Insulated water bottles are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic water bottles. Whether your beverage of choice is cold or hot, some of the best insulated water bottles keep liquids at an optimal temperature for about 12 to 24 hours or longer.
Carrying around a reusable water bottle is a handy way to stay hydrated without using single-use plastics. The insulated bottles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, so there are many options to match specific style and lifestyle requirements. When shopping for the best insulated water bottle, consider features like double-wall insulation, sweatproof exteriors, and versatile lids.
This guide details many of these important features and includes some of the top insulated water bottles on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: YETI Rambler 18oz Bottle
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: POP Design Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle
- BEST WITH FILTER: Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
- BEST FOR SPORTS: HYDRO CELL Stainless Steel Water Bottle w/ Straw
- MOST DURABLE: Hydro Flask Water Bottle – Wide Mouth
- MOST VERSATILE: IRON °FLASK Sports Water Bottle – 32 Oz, 3 Lids
- BEST FOR COLD DRINKS: S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle – 25 Fl Oz
- BEST FOR HOT DRINKS: Corkcicle 16oz Canteen Classic Collection
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Insulated Water Bottle
Beyond whether a bottle is needed for hot or cold beverages, there is a lot to consider when shopping for an insulated water bottle. From material and capacity to weight and aesthetic, here are some important features to consider when choosing the best insulated water bottle.
Material
Insulated water bottles are made out of food-grade stainless steel, which is BPA-free and nonreactive, so it doesn’t absorb chemicals or drink flavors. Stainless steel is a durable material that regulates temperature to keep drinks at their ideal temperature, whether hot or cold. A typical insulated water bottle keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, replacing the need to have a separate coffee thermos. Stainless steel is also resistant to rust and corrosion, and it won’t leach chemicals into drinks.
Most insulated water bottles are made out of 18/8 stainless steel, which is the most common type of food-grade stainless steel. Since they are constructed so well, it is difficult to dent or break an insulated water bottle. Some bottles feature sweatproof exteriors to keep hands dry regardless of the temperature of a beverage. The mouthpiece, handles, and bottom can be made out of other materials like silicone.
To extend the lifespan of a water bottle, clean it at the end of each day or when switching liquids. Warm water and soap is usually the preferred cleaning method. Some can be cleaned in the dishwasher if the manufacturer indicates that they are dishwasher safe.
Capacity
A bottle’s capacity indicates how much liquid it can hold, typically measured in ounces. Insulated water bottles come in different sizes with capacities usually ranging from 8 to 64 ounces. The largest options can be almost 12 inches tall and weigh about 2 pounds.
Insulated bottles that hold 12 to 24 ounces usually fit in standard-size cupholders, so keep this in mind if portability is key. When selecting the best insulated water bottle, consider how much water you typically drink throughout the day and how long the water needs to last before having to refill the bottle. If camping or hiking, a larger-capacity water bottle may be the better choice.
Insulation
The walls of insulation determine how efficiently a bottle keeps drinks at their intended temperature. Most insulated water bottles are made with double-walled vacuum insulation which means the water bottle has two walls that are separated by a vacuum, or gap, of air. Some have triple-walled vacuum insulation which means there are three walls separated by vacuums. Water bottles that have triple-walled vacuum insulation can keep beverages at their intended temperature for longer periods of time.
Insulated water bottles are designed as a bottle within a bottle. The inner bottle is filled with liquids that do not touch the outer bottle. This allows the liquids to retain their temperature because the vacuum between each wall prevents heat transfer. Insulated water bottles are effective at keeping beverages hot or cold because they have multiple layers that regulate temperature.
Weight
Weight can be a factor in determining which water bottle is best. Although considered relatively lightweight, insulated water bottles are heavier than plastic, aluminum, or glass water bottles due to their double-walled insulation and durable construction. The average weight of an 8-ounce bottle is about .5 pounds and the average weight of a 64-ounce bottle is approximately 1.5 pounds.
Insulated water bottles can weigh up to 2.5 pounds or more when filled with liquid. For an insulated water bottle that’s easy to carry around, consider a lower-capacity option that typically weighs less.
Portability
Despite their sturdy construction, insulated water bottles are designed to be portable, as they are often used on the go for activities like traveling, hiking, or biking. When shopping for a portable water bottle, look for features that make it easier to transport water bottles. Some bottles have handles or shoulder straps, providing a more comfortable grip or a hands-free carrying option.
In addition to easy carrying, many bottles are designed to prevent accidental leaks and fit in standard cupholders. Leak-proof caps make it easy to throw insulated water bottles in a bag without worrying about spills. Most 18- to 24-ounce water bottles can fit into standard-size cupholders, which makes them easier to take on car rides.
Aesthetic
Just as stylish as they are functional, insulated water bottles are available in a variety of designs, colors, and patterns to suit different style preferences and personalities. These include powder-coated rainbow colors, ombre, metallic, or even faux wood designs.
Some insulated water bottles feature sports teams or famous characters. Others can be monogrammed for additional personalization. Many insulated water bottles feature stylish logos that add to the design. Whether an insulated water bottle is needed to take on a camping trip, sit on a desk, or be used at the gym, there are plenty of available options.
Additional Features
Some insulated water bottles come with special features including handles, built-in straws, and filters. Filters help purify tap water by removing the chlorine taste and smell. Handles make it easier to carry and transport water bottles, maximizing their portability. Some insulated water bottles have handles that can be attached to backpacks or bags.
Built-in straws are an eco-friendly feature that makes it easy to sip on beverages while preventing the need for single-use straws. Some insulated water bottles have lids that feature honeycomb insulation for additional temperature control. Others have wide-mouth lids with pop-up straws for easy sipping.
Our Top Picks
Below are some of the best insulated water bottles in a number of styles and sizes. Learn what each insulated water bottle offers in the way of features and design so you can pick the best insulated bottle to meet your hydration needs.
Photo: amazon.com
The vacuum-insulated YETI Rambler water bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel, a food-grade material that is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. It has a leak-proof, screw-in cap with a three-finger grip to make it easy to grab it and go. The bottle is double-wall insulated and dishwasher safe. The durable exterior is resistant to fading and easy to grip, with a no-sweat design that keeps hands dry. It’s designed to fit into standard-size cupholders. The YETI Rambler water bottle is available in 14 colors. There are 26-ounce and 36-ounce models of the Rambler available, too.
Photo: amazon.com
This affordable vacuum-insulated water bottle keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. The 17-ounce bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel, a durable food-grade material that resists corrosion, and it has double-wall construction for good insulation and sweatproof handling. The exterior has a proprietary eco-friendly coating that prevents scratches. The bottle comes with a leak-proof cap, and it has a narrow-necked flask shape that fits in standard cupholders. It is not dishwasher safe and must be washed by hand. It’s available in three colors and comes in a larger 25-ounce model as well.
Photo: amazon.com
Brita has been making water filters for home use for more than two decades, and they bring their filter technology to this double-insulated stainless steel water bottle. A filter fits inside the straw and removes the chlorine taste and smell from tap water, providing fresh-tasting water without the cost and waste of single-use plastic bottles. The filter should be replaced every couple of months, and replacements are sold separately. This water bottle can keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours. It has a sleek, leak-proof design that can fit in most cupholders. This water bottle comes in around a dozen colors and is available in a 20-ounce or a 32-ounce size.
Photo: amazon.com
HYDRO CELL’s double-wall vacuum-insulated water bottle features ThermoCell technology, keeping beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 8 hours. But its best feature is that it comes with two lids: an airtight stainless steel screw cap that won’t leak and a wide mouth sport cap with a straw that allows a sip without unscrewing the cap.
The bottle is made of pro-grade stainless steel with an anti-slip powder coat layer so that sweaty hands can grip it during hot yoga sessions, soccer games, or hikes. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes. The 18- and 22-ounce models of the HYDRO CELL bottle fit in standard cupholders. The 40- and 32-ounce models do not, but they do tote a lot of water.
Photo: amazon.com
This insulated water bottle is made of pro-grade stainless steel that is both rust resistant and corrosion resistant. It features double-wall insulation and TempShield technology to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours. The lid has honeycomb insulation for even more temperature control. The Hydro Flask has a wide-mouth lid with a pop-up straw for easy sipping as well as sweatproof powder coating and a stainless steel collar to make it extra strong. This water bottle is dishwasher safe and available in nine colors. It comes in two sizes: 32 ounce and 40 ounce.
Photo: amazon.com
This double-insulated stainless steel water bottle can accommodate different styles of sipping, thanks to the fact that it comes with three lids. There’s one with a straw, one with a flip top, and a leak-proof lid with a handle. This means it can be packed in a backpack without worrying about leaks or sipped on the soccer field between plays without taking off the lid. It’s designed to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. It has a narrow mouth, sweat-free design, and powder-coated exterior. It comes in a range of sizes between 12 to 64 ounces, and 18 colors are available, including some attractive ombre shades.
Photo: amazon.com
This triple-layered vacuum-insulated water bottle can keep drinks cold for up to 54 hours and hot for up to 26 hours. Yep, the S’well can keep beverages at the right temperature for days, thanks to its copper-wall insulation. It’s made of pro-grade stainless steel and has a sweatproof exterior so it won’t slip out of hands. Although it has a flask shape, its opening is wide enough for most ice cubes. This stainless steel water bottle is designed to fit in most standard-size cupholders and comes in 22 colors and three sizes: 9 ounce, 17 ounce, and 25 ounce. It is not dishwasher safe.
Photo: amazon.com
Made of shatterproof stainless steel that can take high temperatures, this triple-insulated water bottle can keep drinks cold for up to 25 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. It has a sleek contemporary design, easy-grip sides, a nonslip silicone bottom, a flask shape, and a leak-proof screw cap. This water bottle should be washed by hand. The Corkcicle canteen comes in more than 25 colors, including unicorn glampagne, rosé metallic, regatta blue, and walnut wood. Four sizes are available: 9 ounce, 16 ounce, 25 ounce, and 60 ounce.
FAQs About Insulated Water Bottles
Having an insulated water bottle on hand is an easy way to quench thirst no matter where you are. Before choosing an insulated water bottle, consider the following answers to some commonly asked questions.
Q. What are insulated water bottles made of?
Insulated water bottles are made of BPA-free food-grade stainless steel.
Q. Is stainless steel safe for water bottles?
Stainless steel is safe for water bottles because it is nontoxic and does not leach any chemicals.
Q. How long can you leave water in an insulated water bottle?
You can leave water in an insulated water bottle for several hours. As a best practice, rinse out your water bottle at the end of each day, or when switching liquids. If you are just drinking water, it’s safe to keep it in your bottle for a few days.
Q. How do you clean an insulated water bottle?
Some insulated water bottles are dishwasher safe. Others should be hand-washed in warm, soapy water. You should clean your insulated water bottle at the end of each day, or anytime you switch liquids.
Q. How long do insulated water bottles last?
Insulated water bottles are long lasting and durable. Unlike plastic water bottles, they can be used daily and have an average lifespan of 12 years. This time frame may vary depending on how frequently you use your water bottle.
