Unhonorable MentionsCourtesy of Amazonbkr Spiked Big Bottle 1L for $62: Glass water bottles remain the cleanest, nontoxic, and greenest choice. Bkr’s signature silicone protects the glass from shattering but also adds an edgy, grippy texture. It won’t dent or clang against surfaces, and if you drop it in a crowded room, it lands with silence. Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $19: The Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle is vacuum-insulated, double-walled, and designed with a screw-on lid and carry handle. The spout is a matter of preference, but I appreciate the ceramic opening, and if you like a chug cap, it’s a solid choice. Camelbak Eddy+ for $16: The Camelbak Eddy+ is a durable, lightweight, recycled plastic bottle with a straw lid. Adrienne So has had several of these for years. Just be sure to let the chew top air out daily because it’s prone to collecting mold if left damp. Pura Big Mouth Insulated Bottle for $46: Pura bottles are thin, light, and made entirely from stainless steel, so there’s no plastic or powder coating (which also means they may not withstand drops and bumps). They’re Made Safe certified, meaning they’re made without harmful ingredients. I don’t love the silicone lids, as they’re very thin and floppy, but you can unscrew the whole cap to sip right from the metal rim. Avoid These BottlesWater.io Daily+ for $100: This is a bottle that tracks your sips and reminds you to drink, which sounds great, but in practice, not the best. The battery life is short, lasting for 2 to 3 days, and it requires a proprietary charger. For $100, you’d expect more perks, like filtration or self-cleaning tech, but this bottle doesn’t deliver any of that. The water also picks up a metallic aftertaste that is far from refreshing. Air Up Water Bottle for $40: This bottle uses scented rings to try to trick your brain into thinking it isn’t drinking plain water. WIRED writer Boone Ashworth was unimpressed. It didn’t smell great, and you can’t use the bottle without one of those rings. The beauty of a reusable bottle is that you spend money once and get free water for years. Here, you have to keep buying refills. Liberty Bottleworks Uninsulated Bottle for $23: The cap of this aluminum bottle is weird, flimsy, and confusingly shaped. Our tester got his fingers stuck in it a few times and said it’s uncomfortable to twist. The bottle’s outer coating isn’t as tough as the matte powder coating on others, and the aluminum felt weak. (He could slightly flex it with his fingers.) Also, unlike with a stainless steel bottle, the interior is covered in a food-grade coating. It’s BPA-free, according to Liberty, but people who want to avoid industrial coatings should steer toward stainless steel. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.

Water Bottles: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Glass water bottles, stainless steel water bottles, plastic water bottles – oh my! With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. But fear not, we’re here to break it down for you. Let’s dive into some honorable mentions and not-so-honorable mentions when it comes to water bottles.

Honorable Mentions: First up, we have the bkr Spiked Big Bottle 1L for $62. This glass water bottle is not only clean, nontoxic, and eco-friendly, but it also boasts a signature silicone sleeve that protects it from shattering. Plus, the grippy texture adds a little edge to your hydration game. Next, the Ello Cooper Twist Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $19 is a solid choice with its vacuum insulation, double walls, and convenient carry handle. And let’s not forget about the Camelbak Eddy+, a durable recycled plastic bottle with a straw lid that’s been tried and tested by the one and only Adrienne So. Last but not least, the Pura Big Mouth Insulated Bottle for $46 is a thin, light option made entirely from stainless steel and certified safe for your peace of mind.

Avoid These Bottles: Now, onto the not-so-great options. The Water.io Daily+ for $100 may track your sips, but its short battery life and lack of extra features make it a hard pass. And don’t be fooled by the Air Up Water Bottle for $40, which tries to mask the taste of water with scented rings – a gimmick that falls flat. Finally, the Liberty Bottleworks Uninsulated Bottle for $23 may look sleek, but its flimsy cap and questionable coating leave much to be desired. When it comes to choosing a water bottle, remember to consider both function and quality to find the perfect fit for your hydration needs.