Stay hydrated everywhere you go with the best water bottles, tested by Family Handyman editors.
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The 7 Best Water Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Editors
Updated on Apr. 01, 2024
With some sources reporting that the price of bottled water is expected to increase to $5.93 U.S. dollars in 2027, folks are focusing on ways to limit their purchase of bottled water now more than ever. From smart bottles to tumblers that carry coffee, reusable water bottles are gaining popularity online due to communities like #WaterTok and mounting environmental concerns.
“Reusable water bottles are generally better than plastic ones because they don’t contain harmful chemicals found in some plastics, like BPA,” says Dr. Kevin Dwyer of Riverview Medical Center’s Emergency Department. “They’re also better for the environment since they reduce plastic waste.”
Choosing the best water bottles from the avalanche of options on the market takes some serious dedication, research and testing. After all, nobody wants a leaky lid or a plastic aftertaste. Family Handyman editors are not strangers to water bottles or accessories like bottle cleaners—over the years, we’ve tested dozens. Here’s what we’ve learned in our tireless search for hydration.
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MARY HENN/FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best Overall Water Bottle
Yeti Rambler Bottle
Our top pick for the best water bottle is Yeti’s Rambler bottle. First, it comes in five sizes for gym rats and savvy sippers: 18-ounce, 26-ounce, 36-ounce, 46-ounce and 64-ounce. Because it’s a Yeti product, it’s durable enough to survive drops. Beat the scorching heat with double wall insulation and keep beverages cold for days.
“The supersized, 64-ounce Rambler is what I like to call my ’emotional support water bottle,’” says Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky. “The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold and ice intact for hours, even on hot days.”
“The 26-ounce is my everyday water bottle, and I have the 36-ounce and 46-ounce sizes,” says Senior Shopping Editor Daria Smith. “These bottles are 100% spill-proof. My favorite feature is the array of lids, including the chug cap and straw cap. I always throw them in a soft cooler to go to the beach—you can never be too hydrated in the sun.”
Choose from five leak-proof lids. Most Rambler bottles come with a screw-on chug cap, which offers a loop to transport the bottle easily. Daria vouches for the straw cap, and Caroline opts for the magnetic magdock twist cap (you’ll never lose your lid again). Or, go with the hotshot cap or five-ounce cup cap. For even more convenience, pick up an accessory that allows you to attach it to your Yeti Cooler.
Size(s): 18 oz., 26 oz., 36 oz., 46 oz., 64 oz. | Lid(s): Chug Spout Lid, Compatible with Straw Cap (Sold Separately) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: Stainless Steel | Hot Liquids: Yes
Pros
- Double wall insulation
- Spill-proof lid
- Tough enough to withstand the outdoors
- Compatible with Yeti cooler accessories
- Customization options with art galleries and text
Cons
- Pricey but lasts a lifetime
- Larger sizes may not fit in cupholders
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Mary Henn/Family Handyman
Best Water Bottle with Straw
Brumate Rotera
The Brumate Rotera bottle offers a few traits not found in the other bottles on this list. Namely, a leak-free straw lid, swappable soft-touch sleeve and sanitary stainless steel straw draw us in. Associate Editor Mary Henn loves her 35-ounce Rotera bottle, stating that it “has the insulation power of other Brumate cups and koozies with the convenience and leakproof technology of a high-quality water bottle.”
“The Rotera spent several hours in my suitcase, tucked in my backpack and rolling around on the floor of the car without spilling or leaking as I traveled through the hills of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, “says Henn in her review of the bottle. “Not only that, but it was extremely hot outside when I traveled, and the Rotera kept my water icy cold for hours on end.”
Size(s): 15 oz., 25 oz., 35 oz., 65 oz. | Lid(s): Straw Lid | Dishwasher Safe: Some Finishes | Material: Stainless Steel | Hot Liquids: No
Pros
- Keeps ice for 24+ hours
- Touch-free straw lid
- No metallic or plastic taste
- Swappable silicone sleeve
- Universal, interchangeable lid fits on all Rotera bottles
Cons
- A little pricey
- Not all sizes fit in most car cup holders
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Emily Way/Family Handyman
Best Water Bottle for Hiking
Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug
Classy, portable and easy to carry, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug keeps drinks cool all day. A spill-proof lid locks in place for sips free from splashes. I also love that it only requires one hand to drink thanks to a clever push-button trigger.
Ppick up a Stanley portable French press, and add some java to your early morning nature walks. I’m obsessed with the fact that this travel tumbler works for both hot and cold drinks. Better yet, the lid easily comes apart so it’s incredibly easy to clean, even on the trail.
Size(s): 16 oz., 20 oz. | Lid(s): Trigger-Action | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel | Hot Liquids: Yes
Pros
- Insulated
- Holds hot or cold drinks
- Can be used one-handed
- Slim size is easy to carry
- Easy-clean lid
Cons
- No handle
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Mary Henn/Family Handyman
Most Lightweight Water Bottle
Yeti Yonder
The Yeti Yonder is the perfect, lightweight water bottle for travel. It weighs next to nothing when empty, so you won’t notice it in a gym bag or carry-on, and it doesn’t have a straw or other parts that need deep cleaning when you’re on the go.
“I love the chug cap for easy sipping and big gulps, and the whole thing is easy to clean quickly by hand or via the top rack of the dishwasher,” says editor Mary Henn. “I like using the Yonder Tether Cap when traveling too, so the lid stays attached to the bottle and doesn’t get misplaced or lost. Without a doubt, the Yeti Yonder bottle is the one I reach for when I’m going on vacation.”
The Yonder water bottle is totally leakproof and made of BPA-free, recycled plastic. It comes in various colors and sizes ranging from 20 to 50 ounces. While it boasts the high quality we expect from Yeti products, it doesn’t provide any insulation to keep ice the way double-walled stainless steel does—it’s truly made to be ultra-lightweight—but this durable water bottle is perfect for traveling and on-the-go purposes.
Size(s): 20 oz., 25 oz., 34 oz., 50 oz. | Lid(s): Twist Top, Compatible with Straw Cap (sold separately) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: 50% Recycled Plastic | Hot Liquids: No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Great for travel, especially air travel
- Affordable
- Available in a variety of colors and sizes
- Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Lightweight plastic doesn’t provide insulation
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Emily Way/Family Handyman
Best Filtered Water Bottle
Larq Bottle Flip Top and Larq Bottle PureVis Cap
The Larq flip top bottle isn’t just pretty—it’s practical for anyone who’s always on the go. The detachable silicone-coated carabiner makes it easy to grab on the go and the straw is fun to drink through. Water stays pretty cold thanks to vacuum insulation, and editor Katie Bandurski didn’t notice any sweating while testing.
While the bottle itself is sleek and worthy of all-day sipping, the real star of the show is the PureVis Cap that runs on a rechargeable Li-Polymer battery. A UV-C LED chip in the cap uses a 270-275 nanometer spectrum to neutralize up to 99% of bacteria. This eliminates most impurities like germs and E. coli, but not visible sediment.
“I really love having the filter straw,” she says. “I feel more confident grabbing water from bubblers and other public sources. After several weeks of use, the bottle is still in pristine shape. No nicks or scratches to the coating.”
Size(s): 17 oz., 25 oz. | Lid(s): Flip Top Straw, PureVis Cap (sold separately) | Dishwasher Safe: Not Recommended | Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel | Hot Liquids: No
Pros
- Built-in filter straw provides clean, fresh water while on the go
- Aesthetic design
- Vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold
- Mix-and-match accessories help you find the perfect fit for your needs
- One-year warranty
- Carabiner makes the bottle easy to carry or attach to your bag
Cons
- Requires a lot of suction to sip
- Filter setup is difficult to clean
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On Sale
DARIA SMITH/FAMILY HANDYMAN
Best Collapsible Water Bottle
Lifestraw Peak Series Collapsible Bottle
If you’re a frequent camper, traveler or trail runner, Lifestraw’s peak collapsible bottle is your portable water vessel.
Drink water directly from a stream or Airbnb sink with the built-in filter, as it removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics, meeting US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards. The bottle rolls up and collapses, to quickly pack away while on the go.
“I take my Lifestraw collapsible water bottle everywhere, from week-long backpacking trips to expeditions across Europe,” says Senior Shopping Editor Daria Smith. “It saved me in Paris and while hiking part of the Appalachian Trail.”
Size(s): 650 mL., 1 L. | Dishwasher Safe: No (Easy-to-clean with Dish Brush) | Material: BPA-free Plastic | Hot Liquids: No
Pros
- Filters water anywhere
- Uber-packable
- Leak-proof
- Lightweight at under 4 oz.
- Membrane microfilter lasts up to 2,000 L. (500 gal.)
- Filters out 99.99% of contaminants, with a 0.2-micron hollow-core membrane microfilter
Cons
- Additional maintenance to preserve microfilter
- Flow rate: slower than traditional bottles
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On Sale
Emily Way/Family Handyman
Best Water Bottle for Travel
Owala FreeSip
The Owala Freesip bottle is so pretty that I get comments on it constantly—but that’s not the only reason I love it. From triple-layer stainless steel insulation that keeps the contents cool even in my gym’s steam room to a leak-proof lid that doubles as a straw spout, you can’t go wrong with one of these. A big, wide opening leaves plenty of space for ice. The lid even lifts as an impromptu handle. Super helpful while on a hiking trail!
Definitely the best aspect of these bottles, however, is the cool, modern look. There are 15 different colorways to choose from. Mine is Retro Boardwalk, but I have my eyes on Neo Sage and Night Safari. Just one thing—be prepared to receive daily compliments!
Size(s): 19 oz., 24 oz., 25 oz., 32 oz., 40 oz. | Lid(s): Freesip Spout | Dishwasher Safe: Lid, Yes; Body, No | Material: Stainless Steel | Hot Liquids: No
Pros
- Straw and sip-ready spout
- 15 dazzling color options
- Wide opening for ice
- Leakproof lid lock doubles as a handle
- Five different sizes available
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
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Caroline Lubinsky/Family Handyman
Best Insulated Water Bottle
Stanley Iceflow with Fast Flow Lid
Our Senior Editor Caroline Lubinsky tested the Stanley IceFlow Bottle in the 55-ounce size. This bottle has a helpful carrying handle, which the cap clips onto when drinking water. Despite the lightweight material—spun steel is about 30% more lightweight than the usual 18/8 stainless steel—double-wall insulation keeps drinks iced for up to two days.
“I own a Yeti in the same size, and think the Stanley is decidedly lighter (which is a big plus to me),” says Lubinsky. “Other things I like about this bottle include the double-walled construction, which helps the ice stay cold for literal days, and the large variety of color options available.”
Size(s): 16 oz., 24 oz., 36 oz., 50 oz., 96 oz. | Lid(s): Fast Flow Lid, Ice Flow Flip Straw Lid (Sold Separately) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Material: Spun Stainless Steel | Hot Liquids: No
Pros
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Available in four sizes
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Lots of color options
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Leakproof
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Dishwasher safe
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Lifetime warranty
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Lightweight for the size
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Keeps ice cold for days
Cons
- Dents fairly easily
- 55-ounce bottle doesn’t fit in cupholders
FAQ
How much water should I drink in a day?
“The amount of water you need depends on various factors, including your health, activity levels, and climate,” says Dr. Dwyer. “A general guideline is about 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women per day from all beverages and foods. But this varies, and it’s important to listen to your body and drink when you’re thirsty.”
What is the healthiest water to drink?
“Clinically speaking, the healthiest water is one that maintains a balance of essential minerals while being devoid of harmful contaminants,” says Dr. Dwyer. He notes that tap water in most developed countries meets these criteria and is subject to rigorous testing. Whether tap, filtered, or bottled, it should meet safety standards.
“Some prefer mineral water for its added nutrients. Flavored water is a fine alternative, but be aware of beverages that are high in sugar as they are associated with obesity and diabetes. Some health experts tout alkaline water for potential health benefits, but more research is needed before this should be recommended over plain water. Ultimately, the best option is what has been available to humans since the beginning of time, just good old plain water.”
