The 8 Best Water Bottles of 2025, Tested By Our Editors

The Yeti Yonder water bottle has been a go-to for several of our editors for a few years now. The spout and cap design is perfect for everyday use, not too narrow or wide. The BPA-free plastic construction is so tough that it’s been through drops onto concrete from 10 feet high (it accidentally fell off the top of an SUV when one editor was visiting family in Kansas City). Another big reason why we chose a plastic water bottle as our best overall pick is due to weight—the Yonder is much lighter than its metal counterparts. Unless you’re doing some serious hiking or camping, the Yonder will essentially serve multiple uses without any questioning of keeping liquid cold or durability.

The Yonder hardly ever leaks either, no matter which cap you choose. We personally like the add-on Yonder Tether Cap. It makes the bottle a little more streamlined and takes off even more weight. But, the traditional cap it comes with is solid too and might actually be easier to carry by itself.

Last detail to point out is price and number of colors available. Sometimes Yeti gear can get expensive. This is not the case with the Yonder water bottles. Pick and choose from all the new colors the brand releases over time. Build a small collection. Gift a few. This is our favorite water bottle we’ve used over the years.

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This is a more practical version for on-the-go guys who want to see what the Stanley craze is about. The slim design makes it slide into backpacks and gym bags with ease, and it’s pop-top cap is simple and secure. The cap design actually uses a two-step locking process to help avoid accidentally opening (which is a huge plus for those of us who’ve used these types of water bottles in the past). But it’s not like cracking a safe, as the thing opens with relative ease for that quick pull of water when you need it right away.

The Quick Flip Go’s double wall insulated design means it can keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. One of our editors has even used it to sip morning coffee from time to time. We imagine it would even keep some white wine chilled in a backyard setting, too.

So why is this water bottle not our top pick? It comes down to weight. The Quick Flip Go is just a tad heavier than the Yeti Yonder. If you can get over the weight detail, though, then this pick is just as valid as a top choice.

Basic squeeze water bottles for the gym are ok for use, but if you’re looking for a much more enjoyable way to stay hydrated while working out then you’ll want to try the Camelbak Podium. This water bottle is under $20 (sometimes even lower depending on the sale) and comes with an insulated design that keeps cold water from covering the outside of it—which means no condensation will be soaking your hands in between sets.

The spout and cap design is another huge sell for why we love the Podium for the gym. The top is designed to keep away dirt for mountain bikers, but when transferred to the gym it means there’s no leakage when falling over and no gross gym dust and germs floating where you put your mouth. The spout is also similar to drinking out of a Camelbak backpack, which a few of our editors found novel.

The Podium is a little outside the box for what you’d think of as a gym water bottle, but its insulation and high level of leak-proofing makes it seriously good for all types of active settings. It doesn’t hurt that it has a cool design, too.

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Familiar, durable, and affordable is what makes Nalgene so good after so many years. The brand churns out tons of fun colors, designs, and patterns, so you have a full array of ways to express yourself. However, we realize the design of your Nalgene might not matter as much if you plan on layering it with all the cool stickers you collect on your travels.

Does it have insulation or specialize cap designs for sipping? No, but that’s not the point. Nalgene water bottles are all about keeping things minimalist. Over time, it might start to leak a little bit or get beaten up by the dishwasher. If that happens, find a way to recycle and buy a new one for less than $20. Overall, this is a modern classic of a water bottle that’s about as durable as they come. We’ve even run them over with mountain bikes and small cars and didn’t even put a dent in ’em. The simplicity means it’s also noticeable easier to clean.

You really can’t go wrong with any Hydroflask, but this 32-ounce water bottle came to be our favorite from our editors who like to hike and camp, and from those who enjoy a high-capacity water bottle. The wide mouth design at the top makes for fast drinking as well as easy pouring and cleaning. As for the material, you’ve got insanely durable stainless steel with double wall insulation at your service.

This water bottle fits well in most hiking backpacks and duffel bags, despite its larger size. We liked how secure the cap and handle are too, as it allows for one-handed carry when walking short distances.

You’re buying excellence with this water bottle. It’s going to stay strong for years, no matter what adventures you throw at it. Outdoorsy types especially should consider this model if they’re in need of a water bottle.

There are a handful of filtered water bottles on the market, but no brand has wowed us more than LifeStraw. For starters, the LifeStraw filter is one of the most trusted designs on the market. According to the brand, the two-stage filtration will eliminate 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli + Salmonella), and 99.999% of microplastics, sand, and dirt. LifeStraw then packed its filter inside the stainless steel bottle, which we found to be much more appealing than plastic models where you can see the filter inside.

The cost of the Lifestraw Go here is a little elevated, but you are paying for the special filter. You do need to change the LifeStraw filter inside about every 60 days, so that’s an extra cost. The payoff though, from what our editors discovered, is the peace of mind you get filling up your water bottle at a public water fountain or from tap water that comes out of a sink.

Grab this water bottle if you’re looking for a filtered option with excellent design.

Pros

• Subtle reminders to keep hydrating
• Smart and simple to use associated app
• Keeps drinks cold for a whole day

What makes a water bottle smart? A combination of things up the IQ of this particular vessel. For starters, there’s a useful app involved and the insulation is powerful enough to keep things chilled for a full day. We also liked the helpful LED reminder to drink water, something easy to overlook. It’s like having a little angel of hydration on your shoulder, keeping you in check.

But let’s go back to the app as it crunches the numbers to create a personalized hydration regimen just right for you. It takes into accounts factors like age, activity level, local climate and more to dial in just the right amount of h20 for your lifestyle. The battery life is impressive, as our testing proved, and we can’t deny the overall handsome build of this uber modern water bottle.

Sure, it’s a little more expensive but you’re paying for a water bottle that performs at a high level and is even kind of fun to use.

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Can a water bottle be playful? The radiant color scheme here suggests so. And why not, this is the tool that should accompany you on a lot of joyous outings, from cycling through country roads to hiking in the woods. Choose from a host of three sizes and enjoy the FreeSip Spout, which pivots to and from big gulps and sipping from a straw seamlessly.

The carry loop is ergonomic and folds into the bottle and push-button access means no leaks. While relatively slender overall, we found that the bottle had no problem taking on scoops of ice with the lid fully off. And once that ice is in place, you’re set for 24 hours of polar temperatures. About the only scenario in which this bottle struggles is for athletes competing in helmet sports, as the broad mouth can’t get through a lot of face guards. But you could also just take that helmet off before hydrating.

Is a Reusable Water Bottle Better for the Environment?

Yes. A reusable bottle is easier on the planet for that very reason—it’s reusable. Single use plastic is wasteful stuff and, worse, it does not decompose, likely ending up in the ocean and your food supply chain (not to mention turning into microplastic). Going with a bottle like the ones listed here does require some energy and inputs upfront, but because it’s your long term bottle (don’t go losing it now), the carbon footprint is less.

You can take it a step further by purchasing a bottle made with responsibly-sourced materials, sometimes even made from up-cycled or recycled materials. Look for non-BPA (a bad chemical) options and preferably ones that use very little if no plastic. Glass and stainless steel are generally easier on Mother Earth. And be good to yourself by keeping the thing clean and sterile.

How Do I Clean My Water Bottle?

Here’s the thing about mold: It likes wet environments. You know, like inside of your water bottle. It’s a repulsive thought, but some of that gunk buildup in your vessel might just be mold. Don’t fret, you can clean the thing.

Now, it would take a fair amount of mold to sicken the average person but regardless, a clean water bottle is just worth having. Wash your bottle daily, either in the dishwasher if it’s permitted or by hand, ideally with hot water and a scrub to get into those nooks and crannies—water bottle brushes are a great tool.

Occasionally, consider a more intense clean. Do to the bottle like you might to your coffee maker, soaking it in a mix of vinegar and water. Even the occasional boiling water soak will help keep the bottle pristine.