When it comes to staying hydrated, a great reusable water bottle is both cheaper and more eco-friendly than the single-use plastic bottles. There are many options to choose from and it can be difficult to know what more to look for other than whether or not it holds water. We have found the best options with varied features you may not even know you’d like to have, including improved insulation. Getting into the habit of having a reusable water bottle around all day could help you to drink more water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Whether you like to add electrolytes to your water or prefer it plain yet crisp at every sip, there are water bottles on the market that can satisfy your preferences. We tested various water bottles and narrowed down our favorites based on our experience. Take a look at our top picks below.
Water bottle with best design
Klean Kanteen 16 oz. TKWide Insulated Water Bottle with Twist Cap
Klean Kanteen’s water bottle won me over based on its design. The twist cap incorporates a built-in straw that pops up when you twist it and folds down when you seal it back up. It’s simple yet functional, which makes it ideal for commuting or the office. It’s BPA-free and made up of 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel. At 16 ounces, it isn’t the biggest bottle on the list, but it’s light enough to carry around with you, and owing to the slim size, it’s easy to hold in your hand. Klean Kanteen also offers 12-, 20- and 32-ounce bottles in this style. This bottle claims to keep water cold for up to 46 hours. I tested this out and was impressed that the water was still cool that many hours later. This is important to keep in mind if you’re opting for an insulated bottle.
If the twist cap is not your cup of tea, you can also opt for a wide loop cap, which is a cover with a handle you can twist off, or the TKwide chug cap, which offers a different type of drinking spout that is made for outdoor activities. This is an easy-to-clean water bottle that is dishwasher safe and has a chip-resistant coating, so it’s built to last.
Pros:
- Clean-looking design
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher safe
- Keeps water cold
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not all cap options can be used with hot liquids
- Additional caps cost extra
Best budget water bottle
Nalgene 32 oz. Narrow Mouth Tritan Water Bottle
If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money on a water bottle, but want a trusted brand, then the Nalgene Narrow Mouth Tritan Water Bottle is your best choice. At under $20, it’s not the fanciest of the bunch, but it comes in multiple colors and is the biggest bottle on the list at 32 ounces. It’s made of BPA- and BPS-free plastic and is durable, so it can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The downsides to this bottle are that some people may find it bulky, and it also isn’t insulated. Therefore, you’re more likely to end up with room-temperature water after a while. The good news is there was no condensation noted during our testing, so you won’t likely have to worry about handling a damp bottle.
This water bottle is translucent, which makes it easy to see if you’re due for a refill. Although you have to twist the lid off, the narrow mouth makes it easy to drink from without spilling all over. The lid also makes it leak-proof, which is important if you’re taking it everywhere with you.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes in various colors
- Holds a lot of volume
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- No insulation
- Size can be too bulky for some
- Not as sophisticated looking as other bottles on the list
The Corkcicle Sport Canteen easily became one of my favorite bottles, not only because of its design but because I found it to be versatile enough for home and gym use. It’s made of BPA-free materials and triple-insulated steel. It’s dishwasher safe which makes it easy to clean. You can choose from 20- or 32-ounce options. Corkcicle offers plenty of colors to choose from, and the distinctive bottle design isn’t the traditional water bottle shape. The top part of the bottle is slightly wider and angular, and it has flat sides for easy gripping, while the base has a nonslip silicone pad that makes the bottle extra sturdy and less likely to tip over. The quick sip cap prevents spills when drinking, and it’s designed in a way that is easy to flip open and close.
According to Corkcicle, the bottle can keep beverages cold for up to 25 hours and hot for 12 hours. I tested this by leaving the bottle filled with water overnight and I can confirm that the water remained somewhat cool, but not as cold as during the earlier part of the day. Still, every time I took a sip of water throughout the daytime, the water was always still fresh and cold. The only other bottle that had its beat was the Iceshaker, which is known for its ability to keep drinks ice cold.
This bottle is suitable for home, work or even the gym, especially if you want to guarantee that your water will remain chilled during hotter days.
Pros:
- Keeps water cold
- Versatile design
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- May be overly large for some users
- Some people may prefer a different drinking nozzle
