The 7 Best Insulated Water Bottles for Crisp, Cold Drinks

There's no reason for your drink to reach room temperature

Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors.

Water bottles have become more than just a vessel for quenching thirst. The introduction of stylish insulated water bottles (looking at you, Stanley tumbler) has resulted in a functional fashion accessory that many of us don’t leave home without — including celebrities like Hilary Duff and Adele.

“The best thing about an insulated water bottle is that it locks in the cold,” Lisa Nagamoto, director of product marketing at Takeya, tells PEOPLE. “You can fill your bottle with ice and water in the morning, sip it throughout the day, and still have ice cold water after work and ready for your evening yoga class."

In addition to hours of cold water, an insulated water bottle is an excellent reusable option, which can not only save you money in the long run but is also much better for the planet, as billions of single-use plastic water bottles end up in landfills every year. Having a refillable option with added perks like keeping beverages cool helps address this concern. 

Keep reading to discover the best insulated water bottles from Hydro Flask, Yeti, and more.

If you’re on the prowl for a good Hydro Flask alternative, this Amazon find is your best bet. The stainless steel water bottle comes in six different sizes, including an extra-large 64-ounce option that would be great for camping or long hikes. It also comes with two different lids — a classic screw-on style and sports cap with a built-in straw — making it a little more functional for different needs. Plus, you can find it in lots of fun colors, including some stylish ombre designs.

Material: Stainless steel | Sizes: 14, 18, 24, 32, 40, and 64 ounces | Features: Handle, straw, Therma-lock, slip-resistant finish

This water bottle from Takeya is an excellent everyday option thanks to its convenient built-in straw lid that conveniently flips up when you need to quench your thirst and then tucks down into the lid for a leak-proof (and more sanitary) design. It comes in lots of fun colors (we’re obsessed with the lavender) and an excellent size range so you can choose one that best fits your needs and lifestyle. 

Author’s Note: Since the lid has a built-in straw, it’s a little tricky to use the lid as a screw-off cap; however, the brand sells all sorts of accessories that allow you to customize your needs. You can order the Original Spout Lid or the Traveler FlipLock Lid if you wish to forgo the straw.

Material: Stainless steel | Sizes: 18, 22, 24, 32, 40, and 64 ounces | Features: Straw, handle, removable silicone protector

While technically more of a tumbler than water bottle, you can't talk about insulated vessels without mentioning the viral Stanley Quencher. It's great for staying hydrated, since it can keep water ice cold for up to two days, but it can also be used for coffee, smoothies, tea, and more. While it's a bit pricey compared to others we listed, Stanley offers a lifetime warranty, so rest assured you'll get your money's worth over the years. It's also dishwasher safe, which only adds to its convenience and value.

“I've dabbled with a handful of water bottle brands (Swell and Yeti among them), but I love my Stanley Quencher. Not only does the huge size provide a constant reminder for me to drink water (I'm comically dehydrated), but it also ensures I have a good daily intake, given the large volume it holds. I usually hand wash mine, and it's so easy to clean.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Material: 90% recycled stainless steel | Sizes: 14, 20, 30, 40, 64 ounces | Features: Handle, lid with straw, double insulated

Hydro Flask is one of the OG insulated water bottles and one of our go-to brands. This classic bottle has a sleek design with a screw-off lid and built-in handle that makes carrying around liquid — even 64 ounces — a lot more convenient and comfortable.

The bottle is also compatible with several of the brand’s accessories, including a built-in straw lid and a sip lid if you prefer not to screw off the lid and drink directly from the bottle. Since it has that insulation, it keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours, but you can also keep coffee, tea, and soups piping hot for up to 12 hours, too.

Material: Stainless steel | Sizes: 20, 32, 40, 64 ounces | Features: Handle

If you’re packing for an upcoming hike or camping trip, consider this sporty canteen water bottle from Corkcicle. It has a triple-insulated design that keeps water cold for up to 25 hours. Its unique design makes it a little sturdier compared to traditional water bottles, helping ensure that it’s not easily knocked over, and it has a Duraprene finish that can withstand lots of wear and tear. 

The water bottle easily fits inside a backpack, but it also comes with a handle that's comfortable enough to carry. However, if you don’t have a backpack and prefer to go hands-free, you can also purchase a sling bag made specifically for this bottle type.

Material: Stainless steel | Sizes: 20, 32, and 64 ounces | Features: Handle lid, stay-put bottom

Yeti is known for its collection of durable coolers and its reusable insulated water bottle is no di -

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fferent. It comes in lots of fun colors — including several limited edition hues — and features a color-matched straw cap for a more monochromatic look (and convenient sipping). he bottle is also compatible with other Yeti lids, including the Rambler Bottle Chug Cap for a more classic reusable water bottle lid and the Hotshot Cap, which is designed for drinking hot beverages.

Material: Stainless steel | Sizes: 12, 18, and 26 oz. | Features: Dishwasher safe, double-wall vacuum insulation, leak resistant cap

Much like Stanley, Owala is another viral water bottle brand thanks to its stylish color combinations and functional design features. The reusable water bottle has the brand’s signature FreeSip spout which makes it easier to quench your thirst while on the go, whether leisurely sipping through a straw or chugging mid-pickleball match. Its built-in carrying strap also makes it easier to hold and doubles as a lock, when closed, for extra security.

Material: Stainless steel or Tritan | Sizes: 19, 24, 25, 32, and 40 ounces | Features: Choice of material, leak proof lid, locking lid, triple layer insulation   

Of course, the most important thing to consider when shopping for an insulated water bottle is the insulation. For those who want beverages to stay cool for up to 24 hours and not deal with any condensation or bottle sweat, Nagamoto says that double-wall insulated water bottles are best because they lock in cold for longer. The Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle With Straw Lid and Yeti Water Bottle both have double-wall insulation and are excellent, high-quality picks for this key specification. To up the ante, the Corkcicle Series A Sport Canteen is triple-insulated, as well.

“Having a convenient lid means that you are more likely to reach for your bottle and sip more frequently throughout the day,” says Nagamoto. You can find insulated water bottles with all sorts of different lids, including ones with built-in reusable straws, ones that screw off, and ones with sports caps. While most water bottles come with a lid, some brands like Takeya, Hydro Flask, and Corkcicle sell a variety of lid types that you can purchase separately based on your preferences.

When shopping for an insulated water bottle, what it's made from is also important. At the very least, Nagamoto recommends looking for bottles that are BPA-free with top-quality food-grade materials (such as food-grade stainless steel) to ensure durability and longevity. All the water bottles featured on our list meet this recommendation.

One of the best insulated water bottles is the Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle With Straw Lid because it has a durable stainless steel structure, a built-in straw that makes sipping on the go a breeze, and comes in a fantastic collection of sizes, including 18, 22, 24, 32, 40, and 64 oz. The water bottle also comes with a silicone sleeve at the base, which not only protects the bottle, but also makes it more durable by preventing it from skidding across surfaces.

If you’re looking for the best insulated water bottle on Amazon, consider the Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottle, which is a fantastic Hydro Flask dupe with a sturdy stainless steel body, a built-in straw and handle, and a therma-lock lid. Additionally, it features a colorful ombre finish that is slip-resistant for added function.

Depending on the brand, bottle type, and size, insulated water bottles can be on the pricey side. But they are certainly worth purchasing, considering the return on investment. “Insulated water bottles help you do your part in reducing single-use water bottles,” says Nagamoto. “On average, Americans use 13 plastic water bottles per month that number was once much higher before reusable bottles became more popular, so by purchasing a reusable insulated bottle, imagine what you can do to help the environment by replacing the plastic for you and your entire family."

If the name-brand options like the Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle, Corkcicle Series A Sport Canteen, and Hydro Flask 64 oz. Wide Mouth are out of your price range for yourself or your family, there are more budget-friendly options that have just as much impact. For a less expensive water bottle, consider the Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottle, which has impressively earned 43,000 5-star ratings on Amazon.

When we think of insulation, we typically think of warmth. While insulated water bottles can also keep beverages hot, they are also great for their ability to keep water cold. According to Nagamoto, insulated water bottles are designed to lock in the cold, as “double-wall insulation ensures the water is insulated from the outside environment and keeps your bottle sweat-free by eliminating condensation.” The sweat-free feature is beneficial not only because it keeps your hands and belongings dry, but also makes it easier to grip your water bottle.

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When researching the best insulated water bottles, Jessie looked at everything from material to the amount of insulation to the lid type to find the best options for every kind of activity. She also tapped insulated water bottle expert Lisa Nagamoto to learn more about what to look for in an insulated water bottle and find out answers to the most pressing questions we have about these reusable vessels.

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