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The 12 best water bottles of 2024, tested and reviewed

We tested over 100 thermoses and tumblers — these are our top picks from Hydro Flask, Stanley, BrüMate and more.

From left to right, Hydro Flask, BruMate and Stanley water bottles shown for Yahoo's best water bottle guide
The ultimate flex: our best water bottles for 2024 will keep you looking and feeling cool — from your morning to run to your evening commute. (Hydro Flask/BrüMate/Stanley)

Real talk: you’re probably not getting enough H20. Health experts recommend drinking 4 to 6 cups of water daily for optimal organ function among other benefits — like slowing the aging process — and a good (ahem, best) water bottle is one of your greatest allies for getting your sips. A reusable water bottle will also save you and the environment on all those single-use bottles you might otherwise buy just to throw away.

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The catch? With so many brands and designs, the choices can feel overwhelming. Not to worry, because we’ve done all the heavy lifting. More specifically, we dug through thousands of customer comments and tested over 100 water bottles for a thorough review. From car-friendly tumblers (BrüMate steals the lane) to sporty flip straws (Takeya wins the game), read on for the best water bottles of 2024. Plus, tips for selecting the right water bottle for you.

A quick note before you dive in: All of the water bottles featured here are BPA-free, per brand specifications. In many cases, they’re also dishwasher-safe and completely spill-proof, as confirmed through our testing. Size and cap ranges reflect overall brand offerings, though we spotlighted our top picks for easy shopping. Most options are available on Amazon, many of them with expedited or free shipping for added convenience.

Material: 18/8 stainless steel | Cap: Standard mouth, Wide mouth, Flex straw or Flex chug | Volume: 24, 32, 40 or 64 ounces

Topping our list is the Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle, offering resilience, practicality and — thanks to numerous cap and capacity options — customization. It was also one of the best insulated water bottles we tried.

The pliable loop on the cap made for agile carrying, while the Flex straw option provided quick access to water. The double-wall vacuum insulation kept our drinks cold for the promised 24 hours, and the entire water bottle proved dishwasher safe — making it easy to clean.

I've owned and used Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles for several years and, despite countless drops and washing cycles, they remain leakproof and look like new, with no chipping or fading. Bonus: The brand offers coolers and other accessories in matching colors, including the roomy Hydro Flask Insulated Tote (my go-to), for those who like to coordinate.

Honorable mention: For a fixed handle, the Yeti Rambler ranks high for insulation, durability, versatility and accessories (plus, extensive colorways). I’ve used mine for several years and it remains in good condition. Yeti's equally tough and vibrant Jr. Rambler has also been a big hit with kids in my family.

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Spill-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Wide shade/lid selection
  • Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
  • Pricey
$28 at REI
A bunch of water colorful bottles and tumblers shown in a cardboard box, to be tested for Yahoo's best water bottle guide
Battle of the bottles: We sourced over 100 water bottles from top-rated brands to see how they stacked up. (Kristin Granero/Yahoo Life)

Material: Glass with silicone sleeve | Cap: Active Flip | Volume: 12, 16 or 22 ounces

While glass bottles typically weigh more than their plastic and stainless steel counterparts, they have a lot going for them. They are non-reactive to any drink mixes or juices you might add, they're BPA-free and they'll never turn on you and start tasting like plastic or stainless steel after years of use. This guzzler from Lifefactory rose to the top as our favorite pick.

The Active Flip Cap easily flipped up (hence the name) and it clicked closed with a tight seal that proved leakproof. The full lid screws off to reveal a wide mouth that was easy to fill with ice cubes of all sizes.

A silicone sleeve (available in different hues) surrounds the bottle for less condensation and a better grip (especially important for breakable glass bottles) and there’s a sturdy yet movable strap for agile handling when on the move.

Of note: as with many other bottles on our list, all components of the Active Flip Cap Water Bottle are dishwasher-friendly, which makes it a breeze to clean.

Honorable mention: For a minimalist design, we also reviewed and now regularly use Waterdrop’s Glass Water Bottle. The brand offers different sizes and caps, along with colorful neoprene sleeves for another layer of cushioning and condensation-proofing.

Of note: as with many other bottles on our list, all components of the Active Flip Cap Water Bottle are dishwasher-friendly, which makes it a breeze to clean.

Honorable mention: For a minimalist design, we also reviewed and now regularly use Waterdrop’s Glass Water Bottle. The brand offers different sizes and caps, along with colorful neoprene sleeves for another layer of cushioning and condensation-proofing.

Pros
  • Spill-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Wide color selection
  • Limited warranty
Cons
  • Not insulated
$18 at Amazon
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$26 at Staples$25 at Quill.com

Material: Tritan plastic | Cap: Flip straw | Volume: 22 ounces

Securing our spot for the best travel water bottle is LifeStraw’s Go Water Bottle.

It has a lightweight yet durable Tritan plastic body with a carabiner that clips securely to your bags and luggage. The straw is easy to drink from and verifiably leakproof when closed.

The main draw, however, is the bottle’s integrated filtration system, which promises to protect against 99.999999% of bacteria and 99.999% of parasites. This feature is particularly helpful when charting new territory without access to a clean-water system, or when refilling at questionable airport water fountains.

The two-filter system incorporates an activated carbon filter and a membrane microfilter. The first lasts about 26 gallons, and the latter lasts up to 1,000 gallons, so you won’t have to worry about changing filters while traveling. Additionally, we appreciate the brand's commitment to clean water for all: For every purchase, the brand promises to donate one year of safe water to a child in need.

This is a great design to have on hand for upcoming trips, outdoor adventures and in case of emergency. Traveling light? LifeStraw sells collapsible water bottles and filtration straws for more compact stashing during crowded flights and longer hauls.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Filtered
  • Spill-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • 3-year warranty
Cons
  • Not insulated
  • One size only, though the brand’s other collections offer additional sizes
$40 at Amazon
More than 20 water bottles are shown grouped together on a counter, to be tested for Yahoo's best water bottle guide
Bottles with benefits: Drinking 4 to 6 cups of water a day helps keep the doctor away — and landfills at bay. (Kristin Granero/Yahoo Life)

Material: Stainless steel | Cap: Spout Lid with Ice Blocker or Straw Lid | Volume: 22, 32, 40 or 64 ounces

Akin to Hydro Flask and Yeti, Takeya offers insulated water bottles that keep drinks cold and are easy to clean, plus interchangeable cap styles for evolving needs and growing families — but in a lower price range.

The durable, 22-ounce Takeya Sport Premium Insulated Water Bottle, in particular, fits comfortably in hand and has a spout-style lid with a built-in ice blocker for streamlined drinking, making it ideal for getting gulps in while playing sports or working out at the gym.

The lid twists off easily for quick fill-ups and has a carrying loop for maneuvering. A removable bumper helps protect against dings should you drop your bottle while running.

In our personal experience, the bottle is spill-proof when the lid is secure — meaning your gym bag won't get soggy — and is compatible with cup holders on treadmills and other workout equipment.

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Spill-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Wide size selection
  • 1-year limited warranty
Cons
  • None that we could find
$35 at Amazon

Material: 18/8 stainless steel | Cap: Flip straw | Volume: 20, 24, 30, 40, 64 or 96 ounces

Heritage brand Stanley has reentered the tumbler chat (more like expanded its social circles) with the help of some savvy marketing and limited-edition collections.

Like the ever-popular Stanley FlowState Quencher, the Stanley IceFlow’s canister is made of stainless steel for maximum durability, complete with double-wall vacuum insulation and available in a rainbow of shade combos.

Unlike the FlowState, the IceFlow proved 100% leak-proof with the flip straw folded (the FlowState lid can be closed with the straw removed but water can still trickle out when turned over). Because you can easily flip the IceFlow straw down when not in use, dirt and debris aren't as likely to get through. The foldable, flexible lid handle makes for compact packing and easy carrying, too.

Consider it a shoo-in for commutes, weekend trips and summer campouts. It's also tween-friendly: My 10-year-old niece and her schoolmates love the 20-ounce version for hydrating between classes and recreational activities.

Honorable mention: For a lower price point, the Bottle Bottle Insulated Water Bottle comes with double-wall insulation and an extended flip straw for sip precision. When properly sealed, it also didn't spill during our assessment.

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Spill-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Wide color/combo selection
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Pricey
$35 at Amazon

Material: Stainless steel | Cap: FreeSip spout with locking lid | Volume: 16, 24, 32 or 40 ounces

Want the ability to toggle between a straw and a chug top? The Owala FreeSip offers the best of both worlds and is a Yahoo editor favorite for its versatility and temperature retention.

The hero feature is a patented 2-in-1 spout with a built-in straw for sipping and a wider opening for chugging. We were also fans of the push-button cap, which protected the spout and offered leak protection — even when tossed in a bag.

The FreeSip features vacuum-insulated stainless steel that kept our drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and we loved the varied color options. While technically dishwasher-safe, the brand recommends hand-washing the cup portion and avoiding hot liquids.

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Spill-proof
  • Wide color selection
  • Two ways to drink from one lid
Cons
  • Does not accommodate hot liquids
  • Lid is dishwasher-safe, but bottle isn't
$58 at Amazon

Material: Tritan plastic | Cap: Wide mouth, Narrow mouth, Lock top, Epic filter or MultiDrink with straw | Volume: 16, 24, 32, 38 or 48 ounces

For a straightforward plastic bottle option, the Nalgene Wide Mouth received high scores in our testing, namely for being so durable (made of impact-resistant, partially recycled Tritan plastic) and lightweight (only 6.3 ounces when empty).

The wide mouth of the bottle makes it easy to fill (ideally with some big ice cubes, as it isn’t insulated), easy to chug from and easy to clean. The ridged cap provides extra grip, ensuring a tight seal even with wet hands, and it includes a connecting loop that hooks to chains and carabiners. The bottle also has measurement lines for tracking your intake, plus filter caps for purification

Honorable mention: Pogo’s Plastic Water Bottle is another top-rated choice for a verifiably leakproof — in this case cup holder-friendly — design, complete with measurement marks and a gentle price tag. A loop on the cap makes it easy to carry and grab.

Pros
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Big color/combo selection
  • Wide mouth
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • Not insulated
$17 at Amazon

Material: Stainless steel | Cap: Flip straw | Volume: 17 or 25 ounces

If you have the money to splurge — or perhaps some loved ones to spoil — Larq's Insulated Filtered Water Bottle is a worthy investment.

According to the brand, the activated carbon in the two-layer filter traps contaminants like lead, chlorine, VOCs and other particulates, using a custom Nano Zero technology to latch on to heavy metals, so you have access to purified water — even from a garden hose.

Aside from its filtration element, which the brand recommends renewing every 40 gallons or two months, the Larq Water Bottle has a durable stainless steel canister and an environmentally friendly powder coat for added grip and sustainability.

An exterior cap offers additional leak protection and the bottle keeps drinks cold for hours, as confirmed in our evaluation. We also like that there's a carabiner for attaching the water bottle to a tote or backpack when commuting.

Honorable mention: For a budget-friendly option, Brita’s Stainless Steel Water Bottle is another solid yet less costly bet, offering insulation, filtration, plus leak- and spout protection. (Similar to Larq, you should aim to swap out the filter every two months or so.)

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Filtered
  • Spill-proof
  • 1-year limited warranty
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Hand-wash only
$58 at Amazon
BrüMate Era (left) and Stanley Quencher FlowState (right) tumblers are tested for leak resistance.
Spilling the tea: The Stanley Quencher FlowState Tumbler drizzles water even when sealed, while the BrüMate Era remains completely leak-resistant. (Kristin Granero/Yahoo Life)

Material: Tritan plastic | Cap: Sports with locking lid | Volume: 32 ounces

This top-rated infuser water bottle from Hydracy, which is made of hard Tritan plastic and boasts a sizable internal basket that can fit a substantial amount of larger fruits (meaning less time spent chopping and a stronger flavor boost).

We gave it a whirl using strawberries, lemon wedges and mango slices and could taste the difference almost immediately with each. You can also shake the bottle — as we did in our testing, hence the whirl — to get the juices flowing: With the cap pushed down and the cover latched shut, it proved completely leakproof.

The basket portion is removable for regular water drinking and ease of cleaning (important, since everything is hand-wash only). Bonus: the bottle features subtle time markers along one side to help you stay motivated.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Spill-proof
  • Removable infuser
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Not insulated
  • Hand-wash only
  • One size only, though the brand offers additional sizes for other collections
$18 at Amazon

Material: 18/8 stainless steel | Cap: Original, Sports or Flip straw | Volume: 9, 17 or 25 ounces

While the S’Well Original Bottle caught our attention for its gorgeous designs and patterns spanning from warm woods to earthy textures to vibrant celestial motifs, this bottle proved to be far more than just a pretty face. The tapered shape, the triple-walled stainless steel body and the tight-sealing screw top lid made for some powerful insulation.

This bottle was my favorite office companion during testing, keeping water cold for more than 24 hours and never sweating condensation on my desk or notes. Plus, the bottle cap screws on tight so as not to leak water all over my work tote.

The 17-ounce fits comfortably in a backpack holder, though the Original Bottle comes in different sizes for varying thirst levels. You can also purchase a Bottle Handle for easy carrying or a Sports Cap for when you don't feel like tinkering with a lid.

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Spill-proof
  • Wide color/pattern selection
  • Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Narrow mouth for adding ice; cleaning
  • No handle/strap
  • Hand-wash only
$35 at Amazon
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$35 at Wayfair$35 at Joss & Main
Six handled water tumblers are lined up for testing, including Owala, Stanley and Yeti brands.
Tall order: A selection of jumbo tumblers — up to 40 ounces — are tested for temperature retention and spill prevention. (Kristin Granero/Yahoo Life)

Material: Stainless steel | Cap: Straw or Sliding | Volume: 16 or 24 ounces

Corkcicle's 24-ounce Cold Cup with Straw holds a substantial amount of liquid and kept our chilled drinks cold — from waters to iced cappuccinos — for hours on end.

This design features easy-grip sides, making it slip-resistant against sweaty or wet hands, and a silicone bottom that proved more stabilizing than others we tested.

All these reasons and the fun mix of patterns — including cute design collaborations — secure this tumbler as a top pick for pool days and shore trips. Keep in mind, however, that while the lids seal tight, the straws don't close, so you'll want to empty the cups before tossing them in your beach bag.)

Honorable mention: Yeti’s Stackable Tumblers are sleek and compact for those with limited cabinet space. Since they stack, they also take up less room in a weekend bag when going away. Similar to the Corkcicle, we recommend you don't tip these over when filled, as they're not completely spill-resistant.

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Spill-proof
  • Wide color/pattern selection
  • 1-year warranty
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Limited sizing
$35 at Amazon

Material: Stainless steel | Cap: Straw | Volume: 30 or 40 ounces

Large, handled tumblers, also known as cruisers, have risen as the ultimate hydration accessory for their ability to hold— and keep cold — high volumes of water while still managing to fit in a car cup holder.

What sets BrüMate’s insulated Era Tumbler apart from the rest is that it features a custom straw-locking dial that can be turned from "Sip" when drinking to "Sealed," blocking water flow and rendering it 100% leak-proof, as confirmed when vigorously shaken upside down.

The straw is stainless steel, making it more sanitary and sustainable than plastic options, and we found the Era's angled handle to be more comfortable than traditional handles for carrying. This tumbler is also dishwasher-safe and comes apart easily for cleaning.

Honorable mention: For a flip straw style, the 40-ounce HydroJug Traveler has three layers of insulation and proved completely leak-resistant in our testing. There's also a rubber base to reduce slipping — and the straw can be folded for an extra layer of dirt protection. 

Pros
  • Insulated
  • Spill-proof
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Limited shades
$45 at Amazon

Some things to think about when shopping water bottles include:

Material:

  • Stainless steel water bottles are increasingly popular for their often indestructible frames and typically colorful, sweat-resistant coats. When insulated, they also keep drinks cold or hot for extended periods.

  • Plastic water bottles are tumble-friendly and usually most lightweight, making them a common choice for younger kids and longer treks. While not as shatter- or condensation-proof as stainless steel, many water bottles today are Tritan plastic, a durable, BPA-free alternative to traditional plastic compounds.

  • Glass water bottles tend to weigh more than their plastic and stainless steel counterparts, with an inclination to sweat and, with enough impact, break. That said, they’re generally dishwasher-safe and made without any perceived toxins that can latch on or react to liquids (keep scrolling for more on water bottle safety.)

Owala FreeSip Water Bottles are shown lined up on shelf in different colors for Yahoo's best water bottle guide.
Bright idea: Scoop up a colorful water bottle, lid or sleeve to add some pep to your gym step or make someone else's day. (Owala via Instagram)

Cap/straw: Chug caps are great for hearty gulps, while narrow mouths make for a more controlled sip. Traditional straw tumblers allow for more distance between you and your tumbler — and flip straws offer quick, discreet access for sneaking in sips when you’re biking, hiking, etc. Because flip straw bottles can be folded down, they also help keep dirt and debris out. Interchangeable caps offer more versatility for evolving needs and growing families (they’re also a cinch for small spaces and traveling).

Volume: Bigger cups mean fewer fill-ups, but they can get more burdensome to carry for longer periods of time. Look for a handle — or at least a cap loop — for more security, especially when traveling or driving, and ensure bottles are compatible with cup holders if you plan to take them for a drive.

Care: Dishwasher-safe water bottles make for easier, more effective cleaning (as long as your dishwasher is clean itself). For bottles that are hand-wash only, you’ll want to invest in some good bottle brushes (such as these), especially for water bottles with narrow mouths.

We did a good amount of groundwork when approaching our best water bottle roundup ... after all, something as vital as water consumption shouldn't be taken lightly. We researched top brands in the industry and scoured through thousands of comments from verified customers to get a handle on the tumblers and other water bottle styles and features that seem to matter most. Then we got to testing — trailblazers like Hydro Flask, Yeti and Stanley, along with some up-and-comers — to see which water bottles would sink or float.

All in all, we evaluated over 100 water bottles, when factoring different caps and sizes, for durability (dropping plastic and stainless steel water bottles from 8-foot heights), leak resistance (filling water bottles up with water and tipping them over to ensure that, when lids were closed, nothing seeped out) and maintenance (running them through several dishwasher cycles where labeled as safe). Every stainless steel water bottle on our list kept our drinks cold for at least a full day, and none of them sweated thanks to their condensation-proof coatings.

Glass water bottles are generally made without chemicals that can latch onto liquids (though they can break), with stainless steel coming in a close second (as long as they're food-safe). That said, many mainstream brands have vowed to make their water bottles, including plastic and silicone options, without any proven or perceived toxins, such as Bisphenol A or lead, and regulate them through frequent assessments. (Alternatively, single-use water bottles have been linked to microplastics.)

For added peace of mind, you can look for labels like “toxin-free,” “BPA-free” and “lead-free” and, when in doubt, contact brands for more information. Additionally, we recommend using bottle brushes for narrow-mouthed bottles — and a dishwasher where deemed safe — to ensure your water bottles are clean. When properly maintained, filtration water bottles provide another layer of defense against bacteria and debris.

Medical studies suggest drinking 4 to 6 cups of water daily for healthy body function. When converted to measurements, that would equate to 32 to 48 ounces, meaning you’d be just about covered with your 32-ounce or 40-ounce Stanley. That recommendation is for the average person on an average day, so you may need to increase your intake based on your personal needs and level of physical activity, i.e. replenishing more frequently when exercising aggressively.

Reusable water bottles are a great resource for staying hydrated and saving money while traveling (versus having to purchase single-use water bottles at the airport or your destination at an inflated rate). According to the Transformation Security Administration (TSA), water bottles are approved for both checked and carry-on bags when containing less than 3.4 ounces of liquid. We recommend emptying bottles before going through security and replenishing them at a refill station when finished to be safe.

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.