9 Best Water Bottles of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
We’ve got the top picks to help you hydrate in style.
Joelle Battista
Tested by Joelle Battista
It’s safe to say that reusable water bottles have become a must-have in the last few years. They've gone from being overlooked, often forgotten about, and usually branded with some local business or sports equipment company to being a prized possession worth waiting in line outside Target to buy. Few items have climbed the social ladder quite like Stanley tumblers or Owala water bottles, and we're not mad about it. Of all the things to become a trend, hydrating in style is easy to get behind.
With more fill-up stations in public than ever before, our testers and editors have found that carrying a reusable water bottle can help with cutting down on cost and on single use plastics. While there are hundreds, if not thousands of reusable water bottles on the market today, only some truly deserve that spot in your cupholder. (And for our editors, a good reusable water bottle needs to fit in one.) From the highest durability plastics to stainless steel and silicone-coated glass, we tested more than 20 water bottles to find the best water bottles for your lifestyle.
Our Top Water Bottle Picks
How We Tested
When it came time to choose the best water bottles for testing, we scoured consumer buying guides, social media and bestseller lists from top retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart. From there, we chose 26 water bottles in glass, stainless steel and plastic materials for testing. We chose only to test true water bottle styles, not tumbler styles with a straw and handle.
Joelle Battista
We started by filling up each water bottle with cool water from a filter to ensure all water was the same temperature to start.
Joelle Battista
Then we checked the temperature of the water in each bottle after eight hours.
Joelle Battista
Finally, we hand washed each water bottle with a bottle brush to determine how easy it was to get into all the nooks and crannies of each one.
We started the testing by digging into the specifications of each bottle: whether they were dishwasher-safe, what kind of other accessories could be purchased, and seeing if they fit into a standard cupholder. Once we divided the bottles into categories by their material, we put them each through a round of testing that included drinking and refilling, cleaning, testing how well the bottle kept water cold over 8 hours, and finally, a drop test to evaluate how durable each bottle was (not the glass ones- don't worry!).
Once we had our initial top picks, we started using them regularly, integrating them into our own lives to see how our feelings about the bottles would change after continuous use. In some cases, our initial top picks stayed the favorites, in other cases, the repeated use exposed flaws we hadn’t noticed in original testing. All of these observations, in combination with price, led us to our top water bottle picks.
- Two different ways to drink (sip or swig!)
- Leakproof flip-top lid keeps spout clean
- Slim and easy to hold with carry loop
- Only the 24 oz. size fits in a cup holder
- Not every part is dishwasher safe
We had to know if the famous Owala bottle was truly worth the hype, and after testing it thoroughly — see our full review here — it is! This bottle combines the best of all the features we loved most during testing: It's durable, has two ways to drink (straw and chug), is insulated, has a convenient carry handle, is leakproof, and is mostly dishwasher safe. Plus, it comes in many colors and styles, including colors inspired by some of the most popular franchises like Harry Potter.
The flip-style top didn’t leak and kept the straw covered while not in use. The top also screws off for easy filling (including ice cubes) and cleaning. The bottle is triple wall insulated, and we found in testing it truly does keep water cold for hours. We loved using it in the car because we could easily and one-handedly sip from the straw side of the spout while also fitting nicely in the cupholder. You truly can’t go wrong with the wildly popular (and for good reason) Owala Freesip!
- Great quality at a great price
- Great choice for kids (spill-proof, lightweight and durable)
- Perfect mid-size, 25 oz. capacity
- Bite-style straw isn't for everyone
- Not insulated
- Multiple parts to clean
If you’re just getting into reusable water bottles or are looking for a high-quality option on a budget, the Camelback Eddy+ is a clear choice. This BPA-, BPS- and BPF-free bottle boasts great durability while also being a perfect mid-range (25 oz) capacity, dishwasher safe, lightweight, and spillproof! Plus, it’s made with 50% recycled plastic!
The bottle uses a bite-style straw, meaning you have to bite down on the straw to get water to come out, which isn’t for everyone, but we found to be easy enough to use during testing. This style straw prevented accidental spills in testing, so between being spillproof, durable and lightweight, this bottle is also a great choice for kids. All in all, you can’t go wrong with this Camelback bottle.
- Silicone sleeve is stylish and protects the glass
- Silicone-coated lid is easy to open and leakproof
- Slim design and dishwasher safe
- Not insulated
- Naturally not going to be as durable
Glass water bottles are inherently stylish and good for the planet, but they can be a little weightier than other materials. Our absolute favorite glass water bottle is the W+P Glass Water Bottle.
With a silicone sleeve that covers most of the body, we found we didn’t have to worry about cracks when we tipped it over or dropped it (from a moderate height) during testing. The mouth of the bottle was wide enough for easy cleaning with a bottle brush (or in the dishwasher), but not so wide that we were spilling water while drinking.
The slim design means it isn’t too heavy, and it fit nicely in the cupholder, a purse or work bag (and because the lid is leakproof, it didn’t like during transport). We loved the feeling of drinking from this bottle and thought that the 20 oz capacity was not so small that it constantly needed refilling but not so large that it became heavy. Between the great features and the variety of colors this bottle comes in, it was a clear winner in the glass category.
- Lightweight and durable, at a great price
- Fits in a cupholder and comes with clip/carry handle
- Two-piece cap provides two ways to drink/refill/clean
- Not insulated
Plastic bottles, while less popular, have strong benefits, including durability, typically lower cost than bottles in other materials, and easy cleaning. The creme-de-la-creme of reusable plastic water bottles is the Yeti Yonder Water Bottle with Chug Cap. This bottle blew us away, perhaps unsurprisingly, as Yeti has a reputation of producing high-quality products with top-notch construction.
Of all the bottles, this by far won the drop test, having almost no signs of being dropped. The two-piece lid provides a “chug” style mouth for easy drinking but includes the option to screw it off to reveal a wide mouth, perfect for refills (including ice cubes) and easy cleaning. The whole BPA-free bottle is dishwasher safe, and the carry handle is sturdy enough to be used with a carabiner if you wanted to clip the bottle to a backpack or belt.
The only thing to note about this bottle is that, like all the plastic bottles we tested, it is not insulted, so our water did not stay cold for very long. If you’re not looking for ice cold water and like the durability of plastic, the Yeti Yonder is for you.
- Large, 32 oz. capacity
- Convenient carry handle
- Well-insulated and leakproof
- Slightly bulky design
- Pricey
- Can get banged up if dropped on pavement
If you want a bottle that keeps water cold long throughout your whole workout, without being too large or lacking style, the Corkcicle Sport Canteen is the bottle for you. With a leakproof flip cap and convenient carry handle, this bottle is the perfect companion to gym visits and home workouts alike.
It was one of the best bottles we tested in terms of how well it kept water cold over time, and we absolutely loved the matte, soft-touch coating and rubberized bottom. We did notice that the outside of the bottle got a little scuffed during the drop test (conducted on pavement), but the unique finish made it hard to notice. All-around this Corkcicle Sport Canteen is the perfect workout partner, no matter what type of exercise you’re doing!
- Flip-up straw for easy, one-handed drinking
- Fits in a cupholder
- Insulated and leakproof
- Straw needs to be fully extended to get water through it
There are a few key features that make a reusable water bottle good for driving: it needs to fit in a cupholder, shouldn’t require more than one hand to drink from it, and needs a straw so you don’t have to hold the bottle up. That brings us to the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Stainless Steel bottle: During testing, we found it to be the perfect road trip companion.
The straw made it super easy to drink out of without spillage. The straw flips down and locks into place while not being used which made it leakproof in our bag and protected the straw from constantly being exposed to bacteria. The bottle is insulated nicely, holding cold temperatures for a long time and is dishwasher safe for super easy cleaning.
The inside of the lid is easy to clean, even without a dishwasher, so we feel confident there would be minimal mold buildup (which is common in bottles with straws) with regular cleaning. It also has a great carry handle and comes in a whole slew of fun colors! Whether you’re just in the car for your commute or are a road trip warrior, this bottle won’t let you down.
- Built-in filter for cleaner water
- Flip top is leakproof and protects straw from germs
- Dishwasher safe
- Requires a little more effort to get water out of the straw
Having a reusable water bottle is great, but depending on where you plan on using it, you might not always have the cleanest or best-tasting water to refill your bottle with (for example, at a theme park). Those situations are tricky, but not when you have a Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle. With a Brita filter built into the straw of this stainless-steel bottle, getting clean, fresh-tasting water has never been simpler.
One of our shopping editors used this water bottle on a trip to Rwanda and used it to filter the bottled water for an added layer of precaution and for better taste. It also kept water cold throughout a five-hour gorilla trek. Each activated carbon block filter lasts about 2 months or 40 gallons and cuts the odor/flavor of chlorine along with particulate in the water. The slim design with flip-top cap and carrying handle makes it convenient to bring with you anywhere so it’s easier than ever to get clean-tasting water.
- Slim, lightweight design
- Leakproof
- Insulated
- No carry handle
Traveling is stressful enough, and the last thing you need is a bulky or leaky water bottle to complicate getting through the airport, which is why we love the OXO Strive for traveling. The ultra-slim design is perfect for sliding into a backpack or carry-on without any straws or bulky handles to contend with. The double-wall insulation kept our water cold for hours (it can also handle hot water), and the wide mouth makes it super easy to refill anywhere.
It also passed our drop test with flying colors, so we know it can withstand a fall out of the rental car door or being tossed around by TSA. We also loved that this bottle is entirely dishwasher safe, so it couldn’t be easier to clean, and it fits easily in a cup holder. It’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling, so grab the OXO Strive bottle before your next trip!
- Great bottle for content creators
- Super comfortable to drink from
- Large (32 oz.) capacity
- Expensive
- Bulky/heavy
Whether you’re a fitness influencer or just like to take hands-free selfies, this Ringo Insulated MagSafe Compatible Water Bottle has you covered. Complete with MagSafe ring for easy phone mounting, this bottle is sturdy enough (full or empty) to double as a tripod, while also being an all-around great reusable water bottle. The bottle even comes with an extra magnetizing ring to add to the already magnetic ring (that doubles as a carrying handle) so that you can be sure your phone is mounted safely and securely.
In addition to the obviously cool tripod feature, the bottle is also dishwasher safe, safe for hot liquids, and leakproof, making it perfect for anyone who likes to film or take photos hands-free without the bulk of carrying a tripod. We also think this water bottle would make a great gift for the teen in your life.
Joelle Battista
We tested glass water bottles.
Joelle Battista
We tested plastic water bottles.
Joelle Battista
And we tested stainless steel water bottles.
What to Consider Before Buying a Water Bottle
Material
Material can make the biggest difference when selecting a water bottle. Glass is great in that it is clean and chemical-free, but weighs a lot, isn’t very insulated and is easily broken. Plastic is much more durable but isn’t insulated and may pose health risks at higher temperatures. Stainless steel seems to have the best of all the options: chemical free, naturally insulated, and relatively durable — though not everyone likes the feeling of metal on their mouth. Different materials also have different aesthetics, so depending on your style and lifestyle, material can play a big role in which bottle makes the most sense for you.
Capacity
Capacities of reusable water bottles range from as small as 8oz to as large as 64 oz (a half gallon), and there are plenty of options in between. If you readily have access to clean water to refill with, we recommend opting for something on the smaller-medium size (somewhere in the range of 20-32 oz). Smaller bottles are lighter weight and are easier to fit in the cupholder! If you’re looking for a bottle for long road trips or for being on the job all day without easy access to a refill station, a bigger bottle will help ensure you stay hydrated all day long.
Design
There are many design options on the market, and they all have their advantages. Some of the biggest design features to recognize, especially for someone who spends a considerable amount of time in the car, includes whether the bottle will fit in the cupholder and is able to be opened with one hand. For someone on-the-go or for a kid at school, an important design feature might be whether the bottle has a carry handle and is leakproof. If you’re not sure, opt for something that has the best of all the features, like our top pick, the Owala Freesip.
Cap Style
There are various types of cap styles to choose from when selecting a water bottle. While a straw top is a popular pick for convenience, it also requires more cleaning and, if not covered by a cap, can accidentally end up collecting bacteria from your backpack, purse, etc. There are caps that screw off, which are great for being leakproof but aren’t convenient for when you need to open the bottle with one hand (like while driving). Pick one feature as the priority feature (ex: leakproof) and start there. Even better, go for a bottle with multiple cap features, like our pick for Best Plastic, the Yeti Yonder.
Price
You can generally get a durable, long-lasting water bottle for less than $40. Most of the picks on our last fall under that price cap, but the price will generally differ based on two main things: the material and the capacity. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, opt for something in either stainless steel or plastic with a capacity of 20 oz or less, like our Best Budget pick, the Camelback eddy+.
FAQs
What is the best water bottle?
The best water bottle depends on your lifestyle and drinking habits! For example, the best water bottle for a kid is totally different than what the best water bottle would be for someone who spends a lot of time in the car. Our Best Overall pick, the Owala Freesip, is best for most people.
What’s the best water bottle material?
Arguably, the best water bottle material is stainless steel; it combines the benefits of being chemical-free and being naturally insulating. Stainless steel water bottles are also typically lightweight and durable, making them an all-around good choice.
How much money should you spend on a water bottle?
The amount of money you should spend on a reusable water bottle depends on the features you want that water bottle to have. For example, you can expect to pay more for water bottles made of stainless steel or glass than you would for a plastic bottle. Similarly, you’ll typically spend more on a bottle with some sort of water filtering system than you would on one without. Also, as the capacity of the water bottle increases, typically, so does the price.
How often should you clean a reusable water bottle?
We suggest that you clean your reusable water bottle every day. Water bottles go everywhere with us — to the gym, school, work, the car — and collect germs throughout the day. The best way to ensure your bottle is always the cleanest it can be, and free of excess bacteria, is to clean it once a day.
How to Clean a Reusable Water Bottle
We generally recommend cleaning reusable water bottles in the dishwasher if they’re dishwasher safe. If your bottle isn’t dishwasher safe or it doesn’t fit in the dishwasher, the best way to clean it is with a bottle brush. Bottle brushes are long, thin brushes that are meant to fit into bottles. They usually collapse down to fit through the mouth of the bottle, and then the brush expands back out, making it easy to clean the inside of the bottle. Regardless of how you clean the bottle, pay specific attention to the cap and/or straw; these are parts of the bottle that are harder to clean and can end up with mold growth over time. We recommend carefully cleaning the cap and/or straw regularly to ensure it is clean and free of mold.
