Best Water Bottles

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a frequent traveler, or simply need that perfect one-liter bottle for the gym, there’s a bottle for you on this list. We’ve even selected the best one for your kids, too!
Water is life. And instead of polluting the environment with single-use plastic bottles (or your own internal systems with BPA), grab one of our favorite reusable ones instead:

Best water bottle for kids

4.6/5
Contigo Autoseal Trekker Kids Water Bottle
Our lids are sealed: Autoseal technology is leak and spill proof (Yes there is a difference)
# of Reviews: 18252+

Best water bottle for hikers

4.8/5
Nalgene Tritan Narrow Mouth 1 qt
One of the best selling water bottle designs for over 20 years.
# of Reviews: 708+

Best water bottle for cycling

4.6/5
Polar Bottle Breakaway Insulated Bike Water Bottle
TRI-LAYER INSULATED WATER BOTTLE – Polar Bottle is the original, 100% BPA-free bicycle water bottle. The updated Breakaway Insulated Water Bottle features triple wall insulation, keeping your liquid cooler 2X longer than older models
# of Reviews: 3971+

Best water bottle for the gym, fitness, or workout

4.4/5
The Gym Keg Sports Water Bottle
Large Water Capacity – Unlike small shaker bottles and other accessories, each of our plastic drink bottles holds a huge 2.2 litres of water, more than standard bottled water, supporting a healthy life and all-day hydration for optimum fitness.
# of Reviews: 8536+

Best one-gallon water bottle

4.7/5
BuildLife Gallon Motivational Water Bottle
Innovative Time Marker: Our ergonomic and practical water bottle features a unique time marker on the exterior, which can help you monitor your daily water intake effortlessly.
# of Reviews: 31612+

Best one-liter water bottle

4.8/5
Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle
Vacuum Insulated: Keep your drink cold for hours with the double-walled, insulated Summit water bottle.
# of Reviews: 36245+

Reusable water bottles may seem simple, but it can be a real feat to find a bottle that’s leak-proof, keeps water cool, easily fits in that car holder, is easy to clean, or that your kids can easily grasp and sip from.

So which is the best water bottle to buy? We broke down our list by activity and size to ensure you’ll be armed with information to make the best water bottle choice for you. We looked at things like insulation, ease of use (including cleaning), value, size, durability, sip comfort (yup, some water bottles are way easier to sip from!), and beyond to select our favorites.

But first — why do you need a reusable water bottle, anyway?

According to data from Harvard, more than 17 million barrels of oil are needed to produce all those disposable water bottles Americans purchase. And if you’re about to make that argument that you recycle yours, hold your breath. Typically, for each of the million plastic water bottles sold per minute in the US, only 30% actually end up getting recycled, as stated by National Georgraphic.

The answer is easy. Buy a reusable water bottle. 

Not only are reusable bottles better for the planet, but they’re healthier for you, too, as single-use plastics are often made with harmful chemicals like BPA. If that’s not enough, it’s cool to be socially responsible these days. Don’t be “that person.” Get with the times and grab a reusable water bottle — it’s even a way to express your own personal fashion, as they come in a variety of shapes and colors to fit your personal style.

Everything you need to know when choosing the best water bottle

Now that we’ve determined why you need one, the fun part comes in: deciding which water bottle is right for you. With millions of options out there, it can be hard to choose.

Unfortunately, there are no specific industry standards that regulate reusable water bottles. That being said, these are the things you should consider when choosing one:

Material/insulation

You have a variety of options when it comes to the material of your bottle:

  • Plastic: Ensure it’s BPA-free.
  • Metal: Although some suggest that metal can absorb strange flavors or tastes, this may be your best bet when it comes to durability. They often provide excellent insulation for keeping that H20 cold, too. Typically, metal bottles come in stainless steel or aluminum.
  • Glass: The main downside is that it can break easily, but it doesn’t absorb flavors, and you can often find shatterproof and heat-resistant options.

Ease of use

When it comes to your bottle, you’ll want to think about the following:

  • Is it easy to clean? Do you prefer a dishwasher-safe bottle? Do you need a special brush or tool to properly sanitize it?
  • Is it durable? What happens if you drop it? If your toddler gets cranky and throws it at you?
  • Is it leak-proof? Are you someone that will toss this bottle in a bag with your computer, or an avid traveler? If so, make sure you get a bottle that doesn’t leak and focus on always keeping it tightly closed when you’re not sipping.

Your lifestyle

We’ll help you with this part by breaking out our reviews into categories, but deciding what you’ll be primarily using the bottle for is really important. If you’re in the market for a bottle, your level and preferred type of activity will also come into play here.

Obviously, the bottle you’ll purchase for your child may not be even close to the bottle you’d pick for cycling or the gym. Weight and size play a factor here — obviously, for someone doing intense fitness, you may want a gallon water bottle, whereas a smaller size would be apt for your kids.

Design is a key factor, too, and not just for wanting a stylish bottle. It may be necessary to have the right design to fit on your bike or in your car’s water bottle holder.

Best water bottle for kids

The Contigo Autoseal insists there’s a difference between spill-proof and leak-proof, and well, they’re right! And lucky for your kids, the bottle does both thanks to its special autoseal lid, which closes automatically between sips. This way, when it’s dropped in the car or flipped upside down in a backpack, no liquid will escape. The bottles come in a two-pack, particularly ideal if you have more than one child, or a kid that seems to lose things or leave them places (you’ll have that backup replacement!).

The bottle also fits most car holders, and is small enough for a child’s hand to wrap around for comfortable and clean sipping with the quick push of a button. While the autoseal button is handy for zero spillage, it can be complicated for kids under the age of three to push the button and drink at the same time, which is why the bottle is best used for ages three and up.

When it comes to durability, we love that you can repeatedly drop the bottle without denting it (though expect a scratch here and there). Parents, just expect that these bottles may take slightly longer to clean as there are a few parts you’ll need to scrub if you don’t have a dishwasher. But most parents find the fact the bottle doesn’t leak in backpacks or lunchboxes outweighs the slightly more complicated cleaning measures. Note, these bottles are not microwave-safe.

We’re also fans of the Contigo Limited Lifetime Guarantee, which covers things like material or workmanship issues, defective products, and replacement lids/bottles for products purchased in both the US and Canada.

RR Rating:
4.6/5
# of Reviews: 18252+
◘ Lend a Hand: Easy one handed drinking with the push of a button
◘ Ages 3 and Up
◘ Our lids are sealed: Autoseal technology is leak and spill proof (Yes there is a difference)
◘ Material Matters 100 percent BPA free
◘ Clean Up: Top rack dishwasher safe lid and body

Best water bottle for hikers

Trek without water worries when you hike with the Nalgene Tritan Narrow Mouth, which holds up to one quart of liquid. Nalgene has been around for years, a staple in the world of reusable water bottles, and they’ve definitely learned a thing or two along the way about hydration, especially while exploring the great outdoors.

All Nalgene products are made in the USA, are BPA-free, leakproof, and dishwasher safe. So why the Tritan Narrow Mouth? As its name suggests, the narrow top part makes it easy to sip from, unlike some of Nalgene’s other bottles with wide lids that sometimes splash water all over your face when all you want is a quick sip.

We love the loophole lid that stays attached while you drink — you won’t have to worry about dropping that cap down the mountain (yes, it’s happened with other bottles, and no, it won’t happen with this bottle!).

While these bottles are often too wide to fit in a cup holder, you can easily toss them on a car seat or in your backpack and not worry about leaks or spills, assuming you’ve properly screwed on the lid. The smaller mouth does make these bottles a bit more difficult to clean (we recommend using a brush), but those with dishwashers can easily just toss them in the top rack.

RR Rating:
4.8/5
# of Reviews: 708+
◘ Narrow mouth design for easy, splash free drinking
◘ Made in the USA. Packaged in a set of two.
◘ One of the best selling water bottle designs for over 20 years.
◘ BPA free! Dishwasher safe and guaranteed for life.
◘ Bottle is able to hold over 32oz of any drink hot or cold.

Best water bottle for cycling

The line “made for cyclists by cyclists” is music to our ears. The Polar Bottle Breakaway was designed specifically to perfectly fit in bike cages, making it easy to grab, grip, and squeeze for bikers on the go. The bottles, which come with a lifetime guarantee and are made in the USA, have a special triple layer insulation that keeps water cool even in the hottest midday sun.

Each of these plastic bottles is BPA-free and has a special self-sealing cap that maximizes flow rate and then closes easily to prevent spills, leaks, and splatters. Avid cyclists know that sipping while biking can be precarious, and the fact that it’s spill-proof while open is an useful feature.

In fact, cycling customers love how easy it is to grab and squeeze the water out from the cage while on the go, and how it keeps their water icy cold on hot days.

The special cap comes apart in two pieces (cap and valve) for easy cleaning. And if style is important to you, this bottle looks pretty modern and snazzy, too.

RR Rating:
4.6/5
# of Reviews: 3971+
◘ DESIGNED FOR BIKE CAGES - Made for cyclists by cyclists, the Breakaway series fits securely in a variety of bottle cages. The new Polar Bottle shape is effortless to squeeze with a unique grip groove and wall design
◘ EASY TO CLEAN - The innovative Breakaway Surge Cap is two pieces, cap and valve, simply twist and pull for complete access cleaning. Dishwasher safe. When we say easy, we mean it
◘ TRI-LAYER INSULATED WATER BOTTLE - Polar Bottle is the original, 100% BPA-free bicycle water bottle. The updated Breakaway Insulated Water Bottle features triple wall insulation, keeping your liquid cooler 2X longer than older models
◘ HIGH-FLOW, SELF-SEALING CAP - The Breakaway Surge Cap maximizes flow rate and self-seals to eliminate spills and splatter. It’s spill-proof when open and pushes closed for leakproof transport.

Best water bottle for the gym, fitness, or workout

You’ll never get thirsty at the gym with this power water bottle which holds over two liters of liquid. The premium, BPA-free plastic bottle comes with its very own outfit (not just for style!), a machine-washable neoprene sleeve that helps keep your liquid insulated. But speaking of style, the bottles come in various colors and designs to fit your own personal preferences.

And a plus: although this water bottle is large, the carry handle makes it a bit easier to tote around if you’re taking it on a walk or to do outdoor sports. The rubber pop cap is leak-proof, and this bottle definitely won’t break when accidentally dropped or kicked over at the gym if it’s wearing the neoprene sleeve. If anything does happen, the bottles come with a 12-month guarantee. Plus, we love how it’s easy to ingest the daily recommended water intake with this bottle — just drink the whole thing each day!

For extra cold water, you can unscrew the lid to add ice cubes (or even fruit slices), but don’t stick your Gym Keg in the freezer or the dishwasher, which can cause it to warp or crack.

RR Rating:
4.4/5
# of Reviews: 8536+
◘ Ecofriendly & Health Conscious – Every gym bottle is crafted with lightweight, BPA-free plastic that won’t influence water taste or impact your health. With and over 2 liter water bottle your body can stay hydrated all day every day.
◘ Reliable Guarantee – The Gym Keg is made with superior reliability and craftmanship for true quality assurance; whether you have an issue with your lid or flask, just let us know and we will fix it for you as part of our 12 month guarantee.
◘ Large Water Capacity – Unlike small shaker bottles and other accessories, each of our plastic drink bottles holds a huge 2.2 litres of water, more than standard bottled water, supporting a healthy life and all-day hydration for optimum fitness.
◘ Insulating Sleeve For Fortified Durability – Our unique gym water bottle for men and women is crafted with premium plastic and built with 40% more plastic than standard plastic water bottles. Combined with our neoprene sleeve, The Gym Keg is able to function as a water cooler. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, running or doing a workout, The Gym Keg is the perfect partner for you.
◘ Multiple Exclusive Designs – Our half gallon water bottle comes in lots of different designs for men, women and unisex. Check out our super popular pink, black, grey, and other pattern designs. Our built-in carry handle and leakproof pop-cap makes it easier to take your half gallon water bottle with you to work, the gym, to outdoor sports, or hiking.

Best one-gallon water bottle

There’s no better way to increase your water intake than to drink from a gallon bottle. The BuildLife Motivational Bottle has inspiring word markers on the outside of the bottle to help guide you on your water intake journey throughout the day.

Start with “Good Morning” at 7:00 am, followed by a midday, “Keep Drinking,” and end out with a “Well Done” at 9:00 pm.

Although the bottle is clearly large and can get heavy when full, the side handle and ergonomic strap help you to hold it, though it may not be best for those constantly on the move. The bottle’s wide mouth allows for additions like ice cubes or fruit slices. The BPA-free plastic bottle also comes with a straw sipper, and should be taken apart and cleaned by hand.

We particularly liked the addition of the dust cover, which keeps particles out if you’re sipping from the bottle all day at work or at home, for example. Although the bottle claims to be leak-proof, be extra careful with it. Some buyers noted it had some tiny spills when tipped upside down. However, for those looking to drink at home, it’s perfect.

RR Rating:
4.7/5
# of Reviews: 31612+
◘ Portable Water Bottle Easy to Clean: Ergonomic strap for easier transportation and a better grip. Hand wash only, Easy to Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar.
◘ Make Your Life Easier: Now you will how much water your body needs at any given time by simply glancing on the revolutionary time marker and adjusting your water intake accordingly.
◘ Innovative Time Marker: Our ergonomic and practical water bottle features a unique time marker on the exterior, which can help you monitor your daily water intake effortlessly.
◘ Big Capacity & Multiples colors: BuildLife gallon water jug can let you fall in love with drinking not just because your body need. It has a wide enough mouth to add ice cubes or fruits like lemon, orange, and others to make your life healthier: One gallon super big capacity which can replenish the moisture loss after you do exercise. Multiples colors to choose, make you individuality and style in gyms.
◘ Easy to Use: With nozzle, make it very easy to drink. High quality nylon strap, durable enough and carry to go. Handle design, uses human mechanics, which bring you a good hand feelings when grasp it.

Best one-liter water bottle

The only stainless steel bottle on our list, this vacuum-insulated bottle will keep your water cold up to 28 hours, complete with a built-in straw to sip from. Stainless steel does have its advantages over plastic, especially when it comes to durability: it’s practically impossible to break.

You can also unscrew the lid and add ice, too. But it’s best to avoid putting hot liquids in the bottle, which can create pressure.

The Simple Modern bottle’s lids are leak-proof, and the lid, which features a hook, is also ideal for gripping with a few fingers and taking around the gym or to the car. The company donates 10% of its proceeds to charity, which we love. Just keep in mind that the one-liter size likely won’t fit in a cup holder (other sizes are available).

These bottles also come in a variety of colors and designs, as well as additional sizes, ideal for men, women, or even children (the brand makes special patterned ones for kids).

RR Rating:
4.8/5
# of Reviews: 36245+
◘ The 14-22oz Summit water bottles fit in most cupholders. The 32-84oz Summit water bottles do not fit in most cupholders.
◘ Why Simple Modern: Our Generosity & Excellence core principles lead us to sell quality products, partner with others, and donate over 10% of profits
◘ Vacuum Insulated: Keep your drink cold for hours with the double-walled, insulated Summit water bottle.
◘ Leak Proof Straw Lid: Our BPA-free Summit Straw Lid is leak-proof when the nozzle is in the closed position; US Patent Pending
◘ Durable: Our Summit water bottles are coated in a durable finish.

FAQs about best water bottles

You may have some questions when selecting the best water bottle for you. Refer to these common queries below:

Why should my bottle be BPA-free?

BPA is a chemical (bisphenol A) that can be harmful to humans often found in different types of plastic and other materials. To be on the safe side, it’s best to choose bottles that are BPA-free. All of the best water bottles on this list are sans BPA.

What about accessories?

Some accessories, like straws, carrying straps, and neoprene cases are included with a reusable bottle purchase. Accessories like cleaning brushes may be available for an additional cost. Read the fine print to see what comes included with your bottle purchase. Make sure to purchase water filtering tablets if you’ll be in an area where it’s unsafe to refill your bottle with the local tap water.

How do I clean my water bottle?

It’s best to clean your water bottle frequently. Different bottles require different cleaning techniques. The first thing you should do is check if your bottle is dishwasher safe. If not, you may want to invest in a brush to help you manually clean the bottle. Depending on your bottle, you may have to take apart some pieces to best clean. When in doubt, read the instructions for cleaning the bottle before starting to clean.

Note:

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Reviews you may be interested in