The Best & Worst Water Bottles
we’re all still drinking out of plastic, guys
Stanley mug in one hand, caffeine in the other… but wait—your water bottle is still full of BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, grade-A plastic.
By now, we all know that drinking a Poland Springs or Dasani water bottle is basically mainlining microplastics. But somehow, we convinced ourselves that slapping a black plastic lid and straw onto a metal bottle fixed this problem? Need I remind you just how especially alarming black plastic is?
If you’ve detoxed your skincare, swapped your dish soap, and worry about microplastics in salmon, but still sip from petroleum polymers daily, it might be time for a rethink.
We tested scores of popular bottles (see full list at the end) and prioritized what matters: plastic-free construction, functionality, and VIBES. Below are the winners (and losers), categorized to help you make the leap—without looking like you live off-grid in a yurt. Unless you do, in which case, god bless ya, what are you doing here?
Here are the rankings, without further ado…
🏆 Best Overall
Pura Stainless Big Mouth Sport Bottle 28oz / $39.99
Stainless steel exterior, plastic-free
The only truly plastic-free insulated water bottle we tested. The Pura Big Mouth is made entirely from food-grade stainless steel with a medical-grade silicone lid and sleeve—zero plastic, zero nonsense. It’s insulated, sleek, dishwasher-safe, and comes in multiple sizes. It also has a universal lid system (baby bottle, sport top, straw top, etc.), so you can swap tops as your hydration mood changes.
It’s not flashy—but it’s the only bottle that checks every box: plastic-free, insulated, durable, practical, and taste-neutral.
Skip this one if: insulation is your biggest priority — it’s not as strong as some of the other guys.
🌱 Best for the Environment
Klean Kanteen Classic 27 oz (Brushed Stainless, Bamboo Cap) / $29.95
100% stainless steel body, fully recyclable, Climate Neutral Certified
Old school, and still undefeated. This bottle is endlessly durable, totally plastic-free (if you go for the bamboo cap or a stainless loop cap), and from a B Corp that walks the talk. Klean Kanteen has been anti-plastic before it was cool.
But, caveat emptor: make sure you close the lid tightly - otherwise, she leaks.
Honorable Mention: CopperWater Bottle. It’s pure copper and so beautiful, claims to be purifying, but is not insulated, prone to dents, and needs more frequent cleaning.
At left, Klean Kanteen. At right, CopperWater.
🔥 Best If You Need Piping Hot Bev At All Times
Purist Mover 18oz / $48
Stainless steel exterior, glass interior, totally taste-free
It’s chic. It’s minimal. It’s engineered like a bike part. The Purist Mover has immaculate vibes, a seamless glass interior and a stainless steel outer shell. The twist cap is weirdly satisfying, it fits in a cup holder, and it’s just really beautiful.
Not ideal if: you are trying to go 100% plastic-free, or like to chug 40 oz before noon.
But, and I repeat: You do need to be okay with some plastic in the lid. If you aren’t okay with that, drink faster, and go with the Pura Stainless, Klean Kanteen, or LifeFactory.
💁♀️ Best for the Stanley Cup Weaning Process
ProBTTL 32 oz Glass Tumbler / $23.99
No plastic, and lighter and sleeker than the Stanley
If you still want an emotional support tumbler, but recognize Stanley, with all its plastic, is unfortunately not it, this one can scratch the itch. It’s slightly insulated, has that handle to tote around, and fits most car cupholders - just like the Stanley.
You’re definitely not paying for branding with this one, though - LOL:
Someone needs to tell PROBOTTL about Midjourney. Anyways.
Not good if: You want a brand backed by guarantees — we’ve never heard of PROBTTL and they have almost no digital footprint other than third-party marketplaces. Also, they offer a plastic top for on-the-go — we’d skip that.
Also good for weaning: BrüMate Rotera. Stylish and functional, but the lid has plastic, is overly complex and hard to clean (read: mold risk).
🧪 How We Tested
We spent two weeks living with these 13 bottles in real-world conditions: car cup holders, stroller baskets, dishwashers, yoga mats, work bags, and bedside tables. Each bottle was evaluated across five criteria:
1. Plastic-Free Contact – We prioritized materials that don’t let water touch plastic (especially over time). Full credit for glass, stainless steel, or copper. Partial credit for bottles with plastic lids where contact is minimal.
2. Taste & Odor – We filled bottles with tap water, left them overnight, and taste-tested for off-notes or plastic/musty/moldy residue (yuck).
3. Functionality – We looked at spill resistance, ease of sipping, one-handed usability, and dishwasher-friendliness.
4. Design & Portability – Is it actually nice to hold, carry, and live with? Does it fit in a cup holder, a backpack, or your daily routine?
5. Sustainability – We considered material durability, end-of-life recyclability, and company commitments to climate responsibility.
This guide reflects hands-on testing by two adults, with additional feedback from friends who own or have retired these bottles.
We’ll keep updating this guide as new brands improve their offerings. If there’s a water bottle you love (or hate), let us know.
Here’s the full breakdown:
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Really helpful chart and breakdown of products!