What to Look for When Shopping for Water Bottles With Straws

• Material: Water bottles with straws are made with various materials, including plastic, glass, and stainless steel. If you're looking for the most lightweight option, you may want to choose a BPA-free plastic water bottle. Stainless steel options have better insulation and can keep your favorite drinks hot or cold for hours. For an environmentally friendly bottle that doesn't hold onto smells or tastes, try glass.
• Functionality: When shopping, consider where, when, and how often you'll be using your water bottle. If you'll be sipping while hiking or walking on the treadmill, choose a bottle with a push button that's easy to use one-handed. Searching for an everyday bottle you'll be using at the office or in the car? Look for one that's sleek and lightweight, with all of your favorite features. (A fun color or pattern is also a good idea, since it can help motivate you to use your new purchase.)
• Care Instructions: While some of our top picks are dishwasher-safe, others are meant to be washed by hand only. And a few only have dishwasher-safe lids. When shopping, take a look at each water bottle's care instructions so you know what you're getting into before you buy.
• Price: Most of the water bottles on our list cost between $10 and $50. Less expensive water bottles may have many of the same features as pricier models, but may not be as durable. Plastic bottles are usually less expensive, but while lightweight, they aren't insulated, so they can't keep drinks cold or hot for as long as stainless steel can. Glass bottles tend to be the most expensive (and also the heaviest), but they're also usually more stylish. Many stainless steel options fall in the middle, with an in-between weight and convenient features that make them one of the most popular choices.

How We Tested the Water Bottles With Straws

To find the best water bottles with straws, we researched dozens of options from the most trusted brands, then tested over 25 bottles during our daily routines. During testing, we evaluate each water bottle based on the following criteria.

• Drinkability: Water bottles need to be easy to use and keep your water tasting good. To rate the drinkability of each bottle, we evaluate how easy it is to open the bottle and use the straw. We note if the bottle splashes or spills while drinking from it and if the straw is comfortable. We also note if it's easy to take large sips or gulps or if the water retains a metallic taste.
• Seal: To check if the bottle is leakproof, after filling it, we shake it and hold it upside down and note if there is any leaking. We also carry it in a bag or backpack during our daily routine, and again, note if there is any leaking or spilling.
• Portability: To assess the bottle's portability, we look at features like handles, clips, or a grippy texture that make it easy to carry. We note if the bottle feels heavy or if it's slim enough to fit easily in our hand. We also check if it fits in vehicle cup holders and backpack bottle pouches. We prioritize bottles that are easy to travel with, whether it's to the gym or on vacation.
• Insulation: Insulation in a water bottle is a nice feature for keeping cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. To test the insulation of each bottle, we filled it with cold water and checked the temperature. We let the bottle sit, then checked the water temperature after three hours and again after six hours and noted if it stayed icy cold or got too warm. We also assess whether the bottle is insulated enough to keep our hands comfortable while holding it.
• Durability: To test each bottle's durability, we purposely drop it at least three times from waist height and note any damage or leakage. During our real-world test, we note any scratches or dents or if seals break down or come loose over time.
• Overall Value: When the initial testing period is complete and we've evaluated all the other criteria, we then look at the price of the water bottle. Based on how the bottle performed, we consider whether it's fairly priced. We only include bottles on our list that we think are worth the money.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the straw?

As long as your straw is holding up well without leaks or breaks, you can feel free to keep using it, but bear in mind that plastic straws may start to break down after about a year. Check the inside of your straw frequently for signs of visible mold or buildup, and if you're unable to clean it thoroughly, it may be time to replace it.

Are water bottle straws dishwasher safe?

Not every water bottle straw can get tossed in the dishwasher. If dishwasher safety is a top priority for you, check washing instructions before purchasing and keep in mind that most dishwasher-safe straws should only be placed on top racks.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Julie Evans is an experienced wellness writer whose work has appeared in USA Today, CafeMom, SheKnows, and more. Julie understands the importance of proper hydration and won't leave the house without her favorite water bottle. She takes care to only recommend the best products to her readers.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin and Jen Zeltwanger

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness editor, she's passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier. Her favorite water bottle with a straw is Owala's FreeSip—she owns the 32-ounce and 40-ounce sizes and can't go anywhere without them.

Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and fitness writer. Jen has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications. She has lots of experience with home and outdoor fitness. Jen knows what works and what to look for when shopping for fitness products and she prioritizes products that are easy to use, versatile, and well-made.