The ultimate flex: Our best water bottles for 2025 will keep you looking and feeling cool — from your morning run to your evening commute. (Kristin Granero/Yahoo)
Let's be honest: You’re probably not getting enough H2O. Health experts recommend drinking 4 to 6 cups of water daily for optimal organ function, among other benefits — like slowing the aging process — and the best water bottles are a great ally for helping you get your necessary sips. A reusable water bottle can also save you — and the environment — from all those single-use bottles you might otherwise buy just to throw away. Yay!
But with so many brands and designs, how does one choose? Not to fret, because we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you. More specifically, we've sorted through thousands of customer comments and tested over 100 water bottles over the course of several months in an attempt to find the most versatile, durable options for every occasion. From car-friendly tumblers (BrüMate's Era Tumbler steals the lane) to sporty flip straws (Takeya's Sport Insulated bottle wins the game), read on for the best water bottles of 2025, tested and reviewed. And while you're at it, consider upgrading those tattered, mismatched food storage containers too.
Update, Sept. 15, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best water bottle remains unchanged.
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 the best insulated water bottle 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 excellent coolers and other accessories in some matching colors, including the roomy Hydro Flask Insulated Tote (my go-to), for those who like to coordinate.
Best for: Everyday hydrating
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 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 strap for agile handling when on the move.
Best for: Everyday hydrating and anyone who prefers glass over plastic or stainless steel
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 refilling at questionable 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.
Best for: Traveling, hiking and backpacking
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 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.
Best for: Exercising at the gym or outdoors
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. The brand even released a highly anticipated collab with soccer star Leo Messi earlier this year.
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.
Consider it a shoo-in for commutes, weekend trips and 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.
Best for: Trend lovers and the status brand-obsessed
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.
Best for: Anyone who likes the flexibility of going between a straw and a chug top
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 bottle's wide mouth 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.
Best for: Outdoor adventures and anyone who needs something that can hold up to extra wear and tear
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.
Best for: Outdoor adventures or anytime you want extra filtration
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.
Best for: Design lovers
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.
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.)
Best for: Stationary sipping and design lovers
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.
Best for: Hydrating on the go
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.)
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, 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, scouring through thousands of comments from verified customers to get a handle (get it?) on the water bottle styles and features that matter most.
We then tested top brands and styles accordingly, looking at things like:
Durability: We purposely dropped plastic and stainless steel water bottles from high heights to assess for any damage.
Leak resistance: We filled water bottles up with water and tipped them over to ensure that, when lids were closed, nothing seeped out.
Maintenance: We ran water bottles labeled as dishwasher-safe through several dishwasher cycles to confirm they weren't compromised in the process.
Insulation: Every stainless steel water bottle in our top picks kept our drinks cold for at least a full day, and none of them sweated thanks to their condensation-proof coatings.
As mentioned earlier in this roundup, we’ve tested more than 100 water bottles as longtime home editors who evaluate products for a living. Below, a few honorable mentions for additional steel, plastic and glass water bottles that almost made the cut:
Stainless steel: We prioritized the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth for its flex straw and carrying handle, but, for a jug style, the Yeti Rambler also ranks high for versatility (extensive colorways and accessories), insulation and durability. I’ve used mine for several years and it remains in good condition. The brand’s equally tough and vibrant Jr. Rambler has also been a big hit with kids in my family.
Glass: We liked how the silicone cover on the Lifefactory Glass Bottle made for a more secure grip (and, therefore, fewer opportunities for slips). Though for a minimalist design, we also reviewed and now regularly use Waterdrop’s Glass Water Bottle. It comes in different sizes and cap styles, available with colorful neoprene sleeves for another layer of cushioning and condensation-proofing.
Flip-straw: Stanley IceFlow’s generous, sturdy handle is among the most comfortable we tested, and the slightly larger canister and straw really quench a thirst. But, if you’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable alternative, the Bottle Bottle Insulated Water Bottle comes with double-wall insulation and an extended flip straw for precise sips. When properly sealed, it also didn't spill during our assessment.
Plastic: While it isn’t as light (or large) as Nalgene, and doesn’t come in as many colors, Pogo’s Plastic Water Bottle fared well in our testing for those who prefer a more precise sip and/or cupholder-friendly option, still with measurements.
Filtered: Larq got the top spot for its double filtration and sleek aesthetic, complete with a carabiner for easily attaching it to backpacks and work totes. Though Brita’s Stainless Steel Water Bottle offers insulation, filtration and leak- and spout protection for a less costly option that still does the trick.
Leak-proof tumblers: We went with the BrüMate Era above because it’s designed more like, and was therefore most impressive of, a traditional straw tumbler. But, for a handled tumbler, when the flip straw is folded down, the HydroJug Traveler is equally impressive when it comes to insulation and leak-resistance, making it especially helpful for throwing in a bag when commuting.
What about the Stanley Quencher FlowState? As other Yahoo writers have pointed out, the Stanley Quencher tumbler is great for keeping hydrated when working, driving and more. But the FlowState wasn’t completely leakproof in our testing, which is why we gave the top-handled tumbler spot to BrüMate Era.
Glass water bottles are typically made without chemicals that can leach into liquids, making them a top choice (though they are more prone to breaking). Stainless steel bottles are a close second, provided they are made from food-grade, non-reactive materials such as 18/8 or 304 stainless steel.
Many major brands now commit to producing water bottles — including those made from plastic or silicone — without known or suspected harmful substances such as Bisphenol A (BPA) or lead. These products are often subject to regular testing and compliance with safety standards.
By contrast, single-use plastic bottles have been linked with the presence of microplastics, which can potentially leach into the water over time and may pose health and environmental concerns.
For added peace of mind, look for labels such as “BPA-free” and “lead-free,” and don’t hesitate to contact brands directly if you need more detailed information. To keep your water bottles clean, we recommend using bottle brushes for narrow-mouth designs and placing bottles in the dishwasher when they are marked dishwasher-safe. With proper maintenance, filtered water bottles can offer an extra layer of protection against bacteria, microplastics and other potential contaminants.
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.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
