Best Sustainable

Ocean Bottle

Original (17 ounces)

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WIRED

  • Available in 10+ colors and three sizes
  • Made of 90 percent recycled stainless steel and BPA-free
  • For each bottle sold, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 pounds of ocean-bound plastic

TIRED

  • More expensive than some of its competitors

Though the Ocean Bottle is one of the smallest water bottles I own, it’s still the one I find myself grabbing most frequently for hikes and short trips. Made of 90 percent recycled stainless steel, it comes in 10-plus colors, is BPA-free, and is available in 17-oz (the size I have), 26-oz, and 34-oz options. It features a screw-cap lid, and the top also screws off about a quarter of the way down for easy filling or adding ice. You can also remove both segments at once and turn them upside down to transform the bottle into a leakproof cup. It’s also got a handy silicone carry loop. It’s pricey, but at least you won’t need to feel guilty about someday adding to the landfill graveyard of out-of-trend Stanleys and Hydro Flasks—for each bottle sold, Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 25 pounds of ocean-bound plastic. —Kat Merck

Best Recyclable

Path

Refillable Water Bottles

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WIRED

  • Inexpensive and disposable
  • Lots of style and water options

TIRED

  • Easily dented
  • Metallic taste intensifies with refills

If you have kids who are constantly losing their water bottle—or, like mine, refused for a while to carry a water bottle because they knew for a fact they would lose it—Path might be a good solution. These lightweight, refillable aluminum bottles are around $5 each and come pre-filled with still, sparkling, flavored, or alkaline water. The bottles themselves come in solid or ombre colors, seasonal patterns, or collabs like the just-released state collection. Refill them until they get lost or dented to oblivion (there’s even a spot on the bottle to mark how many times it’s refilled), then recycle it and grab a new one. Note that they are easily dinged up, so make sure your kid has a sufficiently padded lunchbox to protect it. Also, some kids with sensory needs may balk at the slightly metallic taste once they’re refilled. —Kat Merck

Compare Top 8 Reusable Water Bottles

More Bottles to Consider

Owala FreeSip Twist for $30: I now understand the hype around Owala’s FreeSip: It’s insulated, so the cold water stays icy all day, even during Midwest summers. Its innovative design caters to the majority; you can sip from either the built-in straw or the chug spout. And the lid is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, though I prefer hand-washing for extra care. The color options are another highlight, with various vibrant combinations available to suit any style. I do prefer the twist-cap version for daily use over the classic. I’ve noticed the latter’s push-button lock is a bit flimsy and tends to jam. But while I trust a twist cap for preventing spillage, it’s easier to lose than an attached lid, like what you get with top-pick FreeSip Sway. —Boutayna Chokrane

Bentgo Lift Chug Lid

Photograph: Alexis Berger

Bentgo Lift Chug Lid for $30: I assumed I wasn’t going to like this water bottle because, to me, its ring handle that sits atop the mouthpiece conjures an unappetizing toilet donut. But it turns out the handle is comfortable to hold and quite functional as a locking mechanism for the bottle. The push-button lid beneath the handle also works nicely. Sipping is a bit awkward—I had to do it sideways so my nose didn’t hit the plastic piece connecting the ring handle to the lid. I’m almost willing to overlook that detail because the triple-layer insulation of the BPA- and PFAS-free material works well to keep water cold, the wide-mouth opening offers welcome flexibility for filling and cleaning the bottle, it’s dishwasher-safe, and the color options are nice; however, the bottle is too wide for a standard cup holder, and that’s a tough swig to swallow. —Alexis Berger

Fellow Carter Carry Water Bottle

Photograph: Martin Cizmar

Fellow Carter Carry Water Bottle for $45: Fellow’s insulated water bottle is relatively tall and thin, with a squared metal carry loop that comfortably fits three fingers. The Carter holds temps for several hours (the brand claims the bottle can keep water cold for 24 hours, but mine was at room temperature by the end of a long day). What I really like about this bottle, though, is actually drinking from it. The Carter has a slightly tapered lip like a wine glass, which helps avoid spillage, and the ceramic interior coating means that the water coming out of the bottle tastes just like it did going in. If you like the minimalist look and need an insulated bottle that’s actually pleasant to sip from, the Carter delivers. —Martin Cizmar

Takeya Glow-in-the-Dark Sport Kids Bottle for $30: Takeya promises to “make hydration exciting” with its glow-in-the-dark bottle, so it’s important to point out that it’s just the band that glows, not the neon paint splatters. Nevertheless, this is a sturdy triple-insulated bottle with a big carry handle for clumsy or distracted little hands. The slim 18-oz size also fits in the side pocket of my two kids’ school backpacks. However, my 8-year-old is annoyed by the fact that the straw leaks air and whistles when he drinks. —Adrienne So