Updated on 22 February 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Hydro Flask
Although a little more expensive, this vacuum insulated bottle keeps the heat and cold in, whatever the environment. It is also completely dishwasher safe.
Made of double-walled stainless steel, BPA- and phthalate-free, this sturdy bottle has a high thermal insulation capacity. In addition, you can pour all kinds of hot or cold drinks (water, juice, smoothie, energy drinks) into it without fearing any change in temperature. We were pleasantly surprised. It is available in various sizes and is suitable for everyday use as well as for sports. The cap does not leak at all and we found it easy to put in the mouth and to clean. Furthermore, the loop on the cap makes it easy to hold and carry. By the way! It is machine washable.
Stainless steel canteens and isothermal bottles are the best alternative to plastic containers.
Stainless steel bottles do not alter the taste of the water and have excellent insulating properties.
Plastic water bottles are cheaper, but also less insulating and durable.
The capacity must be sufficient for your activity, without affecting the ease of transport.
There are different types of lids, which affect the tightness, opening and maintenance of the bottles.
Some bottles can be customised. It is a matter of taste.
Remember to clean it regularly to avoid the proliferation of micro-organisms.
Twist’n’Sip Squeeze
In addition to being affordable, it has an ingenious opening and closing system that makes it more hygienic for children in any situation. In addition, it is machine washable.
Available in several sizes, this lightweight plastic bottle is phthalate and BPA free. The opening and closing system is hygienic, as fingers never touch the cap. On testing, we found no leaks, although the mechanism tends to retain some dirt and mould over time. It is ideal for children, at school, in sports or for hiking, especially as its flow rate is quite low according to our observations. It is also dishwasher and fridge/freezer safe. However, it is not suitable for hot or carbonated drinks. Furthermore, the colours are random, which makes it difficult to choose, and we can also criticise the lack of insulating properties. Also, in direct sunlight, the water heats up quickly.
Super Sparrow
Its insulating properties, easy washability, practical accessories and good handling explain its excellent price/quality ratio. Its two plugs increase its versatility.
This insulated water bottle has a BPA-free design and is made of excellent quality double-walled stainless steel, which guarantees a pure taste and insulation from hot and cold liquids. We were very pleased with the latter in our tests. It is available in various sizes and is dishwasher safe (except for the lids) without risk of wear or deformation. You will receive two straws and two handy caps: one for sports and a more standard stainless steel one for better insulation. Each one allows you to control the flow and you will not notice any leakage during use. Last but not least, its covering provides a good grip in spite of sweating.
Camelback Chute Mag
Widely awarded for its eco-friendly design, it features a secure and convenient screw cap for perfect flow. Every component is dishwasher safe and it is easy to transport.
Available in a variety of sizes, this plastic bottle is overall of good quality. Made partly from recycled and healthy materials, it is not the most efficient at keeping water warm, but its double-walled construction does delay heating somewhat. Held on the lid, the magnetic, flip-top screw cap is secure and it fits a multitude of the brand’s models. We found it pleasant to drink with a perfect flow. During our test we did not experience any leaks. The large lid also makes it easy to fill and add ice cubes. For cleaning, both the bottle and the caps are dishwasher safe. In addition, the carrying handle makes it easier to transport and the bottle fits in a cup holder as well as in a bag net.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best high-end | Best budget | Best mid-range | Mid-range alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| Hydro Flask | Twist’n’Sip Squeeze | Super Sparrow | Camelback Chute Mag |
| Although a little more expensive, this vacuum insulated bottle keeps the heat and cold in, whatever the environment. It is also completely dishwasher safe. | In addition to being affordable, it has an ingenious opening and closing system that makes it more hygienic for children in any situation. In addition, it is machine washable. | Its insulating properties, easy washability, practical accessories and good handling explain its excellent price/quality ratio. Its two plugs increase its versatility. | Widely awarded for its eco-friendly design, it features a secure and convenient screw cap for perfect flow. Every component is dishwasher safe and it is easy to transport. |
| See the price on Amazon | £ 7.99 on Amazon | £ 15.95 on Amazon | £ 16.00 on Amazon |
Selectos compares and tests hundreds of products to help you buy better. We sometimes receive a commission when you buy through our links, which helps fund our work. Learn moreWhy trust us ?
How did we do the tests?
We tested each of the bottles in different situations (at work, during sport, at home, etc.). We checked the reliability of the caps by turning them upside down, but also their practicality when opening them and their flow. Of course, we also took into account the accessories supplied with the bottle.
To evaluate the insulating properties, we took a culinary thermometer and exposed all the bottles filled with fresh water to the sun. We performed the same test on the bottles filled with hot tea, which we left in a cold environment. Finally, we analysed the cleanability, resistance and volume of each water bottle.
How to choose your water bottle?
Loved by environmentalists and sports enthusiasts alike, the isothermal bottle offers numerous advantages and has become the most serious alternative to plastic water bottles.
But with so many models on the market, which one should you choose? First of all, let’s identify the different types of bottles:
- The stainless steel bottle: it is durable, lightweight and environmentally friendly. It does not alter the taste of the water and has insulating properties that are highly appreciated by its buyers. In addition, it does not contain any harmful substances. The double-walled insulated models act like thermos flasks, i.e. they retain heat for 6 to 12 hours and stay cold for up to 24 hours.
- The glass bottle: it is usually made of borosilicate glass and is well insulated from outside temperatures. It is the most environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. It is also easy to clean. On the other hand, it is heavier and more fragile to shocks.
- The filter bottle: it allows you to drink from any fresh water source (lakes, rivers, etc.). As its name suggests, it filters the water to make it drinkable.
- The flexible water bottle: it is often foldable, making it ideal for hiking, as it is easier to carry and takes up little space.
- The aluminium bottle: it is cheaper, lighter and stronger. However, it sometimes contains chemicals and tends to alter the taste of the contents. It is also unsuitable for acidic drinks such as fruit juice or energy drinks.
- The plastic bottle: these are cheaper, but often skimp on quality. As a result, they are less insulating and less durable. If you opt for one of these, choose tritan, a plastic without harmful components such as bisphenol.
- The reusable bottle: ideal for carrying baby’s applesauce, puree or yoghurt. It is usually made of silicone because of its smaller volume and greater shock resistance. Its design avoids harmful materials.
After identifying the type of bottle that suits you best, pay attention to the following criteria to choose the one that best suits your needs:
- Capacity: depends on use. For an excursion lasting several hours where you don’t expect to be able to refill it, you will need a larger capacity. For a short sports session or commuting to work, a smaller one may be sufficient. Also check the weight and size of the bottle if you are walking or cycling, for example.
- Materials: the various bottle types have already given you a good indication of the quality of the materials. You should avoid at all costs bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, which are carcinogenic chemicals found in some plastics. If your budget allows, do not use plastic or aluminium bottles, for health and ecological reasons. Finally, a double-walled model is more insulating.
- The stopper: preferably stainless steel or bamboo (not PVC). There are several types. Non-drip caps do not leak and are easier to open. Silicone stoppers with a handle are interesting for their watertightness and for sportsmen and women (cyclists), as are stoppers with a metal straw for drinking on the move without having to tilt the bottle. Finally, screw caps have a large opening and make it easier to clean the bottles.
- Accessories: some manufacturers include a carrying case, a hook for attaching to a bag, a shoulder strap or even a cleaning brush. There are even infusion models.
- The design: there are customisable bottles or with graduations. In short, it’s a matter of taste, the important thing is to be willing to hydrate.
- Maintenance: remember to wash it regularly, otherwise micro-organisms could settle in it. To do this, clean it with hot water and soap. Some bottles can be put in the dishwasher.
PS: if you’re looking for a recipient for hot drinks, take a look at our comparison of the best thermal mugs!
Other water bottles we recommend
720°DGREE “uberBottle“ (£17.33 upon publication): Ideal for infusions or flavoured water. This bottle is made of plastic, free of BPA, BPS and phthalates. Its snap-on cap protects from dirt and is easy to open. Thanks to the silicone seals, the cap is completely airtight. In our test, we found the flow rate to be satisfactory. It is preferable to clean it by hand to avoid damaging the seals. One of its special features is the infuser, which we found very practical for flavouring the water or making a simple infusion. The graduations and the carrying strap are also very useful. However, it does not keep liquids hot or cold.
Nalgene Sustain Tritan (£15.95 upon publication): a wide opening for easy cleaning and filling. Made of healthy plastic, it comes in a narrow and a wide stopper version. We tested the latter and while the opening is convenient for adding ice cubes, we cannot rule out a few spills when drinking. However, the stopper never leaked and it is attached to the lid to prevent spillage. In addition, its graduation in ml and oz is practical for possible dosages. Among its disadvantages, it does not have the best insulating properties and this large size is more difficult to store and transport. In addition, it has been noted that the surface tends to scratch quickly.
Proworks Stainless Steel (£12.95 upon publication): a water bottle with high thermal insulation. Made with a double wall of stainless steel, it has insulating properties that keep drinks hot or cold for several hours. A variety of sizes and original colours are available (the black one still seemed rather dirty to us). The screw cap is completely sealed, but we found the neck of the bottle to be quite small, which made it difficult to clean during our tests. By the way, it is not recommended to put it in the dishwasher (although some do), in fact, the brand includes a cleaning brush with the purchase.
Other water bottles we tested
Sahara Sailor(£11.99 upon publication): Its graduations, time marker and attractive design are motivating to help those who drink little to hydrate regularly. However, it is more cumbersome, can only be cleaned by hand and provides little or no insulation.
Simple Modern Wave : Unavailable
Translated by Selectos
