The best water bottles in 2023 including insulated, gym and sustainable options!
We found 10 water bottles to keep you hydrated while being kind to the environment
Chili's, Stanley, Hydroflask and Lululemon top our best water bottles lists 2023
UK consumers use an estimated 14 billion plastic drink bottles per year, according to Defra, but thanks to the efforts of David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg, the trend of single-use plastics is on the decline. More people are turning to reusable water bottles and, in turn, bottles are getting smarter. The best water bottles nowadays are insulated, leak-proof, filtered, and BPA-free.
BPA stands for Bisphenol A, which is an industrial chemical compound used in the manufacture of strong plastics. Some research shows that BPA can leach into food and drink and cause health problems. “When looking for a bottle, look for non-toxic materials. Stainless steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for a water bottle. Not only is it safe, but it is very durable and infinitely reusable,” says Natalie Byrne, Content Marketing Manager at Go Outdoors.
For this guide I've tried and tested many of the best water bottles available on the market - including gym water bottles, water bottles with straws and even an air-up water bottle that uses scented pods Makes your mind think. You're drinking squash (when really, it's just water). genius.
I've also reached out to an expert to help answer some frequently asked questions, like how to choose an eco-friendly water bottle, how to clean it, and how long you can keep water in it. You can find the answer at the bottom of this feature. If you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five:
What should you look for when buying a water bottle?
"It's important to think about what you'll be using the bottle for, as well as the materials used and whether they're eco-friendly," says Byrne. She notes that the main reason people buy a reusable water bottle is to reduce single-use plastics and help the environment, so it makes sense to choose a bottle that's more eco-friendly, like plant-based ones. Wheat bottle.
Depending on what you'll be using your water bottle for most, you may want to prioritize different features. If it's for the gym, choose a durable bottle with ergonomic curves like the Nike Hyperfuel Water Bottle. If it's for on-the-go, make sure it's leakproof like the Chiliz Series 2. If you want to use it for hot drinks as well, choose a stainless steel insulated bottle like the Yeti Rambler.
How I Tested the Best Water Bottles
To find the best water bottle, I tried and tested dozens of bottles over the period of a month. To test whether they're leak-proof, I threw them in my rucksack during my daily commute and I kept them on my desk. I stash them in my gym bag with my gym leggings and yoga mat and even take them for runs. I left them on for hours to test how safe they really are for both cold and hot water, and I dived deep into the materials each is made from to check for toxins.
I also looked at the value for money. You won't believe the cost of some water bottles I've come across. Here's what I found, starting with my favorites.
I also looked at the value for money. You won't believe the cost of some water bottles I've come across. Here's what I found, starting with my favorites.
Best water bottles
1. Chili's Series 2 Bottle
$33 for a 500ml bottle, Chili's
Best water bottle, 9/10
We like: It's simple, durable, and stylish
We don't like: Rubber sole can peel off quickly
Chilly's: now with a loop handle and a rubber bottom
- Available in 350ml, 500ml or 1l
- leak proof
- not dishwasher safe
- BPA free stainless steel with powder coated body, silicone base and plastic lid
- Claims to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
:- I've been a long time fan of the Chili's Original bottle and I admit I was dismissive when the Series 2 bottles first came out. With a more robust, squat appearance and loopy handles, they're purposefully less attractive than the Series 1's classic design. But I am here to tell you that I am a convert.
Although I agree that the aesthetics have taken a turn, everything I disliked about the original has been rectified here. The Original has a raised bottom that makes noises and wobbles when knocked on the table, while the Series 2 has a flat silicone base that grips any surface and sets up easily. The loop on the handle makes it very easy to carry, and the antimicrobial neck keeps it cleaner for longer.
For me, lip shape is cool. If it's too big, there's a risk of water getting all over your clothes; Too small and it is not comfortable for the mouth. Chili is absolutely right. I've also found that, although some steel bottles can leave a slight metallic aftertaste, these don't. I like the texture of the bottle, which makes it a little less slippery than some steel options and keeps it from feeling too cold or hot to the touch. The water stays hot for a long time - although I'm not sure about the 12-hour claim - and cold all day long; Ideal if you are on a long walk or hike.
But nothing's perfect, and unfortunately the silicone base started to peel off after only a few uses. I think it can be easily pasted, but it's annoying, let me consider it. Plus, it's an evolution from the Chili's Original bottle and I'd recommend it to anyone after a durable, sporty or office water bottle.
$31 Buy 500ml Bottle now : Price at Chilly's
$16 for a 500ml bottle, Amazon
Best value water bottle, 8/10
We like: A no-frills attitude that prioritizes insulation and quality
We don't like it: It's not exciting enough
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- Available in 260ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1l, 1.7l
- leak proof
- not dishwasher safe
- BPA free stainless steel
- Claims to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
I have both the regular one and the straw lid one, designed for sports. Sho advises that the straw lid is not 100 percent leak proof, although I didn't find this to be a problem. One thing I've found is that the straw is hard to get up - not much different from the Hydro Flask below.
There really isn't much to say about the Show Bottle as it's very simple – but with that comes an affordable price and a focus on the most important features. It is durable, well insulated and leak-proof.
$16 Buy 500ml Bottle now : Price at SHO
$37 for a 700ml bottle, The Stanley
Best water bottle for keeping drinks cold, 9/10
We like: The lid, which sounds simple but has thought of everything
We Don't Like: The lid open button gets stuck sometimes
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- Available in 470ml, 700ml and 1.06l
- leak proof
- dishwasher safe
- BPA free stainless steel and plastic lid
- Claims to keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours
Thanks to the viral fame of TikTok (for the huge Tumblr it sells consistently), old-school favorite Stanley is now popular among Gen Z as well as older generations. Although not the viral Stanley Cup, the Go Quick Flip water bottle deserves praise in its own right.
It promises to retain the temperature of cold drinks for up to 12 hours and iced drinks for up to 40 hours and I've also found it to be an excellent choice for keeping my morning cup of joe warm. Thanks to the leak-proof design, I can make my own tea at home and throw it in my rucksack as I get on the train to work and have it still hot on the other side.
The lid of the bottle is operated via a large button that flips the lid open. When closed, it can be secured with a metal ring that twists over the button and clicks into place with a satisfying rattle. What can't be seen in the image above is a square looped handle for easy carrying.
Sometimes, the button on the lid doesn't open the lid right away and it's definitely bulkier than the Chili above, which is designed with hiking and adventure in mind. But it's a sturdy, well-insulated bottle that adapts to almost every situation.
$37.83 Buy 700ml Bottle now : Price at Stanley
$38.94 for 621ml bottle, Amazon
Best water bottle with straw, 9/10
We like: It's easy to clean
We don't like: The straw is hard to flip
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- Available in 532ml, 621ml and 710ml
- leak proof
- dishwasher safe
- BPA free stainless steel and plastic lid
- Claims to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
I am generally against water bottles with straws, I find them unhygienic and difficult to clean. This Hydro Flask has changed my mind. My bottle came with the standard lid but I ordered the Flex Straw Cap separately to try it out. It comes in a pack with two straws, which you trim to fit the size of your bottle and fit into the lid.
This was easy enough to do, although I wish it came together already as it was difficult to determine the height to cut the straw. The lid has a flexible insert that attaches to the straw and can be removed for easy cleaning. The straw itself can be put in the dishwasher which puts my mind at ease in terms of cleanliness.
Looks sensible I can't even complain. The Hydro Flask features a compact design with powder coating and a choice of nine colors. My favorite was the color of the rain, light blue. The bottom is slightly indented in the middle for a stable base and after a month of using it, I can confirm that it is durable and keeps water ice cold.
My one complaint is that the lid is stiff to operate – which means anyone with joint problems or weak hands will have difficulty. It takes a lot of force to pull the straw, so I've pretty much given up on it if I'm sitting with the bottle at my desk. If you're up for the challenge of untangling the straw every time you take a sip - this is your bottle. And if you prefer it without the straw, you can buy the regular flex-cap version instead.
$43.39 Buy 621ml Bottle now : Price at Hydro Flask
$41.51, Ocean Bottle
best water bottle to support marine life
We Like: The company's great ocean conservation work
We don't like it: It's too expensive
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- Available in 500ml
- leak proof
- dishwasher safe
- Recycled stainless steel, BPA free and ocean bound plastics
- Claims to keep drinks cold for up to 18 hours and hot for up to nine hours
For every ocean bottle sold, 1,000 plastic bottles are collected before they reach the ocean. Released to mark the launch of Disney's The Little Mermaid, this limited edition One World, One Ocean edition also represents a collaboration with Swim England to fund new swimming teachers.
So you may feel a sense of satisfaction when you buy something, but are they really that good? Yes they do.
First of all, it looks beautiful sitting on my office desk. The lid snaps off in two places, the first about three quarters of the way up for cup-style drinking and pouring ice, and the second on the lid, for drinking on the go. Carry loop is also useful.
I love the whole ethos of this water bottle and the way each and every feature has been thought of so carefully. I just wish there was a stainless steel insert in the cap for better insulation.
$44.51 Buy Bottle now : Price at Ocean Bottle
$42.28 for a 710ml bottle, Lululemon
Best versatile gym bottle, 9/10
We like: It can be used for both the gym and the officeWe don't like: Big branding
We don't like: Big branding
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- Available in 710ml, 946ml and 1.8l
- leak proof
- Lid only is dishwasher safe
- BPA free stainless steel, plastic lid and silicone band
I love this sports bottle from Lululemon, which has a twist cap that opens to reveal a tiny chug hole—it's the perfect size to fit in your mouth without leaving room to spill. The loop handle makes it easy to carry around the gym and it's sturdy enough that it won't slide back and stick up your nose when you drink.
Unlike other sports bottles, this one is also beautifully designed. I love the blue linen color (shown above). The powder coating means it won't slip even with sweaty hands, and the ridged lid makes it easy to twist the cap. The big branding at the bottom is a turn off for me, although at least it's subtle in colour. That said, Lululemon is an iconic fitness brand that I think many people would be proud to show off.
I think £38 is a bit pricey for a water bottle but for this you have a bottle that is excellently made, has all the features you need for a gym water bottle and is easy to take to the office Looks good enough to go.
$42.32 Buy 710ml Bottle now : Price at Lululemon
$32.16 for 600ml bottle, Waterdrop
Best water bottle for people who don't like to drink water
We like: It makes drinking water more exciting
We Don't Like: Stocking up on Microdrink cubes can get expensive
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- Available in 400ml, 600ml, 1l
- leak proof
- not dishwasher safe
- BPA-free double-walled stainless steel with bamboo lid
- Claims to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
Waterdrop is joined by top names in the booming water bottle industry, including tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz (Djokovic reportedly has a sizeable investment in the company) as ambassadors. In such a crowded market, Waterdrop has come up with something out of the box: microdrink cubes.
They are basically small granular cubes made from natural plant and fruit extracts which are low in calories and free from sugar, artificial flavors and sweeteners. The bottles are made with perfectly sized drinking holes to insert these cubes inside and enhance the flavor of the water – hence the name, Waterdrop.
Flavors include Ice Tea Lemon, which is made with real tea, and Boost, which is made with blackcurrant, elderberry, and acai. The cubes cost £6.99 for a pack of 12.
The water bottles are attractive and made of double walled stainless steel with bamboo lids. You can choose from several pastel colors. I would highly recommend Waterdrop to anyone who needs a little flavor to encourage them to drink more water.
$32.27 Buy 600ml Bottle now : Price at Waterdrop
