We drank and drank. We brought them along while running errands, left them in the car, and let our children take them to camp. Now we can tell you all about the best water bottles on the market.
* Updated for 2025! Make sure to check out the new winner!*
We’re very sorry to all those who invested in their Stanley Water Bottles. It might be that it does the job for you and that you love it. Most expensive sometimes means best, but not always.
For us, we felt there had to be something that really fits our water drinking needs better. When you’re running out the door with lots of bags, and you want to grab your water bottle, the tumbler-style Stanley will spill if it’s not held upright. In our experience, it absolutely is not leakproof. That was the biggest con.
Are there other water bottles that have the same “pros” but better features? We thought yes. And so, we collected them all and gave them a test run.
A while back, in this post on The Search for the Perfect Water Bottle, Esti reviewed the Simple Modern Tumbler, which is the same style as the Stanley (at a better price). And we’re still fans (more below). But if you’re looking for the ultimate keep-water-ice-cold bottle you can throw around without a drip, keep reading.
Best Water Bottle Overall for 2025: Owala FreeSip Tumbler
Why We Like It: This new Owala Tumbler has all the great features of last year’s winner, but also fits in your cupholder! The Owala FreeSip line is unique in that you can sip through the straw, or raise the bottle and “chug.” Until the recent update, the bottles had a little carry loop that doubled as the lock. As long as the loop was flipped down, the bottle wouldn’t spill. The new design has a tumbler style handle and a separate lock. So you can dangle the bottle from your hand while juggling all your stuff, and know that the bottle is still locked. The Owala FreeSip Sway also has this new lock system, with a swinging carry handle that’s great if you tend to carry your bottle around a lot. We like the drinking handle on the tumbler, so it’s a toss up between these two versions of the same bottle. Note that the tumbler only comes in a 40oz size, and the Sway is available in 30oz and 40oz sizes.
If water temperature is most important to you, look at the 2024 winner, because Owalas are not best for insulation.
Best Water Bottle Overall for 2024: Hydrocell Insulated Water Bottle
Why We Like It: When it comes to performance and durability, the Hydrocell is still the hardest working water bottle. It’s easy to wash and go ahead, leave it overnight–your ice will still be frozen. The triple-walled insulation is that effective. We also like the little black carrying loop that’s attached. We also like the cute paracord handle you can add on for easy carrying. The main con of the Hydrocell is that any size above 24 ounces will not fit in the cup holder (you won’t have this issue with the Owala above). But this one doesn’t need to be left upright to keep from leaking. Read more about the Hydrocell in The Search for the Perfect Water Bottle.
Best Runner-Up:
Thermoflask Insulated Water Bottle
(Not Pictured)
Why We Like It: It was a close one. Some of us preferred the Thermoflask over the Hydrocell, but the Hydrocell simply has another layer of insulation (plus an insulated cap; the Thermo flask’s lid is not insulated) and is a little more ergonomic/comfortable to hold, which gives that extra bit of an edge. Like the Hydrocell, any size above 24 ounces will likely not fit in the cup holder. Yet, it’s also super durable, super quality, won’t dent or leak, and will keep drinks super cold (or hot).
Best for Running Errands in the Car
2025: Simple Modern Trek Pivot
Why We Like It: Simple Modern took all the great features of their tumbler and added the new Trek Pivot top. This has an incorporated straw like the HydroCell (or swap it for the included chug cap) and a swinging carry handle like the Owala FreeSip Sway. The sleek good looks are still there, but in a more practical, on-the-go way. The price is still right at $34.99 – and we love that it includes a silicone boot! It’s not quite as leak-proof as the Owala, but perfect for the car. Wouldn’t toss it in a bag like the Owala, but it won’t leak if it’s dangling from a finger along with the grocery bags.
Best for Running Errands in the Car
2024: Simple Modern Tumbler
Why We Like It: Most water bottles that are above 24 ounces will not be cup-holder friendly. Perhaps that’s why the Stanley is so popular–it is. We found the Simple Modern version, which boasts the same cup holder friendly design, to be more spill resistant than a Stanley, although at a better price (solid colors are $29.99). Read more about it in our preview review: In Search of the Perfect Water Bottle. The shape and color options are also really pretty.
Best for Sports
Camelbak Podium Chill
Why We Like It: The Camelback is the #1 bottle for when you’re active or you only have one hand available (Think: you’re on a bike). The top locks closed when it’s in your gym bag, so you can throw it in when you’re on the go without worrying about it leaking. Just open it up before you start working out and easily squeeze water into your mouth.
Most Durable
Iron Flask Hydration Canteen
Why We Like It: This Iron Flask (bottom left) has been used and abused. One of our teenage daughters used and abused this daily for an entire school year. The ice stays frozen for about 10 hours. It’s enough for a school day, but it’s not as insulated as the other options above. We do, however, think the design is sleeker, so if you want to opt for something that looks nicer over some insulation time, this still deserves a spot on the list.
Best for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Contigo Kids Straw Water Bottle
Why We Like It: It’s very leakproof and easy to wash (that’s an important factor for moms). Plus, kids like using it and enjoy drinking from it, and that’s the most important factor when you want to encourage good water drinking habits.
Best for Baby Bottles
Konokyo Insulated Flask
Why We Like It: We originally used this Lululemon flask in our diaper bags to keep warm water for baby bottles when we’re on the go. We like the slim design, and we find that it’s easiest to pour water into a baby bottle from a narrow top. The Lululemon version is no longer made, so we looked for a dupe and the Konokyo is up to the task and just as cute. The 17 ounce version is the perfect amount for two bottles. You could go with one of the insulated options above, but it’s not really necessary when you just want water to maintain the perfect warmth.
Finally, water bottles are really most practical when you have a convenient place to store them. This Water Bottle Organizer keeps them neat, so you can easily grab the one that suits your needs today.
Drink away!
For anyone who does have a Stanley and they don’t like that it leaks… you can go on Amazon and search for leak proof pieces, they work amazing and it doesn’t spill even if upside down! 🙂
Thank you for this, Tammy!
Are any of these options more on the lightweight side? I dislike using a heavy water bottle, and I don’t need it to keep the water cold forever.
The Contigo plastic water bottles are super lightweight and spillproof though not insulated.
I also vote contigo. I don’t need ice cold water. it gets thrown into my gym bag without spills. I’m using for years.
The Contigo kids is great – note that the spout will eventually get mouldy despite your best efforts, and a replacement can be bought. There is a newer version with an “autospout” which does away with the straw – easier to keep clean but you do have to tip it up. I love the insulated ones without a straw, they keep ice for hours and hours even in the sun!
I actually got the Thermos funtainer because of the reviews about mold. It also has a better straw for younger babies. My baby has been drinking from it since 7months old. Super durable and insulated.
https://amzn.to/3LWjLpJ
Owala is amazing!
Another vote for Owala
Here’s a link to a different version of the Stanley cup that is completely leak proof when the spout is closed, keeps ice frozen overnight, and has a handle! I’m loving this version.
https://amzn.to/3SGf4UC
I’m so surprised the hydrojug traveler wasn’t included. This bottle is truly the best of both worlds. Big, yet fits in a cup holder. Has a straw, but is leakproof when the straw is folded down. Holds ice forever, much longer than my Stanley. The only thing I wish it had was a handle on the top, but hey nothings perfect.
I bought this cup holder extender for my 40 oz waterbottle and it does the trick!
https://amzn.to/3WYeJiA
Oldley water bottles from amazon will replace the lids for 5 years, no questions asked. They come in both insulated and not insulated. The insulated ones work amazing. They come with a few types of lids, including straw lids.
Simple modern has a new line that is 100% spill proof-
https://www.simplemodern.com/products/signature-trek-tumbler-1
As someone mentioned above, I am really surprised that Contigo is not on your list !
As someone said above their plastic ones hold up really well. we personally prefer the ones without the straw – one less thing to worry about kids loosing
They have stainless steel ones that are not so heavy and really hold up well – we have had them for years and still going strong. They will keep your ice frozen for hours,. even in the height of Israeli summers and we have not had any problems with leaking
is the link to the Owala working? or is it only my computer?
I like the yeti insulated straw cups for my kids they are durable! For myself I like the 16 oz thermos funtainer without a straw but I wish it was more insulated in the heat. Any recs for a small waterbottle without a straw that’s really well insulated?
I’ve been really trying to move away from plastic towards stainless steel for the health aspect, especially for my kids. Will check these out to see which meets our needs.
I got for my kids the werewolves insulated water bottle on Amazon. It doesn’t spill and has a handle for them to hold. It also has a silicone on the bottom so the stainless steel doesn’t bang into things. Side note- stainless steel needs to be toiveled
I once saw someone using a TAKEYA water bottle. She told me she bought it in Target.
I went in their website and bought a few for my kids and myself! We all love them! Choice if twist off cover or straw. Leftover ice will stay frozen over 24 hours later. Water stays cold for a verrrrrrrrry long time!
You should all check it out!
Contigo makes insulated cold ones for kids they’re stainless steel so heavier though. I also like the Stanley insulated one without straw with handle for myself and the contigo insulated is ok too.
I’m not sure if they sell them in America but we have Frank Green here in Australia- they’re the equivalent of Stanley but spill proof.
It really scares me that there are trends for water bottles.