10 Best Water Bottles, Tested by ‘Women’s Health’ Editors

ProsBeautiful design and eye-catching colorwaysKeep drinks cold for at least 24 hoursDesigned with locking clasp on the spout to prevent spillsConsSpout can get moldy quickly After testing over a dozen water bottles for several weeks, and taking a poll on the reusable jugs most used by our editors, it was clear Owala deserved our best overall spot. The bottle is easy to carry, reliably keeps drinks cold for at least 24 hours, and is beautifully designed. You can shop it in tons of unique colorways, plus it's made with a spout that allows you to take controlled swigs or sips of water without worry it'll dispense too much liquid and spill on you.Contributor Nicolette Accardi, NASM-CPT gives Owala top marks for its leak-proof design, too. "I've never experienced any leaks—yay for no spills!" she says. "Plus, the sleek design and mint green colorway is so pretty to glance at on my desk when I need a serotonin boost.” She also likes that the locking clasp on the spout doubles as a handle when she's on the go.During testing, we found the bottle did an excellent job at keeping ice from melting during entire workdays, and that the bottle was both easy to clean and refill regularly. Our only gripe with it is that the spout can get moldy quickly—perhaps even more quickly than other bottles in this guide—so you want to make sure to keep a regular cleaning schedule.Read More: Owala ReviewSize24, 32, or 40 ozInsulation? YesDesign Leakproof with push-button lidMaterialsStainless steelLid TypeFreeSip SpoutTemperature Retention24 hours coldProsCan be used with both cold and hot drinks Can handle falls and other accidents Tough design stands up to drops and the elementsConsThe straw doesn't fold down, so you have to remove if you don't want to use it or need to seal the cupWhen it came to the best water bottles, the Stanley came in a close second. Not only has this bottle become a must-have accessory, it's also extremely functional, keeping drinks cold for up to 11 hours and hot for up to seven. Not all bottles are suitable for hot drinks, and we love this versatility in the Stanley. Plus, it's designed with next-level durability and can survive drops and even fires (we’ve all seen the viral video on social media).It’s made with two walls of stainless steel—the outer one is built a bit thicker to make the bottle more resilient. Editors who are longtime fans of the Stanley did mention that it's prone to normal wear and tear, though—like its paint coat chipping.Still, it's a tried-and-true product for helping anyone meet their hydration goals. Our tester likes keeping her Stanley at her desk, since it helps her remember to drink water regularly. Her only issue is that she doesn't love traveling with it.One thing we wish we could change is that even though the Stanley is made with a drink opening allowing you to drink directly from the cup, it also comes with a straw opening, but the straw doesn’t fold down, which means spills are possible.Read More: Best Portable FansSize14, 20, 30, 40, or 64 ozInsulation?YesDesignTumbler styleMaterialsStainless steelLid TypeThree-position lid with strawTemperature Retention30 hours coldAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Eli Schmidt For Women's HealthProsConstructed with rugged durabilityThe dynamic straw can fold down The handle is designed with a grip to make it easier to holdConsIts paint may be prone to chippingAfter using the HydroJug for weeks, our tester particularly likes its sleek design, grippy handle, and durability. At first glance, the HydroJug has a very similar design to the Stanley, except it features a flippable straw.Even better, the straw is detachable for easy cleaning. Our tester found that the HydroJug was very easy to clean once you remove all the parts and wash them separately. It won't dent or break from accidentally falling down, though you can potentially experience some chipping.We also found that despite having a straw, this bottle was completely leak-proof. You can lay it down in a purse without fear that it’ll spill. Though our tester considers it way too large and heavy for the gym or a car, she likes keeping the bottle at her desk. “The 40-ounce size helps me stay hydrated without having to get up and refill my water cup a million times throughout the day.”If you’re not into the 40-ounce option, like many of the other bottles in this guide, the HydroJug is also available in two other sizes: 20 and 32 ounces.Size20, 32, or 40 ozInsulation?YesDesignLeak-proof tumbler styleMaterialsStainless steelLid TypeFlip strawTemperature Retention24 hours coldProsClever protective bumper on baseCompact design makes it easy to travel withHigh-level insulationConsThe cap part of the lid is a chore to fully cleanIn addition to making some of the best-looking water bottles out there, Takeya is all about functionality. We found the insulation to be reliable with cold drinks, often going 20 hours without a noticeable temperature change. The leakproof lid lived up to its name and the overall compact nature of the thing made it an ideal choice for tossing in a backpack or gym bag.The stainless steel build of the thing keeps it fairly lightweight while still imparting enough durability. The bumper on the base of the bottle is a sharp idea indeed, making it sturdier and easier to stand up on its own if you want it on your counter or desk. The hinge lock allows it to clip onto just about anything and, being dishwasher safe, it's a breeze to sanitize the bottle itself.Our only issues came with cleaning the cap itself, which needs to be taken apart and isn't the easiest to fully sanitize (we suggest soaking in boiling water). Another issue involves carrying the bottle itself. Without a handle, it can be a tougher bottle to carry, especially if you have arthritis (so, use those clips and carry it hands-free).Features at a GlanceSize24 ozInsulation? YesDesign Canister style with leakproof lid and protective bumperMaterialsStainless steelLid TypeSpoutTemperature Retention24 hours coldAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Eli Schmidt For Women's HealthProsTime markers help you meet hydration goals Designed with a locking mechanism to prevent spills Smart ergonomic handleWhile this is only one of two water bottles in this guide without insulation, Its the perfect companion for those who want to meet their hydration goals. The 64-ounce jug features time markers to help you gradually track your intake throughout the day.Despite its ability to hold so much liquid, our tester says that the bottle is super lightweight and easy to carry, thanks to its ergonomic handle. She particularly raves about the bottle's locking mechanism, which she found kept the bottle spill-proof as she carried it to the gym and elsewhere.Aesthetically, the bottle is on the more basic side, but it comes in beautiful neutral colors. It’s a great option for people who need a little more guidance on their journey of increasing their daily water intake. Plus, at less than $20, it's the most budget-friendly container, even though it holds the most liquid out of all the bottles in our guide.It's only obvious downside is that it won't keep your drinks cold for as long as the other insulated options.Size64 ozInsulation?NoDesignJug-style with leakproof lidMaterialsPlasticLid TypeSpout with flip lidTemperature RetentionMinimalProsGreat for packing drinks to share with friendsBrand has a commitment to sustainability Tons of colorways and four volume optionsConsWide mouth may be hard to drink from for someWhile Hydro Flask makes options with straws and narrower mouth openings, we particularly like the brand’s wide mouth bottle, which makes it a great pick for both solo hydration and sharing drinks. The wide mouth makes it easy to pour liquids—perfect if you're using it when out on a picnic with friends, for example—but it’s also easier to throw ice in if you’re just loading it up with your water for the day. It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot for up to 12.Assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon says she likes keeping the bottle on her work desk, but that it’s safe to travel with, too. “I love how the bottle is completely leakproof when closed, so I don’t have to worry about any spillage when I throw the bottle in my bag,” she says.McMahon also enjoys that the large mouth opening allows her to take larger gulps of water throughout the day, unlike sipping from a straw. “The stainless steel didn’t leave any weird aftertaste or flavor transfer either—just refreshing water!”Though its flexible handle makes it very easy to carry around, our testers did find that the bottle was on the heavier side. “I would recommend this for someone who uses a backpack or large bag, or who wants to leave this bottle in the same place every day,” McMahon says.Read More: Hot Weather Walking TipsSize20, 32, 40, or 64 ozInsulation?YesDesignCanister style with handle on lidMaterialsStainless steelLid TypeLeakproof screw-onTemperature Retention24 hours cold, 12 hours hotAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Eli Schmidt For Women's HealthProsKeeps drinks cold up to 29 hours More lightweight than other bottlesEasy to clean (and also dishwasher-safe)ConsIts paint may be prone to chipping A longtime Stanley user, art director Christine Giordano found a new favorite in the Contigo Streeterville Tumbler. After taking it on the road with her to four hockey games, she found that the water bottle excels at insulation. “The Contigo stayed cold and refreshing all day from my 7 a.m. departure to the 8 p.m. arrival back home,” she says. It’ll keep drinks cold for up to 29 hours, but it also can hold hot beverages—albeit just for a few hours.Giordano particularly loved the bottle’s multifunction lid, since it also allows you to drink with or without a straw. During testing, we also found that the Contigo was relatively lightweight, which we appreciated after carrying it around all day.When it came to cleaning, the Contigo didn’t require too much effort. “What makes washing it easier is that it doesn’t have too many small parts that one could potentially miss when giving it a refresh,” Giordano says. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe, making it a breeze to use it consistently.Size40 ozInsulation?YesDesignStraw or water hole openingCredit: Eli Schmidt For Women's HealthProsExtremely leak-proof and dent-proofCan be personalized/used for gifting Easy to cleanConsMore on the heavier sideWhen it comes to durable drinkware (and coolers, of course!), Yeti is always top of mind, and this bottle delivers on some of the brand's best qualities. Its double-walled insulation keeps drinks cold all day. Our tester put this bottle through the paces, and confirmed there was no need to refill her bottle with ice.Another feature she raved about is that it’s absolutely leak-proof. “It’s really easy to clean and the seal is super-tight so I don't have to worry about it spilling in my work or gym bag,” she says.This Yeti water bottle gets extra points because it’s customizable. You can get it engraved with words and images in different color combinations, making it a great gift, or allowing you to design something so personal to you it’s a joy to carry around.That being said, our tester’s only gripes with the bottle are that it’s on the heavier side, plus she wishes it had markers to help her keep track of her water intake.But its sturdy, chic design makes up for it. “It’s a fair swap considering the material is nice and matte, which is nice for cleaning because the bottle doesn’t get scuffed up,” she says. You can also bet it’s dent-proof, too. Mistakes happen, but if you drop this bottle, there’s no need to worry about damaging it.Size18, 26, 36, 46, or 64 ozInsulation?YesDesignCanister style with handle and leakproof lidMaterialsStainless steelLid TypeChug CapTemperature Retention24 hours coldAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowCredit: Eli Schmidt For Women's HealthProsMarkers make it easy to track hydrationComes with a sleeve to keep water insulatedHigh level of portability for those on-the-goConsDrinks don't stay cold as long as they do in insulated optionsWhile the Nalgene isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, nor is it insulated, it’s one of the most functional water bottles on the list, especially for runners. Accardi particularly likes using it during runs because it’s “cute, compact, and super portable,” she says. “I like that it has a loop strap you can slide your hand through so you can hold it mindlessly.” Plus, because you’re not carrying stainless steel around, the bottle is very lightweight. Instead, it’s made with material derived from 50 percent plastic waste.While the bottle itself is plastic, meaning it doesn’t insulate as well as steel, it comes with a removable sleeve cover that absorbs moisture and aids in insulation. It won’t keep your drinks cold or hot for 12 hours like some of the other bottles on this list, but the sleeve helps liquids hold their temperature for a few hours.If you choose to remove the sleeve, which Accardi says requires quite a bit of effort because it goes on so tight, you can also track your hydration using the bottle’s water markers.Size32 ozInsulation?NoDesignCanister style with wide mouth and plastic hook handleMaterialsTritan (50% certified recycled content)Lid TypeStandard screw-offTemperature RetentionMinimalProsAssociated app for achieving hydration goalsInsulates cold drinks up to 24 hoursOversized handle for easy grippingConsA bit heavy when filled to the brimA little extra tech can go a long way in the world of hydration and that’s why the Hidrate Spark Pro 2 is our favorite in the category of smart tumblers. Testing showed its many strengths, from a useful associated app to audible drink reminders to keep you on your drinking game.We loved the double-walled vacuum insulation and sweat-proof build, meaning there’s never any condensation on the exterior. We also loved the oversized handle for better portability and the fact that drinks would stay cold for the entirety of the day (usually going a full 24 hours). While the LED light is a little cheesy, it does add some modern flair and personality to the bottle.Sometimes, the apps for smart products are less than useful. We found this one to be intuitive and full of many uses, namely tracking water intake over time and getting ideal amounts depending on what you’re doing (working out vs. just going to work).About the only complaint we came away with was the weight, which is a bit on the heavy side when carrying a full fill, making it slightly less portable than others. But the tech makes up for that, not to mention the sleek tumbler design.Read More: Best Smart Water BottleFeatures at a GlanceSize30 ozInsulation? YesDesign Tumbler style with splash-proof lid and app via BluetoothMaterialsRecycled stainless steelLid TypePress-in lid with strawTemperature Retention24 hours cold, 4 hours hotJasmine Gomez is the lifestyle and commerce editor at Women’s Health, where she tests and writes about the best products across home, sleep, travel, and more. She holds an MA in digital journalism and has contributed to other outlets including Seventeen, Teen Vogue, MamásLatinas, Bustle, and more. When not shopping online, she enjoys cooking, dance cardio workouts, karaoke, and traveling to places with palm trees.Natascha is an editor and writer covering health, fitness, and the ways people move through the world. She’s been a NASM-certified personal trainer for more than a decade, with a background in functional strength training, corrective exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. She has additional CES, CNC, BCS, and SFC certifications. She is also a level-2 certified Spinning instructor. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, and other outlets, and her experience spans both editorial and hands-on work across the fitness industry. Whether she’s writing about training, health, or performance, she’s most interested in making complicated topics useful, approachable, and helpful.