The best reusable water bottles are more than just hydration vessels—they’re accessories for anyone leading a sustainably-focused lifestyle (long gone are the days when Evian and Fiji were chic tabloid accessories). Not convinced you need one? Not to employ a scare tactic, but terrifying facts are terrifying facts: Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans. You shouldn't need much further convincing that reusable water bottles are a good way to drink the recommended 64 ounces of water a day.
Still, from stainless steel to glass, straw lids to pop tops, there are lots of reusable water bottle styles and designs to choose from. So what’s the best option? I tried a variety of well-reviewed water bottles and, quite simply, lived my life with them for a month.
Best Reusable Water Bottle Overall: Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle
The 'Insulated Spout Lid' on the Takeya Actives water bottle is called 'The best lid ever' on its website—and I have to say, it just might be. The leak-free combination cap has two drinking options: There's a narrow spout with a hinged pop-top that makes for no-spill drinking while you're on the go or working out. But there's also a larger screw top opening that's great for adding ice cubes to your bottle and easy cleaning.
The water bottle is made of a double wall of stainless steel, meaning it's well-insulated. During testing, I filled it with cold water and after six hours, the water inside was still as chilly as it was when I filled it. The outside of the bottle is covered in a powder coating for easy gripping. Plus, the lid is dishwasher safe.
The Takeya's hinged handle notably set it apart from other contenders. The handle is wide enough for three fingers to hold and the bottle swings comfortably by your side as you walk. It was the easiest bottle of the bunch to carry without a bag. The bottle comes in four different sizes, but the 24-ounce size is especially comfortable for one-handed drinking.
The Takeya is available in a variety of colors and is stylish to carry sans bag. I had the blush color, which elicited ‘oohs’ and 'aahs' at the office water cooler. It also has a (removable) rubber bumper on the bottom—so you don’t have to worry about knocking over your stainless steel bottle during a quiet savasana in yoga class (Not that I'm speaking from personal experience!). It's a sturdy bottle you can keep on your desk without any fear of tipping it over. You'll feel comfortable tossing it in your tote bag with your computer and your phone because this thing doesn't leak. From the convenient spout lid to the sturdy rubber bottom, this bottle is the best overall pick for on-the-go drinking.
