Wellness Origin HubThe best reusable water bottles in steel, plastic and glass
The best reusable water bottles keep drinks cold, do not leak in a bag and are easy to clean. How insulated steel, plastic and glass compare, and one good bottle of each.
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Our picks at a glance
The best reusable water bottle for most people is an insulated stainless steel one: it keeps water cold for hours on a hot day, does not hold flavours and survives being dropped. A plastic bottle is lighter and cheaper and suits the gym or hiking. A glass bottle tastes the cleanest of all, but it is heavier and needs a protective sleeve.
Steel, plastic or glass
| Insulated steel | Plastic (BPA-free) | Glass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keeps drinks cold | For hours | No | No |
| Weight | Medium to heavy | Light | Heavy |
| Taste | Neutral | Can pick up flavours over time | Most neutral |
| Durability | Dents but rarely breaks | Very tough | Can break, sleeve helps |
| Dishwasher | Often hand wash only | Usually yes | Usually yes |
What to look for
- Mouth size. A wide mouth takes ice cubes and a bottle brush easily. A narrow mouth is easier to drink from on the move.
- Lid type. Screw caps seal best. Straw and flip lids are convenient but have more parts to clean and are more likely to leak if knocked.
- Size. Around 500 to 750 ml fits most bags and cup holders. A litre bottle means fewer refills but more weight.
- Cleaning. Check whether the bottle and lid are dishwasher safe. Insulated bottles usually need hand washing to protect the vacuum seal and the outside finish.
- Leak-proofing. If it lives in a bag with a laptop, a simple screw cap is safest.
How we chose
We looked at materials, lid designs, cleaning guidance, weight and the long-term reputation of each bottle. We have not run our own insulation or leak tests. Prices vary by size and colour, so check before buying.
Best insulated steel: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
Around $45
A well-made insulated bottle that keeps iced water cold through a summer afternoon. The wide mouth is easy to fill with ice and to clean, and you can swap the cap for a straw or flip lid if you prefer.
What we like
- Double-wall insulation keeps water cold for hours
- Wide mouth takes ice and a brush
- Many lid options sold separately
- Durable powder-coated finish
Keep in mind
- Heavier than plastic
- Hand wash recommended for the bottle
- Dents if dropped hard
Best plastic: Nalgene Wide Mouth Sustain Water Bottle
Around $17
The classic hiking bottle. It is light, hard to break and seals well, and the Sustain version is made partly from recycled material. A good choice for the gym, camping and children's bags.
What we like
- Light and very tough
- Leak-proof screw cap with attached loop
- Dishwasher safe
- Volume markings on the side
Keep in mind
- No insulation
- Can hold strong flavours if used for drinks other than water
Best glass: Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve
Around $30
For people who dislike any taste from steel or plastic, especially with infused water or tea. The silicone sleeve makes it easier to hold and softens knocks, but it is still glass, so it suits the desk and the car better than a rocky trail.
What we like
- Glass keeps water tasting clean
- Silicone sleeve adds grip and some protection
- Dishwasher safe
Keep in mind
- Heavier than steel or plastic
- No insulation
- Can still break if dropped on hard ground
At a glance
| Bottle | Best for | Material | Keeps cold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydro Flask Wide Mouth | Hot days, commuting | Insulated stainless steel | Yes |
| Nalgene Wide Mouth Sustain | Gym, hiking, children | Plastic | No |
| Lifefactory Glass | Desk, infused water, tea | Glass with silicone sleeve | No |
Keeping a bottle clean
- Rinse with warm soapy water every day and leave it open to dry upside down.
- Use a bottle brush once or twice a week, and do not forget the lid's threads and seal.
- For a stale smell, fill with warm water and a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, leave overnight, then rinse.
- Take the silicone seal out of the lid now and then; that is where most smells live.
How much should you drink?
There is no single number for everyone. Needs change with body size, activity, food and weather, and much of our water comes from food and other drinks. Our guide to how much water you need explains where the "eight glasses" idea came from and how to judge it for yourself. On long, hot days with a lot of sweating, it is worth reading about electrolytes too.
A bottle is also a good way to carry something other than water. Cold hibiscus iced tea or Korean barley tea both travel well in an insulated bottle.
Questions people ask
Can I put hot drinks in an insulated water bottle?
Yes, most insulated bottles keep drinks hot as well as cold. Use a lid without a straw for hot drinks, leave a little space at the top, and open it carefully.
Is it safe to reuse plastic bottles?
Bottles designed for reuse, like the Nalgene, are made for it and are BPA-free. Single-use bottles from shop-bought water are not designed to be refilled for long and are harder to clean properly.
Why does my steel bottle taste metallic?
Usually it is the lid, a new bottle that needs a wash, or acidic drinks left in it a long time. A soak with bicarbonate of soda and water usually helps.
Photograph: AI-generated image
