, BPS, and BPF.
The bottle we tested holds a total of 20 ounces of water without the filter insert and 14 ounces with the filter. It also comes in a 32-ounce size. Overall, it doesn’t hold as much water as others in our guide, especially if you’re using it with ice. The bottle is not insulated, so ice is necessary if you want to keep your water cold.
The plastic bottle design also means that it will sweat, so we recommend putting a koozie or other covering over it to keep from getting water droplets everywhere.
It’s lightweight and easy to carry for traveling and outdoor activities, more so than the heftier stainless steel options in our guide. It doesn’t have a lingering plastic taste like some plastic water bottles tend to.
The lid and straw parts do not leak, however, you have to bite down on the straw to open it up and for the water to flow through. We prefer other options that don’t require biting to drink, like our Best Value pick.
Another thing to note is that the water bottle is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12, so it’s not a good option if you need a water bottle for kids.
Pros
- Filtered water on the go
- Filtered straw lasts a while
- Leakproof
Cons
- Not for kids under 12
- Have to press down to drink
- Not insulated
This Ello water bottle with a flip lid is our pick for the best glass water bottle.
The Ello water bottle is the best glass water bottle we tested. This plastic-free bottle features a one-touch flip lid that is easy to drink from. It’s not insulated, but it does an OK job of keeping liquids cold for a couple hours at a time. The silicone sleeve helps to mostly wick away condensation, so you aren’t slogging around a wet bottle.
The glass-over-plastic design is also ideal for bringing along liquids like iced coffee, juice, and sports drinks, as glass does not absorb flavors like plastic tends to.
While we like the style of the lid, there is no option to add a straw. This is not a dealbreaker, as we like this glass water bottle, but if you prefer a straw, look elsewhere in our guide. The mouthpiece is also fairly small, meaning you can only add one or two pieces of ice at a time.
The exterior silicone sleeve protects the glass from breaking. Although the instructions say you don’t have to remove the glass sleeve for cleaning, we did find some debris that got stuck in the grooves of the silicone sleeve. The bottle itself is hand-wash only but the other parts are safe for cleaning on the top rack of the dishwasher.
This 20-ounce glass water bottle is BPA-, phthalates-, PVC-, lead-, and cadmium-free, making it an ideal water bottle option for anyone looking to avoid plastics. As long as you’re drinking quickly, this water bottle is a great choice, but it’s not made for all-day chillin’ like our No. 1 pick.
Pros
- Protective silicone sleeve
- Easy to drink from
- Plastic-free
Cons
- Doesn’t keep drinks cold longterm
- Debris can build up under silicone sleeve
- No option for straw
The one-gallon Life Water Bottle is large, but its a great vessel for all-day hydration.
The Life Water Bottle is the best gallon water bottle in our guide. The 128-ounce jug features an easy-to-use straw lid, which also transforms into a chug lid, giving you two ways to drink from it. The built-in handle and detachable strap make this gallon water bottle easy to carry around and lift for a drink (but it’s heavy to handle when full). It’s made from food-grade plastic that claims to be non-toxic and BPA-free.
The plastic design is useful, as you can easily see how much water you’ve consumed throughout the day. There are helpful time stamps on the exterior of the gallon water bottle to encourage you to drink a certain amount by a certain time. However, the plastic design is not so great for keeping your drink ice cold all day long, like our No. 1 pick.
Also, of note, due to its large size, it does not fit into standard-size cup holders and is cumbersome to bring with you out and about. It’s best suited for the gym or leaving on your desk to ensure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water.
On the upside, though, it didn’t leak for us. It comes in multiple colors and includes a bottle brush for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Two lid options
- Helps you drink more water
Cons
Other Water Bottles We Tested
For cold drinks all day, this 24-ounce Hydro Flask water bottle with flex straw cap is a solid choice. It has good cold retention thanks to its double-wall insulation and is easy to clean since it can be placed in the dishwasher.
It fits into most standard size cupholders and is BPA-free. The prograde stainless steel build means that flavors do not transfer, so your liquids always taste exactly as they should.
A couple of things held it back from being a top pick. First, the lid, while leakproof, is harder to open than others in our guide. It’s a bit stiff to flip up and requires more work to open. The lid also needs to be fully extended in order for liquid to come up.
Second, the opening of the bottle is rather small, making it hard to quickly fill with regular-sized ice cubes that come from a refrigerator. We also found the small size hard to scoop nugget ice into. Neither of these are deal breakers, more just things to know before you buy.
Otherwise, this Hydro Flask water bottle, which comes in several sizes and colors, is a fantastic choice for travel, in the car, or at the gym thanks to its long term cooling powers.
Pros
- Keeps drinks cold
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA free
Cons
- Straw is hard to open
- Small opening for ice
The 24-ounce Stanley Quick Flip Go Bottle is one of the easiest water bottles in our guide to open. On the front of the lid is a wide rectangular button that doesn’t require much muscle to quickly pop the top open for a cool sip.
Speaking of, this Stanley bottle keeps your drinks chilled, with minimal ice melting during our five-hour tests. We even left this bottle in the car once overnight and it still had ice inside over 15 hours later.
On the downside, the mouthpiece you drink from is big, so you may end up with some water in your face if you tilt it too far back. For this reason, we wish the design had an alternate option for a straw.
However, we like the lockable lid, which clicks into place and has an additional bar to keep the lid from accidentally opening if the trigger button gets clicked inside of your bag or backpack. The top of the lid, when opened, locks into place so that it doesn’t smack you in the face when you’re taking a sip.
Another thing to note is that the carrying handle is thin and uncomfortable to hold after several minutes. But that’s a minor gripe for a well-made water bottle that keeps drinks chilled for over 24 hours.
Pros
- Keeps drinks cold for over 24 hours
- Easy to open and drink
Cons
- No option for straw
- Uncomfortable to carry
The Yeti Rambler water bottle is vacuum insulated and does a fantastic job of keeping your cold drinks chilled overnight. The 18-ounce capacity is on the small side, and it’s more expensive than others in our guide, but overall, this Yeti water bottle keeps drinks ice cold (though you’ll probably finish what’s inside before the cooling time really matters).
It comes with a chug cap that’s easy to drink from (but no option to add a straw) and a twist handle top that’s easy to hold. The bottle comes in multiple DuraCoat colors that claim not to fade, peel, or crack.
This Yeti water bottle is also dishwasher safe and held up well during washing in our tests. It fits standard-size cupholders and is a great bottle to keep in your car for driving to and from work or running errands.
Pros
- Great for keeping drinks cold
- Solid construction
- Easy to drink from and transport
Cons
Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The insulated Takeya water bottle is another great choice for a water bottle that keeps drinks cold for hours. We like that it comes with a protective silicone boot to prevent bumps and scratches, however, the silicone boot comes off easily and we lost it during testing.
During our tests, this bottle did not leak. We also like that it has a loop handle, so you can clip it to a stroller, bike, or backpack. It also has a hinge-lock lid that stays out of the way when you sling the bottle back for a sip. It lost a few points in our testing because it is hand-wash only and is more expensive for the size compared to our Best Value pick.
The double-insulated bottle is BPA-free and comes in various sizes from 18 to 64 ounces, and multiple colors.
Pros
- Leakproof
- Comes with protective silicone boot
- Many size and color options
Cons
The Corkcicle Insulated Water Bottle is a great choice for a dishwasher-safe stainless steel water bottle. The triple-insulated bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 25 hours—and we agree, it excels at keeping liquids icy cold for long periods. Despite its narrow design, the mouth of the bottle is wide enough to accommodate multiple ice cubes at once.
One qualm we have with the Corkcicle water bottle is that the Quick Sip Sport Lid is almost too secure. It doesn’t leak, which is a plus, but we found it harder to open than many other water bottles in our guide.
Of all the water bottles we tested, this one offers the best grip. There’s a handle on the lid for easy carrying. It’s made of a Duraprene finish, giving it a soft, velvety feel that is easy to grip and doesn’t sweat.
However, we found it a bit harder to keep clean than other stainless steel bottles in our guide. Coffee stains and dirt, for example, seemed to stick to the outside and don’t brush off as easily as they do on coated stainless steel surfaces, like our No. 1 pick.
Pros
- Three lays of insulation
- Dishwasher safe
- Good grip
Cons
- Exterior material stains easily
- Hard to open
The Naglene Sustain Tritan water bottle offers a wide mouth that’s easy to drink from. It has a large, 32-ounce capacity with helpful drinking markers in milliliters and ounces on the side that show you how much water you have left.
The BPA- and BPS-free bottle is made from 50% plastic waste and comes in several colors. Of course, because it’s plastic, this means the bottle is not insulated, like our No. 1 pick, so it won’t keep your water cold for more than an hour or two if it’s loaded with ice.
We like the wide mouth screw top lid, which prevents leaks when on tight, and think it is great for guzzling water at the gym or on hikes. The wide mouth also makes it easy to clean with a bottle brush or you can place it in the dishwasher (top rack only) for easy cleaning.
However, the bottle itself is fairly wide and may not fit in all cup holders. The impact-resistant material means it’s extra durable, and shouldn’t crack or break with normal wear and tear.
While it’s not going to chill your drinks for hours on end, the Nalgene water bottle is a great choice for toting around a lot of liquid at once, is easy to drink from, and is dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Helpful measurement markers
- Wide mouth
- Leakproof
Cons
- Not insulated
- May not fit in cupholders
How We Test Water Bottles
The Tester
Hi, I’m Rachel Murphy, and I’m the home editor at Reviewed. I live in hot and sunny Florida, so finding a water bottle that keeps drinks cold is important to me.
The Tests
We rated water bottles based on the ease of washing, insulation, how easy each is to transport. We also reviewed these bottles based on the exterior design, usefulness in everyday life, and how easy each one is to drink from.
We tested water temperature by filling each one with the same amount of ice cubes and letting each sit out for the same amount of time. Additionally, we tested to see if any of the water tasted like material of the bottle at any point during testing.
Why Bother With A Reusable Water Bottle?
For starters, about 91% of plastics like the sort found in disposable water bottles never make it to a recycling center. Given that it can take some types of plastic between 450 to 1,000 years to completely break down (worse than this, bottles made using Polyethylene Terephthalate won’t biodegrade, at all,) that makes for a whole lot of discarded drinking vessels cluttering up our planet.
Add to this the fact that over 1.5 million barrels of oil per year are used in the production of plastic water bottles and the quench to quell your thirst with a container of water acquired at a corner store becomes a quagmire of massive environmental issues.
It used to be that schools, offices, and public spaces were ripe with water fountains that you could drink from.
However, as the money required to keep pipes and fountain fixtures working as they should have trickled away and, as we’ve come to understand more about how viruses and other bugs are transmitted from person to person, these fixtures have fallen out of favor with health officials and civic planners.
In light of these issues, investing in a reusable water bottle to keep your drinks cold is one of the smartest choices you can make.
Are Plastic or Glass Water Bottles Best?
There are pros and cons to plastic and glass water bottles.
From the type of material to the style of the cap, the best water bottles can be customized to suit your specific needs. Vacuum-insulated stainless steel is almost unbeatable when it comes to keeping cool, but it is prone to denting if dropped and can leave a metallic taste. Plastic—look for BPA-free—is lightweight, sturdy, inexpensive, and easy to clean, which is why it’s a go-to pick for athletes instead of glass bottles.
But it’s not insulated and can give off-flavors and smells. Glass water bottles don’t transmit off-tastes or odors (and may appeal to aesthetes), but it’s heavier, costlier, and more fragile, making it less than ideal when it comes to portability/durability.
You’ll also want to consider quick access versus screw caps. Push/pull designs can be simply flicked up with one hand, and provide some sort of straw or spout lid to drink from. The other type needs to be actively undone with two hands, but is less prone to breaking, and is easier to disinfect and clean.
How Do I Clean My Water Bottle?
If you’re constantly draining and refilling your water bottle, you might think that there’s no reason to wash it regularly: filling it up is as good as a rinse, right?
Not so much. Bacteria loves moisture, even if you’re rinsing and refilling your bottle three or four times a day, sooner or later, it’s going to need a good hand washing. We recommend doing it once every 24 hours.
If you own a dishwasher, pop your bottle in the bottom or top rack and let the cleansing begin—but first, be sure to check that your bottle is dishwasher-safe. Most manufacturers tend to place this information on the bottom of the bottle. If it’s not listed there, check the manufacturer’s website for the data. Whether it’s dishwasher safe or not, all water bottles, be they made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel, can be washed in a sink full of hot, soapy water.
To wash your water bottle in the sink, start by draining your bottle of whatever is left inside of it. Next, leave the cap in your dishwater to soak (giving the water a chance to loosen up any crud that may have collected in the grooves inside of the lid,) and scrub out the interior of the bottle using a bottle brush, like these. Now rinse the bottle in clean water and leave it out to air dry before turning your attention to the bottle’s cap. Using your bottle Brush, scrub the cap, inside and out before drying it off.
If you just got over the flu or a cold, or your bottle was used to carry non-potable water, you may want to consider disinfecting your water bottle with a weak bleach solution.
To make the solution, add a tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Dunk your water bottle and its lid in the solution and leave them to sit for five minutes—maybe use the time to make a sandwich or something. At the end of the five minutes, rinse your bottle with fresh water, dry it and you’re ready to chug fluids, once again.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Meet the testers
Sarah Zorn is a food writer, cookbook author, and product tester for Reviewed, Wirecutter and the Food Network. She regularly contributes to outlets such as Saveur, Esquire, and Civil Eats, and has very much passed her food obsessions down, as her beloved rescue hound, Rowdy, regularly deglazes his kibble bowl.
Rachel Murphy is Reviewed’s home editor. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a freelance writer for publications like Insider and Mashable, and as an associate editorial producer for Good Morning America. Aside from smart home tech, her interests include food, travel, parenting, and home renovation. You can usually find her sipping on coffee at any time of the day.
Checking our work.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you’re confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we’ll compare notes.