
Sep 11, 2025 7:30 AM
The Best Reusable Water Bottles to Stay Hydrated in Style
Featured in this article
Reusable water bottles are a matter of personal taste, and everyone at WIRED has strong opinions on what rules supreme. At least four of us are practically surgically attached to our top pick—the Owala FreeSip Twist ($27)—but ask our tech director, Martin Cizmar, and he’ll refer them to as “adult sippy cups.” He’s forever loyal to his trusty Nalgene ($15), a bottle that transports him straight to the premillennial days of Hacky Sacks and curated mixtapes. Meanwhile, editor Adrienne So swears by her Yeti Yonder ($25), even if it costs nearly $10 more.
We’ve spent years testing, sipping, and spilling our way through the best water bottles to round up our favorites. A note to remember: You only need one reusable bottle (though I won’t judge if you rotate between two). More than that defeats the environmental purpose of purchasing a reusable bottle in the first place. Also, be aware that some insulated bottles use lead solder. We’ve removed those from our list. We have some standards, after all.
Does your water need to be even cleaner? Check out our guide to the Best Backpacking Water Filters. Then get one of our Best Travel Mugs or Best Tote Bags.
Updated August 2025: I’ve overhauled our Best Picks and updated information with specs, pros, and cons. I’ve also added more bottles to our Honorable Mentions, including the Created Co. Wander Bottle, the SquireMe Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle, the Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle, the Takeya Sport Kids Water Bottle, and the Lifefactory 22-Ounce Glass Water Bottle with Active Flip Cap. I’ve also created an FAQ section that features our testing methodology.
A PSA on Lead
Some water bottle companies use lead soldering in the manufacturing of their vacuum-sealed bottles. The viral Stanley tumbler is one of them; despite stating that no lead comes into direct contact with the consumer, the company has confirmed that pellets, some of which include lead, are used in the manufacturing process to seal the bottom of the cup. Ah, semantics. The lead is enclosed in stainless steel on the bottom of the cup, and if your bottle isn’t dropped or otherwise damaged, it should not come in contact with your drink or skin. However, enough brands have moved toward other methods that we don’t think it’s necessary. The risk of exposure might be very low, but it should be zero.
We also reached out to more brands to find out whether they use lead. (Yeti didn’t respond to emails, but the brand’s FAQ section confirms it uses lead for sealing its insulated cups. We recommend the plastic bottle above if you like the brand and want a lead-free version.)
-
Best Overall
Hydro Flask
Standard Mouth Water Bottle
Before Stanley took over the internet, Hydro Flask was the choice of VSCO girls everywhere. It’s also a favorite of outdoorsy folks or anyone else who wants a bottle that is not easily damaged. Hydro Flask has several types of bottles and caps for your liking, and there’s even a tumbler if you were hoping for a 40-ounce Stanley (though we haven’t tried this one yet). There are a bunch of fun color options, and if you buy from Hydro Flask, many are customizable and engravable. You can choose one color for the bottle, another for the lid, and depending on which one you’re getting, yet another for the strap or straw.
Specs Material Stainless steel Size Options (ounces) 21, 24 Lids Available Straw Cap, Flex Cap (included) Dishwasher-Safe Yes WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- Available in 15+ colors
- No flavor transfer or metallic aftertaste
- Keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours
TIRED- Experience fully dependent on cap choice
-
Best for Straw Lovers
Owala
FreeSip Twist
The girlies love Owala’s FreeSip, and I get it now. It’s insulated, so the cold water stays icy all day, even during Midwest summers. Its innovative design caters to the majority; you can sip from either the built-in straw or the chug spout. And the lid is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, though I prefer hand-washing for extra care. The color options are another highlight. With so many vibrant combinations available (from Sunny Daze to Sleepy Lavender), there’s surely one to match your style.
I do prefer the twist-cap version when it comes to everyday use over the classic. I’ve noticed the latter’s push-button lock is a bit flimsy and tends to jam. I also just trust a twist cap more when it comes to preventing spillage. At just 18 ounces, it’s lightweight enough to carry post-workout without straining my arms when they already feel like noodles.
Specs Material Stainless steel, BPA-free Tritan plastic Size Options (ounces) 18, 24 Lids Available FreeSip Twist cap (included) Dishwasher-Safe Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup. WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- Available in a variety of colors
- Triple-layer insulated
- FreeSip spout with a built-in straw that lets you sip or swig
- Carry loop for easy transport
TIRED- Hand-wash the cup only
- Cleaning might be too intricate for some
-
Best BPA-Free Plastic
Nalgene
Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle
Today’s youth love their wide-leg jeans and Nirvana T-shirts, but ask any ’90s kid and they’ll tell you that the look is incomplete without the water bottle of our times: the classic Nalgene. Originally made of bulletproof (and BPA-rich) Lexan, the Nalgene was the original name brand water bottle, a symbol of good taste and outdoorsy vibes to be toted between Planet Hollywood and Blockbuster. The Nalgene had a complete chokehold on the premillennial culture, propping up water at a time when Surge and Josta were at such ready supply that human beings may well have stopped consuming plain water entirely were it not for the Nalgene. They’ve replaced the chemical plastic with modern materials like Tritan, which is BPA-free and made of half-recycled plastic, but it otherwise remains a perfect bottle, carrying a reasonable day’s supply of fluid with a secure screw top lid, handy measurement lines, and a wide mouth for ice cubs and easy cleaning—unlike the bacteria-teeming straws on those adult sippy cups. —Martin Cizmar
Specs Material BPA-free plastic/Tritan Renew copolyester Size Options (ounces) 32 Lids Available Wide Screw Cap (included) Dishwasher-Safe Yes WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- Built to last, guaranteed for life by Nalgene
- Wide-mouth with screw cap design
- BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free
TIRED- Customers have reported leakage issues
- Can absorb smell of beverages, preferably best with only water
-
-
Best Self-Cleaning
Larq
Bottle PureVis
The Larq bottle reassures all my germaphobic concerns with reusable water bottles. It uses a nontoxic UV-C LED light in the lid to sterilize the water every two hours (or when prompted), which reduces funky odors and bacterial buildup. It’s double-insulated and BPA-free stainless, and a full charge lasts up to three weeks. Plus, the app lets you track your water objectives—though honestly, it didn’t inspire me to drink more water.
The company also sells the PureVis 2, but the filter is a hassle. It tends to slip into the bottle when full, and it chokes the water flow, which isn’t ideal when you’re wheezing in the middle of a hot yoga class. It also eats up a lot of space inside the bottle, so you’re left with less water than you’d think. The mouthpiece is not the easiest to clean. So, while I love the idea of better-tasting drinking water, I just prefer its OG, filter-free version.
Specs Material 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free plastic cap Size Options (ounces) 17, 25 Lids Available PureVis Cap (included), Filtered Cap Dishwasher-Safe No. Hand-wash with warm, soapy water every so often. WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- PureVis technology eliminates up to 99 percent of bio-contaminants
- Double-wall vacuum insulation for hot and cold beverages
- No replacement filters
TIRED- Doesn’t filter water. PureVis 2’s removable filter straw is a hassle
- Requires charging
-
Best Filter
Brita
Premium Filtering Water Bottle
If you, too, have trust issues about using public water fountains, the Brita bottle is a good portable filtering option. This hard-sided plastic bottle is BPA-free, WQA certified, and available in a vibrant range of colors. The activated carbon block filter effectively reduces chlorine and other impurities. However, I find the straw difficult to clean, which can be a hassle. Also, you’ll need to replace the filter every two months or after filtering 40 gallons, whichever occurs first. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a great choice for tap water without a chlorine taste, and at an affordable price.
Specs Material BPA-free plastic Size Options (ounces) 26 Lids Available Push-Button Lid (Included) Dishwasher-Safe Yes. Remove the filter and place all plastic components, including the bottle and lid, in the top rack only. WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- BPA-free
- WQA certified
TIRED- Straw can be a hassle to clean
- Requires filter change every 2 months
-
Best Tumbler
Owala
FreeSip Tumbler (40 ounces)
I love this tumbler because the built-in straw stays tucked away, so I don’t need to buy a separate straw cover that I’ll immediately lose. The lid has a push-button open with a lock, so I don’t hesitate to toss it in a bag, which is a luxury you don’t get with most tumblers. It’s also double-threaded for lefties and righties, and the tapered base fits into most cup holders. Like all Owalas, it’s BPA-, lead-, and phthalate-free. If you prefer a different grip, Owala also recently released the 30-ounce FreeSip Sway, which swaps the side handle for a bucket-style one that’s fun to swing around. It’s the little things, really.
A few caveats about the tumbler: The push-button lid doesn’t jam as much as the original FreeSip, but I have been caught in the splash zone, so open with caution. Also, I dropped it on my pinky toe once, and I’m 90 percent sure I have a hairline fracture. Handle with care.
Specs Material Stainless steel Size Options (ounces) 40 Lids Available FreeSip Tumbler Lid (included) Dishwasher-Safe Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup. WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- Available in a variety of colors
- Triple-layer insulated
- FreeSip spout with a built-in straw that lets you sip or swig
- Lid designed with a push-button and dedicated lock
TIRED- Doesn’t fit all cup holders
- Top heavy
-
Best Sustainable
Ocean Bottle
Original (17 ounces)
Though the Ocean Bottle is one of the smallest water bottles I own, it’s still the one I find myself grabbing most frequently for hikes and short trips. Made of 90 percent recycled stainless steel, it comes in 10-plus colors, is BPA-free, and is available in 17-oz (the size I have), 26-oz, or 34-oz options. There’s a screw-cap lid, and the top also screws off about a quarter of the way down for easy filling or adding ice. Both segments can be unscrewed in concert and turned upside down to act as a leak-proof cup, and it’s also got a handy silicone carry loop. It’s pricey, but at least you won’t need to feel guilty about someday adding to the landfill graveyard of out-of-trend Stanleys and Hydro Flasks—for each bottle sold, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 pounds of ocean-bound plastic. —Kat Merck
Specs Material Recycled stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone Size Options (ounces) 17, 26, 34 Lids Available Brew Lid, Go Lid Dishwasher-Safe Dishwasher-safe up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Here’s Ocean Bottle’s cleaning guide. WIRED/TIREDLargeChevron WIRED- Available in 10+ colors and three sizes
- Made of 90 percent recycled stainless steel and BPA-free
- For each bottle sold, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 pounds of ocean-bound plastic
TIRED- More expensive than some of its competitors
Compare Top 7 Reusable Water Bottles
Product | WIRED | TIRED | Material(s) | Dishwasher-Safe | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle (24 ounces) | Available in 15+ colors; No flavor transfer or metallic aftertaste; Keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours | Experience fully dependent on cap choice | Stainless steel | Yes | $40 |
Owala FreeSip Twist (24 ounces) | Available in a variety of colors; Triple-layer insulated; FreeSip spout with a built-in straw that lets you sip or swig; Carry loop for easy transport | Hand-wash the cup only; Cleaning might be too intricate for some | Stainless steel, BPA-free Tritan plastic | Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup | $30 |
Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle (32 ounces) | Built to last, guaranteed for life by Nalgene; Wide-mouth bottle with screw cap design; BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free | Prone to leakage and spillage; Can absorb smell of beverages, preferably best with only water | BPA-free plastic | Yes | $17 |
Larq Bottle PureVis (17 ounces) | PureVis technology eliminates up to 99 percent of bio-contaminants; Double-wall vacuum insulation for hot and cold beverages | Doesn’t filter water. PureVis 2’s removable filter straw is a hassle; Requires charging | Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic cap | No | $99 |
Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle (26 ounces) | BPA-free; WQA certified | Straw can be a hassle to clean; Requires filter change every 2 months | BPA-free plastic | Yes | $17 |
Owala FreeSip Tumbler (40 ounces) | Available in a variety of colors; Triple-layer insulated; FreeSip spout with a built-in straw that lets you sip or swig; Lid designed with a push-button and dedicated lock | Doesn’t fit all cup holders; Top heavy | Stainless steel, BPA-free Tritan plastic | Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup | $45 |
Ocean Bottle Original Bottle (17 ounces) | Available in 10+ colors and three sizes; Made of 90 percent recycled stainless steel and BPA-free; For each bottle sold, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 pounds of ocean-bound plastic | More expensive than some of its competitors | Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone | Yes, up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit | $50 |
More Bottles to Consider
Fellow Carter Carry Water Bottle for $45: Fellow’s newest insulated water bottle is relatively tall and thin, with a squared metal carry loop that comfortably fits three fingers. The Carter holds temps for several hours (they claim it can keep water cold for 24 hours, but mine was at room temperature by the end of a long day). What I really like about this bottle, though, is the actual drinking. The Carter has a slightly tapered lip like a wine glass, which helps avoid spillage, and the ceramic interior coating means that the water coming out of the bottle tastes just like it did going in. If you like the minimalist look and need an insulated bottle that’s actually pleasant to sip from, the Carter delivers. —Martin Cizmar
Takeya Glow in the Dark Sport Kids Bottle for $30: Takeya promises to “make hydration exciting” with its glow-in-the-dark bottle, so it’s important to point out that it’s just the band that glows, not the neon paint splatters. Nevertheless, this is a sturdy triple-insulated bottle with a big carry handle for clumsy or distracted little hands. The slim 18-oz size also fits in the side pocket of my two kids’ school backpacks. However, my 8-year-old is annoyed by the fact that the straw leaks air and whistles when he drinks.—Adrienne So
Created Co. Wander Bottle (26 ounces) for $36: I like that the Wander Bottle is created with 18/8 insulated stainless steel, but the spout is made of BPA-free plastic, so my water doesn’t taste like metal. The sport cap makes it simple to hand-wash, and the carry handle makes it easy to hold during hikes or other on-the-go situations.
SquireMe Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle for $30: If you prefer glass bottles, borosilicate glass is the most durable choice. It can handle extreme temperatures without cracking, and it’s free from BPA, lead, and phthalates. It’s also the most sustainable option for reusable water bottles. I like that this SquireMe bottle is wrapped in a silicone sleeve for extra protection and comes with a leather loop for easy carrying. I do wish it came in larger volumes, being only 20 ounces, and the silicone sleeve is frustrating to put on and off after cleaning.
Yeti Yonder Water Bottle with Yonder Tether Cap for $25: Stainless steel water bottles keep drinks cold, but sometimes they feel like you’re lugging around a dumbbell. If you travel a lot or have little kids who maybe don’t need to knock themselves out with a heavy-duty Stanley, you might want something lighter (and safer). WIRED editor Adrienne So calls the 25-ounce Yeti Yonder her emotional support water bottle. It’s lightweight, made from 50 percent recycled plastic, and BPA-free. The cap is also well designed to prevent spills if you’re a chugger. So’s bottle has survived many drops and playground tumbles without a scratch. But if you somehow do manage to damage it, it’s covered by a five-year warranty. Bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe.
Klean Kanteen 32 oz TKWide Insulated Water Bottle with Twist Cap for $47: If you want one bottle to do it all, grab the Klean Kanteen TKWide. Its modular cap system lets you tailor hydration to your situation: use the included twist cap with its built-in straw for everyday sipping, swap the Chug Cap for fast gulps during workouts, or screw on the Loop Cap for clipping to your backpack during hikes. Klean Kanteen even makes a Café Cap that turns your bottle into a spill-proof travel mug for your iced coffee. It’s made of 90 percent post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel and is dishwasher safe, which is a huge bonus if you plan to use this thermos for protein shakes. Note: This bottle is for cold drinks only.
Lifefactory 22-Ounce Glass Water Bottle with Active Flip Cap for $35: The active flip cap is convenient for quick sips—maybe during a red light or between sets—but you need to double-check that it’s closed before storing it. I’ve experienced a few spillage issues with this one. It comes in three sizes—the 12-ounce bottle is perfect for kids, but the largest is 22 ounces and could be bigger, especially for $35. Like most (if not all) of the glass bottles we recommend, this one also includes a protective silicone sleeve that provides a better grip and an extra layer of security.
bkr Spiked Big Bottle 1L for $62: Glass water bottles remain the cleanest, nontoxic, and greenest choice. Bkr’s signature silicone protects the glass from shattering but also adds an edgy, grippy texture. It won’t dent or clang against surfaces, and if you drop it in a crowded room, it lands with silence.
Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $19: The Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle is vacuum-insulated, double-walled, and features a screw-on lid with a carry handle. The spout is a matter of personal preference, but I like the ceramic opening, and if you prefer a chug cap, it’s a great option.
Camelbak Eddy+ for $16: The Camelbak Eddy+ is a durable, lightweight, recycled plastic bottle with a straw lid. Adrienne So has had several of these for years. Just be sure to let the chew top air out daily because it’s prone to collecting mold if left damp.
Pura Big Mouth Insulated Bottle for $46: Pura bottles are thin, light, and made entirely from stainless steel, so there’s no plastic or powder coating (which also means they may not withstand drops and bumps). They’re Made Safe certified, meaning they’re made without harmful ingredients. I don’t love the silicone lids, as they’re very thin and floppy, but you can unscrew the whole cap to sip right from the metal rim.
Avoid These Bottles
Water.io Daily+ for $100: This is a bottle that tracks your sips and reminds you to drink, which sounds great, but in practice, not the best. The battery life is short, lasting for 2 to 3 days, and it requires a proprietary charger. For $100, you’d expect more perks, like filtration or self-cleaning tech, but this bottle doesn’t deliver any of that. The water also picks up a metallic aftertaste that is far from refreshing.
Air Up Water Bottle for $40: This bottle uses scented rings to try to trick your brain into thinking it isn’t drinking plain water. WIRED writer Boone Ashworth was unimpressed. It didn’t smell great, and you can’t use the bottle without one of those rings. The beauty of a reusable bottle is that you spend money once and get free water for years. Here, you have to keep buying refills.
Liberty Bottleworks Uninsulated Bottle for $23: The cap of this aluminum bottle is weird, flimsy, and confusingly shaped. Our tester got his fingers stuck in it a few times and said it’s uncomfortable to twist. The bottle’s outer coating isn’t as tough as the matte powder coating on others, and the aluminum felt weak. (He could slightly flex it with his fingers.) Also, unlike with a stainless steel bottle, the interior is covered in a food-grade coating. It’s BPA-free, according to Liberty, but people who want to avoid industrial coatings should steer toward stainless steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Water Do I Need?
The eight-glasses rule isn’t exactly accurate, but it’s a solid starting point. Since water intake is highly individualized (kind of like your bottle), it’s best to consult your doctor about the right amount for you. Several lifestyle factors can influence your hydration needs. If you’re active or sweat a lot, for example, you generally should increase your intake to make up for losses. Warmer temperatures can also make us thirstier.
On the other side, it’s also possible to drink too much water. According to Harvard Health, the daily fluid intake for healthy adult men (including both drinks and food) should be about 3.7 liters a day, while for women, it’s around 2.7 liters. Drinking too much water can also cause overhydration and sodium levels to drop to dangerous levels in a condition called hyponatremia. Certain medications can lead to water retention, which is why it can’t hurt to double-check with your physician during your next check-up. In the meantime, if you’re not thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow, you’re likely doing great, sweetie.
How Do Insulated Water Bottles Work?
An insulated water bottle consists of a double-wall construction with insulating materials that prevent heat transfer. Insulated bottles are heavier and can typically hold less water compared to their uninsulated counterparts, given similar exterior dimensions. However, the advantage is that they are typically vacuum-sealed to better maintain the temperature of the liquid inside for far longer periods.
Condensation is typical in non-insulated water bottles, since the beads of water form on the exterior of the bottle. Packing the bottle inside your bag can be inconvenient, as the condensation comes into contact with your personal items. It can damage your bag and other things inside it. Insulated bottles are made of stainless steel and other similar materials that are durable and resistant to damage. The longer lifespan means less waste in manufacturing these water bottles, and you can maximize these resources to reduce environmental impact.
Insulated water bottles are more expensive, since more technology and a complex manufacturing process are required. But you are also paying for reusability, since you can save more money in the long run as you won’t need to replace your water bottles as often as you would with disposable, single-use plastics.
For hiking and outdoor climbing trips, you may prefer uninsulated bottles because it means less weight to lug around, and the concern is to have enough water rather than cold water. For everything else, insulated works just fine.
How Should I Wash My Water Bottle?
Even if they never hold anything but water, bottles get gross. Mold can grow quickly, especially if you leave the cap on. Straws and mouthpieces accumulate bacteria, oils, and grime from your mouth, and any dirt and dust they pick up in your backpack.
Some bottles can go right in the dishwasher, but be sure to take everything fully apart first, like any silicone pieces that can trap bacteria. For lids that have more nooks and crannies, we recommend hand-washing by soaking them in soapy water and then scrubbing.
Get yourself a bottle brush and straw brush—many kits are available that include both. Even if you don’t use straws, the smaller brush can be used to get into any crevices. There are special bottle-cleaning tablets around, but cleaning with regular dish soap works perfectly fine.
Plastic bottles have a tendency to trap odors over time. You can fix this by putting a teaspoon of bleach and a teaspoon of baking soda in the bottle, filling it up with water, and letting it sit overnight. Rinse it out well the next day.
How We Test Reusable Water Bottles
So far, I’ve tested 20 reusable water bottles, each for at least two weeks; however, most of our top picks are ones we’ve loved and carried for months or years. Here’s what I look for:
- Design: First and foremost, I note what materials are used and evaluate whether they feel safe, sustainable, and durable. Because taste can also make or break a bottle, I evaluate whether materials retain odors or leave water tasting metallic or plasticky. I also consider how simple it is to replace parts like lids and straws.
- Portability: I consider the size, weight, cupholder compatibility, and whether it’s designed with ergonomic features like a carry loop.
- Durability: I drop bottles, toss them in totes, and use them daily to see if they dent, crack, or leak. I’ll also twist lids aggressively and test whether the hinges hold up after dozens of openings.
- Ease of use and cleaning: Overall, I’ll judge how intuitive the bottle is to drink from and refill. Each bottle also goes through several rounds of hand-washing and dishwasher cycles (when safe) to evaluate how easy it is to clean and whether odors or stains linger.
- Insulation: For insulated bottles, I’ll fill them with hot and ice-cold water for the advertised time to track how well they maintain temperature.
What Are We Testing Next?
I’ll be testing the Echo Flask, a hydrogen water bottle for $300, the Bink Day Bottle, the viral glass water bottle for $34, the Camelbak Chute Mag for $28, and Takeya’s 18oz Actives Water Bottle With Spout Lid for $29.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.
Comments
Wired Coupons
10% off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers
Samsung Promo Code: 10% off TVs
Business PCs – Extra 5% Off HP Coupon Code
10% off Canon promo code with upgrade
Exclusive NordVPN Coupon: 76% off
LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order
Credit: Original Article