When it comes to how much water you need for proper hydration, we’ve all heard the eight glasses a day mantra. But the truth is there is no one-size-fits-all number—daily water intake requirements vary from person to person and depend on factors like size, activity level, metabolism, climate, medications, and more.
Required water levels might differ between people, but one absolute rings true: hydrating is important for everyone’s overall health. To satisfy this wellness cornerstone, investing in a reusable water bottle can help you keep track of your consumption, quench your thirst when you’re on a run or at the gym—all in a convenient, stylish package. When shopping, it’s important to consider elements like material, capacity, and lid design. We curated our list according to these aspects, coupled with factors like price, grip, bottle shape, ease of portability, and more.
Reviewed & Approved
With a lightweight, leakproof, easy-to-fill design, the durable 32 oz Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle is our best overall selection for achieving your hydration goals. If you’re looking for a stainless steel model, then we’d recommend the Hydro Flask Water Bottle, an insulated container available in multiple colors.
Here are the best water bottles on the market.
A longstanding quintessential staple for outdoor enthusiasts, the Nalgene water bottle is our top pick. The 32-ounce wide mouth water bottle—the brand’s top model—is fully leakproof and virtually indestructible. It’s made from Tritan, which is BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free. Tritan is also super lightweight, durable and both odor- and stain-resistant.
Best Overall
Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle - 32 oz
Lightweight
Leakproof
Easy-to-fill
Wide-mouth makes walking and drinking challenging
Not insulated
The wide mouth design makes this water bottle one of the most versatile options on the market. In addition to being dishwasher-safe, it’s also easy to fill. Suitable for both hot and cold beverages, the bottle can fit ice cubes of any size and can fit most filtration units. Plus, the loop-top lid can be clipped to a gym bag or climbing harness for on-the-go hydration.
The water bottle measures 8.25x3.5 inches and weighs only 6.25 ounces. It also comes in virtually every color and features printed measurements to help track one’s water intake.
Price at time of publication: $21
Key Specs:Material: Tritan | Capacity: 32 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: 6.25 ounces | Dimensions: 8.25 x 3.5 inches
The Hydro Flask is arguably one of the hottest accessories of the moment. The 32-ounce wide mouth water bottle is the ideal size for all-day hydration and can easily fit large ice cubes or a filtration unit. Constructed from 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, it doesn’t give your water a metallic taste like other bottles. It’s also odor- and bacteria-resistant, as well as phthalate- and BPA-free.
Best Stainless Steel
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Available in several bright colors
Keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot
Stylish
Cannot fit in a cup holder
Dents easily
The bottle comes with the Flex Cap which screws on using Honeycomb Insulation to keep drinks cold. The leak-free cap also features a carrying strap for convenience on the go. Hydro Flask’s TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.
While many other stainless steel water bottles are hand-wash only, Hydro Flask bottles are dishwasher-safe and feature a protective outer coat that keeps their color vibrant through years of washes and wear and tear. It also delivers a slip-free finish for a more comfortable grip.
This model is compatible with Hydro Flask’s Hydro Flip Lid and Wide Mouth Straw Lid and is covered under the brand’s limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
The bottle measures 9.4 x 3.58 inches, weighs 15.2 ounces, and is available in a range of colors.
Price at time of publication: $45
Key Specs:Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 32 ounces | Lid: Screw-on Flex Cap | Weight: 15.2 ounces | Dimensions: 9.4 x 3.58 inches
What Our Editors Say
“I’m always out and about, so staying hydrated is a must. And since drinking warm water isn’t ideal, using a bottle that actually keeps my drink cold is a priority. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle keeps my water chilled for over 24 hours—I even find ice cubes still sitting in the bottle at the end of the day. Plus, the large, 32-ounce size means that I only have to refill the bottle a couple of times throughout the day. While a bit heavy, the stainless steel design is super durable and crafted to withstand multiple drops. The Hydro Flask also doesn’t sweat which I find helpful since I live in a humid climate.” —Megan Foster, Verywell Fit Product Tester
Who doesn’t love the crisp, clean taste of an ice-cold beverage served in a glass bottle? The bkr Big 1L Glass Water Bottle is a current fave among health and fitness gurus due to its eco-friendly design, large capacity, and small mouth opening for easy sipping. The 34-ounce glass water bottle is wrapped in an interchangeable, soft, and grippy silicone sleeve for the ultimate fashion statement.
Best Glass
bkr Glass Water Bottle with Smooth Silicone Sleeve for Travel
Quality, durable glass
Eco-friendly design
Large capacity
Opening too small to clean
Silicone sleeve stains easily
Expensive
The bottle is BPA- and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe. It comes with a leakproof cap with a handle for easy carrying. The cap flips open and can store tiny valuables like hair ties, vitamins, mints, or the brand’s signature lip balm. The bottle measures 9.65x3.94 inches and has a 0.95-inch mouth opening.
The glass water bottle weighs 1.5 pounds empty, and 3.5 pounds when filled. It comes in a variety of opaque colors, including variations of millennial pink, shades of periwinkle blue, greys, and nudes.
Price at time of publication: $48
Key Specs:Material: Glass | Capacity: 34 ounces | Lid: Flip-open | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Dimensions: 9.65 x 3.94 inches
S’well’s sleek and compact design is ideal for gym-goers and athletes. This slim bottle is about the size of most standard disposable plastic water bottles and fits comfortably in your hand and in most cup holders. The screw-top design is leakproof and secure.
Best Insulated
S’well Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 17-Ounce
Fits in most cup holders
Comes in a wide range of colors
Sleek design
Scratches and dents easily
Expensive
Leveraging Therma-S’well Technology with three walls of vacuum insulation, this bottle keeps beverages cold for 36 hours and hot for 18. It’s made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel—which is 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. It’s BPA- and BPS-free and hand-wash only. Unlike most water bottles, the S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle stays dry on the outside, so there’s no need for a coaster.
The bottle comes in a wide range of unique colors and finishes, including Blue Suede, Black Marble, Onyx, Pink Topaz, Sparkling Champagne, Teakwood, and more. It comes in three sizes—9, 17, and 25 ounces—and measures 10.30x2.80 inches.
Price at time of publication: $35
Key Specs:Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 25 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 10.30 x 2.80 inches
The CamelBak Eddy+ BPA Free Water Bottle is an eco-friendly pick for those who prefer to drink through a straw. For current CamelBak owners, the Eddy+ features a redesigned bite valve. This new and improved design ensures that liquid flows freely through the straw, so you get more out of each sip.
Best with Built-In Straw
CamelBak Eddy+ 25-Ounce Bottle with Tritan
Two-finger loop is easy to carry
Comes in a wide range of colors
Durable and dishwasher-safe
Bite valve can be hard to drink from
Cannot fit in cup holder
This lightweight, durable water bottle is made of Tritan and is dishwasher safe. It’s also BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free. The CamelBak water bottle cap features a handle for portability and unscrews for hassle-free filling and cleaning. The easy access bite valve flips open and closed for quick sips on the move. When open, the bite valve is spill-proof and remains leakproof when closed.
This 25-ounce bottle measures 9.3x4.2x3.1 inches and comes in a wide range of transparent colors, including Charcoal, Deep Magenta, Dusty Lavender, Hunter, Lava, True Blue, and more.
Price at time of publication: $14
Key Specs:Material: Tritan | Capacity: 25 ounces | Lid: Flip-open | Dimensions: 9.3 x 4.2x 3.1 inches
The Nathan SpeedShot Plus Insulated Handheld Flask is a favorite among runners for its comfortable handheld grip. This bottle comes with a fully-adjustable hand strap with a special slot for the thumb. The Push-Pull Blast Valve cap enables runners to hydrate without taking their eyes off the road. Nathan’s double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold through long, hot runs.
Best for Running
Nathan SpeedShot Plus Insulated Handheld Flask
Reflective pouch provides storage
Adjustable hand grip
Comfortable grip
Material is not moisture-wicking
Pouch is small
Plastic retains odor
This handheld water bottle even has a reflective pouch for added visibility that can store small personal belongings like an ID, cash, and keys. It holds 12 ounces of liquid and comes in a wide range of colors.
Key Specs:Material: Mesh canvas | Capacity: 12 ounces | Lid: Valve cap | Weight: 1 pound
The Welly bottle is designed with bamboo and stainless steel and could have easily won the design award but takes it a step further with its environmentally-friendly construction. Made of renewable bamboo, the bottle’s elegant yet simple construction reduces reliance on single-use plastic.
Best Sustainable
Welly Traveler 18 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Over 1 percent of sales go to those in need
Elegant, simple design
Environmentally-friendly
Expensive
Welly was established to honor the founder’s later mother, Elly, a woman known for her altruism and social responsibility. Its mission is to have a design that elevates the ordinary, respecting Elly’s legacy by donating over 1 percent of sales to bring clean water to those in need.
The bottle comes triple-walled and vacuum-insulated and features a removable infuser and sleek loop cap. The Welly comes in three sizes—12, 16, and 18 ounces. It’s available in Blue Lilac, Mint, and Rose, along with eye-catching limited edition designs and trending colors like Coral and Berry. Once you see the array of choices, you might want to order more than one.
Price at time of publication: $33
Key Specs:Material: Stainless Steel and Bamboo | Capacity: 12 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: .8 pounds | Dimensions: 8 x 2.91 inches
Infuse a little flavor into your hydration rotation—the OMORC 32 OZ Sport Fruit Infuser Water Bottle offers a simple way to boost your water intake.
Best Infuser
OMORC 32 OZ Sport Fruit Infuser Water Bottle
Comes with cleaning brush
Leakproof
Cannot fit in a cup holder
Plastic can retain odor
This infuser bottle is made from food-grade, shatter-resistant, BPA-free Tritan. Simply fill the perforated infuser rod with cut-up fruit, place it in the 32-ounce bottle, screw on the lid, fill with water, and enjoy.
The OMORC water bottle features an additional leakproof, enclosed lockable lid and an on-bottle, anti-slip grip. It also comes with a complimentary cleaning brush and is dishwasher safe. Get it in a variety of accent colors, including black, blue, light green, orange, peach, purple, and pink.
Price at time of publication: $8
Key Specs:Material: Tritan | Capacity: 32 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: 2 pounds
For the overachiever, The Gym Keg holds a whopping 2.2 liters of liquid eliminating the need to refill multiple times a day.
Best Large Capacity
The Gym Keg Sports Water Bottle (2.2 L) Insulated
Comes in a variety of colors and prints
Leak-proof cap
Built-in carrying handle
Narrow mouth is challenging to clean
Doesn’t stay cold through end of day
This durable, lightweight water jug is constructed from BPA-free Tritan. Wrapped in a removable insulating neoprene sleeve, The Gym Keg keeps drinks cold throughout the day and adds an extra layer of protection. Its portable design and built-in carrying handle make it easy to transport to and from the gym. The bottle’s leakproof pop-cap is easy to use and to drink from on the go.
The Gym Keg comes in a variety of prints and colors, including Chrome Flex—which is reflective—Nardo Grey, NY Rebel, Stealth Black, and Urban Camo.
Price at time of publication: $33
Why is it that something we use so often is sometimes the last thing on our list to clean? Never question the cleanliness of your water bottle again with the LARQ Self Cleaning Water Bottle. Deep clean your bottle while purifying your water on the go with the tap of a button.
Best Self-Cleaning
LARQ Bottle PureVis
Purifies water and bottle with button
Self-cleaning
Sleek design
Grip can be slippery
Expensive
The LARQ bottle is powered by a lithium-polymer battery, which keeps the bottle active for up to one month on a single charge. The bottle is made from BPA-free electropolished 18/8 stainless steel. It’s vacuum-sealed and double insulated, keeping contents cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. LARQ’s 17-ounce bottle measures 9.6x2.7 inches and weighs 13.5 ounces. Its offered in Granite White, Himalayan Pink, Monaco Blue, Obsidian Black, and Seaside Mint.
Price at time of publication: $99
Key Specs:Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 17 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 9.6 x 2.7 inches
For athletes on the go, the Embrava 32-ounce Sports Water Bottle is made from shatterproof BPA-free Tritan with a secure locking lid. The spill- and dust-proof lid opens at the push of a button and securely locks for leak-proof traveling. Comfortably sip from the narrow mouthpiece for a spill-free drink. Additionally, the on-bottle measurements help you track your daily water consumption.
Best Flip-Top
Embrava Best Sports Water Bottle
Stylish frosted coating
On-bottle measurements track consumption
Comes with durable lanyard
Narrow mouth piece
Strap is not detachable
Narrow bottle can tip
This eco-friendly bottle is completely recyclable and features a frosted reflective coating for a stylish finish. It comes complete with a durable lanyard carrying strap to attach to a backpack or for easy carrying.
The bottle measures 11.46x3.31x3.23 inches and is offered in blue, white, gray, and pink.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:Material: Tritan | Capacity: 32 ounces | Lid: Flip-top | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 11.46 x 3.31 x 3.23 inches
This simplistic water bottle is the clear winner when it comes to style. Offered in frosted white and matte black with gold accents, the Arc Bottle sports a tall, slim build with subtlety printed time markers to keep you on your hydration schedule throughout the day. The 32-ounce bottle sports drinking goals for every hour, with a suggested refill at noon.
Best Design
ARC Bottle Water Bottle With Time Marker
Striking, sleek design
Convenient time markers
Lightweight
Lid can dent easily
Time markers may rub off over time
Made from BPA-free Tritan, the Arc Bottle looks like it’s made from glass, yet it’s lightweight and shatterproof. The leakproof, aluminum screw-top lid is secure and easy to open. Additionally, the bottle’s medium-sized mouth opening is ideal for spill-free sipping.
The Arc Bottle is hand-wash only and measures 1.4x3x11 inches.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key Specs:Material: Tritan | Capacity: 32 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: 2 pounds | Dimensions: 1.4 x 3 x 11 inches
“Be Like Mike," or your favorite pro athlete and chug from the classic Gatorade Squeeze Bottle.
Best Squeeze Bottle
Gatorade Squeeze Bottle
Comfortable grip
Easy screw-on cap
Sleek design
Cap challenging to clean
Can leak in bags
Made from BPA-free plastic, this squeeze bottle sports a sleek, curved design with a comfortable grip. The squirt-style lid easily unscrews for quick refills and features a Sure-Shot valve to reduce leakage.
The iconic green bottle features the brand’s logo in the center with a bright orange cap. The side of the bottle sports the company’s Clear Hydro-View strip to measure liquid consumption.
Gatorade’s 32-ounce bottle measures 10.25x3.17 inches.
Price at time of publication: $6
Key Specs:Material: Plastic | Capacity: 32 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Dimensions: 10.25 x 3.17 inches
This 14-ounce kid-friendly water bottle features a flip-top nozzle for spill-free drinking. Simple Modern’s BPA-free Summit Straw Lid is leakproof in the closed position to avoid any additional lunchtime mess. This lid also includes a handle for easy carrying.
Best for Kids
Simple Modern 14oz Disney Summit Kids Water Bottle Thermos with Straw Lid
Wide variety of kid-loving designs
Liquid stays cold
Lids leak when tossed about
Straws come out easily
Dents easily
The Summit water bottle is constructed from food-grade 18/8 stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation with a copper-coated interior that keeps drinks cold for 14 hours. The bottle includes a durable finish that delivers a condensation-free exterior—no more water rings on the dining room table.
The 14-ounce bottle measures 6x2.9 inches and comes in a variety of officially licensed Disney character prints.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 14 ounces | Lid: Screw-on | Weight: 1 pound | Dimensions: 6 x 2.9 inches
What to Look for in a Water Bottle
Material
The most popular water bottles are constructed from three primary materials—plastic, stainless steel, and glass. Plastic water bottles are usually affordable, lightweight, and portable. Most plastic water bottles on the market today are made from Tritan, a rock-hard plastic material that’s BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free. These hard plastic bottles look like glass yet are very difficult to break. Tritan is also dishwasher-safe.
Final Verdict
The Hydro Flask checks all the boxes when it comes to style, portability, sustainability, and temperature control. This stainless steel bottle doesn’t leave a metallic taste in your mouth like other stainless steel options and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Best of all, it comes in a wide variety of vibrant colors and is dishwasher-safe.
Stainless steel bottles offer insulation, keeping beverages at their respective temperatures for long periods of time. Bottles with double- and triple-walled insulation can even keep beverages hot or cold for upwards of 24 hours. This feature tends to make stainless steel bottles a bit heavier than plastic ones.
Glass bottles are less likely to alter the taste of your water or leave any residue. The downside is that glass is heavy and highly breakable. Many glass water bottles come in fashion-forward designs and are often sold at higher price points.
Capacity
Choosing the right bottle size depends on your personal water intake needs, as well as your activity level. It’s also up to your personal preference and whether you prefer to fill up a big water bottle in the morning and be done for the day or have a smaller, more portable bottle that you can refill throughout the day.
Lid Design
Water bottles come with varying styles of lids, with the most popular being screw-on, flip-top—often containing a straw-like spout—and sport nozzles. Lids offer convenience for different activities, which is why some athletes prefer a sports nozzle for a quick squirt of hydration during games.
Why Trust Verywell Fit?
Emily Stone is a Chicago-based journalist specializing in fitness and lifestyle content. Emily has found that selecting a water bottle tailored to her lifestyle and preferences makes all the difference in increasing daily water intake. For her, that’s been the CamelBak Eddy+ for the gym and the S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle for work and around town.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best water bottle material?
- Water bottles come in stainless steel, plastic, or glass options. Picking one material over another isn’t an easy decision as there are pros and cons to owning each.Stainless steel bottles are corrosion-resistant and do not leach chemicals when exposed to the sun. As a result, they last longer than ones made of glass or plastic. Stainless steel is also 100-percent recyclable.Most of us know that drinks taste better in glass water bottles. However, glass is breakable, making its lifetime much shorter than stainless steel or plastic options. The recycling rate is low, and some public places do not accept glass for recycling. Like stainless steel options, glass bottles also offer the benefit of not leaching chemicals when left in the sun or heat. However, the price of a glass water bottle is typically much higher than that of the other two most popular options.While glass and stainless steel are gaining popularity, plastic is still the most popular reusable water bottle material. The primary appeal of plastic water bottles is that they tend to be a lot less expensive than other options. However, plastic isn’t an environmentally friendly material—the recycling rate is low, with bottles ending up in landfills. Plastic water bottles also tend to leach chemicals when exposed to the sun, whereas glass and stainless steel do not.
- How do you clean a water bottle?
- After each use, wash your bottle in hot water with a teaspoon of unscented dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes, rinsing it well with warm water, and allow it to dry completely.If the bottle is dishwasher-safe, run it through your dishwasher, thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing. A few times each week, use a weak bleach solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water to sanitize the bottle. Avoid using too much bleach as it will leave an unpleasant taste in the bottle.Don’t leave water in the bottle for long periods between each use. Empty the bottle when you finish using it each day.
Water bottles come in stainless steel, plastic, or glass options. Picking one material over another isn’t an easy decision as there are pros and cons to owning each.
After each use, wash your bottle in hot water with a teaspoon of unscented dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes, rinsing it well with warm water, and allow it to dry completely.
