Best water bottles: 6 eco-friendly ideas to stay hydrated all summer long

We've found six of the best water bottles to help you beat the heat.

best water bottles for indoor and outdoor use
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Are you searching for the best water bottles on the market? Before COVID-19, this might not be something we've ever considered but now? Quarantine has us all looking inwards and examining our health a bit closer — and our water intake, more specifically our water bottle used — is the latest thing under our microscope. 

A water bottle is an easy way to keep our health in check and our bodies hydrated, but the problem here? We need the best water bottle to rep all the benefits — and that's where things get a bit murky. 

The water bottle we take on our run or clip to our backpack might be too big or bulky when working outside inside our homes. Or, maybe it's not marked and doesn't show us how much water we're intaking throughout the day.

Tragic, we know — and in those cases, we need to look a bit closer and compare each version one-by-one. But who has the time to do that? The answer to that: is us. 

The Real Homes team understands the importance of the best water bottle, and we've dedicated a great deal of time comparing and contrasting the best from well, the not-so-great. 

Whether you're looking for an eco-friendly option or something to take from the streets to your sheets, we've rounded up six great picks to help suit all different levels of hydrations. 

Be sure to check out our best home gym equipment buying guide for even more ways to use the best water bottle. 

6 of the best water bottles worth the investment

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

best water bottles

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1. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles

The best water bottles for both hot and cold drinks

Specifications

Capacity: up to 22 ox.
Material : carbon filter
Colors: 20
Suitable for hot drinks?: no
Dishwasher safe?: yes

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design 
+
Advanced filtration 
+
Easy to clean 

Reasons to avoid

-
N/A

Where does this water bottle rank on our list?

Of the six options we've rounded up, this one is our top pick. 

Why do we love it? 

The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle is ideal for anyone who anyone who's looking to go green or continue their sustainable lifestyle. It looks to protect users against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness, and the best part? It does so with an approved taste. Every fill avoids single-use plastic bottled water, and it's independently lab tested, durable, and above all: BPA-free. 

Anything else to consider? 

Aside from the fact this water bottle has gauged the attention of over 6,500 reviewers and received a near-perfect, 5-star rating? Well, we'd also like to mention that it comes available in a slew of different colors, as well as a two-pack version. Making it perfect for anyone who often leaves their water bottle at work when heading to the gym — now you'll never have to deal with that struggle again! 

Plus, the best part? In addition to the advanced filtration, we love the included straw! It's perfect for anyone who's looking for a leak-proof, spill-proof scenario, too.

Best water bottles


(Image credit: John Lewis)

2. Aladdin Active Hydration Tracker Water Bottle

The best water bottles to encourage you to drink more water!

Specifications

Capacity : 800ml
Material : Material BPA-free Tritan
Colors: Clear
Suitable for hot drinks?: No
Dishwasher safe?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Great for tracking how much water you drink
+
Large capacity 
+
Dishwasher safe

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the prettiest water bottle

Where does this water bottle rank on our list?

Coming in second place, this Aladdin Active Hydration Tracker Water Bottle is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, too. 

Why do we love it? 

For anyone who's looking to invest in the best water bottle to help them drink more water and monitor it in real-time, this is a superb option. And why do we say that? Just look at the design. 

The side of the water has numbers to mark how many millimeters you have (or have not) drank throughout the day, whereas on the side, there's room if you wanted to set goals in a permanent marker for what time of day you're looking to hit those intended marks (or goals). 

Anything else to consider? 

If you're in the market for a cute or "stylish' water bottle, you might be a bit turned off to this model. We'd deem this option more on the practical side, and that's not exactly a bad thing. Here, this model is leak-proof, stain, odor, and shatter-resistant, as well as dishwasher safe. And, better than that? 

The push-button lid. It's perfect for those who are looking to take this on the road during an outdoor run. Simply unscrew the top part of the bottle and carry on with your day. 

Best water bottles

(Image credit: John Lewis)

3. CamelBak Eddy Water Bottle

A great leak-proof water bottle perfect for exercising

Specifications

Capacity : 32oz.
Material : BPA, BPS and BPF-free Tritan
Colors: Blue and grey
Suitable for hot drinks?: No
Dishwasher safe?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Really easy to drink from while exercising 
+
Spill-proof
+
Dishwasher safe
+
You can buy  a new straw and top  

Reasons to avoid

-
The valve can get dirty and is tricky to clean

Where does this water bottle rank on our list?

Another water bottle on our list? The Camelbak Water Bottle, that's superb for anyone who's looking for everyday use. 

Why do we love it? 

The one question we're always asking ourselves before making a purchase? "How many times will we use this," and many times, the answer is, "Not so much." So, let us be the first to tell you: this is anything but the case here! Here, this water bottle is endlessly useable! 

Throw it in your bag on your way to work, or take it with you when you're heading to a gym class! Either way, it's multi-functional, and what's better than that? Only that it's leak-proof, too. 

Anything else to consider? 

While we enjoy the bite valve design, we know that some customers might not. This feature might not be for everyone, and it does take a bit to get used to it before operating this bottle like a pro. 

Another thing to take into consideration is how long it will take to clean this water bottle. Most water bottles offer a choice when purchasing additional valves and straws with continuous use, but this water bottle doesn't. To effectively use this water bottle, some of how found this step a bit time-consuming and not worth the investment. 

Best water bottles

(Image credit: John Lewis)

4. Soma Glass Drinks Bottle with Bamboo Lid

The best looking water bottle you can buy! Super stylish and compact

Specifications

Capacity : 25oz.
Color: Pink or Grey
Material : Glass, silicone sleeve, bamboo lid
Suitable for hot drinks?: No
Dishwasher safe?: The bottle is but the cap is not

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design 
+
Made from renewable sources 

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for the size
-
Glass can smash

Where does this water bottle rank on our list?

Another great addition to any daily rotation would be this Soma Glass Drinks Bottle with Bamboo Lid. It's an affordable option that might not include all the bells and whistles and others but is still just as easy to use. 

Why do we love it? 

Hands-down, this bottle is a beauty— making it the best thing we've ever seen! How couldn't it be? Unlike other options on the market, this one features a super trendy bamboo lid, and it elevates the bottle's entire design. Oh, and if you thought that was it? Think again! 

There are also eight sensation shades available, and there is no wrong way to go. No matter which one you chose, each version is built with shatter-resistant glass, so if there is ever a case, you drop it on the ground or accidentally while working out? Your mind can remain at ease — it will never break! 

Now, if you are clumsy and still concerned? Relax: there's a silicone sleeve to maintain your grip during any run or workout, too. 

Anything else to consider? 

Some reviewers note that this bottle's grip can be tricky at times. While we're no stranger to items being to show wear-and-tear over time, it's just something to keep in mind, that's all. 

Best water bottles

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Ultimate Performance Runners Bottle

The best water bottle for running

Specifications

Capacity : 580ml
Colors: Blue, Pink or Clear
Material : Plastic
Suitable for hot drinks?: No
Dishwasher safe?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect to take when running 
+
Dishwasher safe
+
Doesn't leak

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best choice for smaller hands as some said the handle is hard to grip comfortably

Where does this water bottle rank on our list?

Another good (but not great) bottle topping our list would be the Ultimate Performance Runners Bottle. It's an affordable option that is good for daily use (but doesn't have any fancy features!). 

Why do we love it? 

Big, bulky water bottles can be difficult to use when we're looking to take them on the road. Most models won't fit into your everyday bags and hard to carry. Here, this version is anything but that. 

We can't help but love this bottle's ergonomic shape. Unlike other bottles on the market, this one easily fits between our hands and will be worry-free when heading out on a walk or run. Plus, if you're worried about any spilling? The extra cap stops any leaks and provides peace of mind.

Anything else to consider? 

Ringing in at just under $5, you get what you pay for here. Some customers have mentioned that this bottle is "smaller than they expected," but in that case? We recommend just picking up an extra one, too! 

Best water bottles

(Image credit: Amazon)

6. BRITA Fill & Go Vital Water Filter Bottle

The best water bottles with a built-in filter

Specifications

Capacity : 600ml
Color: 4 choices
Material : Plastic
Suitable for hot drinks?: No
Dishwasher safe?: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Instantly filtered water on the go
+
Great price

Reasons to avoid

-
You have to replace the filters once a month

Where does this water bottle rank on our list?

Rounding out our list is the BRITA Brita Fill & Go Water Bottle with Filter, which is perfect for those looking for an eco-friendly option.  

Why do we love it? 

As we previously mentioned, this eco-friendly option is great but what's even better? This reusable water bottle filters tap water as you drink, so if you're someone who is partial to filtered water? This is ideal for you. Plus, the lid also has a MicroDisc that contains compressed natural carbon from coconut shells that reduce: chlorine, organic impurities, hormones, pesticides, herbicides, and microplastics. 

Not to fear— you still get those essential minerals you traditionally get with other water. And best of all? This bottle is both leakproof and dishwasher safe 

Anything else to consider? 

It's important to mention that those disks we mentioned have to be replaced every four weeks. But not to worry, they're very cheap and even easier to find. 

How to choose the best water bottles:

The best water bottles on the market have different features depending on your requirements. Some can keep your drink cool for up to 24 hours and great for traveling and days out. 

Others are easy to drink while on the go, offering a pop-up straw for quick sips. Then you might be looking for something that is ergonomically shaped: to fit your grip as your run – wrist straps and finger-shaped molding are the things to look for here. 

Insulated water bottles

There are plenty of insulated water bottles to choose from on the market. They are an upgrade from the chunky flasks we remember our dad's filling before heading off on a hike, with a more streamlined design and bottle-shaped to be drunk out of directly – no pouring into a small cup that then dribbles into your bag. Look for those which offer long-term insulation as not only will they keep a drink ice cold for ages. Plus, they can be used for hot drinks and stay hot for up to 12 hours in most cases. 

Filter water bottles

If you hate the taste of tap water, these are perfect. These bottles filter the water as you drink. Just fill up and go, and you can enjoy fresh-tasting water wherever you are. Remember that some will need the filter replacing at various intervals, so factor the filter cost in when you buy as it will be a cost you have to address every time you need a replacement.

Water bottle straws

A straw makes taking a swig much easier to use and means you aren't at risk of putting the cap down and losing it whenever you have a swig. However, if not cared for properly, these straws can get gross. Find one that comes with good cleaning instructions or easy to clean. A small bottle brush and some sterilization tablets will make it easier to keep your bottle and straw clean.

Is it leakproof?

We like bottles that promise to be leakproof so we can fling them in our bag and not worry about everything getting soaked. A good quality rubber seal necessary for easy use and even easier cleaning. 

Brittany Romano

Brittany Romano is a Shopping Editor, based in New York City. From her start as a fashion market assistant at Marie Claire to building a highly profitable commerce vertical at Us Weekly and AMI brands, Brittany has produced award-winning content covering everything from celebrity beauty hacks to must-have items from online sales. She is a graduate of New England College. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brittany indulging in yet another DIY project or cheering on her beloved Boston Bruins. 

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