6 Water Bottles That Will Make You Actually Want to Drink Water

We can’t tell you exactly how much water you should drink per day, but we can help you find the perfect water bottle for your hydration needs. Do you want a bottle for occasional gym trips and outdoor activities? One that can hold hot coffee too? Or, are you looking for an everyday companion that’s large enough to cut down on refills and keeps your drinks ice cold? We’ve tested a ton of options over the years in search of the perfect bottle, and these are the best we’ve tried so far.

_{Prices are accurate as of August 27, 2024. Subject to change.}

Do Some Water Bottles Have Lead in Them?

In early 2024, word started circulating that the viral Stanley Cups were testing positive for lead. At-home test kits are unreliable, but upon further investigation, it was clear that there actually is a lead problem in the bottle world. Many brands use a method of lead soldering to seal the bottom of vacuum-insulated cups. The lead is then covered by a stainless steel plate and should never come in contact with you or your drink. The risk of exposure is low, but not zero — the bottle would need to be damaged badly enough that the plate comes off and exposes the lead underneath. 

Only one of our favorite brands still uses lead in their manufacturing, and we’ve noted it below. The other brands we recommend have either never used this method or switched to new processes years ago. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Best Overall: Owala FreeSip Water Bottle

When I die, I’d like my ashes stored in an Owala FreeSip. Until then, this is the bottle I’ll be drinking from daily. FreeSip bottles are the best for most people because their unique lids offer dual drinking methods. Sip from the straw or tilt it back to chug, then close and lock to avoid leaks — the lock doubles as a handle for carrying. My water stays ice cold in it well into the next day. Named one of the best inventions of 2023, the FreeSip is simply great. I have multiple and have gifted several more to my friends. The FreeSip is also available in multiple sizes from 19 to 40 ounces, as well as a 16-ounce kids version. The FreeSip Twist is slimmer, with a twist-off lid rather than a pop-up one, but it has the same straw-chug duo.

Best for Outdoor Lovers: Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Water Bottle With Chug Cap

Klean Kanteen bottles are known for their durability, which is why outdoor lovers will appreciate them — maybe don’t send them careening down a cliff, but if you happen to drop it while hiking or it bangs against a mountain while rock climbing, it should survive. There are a few different cap options available depending on your preferences, but this leak-proof Chug Cap has a handle that the cap clicks onto while you’re drinking. This bottle is the epitome of functionality and convenience.

Best for Cold and Hot Beverages: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle

Hydro Flask remains at the top of the market for producing some of the best water bottles. They’re leak-proof with a tough powder-coating that should stand up to drops and scratches, and they come in great color options. This one has a Flex Cap, which you unscrew to drink from, but like Klean Kanteen, the brand has many cap options to choose from. Drinks stay cold all day, or hot for 12 hours — you could even pack some soup in your hiking pack or lunchbox.

Best Tumbler: BruMate Era Tumbler

We know that the Stanley Tumbler has been viral as of late, but BruMate wins the award for its genius straw-locking mechanism. The stainless steel straw is topped with a plastic piece that connects into the lid. A plate on the lid twists, turning that plastic piece between an open and closed position, stopping the water from flowing up through the silicone straw on top. During testing, not a single drop came out when I held it upside down. The bottle itself is also sturdy and insulated, keeping drinks cold for 24 hours or more. The tapered design allows it to fit into a cup holder, too. There’s also a straw cover that connects to the lid magnetically, so it keeps the straw from collecting dust while you aren’t drinking and won’t get lost while you are.

Best Glass Bottle: Bkr Reusable Glass Water Bottle

Most popular water bottles are made of stainless steel or plastic, but glass shouldn’t be overlooked. Steel is stronger with better insulation and plastic is, well, plastic, but glass is a great option, especially if you feel like steel leaves a metallic taste in your mouth. The glass used for Bkr bottles is thick and durable and the protective silicone sleeves come in nearly every color imaginable — you can go sans sleeve and save some money if you don’t need the extra protection or grip. They range in size from an 8-ounce Teeny Bottle to 32-ounces and you can get straw caps or even lids that hold the brand’s lip balms. Bkr also has two sizes of insulated glass mugs, but we haven’t tried them (yet).

Another Option for Cold and Hot Drinks: Fellow Carter Move Mug

Many Optimism staffers love their Fellow Carter Move Mugs for keeping their coffee hot for 12 hours — Fellow is a coffee brand, after all — but the Carter also keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. You can add on the cold lid and straw for another $12, if you prefer. If you don’t plan on using it for coffee ever, and therefore can forgo the splash guard, you might prefer going with the Cold Tumbler directly. Fellow does use lead in the manufacturing process for its Carter Mug, however. That said, the company says all surfaces are tested for heavy metals before it gets in your hands.

_{Featured Image Credit: bluewaterglobe/ Unsplash}