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Best Sports Water Bottles

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Iron Flask Metal Water Bottle
Iron Flask
Metal Water Bottle
Most Versatile

This large-capacity insulated water bottle comes with three lids to meet the needs of any circumstance.

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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This large-capacity insulated water bottle comes with three lids to meet the needs of any circumstance.

Pros

Heavy-duty construction. Three lid options: carabiner straw, flip, and stainless steel. Available in several beautiful powder-coated designs. Keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.

Cons

Heavier than other models, especially when filled with liquid.

Best Bang for the Buck
Polar Bottle Sport Insulated Water Bottle
Polar Bottle
Sport Insulated Water Bottle
Bargain Pick

This squeeze-style sports water bottle is insulated so even your last drop of water is as cold as the first.

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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

This squeeze-style sports water bottle is insulated so even your last drop of water is as cold as the first.

Pros

It’s triple-layered with insulation to keep water cold for up to twice as long as previous versions. The cap and valve can be separated for easy cleaning. It comes in 20- or 24-ounce sizes and in 12 designs.

Cons

Some had issues with leaks around the cap. Others found its insulation couldn’t last through high temperatures.

Coldest Sports Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Coldest Sports
Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Best for Everyday Use

A triple-layer stainless steel water bottle that does a good job keeping drinks hot or cold.

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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

A triple-layer stainless steel water bottle that does a good job keeping drinks hot or cold.

Pros

Insulated with a triple-wall design that's constructed of stainless steel. Maintains cold beverages for as long as 36 hours and hot beverages for 13 hours. Flip-top lid has a built-in straw. Comes in a choice of numerous fun colors and four sizes.

Cons

The bottle may dent if it's dropped. A few users report leaking lids.

Buzio Insulated Water Bottle 64 oz
Buzio
Insulated Water Bottle 64 oz
Durable & Rugged

A rugged, leak-proof water bottle with useful accessories.

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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

A rugged, leak-proof water bottle with useful accessories.

Pros

Three lid options, carrying pouch, two straws, and straw-cleaning brush. Vacuum-insulated to keep liquid cold for up to 48 hours and hot for up to 24. Puncture-resistant and durable.

Cons

Carrying sleeve can be difficult to remove.

Camelbak Eddy+ Water Bottle
Camelbak
Eddy+ Water Bottle
Feature-packed

This Eddy bottle has all the features: it’s insulated, made of stainless steel, comes with a straw, and has a large size option of 32 ounces.

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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

This Eddy bottle has all the features: it’s insulated, made of stainless steel, comes with a straw, and has a large size option of 32 ounces.

Pros

There’s no BPA plastic anywhere, and the straw carries more to you per sip than most others. It has a lifetime guarantee covering manufacturing defects. It comes in 20-, 25- and 32-ounce sizes and in 14 designs.

Cons

The large 32-ounce size is too big for most cup holders. It’s also on the heavy side, even when empty.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
November 28, 2021
36
Models
considered
26
Hours
researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best sports water bottles

Melissa Nott
Written by Melissa Nott

Updated October 2023

Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist or frequent gym-goer, hydration is incredibly important for your performance. A large percentage of our water intake comes from our diet. Foods like fruits and vegetables are, after all, mostly made up of H2O. Many people, unfortunately, have poor diets, which limits their water intake from food. People also often forget to hydrate regularly throughout the day. Throw in a sweaty workout on top of chronic dehydration, and you’ll experience a decrease in stamina and, in severe cases, serious symptoms.

Our bodies are mainly made up of water, so it’s essential that we replace the fluids we lose through sweat by drinking enough liquids. If you’re participating in intense physical activity, it’s also vital that you replace lost electrolytes. The easiest way to remember to drink is to have a water bottle on hand with fluids at the ready. Fill your sports water bottle up with water, a sports drink, or a protein shake, depending on your needs. Carry your water bottle with you whenever you’re out and about. You never know when you’ll start to get thirsty and need a sip.

Read our buying guide on sports water bottles to learn more and to find the best water bottle for you.

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Vacuum insulated bottles are excellent for keeping beverages either hot or cold, but they cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Key considerations

Sports water bottle materials

Stainless steel: You may find sports water bottles made of aluminum, but stainless steel is a far more common material. Metal bottles are very durable and typically dishwasher safe. They’re a bit heavier than plastic options, and while they won’t break if dropped, they may dent or become nicked.

Plastic: The majority of sports water bottles nowadays are made with BPA-free plastic. Plastic bottles are available in a wide array of styles, shapes, and colors. They’re also inexpensive and often dishwasher safe. Bottles made of plastic are lightweight and freezer-friendly, too. However, plastic loses points for its non-eco-friendliness and lack of durability compared to other bottle materials.

Glass: Glass is the best water bottle material for those concerned about the aftertaste. While metal and plastic can sometimes impart an unpleasant flavor, water housed in glass bottles does not have an aftertaste. Glass bottles, however, are pricey, heavy, and fragile. They’re a poor choice for outdoor activities. You may drop the bottle by accident, and carrying a heavy glass bottle on your run or hike isn’t ideal.

Uses for sports water bottles

A sports water bottle can be used for any number of activities, including the following.

  • Hiking
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Camping
  • Yoga
  • Walking

Size and capacity

Sports water bottle sizing varies between 500mL and 1L, though there exist small bottles under 500mL specifically designed for running. When deciding on water bottle capacity, think about the duration of your activity. Are you heading out for a multi-hour hike? A larger bottle may be necessary. If there are fill-up locations along the way, however, opt for a smaller bottle to avoid lugging around extra weight. Are you cycling in hot weather? The more you sweat, the greater your hydration needs.

Opening type

There are a few different bottle-opening options, but the final choice depends on your preference.

  • A wide-mouth lid allows for easy access for drinking, cleaning, and filling your bottle.
  • A flip-top with a narrow opening is easy to drink from, but it’s tougher to add ice cubes or electrolyte powder to this type of bottle.
  • Twist-off cap models are easy to clean because they usually have wide openings, and they provide easy access to hydration. Twist tops are also unlikely to leak if appropriately sealed.
  • Straw caps are a unique lid option that allow you to sip water as needed, but the straw component is a bit difficult to clean.
  • Specialty leak-proof nozzles used for cycling or running water bottles provide immediate access to liquids. Bite down on the nozzle and let the water flow into your mouth. The nozzles are leak-proof, and there’s no need to fiddle with a cap or lid when it’s time to grab water on the move.

Insulation

Foam insulation keeps drinks cool. The drawback to insulated bottles is that they’re not typically dishwasher safe.

Reflectivity

If you frequently head out after dark to work out, a bottle with reflective components will help you be seen in low-light conditions.

Storage

Some bottles are outfitted with attached pouches or pockets — usually, these are bottles with hand straps — that provide additional storage. Use the pocket to stuff your keys, money, or sports gels.

Handstrap

Water bottles equipped with hand straps are designed for one-arm hydration. Drink on the go with one hand. Your hand won’t cramp or stiffen since there’s no need to hold on tightly to your bottle. The strap does all the work!

Leak-proof design

If you’re packing your bottle in a bag, check that the design is labeled as leak-proof to avoid a messy surprise in your gym bag or backpack.

Rigid vs. collapsible

Rigid bottles are best for storing in your bag or backpack or keeping on hand at the gym. Collapsible and soft flask bottles are best for those who prefer to hand-carry their hydration. Collapsible bottles are easy to store and lightweight, making them ideal for traveling and fastpacking. The softer material, however, is not as durable as harder materials and is a bit awkward to hold.

Measuring markers

Choose a bottle with measuring markers if you plan to mix protein powders or electrolytes with water or other liquid.

Shaker bottles

If you need to mix up your post-workout protein shake or smoothie, choose a shaker sports water bottle. These bottles are equipped with a round shaker component made of metal that helps to emulsify and mix your beverage. You may also remove the shaker orb and simply fill the bottle with water if you prefer.

Sports water bottle prices

Pick a reusable sports water bottle, and you’ll never need to waste money buying water or sports drinks from the vending machine at the gym. You don’t need to spend a significant amount to purchase a durable water bottle that will stand the test of time. Pricing varies depending on a bottle’s capacity, construction, features, and brand.

In most cases, you needn’t spend more than $10 for a sturdy BPA-free plastic bottle from a name-brand company. You’ll pay a little bit more for a bottle made of metal — a small stainless steel bottle, for example, costs at least $15. Specialty bottles designed for specific sports (e.g., collapsible bottles for running) cost more. You’ll spend at least $20 for a large-capacity bottle with unique features like insulation.

"Need to carry water on your hike but hate the idea of carrying a bottle? Stuff it in your backpack or invest in a hydration pack. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • For ease of cleaning, choose a dishwasher safe water bottle. If you own a water bottle that’s not dishwasher safe, use a small brush to clean its nooks and crannies thoroughly.
  • Empty and rinse your water bottle after each workout session to prevent flavors from lingering.
  • Allow your bottle to dry thoroughly before putting it away to prevent mildew growth.
  • Don’t forget to clean the bottle cap. This is especially important if you’ve been drinking something other than water from your bottle.
Content Image
Hate carrying gels with you on the run? Some specialty water bottles have a unique built-in gel compartment with a special valve that allows you to access your nutrition or hydration as you move.

FAQ

Q. Can I put hot water or beverages in my water bottle?

A. Check the manufacturer guidelines before putting piping hot liquids into your sports water bottle. Avoid adding scalding liquids to glass bottles, as the temperature difference between the bottle and liquid may cause the material to crack.

Q. My water warms up so quickly during my workout. How can I keep it cooler for longer?

A. Choose a bottle that’s insulated if keeping water cool is a must for you. Otherwise, try freezing your bottle the night before, and it will gradually melt, leaving you with cold refreshing water to drink. The downside is that your bottle will be quite cold to the touch, which may be uncomfortable until it warms.

Q. Do I need more than one sports water bottle?

A. Having a few water bottles available allows you to reserve individual bottles for different uses. Some people like to have multiple bottles to prepare different hydration mixes or protein shakes for different workout days.

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