Hydro Flask and Owala FreeSip are hands down my two favorite water bottles and probably the best ones in the world. Both outshine each other in different features, making it very hard to declare a winner. No wonder I have three of each.
Ultimately, it’s the Hydro Flask that takes the crown, but it was a very close call as I absolutely admire Owala and its uniqueness.
In this comparison, I’ll help you make a thoughtful decision by comparing all the features of these two amazing bottles in detail. While Hydro Flask may win this fight by numbers, Owala can also steal your heart, just as it did mine.
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Hydro Flask | Owala FreeSip | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Price | $32.95-$64.95 | $27.99-$37.99 |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Available Sizes | 20, 32, 40, 64 oz. | 24, 32, 40 oz. |
Insulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Lid/Cap Usability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Portability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Leakproofness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Price/Value Ratio | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Final Score | 4.62/5 | 4.25/5 |
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Insulation
Both Owala FreeSip and Hydro Flask provide amazing insulation performance, able to keep your water cold for 24 hours or even two days with a bit of ice.
Do you really need your drink to stay cold for this long? Maybe not every day, but when you do, it’s great to have a bottle that can do that.
Owala FreeSip
While you can’t use your Owala for hot beverages due to potential pressure buildup, it excels in keeping your water refreshingly cold.
I tested it by pouring 33°F (0.5°C) water into the bottle and waiting a full 24 hours. When I checked the temperature with a thermometer, it was 55.4°F (13°C) in a room-temperature environment.
That’s pretty impressive and earns Owala bonus points. However, the fact that it can’t handle hot liquids limits its versatility and influences the insulation score.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask, on the other hand, performed even better in keeping things chilly. My test involved filling the Hydro Flask with 33°F (0.5°C) water without ice and waiting 24 hours. The thermometer read 54.5°F (12.5°C), just a smidge better than Owala. It’s like splitting hairs, but a win’s a win.
But where Hydro Flask really shines is in its reliable heat retention. 12 hours after I poured 182°F (83.3°C) tea into the flask, the temperature had dropped to 123.8°F (51°C), which is a performance worthy of a standing ovation, and exactly what you’d expect from a premium water bottle with a price tag to match.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★★
Durability
The good news is, both bottles are made of 18/8 stainless steel, offering top-notch durability compared to some other stainless steel bottles. However, the lid design of both bottles differs significantly, making the Hydro Flask a bit better in terms of durability for me.
Owala FreeSip
Starting with the Owala FreeSip, the bottle itself is impressively sturdy. It has already survived a few drops for me and still feels solid and premium. Of course, it’s not invincible; like any other stainless steel bottle, it can dent if you handle it roughly.
The powder coating is also a big plus. Unlike some bottles that chip easily, Owala’s coating is tough and you won’t have to worry about cracks or unsightly chips showing up after normal use.
However, the Owala’s lid is a complex piece of engineering, consisting of six or more parts. While this makes for a unique drinking experience, it also introduces more potential points of failure.
It’s made from thick plastic, but something can break if you’re not careful. The button, in particular, seems to be the most vulnerable part.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
Hydro Flask
In terms of bottle material and durability, Hydro Flask is very similar to the Owala. They both handle drops well and feel equally robust.
However, the Hydro Flask’s Flex Cap sets it apart. This lid is incredibly simple and durable, and you’d have to try really hard to damage it. If I had to guess, the strap might be the most vulnerable part of this lid, but I haven’t had any issues with it so far.
What’s more, rather than using a standard paint job, Hydro Flask opts for powder coating that is bonded to the bottle’s surface at the molecular level. Imagine electrons holding hands (if electrons had hands), making the coating exceptionally tough.
Under normal use, chipping is virtually unheard of. Only under severe impact, like a hard enough hit to dent the bottle, does the coating crack.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★★
Lid/Cap Usability
I love Owala’s ingenious lid, and people appreciate it too for its unique design and the choice it offers to drink from a straw or chug. It’s like having two bottles in one.
Hydro Flask caps and lids are also great, but they don’t have that extra feature that Owala offers.
Owala FreeSip
The FreeSip Lid is a piece of art that deserves its own review. The ingenious design lets you drink in two ways: either sip from a straw or chug.
Surprisingly, even though I’m not the biggest fan of water bottles with a straw, I found myself using the straw 90% of the time because it’s just so pleasurable and effortless to drink from. It’s like the lid knows what you need before you do.
One standout feature is how the straw in this lid is cleverly hidden when not in use. Unlike the Hydro Flask Flex Straw Lid, which has a straw that sticks out and collects all sorts of unwanted germs, Owala’s design keeps the straw safe and clean.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★★
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask offers at least eight different cap and lid types, but the two most popular ones are the Flex Cap and the Flex Straw Cap. Both are 100% leakproof and come with a flexible handle. Depending on how you like to drink, you might prefer one over the other.
Personally, I usually go with the standard Flex Cap. It’s reliable and has never let me down. However, trying to drink from the wide mouth while on the move can be a bit difficult, often resulting in splashes on your face and clothes.
Because of this, you have to stop every time you want to take a sip, which can get pretty annoying, especially if you’re in a hurry.
The Flex Straw Cap essentially solves the splash problem. You can drink on the move without looking like you just walked through a sprinkler and it’s a much better choice if you’re constantly on the go.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★★
Portability
Both Hydro Flask and Owala may not win awards for exceptional portability, but they feature durable handles and are relatively lightweight compared to other stainless steel insulated options.
Owala FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip bottles don’t fit easily in cup holders, as the most popular sizes (24, 32, and 40 oz.) are just too big with a diameter of over 3 inches. However, the Owala Twist bottles, with their 18 and 24 oz. capacities, tend to fit more snugly in my car’s cup holder.
One feature that really helps with portability is the carry handle on the lid. It can be clipped to a backpack and is easy to carry with two fingers.
Additionally, the Owala FreeSip 24 oz. bottle has flat sides – a nice touch that helps you grip the bottle more comfortably. Unfortunately, you won’t find this in the bigger sizes, which is a bit of a letdown if you prefer larger bottles.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
Hydro Flask
Despite being made from durable, heavily insulated stainless steel, Hydro Flasks aren’t the heaviest bottles around, with sizes of 32 oz. and less typically weighing under a pound.
However, the most popular 32 and 40 oz. Hydro Flasks have a diameter of over 3 inches, which means they just don’t fit in standard car cup holders.
The only Hydro Flasks that fit are the 24 oz. versions or smaller. For me, these sizes are just too small as I need my hydration in large quantities. So, if you prefer large water bottles like I do, consider some creative storage solutions for your vehicle, such as investing in an adjustable cup holder.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★☆
Leakproofness
I’m a big fan of both bottles’ leakproofness, which is not always a given in cheaper options. The seal is tight, and I haven’t had any problems with leaking in either bottle.
Owala FreeSip
Some users mention that the button on the FreeSip Lid is a weak point because it’s relatively easy to accidentally open if you’re not careful.
I get where they’re coming from, but in my personal experience over two years of daily use, it has been 100% leakproof. This reliability is largely thanks to the rigid handle that covers the button, preventing accidental openings.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★★
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask may not have the ingenious features found in the Owala, but it’s equally leakproof. I like that I need to use a bit of force to open and close the lid, so I can rest assured that not a drop will spill or that I will not open the bottle accidentally.
Just a 100% leakproof bottle, no questions asked.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★★
Ease of Cleaning
A Hydro Flask will be much easier for you to clean and maintain overall, while you’ll have to spend some time caring for your Owala, especially the lid.
Owala FreeSip
Let’s get the big downside out of the way: Owala bottles are not dishwasher safe. It’s not like Owala is alone in this as many stainless steel bottles have the same issue. But still, it’s a bit of a bummer.
The straw and the inside are generally straightforward, but there’re some annoying ridges and parts that tend to collect gunk. If you’ve ever wondered where those mystery flavors come from after a supposedly thorough rinse – well, there’s your culprit.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★☆☆
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask bottles and lids are completely dishwasher safe. Thanks to some smart changes the company introduced in 2020, you can toss your bottle and its lid into the dishwasher without a second thought.
The improved powder coating stays intact and remains as durable as ever. You don’t risk damaging the bottle or losing that much-loved insulation.
The wide-mouth version of the bottle makes it easy to reach all the nooks and crannies and with the right brush, even those stubborn bits of smoothie can’t hide. The caps, including the straw lid, are also easy to clean by hand.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★★
Versatility
You can call both bottles versatile due to their impressive overall performance. However, Hydro Flask has been more versatile over the last two years for me, mainly because it can handle both cold and hot liquids.
Owala FreeSip
The Owala’s strongest point that boosts its versatility is the unique spout that allows you to either sip or chug. Imagine hiking or driving: you don’t have to constantly change lids because you have both options right in front of you.
I love taking my Owala on walks in the park, to work, during commutes, or even to the gym when I have the 32 or 40 oz. sizes at hand.
However, as much as I adore my Owala, I often find myself wishing it could handle hot beverages. I enjoy taking tea or coffee with me on longer hikes, especially during the colder autumn and winter months. The inability to use it for hot drinks limits its versatility somewhat.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask (especially the 32 oz. size) is my go-to for almost any scenario and the combination of features it offers is out of this world. I can’t recall a single situation where I regretted taking my Hydro Flask with me.
The fact that Hydro Flask can be used for both cold and hot liquids is an underrated feature. Imagine not having to switch between a travel mug and a water bottle just because your drink preference changes with the weather. It’s a simple convenience that makes a big difference.
Thanks to this versatility, I often find myself reaching for my old reliable Hydro Flask instead of the more fancy, specialized bottles crowding my cabinet.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★★★
Price/Value Ratio
If I had to pick a bottle that provides more value and “bang for your buck”, I’d say it’s Owala. While Hydro Flask aims to dominate the premium bottle market, at their higher price point, I’d expect something “extra” to justify the cost.
Owala FreeSip
Owala definitely edges out Hydro Flask in the affordability department as for the 32 oz. FreeSip bottle, you’re looking at spending around $33.
Compare that to Hydro Flask’s price tag for the same capacity, which is almost $12 more. That’s right, $12 – enough to buy another smaller bottle.
But before you start worrying that lower cost means lower quality, let me clarify. Even though Owala bottles are much cheaper than Hydro Flasks, they don’t lag behind in overall performance.
You get top-notch insulation (although for cold and room temperature beverages only), durability, design and limited lifetime warranty without emptying your bank account.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★★
Hydro Flask
Whenever I review Hydro Flasks, the price is always a major hurdle that I point out, and this time will be no different.
I’m not the biggest fan of their pricing and spending $44.95 for a 32 oz. Hydro Flask is a tough pill to swallow, especially when you can find quality bottles on the market for half the price.
On the bright side, you’re getting a product that will last, and in a world of throwaway culture, that’s pretty darn valuable. Plus, the limited lifetime warranty Hydro Flask offers adds to its value a bit.
Hydro Flask Score
★★★☆☆
Bottom Line: Hydro Flask Is the Winner
Hydro Flask and Owala FreeSip are very similar yet different at the same time. On some days, I’m all about the Hydro Flask’s unmatched versatility. On other days, the unique charm of the Owala FreeSip catches my eye.
You might find it hard to decide too. So, I did the only sensible thing: I got both. I use them by turns, depending on the scenario and it’s a method I highly recommend.
But if you must pick just one, I’d go with the Hydro Flask.
Hydro Flask | Owala |
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Final Score: 4.62/5 | Final Score: 4.25/5 |
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
