The Fast Facts

  • Reusable water bottles are great for the environment and can help you stay hydrated on the go.
  • Our picks for the best reusable water bottles vary from travel-friendly to purifying bottles.
  • Owala FreeSip is our best overall, and the Vapur Anti-Bottle is the best collapsible and travel-friendly water bottle.

Keeping a reusable water bottle on hand is a great way to ensure that you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

Finding one that fits your lifestyle, your bag, or even your color scheme can be hard.

We took away some of the work for you and chose these 6 as the best reusable water bottles out there. Start your search here, and hopefully that’ll narrow things down.

Medical Perspective

Any tips for staying hydrated?

In addition to carrying a water bottle, it can help to pair drinking water with daily routines like meals, coffee breaks, or checking emails so hydration becomes automatic.

Foods with high water content—such as fruits, vegetables, soups, and yogurt—can also contribute meaningfully to overall hydration.

Debra Sullivan, Ph.D, MSN, R.N., CNE, COI

Here are some of the most hydrating foods.

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Here is a closer look at how each of our picks compares:

-
Price
Insulated?
Material
Dishwasher-safe
$29.99
yes
stainless steel; BPA-free lid
lid only
$35.00
yes
90% recycled stainless steel; BPA-free lid
yes
$43.95
yes
pro-grade stainless steel; BPA- and toxin-free lid
yes
$14.99
no
durable, BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene and nylon laminate
top-rack dishwasher safe
$45.95
yes
stainless steel; food-grade silicone lid
yes
$99.95
no
BPA-free polypropylene #5; food-grade silicone lid
no

You may want to consider the following factors when determining which water bottle is right for you:

  • Purpose: Consider how you plan to use your water bottle, since some are designed for specific purposes. For example, a tumbler or wide-mouth bottle can be used for hydration at home or on the go. However, if you’re a runner, you may want to choose a handheld bottle that’s easier to carry.
  • Size: In addition to determining the ideal capacity for your water bottle, think about whether you need a bottle with a narrow base to fit in specific areas, such as a cupholder in your car, bike, or stroller.
  • Lid type: Some people may prefer sipping from a straw, while others may decide that a spout lid, bite valve, or flip lid works better for them.
  • Material: It’s important to decide what type of material you prefer. Water bottles made from BPA-free plastic, such as Tritan plastic, are often lightweight and more affordable. Stainless steel is usually slightly more expensive but more durable.
  • Cleaning: Though some water bottles are dishwasher-safe, many need to be washed by hand. This can be an important consideration if you’re short on time or prefer a product that requires less maintenance.
  • Budget: Water bottles are available at a wide range of price points, so be sure to determine how much you’re comfortable spending.

Reusable water bottles can be a convenient and easy way to increase your water intake.

They typically hold more water than regular cups and glasses, so you don’t need to worry about heading back to the kitchen for a refill as often. Plus, they’re portable, making it easier to stay hydrated almost anywhere.

Additionally, they’re often insulated to maintain the temperature of your drink and may feature straw, spout, or flip-top lids to prevent leaks and spills.

Reusable water bottles are a much more affordable and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic water bottles, which are a major contributor to plastic waste and often end up in landfills.

Furthermore, single-use plastic water bottles often contain higher levels of compounds such as microplastics and bisphenol A (BPA), which are associated with negative health effects.

Here are a few of the key factors we considered when choosing the best water bottles:

  • Features: We selected water bottles with a variety of features and lid types that may make it easier to meet your hydration goals.
  • Capacity: Many of the water bottles we selected are available in a wide range of sizes, so you’ll likely be able to find one that fits your needs.
  • Materials: We picked water bottles made with safe, high quality, and durable materials for long-term use.
  • Recommendations: We asked Healthline editors and contributors for their top water bottle recommendations.
  • Customer reviews: We chose water bottles with mostly positive online reviews from customers.
  • Price: We selected water bottles at a variety of price points to help you find one that fits your budget.

The easiest way to maintain your reusable water is to clean it, rinse it out, and let it air dry completely after each use.

Cleaning it infrequently, storing it in wet areas, or keeping it sealed for long periods of time with liquid inside can cause unpleasant changes in taste or smell.

A bottle brush is a great item to keep on hand for regular cleaning, especially if you have a water bottle with a narrower opening that can be tricky to clean.

Many companies even offer kits, which contain brushes designed to clean tough-to-reach corners and crevices of your bottle. You can simply scrub with hot water and unscented soap and then let the bottle air dry overnight.

Some bottles can be washed in the dishwasher. You can check with the manufacturer or look for a square icon with a fork and cup on your bottle, which usually indicates that a product is dishwasher-safe.

You can also purchase a pack of bottle cleaning tablets to remove stains and odors and give your bottle a monthly refresh. In most cases, these tablets should be added to the bottle with water and can sit for an hour or so to clean your bottle with no scrubbing required.

Medical Perspective

Are reusable bottles good for you?

Reusable water bottles can be very helpful for maintaining hydration, especially for people who get busy and forget to drink water throughout the day, but they should be cleaned thoroughly and regularly since mold and bacteria can accumulate under rubber seals and straw components.

Different brands offer different conveniences—some are better insulated, while others are easier to drink from or less likely to spill—so the best choice is one that you will use consistently and can clean effectively.

Debra Sullivan, Ph.D, MSN, R.N., CNE, COI

Learn the best ways to clean your water bottle.

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Water needs vary based on many factors, including your age, sex, and health status.

Recommendations for fluid intake from health authorities such as the Institute of Medicine and the European Food Safety Authority are as follows:

  • Adult females: 68–91 oz (2–2.7 liters [L]) per day
  • Adult males: 85–125 oz (2.5–3.7 L) per day

However, several factors can increase the amount of water your body needs, such as:

  • hot climates
  • increased physical activity
  • a fever or other illness
  • fluid loss due to diarrhea or vomiting

Listening to your body, drinking water when you feel thirsty, and maintaining a healthy, well-rounded diet can help you ensure that you’re meeting your fluid needs.

Healthline editors’ must-haves for water bottle maintenance

Stainless steel and glass are often considered the safest materials for reusable water bottles because they are free of BPA, a harmful compound that has been linked to a variety of negative health effects.

Reusable water bottles are more affordable and environmentally friendly than single-use plastic water bottles. They can also help keep drinks cold or hot and can be a portable and convenient option for traveling or exercising.

The general recommendation is to wash your water bottle daily and let it air dry. This can help prevent unpleasant changes in taste or smell over time.

You can also use a bottle brush or bottle cleaning tablets to keep your bottles clean and help remove any germs or residue.

You can leave water in a reusable bottle for several days before you’ll notice any changes in taste or palatability.

However, leaving water uncovered can increase the risk of contamination with dust or germs. Additionally, leaving liquids in your reusable water for long periods can lead to unpleasant tastes or odors over time.

Reusable water bottles offer a simple and sustainable way to meet your hydration goals each day.

There are plenty of products available, which are made with various materials and equipped with different types of lids and other features.

You can use the products above as a starting point. Be sure to consider your needs, budget, and personal preferences when determining which one is right for you.