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The Spruce Eats / Lecia Landis
Reusable water bottles are a convenient way to stay hydrated and reduce your environmental footprint. Not only do they help limit single-use plastic and save money in the long run, their ever-increasing popularity means that companies consistently offer a wide variety of colors, patterns, styles, and materials. These days, there are options made of BPA-free plastic, glass, and metal, with varying mouth sizes and cap styles (for instance, do you want one that screws on or flips?).
Many of our favorites feature insulated stainless steel that resists condensation and increases durability in case of accidental drops—helpful if you plan on taking your water bottle on outdoor adventures. Some come with straw lids for staying hydrated at your desk or ergonomic handles for easy sipping on the go. Others incorporate filters to help provide fresh water practically anywhere.
Whether you're looking for something to throw in your bag on the way to school, keep yourself hydrated at the gym, or top off with a water pitcher throughout the day at home, there's a bottle out there for you. From compact carafes fit for traveling to insulated tumblers that work for both hot and cold beverages, we researched the best reusable water bottles available.
Best Overall
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
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Amazon
Wide mouth with three lid options
Slip-free exterior
Insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours
Lifetime warranty
Doesn't fit in cup holder
The HydroFlask definitely lives up to the hype around the brand in multiple ways. This water bottle keeps your water ice-cold for up to 24 hours due to the double-wall vacuum insulation. The bottle is also not limited to water and can keep hot beverages, such as tea or coffee, warm for up to 12 hours. Each bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel with a powder coating that makes the exterior slip-free. There are a variety of stylish colors to choose from, as well as three lid options available: a wide-mouth straw lid, a flip lid, and the included flex cap. Our other favorite qualities include the lifetime warranty and the mouth that's wide enough to easily add ice cubes.
There are a couple of features that make this the perfect reusable water bottle for school, the gym, or work. We love the leak-resistant, tight-fitting lid that twists to close, as well as the flexible strap attached to the top for easy transport. With the combination of stainless steel and powder coating on the exterior, this bottle doesn't produce condensation, either. You can toss it in your backpack or bag without worrying about spills or moisture.
Because the dishwasher can impact the insulation, it's best to hand-wash this bottle. The wide mouth opening makes it easier to access the interior with a dish brush or sponge. It also allows for the inclusion of larger ice cubes to keep your water cold throughout the day. While the 32-ounce water bottle won't fit in your cup holder, Hydroflask offers several smaller sizes and insulated tumblers that will.
Price at time of publish: $38
Material: Pro-grade stainless steel, proprietary powder coating | Capacity: 32 ounces | Dimensions: 3.55 x 9.4 inches | Compatible Lids: Flex Cap (included), Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid, Wide Mouth Flex Straw Cap | Care: Hand wash
Best Glass
Lifefactory 22-Ounce Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Active Flip Cap
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Amazon
Transparent bottle
Silicone sleeve is comfortable to hold
Dishwasher-safe even with sleeve
Not fully leak-proof
A bit heavy
Many people prefer glass bottles, which provide pure-tasting water. This bottle is made of borosilicate glass and comes with a polypropylene cap and a protective silicone sleeve. There is a flip cap on top with an attached handle that makes it easy to hold. Its size also makes it simple to transport in backpacks, messenger bags, and cup holders.
The silicone sleeve is available in a variety of beautiful colors. Customers especially love the silicone sleeve for its comfortability and convenience for grasping. The holes in the sleeve also make it possible to see the bottle’s water level. This bottle has a wide mouth that makes it easy to put things like fresh citrus fruit slices inside. A big plus of this water bottle is despite the number of parts; it's very easy to clean. It can be put in the dishwasher without removing the silicone sleeve.
Price at time of publish: $25
Material: Glass body, polypropylene cap, silicone sleeve | Capacity: 22 ounces | Dimensions: 3.5 x 11 inches | Compatible Lids: Active Flip Cap (included) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher safe
Best Plastic
Nalgene 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Tritan Water Bottle
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Amazon
Lightweight
Fits filtration devices
Long-lasting
Made in the USA
Not insulated
If you’re less concerned about insulation, this budget-conscious water bottle holds a lot of water—up to 32 ounces—but is still lightweight because of the BPA-free Tritan material. It's also very durable and can take many bumps and drops without leaking. The screw-top lid features a loop-top that can be clipped onto a bag or a harness.
"I usually don't go for plastic, but you just can't beat Nalgene's lightweight portability," says Taysha Murtaugh, our Commerce Director. "It's the bottle I throw into my bag—or clip onto the strap—for hikes and walks. I also love that it's dishwasher-safe." The bottle is made using 50% waste plastic and also features volume measurements in both metric and imperial units on the side.
This bottle has a wide mouth, making it easy to add large ice chunks. It’s good to note that in warm environments, condensation may start to appear quickly if there is a cold beverage inside of the bottle. That being said, both the exterior (and the interior) of the bottle dry quickly.
Price at time of publish: $17
Material: BPA/BPS-free Tritan plastic | Capacity: 32 ounces | Dimensions: 3.5 x 8.25 inches | Compatible Lids: Wide Mouth Cap (included) | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best for Kids
CamelBak Eddy Kids 14-Ounce Water Bottle
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Courtesy of CamelBak
Kid-friendly valve
All parts top-rack dishwasher safe
Comes in fun, bright colors
Comfortable carrying handle
Not fully leakproof according to some reviews
A very practical and affordable buy for any household with kiddos. This small reusable water bottle, which also comes in a two-pack, will get much use over an extended period of time. And these bottles almost never leak if closed and sealed properly. At 7 inches tall, they are also the perfect size for child-sized hands (it's recommended for ages three and older). Made of polypropylene, these little bottles are lightweight, durable, and spill-resistant. In fact, many parents claim these water bottles are some of the most spill-proof cups they’ve found.
Kids love them because they’re so easy to open and use. A drink-through straw requires a simple flip, bite, and sip. They also have a comfortable carry handle, and they also fit inside many lunch boxes, snack sacks, and side pockets of smaller backpacks or lunch boxes for daycare or school. They are available in fun, bright colors, including true blue, palm, grapefruit, and dusty lavender. All of the parts are removable, which makes them easy to clean, whether by hand or in the dishwasher (top rack only).
Price at time of publish: $15
Material: BPA-free polypropylene | Capacity: 14 ounces | Dimensions: 3.1 x 4.3 x 7 inches | Compatible Lids: CamelBak kids Big Bite Valve (included) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher safe
Best Bottle Design
S'well Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 17-Ounce
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Amazon
Solid, triple-layer vacuum insulation
Slender body fits anywhere
Durable
Comes in many beautiful colors and patterns
Finish may scuff
In terms of design, this bottle is a winner on multiple fronts. Not only does it have a slender body that looks sleek, but it literally fits in just about anything you may want to place it: cup holders in cars, duffle bags, and backpacks. From an ease-of-transport perspective, this water bottle is hard to beat. S’well water bottles have one of the most extensive collections of beautiful designs. From patterns and prints to subdued and bright colors, there’s a bottle for everyone in this collection.
This reusable water bottle is very practical for everyday use, and the price is a steal for its functionality. It’s an all-around high-quality product. “I love how cold it keeps beverages and the fact that I can throw it in a backpack or purse and it won't get condensation all over my stuff," says Mary Kate Hoban, our Associate Editorial Director. "It's also really cute—I get compliments on my shiny gold one whenever I pull it out.”
Made of triple-layered vacuum-insulated 18/8 stainless steel, this bottle can keep beverages cold for up to 41 hours or hot for up to 18 hours. Customers claim that this bottle even keeps drinks cold when they’ve left it in their hot car for hours or on counters overnight. The bottle also features a copper wall layer, which helps to create a condensation-free exterior.
Price at time of publish: $30
Material: 18/8 food-grade stainless steel | Capacity: 17 ounces | Dimensions: 10.3 x 2.8 inches | Compatible Lids: Original Bottle Cap (included), Sports Cap, Flip Straw Cap, Swing Cap, Filter Cap | Care: Hand wash
Best with Straw
CamelBak Eddy+ 25-Ounce Bottle with Tritan
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Courtesy of CamelBak
Very sturdy straw and bite valve
Leak-proof and spill-proof
Lightweight yet durable
Comes with lifetime guarantee
Straw must be hand-washed
For those who prefer to drink water from a straw, this BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free design includes a straw, a convenient loop handle, and a screw-on top with a flip-bite valve. To dispense the water, simply flip the valve on top and bite down. The bite valve has recently been redesigned to allow for 25 percent more water flow.
Thanks to the spill-proof cap, you don’t have to worry about spills with this bottle if you drop it with the flip-top open. So if you are looking for a low-cost option that works well for daily use while running errands, commuting to work, or going to sporting events, this bottle is a practical choice. The Eddy is also leak-proof, and many customers rave about this feature, stating that this bottle truly does not leak when inside a purse or backpack. This bottle also comes with a lifetime guarantee, covering manufacturing defects. It’s dishwasher-safe, too, so cleaning this bottle is a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $16
Material: BPA-free polypropylene | Capacity: 25 ounces | Dimensions: 4.2 x 9.3 inches | Compatible Lids: Straw Top (included), Chute Mag Cap, Carry Cap | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best with Filter
Brita Premium 26oz Filtering Water Bottle
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Amazon
Filters out chlorine
Easy-sip straw
Top rack dishwasher-safe
Leak-proof lid
Doesn't keep contents cold for long
Tap water not up to par? There's no need to purchase expensive bottled water. This Brita water bottle includes a filter that reduces the chlorine taste and odor found in tap water. Customers love this product because it's an inexpensive solution to enjoying great-tasting, filtered water.
This portable personal Brita comes with one BPA-free plastic bottle and one Brita filter. It holds 26 ounces of water (though it's also available in 36 ounces), and there's also a convenient carrying loop on the top.
These water bottles are dishwasher-safe but must be placed on the top rack only. The filter must be replaced every two months or every 40 gallons, whichever comes first.
Price at time of publish: $24
Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 26 ounces | Dimensions: 10.83 x 3.23 inches | Compatible Lids: Easy-sip Straw Lid (included) | Care: Top-rack dishwasher safe
Most Durable
Yeti Rambler 26-oz Stainless Steel Bottle with Chug Cap
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YETI
Cap is leak-proof and easy to hold
Large capacity while being lightweight
Consistent external temperature with both hot and cold liquids
Too large for cupholders
The Rambler is the perfect outdoor companion and can withstand serious wear and tear. "When I need a bottle that's going to survive bumps and drops, I reach for my Yeti Rambler," says Taysha Murtaugh, our Commerce Director. "It's super solid and keeps my drinks cold or hot for hours. The extra-wide mouth makes it easy to add a few ice cubes and also clean with a bottle brush when I'm done." It’s made of durable 18/8 stainless steel that's resistant to punctures and rust. In fact, when we tested the smaller Rambler Mug, which consists of the same materials, it held up well in test drops from heights of 15 and 30 feet.
The 26-ounce capacity holds a lot of water but isn’t too heavy if you take it with you for an outdoor adventure. The outside temperature of this water bottle stays consistent (sans condensation) no matter whether there is a hot or a cold beverage inside. This means it's always comfortable to hold, thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation. It also comes with a leakproof cap with a three-finger grip, making it easy to hold. However, the bottle is not designed to be used with carbonated beverages or to store food.
The Yeti Rambler is available in a number of bright and neutral tones and is coated with a special powder layer that is meant to last a long time and resist fading. It's also dishwasher-safe—just remove the rubber lid gasket first and throw it in the utensils basket of your dishwasher to better remove built-up grime—and extra easy to clean by hand because of the wide mouth opening.
Price at time of publish: $40
Material: Kitchen-grade stainless steel, proprietary powder coating | Capacity: 26 ounces | Dimensions: 3.4 x 10.9 inches | Compatible Lids: Chug Cap (included), 5 oz. Cup Cap, Straw Cap, Hotshot Cap, Magdok Cap | Care: Dishwasher safe
Best for the Gym
Takeya Originals Insulated Water Bottle, 40-ounce
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Amazon
Large capacity for fewer refills
One-handed drinking spout and a hinge lock
Wide loop handle
Hand-wash only
For something more gym-friendly, this bottle is perfect because it can hold up to 40 ounces of water to keep you hydrated for longer, which means fewer refills. The exterior surface is also scratch- and knick-resistant, along with having a leak-proof lid with a one-handed drinking spout and a hinge lock that keeps the cap out of the way when drinking—a convenient feature during workouts. This stainless steel bottle keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours due to the double-wall vacuum insulation. It can also keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours.
The lid conveniently unscrews to add ice and helps to make the cleaning process a lot easier (hand-wash only). Users say that the wide mouth opening allows them to fit a long handle brush in their bottle to give it a thorough cleaning. This bottle also comes with a lifetime warranty—definitely making it a solid buy for the quality of the product in relation to the price point.
Price at time of publish: $26
Material: Stainless steel, polypropylene, silicone, proprietary powder coating | Capacity: 40 ounces | Dimensions: 11.77 x 3.58 x 3.82 inches | Compatible Lids: Originals Spout Lid (included), Actives Insulated Spout Lid, Sport Insulated Spout Lid With Ice Blocker, Actives Straw Lid | Care: Hand wash
Best Lid Design
Contigo Chill 2.0, Stainless Steel Water Bottle with AutoSeal, 24-Ounce
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Courtesy of Amazon
Keeps liquid chilled for up to 24 hours
One-handed operation
Seals automatically
Button lock on cover
Mouthpiece is tricky to clean
This water bottle does an excellent job of keeping water ice-cold for long periods of time (up to 24 hours, to be exact) thanks to the Thermalock double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel. It also comes with a spill-proof lid that automatically seals between sips and can be operated with one hand, perfect for when you’re multitasking. The beverage inside is secure because you manually control when the liquid is released, without ever having to take the lid completely off. Thus, to sip, simply press the button on the back of the lid to open the mouthpiece. When you release the button, it automatically seals shut.
This bottle has a spout cover to prevent germs and dirt from collecting on your bottle—a major bonus in terms of hygiene. The stainless steel body must be washed by hand, but the lid can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Price at time of publish: $24
Material: Vacuum-insulated stainless steel body | Capacity: 24 ounces | Dimensions: 3.2 x 3 x 10.7 inches | Compatible Lids: Push-button AUTOSPOUT Lid (included) | Care: Hand wash bottle, dishwasher-safe lid (top rack)
The Hydro Flask is our top choice because of its solid insulation and versatility—it's good for both hot and cold beverages. We also love the wide mouth, which makes it easier to add ice and clean. Another favorite is the Contigo AutoSeal, which has a spill-proof lid and a top that can be operated with one hand—great for multitaskers who want to hydrate on the go.
What to Look for in a Reusable Water Bottle
Material
Reusable bottles are made of either plastic, glass, or metal (stainless steel or aluminum). Plastic bottles are the most lightweight and are very durable. Note, though, that they tend to lend a slightly chemical flavor or odor to your drink. Glass bottles provide a cleaner flavor but are heavier and easier to break. Some come with silicone sleeves to protect them. Lastly, metal bottles are generally quite heavy but are more durable than plastic or glass. They are typically insulated but are more prone to dents.
Size and Design
In addition to the material, your purpose for using the bottle will dictate the size and design you choose. Capacities range from 12 ounces to well over 30 ounces. If you're using the bottle for intense physical activity, something easy to carry that will fit in a vest or bike holder will work best. If you're traveling long distances in a vehicle or will be out for several hours, you'll maybe want a tumbler or something jug-like that holds more liquid. Thanks to the increasing popularity of refillable water bottles, there are plenty of colors, patterns, and designs available to match your personal style.
Lid Type and Accessories
For general daily use around the house or the office, a bottle with a screw-top lid should suffice—perhaps one that keeps your coffee hot and your water cold. However, if you're highly active or plan on using your reusable water bottle for workouts, hikes, or other physical activities, opt for a lid that's easier to access (such as a sports cap or spout lid). If you're using the water bottle for road trips or spend a lot of time in your car, consider one with a handle or a straw lid—and don't forget to check whether or not it fits in your cup holder.
FAQs
How much plastic is saved by using reusable water bottles?
According to data compiled by Beyond Plastics, more than half a trillion plastic bottles are sold annually, and less than a third are likely to be recycled. By using a reusable water bottle, you could prevent the use of approximately 156 plastic bottles annually.
How many ounces are in a standard water bottle?
A standard size is approximately 17 ounces. That said, 12- to 24-ounce water bottles will fit in the cup holders of most vehicles (whereas 32 ounces or larger rarely do).
How do you clean a water bottle?
All reusable water bottles should be rinsed with warm soapy water and then dried thoroughly prior to first use. Subsequent cleanings should follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. A bottle brush and/or straw brush may come in handy when disinfecting tumbler straws and plastic bite valves.
A wide variety of plastic bottles are dishwasher safe, but insulated stainless steel bottles are typically hand-wash only (especially lids with rubber seals or leak-proof spouts). Odors and grimy film can be removed from glass water bottles by rinsing with a combo of distilled vinegar or baking soda with water. Also, no matter which material your water bottle is made out of, ensure it is completely dry before refilling with beverages to prevent bacteria growth between uses.
How often should you wash your water bottle?
All reusable water bottles should be regularly cleaned and sanitized. A quick wash daily is a good rule of thumb, along with a sanitation cycle in a dishwasher weekly (if the care instructions specify the bottle is dishwasher safe). Using a sanitizing tablet is another effective option when an alternate method is needed or preferred.
Can you microwave or freeze a reusable water bottle?
There is not a clear consensus yet. However, many experts strongly discourage freezing or microwaving glass in order to avoid potential injury from broken glass or leaching from metal (plus, metal absolutely can't go in the microwave anyway). Plastic bottles that are microwavable or freezable will be labeled as such. When in doubt, research the product specs directly via the manufacturer's website to confirm. Call the company directly if you're still unsure.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
The writer of this piece, Cheyenne Elwell, always drinks from a reusable water bottle, as she’s passionate about saving the planet. She chooses her home products wisely to reduce waste and avoid exposure to BPA when possible. She has used several of the water bottles on this list.
Rachel Werner, who updated this roundup, is a professional foodie and fitness model who regularly writes consumer reviews of sustainable products. In particular, her water bottle, reusable paper towel, and organic snack bag obsession is taking over her kitchen cupboards, making her a reliable source for ethical shopping advice for media sites, including PopSugar. She continues to write for several print and digital publications while maintaining side gigs as a teaching artist at The Loft Literary Center and Hugo House.