The Best Water Bottles for Our Fellow Hydration Nuts

Besides being bad for the environment, plastic water bottles just aren’t that great at their intended purpose. They don’t keep water cold, they’re rarely as big as they need to be, and they make that obnoxious crinkling noise when they’re almost empty. That’s why everyone should have a reliable, reusable water bottle. But the key is finding the right one that suits your needs.

Do you need a motivational gallon-sized water bottle or an insulated bottle that keeps your H20 ice cold all day long? How about a water bottle for those runs in the park? In this shopping guide, SPY’s most hydration-obsessed writers and editors collected the best water bottles in the world and be sure to check out our in depth review of the Owala brand water bottles here.

How To Find the Perfect Water Bottle

The most important factor to consider when shopping for a water bottle is to consider its intended purpose. Going on a long hike or bike ride? Then you should opt for something that is lightweight but has a large capacity, like a plastic bottle from Nalgene or a bike bottle from CamelBak. If you want something that’ll keep your drink cold for a long time, an insulated bottle from a brand like S’Well or Hydro Flask will be the best choice for you. If you’re sitting at your desk or driving to work, you might instead go for a glass water bottle, which won’t be as durable but will offer the best flavor and drinking experience. The simple truth is that you might want to pick up a few different options for different settings; there’s no one water bottle that we think suits every situation.

A reusable water bottle might seem like a trivial thing, but we feel that the best water bottles are worth investing in. Why? If you’re going to be using your water bottle day in and day out, you want something that you can truly depend on. That means a bottle that’s well designed enough to avoid common issues like leaks or crevices that are mold-prone. That’s why when picking out the best water bottles, we turned to brands we trust like Camelbak, Hydro Flask and Nalgene. To ensure there are options for everyone, we sought out stainless steel, plastic and glass water bottles to suit different needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best water bottle is one that you actually use. That’s why we sought out bottles with stylish, attractive designs, so you’re less likely to forget them at home as you head out the door.

1. Contigo Autoseal Chill Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle

BEST OVERALL

The Contigo Autoseal Chill Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle is one container that lives up to its promise of keeping drinks cold for up to 28 hours. In fact, some reviewers claim that they’ve accidentally left their bottle at work overnight, and their drinks were still cold the next morning. In addition to excellent vacuum insulation, this bottle features an innovative “auto seal” button that allows for one-handed operation. It also boasts a protective spout cover to keep germs away from the mouthpiece as well as an integrated handle. However, it is important to note that only the lid of the bottle is dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to clean the actual bottle by hand when needed.

2. Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle

BEST BUDGET

Often on our lists, the “best budget” option has a number of drawbacks, but that isn’t the case with the Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle. This simple but effective bottle has an amazing 22,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. There aren’t many products listed on the online marketplace that can boast that many fans. Part of this bottle’s success is in its simplicity. It’s made of BPA-free Tritan plastic, so it’s light to carry, easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The screw-top lid makes it leakproof and it can handle both warm and cold beverages. Plus, the wide mouth makes adding ice cubes or mixing up other drinks a breeze. The author of this piece personally carried a Nalgene to Everest Base Camp and back, so she can personally attest to the durability of these water bottles in adverse conditions.

3. Coleman FreeFlow AUTOSEAL Water Bottle

BEST INSULATION

For hiking on a super hot day or camping in cold weather, you need the Coleman FreeFlow AUTOSEAL Water Bottle by your side. This innovative bottle can keep drinks cold for up to 58 hours or warm for up to 20 hours. It also features a button-operated AUTOSEAL lid that closes the bottle between sips to prevent spills. If you’re like us, you could be thinking that this button may cause problems when opening in transit. However, Coleman has solved this issue by installing a slide lock that prevents the AUTOSEAL button from accidentally being pushed when you’re on the go. Finally, it’s important to note that Coleman has also solved the common lid-cleaning problem in water bottles by creating a “DropDown” lid that lets you access all the features in the intricate bottle.

4. S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

BEST CONDENSATION-FREE

S’well has quickly become one of the most popular and most recognizable names in water bottles. That’s because they’ve designed a functional bottle that’s also attractive and highly customizable. This authorized retailer on Amazon sells 15 different designs, from soccer patterns to teak, but there are hundreds more available directly through S’well or alternative retailers. The 17-ounce bottle keeps drinks cold up to 36 hours or hot for up to 18 hours, and thanks to its triple-layer vacuum insulation, you’ll never experience unwanted condensation on the exterior walls. All in all, the S’well bottle is a solid choice if you want a balance of functionality, style and price.

5. Hydro Flask Water Bottle

BEST STRAW

With over 6,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Hydro Flask Water Bottle was definitely a contender for the top spot on our best water bottles list. This metal bottle has all the elements to keep you hydrated for years to come. The powder color coating, which is available in 10 different shades, is dishwasher-safe and won’t fade with use. In addition, the bottle features TempShield technology which uses honeycomb insulation to keep your drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for six hours. The double pro-grade stainless steel construction won’t store any flavors, so you can be sure you’re tasting pure water with each and every sip. But the best part of this bottle is the built-in straw which folds up from the wide mouth lid for easy accessibility to your beverage of choice.

6. LARQ Insulated Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

BEST SELF-CLEANING

These days, water bottles can do so much more than hold water and keep it hot or cold. The LARQ series of bottles actually include UV water purifiers to remove bacteria from water and clean the inside of the bottle. The UV-C LED light is non-toxic and mercury-free, so you can be sure it’s safe for your health. To activate the filter, simply press the button on the lid, and your water will be pure in 60 seconds. Alternatively, set the purifier to automatic mode, and it will activate every two hours to keep your bottle fresh. In addition to its innovative purifier, this bottle also features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep water cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.

7. YETI Rambler Vacuum Insulated Bottle

BEST SPLURGE

With its 26-ounce capacity, durable build and double-walled design, this YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Bottle is a great choice for almost every user. The double-walled design keeps your drinks at the temperature you desire, while the screw lid ensures you’ll never experience unexpected leaks or spills. The lid also incorporates a handy, three-finger grip for comfortable carrying. In addition, this YETI bottle is available in a range of classy colors, including olive green, navy blue and pink. Plus, the coloring is built to last and won’t fade, crack or peel anytime soon.

8. Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle

BEST FOR KIDS

Keeping the kids hydrated is easy with the Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle. Each bottle purchase includes two colorful water bottles, making them ideal for big families or simply keeping them in multiple places to ensure you always have a bottle within reach. To help prevent spills and leaks, the design incorporates auto seal technology. Additionally, they’re dishwasher safe and designed to fit an average cup holder.

9. Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Water Bottle

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY

The Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Water Bottle is a great bang for the buck. Not only does it sport an attractive design, but it’s also ergonomic, which makes carrying it easy. The smart design and push-button lid mean drinking from the bottle with a single hand is simple, too. When ordering, you’ll have the choice of seven different color options, ensuring there’s one for every personality. Plus, this bottle also has over 2,200 five-star reviews on Amazon from happy users.

10. CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle

BEST BRANDED

The spout on the CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle makes staying hydrated easy. It’s designed to prevent spillage and ensure a consistent flow of water as you drink. The Chute Mag cap uses magnets for tight lid closure and reduces the chance of accidental spills or leaking. Plus, you can use the cap with a number of other styles of CamelBak water bottles as and when they are better suited to your up-and-coming activities.

11. CamelBak Podium Big Chill Water Bottle

BEST FOR CYCLING

If the number one priority for your water bottle is a flashy, attractive design, the CamelBak Podium Big Chill Water Bottle may be the choice for you. There are 10 styles to choose from, each made up of different colors and patterns on the exterior. Meanwhile, the bottle itself sports a 25-fluid-ounce capacity, which should be plenty enough water for a walk around the park or a short run. The lid includes a self-sealing jet valve cap to allow for quick drinking while preventing unwanted spills or splatters. In addition, the polypropylene construction is both BPA- and BPS-free.

12. Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle

BEST REVIEWED 

With over 32,000 reviews and a five-star Amazon rating, the Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle is a high-quality water bottle with a great reputation among Amazon customers. It’s constructed from materials that are BPA-free, dishwasher safe and comfortable holding both hot or cold beverages thanks to the double vacuum walls. However, it’s worth noting that the sipping straw on this particular Simple Modern bottle is better suited for cold drinks.

13. Gatorade Squeeze Water Sports Bottle

BEST FOR THE GYM

If you want your workout water breaks to feel like you’re playing in the NFL and your team has just taken a timeout, grab these Gatorade Squeeze Water Sports Bottles. They’re famous for being what the pros use during the big game. Plus, the set of two water bottles costs just under $20, making these bottles insanely affordable when compared to most of the other best water bottles on our list. Each of the BPA-free bottles holds 32 ounces of liquid, and the high-flow valve prevents spillage while the fast-cap makes it easy to access your water when it’s needed most.

14. Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

BEST COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE

If the sound of a bottle that takes half the storage space of other bottles strikes your fancy, then it’s definitely worth investing in a collapsible water bottle. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is leakproof, portable and durable, too. When full, the secure sealing twist cap and high-quality build ensures there are no unexpected leaks, while when empty, the advanced design makes rolling it up easy. There’s even a handy wrist strap that doubles as a loop for restraining the folded bottle against the lid.

15. 720DGREE Water Bottle uberBottle

BEST FOR FRUIT INFUSIONS

The 720DGREE Water Bottle uberBottle is available in a range of sizes from 500ml to 1000ml, allowing you to choose the capacity which will suit you best. It sports a one-click opening system and also features a built-in fruit sieve, which allows you to easily flavor your water should you wish. It’s available in eight different colors, including red, blue and green. The bottle also includes a handy carrying loop for easy holding during runs or walks. The environmentally conscious out there may also be happy to note that the uberBottle is completely recyclable.

16. Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle

BEST FILTERING BOTTLE

Brita is famed for its filtering systems, and when it comes to water bottles, they put their experience to good use. Inside this Brita 26 Ounce Premium Filtering Water Bottle, you’ll find a filter to reduce chlorine and remove other nasty chemicals from your water on the go. The top is a one-touch flip open lid, which also houses a carrying handle. The bottle itself is made from durable, BPA-free plastic, which is safe for cleaning in dishwashers.

17. Ello Syndicate Glass Water Bottle

BEST GLASS

Plastic water bottles can make water taste strange and chemical-filled, while metal bottles have a tendency to grow smelly bacteria. But, glass doesn’t have those issues. It does, however, have a tendency to shatter under pressure or impact. The Ello Syndicate Glass Water Bottle gives you all the benefits of glass without the fear of breakage thanks to its innovative silicone sleeve. The 20-ounce bottle is sleek, odor-free and stain-resistant. It’s also completely BPA-free and is dishwasher safe. Plus, the one-touch flip lid means you can drink your water even if you only have one hand free.

18. ADOLPH Large Half Gallon Motivational Water Bottle

MOST MOTIVATIONAL

We’ve all heard the advice. You should be drinking 3.7 liters of water if you’re a man and 2.7 liters if you’re a woman each and every day. Four liters is about one gallon, so if you have the ADOLPH Large Half Gallon Motivational Water Bottle, you’ll need to drink one to two full bottles per day. Luckily, that’s a bit easier with all the motivational phrases written on the side of this bottle. The bottle also has time markings to show how much water you need to drink each hour to stay on track. Plus, it boasts two different lids for drinking through a straw or through the mouth at the top of the bottle. And, it’s available in a range of awesome colors, from solid blue to this green to pink gradient.

19. LEADO Motivation Tracking Water Bottle

BEST NOVELTY

The LEADO Motivation Tracking Water Bottle brings an element of fun to staying hydrated. It sports a cute fox illustration on the bottle exterior next to the slogan “Oh For Fox Sake Drink Your Effing Water.” On the opposite side of the exterior, there are time markings that provide water consumption targets to aim for throughout the day. The printing on the bottle is designed to withstand daily use without peeling or fading. Furthermore, the bottle includes a flip-top cap, integrated fruit filter and fast-flow spout, all of which are features you’d more commonly find on premium-price water bottles.

20. Hydracy Water Bottle

BEST FOR HIKING

Staying hydrated when hiking is important for everyone. That’s why carrying the Hydracy Water Bottle with you is a smart idea. The nozzle is designed to deliver fast-flowing water for efficient water consumption. It also features a lid that covers the full mouth opening to keep it cleaner and more hygienic than competing models. This bottle also features an integrated fruit strainer for infusing your water with a flavor of your choice to make staying hydrated just that little bit more exciting. To top it off, the bottle comes inside a fancy presentation box, which is handy if you want to gift the bottle to one of your hiking buddies.

21. Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle

BEST FOR KIDS

Boasting an impressive 1,200+ five-star reviews on Amazon, the Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle is a solid and versatile choice. It comes with three different lids, allowing you to choose the one best suited to the occasion. The straw lid is great for kids, or the screw lid is a great choice for transporting liquid in a backpack. This bottle is available in three different attractive colors, namely midnight black, twilight blue and aquamarine.

22. HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle

BEST FOR TRAVEL

The HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle is another collapsible water bottle option that’s ideal for travel. Instead of rolling up, the concertinaed design allows the bottle to collapse upwards on itself into a coaster-sized bottle which can easily be stored in pockets, purses and other small spaces. The bottle is made from a non-toxic, food-grade material that’s BPA-free. Plus, the bottle comes in a choice of nine different colors. And, as an added bonus, the lid has a foldable sipping spout and a handle for easy drinking and carrying.

23. Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Water Bottle

BEST INSULATED BOTTLE

The Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Water Bottle comes in five different capacities between 18 and 64 ounces. The sleek and rugged bottle can withstand the rigors of daily life, and it includes an insulated wall, which can keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The covered spout lid prevents any condensation from escaping, and the wide carrying handle makes this bottle a good choice for kids and athletes.

24. Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle

BEST FOR SPORTS

The Embrava Best Sport Water Bottle features a user-friendly flip-top lid and a detachable carry strap, making it ideal for sports players. The lid is designed to be leakproof when shut, even if you’re running with the bottle or carrying it in your bag. It’s made from BPA-free co-polyester and has a translucent wall that allows you to see the water level inside. It also features markings up to 1000ml and 32 ounces to help you keep track of your daily water intake.

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