A good shaker bottle makes fueling your workouts a little more fun. (Promixx/BlenderBottle/Brumate)
Whether you're taking a pre-workout supplement before hitting the gym, mixing up a protein shake post-workout, hydrating throughout the day or even mixing up a homemade salad dressing or sauce, shaker bottles are a convenient way to do it all.
Shaker bottles aren't just versatile — they're portable and accessible, notes Greg Farris, a registered dietician at Fay. "When you have a large, temperature-regulated shaker sitting on your desk all day, it's a constant reminder to hydrate," he says. "The more of these nudges we can create in our daily life, the better. The same can be said for the ease of a high-protein snack. The beauty of protein powder is that it doesn't have to be refrigerated. You can keep a protein tub in your office, find some cold water, mix it in your shaker and have a healthy snack in 30 seconds."
Still, not all shaker bottles are created equal. Materials and special features are key considerations, advises Chris Mohr, a registered dietitian and Fitness and Nutrition Advisor for Fortune Recommends. "Stainless steel is best as it can hold the temperature consistent when compared to plastic or other options. A wide mouth on the bottle makes adding ingredients and cleaning easier, and a tight lid prevents spills when shaking. Features like gratings or mixing balls are great for a smooth mix, helping to avoid clumpy drinks."
As a certified personal trainer with a performance enhancement specialization, shaker bottles are well within my wheelhouse (and helpful for my personal workouts). Over a month, I tested 15 popular bottles, assessing them for functionality, durability, mixing quality and ease of cleaning. I tested insulated models with hot and cold beverages, and I checked to see whether the bottles retained any odors.
Based on these results, I've determined which shaker bottles are worth your money and which are better left on the shelf. The best shaker bottle for you will make healthy choices more accessible, help you hit your protein goals and keep you hydrated at the gym and beyond. Here are the best shaker bottles for every workout and need.
Update, Aug. 29, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best shaker bottle remains unchanged and we've added new categories.
Single wall or double wall. Single-wall shaker bottles only have one layer of material. They're usually lightweight and affordable, but they don't provide insulation, so they're geared toward short-term sipping. On the flip side, double-wall shaker bottles are constructed with two layers with a vacuum-sealed space between each. They are heavier and more expensive, but more durable. Double-wall insulated bottles can keep drinks cold for an extended period and prevent condensation. (For even more temperature control, there are a handful of triple-wall bottles too!)
Electric or manual. Rather than using a metal whisk or built-in strainer or screen, electric shaker bottles rely on a battery-operated motor. These bottles can typically blend thicker powders, fruits and other ingredients for more robust shakes or smoothies, but are heavier and more expensive.
Storage. Some shaker bottles offer storage compartments to hold protein powders, supplements, vitamins or snacks, convenient if you're on the move or want to mix up a drink later in the day.
Material. If you're looking for a lightweight addition, opt for something plastic, but if you're looking for something more durable that keeps drinks cold, choose stainless steel. Keep material quality in mind too. "I'd recommend finding a bottle that is BPA-free, because BPAs have been known to be an endocrine disruptor," advised Nicole Ibarra, a registered dietitian.
Size. Your nutritional goals and needs should dictate your choice of bottle size. Shaker bottles typically range from 16 to 25 ounces. If you plan to use a shaker bottle for multiple beverages or as an additional water bottle, opt for something larger. "Lower capacity limits the number of things I can use the bottle for. I want my blender bottle to serve multiple purposes throughout the day," Woods says.
Convenience. If you're on the move, a leakproof shaker bottle is vital. Keep an eye out for secure lids that won't budge in your gym bag or car. Some bottles even offer locking lids for extra security. Consider ease of cleaning too. If a bottle is challenging to clean, it's more likely to become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria and smells. Some bottles are dishwasher-safe, while others are hand-wash only.
Testing protein shaker bottles was a hydrating — and filling — process! I looked at the top models on the market and talked with other fitness professionals to identify a list of bottles to test.
Over a month, I sipped on plenty of protein shakes, pre-workout concoctions, smoothies and other supplement-boosted drinks before and after strength and cardio workouts. As I tested, I looked at qualities like functionality and durability, as well as how well mixing mechanisms and other special features worked. For insulated shaker bottles, I left both hot and cold beverages for hours to assess temperature retention. I also examined whether bottles retained any odors.
BlendJet 2: While this model blended efficiently, it did have trouble keeping a charge, and I found that I had to run a cleaning cycle multiple times to remove all residue.
Hydro Flask Insulated Shaker Bottle: The popular brand's shaker bottle is everything you'd expect from Hydro Flask: durable and sleek, with top-tier insulation. It's also dishwasher-safe. The whisk ball didn't mix thicker powders or ingredients as well as other bottles, however.
Ninja Blast Max Cordless Portable Blender: As a Ninja fan, I wanted to like this new blender more than I did. It overheated quickly, and I had a hard time getting it started despite keeping the ingredients below the fill line.
Simple Modern Rally Protein Shaker: This bottle is cupholder-friendly and features interior liquid measurements. But the shaker ball was louder and took longer to mix ingredients compared with other options.
VOLTRX Gallium Electric Shaker Bottle: This rechargeable blender mixes your concoctions with just the push of a button. It has a long battery life and can blend up a mashed banana, but it's not insulated to prevent condensation and keep drinks cool. I also had trouble with the cap flipping up to hit my face while I was drinking.
Contigo Shake & Go Fit 2.0 Shaker Bottle: While this bottle is plastic, it's BPA-free and doesn't retain the smell or taste of previous protein or recovery mixes. The protective cap keeps it leak-free and germ-free. However, I found its carabiner clip to feel clunky and the body of the bottle hard to grip.
BlenderBottle SportMixer Shaker: Two other BlenderBottle options are up on this list — for good reason. However, this budget-friendly option continued to leak when it was transported from bag to bag.
Shaker bottles get a bad rap for smelling funky, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cleaning a shaker bottle (especially if it's plastic) with hot water and soap as soon as possible is key. If you can't wash your bottle within a few hours of use, rinse it out with hot water until you can properly clean it.
If a smell lingers in the bottle, soak it with vinegar, baking soda and water overnight before cleaning it again. And, if you're sensitive to smells, look for bottles made with stainless steel, which is more odor-resistant than plastic.
If your bottle is dishwasher-safe, place it and the lid on the top rack. If the bottle is not dishwasher-safe, hand-wash it thoroughly. Be sure to clean any plastic or silicone seals inside the lid to prevent residue from building up.
Be sure to check out the manufacturer's guidance on your specific bottle — many shaker bottles are not intended for use with hot liquids. If your bottle is insulated, you can typically use it for sipping hot liquids, however.
There are a few different types of mixing mechanisms, including wire whisk balls, built-in agitators, screens, strainers and battery-operated mixers. Stainless steel whisk balls are the most common, while electric mixers are more powerful for blending up denser ingredients.
Greg Farris, registered dietician at Fay
Caleb Kinney-Woods, certified personal trainer and personal training lead at Life Time Inc., Westminster, Colo.
Nicole Ibarra, registered dietician, Redding, Calif.
Chris Mohr, a registered dietician and Fitness and Nutrition Advisor for Fortune Recommends
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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