Back in the day, if you had told me that water bottles would become as fashionable and status-driven as designer handbags, I would have found it hard to believe. Fast forward to 2025, and my nine-year-old daughter is pleading with me for pricey items like $10 Touchland hand sanitizer, high-end skincare products from Sephora, and $45 water bottles. Fortunately, I get paid to test and review most of the things she desires, including water bottles which I have been evaluating for several years. This has made me somewhat of an expert on water bottles, having tried out a wide range of popular brands and models, with one of them standing out as truly deserving of the hype.
Nalgene Sustain Tritan Water Bottle
When it comes to water bottles, I steer clear of plastic ones due to their inability to maintain water temperature and tendency to retain odors. However, for instances where a lightweight option is necessary, such as when I go hiking, I opt for the Nalgene Sustain Tritan. This bottle comes in sizes ranging from 12 to 48 ounces, offering various mouth options like wide, sipper, and splashguard. Additionally, the bottle is dishwasher safe, BPA-free, and boasts a leakproof lid. Its greatest advantage lies in its lightweight design and affordable price point, selling for under $20.
Yeti Rambler Water Bottle with Chug Cap
Over the years, I have received a few Yeti water bottles as gifts, and one that has particularly impressed me is the Rambler. Generally, I am not a fan of straws, although Stanley has shown me that they can be handy, especially when on-the-go or in a rush. In an ideal world, I prefer chugging my water, and the Yeti Rambler facilitates just that. While it may be slightly heavy like other Yeti products, it is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy everyday use. An added convenience is that it is dishwasher safe. A close friend of mine is a huge fan of all things Yeti and claims that the Rambler is her absolute favorite. According to her, out of the countless water bottles they have tested, the Rambler is the only one that effectively keeps water cold with ice still intact even the following day.
Takeya Actives Water Bottle
I’ve had Takeya water bottles in rotation for over a decade, and they are always a solid and reliable option. The Takeya Actives Water Bottle comes in many sizes, 18, 22, 24, 32, 40, and 64 ounces, with straw and spout lids and many colors. Like Yeti, they keep water cold for hours, made out of durable, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel. The bottle is also cleverly designed with a large handle and a grippy strip around the lid, making it the easiest to open out of all the water bottles I tested, It also has a silicone grip on the bottom, giving it more stay-put power. When my kids were younger, we often used these because they come in a kid’s version.
Stanley Quencher Tumbler
There is a reason why the viral Stanley went viral: The water bottle’s design is next-level genius – for those who prefer a straw at least. This is undoubtedly the best water bottle for long car rides and carrying around the house. I struggled for years to find a large water bottle that fit in the cup holder of my car, and because the Stanley is slimmer on the bottom and widens at the top, it can hold up to 40 ounces of H20 and fit in the cup holder with ease. The vacuum-sealed bottle also keeps water cold all day long. This might be the most perfect water bottle in the history of water bottles, but because there is a straw sticking out of it, water spills if it gets knocked over. This drives parents and teachers crazy, with my daughter’s school even asking parents to avoid sending this style of water bottle in with kids, as it oftentimes leaks all over their backpacks.
Owala FreeSip
I was recently informed by my daughter that everyone who is anyone in her third-grade class carries an Owala. After trying out the Owala FreeSip, it immediately became clear to me that this was a much better option for anyone who either throws a water bottle inside of a bag or the drink holder slot of a backpack. The lid actually closes, keeping water from spilling out. I also appreciate all the color and size options, including limited edition shades from Urban Outfitters to Target. One flaw? The spring lock mechanism, which opens and closes the spout can be glitchy. Mila, an 8-year-old on the basketball team I coach, complained that hers didn’t work anymore (after she dropped it on the pavement) and leaked water due to the flaw. The brand does sell lids separately, for around $7, which I think is a great solution. Personally, I prefer the FreeSip Twist over the OG, as it is cup-holder friendly, so I can easily grab it while in the car.
