Tried and Tested: The Best Water Bottles to Help You Stay Hydrated and Healthy

This water bottle checks all our boxes: superior temperature retention, durable stainless-steel construction, dishwasher-safe, and minimalist design. Topping it all off is a lid made from bamboo, an eco-friendly alternative because of its rapid growth and minimal environmental footprint.

The 24-ounce Bambaw water bottle was a top performer in our insulation tests, keeping hot water hot and cold water cold for eight hours, both indoors and outdoors. When filled with ice water and left outside in the sun for eight hours, the water bottle gained less than 10 degrees of temperature. There was also no leakage, denting, or condensation. We liked how the Bambaw retained the water temperature throughout hot yoga classes, although a straw or sports lid for drinking on the go would be useful.

Hydro Flask’s Wide Mouth water bottle is designed with Tempshield technology, the brand’s proprietary double-wall, vacuum-insulated design. We enjoyed ice-cold water from our Hydro Flask during our testing, so we understand the hype.

In ice-water temperature retention tests, the Hydro Flask blew the other bottles out of the water (so to speak), remaining a frosty 45 degrees when left outside for eight hours. If you overheat while hitting the gym or you live where 90-degree days are a regular occurrence, this water bottle could be what you need to stay cool. Our one gripe is the lid—this version comes with a wide mouth; straws and sipping lids are sold separately. 

Made of stainless steel with colorful medical-grade silicone, Pura water bottles are 100 percent plastic-free, Made Safe certified (meaning they’re free of toxins), and fun for the whole family. When we tested them, we tried two sizes — the 28 oz, perfect for adults, and the 18 oz, perfect for kids — but there are eight different sizes available with a variety of different lids and colors to accommodate infants, kids, and adults. You can also choose to get an insulated bottle to keep your drinks cooler for longer, and the company sells replacement lids so that you can upgrade a bottle as your child grows up, allowing you to transform a sippy lid into a straw lid or a sports top.

Our tester, a mom to a five-year-old, said that the bottle’s vibrant colors made it an instant hit, and the smaller bottle quickly became her son’s go-to school water bottle. The stainless steel design also makes it easy to clean and while you can use the bottle for life, it’s also recyclable should you need to toss it. 

The Klean Kanteen Classic is made from 90 percent recycled, food-grade stainless steel. A champion of environmental responsibility since its founding, Klean Kanteen says it was among the first brands to introduce reusable, stainless steel water bottles in the U.S. in the early 2000s. Klean Kanteen is climate-neutral-certified and a Certified B Corporation, a title awarded to companies that meet high standards on performance-related factors like charitable giving and supply-chain practices.

Slender, lightweight, and virtually indestructible, the Klean Kanteen Classic is clearly designed for durability and longevity. The updated style features a leakproof cap and is dishwasher safe. However, if you like your water frosty, this bottle might not be for you since it’s not insulated.

The Mukoko glass water bottle is made from durable borosilicate glass that’s easy to handwash or can go right in the dishwasher. It comes with two lids: a bamboo lid with a straw and a spout made from BPA-free plastic. This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing water bottle designs, especially when paired with a natural bamboo straw.

Having dropped the bottle several times on different surfaces, we never had any issue with cracks or breakage — though our research found that some customers have reported glass and the lid cracking over time. The Mukoko isn’t insulated, and in our temperature tests, our water was adjusted to the external temperature within a few hours. 

The Purifyou water bottle is made from shatter-resistant borosilicate glass, with a high-impact-resistant silicone sleeve for protection and improved grip. Purifyou is designed with markers to track your water intake throughout the day, whether you’re sitting at your desk, on the go, or doing an intense workout.

Our favorite part of this water bottle is the elegant glass construction and eye-catching silicone sleeve, which comes in 9 colors. The slim, glass mouth made the bottle a treat to drink from. The pretty design, easy drinking, and clean water taste helped us overlook this bottle’s main flaws — namely, zero insulation and incompatibility with standard ice cubes.

The Yomious is a sturdy, attractive water bottle made from borosilicate glass with a silicone sleeve and a bamboo lid. The silicone sleeves come in multiple colors, adding a stylish touch to this sleek bottle. The lid has a stainless steel insert to help protect the bamboo and a silicone ring to ensure a tight, leakproof seal. In use, the Yomious has a wide mouth with a smooth mouthfeel for easy sipping.

However, what makes it stand out from our other glass picks is that it comes with several thoughtful add-ons, including a protective silicone sleeve, a carrying strap, and a brush for easy handwashing. 

The iconic Brita water filter brand's Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle is designed with an activated carbon block filter that reduces chlorine taste and particles while retaining certain healthy minerals and electrolytes. This water bottle is made from BPA-free plastic, which keeps it light and ideal for people who aren’t fans of carrying around heavy, clunky water bottles.

One thing outdoor enthusiasts should note: It’s not a purifier, so don’t use it to drink water from unpurified sources. It’s also not equipped to filter stream or lake water. It’s also worth noting that it lacks insulation, and it’s made of plastic. Still, the Brita water bottle’s unique, ultra-convenient construction earned it a place on this list. 

If you’re a backpacker and getting access to a clean water source is challenging, whether hiking in the woods or staying at a hostel in a foreign country, this stainless steel water bottle can help ensure the cleanliness and safety of your water. Its dual filtration system filters out 99.99 percent of bacteria like E. coli and salmonella and parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium. It also filters out dirt and microplastics and can improve the taste of treated water. The carbon filter reduces chlorine, odors, and organic chemical matter.

Some potential cons are that it’s not a purifier and won’t remove viruses. It’s also on the spendier side (but we think it’s worth it for the peace of mind). 

If you’re not sure about the cleanliness of the tap water you’re drinking, this purifier bottle may be the solution to your problem. The Larq PureVis utilizes UV-C LED technology that eliminates 99.8 percent of bacteria like E. coli and viruses from your water. After touching a button on the lid, your water is clean in 60 seconds. The bottle also self-cleans automatically every two hours and only needs to be charged once a month. It’s great for traveling or keeping the bottle odor-free, especially if you hate how hard it is to clean standard reusable water bottles. The bottle also comes in an insulated version that keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, as well as a lightweight, non-insulated version.

The bottle, not the cap, is dishwasher safe, but it’s recommended that you clean it by hand. This water bottle isn’t meant to clean lake or stream water. You should note that this bottle also does not contain a filter and won’t remove physical impurities from your water.   

If you’re out on a hike and the only available water is from a nearby stream, this heavy-duty purifier and filter has you covered. The Grayl UltraPress Purifier Bottle filters out 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 8 seconds, ensuring you get clean, drinkable water quickly. It absorbs sediment, microplastics, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, flavors, and odors. Its cartridge lets you easily add electrolytes to your water so you can get that much-needed H2O while you’re on a long hike. It’s made from BPA-free plastic and is easy to sip from.

Our only qualms with this product are that it’s expensive and not dishwasher-safe. Still, it’s our top pick for a guaranteed clean drinking source, no matter where your outdoor adventures take you.

This Amphipod water bottle’s ergonomic design ensures it won’t slip out of your hand, whether you’re sprinting, distance running, hiking, or taking a walk. Not only does the bottle have a curved shape that fits in your hand and an adjustable strap to keep it secure, but the strap also has storage slots for nutrition gels or chews to fuel your run.

The bottle is made from BPA-free plastic, has a wide mouth that can fit ice cubes, and is dishwasher safe. However, this bottle’s plastic construction may be less than ideal for folks concerned about microplastic exposure. 

If you love cycling and have nowhere to store your water bottle, this Nathan water bottle waist pack might be the perfect solution. While it’s technically designed for runners, cyclists will also appreciate its hands-free design. It fits comfortably on the body and has an angled holder so you can easily access your water flask and return it to the waist pack when you’re done. The bottle holder is insulated, so your water stays cold even during long summer bike rides.

Nathan says their plastic is BPA-free, but like others on our list, there's still some risk of microplastic exposure. 

The All Day Slim is the brand’s skinniest model, featuring an ultra-narrow mouthpiece for sipping without spills. It fits most cupholders, making it perfect for commuting or going to the gym. The eco-friendly bottle is made from vacuum-insulated recycled stainless steel and designed to keep cold liquids cold for up to four hours and iced liquids cold for up to 11 hours.

The Stanley All Day Slim performed well in our ice-water temperature retention tests, losing less than five degrees of temperature over eight hours when left outside. The ultra-narrow mouthpiece makes it easy to take a sip during workouts, while its leakproof design ensures your water stays where it’s supposed to instead of leaking into your bag. The Stanley also has a clever design feature: It has a second opening at the shoulder of the bottle, which you can unscrew to add ice or clean the interior more easily.

Kids lead active lifestyles, and reminding them to drink water is key to their well-being. The Bentgo stainless steel, insulated water bottle is a favorite among our editors (or, well, our editors’ kids). It’s sturdy, keeps water cold throughout the day, is easy to clean, and doesn’t leak. We love that the water bottle is available in fun, kid-friendly designs and that it’s just the right size for younger kids to carry on their own.

This water bottle fits well into car seat cup holders and backpack pockets for easy transport. It also features a silicone handle for slip-free carrying. It’s 14 ounces, which is great for younger kiddos, but it may be a bit too small for older kids.

This slim, stainless steel water bottle comfortably fits small hands and comes in a variety of bright colors. The bottle, made for kids older than 3, is insulated to keep water cold. It has a leak-resistant straw cap that’s easy to sip from and closes when kids are done drinking. It’s also dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean.

This bottle regularly goes on sale, but it’s normally around $30, which is a bit expensive for a kids’ bottle. 

The Hydaway is made from food-grade silicone, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for use with food products. This water bottle’s main selling point is its collapsible design, which flattens the bottle down to the size of a coaster. Once folded, the bottle can fit easily in a coat pocket, backpack pouch, or purse. If you love to go camping or hiking, a bottle like this can make drinking on the go easier than ever. What the bottle lacks in features like insulation and volume, it easily makes up for in portability. The biggest issue with the bottle is the faint silicone taste it gives water after an hour or two.