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Are you looking for the best water bottle that’s right for you?
Now that the hotter months are here, a sip of cool water can do more than just refresh us—it can also prevent dehydration.
Hydration is crucial to good health. Fortunately, having a bottle of drinking water constantly on hand has become more convenient with different water container options.
But which option is the best?
When we consider durability, preventing chemicals from leaching into our drinks, ease of cleaning, and environmental friendliness, stainless steel water bottles are the better choice (compared with plastic or glass bottles).
In this article, we feature the eleven best stainless steel water bottle brands. We’ve categorized the following products based on what’s best for kids, for traveling, for workouts, and for budget-conscious consumers.
Before introducing you to the best brands in the different categories, let’s first talk about the benefits provided by the right stainless steel water bottle.
Don't have time to read the entire review?
If you're a busy person who doesn't have time to read this entire review, we've simplified everything. Here is a table to show you a quick rating of the best stainless steel water bottles.
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Best Overall Choice: Contigo Autoseal Chill | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Runner-Up Option: Tree Tribe Water Bottle (Black) | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Value for the Money: Healthy Human 32 Oz. Stein Bottle | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Most Budget-Friendly: Sportneer 17 oz. Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best High-End Steel Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Great Eco-Friendly Liter Bottle Option: Tree Tribe Water Bottle (Stainless Steel) | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Steel Bottle for Commuting & Traveling: S'Well Azurite Traveler | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Large-Capacity Steel Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 64 oz. | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Steel Water Bottle for Kids: Chillout Life Water Bottle, 12 oz. | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best for Hot AND Cold Liquids: Thermo Tank Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
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Best Infuser Steel Water Bottle: Vibrant All in One Travel Mug – Tea Infuser Bottle | CLICK HERE FOR PRICE |
The Benefits of Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are always the best option for the environment, but people are often undecided when it comes to choosing between stainless steel, glass, and plastic.
As it turns out, stainless steel water bottles have proven benefits compared to plastic and glass versions of the same bottle, so the decision is pretty easy. Let's look at some of those benefits.
First, stainless steel prevents the leaching of harmful chemicals into your drinking water. Many plastic water bottles leach the chemicals BPA and BPS, which are harmful to your health.
BPA exposure can lead to symptoms such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, delayed fetal brain development, and breast and prostate cancers.
As people became aware of the risks of ingesting BPA, many companies turned to BPS. However, this chemical is proving itself to be equally as dangerous as BPA in the long run. Fortunately, you can avoid these risks when you use stainless steel water bottles.
Stainless steel water bottles also discourage mold from growing. Other water bottles are prone to mold growth, but most stainless steel bottles are mold-resistant.
Plastic water bottles provide a healthy environment for the production and growth of mold around the inside of the bottle. Also, because stainless steel can be washed in the dishwasher, it makes these bottles even more resistant to all kinds of bacteria that can grow in other bottles.
Stainless steel also will not react with your drinks. Many water bottles that are not made of stainless steel react to juices or hot tea by leaching chemicals into your drink. For example, consider how a slice of lemon could interact with your plastic water bottle.
If you use lemon often, it can start to cause a reaction with the plastic's surface, releasing chemicals into your drink that could potentially harm your health. On the other hand, stainless steel manages to preserve the flavor of your drinks while keeping chemicals away.
Unlike plastic or glass water bottles, stainless steel preserves the temperature and flavor of your drink as well. Most stainless steel water bottles come with double insulation that keeps your drink at the right temperature for much longer than their non-insulated counterparts.
Cold drinks are kept cold, and hot drinks stay hot for hours. This way, you aren't reaching for a refreshing sip of water in the hot summer and instead of getting a mouthful of lukewarm liquid.
Also, stainless steel will not retain the flavor of yesterday's drink. You probably use your water bottle for drinks other than water. You may also drink tea, juice, or even a morning smoothie. These bottles allow you to drink your water without interference from the leftover flavors of yesterday’s iced tea.
Finally, while you might spend more money upfront to buy a stainless steel bottle, it saves money over time. The reusability of a stainless steel bottle means you can use it several times, saving you money in the long run that you would have used to constantly buy commercial bottled water.
This reusability is also better for the environment because there is no plastic that is ending up in a landfill. The materials used in stainless steel bottles are durable options that are entirely recyclable when their lifecycle is over.
This means that your current stainless steel water bottle can be transformed into a new version of itself after you are finished with it, and can last for many more years to come.
Now that you know the benefits of choosing stainless steel for your water bottle, let's look at some other factors to consider when you're shopping for one.
What to Look for When Choosing a Stainless Steel Water Bottle?
Consider the capacity.
Determine where you’ll be using the water bottle (i.e., is it for work, for a weekend camping trip, or for a yoga class?). Knowing where you will be using your bottle will quickly narrow down your choices.
You should have enough water to drink during your activity, but you don't want to bring so much water that it is a burden to carry. Are you taking your bottle on long backpacking trips where you are keeping track of the weight of your gear?
Or are you planning to take it to a yoga class, where you want it to look smooth next to your mat? Identify your needs first, then find the right bottle that fits them.
Choose an insulated bottle.
You want to find the best insulated stainless steel water bottle because these are ideal for keeping your drinks at the right temperature for longer periods of time. Insulated bottles can keep hot liquids hot for up to eight hours, and cold liquids cold for over 24 hours.
You need an insulated bottle to bring your hot drinks to work, and for when you need a cool drink when you're outside in hot weather. Also, insulated bottles shouldn't sweat when they're filled with cold drinks so they won't make a mess on your desk.
Sip or gulp.
“Ease of use” is important to consider because it involves both how you drink from the bottle and how you carry it. This is mostly determined by the type of lid, so choose the right cap option for your preference.
“Ease of use” is important because it involves both how you drink from the bottle and how you carry it. Choose the right cap option for your preference.
Some brands offer accessories such as straw valves and flip caps for easier access, while others have wide mouths or screw caps. New cap designs give leave you with plenty of options to help you stay hydrated.
If you're drinking straight from the bottle, it is easiest to use a narrow mouth, whereas wide mouths are more convenient to have in the backcountry.
Bottles with a straw lid, flip top, or spout are convenient if you're running on a treadmill, but they are also more difficult to clean. That being said, some users prefer bottles that come with a straw for easy drinking during workouts or hiking.
Get 18/8 or #304.
This is food-grade stainless steel and is the best material for your stainless steel water bottle. 18/8 stainless steel is made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
304 grade is also made up of no more than 0.8% carbon and at least 50% iron. This combination helps protect your bottle from accumulating rust. The nickel also helps the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.
What Other Things Should I Consider When Choosing a Water Bottle?
Make sure that the bottle is made from stainless steel and not aluminum. Stainless steel and aluminum look alike, but aluminum bottles usually come with a plastic lining because the metal reacts with certain liquids.
Not only do you not want plastic in your drink, but aluminum bottles are also not dishwasher safe. Plus, while stainless steel is heavier than its aluminum counterpart, an aluminum water bottle will easily dent.
When you're choosing insulated bottles, get the one that can keep your drinks warm or cold for the longest amount of time. The best-insulated water bottle will keep your drink at the right temperature for your entire workday. This way, you can use your bottle year-round and you won't need multiple bottles for multiple purposes.
Another convenience to consider aside from temperature control is having a bottle that comes with a carabiner or a handle for easy transport during hikes or while traveling. This will help ensure that you don't drop your bottle or accidentally leave it behind.
When choosing a water bottle for kids, consider getting a bottle with fun designs, and with a bottle size that they can easily grasp with their hands. The best water bottle for kids is going to be one that is not only the easiest for them to use, but that they also enjoy drinking out of.
Now that you know what you are looking for in the best water bottle brand for you, let's look at some of the options that are on the market today.
The 11 Best Stainless Steel Water Bottles
1. Best Overall Choice: Contigo Autoseal Chill
This is the best water bottle for working out and doing sports activities.
The Contigo Autoseal Chill comes with an auto seal feature that enables convenient one-hand opening and closing of the bottle.
This insulating feature, along with Thermalock vacuum insulation, keeps your drink cold for 28 hours. The auto seal technology is also spill-proof, eliminating the possibility of spilling whether you’re at home or out running errands.
The lid also has a convenient carrying handle for easy transport from your office to yoga class.
The spout on this bottle helps keep the germs out of your drinking water but makes it convenient to snag a sip whenever you are thirsty. This popular water bottle comes in a variety of colors to choose from and has a slim design that is easy to hold.
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2. Runner-Up Option: Tree Tribe Water Bottle (Black)
As advertised, one of the biggest benefits you get from using the Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle is that it is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic water bottles.
This particular water bottle is made with stainless steel, and of course, using a single a stainless-steel bottle is much more eco-friendly than using a new plastic bottle each day.
Although it’s not a tank, the high-quality stainless-steel build of this water bottle does make it one of the most durable options out there. It’s definitely more durable than plastic or glass bottles, and tougher than most other metal water bottles as well.
Being both more environmentally friendly and stronger than virtually any other option out there, these kinds of water bottles are a very sensible choice to go with. Keep in mind that the Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle even comes with a lifetime warranty.
On a side note, each time a Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle is purchased, the company behind it, Tree Tribe, will plant a tree. It’s a good company that does great things for the world we all live in.
What’s also worth noting here is that this water bottle has double vacuum sealed walls for a great deal of insulation. With this special design, this thing can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
You can also use this bottle to keep things like coffee, hot chocolate, and even soups hot too. It should keep liquids piping hot for over 6 hours and quite warm for up to 12 hours.
Keep in mind that the Green Tribe Logo Water Bottle comes in at just under 10 inches (25 cm) in height, with a diameter of 2.8 inches (7 cm), plus it’s very lightweight too. It’s large enough to hold a good deal of liquid, while remaining small and light enough to be very portable.
In case you are worried about your drink or soup leaking, you don’t have to be with this water bottle, as it features a high-quality O-ring in the screw-on lid. This helps to maintain an airtight and watertight seal, so you never have to deal with anything leaking out and causing a mess.
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3. Best Value for the Money: Healthy Human 32 Oz. Stein Bottle
This is the best overall option. It is durable and has double insulation with copper between the stainless steel lining to keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours.
The lid is also steel-lined to protect your drink from ever touching plastic or coming into contact with chemicals that could seep in overtime.
The Healthy Human 32 Oz. Stein Bottle bottle comes with a carabiner hooked to it to reduce your chances of losing it. This makes it easy to attach to your bag to ensure you have your drink on you all day. It also has a convenient handle to make traveling with this water bottle easy.
This water bottle offers two powder-coated finishes to choose from—either solid or hand-dipped—which allows you to pick the style that best suits you. It comes in a slim size, which is ideal for use anywhere but is still wide enough to add in your ice cubes.
This water bottle is guaranteed by the company to be free from defects for one year, and the lid is protected forever. The company offers excellent customer service if any issues with your product arise.
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4. Most Budget-Friendly: Sportneer 17 oz. Steel Water Bottle
Sportneer 17 oz. Steel Water Bottle is the best budget-friendly stainless steel water bottle.
It can keep your drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours with its double-walled vacuum insulation and seal-tight secure twist cap. Its stainless steel body is built to ensure that you have a leak-proof bottle that will not rust.
You can easily add frozen fruit or ice cubes to this wide-mouth bottle to improve the flavor of your drink. Its anti-condensation exterior prevents any water droplets from forming around your bottle, no matter what the temperature is outside.
The Sportneer 17 oz. Steel Water Bottle is made out of food-grade 18/304 stainless steel, which is both dent- and drop-resistant. It has a sleek exterior finish and comes in a variety of colors, each with a scratch-resistant surface to help keep your bottle looking new anywhere you take it.
You can use this bottle for both hot and cold drinks, and it even comes with a free cleaning brush and bottle cover to ensure that you keep your bottle clean and ready for use each day.
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5. Best High-End Steel Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap
The YETI Rambler is a favorite with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts because the innovative cap design allows you to safely and easily drink from the bottle while on the go, while remaining easy to clean and dishwasher safe. It's leak-proof, condensation proof, shatter resistant, and incredibly rugged.
YETI products are born from a desire to make perfect products for outdoor activities: durable, high-quality gear designed for new territories and new adventures. This steel water bottle can go anywhere your path takes you, with all the great features you expect from YETI.
The YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap is made of kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel, so it's puncture- and rust-resistant. It has a rugged, twist-off TripleHaul handle, and a double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
Inside the handle, the shatter-resistant drink spout allows for controlled gulps while you move, but you can easily remove the spout to expose the entire wide mouth, for easy filling and cleaning.
The No Sweat design prevents condensation, so your hands and your pack always stay dry, no matter what temperature your drinks are. This bottle is leak-proof and dishwasher safe, so it's convenient for use anywhere you go.
The YETI Rambler 26 oz. with Chug Cap holds 26 ounces of liquid, and measures 11 x 3 3/8 inches. It weighs 21.9 ounces. It comes in your choice of 9 colors, and can also be customized with your own text, graphics, or logo for a $5 fee. It is backed by a 5 year warranty.
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6. Great Eco-Friendly Option: Tree Tribe Water Bottle (Stainless Steel)
The 18/10 steel of the Tree Tribe Water Bottle is designed to last forever, and Tree Tribe backs it with a lifetime warranty. Tree Tribe is a nature-inspired company that focuses on conscious creation, using eco-friendly materials and plants trees with company profits.
So far, the company has planted nearly half a million trees in countries around the world, through partnerships with non-profits like Trees for the Future, Eden Reforestation Projects, American Forests, and CIRENAS in Costa Rica.
So not only is their Tree Tribe Water Bottle one of the best water bottles you can buy, but each purchase helps to make the world a greener, healthier place. It's an eco-friendly water bottle that benefits the planet by reducing waste and planting trees.
The Tree Tribe Green Water Bottle has a rugged, corrosion resistant 18/10 shell, while the inner lining stainless is made of food-grade 18/8 stainless steel, for easy cleaning and great taste.
It has a double-walled vacuum design that keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Insulation ensures that there is no condensation on the outside of the bottle, so cold drinks don't sweat.
The airtight silicone gasket guarantees that your bottle will never leak, and the airtight seal is also great for protein drinks and smoothies, which won't oxidize in the bottle. This bottle has no BPA or plastics, and the bamboo cap is beautiful and earth-friendly.
The Tree Tribe Green Water Bottle holds 24 ounces/1 liter, and measures 12.5 x 3.1 x 1.7 inches. It's backed by a lifetime warranty, and Tree Tribe plants a tree with every purchase.
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7. Best Steel Bottle for Commuting & Traveling: S'Well Azurite Traveler
The S'Well Traveler is contoured to fit into the hand, and perfect for bringing beverages with you on-the-go. S'well has proprietary Therma-S'well technology offers longer thermal protection than any other food container, keeping cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 15 hours.
It's perfect for commuters and people who want a durable steel water bottle for their vehicle or workplace, reducing plastic waste and enjoying your beverages at the perfect temperature for hours.
The S'well Azurite Traveler is made of food grade 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA and BPS free, so it's incredibly durable for a daily commute, and preserves the taste of your drinks.
The bottle has triple-layered, vacuum sealed construction that provides long lasting insulation and thermal protection, so your drinks say the right temperature for hours. It also has a copper wall that eliminates condensation, so the container doesn't sweat moisture into your hand or bag.
This bottle is thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, with a contoured shape that fits securely in your hand, a thick rim that is comfortable to drink out of, and a wide mouth that is easy to fill and easy to clean.
The wide mouth also makes it easy to add ice cubes, protein powders, or other ingredients, and stir or mix them inside the bottle, perfect for people who take smoothies or meal replacements on the go. The Traveler is hand wash only.
The S'well Azurite Traveler comes in 12, 16, or 20 ounce sizes. The 12 ounce size 16 ounce size measures 6.5 x 3 inches and weighs .69 pounds. The 16 ounce measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 8.2 inches, and weighs .8 pounds, and the 20 ounce size measures 3.3 x 3.3 x 9.3 inches and weighs .9 pounds.
It can also be personalized with your own text for an additional charge. S'well is a certified B-corp, and a company that gives back to the community and the environment.
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8. Best Large-Capacity Steel Water Bottle: YETI Rambler 64 oz
This is the best insulated stainless steel water bottle. It is good for whole-day hydration, whether you're in the house or on camping trips.
The YETI family of products is known for their durability, as well as its ability to keep your drinks at your desired temperature. With 18/8 stainless steel material, double-wall vacuum insulation, and a sweat-free design, this is the perfect bottle for any occasion.
This large, 64oz YETI Rambler is designed to carry enough water for you to last on a long hiking trip or anywhere else that you expect to need to drink a lot of fluid. It is also the perfect option to bring with your family to the beach so everyone can stay hydrated.
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9. Best Stainless Steel Water Bottle for Kids: Chillout Life Water Bottle, 12 oz.
This is the best stainless steel water bottle for kids. This 12 oz, lightweight water bottle is made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel that is durable and rustproof, making it perfect to carry to school every day.
The double-walled bottle is insulated to keep water or juice cold for up to 24 hours and coffee or hot chocolate warm for up to 12 hours. The bottle is BPA-free and non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly and safe choice for your children.
The Chillout Life Water Bottle has a narrow mouth, making it easy for kids to drink from, yet it is wide enough for standard ice cubes. The bottle can fit in most bike mounts and car cup holders, so it can go anywhere you go.
Its leak-proof lid keeps the liquid secure, and it does not sweat, so you can throw it in your bag without worrying about spills.
This bottle comes in four stylish colors to fit anyone's taste. It also comes in a convenient and nice gift box, allowing you to get it for a loved one for a special occasion. This bottle comes with a lifetime warranty, allowing users to get a full refund or free replacement if they have any trouble with their bottle.
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10. Best for Hot AND Cold Liquids: Thermo Tank Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
This is the best water bottle for traveling. It will keep your drink cold for 36 hours between its two impenetrable steel walls and vacuum seal. It includes a layer of copper for even more protection from outside elements.
This helps the bottle be sweat-free, which is perfect because its size is ideal for carrying in a backpack, and you can be sure that it won't get your belongings wet.
The Thermo Tank Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle holds 25oz of your favorite hot or cold beverage, with a leak-proof seal. The company behind this product offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, or your money back.
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11. Best “Infuser” Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Vibrant All-in-One Travel Mug – Tea Infuser Bottle
This is the best infuser stainless steel water bottle, so it is ideal for people who like to flavor their water with fruit or other natural flavors. It keeps tea or fruit-infused water at the right temperature all day.
This vacuum-sealed cup keeps air out, and its tight double walls minimize the impact of outside temperatures. This new and innovative design offers a two-piece steeper and strainer combination that allows several functional options for users.
Whether you want to add some mint to your iced tea or some frozen strawberries to your water, the Vibrant All-in-One Travel Mug – Tea Infuser Bottle is great for keeping you hydrated with flavors all day.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Stainless Steel Water Bottles
All of these featured stainless steel water bottles are winners in their categories, but one product that stands out from the rest in today’s review is the Contigo Autoseal Chill.
We chose this for its durability, its double insulation (which keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours), its convenient handle for ease of transport, and its slim size that is ideal for use anywhere.
Now, if you're looking for other products to help you lead a healthier life, be sure to check out our otehr reviews:
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