Noteworthy Alternatives
bkr Spiked Big Bottle 1L for $60: Glass water bottles continue to be the most hygienic, eco-friendly, and non-toxic option available. Bkr’s unique silicone wrap provides protection against shattering while offering a trendy and grippy feel. This design means it won’t make noise when placed on surfaces, and if accidentally dropped, it won’t create a fuss in a busy environment.
Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $19: Featuring vacuum insulation and double-wall construction, the Ello Cooper Twist is equipped with a screw-on cap and a convenient carry handle. While the spout style is subjective, the ceramic opening is appreciated, and for those who prefer it, the chug cap serves as a practical option.
Camelbak Eddy+ for $16: A robust, lightweight, and eco-conscious plastic bottle, the Camelbak Eddy+ comes with a straw lid. Adrienne So has been using multiple bottles of this type for several years. It’s advisable to allow the chew top to dry out daily since it could become a breeding ground for mold if kept damp.
Klean Kanteen Classic for $35: This Classic model is relatively lightweight and durable, with numerous size options available that perform equally well. The brand also offers a wide variety of cap styles should you decide you want a straw or a stainless steel option.
Pura Big Mouth Insulated Bottle for $46: Pura bottles are slim, lightweight, and crafted entirely from stainless steel, eliminating plastic or powder coatings (which means they might not endure drops as well). These bottles are Made Safe certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances. While I’m not fond of the thin and flimsy silicone lids, the option to remove the entire cap allows for sipping directly from the metal rim.
Products to Steer Clear Of
Water.io Daily+ for $100: This smart bottle tracks your hydration and sends reminders to drink, a concept that sounds appealing but falls short in practice. The battery lasts only 2 to 3 days and requires a specific charger. For a $100 price tag, one would expect additional features, such as filtration or self-cleaning technology, but this bottle lacks those advantages. It also imparts a metallic taste to the water, which is less than pleasant.
Air Up Water Bottle for $40: This bottle employs flavored rings to create the illusion of tasting something other than plain water. WIRED writer Boone Ashworth found it lacking, noting that the scent was unappealing, and you cannot use the bottle without purchasing one of these rings. The benefit of reusable bottles is that you invest once and enjoy free water for years, but this model requires ongoing purchases for refills.
Liberty Bottleworks Uninsulated Bottle for $23: The cap on this aluminum bottle is oddly designed, flimsy, and confusing to handle. Our tester often struggled to twist it and described it as uncomfortable. Furthermore, the bottle’s outer finish isn’t as durable as the matte powder coating found on other brands, and the aluminum feels somewhat weak. It can even be flexed slightly by hand. Unlike stainless steel options, this bottle has an interior with a food-grade coating. While Liberty claims it is BPA-free, those wishing to avoid synthetic coatings should consider stainless steel alternatives.
