The 16 Best Water Bottles of 2023

Our best overall pick is Yeti Rambler Bottle with Chug Cap

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Best Water Bottles

Byrdie / Danie Drankwalter

Staying hydrated sounds easy in theory, but a busy schedule and an on-the-go lifestyle can present some challenges. Still, the benefits of drinking enough water can't be understated. Water is essential for virtually every bodily function, including digestion, waste removal, joint lubrication, and even breathing.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our best overall pick is the Yeti Rambler Bottle, an expert-recommended product with an innovative cap and double-wall vacuum insulation. On a budget? You can't go wrong with a classic Gatorade Squeeze Bottle. We also love the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState™ Tumbler  | 40 OZ, which lives up to its viral hype.

"A safe bet is six to eight cups of water per day," says registered dietitian Jonathan Valdez. "If you're at a higher altitude, living in a hotter climate, or in intense training, you will need more." 

While there's no one-size-fits-all strategy, keeping a water bottle with you can certainly help. And—bonus!—you can cut down on your use of single-use plastics.

We conducted hours of research on the best water bottles, evaluating each on design, size, material, and any extra features. After considering dozens of models and consulting with a registered dietician for his expert recommendations, we landed on these picks.

Best Overall

Yeti Rambler Bottle with Chug Cap

Yeti Rambler

Yeti

What We Like
  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Customizable

  • Expert-recommended

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

"I personally like Yeti, not for its bottle per se, as it's similar to other insulated water bottle brands, but because of the Rambler Chug Cap," says Valdez. He explains that it's more sanitary because you don't have to touch the spout or expose it to airborne contaminants. "It makes it so easy to drink and carry while hiking, going to the gym, or traveling."

This notably sturdy water bottle boasts stainless steel construction and double-wall vacuum insulation, promising to keep drinks cold for hours on end. The brand's NoSweat design keeps the outside dry, even when it's filled with ice-cold water. It's also conveniently dishwasher-safe. Although this model is a bit more expensive than others on this list, its ultra-hygienic design justifies the spend.

Price at time of publish: $40

Size: 18–64 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Various

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Stanley 40-Ounce Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

4.8
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

Stanley

What We Like
  • Superior insulation

  • Ergonomic design

  • Rotating cover allows for different style of drinking options

What We Don't Like
  • Only one size

With thousands of five-star reviews and a viral presence on TikTok, this tumbler is one of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. It features a FlowState™ lid with a rotating cover that allows for three positions, including a straw opening designed to resist splashes while holding the reusable straw in place, a drink opening, and a full-cover top. Its patented insulation technology keeps beverages cold for up to 11 hours, and hot for up to seven. We It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Price at time of publish: $40

Size: 40 ounces | Material: Recycled stainless steel | Colors: Various

Best Budget

Gatorade Squeeze Bottle

Gatorade 32 Ounce Contour Squeeze Bottle

Amazon

What We Like
  • Budget-friendly

  • Classic deisgn

  • Fill-level marking

What We Don't Like
  • Not BPA-free

If you're just looking for a simple, affordable design, you can't go wrong with Gatorade. The brand's classic squeeze bottle delivers a steady stream of water with minimal leaks, and the clear side stripe tells how many ounces you've drank and how much is left.

Price at time of publish: $9

Size: 32 ounces | Material: Plastic | Colors: Green

Best Splurge

LARQ Bottle PureVis

LARQ Bottle PureVis

Amazon

What We Like
  • Double-wall insulation

  • Keeps cold for 24 hours

  • UV water purification

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

If you're open to splurging on a higher-end water bottle, you should definitely consider LARQ. The PurVis calls on UV light to purify your water and kill 99% of harmful germs, while its double-insulated construction promises to keep beverages cold for a full 24 hours.

Price at time of publish: $99 for 17 oz

Size: 17–25 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Navy, black, mint, pink, white

Best with Straw

CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle with Straw

CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle with Straw

Courtesy of Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • BPA

  • Bite Valve

What We Don't Like
  • Too wide for some cupholders

If you're partial to straws, the Eddy might be your best bet. This leak-proof, spill-proof water bottle has a flip-cap and a handy bite valve for easy sipping. We also like that the BPA-free plastic base is lightweight yet durable and conveniently dishwasher-safe.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: 20–25 ounces | Material: Plastic | Colors: Various

"The urine stream is the best test to see if you have been drinking enough fluids throughout the day. It should be a tint of yellow."—Jonathan Valdez, Registered Dietitian

Best Insulated

Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Straw Lid 2.0

4.8
Thistle Hydroflask

Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Vacuum insulation

  • Stays cold for 24 hours

  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Lid isn't leak-proof

The fan-favorite Hydro Flask boasts double-wall vacuum insulation. This ensures a consistent temperature while keeping drinks icy-cold for up to 24 hours or piping hot for 12 hours. The stainless steel base promises pure-tasting water, and the straw lid makes it easy to chug. Though Hydro Flasks aren't cheap, they're backed by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $49 for 32 oz

Size: 24–32 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Various

Best Glass

SOMA Glass Water Bottle

Soma Glass Water Bottle with Handle

Pottery Barn

What We Like
  • Shatter-resistant

  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Fits in most cup holders

What We Don't Like
  • No straw or sip cap

Many would argue water tastes best when sipped from glass. Unlike most glass containers, the Soma is shatter-resistant and even dishwasher-safe on the top rack. The soft silicone sleeve absorbs shock while making it easier to grip, and thanks to the slim profile, it fits in most cup holders.

Price at time of publish: $30

Size: 17–32 ounces | Material: Glass | Colors: White, gray, mint, blush

Best Stainless Steel

S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

navy blue water bottle with silver cap

Amazon

What We Like
  • Clean taste

  • Stays cold for 24 hours

  • No condensation

What We Don't Like
  • Hand wash only

S'well bottles are made of durable, clean-tasting stainless steel. With triple-layer vacuum insulation, they blow past the competition by keeping drinks cold for a whopping 54 hours or hot for 26. What's more, a copper wall prevents condensation, so you won't have to worry about your hands or bag getting wet when it's filled with cold water.

Price at time of publish: $35 for 17 fl oz

Size: 9–25 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Various

Best Lid

Owala Free Sip Vacuum Water Bottle

Owala water bottle in lavender color

Amazon

What We Like
  • Push-button flip top

  • Vacuum insulation

  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Hand-wash only

Sometimes it's more about the lid than the bottle. The Owala FreeSip has a cleverly designed spout that lets you drink upright through a straw or by tilting it back to access the wide-mouth opening. Not only that, but the patented design allows you to pop open the cap or lock it closed with the push of a button. An affordable price tag and a lifetime warranty sweeten the deal even further.

Price at time of publish: $28

Size: 19–32 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Gray, red, green, navy, white, purple

Best with Filter

Brita Premium 26oz Filtering Water Bottle

Brita Premium 26oz Filtering Water Bottle

Amazon

What We Like
  • Clean taste

  • Leak-proof

  • Fits in most cup holders

What We Don't Like
  • Filter eventually needs replacing

If you live somewhere (or are headed somewhere) with not-so-great-tasting tap water, go with Brita. This water bottle has a replaceable filter that fits into the straw, minimizing chlorine and other contaminants that might cause a funky taste, odor, or color. It's also leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and fits in most cup holders.

Price at time of publish: $25 for 26 oz

Size: 26 ounces | Material: Plastic | Colors: Blush, green, navy, magenta, blue, coral

Best for Working Out

Waterdrop Sports Bottle

Waterdrop Sports Bottle

Waterdrop

What We Like
  • Innovative cap

  • Sanitary design

  • Dishwasher safe

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

You'll be glad to have this sleek water bottle on hand during your next sweat session. Made of durable yet lightweight stainless steel, it flaunts an innovative cap that allows you to open the valve and extend the spout by mouth. You can take sips without stopping and won't have to touch it with fingers that may have been in contact with sweaty or dirty exercise equipment. Although this option is expensive, its stainless steel design—which can help keep the bottle hygienic—justifies the price.

Price at time of publish: $45

Size: 28 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Black, silver

Best Basic

Herschel Classic Water Bottle

Herschel Water bottle

Herschel

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • BPA-free

  • Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Too wide for some cup holders

If you just want a basic high-quality water bottle, Herschel won't let you down. Made of BPA-free plastic, this sizeable vessel has a wide mouth and an attached lid. Not only that, but it comes in several cool colors and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $15 for 24 oz

Size: 24–32 ounces | Material: Plastic | Colors: Various

Best for Iced Drinks

Kinto Water Bottle with Silicone Strap

Lightweight Water Bottle

Food52

What We Like
  • Lightweight

  • Fits full-sized ice cubes

  • Fits in most cup holders

What We Don't Like
  • Only one size

Kinto is perfect for iced drinks. The super lightweight, slim design unscrews at the middle, allowing you to fill the bottle with full-sized ice cubes. Though it only comes in one small-ish size (16 ounces), you've got five colors to choose from.

Price at time of publish: $31

Size: 16 ounces | Material: Plastic | Colors: Pink, gray, blue, red, clear

Best Hot-Cold

Lululemon The Hot/Cold Bottle

Lululemon Hot/Cold Bottle

Lululemon

What We Like
  • Double-wall insulation

  • Fits in most cup holders

  • Great color selection

What We Don't Like
  • Hand-wash only

If you want the option to bring hot drinks on the go, look no further than Lululemon. Thanks to double-wall, vacuum-sealed insulation, this stainless steel bottle keeps liquids as warm or cold as you want them for hours on end. Though hand-washing is recommended and it only comes in one size (17 ounces), the color selection is as good as some of the brand's best-selling yoga pants.

Price at time of publish: $38

Size: 17 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Colors: Green, blush, periwinkle, white, black, pink, multi

Best Small

Bkr Teeny Smooth Glass Water Bottle

Bkr Sip Kit

Bkr

What We Like
  • Splash-free design

  • Dishwasher-safe

  • Fits in most cup holders

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey for the size

This 8-ounce water bottle is perfect for short car trips, appointments, or drinking water at your desk. (There's also a 16-ounce option if you want something a little bigger.) It's made of glass with a silicone sleeve and has a handy straw for easy, splash-free sipping. Bkr bottles are dishwasher-safe too.

Price at time of publish: $38 for 16 oz

Size: 8–16 ounces | Material: Glass, silicone | Colors: Various

Best Collapsible

que Bottle

que bottle

Amazon

What We Like
  • Travel-friendly

  • Leak-proof

  • Great color selection

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't always stand upright

Made of soft silicone with a patented spiral design, this innovative water bottle collapses into a more compact size. This makes it ideal for travel, as you can pack it in your luggage while it's compressed and empty, then expand it when you're ready to fill it up. Que bottles are also leak-proof, so don't worry about tossing it in your bag when it's filled with water.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 12–20 ounces | Material: Silicone | Colors: Various

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the Yeti Rambler Bottle with Chug Cap, an expert-recommended product with an innovative cap and double-wall vacuum insulation. On a budget? You can't go wrong with a classic Gatorade Squeeze Bottle. And if you're willing to splurge on a high-end design, the self-sanitizing LARQ PurVis Water Bottle is an excellent choice.

Meet the Expert

Jonathan Valdez, RDN, is a registered dietitian, personal trainer, and the owner of Genki Nutrition, which offers telehealth-based disease prevention and weight management programs. He is also the media spokesperson for the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What to Look For in a Water Bottle

Durability

Common durable materials to look for are stainless-steel, BPA-free plastic, and glass. Yes, you heard that right, glass. Many glass bottles come with a silicone sleeve that will help protect them from breaking during any accidental drops or slips.

Versatility

Make sure the water bottle you buy supports the temperature of water you like to drink. If you like it super cold, find one that's extra-insulated. If you want hot water, try to find a water bottle that works with both hot and cold liquids. Also, check out its portability. Can you clip it on your bag or fold it down? If you're storing it inside your bag, does it have a spill-proof lid to prevent any spills? Try to find one that stores well to keep your hands free.

Features

Beyond simply holding water, reusable water bottles have become quite advanced. There are some that collapse down for easy storage, some that offer self-cleaning abilities, as well as some that work with apps on your phone to track how much water you're drinking. How many bells and whistles you want in your water bottle will depend on how much you're willing to spend and your personal preferences.

FAQ
  • Are reusable water bottles really better?

    Yes! Considering that 91% of plastic isn't recycled, disposable plastic water bottles are sure to end up in landfills. Buying a high-quality, reusable water bottle or thermos ensures you always have water on hand and you're not contributing to plastic waste. That's also why it's key to pick a durable water bottle that you'll get countless uses out of.

  • What reusable water bottle is safest?

    Find a water bottle that is BPA-free and made of a material like stainless steel or glass. You'll find water bottles made of these materials on this list—most are free of plastic, or at the very least are BPA-free. If you're concerned about accidentally dropping and breaking a glass bottle, our overall pick, the bkr Water Bottle, is glass wrapped in a silicone sleeve for peace of mind.

  • Is it better to drink from glass or stainless steel?

    Stainless steel is used to make water bottles because it often has a coating that keeps drinks hot or cold. Glass can be ideal as well because it tends to preserve the taste of beverages without any metallic aftertaste that some containers are known to do, but it doesn't have the insulation capabilities of stainless steel. Many people consider it safest to drink from because it doesn't leach and is also easily recyclable.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. She interviewed a registered dietician for this story, who offered product suggestions and insight into the importance of staying hydrated. She has personally tried water bottles from Yeti, Hydro Flask, CamelBak, Gatorade, Que, S'well, and Waterdrop. A Byrdie contributor since 2020, Theresa covers exercise equipment, wellness gadgets, workout apparel, and skincare.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  2. US Food and Drug Administration. UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Coronavirus.

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Choosing Home Water Filters & Other Water Treatment Systems. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED). 2020.

  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Facts and Figures About Materials, Waste and Recycling - Plastics: Material-specific Data.

  5. Technologies of High-Temperature Insulating Coatings on Stainless Steels

    By Zoia Duriagina, Taras Kovbasyuk, Volodymyr Kulyk, Andriy Trostianchyn and Tetiana Tepla. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.91334

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