Best Water Bottles, Tested and Reviewed (2024)
TOH Testing Team Take:
- The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth is the best water bottle in 2024 as it’s overall design and ability to keep drinks cold for an extended period stood-out against the competition.
- High-quality water bottles range in price from as little as $10 to upwards of $50, however, price doesn’t necessarily determine quality according to our experts.
- Whether it’s to match your outfit or for more practical means, like staying hydrated at the gym, everyone needs a good water bottle they can rely on.
Most of us use a reusable water bottle in our daily lives, whether for sipping at the office or for post-workout hydration. To help you find the best water bottle for your needs, we tested and reviewed a variety of the top water bottles on the market in all different sizes, price points, and materials. We ran these water bottles through vigorous testing metrics to see how well they maintained cold and hot temperatures, how durable and leakproof they were, how easy they were to drink from, and how water tasted while drinking from them. Read our guide below for more of our top picks and test results.
Water Bottle Reviews
If you’re purchasing a water bottle, it’s likely going to be an item that you use frequently, whether you’re carrying it with you to work, the gym, or the great outdoors. Thinking about these different uses, we reviewed a variety of water bottles and rated them on the following criteria:
- Ease of use: How easy a bottle is to open and drink from were key factors we considered when rating water bottles. We also favored bottles with a wide enough mouth to add large ice cubes.
- Portability: Our water bottles go with us everywhere, so bottles gained points for being lightweight or having a carrying handle or strap. Another important factor here was whether or not the bottle had a leak-proof seal.
- Insulation: The best water bottles can keep water and other beverages ice-cold for up to 12 hours, while hot beverages should stay warm for at least one or more hours.
- Durability: Many of us carry our water to work or the gym, and, let’s face it—we’ve all dropped a water bottle before. A durable water bottle should be able to withstand small falls with minimal damage.
Best Rated Water Bottles: Compare And Contrast
Before we review each of the best rated water bottles in detail, it’s worth first comparing our top picks at a glance below:
| Product | Size Options | Weight | Material | Color Options | Dishwasher Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18, 21, and 24 oz. |
11.3 oz. |
Steel |
14 |
Yes |
|
|
18 oz. |
19 oz. |
Steel |
30+ |
Yes |
|
|
20 and 24 oz. |
5.3 oz. |
Plastic |
12 |
Yes |
|
|
12, 16, and 22 oz. |
10.4 oz. |
Glass |
10 |
Yes |
|
|
48 oz. |
6.4 oz. |
Plastic |
7 |
Yes |
|
|
14, 18, 22, 32, 40, 64 oz. |
13.3 oz. |
Steel |
40+ |
No |
|
|
40 oz. |
22 oz. |
Plastic |
30+ |
Yes |
Read more about how we tested water bottles based on these factors.
Best Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth
The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for over 12 using its double-wall vacuum insulation. When we tested this bottle, it performed the best in our cold water test and was among the best in our hot water test. It also comes with a handle for easy carrying and has a small mouth that allows for easy drinking.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 18 oz., 21 oz., 24 oz.
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
- Color options: 14
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fits in a cup holder?: Yes
- Mouth size: Small
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Excellent
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Excellent
The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth water bottle stood out in our tests primarily for its temperature regulation. It kept water the coldest of any bottle we tested during our one-hour and 12-hour cold-water tests. We were impressed with the small mouth and noted that it felt natural to drink out of and didn’t spill.
We also were impressed that the Hydro Flask is dishwasher-safe and fit easily into our cup holder. When we performed our taste test by adding coffee and then washing it out, we couldn’t detect any hint of leftover coffee taste that would affect the water. However, it did dent easily during our drop test, and because of its small mouth, it was difficult to fit large ice cubes.
- Kept water colder than any other bottle we tested
- Has an easy-to-drink design with a carrying handle
- Features twist-off cap that seals tightly and doesn’t leak
- Small mouth can’t fit large ice cubes
- Dented easily during our drop test
Good for: Customers seeking a heavy-duty bottle for everyday use that keeps water ice-cold.
What People Are Saying About The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth
We found that customers who liked this water bottle were pleased with its excellent temperature retention, noting it worked well on both cold and warm drinks. Others liked that it was compact enough to fit into cup holders and easy to carry, while others were impressed with its sleek design. However, some were let down by the mouth design, noting it led to frequent spills. A few reviewers also said this bottle’s handle broke easily.
Customer Reviews
“I love this water bottle! It is well made and keeps my water cold. Does not leak and fits perfectly in my cup holder. It fits nicely in my small hand and is easy to open too! I love the red color and think it is also very pretty! You can’t go wrong with this bottle.” — BCG via Amazon
“…My biggest issue is the mouth of it. Every time I try to drink directly from it, it spills on me. Maybe I’m just a clutz, but the way the neck is compared to the body, I think it does something to the way the liquid comes out. If, instead of creating the neat 90° angle for the neck, it just tapered smoothly into the neck, I think it would be just fine. When there isn’t much liquid in it, I end up wearing half of it.” — Kayleigh via Amazon
Best Travel Water Bottle
YETI Rambler
The Yeti Rambler has a unique chug cap, which makes it easy to access your water with a quick half-twist of the handle. It has double-wall vacuum insulation that does an excellent job of keeping water cold or hot for extended periods, and it has a durable design with a carrying handle that’s perfect for bringing with you on the go, whether you’re drinking water or your morning coffee.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 18 oz, 26 oz.
- Weight: 19 oz.
- Color options: 30+
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fits in a cup holder?: Yes
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Excellent
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Good
When we tested the Yeti Rambler water bottle, it performed well in both our hot and cold water tests. It was one of only two bottles we tested that kept our water ice-cold after being left out for 12 hours.
We like that the chug cap helped prevent spills and made drinking out of this bottle feel more natural, and it developed only minimal scratches after our drop test, showing its durability. We also liked that this bottle was small enough to fit in a cup holder and did not leak during our leak test.
- Small-mouth design prevents spills and is easy to drink
- Mouth can be removed to fit large pieces of ice
- Includes handle for easy carrying and lifting
- Comes in over 30 color options
- Smaller capacity than other water bottles tested in this article
- Can’t be opened with one hand
Good for: Those looking for an easy-to-drink bottle they can bring to work or in the car.
What People Are Saying About The YETI Rambler
Customers who were impressed with this YETI water bottle liked that it was portable and kept water cold for long periods of time. Several reviewers also commented on its wide mouth that made it easy to clean. However, some mixed reviews noted that this bottle was heavy (the second heaviest we reviewed), particularly when it is filled with ice and water. Others said that it didn’t work effectively at keeping hot liquids like coffee warm.
Customer Reviews
“I love how cold it keeps my water. I love the handle on top. I actually received this exact water bottle as a Christmas present. My daughter kept stealing it, so I bought one for her. I love how you can open the top and fill it with ice cubes. I love how easy it is to clean, I love the top part that you drink out of. I also like how it fits in all cup holders.” — pamela hightower via Amazon
“I like that this travel mug is leakproof and easy to clean. It does not ‘sweat’. But it is pretty heavy when traveling and my coffee does not stay hot for long. It is probably great with water.” — Toni K via Amazon
Best Cycling Water Bottle
Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle
This water bottle from Polar Bottle is excellent for bringing with you to the gym or while playing sports. It has a sport cap that pops off quickly and allows for easy drinking by just squeezing the bottle. It features a leak-proof design that’s made from durable plastic, and it also comes with a handle for easy carrying.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 20 oz.24 oz.
- Weight: 5.3 oz.
- Color options: 12 color options
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fits in a cup holder?: Yes
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Average
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Poor
When we tested the Polar Bottle Insulated water bottle, we loved how easy it was to drink from. Since you don’t have to unscrew a cap, it’s easy to open and drink with just one hand. Additionally, we were impressed with how well it performed in our coffee taste test for a plastic bottle—it didn’t leave behind any residue or aftertaste after we washed it.
Additionally, it did not get damaged at all during our drop test, and it had a medium-sized mouth that was easy to fit ice cubes in. While this bottle didn’t perform great in our hot-water test, it wasn’t really designed to. For drinking water or sports drinks, it’s fine, and it will stay colder longer if you add ice.
- Wide mouth is easy to fit ice in
- Squirt-bottle design is easy to drink from
- Can be operated with one hand
- Didn’t perform well in our cold water or hot water test
- Color looks “foggy” due to translucent white plastic outer layer
Good for: Someone who works out or plays sports and wants an easy-drinking bottle for water.
What People Are Saying About The Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle
We found that customers who left positive reviews for this water bottle liked how it was easy to drink out of, kept water cold, and had a lightweight, easy-to-transport design. However, others were let down by the design, feeling it was difficult to squeeze water out of the bottle. Others said they felt it had a bad plastic smell that affected the taste of the water.
Customer Reviews
“Firstly, let’s talk about insulation—mind-blowing! I’ve left it under the scorching sun during hikes, and it still keeps my water refreshingly cold. Conversely, I’ve taken it skiing, and it preserved my drink in a liquid state despite the freezing temps. Versatility at its finest! The design is slick and functional. The cap doesn’t leak (hooray for no accidental spills in my bag!), and the size fits perfectly in my cup holder or backpack side pocket. Plus, it’s surprisingly durable—I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times, and it’s barely showing any signs of wear and tear.” — Coleton via Amazon
“For the first several uses, I thought the filtered water at my gym was to blame — it would smell moldy the very next day and I could feel the slippery sensation of mold starting when I felt the bottle on the inside. I started filling it at home but it had the same problem. I have to empty and clean it every use. Most of my bottles last at least a few days without using the bottle brush – just rinsing. It’s not easy to squeeze in the middle where you would be most inclined to pick it up. ” — Omegagirl2020 via Amazon
Best Glass Water Bottle
Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle
Glass water bottles often deliver a more pure, crisp taste than metal or plastic bottles. This glass bottle from Lifefactory features double silicone sleeves that helps keep it protected, and its active flip-cap lid was easy to open during our test. We also like that this bottle is completely dishwasher safe, even without removing the silicone sleeve.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 12 oz., 16 oz., 24 oz.
- Weight: 10.4 oz.
- Color options: 10 color options
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fits in a cup holder?: Yes
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Average
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Good
We like how well the Lifefactory glass water bottle keeps water cold, and its flip-up cap was easy to open even with only one hand. Its wide mouth is also perfect for adding large ice cubes, and it didn’t leak at all when we tossed it around in a drawstring bag.
However, we noticed a couple of drawbacks to this bottle during our tests. First, its sleeve does not keep it fully protected—it broke during our drop test. Second, we found that when drinking out of the cap, some parts would sometimes get in the way of the drinking path and hit our nose or face. While it wasn’t a huge deterrent, it could get annoying with continuous use.
- Insulated design keeps water cold
- Comes with a straw that allows for easy drinking
- Large mouth can easily fit ice
- Glass design is fragile and can break easily
- Plastic piece can sometimes get in the way when you’re drinking
Good for: Someone who prefers a glass bottle for sipping water at home or in the office that’s easy to clean and has a wide mouth.
What People Are Saying About The Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle
We found that customers who left a positive review for this water bottle liked that it delivered an excellent taste and had an easy-to-drink from the mouth. Others commented on how easy it was to clean, noting that it was safe for the dishwasher. However, while it wasn’t our experience, some were disappointed in how ineffective it was at keeping drinks cold. A few reviews mentioned that it broke easily.
Customer Reviews
“I’m so in love with these. Water tastes so much better from a glass bottle. Easy to clean. Can leave the sleeve on and pop it in the dishwasher. The sleeve is great for gripping when there is condensation, plus it just looks nice. The handle is useful. Spout is easy to drink from. I have tipped my bottle over many times and have never had a spill yet, so I’m confident the top will not leak.” — sara s. via Amazon
“I should have realized this bottle wouldn’t keep drinks cold—it’s not insulated. If I add ice, then it will sweat in my travel purse. Next time, I’ll get an insulated water bottle. It is convenient otherwise, and glass instead of a plastic bottle is better for the environment (and for me).” — Dulcie via Amazon
Best Plastic Water Bottle
Nalgene Sustain Wide Mouth
For those who are serious about their daily water intake, this extra-large bottle from Nalgene allows you to fill up 48 ounces and keep sipping all day. Better yet, it includes markers on the side to clearly indicate how full your bottle is. This durable plastic bottle also comes with a hook for easy handling and has an extra-large mouth for fitting ice.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 48 oz.
- Weight: 6.4 oz.
- Color options: 7
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fits in a cup holder?: No
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Poor
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Average
During our tests, we liked the wide mouth of this bottle, noting it was very easy to add ice. However, the Nalgene Sustain’s wide mouth can lead to spills if you’re not careful. Additionally, we found that this bottle was easy to open and close and passed our leak test with flying colors.
Another feature we were impressed with this bottle was its finger strap for easy carrying, and it cleaned easily. On the other hand, this water bottle did a poor job of keeping water cold and warm over extended periods. It also didn’t perform well in our taste test, where the coffee smell lingered in the bottle even after it was fully cleaned. However, if you only plan to use this bottle for water, that should not be an issue that prevents you from purchasing it.
- Extra-large capacity
- Markings tell you how much water is in the bottle
- Durable plastic design
- Does not keep drinks as cold as other bottles we tested
- Too large to fit in cup holders
Good for: Those looking for a wide-mouth, large-capacity plastic water bottle to keep you hydrated all day long.
What People Are Saying About The Nalgene Sustain Wide Mouth
We found that customers who were pleased with the Nalgene Wide Mouth water bottle appreciated how easy it was to bring with them from place to place and that it was made with durable plastic. Others were pleased with its large capacity, noting it lasted them an entire day of drinking. On the other hand, some reviews were displeased with the wide mouth, noting it was clunky to drink from and often caused spills. Others found that the plastic piece that holds the lid in place was flimsy.
Customer Reviews
“The Nalgene bottle is a staple for me wherever I go. The 48 oz. it’s my preferred size as it holds enough to get through most of my day or keep me hydrated throughout a full workout without needing to refill.” — Luis Cruz via Amazon
“The bottle is a decent size, and is well made, but the plastic that holds the lid on is kind of flimsy and thin, I’m not sure how long it will last. Great size to take with you on a longer hiking trip, or for a long day, but it is also heavier with the liquid in it. Overall, it seems fine.” — Mrs. Jacksos via Amazon
Best Sports Water Bottle
IRON FLASK Water Bottle
If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty sports water bottle that keeps drinks cold all day long, the IRON FLASK water bottle is an excellent choice. It performed excellently in our temperature tests, with its double-wall insulation keeping drinks ice-cold for 12+ hours. This water bottle also comes with three different leak-proof lids, including a stainless steel, straw lid, and flip lid, so you can select whichever option feels the best for you.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 14 oz., 18 oz., 22 oz., 32 oz., 40 oz., 64 oz.
- Weight: 13.3 oz.
- Color options: Over 40 color options
- Dishwasher safe: No
- Fits in a cup holder?: No
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Excellent
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Excellent
This bottle from IRON FLASK stood out in both our cold-water and hot-water tests thanks to its ability to keep water ice cold for half a day. It rated the best of all the bottles we tested in cold water temperature in both our one-hour and 12-hour tests, and it also did well when holding hot liquids.
This product also stood out in our taste test, where it left no aftertaste or smell, and in our leak test, where it didn’t leak at all. However, we found that the straw lid was disappointing, as it didn’t always work properly. This bottle is also far too wide to fit in a cup holder and is not dishwasher safe.
- Kept drinks cooler over an extended period better than any other bottle we tested
- Comes in over 40 colors and patterns, including attractive ombre and marble options
- Wide mouth can fit any size ice cube
- Straw can be ineffective
- Heavy design is not as easy to carry as other bottles we tested
Good for: People prone to dropping their water bottles.
What People Are Saying About The IRON FLASK Water Bottle
Among positive reviews for the IRON FLASK water bottle, we saw several customers call out how well the bottle retained cold temperature, even after an extended period left unrefrigerated. Others liked that it had a robust, stylish design that held up to wear and tear. However, some customers were disappointed that this bottle did not fit into cup holders, and others said that it leaked easily and the straw was ineffective.
Customer Reviews
“Love my Iron Flask water bottle. It came with three different lids that you can change out, along with extra straws and cleaning brushes. I picked this size because it still fits in the car drink holder (and in backpack water bottle holders) but also has a wide enough mouth for easy cleaning. Haven’t had any issues with leaking, and the bottle has held up well (I’ve banged it around a bit at the gym and transporting in the car). I typically use it for cold water (with ice cubes added), and water stays cold for a pretty long time.” — JL via Amazon
“This water bottle is beautiful in person. The color shifting colors are vibrant, as pictured unlike some products advertised as color shifting. I love that it holds 32 oz. of liquid however, the bottle design does not allow it to fit into standard cup holders. That was a big bummer for me. I travel with my water bottle often, and that is an inconvenience. But the biggest issue for me is that the water doesn’t flow properly through the Carabiner Straw Lid. This is the lid that made me purchase this specific water bottle, and it doesn’t work” — angiejo18 via Amazon
Best Water Bottle With Straw For Commuters
Stanley Quencher
A viral sensation, the Stanley Quencher water bottle’s quality backs up its popularity. It has a large 40-ounce capacity with a built-in straw that’s easy to sip from throughout the day in your office or classroom. It comes in a wide variety of unique colors and uses an advanced FlowState lid with three different positions so you can adjust between straw opening, drink opening, and a full-cover top.
Our Testing Experience
- Size options: 40 oz.
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Color options: Over 30 color options
- Dishwasher safe: Yes
- Fits in a cup holder?: Yes
- Temperature of cold water after 12 hours: Excellent
- Temperature of hot water after 1 hour: Excellent
We’ve owned this Stanley water bottle for over a year and have been thoroughly impressed with its durability and ability to keep drinks cold. Even when left out overnight, we find that the Stanley does an excellent job of keeping water just as cold as it was out of the fridge. When we put this water bottle through our testing process it also did not leak at all during our leak test, and did not have any lingering coffee taste during our taste test.
- large capacity and straw for easy drinking
- Comes in a variety of colors, from sophisticated, muted tones to vivid brights
- Keeps water cold for extended periods
- Too bulky to fit in cup holders in our test
- Can scuff easily
Good for: Customers who like sipping on water through a straw throughout the day.
What People Are Saying About The Stanley Quencher
The Stanley Quencher water bottle has gone viral this year, and customers rave about its excellent functionality, noting it keeps water extremely cold for hours on end. Others like its stylish design and straw that makes for easy sipping. On the other hand, some customers did say that this water bottle leaked and scratched easily. While the manufacturer states that it’s dishwasher-safe, some people noted that the color peeled after being run through the dishwasher.
Customer Reviews
“The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel tumbler is an excellent investment. Its durability is immediately noticeable, and it’s priced accordingly for the quality it offers. Cleaning is a breeze, as it’s dishwasher safe, which adds to the convenience. The vibrant color options are a delightful touch, making it easy to choose one that suits your style. It keeps drinks cold for an impressive amount of time, and there is no sweating from the cup, ensuring that surfaces remain dry. It’s a high-quality, functional, and stylish tumbler that delivers on its promises. Highly recommended!” — Kevin Patric Tibble via Amazon
“I’ve had some Stanleys over the years. They’re really nice water bottles, and I like the handle. They are not leakproof, but everyone knows that. However, they are also NOT dishwasher safe. The outer color peels off over time when you put it in the dishwasher. If you’re buying a water bottle to last you a long time, this one will be it won’t look like the day you bought it. Stanley doesn’t cover the peeling under warranty. FYI.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
Top Water Bottle Brands: More Recommendations
While they didn’t quite make the “best” list, we also can recommend the Tronco 20 oz Glass Tumbler Glass Water Bottle and the Hydrapak Flux Collapsible Backpacking Water Bottle.
The Tronco is another stylish glass water bottle with an easy-to-remove lid and straw that allows for easy drinking, as well as a comfortable silicone sleeve that’s easy to grip. However, it did not retain cold temperature after our one-hour test and leaked easily, with the top falling off during our leak test
The Hydrapak is a collapsible bottle ideal for hiking or camping, folding up perfectly in your backpack when it’s empty and only expanding when filled with liquid. It features a high-flow nozzle with a protective dust cover that can be opened with one hand. This water bottle is not designed for at-home use, though, so we weren’t surprised to see it didn’t hold cold temperatures as well as insulated metal water bottles.
Tips To Drink More Water
Drinking enough water is a health goal for many adults—but how much is enough? For such a simple question, there’s no clear consensus, as the amount may vary based on your sex, age, climate, and activity level. According to an oft-cited report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, the average healthy man consumed about 15.5 cups of water per day, while the average woman consumed about 11.5 cups of water in a day. Note that “water” here refers to water from all sources, including food and other beverages. A common recommendation for daily water intake is 8 cups (64 ounces).
Drinking enough water can help regulate body temperature, get rid of waste, cushion joints, and protect sensitive body tissue. Some people struggle to remember to drink water or don’t realize they’re thirsty, especially when they’re busy at work or school. While a high-quality water bottle is a great first step, here are some other easy ways you can ensure you’re getting the water you need.
- Look at water filters: If your home doesn’t have drinkable tap water, you may find yourself stocking up on bottled water to try and stay hydrated. Not only is this expensive, but it can be bad for the environment. Instead, look at getting a water filter that removes volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and more. There are both under-sink filters and countertop models available.
- Add flavor: If water is just too “boring,” consider adding in flavor to mix things up. You can add in fruits like lemons or strawberries to give your water more flavor, or add flavor packets that you can mix in.
- Track It: Tracking your water intake is not only a good way to ensure you’re getting the proper amount, but it can also help turn it into a personal game or challenge that you can play against yourself. Using a bottle that has ounce labels on it, such as the Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle is a useful way to track your intake.
- Replace other drinks: Many people sip on water throughout the day or when they exercise, but may transition to having a soda or alcoholic beverage later in the evening. Try replacing one other drink you have in a day with a glass of water to help boost your daily water intake. This can help you cut down on caloric intake while also increasing your water consumption.
- Eat foods with a high water level: There are even ways to get more water into your body without drinking it. Increasing your consumption of foods with a high level of water in them, such as lettuce, celery, melons, and zucchini is a great way to boost your water intake while also checking off your daily intake of fruits and veggies.
Best Reusable Water Bottles: Our Conclusion
Reusable water bottes are simple, yet essential. As they’re designed to be reused, it’s important to know what you want from your water bottle. Additionally, there are a myriad of different designs of water bottles to choose from. Below, are our experts top picks:
Water Bottles: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about water bottles:
How do I choose the right type of water bottle?
There are a variety of important factors you should consider before deciding on the right water bottle for you.
Look at the durability of a water bottle, and how well it will stand up to continuous use, especially if you plan to bring it with you on the go. Examine the temperature control and how well it maintains cold water (or hot, if you plan on using it for coffee and tea). You should also look at the design and color options, as you should be happy with how your water bottle looks as well as how effective it is.
Next, look at the lid type. Determine if you like drinking out of a straw, or if you prefer just drinking directly from the mouth. You should also determine how easy the lid is to open and close and if you can do it with one hand. Finally, examine the size of the water bottle based on how much water you drink per day and how frequently you will be able to refill it.
What affects the temperature control of a water bottle?
Water bottles are usually insulated to maintain the temperature of the beverages inside. Some bottles will tell you how long they can keep a hot liquid hot and a cold liquid cold. For example, the Iron Flask bottle in this review offers 24-hour insulation for cold liquids and 12-hour insulation for hot liquids.
What are the common lid types of water bottles?
Some water bottles come with one lid, while others come with many. Common lid options include straw, chug, screw, and flip lids. Different lids will work best for different liquids, activities, and people. For example, it may be difficult to drink from a bottle with a screw lid while you’re participating in a rigorous activity because the bottle’s wide opening is more likely to splash water onto you or the ground.
What are some typical sizes of water bottles?
You can find water bottles in several sizes, including 14-, 18-, 22-, 32-, 40-, 64-, 84-, and 128-ounce options. Some water bottles will be available in several of these sizes, while some will only come in one of these. Smaller bottles are lightweight and easy to carry, but they can’t hold much liquid. Larger bottles work well when you’re out exercising or won’t have access to sources of water for long periods of time. However, they’re heavy and bulky. Medium-sized 22-, 32-, and 40-ounce water bottles are good middle-of-the-road options for everyday use.
Water Bottle Brands: Our Testing Process
We rigorously tested each water bottle in this article for taste, durability, leakproof ability, convenience, design, and ability to maintain cold and hot temperatures. We ran the following at-home tests to determine the best water bottles.
- Cold water test (One hour): After filling each water bottle with 40-degree refrigerated water, we left them out at room temperature for one hour and measured the internal temperature of the water in each bottle.
- Cold water test (12 hours): We then refilled the bottles with refrigerated water and left them out for 12 hours before testing the internal temperatures.
- Hot water test (1 hour): Using 180-degree hot water, we filled each bottle and measured the internal temperature after one hour to see how well it maintained the temperature.
- Ease of drinking test: We tested each bottle’s ease of drinking by filling it and sipping it continuously throughout the day. We examined each bottle’s mouth size, lid, and our ability to drink it with one hand. If the bottle came with a straw, we also measured how effective it was and its texture.
- Taste test: To measure taste, we first marked down how cold water tasted after initial cleaning. Then, we added hot coffee to each bottle for several hours before washing the bottles again. We then refilled each with water and measured if there was any aftertaste or lingering coffee smell in the bottle.
- Ice cube test: We used both small and large ice cubes in each bottle to see how many they would hold and if the mouth was wide enough to fit larger cubes, or if the ice needed to be crushed to fit effectively.
- Portability: We marked down how easy each of these bottles were to hold and carry, with bottles getting more points for having a handle or carrying strap. We then tried putting them in our car’s cup holder and marked whether they easily fit or not.
- Design: We noted how many size and color options each bottle came with, and the products with more options gained extra points.
- Ease of cleaning: We noted if the bottles were dishwasher-safe, as well as how wide the mouth was and if it was easy to clean with a standard sponge, or if a specialized brush was needed.
- Leak test: We filled each bottle with cold water, sealed it tightly and put it in a drawstring bag. From there, we shook the bag around, dropped it on the ground, and carried it on our back to see if the bottles leaked any water.
- Durability/drop test: Finally, we dropped each non-glass water bottle from our five-foot porch onto a brick landing to see if it scratched, dented, or broke.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at [email protected].