The 10 Best Water Bottles of 2024, According to Athletes and Commuters

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Sip in style.

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Shape / David Hattan

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women should drink at least 11.5 cups of water daily (men need 15.5). And since we’re so over single-use plastic bottles, keeping a great reusable water bottle by your side is the best way to stay hydrated. The best water bottles are easy to transport and comfortable to drink from, whether you’re a straw girl or you prefer a squeezy situation.

We tested dozens of water bottles and spoke to experts, including fitness instructors, materials scientists, and our always-on-the-move Shape editors, to find the best water bottles for every scenario. We considered materials, size, weight, drinking mechanism, and aesthetics. From lightweight travel-friendly collapsible bottles to sturdy insulated models that will keep your water ice-cold for hours, there’s a bottle on this list to quench everyone’s thirst.

Read on below for the best water bottles, according to tests and experts.

Covered opening

Works for wide-mouth or straw sipping

Easy to clean

Aesthetic

Bulkier than other options

Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Size: 24 oz. 32 oz. 40 oz. | Sipping system: Straw and wide-mouth opening

The Owala FreeSip checks a lot of boxes when it comes to a quality, user-friendly water bottle. With two drinking options — a wide-mouth opening and a built-in straw — plus an insulated stainless steel container, this bottle keeps your drink cold and your mouthpiece clean. I personally tote this bottle everywhere I go and love that it slides easily into a backpack bottle holder and is easy to refill without unscrewing the top. The top has a handy plastic loop that can stand up as a hook or collapse into the lid and out of the way.

The FreeSip also comes in dozens of pretty color options to match any aesthetic. The lid is dishwasher safe and the wide-mouthed bottle is easy to clean by hand. If you’re extra-thirsty, Owala also makes 32- and 40 oz. models.

Made of clear, shatter-proof Tritan

Great travel, camping option

Loop-style carrying handle

Not insulated or covered

Material: Tritan plastic | Size: 25 oz. | Sipping system: Straw

CamelBak knows a thing or two about making quality water systems, and this sturdy Tritan bottle is an inexpensive option that’s lightweight, highly durable, and easy to use and clean. Users sip through a silicone cover attached to the built-in (removable) straw. It has a secure loop-style carrying handle for hanging or clipping on the move. The bottle is light (it weighs 1.6 lbs.) and made from shatter-proof Tritan plastic, so it’s highly portable and great for travel. Don’t expect this bottle to keep your water icy cold, though, it’s not insulated.

"I've used this Camelbak water bottle for over five years, so much that the label has never worn off from constant use," says Taylor Jeffries, Shape's commerce writer. "It's simple yet functional for everyday use thanks to its straw that makes it easy to stay hydrated when exercising, commuting, or in need of a quick sip in between breaks for my soccer games. I also love that it's not easily damaged, it never leaks in my bag, and its ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry even if my hands are full."

UVC purification kills 99.9% of bacteria

Cleans in minutes

Battery lasts for a month

Stainless steel interior keeps temperature regulated

Requires charging for self-cleaning

Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Size: 17 oz. 25 oz. | Sipping system: Wide-mouth opening

Let’s face it, you’re probably not cleaning your favorite water bottle as much as you should be. Monos has your back with this self-purifying bottle. Inside the lid is a UVC light that can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria in the “deep clean” mode, which takes 3 minutes. For a faster clean that requires less battery, there’s also a 1-minute “quick clean” mode. You will need to charge this bottle, unlike other options, but the battery lasts up to a month with regular use. It also has a soft silicone exterior that won’t slide around, and the stainless steel interior is durable and helps keep cold liquids cold.

Fits in car cupholder (shockingly)

Comes in dozens of colors

Dishwasher safe

Heavy, bulky option

Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Size: 40 oz. | Sipping system: Straw

These mugs might seem overhyped, but the truth is, we love ‘em. They hold a ton of water, are easy to carry thanks to a large handle, and are dishwasher-safe. The Adventure Quencher also keeps things cold–like really cold–for hours. If you want something sleeker and smaller, Stanley has more petite 14- and 20-ounce options, and the color choices are nearly endless.

"I completely understand the hype about Stanley Tumblers after using mine for a few months," says Maddie Barber, Shape's commerce writer. "It's truly the only water bottle that gets me to drink consistently throughout the day. The straw makes it super easy and I never have to constantly get up to refill it like I do with other bottles."

Covered opening prevents germs

Clip for easy holding

Not dishwasher-safe

Material: Stainless steel, plastic | Size: 24 oz | Sipping system: Straw

This well-insulated leak-free water bottle from Lululemon is a versatile choice with a closed drinking spout that protects the mouthpiece from dirt and germs. It has a wide mouth opening for adding ice and two layers of vacuum-sealed insulation that keep your drink cold for hours. Plus, there’s no condensation. The exterior of the bottle stays dry and has a matte powder finish that keeps it from becoming slippery, even in the middle of a sweaty hot yoga session.

"I love this water bottle because it keeps liquids cool for days — especially if you add ice," says Summer Cartwright, Shape's senior commerce editor. "It's easy to slip into work or gym bags and easily survives falls without denting or leaking. I know this all too well."

Lightweight and easy to use on the run

Pockets for additional storage

Insulated

Smaller capacity than other bottles

Material: Plastic | Size: 12 oz. | Sipping system: Squeeze spout

This handheld running bottle is my go-to for long, hot runs during marathon training. I’ve also carried it during a half-marathon race in Jackson Hole, at over 6,000 feet of elevation, to negate the effects of altitude during my race. The bottle is comfortable, lightweight, and easy to take a swig from on the move. It’s also insulated and kept my water cold for the entire race on a hot sunny day. The ergonomically shaped soft plastic bottle comes with a soft fabric adjustable strap that can be worn on either hand.

Grippy silicone wrapper prevents dings

Fits into cup holders

Leakproof straw

Hard to fit ice inside.

Material: Glass, silicone | Size: 22 oz. | Sipping system: Straw and small-mouth opening

Glass is a non-toxic material that’s great for drinking, and this BKR bottle is smartly designed with an exterior silicone wrapper that protects it from breaking and helps you get a firm grip, even if the bottle is wet. This kit includes a second lid with a straw hole, if you prefer to sip, rather than glug. I like that it’s lightweight and chic-looking, plus it fits in any cup holder.

Keeps beverages hot and cold for hours

Dishwasher safe

Wide mouth opening can be more prone to spilling

Material: Stainless steel | Size: 24 oz. | Sipping system: Straw, wide opening

This is a sturdy, leak-proof well-insulated no-frills bottle that gets the job done. It’s a favorite of Hilary Hoffman, founder of the celebrity-loved workout Soto Method. She loves that “the Mesa is dishwasher safe and extremely durable.” The double-wall insulation keeps hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold for hours. It’s sealed with a tight-fitting screw-on lid that prevents leaks and has a loop on top for hanging or clipping in transit.

Soft silicone exterior makes for a comfortable grip

Shatter-proof

3 layers of insullation

Screw-on lid can be hard to remove

Material: Stainless steel, silicone | Size: 24 oz. | Sipping system: Wide-mouth opening

This stainless steel option from S’well is lightweight and shatter-proof. It has a grippy stainless steel exterior with a soft, flexible ring for clipping and carrying. The three layers of insulation, which include a layer of copper between the stainless steel, prevent condensation from forming on the outside. Plus, this bottle will stay cold for well over a day and hot for up to 16 hours. It’s great for planes, trains, and road trips and won’t add bulk to your carry-on.

“I love that my S’well bottle keeps my water cool, is easy to wash, and it’s not too big so I can throw it in my backpack as I’m running around the city after teaching classes," says Torrey Harada, Master Trainer at Physique 57.

Covered straw for sipping and built-in filter

Folds for easy storage

Filter needs replaced after 500 gallons of water

Material: BPA-free plastic | Size: 1 L | Sipping system: Straw

This unique bottle offers two great benefits: it folds nearly flat and has a detachable, powerful filter that can turn any water into clean, potable hydration. The bottle is made from super-durable heavy-duty flexible plastic and has a micro filter that removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and other debris so you can fill it up in the stream alongside your hiking path or the airport water fountain (with no chemical aftertaste). The bottle weighs just 3.9 oz. and also comes in a smaller 650 mm size.

The best material depends on what you’re looking for, but Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director at Medical Cert UK, recommends stainless steel water bottles. “Stainless steel is durable and incredibly long-lasting, making it ideal for daily use without worrying about wear and tear,” she says. In addition, “stainless steel doesn’t leach harmful chemicals, such as BPA, which is a concern with certain plastic bottles.”

Plastic can break down and release chemicals into your water over time, especially if it's exposed to light or heat, such as in the dishwasher. “Stainless steel remains chemically stable and won’t alter the taste or quality of your water, no matter how long you’ve had the bottle or where it’s been stored,” says Knobel. That said, if you want a sturdy and lightweight bottle Edwards says Tritan plastic is a good option. “It’s BPA-free, impact-resistant, and safe for the dishwasher, making it perfect for kids and active use.”

Glass is also stable and safe, but it’s less durable than stainless steel. We like glass bottles wrapped in silicone for extra durability.

According to Ryan Crisp, Senior Engineer at Priority Designs, glass and stainless steel are the most eco-friendly options. “Glass can be easily recycled,” he says, “but it’s also heavy and fragile.” Stainless steel is highly durable and long-lasting, making it another great choice.

Though certain plastics can be recycled (like PET, PP, and HDPE), Crisp says, “The truth is that these materials rarely end up being recycled and often end up in a landfill after being reground at a recycling center.”

Look for an insulated stainless steel or glass bottle to carry hot water. According to Knobel, these bottles “don’t react with hot liquids or release chemicals, which can be a concern with plastic bottles.” Stainless steel is not microwave-safe, however.

Insulated stainless steel will also keep cold drinks cold longer than other materials. Look for double- or triple-walled insulation, which adds extra layers to retain the chill of your drink and prevent condensation.

Lizzy Briskin is a New York City-based health, fitness, food, and travel writer for outlets including PEOPLE, Real Simple, Women's Health, and SELF. A former collegiate runner for Amherst College, she caught the marathon bug post-grad and has run six so far. She's also competed in triathlons and is an avid swimmer, hiker, cyclist, and reader. She has a culinary degree from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and was formally the food editor at Food Network Magazine, and before that, at Real Simple Magazine.

We selected the best water bottles based on personal testing by experts and editors. We interviewed the following experts: