Staying hydrated is one of the simplest things you can do to stay healthy. It’s the ultimate biohack – helping boost energy levels, easing digestion and supporting glowy skin. Drinking enough water is simple enough, but there are pros and cons when it comes to your preferred method of water consumption.
Every minute, one million plastic bottles are bought around the world. 85 per cent of single-use plastic food and drink packaging will end up in landfill so switching from single-use plastic bottles to a reusable one, is a no-brainer.
Water bottles have come a long way in recent years, so beyond curbing our use of single-use plastic, some bottles also have built-in features that could really incentivise the swap. Some are insulated which can keep drinks icy cold for hours, while others come with a built-in filter.
Thanks to #watertok, water bottles have become a coveted fashion accessory, they look gorgeous and whether you’re glugging an electrolyte sachet or a protein water in the gym, they’re designed to go the distance and keep your chosen liquids cold and fresh.
TikTok is still going wild for the Stanley quencher bottle (which has since re-launched with ‘leak-proof’ claims, so naturally, we’ve reviewed it in full) and for the Air Up, the bottle for the people who hate water.
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Buying one water bottle actually works out much cheaper than spending cash every time you fancy a drink. Plus, having one to hand all day means you’re far more likely to keep sipping, which can help control weight, regulate body temperature, aid digestion and prevent headaches.
Water bottles can be made from stainless steel, ceramic, glass or even plastic –though this must be BPA-free, to ensure it is non-toxic. Stainless steel bottles are durable and will keep your drink cold all day but may not be dishwasher safe, while glass ones are easily recyclable, although, they can be heavy to carry around. Ceramic options can be used to keep drinks cold or hot and won’t taste metallic.
Pay attention to the cap, too. Children or those who plan to use their bottle while exercising may prefer pop-up straws, while anyone who likes to glug their drink should look for a chug cap. Other features to look for include filters, which can be useful when you’re unsure if the water is safe to drink, lockable lids to guarantee your bag won’t end up soaked, and even scented pods that may help you get through your 2l a day if you’re not a huge fan of water.
How we tested
I carried all these bottles with me over several weeks, to find the ones that worked best. I used them in the car, at the gym, on trains and planes, and threw them in the bottom of my bag when dashing between meetings. For each one, I noted whether it leaked, if it kept my drink cold all day, if my water took on a metallic taste and how easy the bottle was to carry around. I also noted how easy each bottle was to wash and dry at the end of the day. Extra points were awarded for stylish designs, too.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Siobhan Grogan is an award-winning journalist. She has reviewed a broad range of products for IndyBest, from microwaves to mattress protectors, and carefully tests all the products that feature in her reviews, to assess how they stand up to real-world use. She’s researched different water bottle features to look out for and considered sustainability.
The best reusable water bottles for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Contigo chill couture autoseal vacuum-insulated water bottle: £27.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – ProCook Life’s a Beach stainless steel water bottle: £15, Procook.co.uk
- Best for filtering water – Brita water filter bottle: £14.50 Amazon.co.uk
- Best for anyone who hates water – Air up gen 2 bottle: £34.99, Uk.air-up.com
