We’ve spent hours researching and testing the most popular water bottles, evaluating quality, value, and ease of care and cleaning. Our top pick, the S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle, is leak-proof, easy to carry, and available in dozens of colors. Here are the best reusable water bottles on the market. S’well water bottles not only look chic—they come in a range of sizes, colors, patterns, and prints—the vacuum-insulated container keeps your cold beverage cool for up to 36 hours. But if you’re using it for coffee, tea, or a hot beverage, the water bottle also works to stay warm for close to 18 hours. We also appreciate that the mouth of the bottle is wide enough that you can easily toss in ice cubes as needed. The only complaint about these well-loved bottles is that they are on the heavier side, even when empty. That means it may not be the best choice for runs, hikes, commuting to work, or travel, but it’s still a great pick for keeping at your desk or in the car. Even though it’s plastic, it works with both cold and hot beverages (up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit) and is safe to wash in your dishwasher (top rack only, please). It comes in a range of sizes and colors and the company even makes a sippy cup version for kids. The bottle is covered in a smooth silicone sleeve and should you leave it behind, no worries—it has location tracking in it, so you’ll be able to trace it to the location of the last place you synched it. Add to that its proprietary powder coat that makes it easy to grip and keeps it sweat-free, that it’s BPA- and phthalate-free, and it can safely go in the top rack of your dishwasher and you’ll get why this is a top pick for those serious about hydration. The handle with lid makes it easy to grab and go. There’s absolutely no sweating and with a slip-proof silicone bottom and easy grip sides, it’s as perfect for your next sweat session as it is for days on the go. It has a wide mouth so you can add ice cubes and it’s safe to toss in the dishwasher. You can feel good when you buy one too as a portion of every Corkcircle sale benefits charity: water. The bottle has a leak-proof lid and is surprisingly lightweight. The BPA-free glass bottle can go in the dishwasher, but note that it’s intended for use with cold beverages only. It has a two finger carry loop handle for when you’re on the go and is safe to clean in the dishwasher. CamelBak also makes stainless steel versions as well as sippy cups for kids. The bottle is ergonomically shaped and comes with a nonslip grip insert and a fully adjustable hand strap with a thumbhole that lets you concentrate on your pace, not gripping your water. Plus there’s room in the zippered pocket for your phone, keys, etc. and it uses a reflective fabric for added visibility at dawn, dusk, or night. When collapsed accordion-style, it measures 3.7 x 3.3 inches and is easy to toss in a purse or backpack. Popped open, the food-grade silicone bottle expands to hold 20 ounces of cold or hot liquid, making it ideal for coffee on the go, too. It’s BPA-, lead, and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe, too. It comes in pretty pastels—we suggest buying every member of the family their own hue. The extra wide mouth makes it easy to clean and is wide enough for ice cubes. While it’s heavy when full, the built-in steel handle allows for easy carrying. The exterior doesn’t sweat or make your hands cold.
Materials
Reusable water bottles come in a variety of materials, such as glass, metal, and plastic. Glass and stainless steel are heavier than plastic, don’t leave a plastic aftertaste, and are generally more sustainable and long-lasting. Plastic is typically transparent, making it easy to track water intake, and is usually cheaper. (If you choose plastic, make sure it’s BPA-free.) Look for vacuum insulation if you are keen on keeping water or other liquids particularly cold (or hot).
Design
Like any personal accessory that gets regular daily use, the devil is in the details. Choose a water bottle that you enjoy looking at, that feels comfortable to hold, and that doesn’t weigh down your bag too much. Consider special features like the width of the mouth if you like to add ice cubes to your drink, or a silicone sleeve for a no-slip grip.
