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The Best Reusable Water Bottle

Last updated on March 15, 2024

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Did you know that it can take up to 500 years for plastic water bottles to decompose after being dumped in a landfill? Instead of purchasing these disposable plastic bottles, consider helping the environment out by utilizing reusable water bottles. While you shop for a model that best suits your lifestyle, keep the following features in mind:

Examine the material used to make the bottle. Some models are made using food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, which is not only durable but also resists rust and discoloration. Other models are constructed from a BPA-free and non-toxic Tritan Co-Polyester plastic. It’s important that you don’t use a plastic water bottle that contains toxins, as they can leak into the water that you drink.

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Check the bottle’s insulation next. A double-walled and vacuum-insulated model not only keeps your drinks cold for hours, but it can also keep hot drinks, like coffee and tea, warm for hours.

Review how the lid functions. Not only do you want the lid to prevent leaks and spills, but you also want it to be easy to use, especially if you’re working out and you only have one hand to spare. The Embrava 32 oz. Best Sports Water Bottle has a one-click opening mechanism, so you can take a sip of water while cycling, hiking or jogging in the park. Some models also include a protective spout that keeps dust and dirt from getting on the mouthpiece.

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Don’t forget to check the size of the opening beneath the lid. Some bottles have a wide mouth that can fit most water filters, as well as ice cubes. Just keep in mind that some wide-mouth bottles are also wide at the base, making them unable to fit in most cup holders. While narrow-mouth water bottles don’t allow for the addition of ice cubes, they do provide better flow and they will fit in your car’s cup holders.

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Consider any extras that the reusable water bottle may have to offer. For example, some bottles have an integrated carrying handle for easy travel. Other bottles come in a choice of as many as 22 different colors and patterns. There are even bottles that are designed to be elegant with frosted casings or matte finishes, as well as bottles that come with measurements so you can track your water intake throughout the day. 

Our Picks For The Top Reusable Water Bottles

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Product Overview
Our Take
  The Best Overall

Nalgene Leak-Proof BPA-Free Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Nalgene

Leak-Proof BPA-Free Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Available in a 32-ounce size, this plastic bottle features a large opening for easy filling and cleaning and it can handle both hot and cold drinks. You can also choose from 26 color choices to fit your tastes. The plastic doesn't contain BPA.

Overall Take

Simple and DurableYou'll find this water bottle a good option when you need a higher capacity, many color choices and durability.

 Filters Your Water

Brita 26-Ounce Plastic Filter Reusable Water Bottle

Brita

26-Ounce Plastic Filter Reusable Water Bottle

This sleek, updated 26-ounce water bottle has its own carrying loop and fits into your car's cup holder. The filter is good for hundreds of uses, and it lasts about two months for those who take it with them each day.

Overall Take

Modern, Sleek DesignYour beverage will always taste fresh and clean with this premium reusable water bottle.

 We Also Like

Simple Modern Summit Vacuum Insulated Straw Lid Water Bottle

Simple Modern

Summit Vacuum Insulated Straw Lid Water Bottle

Available in up to 40 colors and patterns, this stainless steel bottle comes in capacities ranging from 14 to 128 ounces. The insulation maintains your drink's temperature, and the lid helps prevent leaks.

Overall Take

Many Size and Color OptionsWhether you need a very large water bottle or you prefer a cool design pattern, there are plenty of options with this bottle.

 Anti-Slip Grip

HYDRO CELL Double Walled Reusable Water Bottle With Straw

HYDRO CELL

Double Walled Reusable Water Bottle With Straw

This reusable water bottle won't rust, thanks to its 8/8 stainless steel construction. The company also added an outer anti-slip layer that benefits active users by allowing them to keep their grip while working out. We like that the sports cap with straw was designed with exercise enthusiasts in mind.

Overall Take

Handy PickEach of these reusable water bottles comes with two lids to reduce spills and eliminate leaks.

What to Look For

  • Look for a product warranty or a money-back guarantee when deciding between a few different models. There are several companies that sell reusable water bottles that believe in their product so much that they actually offer a lifetime guarantee.
  • When it comes to cleaning reusable water bottles, you’ll need to read the product care label. Some of these bottles are dishwasher safe, but only when placed on the top rack. Others have lids that are dishwasher safe, but the bottles themselves must be washed by hand. Then there are entire bottles that must be hand-washed, as none of their parts are dishwasher safe. To clean the bottles, simply use hot water with a little dish soap. A bottle brush can be used to reach the bottom of the bottle.
  • If you use anything other than water in your reusable water bottle, it may begin to smell funky over time. There are two excellent methods you can choose from to get rid of those unpleasant smells. You can fill the bottle with two teaspoons of baking soda and warm water. Let the mixture sit for a few hours and wash as you normally would. Another option is to fill the bottle with white distilled vinegar and let it remain in the bottle overnight before washing with dish soap and water.
  • When you’re ready to upgrade to a new water bottle, don’t throw the old one away. There are several ways you can reuse that bottle. If you have children, toss a few coins in the bottle to turn it into a homemade maraca. Another option is to cut the top portion of the water bottle off and use the bottom to hold office supplies or to hold your toothbrush and toothpaste in the bathroom.
  • You’ll find reusable water bottles come in a wide range of prices. Models made from plastic without extra features are the most affordable. Stainless steel bottles are in the middle price-wise. On the high end, you’ll find the Embrava 32 oz. Best Sports Water Bottle, which is not only quality-made but also comes in its own gift box.

More to Explore

Humans have been drinking from bottles for years. During Medieval times, people would fill flasks made from animal skins with water so they could keep hydrated while working or traveling. Clay bottles were used in the 1800s to hold other liquids, like whiskey and gin.

Fast forward to the 1900s and you’ll find farmers were utilizing glass bottles to hold their water. It wasn’t just the farmers, either. Companies like Evian, Perrier and Deer Park started packaging bottled water that was sold in glass bottles. It wasn’t until World War II that plastic became the material of choice.

Over time, it was discovered that disposable plastic bottles, although convenient, contained toxic chemicals, like BPA, and that those chemicals were capable of leaking into the water. Another problem is that are a million bottles sold per minute. These bottles end up in landfills and oceans, and this is not healthy for our environment.

As people grow more aware of environmental issues, they are able to realize the importance of switching from disposable plastic water bottles to reusable ones. The majority of reusable bottles are made from either stainless steel or aluminum, both of which are durable and free from harmful toxins.

More to explore