Best reusable water bottles 2024, tried and tested

Switching from a single-use plastic bottle to a reusable one is a no-brainer. Yet it’s estimated 7.7 billion plastic bottles are bought in the UK each year, many of which end up in landfill after use.

Investing in a brand-new bottle could be the incentive you need to ditch the dreaded single-use plastic versions for good. With increased demand in recent years, water bottles now do far more than keep you hydrated and can filter water, keep it icy cold or even make you believe you’re drinking juice instead. Some have even become fashion accessories, with the viral Stanley quencher cup racking up billions of views on TikTok.

As well as being good for the planet, in the long run, buying one reusable bottle 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.

Reusable 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.

How we tested the best reusable water bottles

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We carried all these bottles with us over several weeks, to find the ones that worked best. We used them in our car, at the gym, on trains and planes, and threw them in the bottom of our bag when dashing between meetings. For each one, we noted whether it leaked, if it kept our drink cold all day, if our water took on a metallic taste and how easy the bottle was to carry around. We 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.

The best reusable water bottles for 2024 are: