Best Water Bottles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).