Yahoo Lifestyle The Best Water Bottles to Stave off Your Chronic Dehydration
- 1/14
The Best Water Bottles to Stave off Your Chronic Dehydration
We updated this article in March 2023 to add more information about each featured product.
The best water bottle you can purchase is one that is durable, easy to clean and makes increasing your daily water intake easier. Considering that there are thousands of water bottles on the market, let us help you navigate through models with built-in straws, unique features and various colors and patterns to help you select the best for you. Whether you want a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout a long workday, for working out at home or long car rides – there's a water bottle for your lifestyle. Plus, the benefits for the environment (and your wallet!) make the purchase worth it.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we rely on decades worth of testing, evaluating thousands of beverage-related products in that time. Through our in-Lab and real-life testing, as well as our product experts' extensive research and industry experience, we're able to recommend water bottles that tested well for us in temperature retention, durability, cleanability and so much more.
You can read about how we evaluate water bottles in our Lab — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect water bottle — at the end of this guide. Looking for more kitchen gear to upgrade your hydration? Check out our guides to the best electric kettles and best water filters.
Courtesy of Amazon - 2/14
1) Rambler 26 oz. Bottle with Chug Cap
YETI
amazon.com
$40.00
Yeti is a versatile water bottle brand that offers a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. This 26-ounce Rambler is a great everyday option that's comfortable to hold, doesn't sweat and is easy to drink out of, thanks to the perfectly sized cap. Like all of Yeti's Ramblers, this water bottle's lid unscrews smoothly and has an oversized handle that makes it easy to hold. We especially love that the lids are all interchangeable amongst the various Rambler bottles that range in size from 12 ounces to 64 ounces.
Our favorite part about this water bottle is that it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. After numerous runs in the dishwasher, our testing supports this — and the colors on three different water bottles are still as bright and vibrant as they were when we began testing last year. (Note: The dishwasher's tough environment can deform the seal on bottles that aren't dishwasher safe and ruin the exterior over time, so always check.) The Rambler's wide mouth also makes it easy to wash by hand — and add ice cubes.
If you prefer a lightweight, plastic water bottle over stainless steel, Yeti just came out with its plastic Yonder line, which comes in five colors, two sizes and is compatible with the chug cap as well. We've been conducting dishwasher testing, and these bottles are holding up well like the Rambler.
YETI - 3/14
2) Sustain Tritan Water Bottle
Nalgene
amazon.com
$16.65
Nalgene water bottles are popular for a reason. With more than 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, a price tag under $20 and a leak-proof seal, this water bottle is a popular pick with both consumers and GH Institute experts. This 32-ounce wide-mouth bottle is easy to drink from and take along anywhere: It's lightweight with a plastic loop that easily hooks onto any bag. Plus, its screw top makes for a tight seal so you can toss it in without fear of leaking.
This Nalgene water bottle comes from their Sustain line, which means that the Tritan BPA-free bottle is made with material derived from 50% plastic waste. We love the measurement markings on the side that allow you to keep track of how much you’re drinking through the day. It's dishwasher safe, and the colors stay bright even after many washes, though the markings wear off over time.
Nalgene - 4/14
3) Actives Insulated Water Bottle
Takeya
amazon.com
$26.39
One GH staffer says this Takeya bottle is her go-to for everything from working out to traveling, thanks to its smart details. "I love that there’s a grippy strip around the lid, which makes it easy to open the top if it’s been tightened too much," she says.
The spout is easy to flip open and wide enough to sip out of mid-workout. It's insulated and doesn't sweat, and its matte finish makes it easy to grasp. Plus, it has a silicone grip on the bottom, which helps the bottle stay in place in a cup holder or on a table. The wide mouth means the bottle is easy to fill and easy to clean — it's even dishwasher safe. Take note that, like most straws, this straw requires additional care when cleaning due to the narrow shape.
This style of water bottle comes in a range of sizes and lid options like the spout lid — there’s even one for kids. And another great option from Takeya for the gym is the Takeya Sport, which won a GH 2023 Fitness Award.
Takeya - 5/14
4) eddy+ Water Bottle
CamelBak
amazon.com
$22.99
For just over $20, it’s hard to beat the value of the CamelBak eddy+. It's made of durable, dishwasher-safe plastic and comes in a variety of colors from lavender to sky blue. This water bottle holds 25 ounces and is the perfect size to tote around all day with its easy-to-carry two-finger loop handle — it even fits in most car and bicycle cup holders.
The bite valve straw makes it easy to sip from on the go and prevents spills and splashes (though we don't recommend tossing it into a bag, as it's not leak-proof). CamelBak stands behind its products so much so that they offer a lifetime warranty.
Camelbak - 6/14
5) Vacuum Insulated Mug
Zojirushi
amazon.com
$27.99
This 20-ounce stainless steel water bottle is a favorite among many GH staffers. We love that it has the ease of a drinking spout and a lid that covers and protects it. The lid screws on and locks so it's great for tossing in a bag without the worry of accidental leaks. When it's time to drink, the pop-top opens with the click of a button.
Its sleek design and variety of colors are a plus, but the real wow is how well it keeps drinks at temperature. It excels at keeping both hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold; plus, it has a small drink spout, which makes it more ideal for hot beverages that you don't want to chug, though it does make water flow a little slower than other bottles on this list.
RELATED: The Best Travel Coffee Mugs
Zojirushi - 7/14
6) Lightweight Trail Series Water Bottle
Hydro Flask
amazon.com
$39.95
Hydro Flask's 21-ounce Trail Series is slim, noticeably lightweight and held drinks at their temperature for hours in our road test. This bottle is not only our top pick for a stainless steel water bottle, but it's also a great choice for taking on the go whether you are hiking, camping or traveling. Its walls are made of thinner stainless steel than competitors and it has a perforated handle, which makes it lighter and easier to carry on long treks.
It comes in two different colors and in 21- and 24-ounce sizes. If you are looking for a larger water bottle, the brand offers it in the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Trail bottles, which come in 32- and 40-ounce sizes. Keep in mind that Hydro Flask recommends that you hand wash all of its water bottles.
And if you have a few old Hydro Flask water bottles lying around your house, Hydro Flask just launched a recycling program. Through Hydro Flask Trade-in, you can recycle your old bottles and get credits for new bottles like this 21-ounce Trail Series.
Hydro Flask - 8/14
7) Porter Glass Wide Mouth Bottle
W&P
amazon.com
$30.00
If you're looking for a glass bottle, this W&P Porter bottle stands out. Its wide mouth makes it feel comparable to drinking out of a cup, but it has a lid so you can take it on the go. It holds 16 ounces of liquid, small enough to fit into most bags. We've even tested this out with transporting cold brew coffee: There were no spills, and we appreciated that the flavor of coffee didn't linger after washing, which can happen with other water bottle materials.
The silicone wrap feels smooth and soft in the hand and helps prevent condensation from building up. (Heads up that the bottom can sometimes form a suction on surfaces that makes it feel like it’s stuck to the table.) A more narrowed-mouth glass bottle is available, too, but we recommend the wide-mouth because it is easy to add ice to and is easier to clean by hand.
W&P - 9/14
8) Hard-Sided Filtering Water Bottle
Brita
amazon.com
$22.99
While we haven't tested this water bottle from Brita, Brita water bottles have performed well in the past. This 26-ounce bottle filters out chlorine, which can affect the odor and taste of your water. Brita says that its water bottle filter (located in the straw) should be replaced after 40 gallons or approximately every two months for best-tasting water. The slim plastic bottle fits into most bicycle cup holders which makes it a perfect pick for those who like to ride; plus, the cap flips open with the touch of a button.
The water bottle is made out of lightweight BPA-free plastic and is dishwasher safe. If you don't want plastic, Brita makes a stainless-steel version. Take note that this water bottle is not suitable for filtering water from outdoor bodies of water like rivers or streams.
Brita - 10/14
9) TKWide Water Bottle with Chug Cap
Klean Kanteen
amazon.com
$44.95
This water bottle is one of our favorites, particularly for its covered rubber spout that won't hurt teeth when sipping on the go. Its lid also screws off relatively easily if you prefer to drink out of a wide mouth. At 32 ounces, this KleanKanteen water bottle is large but holdable with a sturdy carrying handle that's durable enough to clip to a backpack.
Its insulated design keeps contents cold for up to 47 hours or hot for up to 14 hours, according to the manufacturer. (If you opt to use this, or any, water bottle for hot beverages, choose a lid with a smaller drinking spout to prevent potential burns. KleanKanteen sells an assortment of compatible lids, including this cafe cap for hot beverages.) Its wide mouth allows for easy filling and cleaning. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, which is not as common for insulated water bottles.
From a sustainability standpoint, we also love that Klean Kanteen will be using certified 90% post-consumer recycled steel for 95% of their products by the end of 2023.
Klean Kanteen - 11/14
10) Big Grip Travel Quencher
Stanley
amazon.com
$66.25
You may have seen the Stanley cup all over social media, and we've found that we are fans of it as well. This large cup-shaped water bottle holds a lot of water — 40 ounces — and the straw makes it easy to drink from. We think it's a great pick for long car rides or for sitting at your desk, ensuring that you stay hydrated throughout the day. The sturdy handle is comfortable to hold: It's large enough to fit your hand inside, but not so big that it moves around in your hand. The slim bottle design that tapers at the bottom makes it easy to grasp when you're not using the handle, and the lid goes on and off easily so you can refill quickly.
Stanley claims that it will keep water cold for 11 hours, iced for two days and hot for seven hours, and we certainly noticed how cold it kept our water in testing. Note that if you are looking for a leak-proof water bottle, this wouldn't be your best pic, as it will leak if turned upside.
Stanley - 12/14
11) Half-Gallon Water Bottle
HydroJug
amazon.com
$21.99
This massive water bottle holds a half gallon of water to help you reach your hydration goals. It may seem over the top, but it’s a great way to keep a ton of water on hand without refilling often — and it can be a great reminder to drink up.
It's lightweight plastic, dishwasher safe and comes in a lot of colors, and the carrying sleeve makes it easy to bring to the gym or on hikes. However keep in mind that it won't fit in cup holders or your backpack due to its size. GH analyst Jodhaira Rodriguez is a huge fan of her HydroJug: "My favorite things about it are that it doesn’t leak if I tip it over, and it has a wide mouth so I can reach into it easily to clean." We just recommend that the flip-top mouthpiece is securely fastened in case the water bottle is knocked over by accident.
If plastic water bottles aren’t your thing, HydroJug also offers stainless-steel and glass versions.
HydroJug - 13/14
12) FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw
Owala
amazon.com
$26.86
FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle comes in a variety of different colorways, whether you prefer this brightly colored water bottle or a neutral version. It also comes in 24-, 32- and 40-ounce capacities. There's even a 14-ounce kids' line. Owala claims that the double-wall insulated water bottle keeps water cold for up to 24 hours.
What makes this bottle especially versatile is how there are two ways to drink from it: Use the "Freesip" spout that is designed for sipping upright through the built-in straw, or tilt the water bottle back to drink from the spout opening. We like that the locking push-button lid ensures that the water bottle doesn't leak. Even better, you can remove the mouthpiece for easy cleaning and filling. The plastic mouthpiece is dishwasher safe, but the rest of the bottle needs to be hand washed. The strap that keeps the mouthpiece closed also doubles as a handle for carrying.
Owala - 14/14
14)
To evaluate ease of use, we consider how each bottle opens and closes. Using either a dishwasher or dish soap and a brush, we test how easy it is to clean each water bottle.
In addition to Lab tests, we send water bottles to consumers to get their opinions on how the water bottles fare in the real world. These collaborative findings helped influence our list of top water bottles, which include top-tested water bottles and ones that have permanent spots in our analysts' water bottle collections.
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