9 best water bottles for staying hydrated on the go, from Stanley Quencher to Chilly's

Score: 96/100

When it comes to planet-friendly picks, it doesn’t get much better than this bottle from Circular & Co. According to the brand, it’s made from 14 recycled single-use plastic bottles, and you can buy replacement parts to keep it in tip-top condition for years to come, without creating any further environmental waste.

Our expert’s favourite feature was the lid. As well as being entirely leakproof, it has a click-down mechanism that allows you to drink from anywhere around its circumference, making it the perfect purchase for anyone with a busy lifestyle who appreciates being able to open and sip one-handed.

It isn’t insulated, but it still managed to keep our ice water cool for 90 minutes – no small feat for a lightweight plastic option. Like our winners, it isn’t dishwasher-safe, although the lid and seal can be taken apart for washing.

Score: 93/100

Thanks to its innovative BRITA micro-disc filter, this bottle claims to filter out chlorine and impurities from tap water while still preserving key minerals. We found that tap water tasted noticeably better, although the filter system does create a very slight aftertaste. Overall, our tester described it as “exceptionally palatable.”

It was only able to keep our water cool for 15 minutes in a hot room, but we were impressed with its leakproof capabilities – the lid makes an audible click when closing, so you can tell it’s completely shut, and no water leaked out during testing.

It’s worth noting that the filter needs to be replaced monthly and BRITA recommends that you place the filter in boiling water once a week. Outside of the extra upkeep, though, it’s a great solution for filtered water, wherever you are.

Score: 92/100

Behold, the Stanley Quencher. This statuesque drinks tumbler comes in a generous 1.2-litre size – ideal for thirsty sippers – with a comfy side handle and straw. You can rotate the lid to switch from drinking through the straw to direct sipping, and because you don’t need to unscrew anything, this tumbler is brilliant for one-handed use in the car. The narrow base is specifically designed for cup holders, too.

The vacuum insulation is very effective – our iced water warmed up by less than one degree over the course of 14 hours in a hot room – and unlike many other insulated bottles, it’s dishwasher safe.

The large opening is easy to hand wash, too. On the downside, it does leak when tipped on its side, and it weighs a hefty 1.6 kilos when full, so it isn’t ideal for commuters or anyone with an active lifestyle. We recommend it for staying hydrated at home or in the car – or just carrying out with you as an emotional support bottle.

Score: 92/100

From its flexible carry loop to its generous capacity (almost a litre), this sturdy Hydro Flask is a stellar addition to any gym session, commute or hike. It scored top marks for comfort and there was zero leakage, so you can store it in your bag or rucksack without worrying about spills.

Even in a hot 30C room, the double-wall vacuum insulation kept our drinks icy fresh – the water temperature only increased by 1.6C in two hours, and we were pleased to note that the metal didn’t affect the taste.

The base of the bottle we tested is a bit too large for conventional car cup holders, but it’s also available in smaller sizes. There’s also a 1.89L bottle if you’re in the market for a hiking companion. And you can opt for an alternative lid if you’re a fan of straw-sipping.

Again, it’s hand wash-only, but we think that extra effort is worth it for cool drinks and on-the-go comfort.

Score: 89/100

There’s no denying that this stainless steel option from Frank Green is quite the looker, but it’s practical too. Not a single drop of water escaped from the lid, even when shaken or tipped over, and it claims to be suitable for hot beverages as well. It kept our water cool for an ideal five hours, although it didn’t perform as well as the other stainless steel options we tested when it came to keeping drinks cool in a hot room – the temperature increased by 3.2C after the hour mark.

Still, if you’re looking for a bottle that will suit your style, Frank Green offers a range of cheerful pastel tones and statement neon shades. Our expert’s favourite features were the straw lid that closes when not in use and flexible carry loop for hydrating on-the-go. We did notice some scuff marks on the coating after rigorous use, but larger metal finish options are available too.

If you shop with Frank Green directly, then you can mix and match the colours of your bottle's lid and body.

Score: 87/100

The latest version of the iconic Chilly’s water bottle uses 90% recycled stainless steel, making it a fantastic lower-impact choice. We found it very comfortable to drink from, with no spilling or metallic taste, and the carry loop is handy for hydrating on the go.

After two hours in 30°C heat, this bottle kept our iced water at a completely consistent temperature – ideal for anyone who likes a chilled beverage. In fact, even after 14 hours, our water had only changed temperature by 0.5°C – impressive!

Although we like that the spout can detach for a deeper clean, it’s still not the easiest to hand wash, requiring a bottle brush to get into the small opening. Overall, though, this is a sturdy and well-made bottle that comes in a range of on-trend colours.

We’ve also tested the older Chilly’s Series 2 Water Bottle, which scored just one point lower at 86/100. The new Series 3 design is very similar, but uses recycled stainless steel, an antibacterial drinking collar, and improved insulation.

Score: 85/100

This insulated stainless steel water bottle has a generous 850 ml capacity, but you wouldn’t know it – the design feels well-balanced despite the size, and the ribbed surface is very comfortable to hold.

We found the vacuum insulation highly effective, with our iced water remaining at a consistent temperature after 14 hours in a 30°C room. The insulation means it shouldn’t go in the dishwasher though, and the brand also advises against submerging the bottle fully.

The spout is a comfortable size to drink from, and we love that there’s no plastic in contact with the water or your mouth when you’re drinking – there’s just a little in the thread of the lid. The stainless-steel build feels exceptionally sturdy too, and the lifetime guarantee is an extra assurance that this bottle is built to last.

Score: 84/100

Simple and affordable, this bottle's clever lid scored full marks with our testers for its leakproof capabilities – it makes a handy clicking sound once securely closed, and despite plenty of tipping and turning, no liquid escaped. Plus, the twist functionality means your fingers don’t have to touch the cap for hygienic hydration, but we did find that the lid was a touch tricky to hand wash. That said, it is dishwasher-safe – just be sure to pop it on the top shelf.

This bottle won’t keep your drinks cool, especially after the 30-minute mark, but that’s forgivable considering it’s a budget plastic option. We loved its lightweight, hourglass design, which made for easy carrying and sipping. One for anyone who’s after a straightforward alternative to buying bottled water that won’t break the bank.