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Drinking water is healthy and invigorating. If only we remembered to do it as often as we should! Water bottles help, but with up to 86 percent of plastic water bottles ending up in landfills, staying hydrated sustainably can become quite the dilemma. That is, until you switch to a glass water bottle.
Not only is glass washable and reusable, but it is recyclable as well. It retains temperature better than plastic and absorbs neither flavor nor color from a liquid. Glass bottles are contaminant-free, and they keep your drink tasting fresh and looking classy, too.
Finding the best glass water bottle on the market can prove challenging, however. To help you select a model that works for you, here are some key shopping tips as well as the top picks.
- BEST OVERALL: Epica 18-Oz. Glass Beverage Bottles, Set of 6
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ello Devon Glass Tumbler with Silicone Sleeve
- BEST FOR THE GYM: Yomious 20 Oz Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle
- BEST FOR SPORTS: ZULU Atlas Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: purifyou Premium Glass Water Bottle with Time Marker
- BEST WITH INFUSER: The Lotus Glass Tea Tumbler Travel Mug with Strainer
What to Consider When Choosing The Best Glass Water Bottle
Glass water bottles are not a one-size-fits-all product. Some are great for the gym, and some are best suited for casual drinks at home. Yet others tailor to specific beverages, such as tea or protein drinks. To find the best glass water bottle for you, consider the following criteria.
Size
The ideal size of a water bottle depends on how you intend to use it and how much weight you can comfortably carry. Most glass water bottles will hold between 14 and 32 ounces of liquid, with the most common sizes ranging from 16 to 22 ounces.
Since glass bottles are typically heavier than plastic or metal ones, it’s helpful to determine whether you need a high-capacity bottle for long bicycle or car rides or one that is lighter and easier to carry for short runs or errands. If you have regular access to taps or drinking fountains, you don’t need an extremely large bottle.
Lid and Mouth
Two lid types are predominant in glass bottles: screw lids and flip tops. While both work well, the latter is faster and easier to open on the move. Flip tops are commonly found in models designed for sports and outdoor activities. Screw lids, on the other hand, are a better fit for minimalist or elegant designs.
The size and shape of the opening is also worth considering. You want it to be wide enough for easy refills—whether from a tap, pitcher, or water cooler—but not so large that spills are inevitable. If you like ice cubes or fruits in your drinks, also factor that in.
Some models will feature a straw—sometimes removable, sometimes not. A leak-proof silicone or rubber seal inside the lid is also convenient for preventing leaks.
Carry Features
Because most water bottles are meant for transport, other practical features include carry straps, cupholder compatibility, and an easy-hold ergonomic design.
A carry strap may be a simple looped cord on the sleeve, a tie between the bottle and its cap, or a ring on top. Rather than using your whole hand to carry the bottle, you can slip a finger in the loop or strap it onto a backpack or belt.
Some bottles are designed to ergonomically fit the shape of your hand so you can hold it securely without strain. Funkier shapes, however, may prove problematic for standard drink holders in cars or on bikes. It is, once again, a question of how and where you intend to use it.
Design and Durability
Glass is durable in the sense that it can be washed repeatedly without fading, but it does remain inherently susceptible to breaking or cracking.
Reinforced glass won’t make a bottle shatterproof, but if it does break, the pieces will be small and uniform, rather than sharp and jagged. A type of glass often used by manufacturers is borosilicate, which is durable, lightweight, and resistant to high temperatures.
A protective sleeve is another way of preventing breakage. Many models come with a sleeve made of silicone or neoprene. It protects the bottle while also enhancing the grip, acting as insulation and adding to the overall aesthetic.
Our Top Picks
Shopping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. To save both time and energy, this list of top picks features several best-in-show glass water bottles based on durability, practicality, and versatility. Read on to learn how each stands out in its respective category.
Best Overall
Epica 18-Oz. Glass Beverage Bottles, Set of 6
This set of six Epica Glass Beverage Bottles is suitable for cold beverages, from water and kombucha to juices and smoothies. Its streamlined design of simple clear glass with a stainless steel screw cap combines class and practicality for everyday use, whether it’s taken to work or on walks.
By providing six bottles at once, this model facilitates the preparation of juices and smoothies ahead of time and prevents daily washup. Designed for transport, it is also conveniently sized to fit most lunch bags and cupholders while still holding up to 18 ounces of liquid.
The bottles’ thick glass is dishwasher-friendly, and a wide mouth allows for mess-free refills. The cap is lined with a rubber O-ring to prevent leaks and air infiltration. Since a protective sleeve is not included, be sure to handle with reasonable care.
Best Bang for the Buck
Ello Devon Glass Tumbler with Silicone Sleeve
More than just an affordable option, the Ello Devon Glass Tumbler is a stylish bottle, ideal for use at home, at the office, or at a neighbor’s barbecue. It holds up to 18 ounces of water, juice, iced tea, or smoothie, and the wooden friction lid gives it a fresh summer aesthetic to match.
Made of extra-thick glass wrapped in a food-grade silicone sleeve, it is durable, easy to grip, and sweat-proof. Both the tumbler and the straw are dishwasher safe, but the lid should be washed by hand. This entire design is BPA-free, odor-free, and stain-proof.
Available in five colors—coral, denim, gray, mint, and pink satin—it includes a wide mouth for mess-free pouring and easy cleanup. The lid helps prevent spills, but the straw hole ultimately makes this a less suitable option for sporty activities.
BEST FOR THE GYM
Yomious 20 Oz Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle
This glass water bottle by Yomious—available in 10 different colors—holds up to 20 ounces of liquid and can withstand temperatures ranging from -4 to 266 degrees Fahrenheit. This means it is suitable for both hot and cold beverages and can be carried outside in freezing temperatures.
Made of borosilicate glass, it is sturdy and durable, yet lightweight, so it’s perfect for active workouts. The silicone sleeve adds a layer of protection, while the bottle’s size allows it to fit most cupholders. As for the lid, its elegant bamboo composition is paired with a stainless steel insert and a food-grade silicone O-ring to prevent leaks. It is topped with a conveniently looped cord for hanging or carrying.
The opening is wide enough for easy refills and cleanup, but it’s not so wide that spills are unpreventable. The bottle is dishwasher safe—albeit not its cap—and comes with a plastic cleaning brush to dislodge any tenacious residue.
Best for Sports
ZULU Atlas Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve
The Atlas Glass Water Bottle by ZULU was built to take a hit. The glass is covered in a thick silicone sleeve for impact protection and easier grip, while the one-touch flip lid with lock is designed to be swiftly accessible and prevent leaks.
It holds up to 20 ounces of liquid, and the glass won’t bleach, stain, or develop smells over time. A carry loop behind the lid allows for easy carry by hand or on a backpack. It can be hung in a locker or rested it directly on the ground. Conveniently, all parts are dishwasher safe—no need to remove the sleeve or lid.
Available in seven different colors and with a groovy sleeve design over patterned glass, it looks as cool as it is practical.
Best for Travel
purifyou Premium Glass Water Bottle with Time Marker
The purifyou Premium Glass Water Bottle is perfect to take on off-the-beaten-path adventures. Its borosilicate glass can withstand drops and extreme temperatures, which also means it is suitable for cold and hot drinks alike. A food-grade silicone sleeve provides additional protection.
With a silicone ring on the side, it is easy to carry with just a few fingers or looped on a backpack strap. The twist-off lid is made of plastic and stainless steel, but only the latter is in contact with the beverage. The opening is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes or fruits but narrow enough to avoid spilling while drinking.
This bottle is available in seven colors and in 12-, 22-, and 32-ounce sizes. Volume and time markings appear on the sleeve to track water intake throughout the day. It’s even microwave- and dishwasher-safe—although the cap isn’t.
Best with Infuser
The Lotus Glass Tea Tumbler Travel Mug with Strainer
This glass tumbler by Sacred Lotus Love is made of double-walled borosilicate glass with a reinforced bottom, for a sturdy and lightweight bottle that keeps the drink warm. It works with hot or cold drinks, and comes with a neoprene travel sleeve for increased protection on the go.
It includes a strainer and an infuser basket, both made of food-grade stainless steel. The bottle can thus be used in three ways: by putting tea or coffee in the infuser basket, filling the strainer with fruit to create flavored infusions, or leaving the strainer aside and enjoying plain water.
With a capacity of 15 ounces, it is neither too small nor too bulky. Its natural bamboo lid includes a silicon vacuum seal for leak-proofing. It also looks neat, with an embossed lotus flower and mantra on the glass.
FAQs About Glass Water Bottles
Still have questions? Good news—you’re not alone! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by buyers when shopping for a new glass water bottle.
Q: Are glass water bottles better than plastic?
Whereas plastic bottles are harmful to the environment, glass bottles are washable, reusable, and 100 percent recyclable. Glass is BPA-free and doesn’t absorb flavors or colorants. Hence, you can use your bottle for kombucha one day and plain water the next without flavors mixing or colors transferring.
Q: Can you put hot water in a glass water bottle?
It depends on the product. Some glass water bottles are designed to withstand a wider range of temperatures, while others are purely intended for cold beverages. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before pouring hot water into a glass bottle.
Q: Can glass water bottles be washed in the dishwasher?
Many glass water bottles are dishwasher safe, although some have lids made of materials that are meant to be hand-washed. Check the information included by the manufacturer before you put in the dishwasher to prevent damage.