Think Stanley Tumblers Are Overrated? Try These Editor-Favorite Glass Water Bottles Instead (2024)

Investing in a reusable water bottle is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and save money — and they're easier to clean than you think. With new durable borosilicate glass and silicone sleeves, glass has become one of the most popular water bottle materials. If you're not big on the taste of stainless steel or the weight of heavy insulated water bottles, a glass water bottle is a great alternative that feels a bit luxurious. With so many options available now, the question is: which style is right for you?

We've sifted through offerings from our favorite brands to find the most highly rated, durable, and BPA-free bottles on the market. Our editors' picks for the best glass water bottles range in usage and size, but all are excellent options for hydrating at home and on the go. Take the leap with the best glass water bottles for all your drinking purposes.

Our Top Picks

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Pros

  • The wide mouth on this bottle makes it easy to fill with ice, the straw is extra convenient for drinking, and it's dishwasher-safe.

Takeya's insulated water bottle is a favorite of ours, and this glass version is a great alternative. Take the leakproof lid, for instance, which has a convenient finger loop, a foldable straw spout, and a wide mouth diameter that makes it easy to add ice cubes and clean without the help of a bottle brush. The base of the water bottle has a helpful silicone bumper that protects the bottle and stops slipping on surfaces.

The borosilicate bottle glass is thermal shock resistant, odor-free, stain-free, and has a safe shell coating that gives it a soft touch and prevents dangerous shattering if it's dropped. The 22-ounce capacity is great for avoiding constant refills, and the quality is excellent for the price. This bottle will surely take on the mantle for your favorite drinking glass at home and on the go.

Capacity: 22 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Fits in Cup Holder: No

Pros

  • This bottle has a large capacity with an infuser system that can work with a personal blender.

Cons

  • It's not ideal for traveling and it's heavier than other glass bottles.

The Best Blender System sells the Hydration System separately from their personal blender if you want a serious infuser bottle. It has a twist-top lid and carry cap and is made from borosilicate glass and silicone for great durability. Weighing in at two pounds, it is fairly heavy and might not be ideal as a travel water bottle. However, with the addition of the infuser, it can be worth the splurge for anyone who loves flavored water or tea.

The stainless steel infusion chamber won't let pulp or seeds into the water, so the glass is always easy to clean as needed. We also like that the bottle is top-rack dishwasher safe.

Capacity: 25.4 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Weight: 2 pounds | Fits in Cup Holder: Yes

The Best Tea Infusers That Come Recommended by a Tea Expert

Pros

  • It's great for adventure and outdoor activities, plus it's completely leakproof.

Cons

  • It's not suitable for the freezer or the microwave.

For hikers, cyclists, campers, and gym-goers, the Zulu Atlas bottle is a durable and effective option that can stand up to rigorous activities. The silicone sleeve is extra thick with traction to protect the bottle and withstand impacts. The lid is a one-touch button for easy access while on the go and locks again with a simple flip. The 20-ounce capacity is enough to stay hydrated without weighing down a sports bag or soft cooler, and the bottle is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Capacity: 20 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Weight: 1.32 pounds | Fits in Cup Holder: Yes

Pros

  • Besides the trendy colors and free customization options, this bottle has a great feel in hand and is lightweight for a glass bottle.

Cons

  • It needs a bottle brush for thorough cleaning and is not ideal for one-handed sipping.

The W&P Porter series offers some of the prettiest sustainable cups, food storage containers, and mugs for your kitchen. Their water bottle is no exception, and it comes in trendy colors that tend to sell out regularly. The 20-ounce bottle is leakproof and great to tote everywhere, even for iced drinks other than water. The silicone sleeve protects the food-grade borosilicate glass, and the bottle can handle the dishwasher — no sweat. It'll also fit in most cup holders, which is great news for busy parents and commuters. Unlike several other glass water bottles, the Porter is microwave-safe too.

W&P also offers personalization for several of its products, including the water bottle in all eight colors. It's great for gifting, along with their deals for grouped items like the Hydration Bundle, which includes the Porter water bottle, the Porter mug, and the Porter glass.

"This is the perfect everyday option. It’s made with durable glass that has a little weight to it but isn’t so heavy that it makes it a hassle to carry water around. I was tired of the metallic taste that can develop over time with steel bottles. This is simple, carries the right amount of water, and the smooth silicone exterior prevents any condensation. It also fits into cupholders," says Commerce Food Writer Kristin Montemarano.

Capacity: 20 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Weight: 12 ounces | Fits in Cup Holder: Yes

Pros

  • It's half the price of competitors, and the top is easy to sip from and allows you to drink straight from the glass instead of plastic.

Cons

  • This glass water bottle is for cold drinks only and it's not ideal for sipping while driving.

Sometimes messing with a straw or a detached cap is more trouble than it's worth. Ello has several different glass water bottle styles, and the Syndicate is a great option for keeping things simple. The one-touch flip lid from Ello makes it easy to drink straight from the glass instead of a plastic nozzle or straw. That means you can take a sip and close it with just one hand, which is helpful in busy households and for travelers and commuters.

All the parts are dishwasher-safe, and the sleeve and seal are made of BPA-free food-grade silicone that doesn't need to be removed for cleaning. The glass interior won't leach smells, stains, or unwanted tastes. At half the price of more expensive competitors, the Ello is also the best value in our roundup.

Capacity: 20 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Fits in Cup Holder: Yes

Pros

  • It's perfect for water and all types of cold drinks. Plus, this bottle is easy to clean and very affordable.

Cons

  • It's not thermal shock resistant and shouldn't be placed in the freezer or microwave.

If you prefer a straw and don't need to pack your water in a bag or insulated tote, this bottle is great to keep on hand. It comes with either a screw-on mason jar-style lid or an easily removable wooden lid and is safe for the top rack of the dishwasher. The width is perfect for adults and kids alike. There are nearly fifty color options, and it also comes in bundles if you're buying it for an event like a birthday party or bachelor or bachelorette trip.

Tronco's tumbler comes in four sizes, but all maintain the same 3-inch diameter to stay compatible with cup holders, which is ideal for driving. It works just as well for water as it does for iced coffee and cold drinks, and the silicone sleeve will protect it from slippery condensation and accidental drops. If the bottle breaks within the first year, the company will also send a free replacement.

Capacity: 16, 20, 24, or 28 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Fits in Cup Holder: Yes

Pros

  • The 64-ounce size is made for thirsty folks who won't be near a water source often.

Cons

  • It's not feasible for smaller palms to hold it in one hand.

Gym-goers and folks who always find themselves in constant need of hydration will do best with a large-capacity bottle. Don't let the weight deter you (it's nearly 2 pounds empty). This is a great multi-cap option. The lid has a leakproof seal, and the silicone sleeve will protect it from most conditions. It has a removable straw to fit your drinking needs, and the wide mouth is great for adding large frozen fruits or ice cubes as needed. Sip straight from the top or use the straw for easy access.

In our tests, we found this bottle to be huge yet manageable, and we could hold it in one hand thanks to the grippy silicone exterior. We also appreciate its dual cap options, sturdy lid, and comfortable handle.

Capacity: 64 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: No | Weight: 1.76 pounds | Fits in Cup Holder: No

Pros

  • Made of thick borosilicate that can withstand falls, this bottle comes in three handy sizes.

Cons

  • The twist cap might not be best for one-handed drinking, and a bottle brush is best for cleaning.

Maybe you wake up in the middle of the night, contacts out, fumbling in the darkness for your water glass, or find yourself sifting through your seemingly bottomless bag searching for your water bottle. The glow-in-the-dark option from Purifyou is the perfect solution, with three sizes and several non-glow colors to choose between. The bottle is also extra durable, with thick borosilicate that can withstand drops and bumps.

The time and volume markings on the exterior are perfect for anyone tracking their daily water intake or trying to stay hydrated for health purposes. The small 12-ounce size is great for smaller bags and purses, and the large 32-ounce option is a work desk staple.

Capacity: 12, 22, or 32 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes | Weight: 15.7 ounces | Fits in Cup Holder: No

Our Favorite Glass Water Bottle

For an overall great drinking experience with ease of use and cleaning, the Takeya Sure-Grip Glass Water Bottle is the best glass water bottle. For a flip-lid without a straw, the Ello Syndicate Water Bottle is also a great option at an affordable price point.

Factors to Consider

Size and Capacity

The volume your bottle holds will determine its weight and how long it will keep you hydrated. Kids will do fine with 16 ounces or less (though purchase with caution and be sure to choose one with a protective silicone sleeve). Outdoor athletes might want 20 or more ounces, with good volume but still portable. Ultra-thirsty folks might opt for 32 ounces, which is generally the top end of glass bottle volume (more than that is rather heavy).

The size of the bottle, as well as the shape, will also impact whether or not it fits in a cup holder—an important consideration for commuters. Pay attention to the mouth width as well; if you need one that's easy to fill and fits ice cubes, you should opt for a wide-mouth style.

Features

The good news is that most glass water bottles will be easy to clean and won't retain odors or absorb colors, but beyond the material, there are other features to look out for, including silicone sleeves for better grip style, straws, and even infusers. There are also various lid styles. Want one that won't leak in your gym bag? A hardy screw top is perfect. Some offer a push button to open or a carry loop for easy transport. Most glass water bottles are dishwasher safe, but if you're skeptical, you can use bottle cleaning tablets and invest in a bottle brush cleaning set. You won't likely find bottles with filtration systems, however.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many glasses of water are in a typical bottle?

    Most water bottles are between 24 and 32 ounces, so each will hold three or four glasses of water. Some bottles will have measurements along the side for better tracking if you check your water intake throughout the day.

  • How do I clean a glass water bottle?

    Water, soap, and a bottle brush or sponge (depending on whether it has a wide mouth opening) are the best ways to keep your water bottle clean. Another option is Bottle Bright tablets. To deal with lingering moisture when your bottle is drying, use a paper towel and insert three-quarters of the paper into the bottle.

  • Can I freeze my water in a glass bottle?

    Definitely not. Water expands as it freezes, and while plastic and silicone ice cube molds can account for that expansion, a water bottle made of glass can shatter.

  • Can I bring a glass water bottle on a plane?

    Yes, according to the TSA guidelines, there are no regulations around water bottle types. Glass materials are allowed in both checked baggage and carry-on luggage.

Our Expertise

  • Megan Soll is the Associate Editorial Director of Food & Wine with a decade of experience writing and editing food, drink, and product content. If there is such a thing as a water bottle expert, Megan is rarely caught without one and has used and tested dozens of bottles from insulated tumblers to glass twist tops. For this piece, she relied on experience and research on the current top models from brands across multiple budgets, styles, and notoriety.
Think Stanley Tumblers Are Overrated? Try These Editor-Favorite Glass Water Bottles Instead (2024)

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