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10 best reusable water bottles for hydration and sustainability

Buying a reusable water bottle is a quick and easy change that you can make to help protect the environment. Here's our pick of the best for 2023.

By Anna Cook | Last updated Apr 9, 2024

Whether you're in the market for a sturdy yet lightweight bottle to accompany your child to school or you need something to keep you hydrated at your desk, the best reusable water bottle is an eco-friendly must-have.

With summer on the horizon, it's important to be equipped for the hot weather too; our bodies need more hydration when we sweat to replace lost fluid. Having a good quality water bottle can help you get the water you need, whether you're at home or on the go. Plus, along with using gadgets like the best tower fan at home or a powerful handheld fan out and about, a quick splash of water on your forehead from your bottle can help you to cool down.

Reusable bottles have excellent eco credentials too. Swapping from a single-use disposable plastic bottle to a reusable one can make a massive difference to the environment, even if your reusable water bottle is plastic, because the truth is, it’ll last much longer than the plastic bottle of still mineral water you may purchase daily from the convenience store.

To help you choose the best bottle for your lifestyle, we've done the hard work for you and have spent hours researching the top products you can buy today. We've carefully analysed Mumsnet user recommendations, weighed up suggestions from experts, and evaluated authentic consumer reviews to ensure we're only recommending you the very best.

1
Best reusable water bottle overall
What we like
  • Can be used for cold and hot drinks

  • Maintains the temperature of both hot and cold liquids

  • Made from hygienic and hard-wearing stainless steel

  • Choice of fun patterns

What we don't like
  • Not dishwasher safe

  • Bottles can dent or scratch fairly easily

Key specs

Price: from £22 | Material: BPA-free stainless steel | Capacity: From 260ml to 1800ml | Dishwasher safe: No | Time it keeps drinks warm: Up to 12 hours | Time it keeps drinks cold: Up to 24 hours

What Mumsnet users say
Littlemissalwaystired · Tried & Tested
I absolutely love mine. Everyone in the family has one and some even have two. Would definitely recommend!
See Post
DontStandSoCloseToMe · Recommended
I've had others, but my Chilly's one is amazing. We've all got them now - parents and in-laws included. Once they saw how cold they keep drinks, and for how long, they all wanted [one]!
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Our verdict

Mumsnet users love these Chilly’s stainless steel water bottles. They come in lots of different colours and patterns so it’s easy to find one for every member of the family. They’re available in four sizes – 260ml, 500ml, 750ml, and 1800ml – which makes them perfect for adults and kids alike.

They can be used for hot and cold drinks and are one of the best insulated water bottles you can buy; Chilly's claims they'll keep hot drinks hot for 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24. Plus, their lids are completely airtight so you don't need to worry about spills when you're on the go.

The only downside is they’re not dishwasher safe so are trickier than some to keep clean and it’s not recommended to leave them to soak.

Read next: The best quiet fans for your bedroom

2
Best budget reusable water bottle

Ion8 Leak Proof Slim Water Bottle

What we like
  • Lockable lid

  • Dishwasher safe (on a cool wash)

  • As narrow as a can

  • Great value

What we don't like
  • Leakproof in a bag but some users reported it dripped a little when they drank from it

Key specs

Price: £8 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 500ml | Dishwasher safe: Yes, on a cool wash | Time it keeps drinks warm: Not suitable for warm drinks | Time it keeps drinks cold: Not specified

What Mumsnet users say
RMRM · Tried & Tested
Ion8 has been really good for us.
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Thetrolleywitch · Recommended
I swear by the Ion8 ones because they are leakproof and don't have a plastic straw so it can all go in the dishwasher if needed.
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Our verdict

The popular Ion8 bottle is a great all-rounder. Durable and easy to use, it has a spout cover that flips open with one finger then locks to stop spills.

If you struggle to fit your water bottle in a cup holder, the Ion8 is a good choice as it’s the same width as a can. This means it won't take up too much space, so it's great for the office or working from home and you'll still have plenty of space for your laptop and desk fan. It also has a soft-touch textured grip and a handy carrying ring.

There are 15 colours to choose from or, for £4 more, you’ll find more child-friendly designs like unicorns and dragons. The design of the bottles isn’t just about style though - the bottle also features a hydration indicator to show how much you’ve drunk.

The Ion8 is also dishwasher safe, making it really easy to keep clean – just make sure you don't put it on a hot wash. Our only grumble is that some users found it dripped a little while they were drinking from it, but overall we love this great value buy.

Related: The best chilling boxes for summer picnics

3
Best leakproof reusable water bottle

Contigo Swish Autoseal Water Bottle

What we like
  • Dishwasher safe

  • Spill-proof

  • Great for kids

What we don't like
  • Only comes in one size

Key specs

Price: £15 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 500ml | Dishwasher safe: Yes, on the top rack | Time it keeps drinks warm: Not suitable for warm drinks | Time it keeps drinks cold: Not specified

What Mumsnet users say
spoonyJoe · Tried & Tested
We’ve used these Contigo ones for years as my daughter could never remember to put the spout down. You have to press it to have a drink, then it closes when they stop pressing.
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NameChangeFamousFolk · Recommended
I love my Contigo. I just dropped it and damaged the cap though so I need to replace it. Definitely worth the money.
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Our verdict

Contigo bottles have a large 500ml capacity and are leak- and spill-proof thanks to the clever lid that only works when you push it in. Ideal if you - or your children - forget to put the spout down or put a lid back on, this also means that the bottle is easy to operate one-handed when you’re exercising. Even better, the BPA-free plastic is designed not to retain odours and is completely dishwasher safe (on the top rack) to boot.

There are six bright and fun colourways to choose from and, if more than one member of your household has one, you’ll always be able to tell them apart. It also features in our best kids' water bottle round-up, so it's a good choice for all the family.

Related: The best sun cream for kids, as recommended by parents

4
Best stainless steel water bottle

S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

What we like
  • Can be used for hot and cold drinks

  • Robust, sturdy design

  • Good range of colours and patterns to choose from

What we don't like
  • Expensive

  • Hand wash only

Key specs

Price: £30 | Material: High-grade 18/8 stainless steel | Capacity: 500ml | Dishwasher safe: No | Time it keeps drinks warm: 12 hours | Time it keeps drinks cold: 24 hours

What Mumsnet users say
tentative3 · Tried & Tested
I have two S'well bottles and one S'well traveler and I love them all. As others have said, they're one of those things that actually do what they're supposed to do, which is rare!
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LadyPenelopeCantDance · Recommended
I have a S'well one... Worth every penny!
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Our verdict

With a sleek design and the ability to hold and maintain the temperature of both hot and cold drinks, the S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle is quite similar to the Chilly's Original Bottle. There are plenty of pattern and colour options too, including everything from the luxurious 'Sparkling Champagne' to tennis, basketball and football designs so you can match your bottle to the sport you're playing (yes, really!)

Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, these bottles are robust and hardwearing and actually work to keep your water chilled (or your coffee hot). However, they're hand wash only, so you will have to put a little effort into keeping them clean. They're also pretty pricey, although many Mumsnetters swear they're worth the cost.

Read next: The best deodorants for kids, according to Mumsnet users

5
Best reusable water bottle with a filter

Black & Blum Eau Good Water Bottle with Charcoal Filter

What we like
  • Great for the environment

  • Filters the water as you drink

  • Easy to hold

  • Has great capacity

What we don't like
  • Charcoal filter may need replacing after three months not six

Key specs

Price: £19 | Material: Wood and silicone | Capacity: 800ml | Dishwasher safe: No | Time it keeps drinks warm: Not suitable for hot drinks | Time it keeps drinks cold: Not specified

What Mumsnet users say
JemimaTab · Tried & Tested
I use the Black & Blum one-litre glass bottles with the charcoal filters. A bit expensive for the initial layout but the charcoal lasts six months and the water does taste really nice (and I’m in London where the tap water is rank IMO).
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Our verdict

This Black & Blum glass water bottle with a charcoal filter has a cork and silicone stopper, which is held in place with a stainless steel ring and comes with a fabric finger loop for easy carrying. The bottle’s luxurious curved shape fits ergonomically in the hand.

The charcoal filter stick comes ready to use but you should allow at least one hour - and up to eight - so that minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium can be added while chemicals, like chlorine, are removed. Each filter lasts for around six months after which you can then use it as a deodoriser to remove unwanted smells or break it and use it as a soil fertiliser so that nothing goes to waste.

The resilient silicone is shatter resistant and leakproof but you may still find that it’s not suitable for younger children.

6
Best water bottle with a straw

Camelbak Eddy+ 750ml Water Bottle

What we like
  • Bite valve makes it easy to use

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Lightweight

  • Easy to carry

What we don't like
  • Can leak over time

Key specs

Price: £19 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 750ml | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Time it keeps drinks warm: Not suitable for hot drinks | Time it keeps drinks cold: Not specified

What Mumsnet users say
MuddlePuddle · Tried & Tested
We are currently using a Camelbak Eddy Bottle. It has a rubbery spout that resists chewing. My son drinks more from it because you suck it like a straw rather than tipping and he prefers that.
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PatriciaHolm · Recommended
We have Camelbaks too. They don't last forever but they are heads above everything else we have tried.
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Our verdict

It’s easy to see why Mumsnetters like these 750ml water bottles from CamelBak so much. The redesigned cap and 'bite valve' make it easy to sip (no tipping necessary), while the integrated loop handle means it can be carried around comfortably.

The design of the bite valve means that over time this bottle can lose its leakproof properties, but if you look after it well it’ll last at least two years.

There are 17 different colours to choose from and other sizes too. You can clean it easily in the dishwasher - just separate the lid, bite valve and bottle to ensure all three elements are thoroughly cleaned.

Related: Keep your home cool with the best portable air conditioner

7
Best wide-necked water bottle

Nalgene Leak Proof Everyday Water Bottle

What we like
  • Attached cap so you won’t lose it

  • Scale lets you know how much you’ve drunk

What we don't like
  • The wide top makes spills more likely

  • May not fit into some car cup holders

Key specs

Price: £19 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 1l | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Time it keeps drinks warm: Not suitable for hot drinks | Time it keeps drinks cold: Not specified

What Mumsnet users say
tofuschnitzel · Tried & Tested
I have a Nalgene bottle that has never leaked. I bought the kid's size (330ml) as I didn't want to carry a big bottle around with me. There are lots of different colour options and varying prices on Amazon.
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Our verdict

If you’re after a water bottle that’s guaranteed not to leak all over your things, this one by Nalgene will fit the bill. Mumsnetters recommend it because it comes in 11 colours, is dishwasher safe, BPA-free and can stand temperatures ranging up to 100 degrees.

The loop top cap makes it easy to carry and it even has a scale on the bottle that lets you monitor your fluid intake throughout the day. The wide top design makes it particularly easy to stay hydrated, plus the large size means you can add ice cubes to keep your water extra chilled in summer - we've also compiled a guide to the best ice cube trays to help you pick the top one for you.

8
Best reusable water bottle for the gym

One Green Bottle

What we like
  • Plastic-free packaging

  • Great eco credentials

  • Stainless steel is hygienic

What we don't like
  • Flip top may be stiff to lift

Key specs

Price: £28 | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 800ml | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Time it keeps drinks warm: Not specified | Time it keeps drinks cold: Not specified

What Mumsnet users say
NellWilsonsWhiteHair · Tried & Tested
My son has a One Green Bottle one with a sports cap (doesn't leak). Not cheap, but in five years of school (plus weekends and holiday childcare etc), I think he's only gone through two bottles plus one extra cap so it feels decent value to me.
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Our verdict

This 800ml stainless steel water bottle from One Green Bottle is highly recommended by Mumsnetters as one of the most eco-friendly and easily recyclable water bottles you can buy. For extra eco points, for every bottle sold, One Greene will reclaim 25 plastic bottles from the ocean. Even better, it comes with zero plastic packaging.

The bottle is free of BPA and BPS, and it's also made from high-grade 304 stainless steel for safety-conscious drinking that doesn’t leave a metallic taste in your mouth. Plus, this particular model is designed to be lightweight, which is great if you want to use it on the go.

The sports top is ideal for drinking while you’re exercising to avoid spills. But if you’d prefer a different top, it will fit any Classic Canteen Cap, including quench or stainless steel designs, as they are interchangeable and available to buy separately.

9
Best insulated reusable water bottle

SHO Stainless Steel Water Bottle

What we like
  • Keeps cold drinks cold and warm ones hot

  • Comes in a range of styles

  • Durable

What we don't like
  • Lid can be tricky to clean

Key specs

Price: from £11 | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 260ml to 1l | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Time it keeps drinks warm: 12 hours | Time it keeps drinks cold: 24 hours

What Mumsnet users say
Beautiful3 · Tried & Tested
Mine’s a Sho bottle. I've had it for years and it keeps water cold and coffee hot for hours. Bought smaller versions for the kids. We love them!
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MadisonAvenue · Recommended
I’ve been using a Sho bottle for around a year and it’s great. It doesn’t leak and keeps water icy cold for hours. In the heatwave last year, the outer of the bottle got quite warm when I was out and about for hours but it didn’t affect the temperature of the water. There’s a great selection of colours, and the bottle has a really nice texture too. It’s not smooth and slippery to hold.
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Our verdict

Made from premium grade stainless steel, Sho bottles keep cold drinks cold for an entire day and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours.

One of the biggest selling points is the range of styles. They even do exclusive limited-edition artist collaborations. The powder-coated stainless steel means it’s easy to hold and it’s also scratch-resistant. The manufacturers claim it’s 100% leakproof too, and reviewers back this up, praising the high-quality design.

We love that Sho is an ethical company; a portion of their profits goes to Mary’s Meals, helping to feed and educate children and to the SeaLife Centre in Norfolk - close to where they were invented - to sponsor a seal pen. You can find out more about their charity work here.

10
Best reusable bottle for hot water
What we like
  • Lightweight

  • Sleek design

  • Excellent at keeping drinks hot or cold

  • Dishwasher safe

What we don't like
  • Lid can be slightly tricky to reattach

  • Expensive

  • Range of patterns not as extensive as Sho and Chilly's bottles

Key specs

Price: £38 | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 591ml or 946ml | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Time it keeps drinks warm: 12 hours | Time it keeps drinks cold: 24 hours

What Mumsnet users say
TitusAndromedom · Recommended
I have a few Hydro Flasks... They are absolutely brilliant for keeping cold things cold or hot things hot. My husband makes tea in mine at 7am, and unless I remove the lid, it’s often still too hot to drink at 11am. It’s also good because it doesn’t retain flavours, so you can have tea one day and water the next without any transfer.
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Our verdict

They may be pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck with a Hydro Flask. Made from robust, high-quality stainless steel, these stylish water bottles have become very popular in recent years - you may have even had your teenager telling you they absolutely need one for school. They're far from a fleeting trend though, and one of these bottles should last you a good few years.

Hydro Flasks excel at keeping cold drinks chilled for up to 24 hours, and for keeping hot drinks warm for 12 hours, and they won't weigh you down like some other bottles. Although we love the sleek design and there are 15 block colours to choose from, we were a little disappointed with the lack of patterned options available - other stainless steel options at a similar price point have more variety. Still, we think it's a top buy, whether you're using it on the go or at home.

Related: The best pedestal fans to cool you down in a heatwave

How much water do I need to drink?

The government advice is that you should try and consume six to eight cups (around 2l) of fluids per day. This will vary from person to person, and the weather can affect how much you should drink too, as you will need to replace lost fluids if you sweat in hot weather.

How much plastic is saved by using a reusable water bottle?

According to Earth Day statistics, “Humans use about 1.2 million plastic bottles per minute in total, and approximately 91% of plastic isn’t recycled.” This means that billions of plastic items like water bottles end up polluting our oceans, rivers and lakes, as well as piling up on landfill sites. This is not only unsightly but also harmful to our plants, wildlife and planet as a whole.

If you choose a reusable water bottle, they can be a great on-the-go alternative to one-use bottles. Currently, 7.7 billion plastic bottles per year end up in landfill in the UK alone. That's an average of 117 bottles per person, per year.

What to look for in a reusable water bottle

  • Material: Opt for bottles made of stainless steel, glass, and BPA-free plastic, as they are non-toxic and don't leach harmful chemicals into your drink. Stainless steel will be more robust than plastic bottles and can often be used for hot drinks too, although plastic tends to be more budget-friendly.

  • Size: Choose a bottle that suits your lifestyle and hydration needs, whether you're looking for a small bottle for your your little one's school bag or a larger one for longer trips. Also think about how heavy it will be to carry; lightweight bottles are ideal for travelling without weighing you down.

  • Ease of cleaning: Look for bottles that are easy to clean and maintain, with wide mouths that allow you to scrub the interior and a design that doesn't have too many nooks and crannies where bacteria can accumulate. Dishwasher-safe options are the easiest to look after with minimal fuss.

  • Insulation: If you want something that you can use for both hot and cold drinks, choose a stainless steel bottle that will keep liquids warm or cool. A lot of models offer a 12-hour keep warm time and a 24-hour keep cool time, although this will vary depending on how often you open the bottle.

  • Durability: Pick a bottle that's built to last, with sturdy materials and a design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.

  • Leakproof: A bottle that leaks can ruin your day, not to mention precious belongings in your bag, so look for bottles that have a reliable sealing mechanism to prevent spills and leaks. Always make sure the lid is on securely too before popping it back in your bag.

  • Design: Many bottles come in a variety of fun designs, ranging from bold, eye-catching patterns to more muted, sleek block colours. If style is important to you, you'll find stainless steel bottles tend to have more design choices than plastic ones, but you may pay a premium.

How long can you keep water in a reusable water bottle?

Reusable bottles are completely hygienic as long as you wash them regularly, but we'd suggest changing the water every 24 hours so it retains a fresh taste.

How do you clean a water bottle?

You should clean your water bottle at least once a day or, ideally, after each use. If your bottle is dishwasher safe then this will help to properly sterilise it. If not then use warm soapy water every and rinse thoroughly. For a more intensive clean, try bi-carbonate (baking soda) or vinegar mixed with water. Leave to soak overnight and then wash with warm water in the morning. Some people recommend bleach but be wary as it’s not safe to consume and can leave some plastics smelling of a strong odour.

Which is the best reusable water bottle to buy?

The Chilly's Original Bottles are the best reusable water bottles, according to Mumsnet users and consumer reviewers. We love that they're leakproof, extremely durable, and can hold both hot and cold drinks. The range of colours and patterns is a huge bonus too - there's something for everyone!

How we chose our recommendations

To ensure we are only including the best of the best, we always do our research thoroughly and make sure every product comes carefully assessed, evaluated and with a host of real, honest reviews to recommend it.

Recommendations from real parents

All our recommendations for reusable water bottles came from Mumsnet users themselves. We searched the Mumsnet forums for posts about which bottles, including silicone, stainless steel and BPA-free plastic Mumsnetters really loved. We also looked at other reviews to see which water bottles performed well across the board.

Expert advice

We set out to ensure that our information represents the latest recommendations from experts so you can rely on it, and we research each product thoroughly to ensure it follows the latest expert advice and stands up to scrutiny. Here, we looked at safety around using BPA-free reusable water bottles and consulted information from expert review sites.

Consumer feedback

In addition to scouring the Mumsnet forums, we also spent hours on relevant consumer websites to find out which reusable water bottles got sterling reviews and lived up to their claims of being leakproof, durable, portable and easy to use and clean. We took note of both positive and negative feedback as this helps us ensure that every product we recommend has been tried and tested by real people.

Celebrated best products

Finally, we check to see which reusable water bottles have won industry awards or received accolades or recognition from trusted sources, and used this to compile our final list of recommendations.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.