Buying guide for best water bottles
It's no secret that drinking water benefits your health, but how do you ensure that you consume enough to stay properly hydrated?
People who carry a water bottle often find themselves drinking more than enough water during the day.
But shelling out several dollars per day for bottled water quickly adds up, and the constant flow of plastic to the landfill harms the environment.
That's why you see people sipping H2O from reusable water bottles.
And fortunately, water bottles have progressed aesthetically and stylistically since that Power Rangers flask you carried around in third grade.
Today’s water bottle market offers countless options.
The question is, which one is right for you?
At BestReviews, we strive to present you with the finest products on the market.
We combed independent reviews and studied consumer feedback in order to bring you the very best water bottle selection in our product list, above.
To avoid bias, we never accept free products from manufacturers – we buy them ourselves, just like you would. In this way, you can be sure our reviews are fair and honest.
If you’d like to learn more about water bottles and how to choose the right one, please continue reading this shopping guide.
EXPERT CONSULTANT
Denise has a background in healthcare and physical therapy. She also has the unique experience of raising three boys. Through the years, she has coached her sons and many of their friends through their share of childhood health problems and accidents. When not helping others recover from their injuries, you may find Denise working in her garden or reading.
Denise
Health Care Professional
Benefits of water bottles
Let's shed light on some of the many benefits of reusable water bottles:
You’re likely to drink more of the clear stuff when you carry a water bottle with you.
Reusable water bottles are better for the environment, as they decrease the demand for plastic.
A reusable water bottle saves you money in the long run. For example, a $25 water bottle, when used daily, pays for itself in less than a month.
- You can buy reusable water bottles in all sorts of cool designs and colors. These accessories look far more stylish than a throwaway bottle.
Our team compares water bottles of every shape and size to find those that will keep you properly hydrated while on the go.
A key consideration when choosing a water bottle is the size of the opening. We consider both wide-mouth and narrow-mouth bottles so our readers can determine their personal preference.
We keep an eye out for large water bottles with the capacity to hold an entire day’s worth of water.
We compare plastic, metal, and glass water bottles to find the most durable and practical products for all consumers.
Our team evaluates water bottles based on ease of use and portability to find those that are easy to open and carry.
We appreciate water bottles with interchangeable caps because the user is able to choose between a wide mouth and a straw lid.
Stainless steel water bottles are durable, environmentally friendly, and BPA-free. We compare metal-based bottles to find the best in their class.
We look at both insulated and non-insulated water bottles to find the most useful models for every beverage temperature.
BPA is a harmful chemical compound found in some plastics. We only consider water bottles that are BPA-free.
We award bonus points to water bottles with leak-proof lids that prevent spills and messes everywhere you go.
Water bottle materials
What's the best water bottle material? Here’s a look at some of the most common materials you’ll find for sale:
Plastic
Many excellent water bottles are made from plastic, even if it's not everyone's top choice.
Pros:
Plastic water bottles are lightweight and easy to carry in a purse, bag, or large pocket.
They’re durable and hard to damage.
Many plastic water bottles are advertised as BPA-free. BPA is the abbreviation for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of some plastics.
If you're looking for an affordable choice, plastic water bottles are a great option.
Cons:
Did you know?
The full effects of BPA on our health aren't yet clear. If you buy a plastic water bottle, we recommend that you opt for a BPA-free model to be on the safe side.
STAFF
BestReviews
Metal
Metal water bottles tend to be made out of stainless steel or aluminum. Consumers who want to limit their use of plastic appreciate this material.
Pros:
A metal water bottle tends to keep water cooler for longer — as long as it's not left out in the sun.
Since they're typically made from one piece of metal, metal water bottles are usually quite durable.
Both stainless steel and aluminum are non-reactive, food-grade materials.
Metal is naturally free of BPA, so you needn’t worry about bisphenol A leaching into your beverage.
Metal water bottles are more environmentally friendly than their plastic counterparts.
"Some metal water bottles are specially designed so they don't sweat on hot days."
STAFF
BestReviews
Cons:
Expert Tip
Drinking plenty of water is good for your kidney function, makes your skin look healthy, helps maintain healthy bowel function, and — let's not forget — keeps you alive!
STAFF
BestReviews
Glass
Glass water bottles are a stylish, eco-friendly alternative to plastic. However, they're not always the most practical option.
Pros:
Glass water bottles don't have sealants or linings which could contain unwanted chemicals.
Glass is simple to clean and doesn't scratch easily.
As a non-porous, non-reactive material, glass won't absorb flavor from beverages. This appeals to those who plan to use their bottle to drink beverages beyond water, such as fruit juice or tea.
Cons:
Considerations
How do you make sure you're picking the right vessel to hold your H2O? Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for a water bottle:
Size and capacity
Consider both the external size and the internal capacity of your potential new water bottle.
"If you'd also like to put hot drinks in your water bottle, look for an insulated variety that will keep your drink warm for several hours."
STAFF
BestReviews
Did you know?
If you really want a water bottle that’s safe for the dishwasher, check the specs before buying it. Placing a non-safe water bottle in the dishwasher could warp and ruin it.
STAFF
BestReviews
As for capacity, you can find water bottles that hold various amounts of liquid, from compact 8- or 9-oz varieties that hold a little over a standard glass of water to 32-oz behemoths that hold almost half the total water you need to drink each day.
Expert Tip
A larger water bottle means you'll have to refill it less often. In exchange, however, you’ll be toting around a heavier, bulkier bottle.
STAFF
BestReviews
Color
Most of our top water bottles come in a range of colors and designs. You can choose anything from basic black to a funky psychedelic pattern.
"Some water bottles have ingenious extra features that may appeal to some users. For example, some bottles have built-in fruit infusers that allows you to integrate fresh fruit with your beverage."
STAFF
BestReviews
Insulation
Insulated water bottles are designed to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.
While insulation isn't necessary in a water bottle, it's a nice feature to have, especially if you live in a hot climate. After all, who wants a "refreshing" sip of tepid water on a sweltering day?
Ease of opening
If you plan to sip while exercising, you'll probably want a model with an easy-open mechanism that you can operate with one hand.
However, if you plan to drink your H2O at home or at your desk, the standard screw top variety should suit you just fine.
Expert Tip
While they're designed for sport or on-the-go use, water bottles that open with the press of a button are also excellent for people with poor grip or a limited range of motion in their hands.
STAFF
BestReviews
Price
You needn’t spend a lot to get a quality water bottle. Price generally depends on the bottle’s size and material, as well as any extra features it offers.
You could pick up a decent BPA-free plastic water bottle — even a name brand like the Thermos Intak — for around $10.
If you'd prefer a metal water bottle, you'll probably pay just a little more. An eight-ounce quality metal bottle might cost around $15, whereas a 24-oz version would probably hover closer to the $20 mark.
FAQ
Q. Should I get a water bottle with a wide or narrow mouth?
A. Whether you prefer a wide or narrow mouth comes down to personal preference. Wide-mouth bottles fill faster, and the water comes out faster, too. Occasionally, it might come out too fast, causing you to spill it while you’re drinking.
Q. Is my water bottle dishwasher safe?
A. Many, but not all, water bottles are dishwasher safe. Always check the manufacturer's specs before throwing your water bottle in the dishwasher.
Q. Do I need an insulated water bottle?
A. Not everybody cares if their water bottle is insulated or not. But some owners swear by the insulated models.
An insulated water bottle will keep your cold drinks cool and your hot drinks warm. If you were to take a chilled water bottle on a hike or run on a hot day, an insulated variety would keep your H2O cool. Some people find this benefit to be invaluable.
