The best water bottles for summer and beyond

From leakproof to temperature control, here are our top picks to keep you hydrated.

water bottle

by Tayo Andoh |
Updated on

Looking to up your water intake? Whether you’re on a long stroll, taking part in outdoor sporting activities, going to a BBQ, or on a nice summer staycation, there’s nothing quite like the joy of going outside and basking in the warm sunshine when it sticks around long enough.

However, we know all too well how important it is to stay hydrated when we're busy enjoying ourselves either in the heat or when we're simply working from home or in the office.

Sometimes there’s nothing better than cooling down with some refreshing, ice-cold water. But, instead of buying plastic bottles, why not do your bit for the environment and invest in a water bottle that you can reuse as much as you like?

Related: 6 of the best swimming pools to keep you cool in the summer

There are plenty of great water bottles that can help with quenching your thirst, and you’d be surprised about the amazing functions they have. From keeping your water cooler for longer to being completely leak-proof, there is something for everyone. There’s also an array of different bottle designs to consider, from glass and tin to plastic.

If you need a bit of encouragement to keep on top of your water intake, many bottles even have motivational quotes and time markers as a guide to keep you on track. So, if you’re on the hunt for a water bottle that’ll see you through the summer months and beyond, we’ve rounded up our top picks of the best ones on the market.

Take a look at our guide to the best water bottles to help keep you hydrated this summer.

Related: The best water butts for your garden

Hydracy Fruit Infuser Water BottlePhoto: Amazon

Ever feel like you want to jazz up your water? This Hydracy water bottle takes the drinking experience to a new level with its infuser basket. Simply add some of your favourite fruits for a burst of natural flavour. This water bottle also helps you stay on track with your intake with its handy timeline. It has a one-litre capacity, making it perfect for anyone who is easing themselves into increasing their water intake.

Pros Cons
• Can infuse water with fruit • Not suitable for people who like drinking larger quantities
• Sweatproof insulative cover
• Easy to carry

RYACO Borosilicate Glass Water BottlePhoto: Amazon

If you're on the hunt for a slightly more luxurious water bottle, this is a great pick. This sleek, glass bottle from RYACO is perfect for work, exercising, or even casual days out. The bottle is made of Borosilicate glass, making it thicker and more resistant to warmer temperatures.

Pros Cons
• Comes with anti-slip sleeve • Smaller in size
• Steel cap prevents leakage
• Good temperature tolerance

This particular 500ml water bottle comes in a variety of patterns and designs all hand that will really make you stand out, from a bold leopard print to a funky palm leaf. The Cambridge stainless steel flask will keep your cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and your hot drinks hot for up to six. So no more lukewarm drinks by the time your commute is over! It has screw top lid with a rubber seal so as long as you don't overfill it you will never see any leaks.

Pros Cons
• Secure screw-top lid • Design printing may vary
• Steel cap prevents leakage
• Double walled insulation

HoneyHolly Stainless Steel Water BottlePhoto: Amazon

This water bottle is perfect for the whole family; not only is it available in loads of amazing colours, but it's also non-spill thanks to its vacuum-seal cap. If you're looking to do your bit for the environment, this bottle is made from stainless steel, making it eco-friendly. But that's not all, as well as keeping drinks cool, you can also contain hot beverages in this bottle.

Contigo water bottle on white backgroundPhoto: Amazon
Pros Cons
• Leakproof • Pricey
• Keeps water chilled
• Easy to use

Tried and Tested by Storytelling Executive, Tayo Andoh: "If you like to ensure you keep your daily water intake up, you'll know how important it is to have a solid water bottle. After putting the Contigo Autoseal Chill to the test, I'm impressed. I love my water to stay chilled during the day, particularly in the warmer months. This bottle does what it says on the tin - it keeps water at a chilled temperature for a staggering 28 hours. I was surprised to go back to my water after a long day to find it was still cold.

"I also love that despite its cool contents, the bottle is not uncomfortably cold to touch. Another great feature for those who are worried about spillages is its push-button, which opens and seals the drinking cap in one click making it incredibly easy to use. I was pretty sceptical at first, but after testing this in my bag, the bottle lives up to its assurance that it's leakproof.

"Although it's slightly pricey, this bottle is incredibly versatile with great features that will see you through trips or busy days at work."

Favofit Water BottlePhoto: Amazon

In need of a bit of motivation to keep your intake in check? Sometimes we all need a bit of encouragement. This Favofit water bottle will cheer you on with its uplifting messages alongside helpful time markers to keep you on track during the day. It also comes with a handy brush to help make the task of cleaning your bottle nice and simple.

Pros Cons
• Time marker • Not completely leakproof
• Comes with cleaning brush
• Easy to hold

Chillys Vacuum Insulated Drinks BottlePhoto: John Lewis

This stylish, stainless steel Chillys water bottle keeps drinks at the right temperature thanks to its double-wall insulation. On hot days when you're out and about, drinks are kept cool for up to 24 hours. If you're more partial to a hot drink, beverages can be kept nice and warm for up to 12 hours. There's no need to worry about any spillages, thanks to the airtight seal. If that's not enough, this bottle comes in an array of attractive colours.

BRITA S1200 Water Filter BottlePhoto: Amazon
Price: £40.46

If you're looking for a great alternative to buying reusable bottles of water, this BRITA water bottle is the answer. BRITA is known for championing fresh, filtered water. This one comes with a filter that reduces the amount of chlorine, microparticles, and impurities from tap water, whilst preserving minerals. An amazing feature about this bottle is that it's not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective.

Pros Cons
• Filters tap water • Requires purchasing new filters
• Available in different colourways and sizes
• Eco-friendly

Water bottles for kids

Tinc Mallow Pink Drinks BottlePhoto: John Lewis

In need of the perfect water bottle for your little one to take to school? This 500ml Tinc water bottle will make staying hydrated all the more fun with its cool and quirky design. You can expect great features including a handy carry loop and a lockable lid to prevent leakages.

Tinc Hugga Drinks BottlePhoto: John Lewis

Keeping up with their quirky range of water bottles, this green 'Hugga' Tinc bottle is another perfect pick for kiddies this summer. The super fun characters included on the bottles are sure to be a firm favourite. This bottle will see them through trips and sports activities with its BPA-free shatterproof plastic.

How much water should I drink per day?

It’s so important to keep hydrated but sometimes it can be hard to know how much water we should be consuming every day.

According to Bupa, "Most adults need about two to two and a half litres of fluid a day. If a mug is around 250ml and a medium glass about 200ml, then that means drinking about ten glasses or mugs of fluid a day. Children need less and pregnant women need a little more."

What are the benefits of regularly drinking water?

Water is vital for our health and wellbeing, it has so many benefits including lubricating your joints, controlling your temperature, and ensuring nutrients get around the body. Getting our H20 in can even improve our skin.

Tayo Andoh is a Storytelling Executive for What's The Best, and also writes for Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer. She has a passion for DJing, beauty and spirituality.

Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Tayo and the rest of the What’s The Best team.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us