The fact you landed on this article shows you’re aware of the potential risks that come with using questionable water bottles and that you’re ready to choose a healthier, safer option.
I was shocked when I read a recent study that looked at plastic water bottles across Europe. Over half of them were found to be releasing DiBP, an endocrine-disrupting chemical.
Now, even though I’ve got my own collection of plastic reusable bottles that I trust completely, it goes without saying that glass and stainless steel are the best choices when it comes to keeping your water pure and toxin-free.
One thing to keep in mind, though: nearly all bottles use a bit of plastic in the lids and straws.
But don’t worry—the options I’m about to share with you have been thoroughly vetted, and if you go for the right configuration, your water won’t touch any plastic at all.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the safest, non-toxic, BPA- and lead-free water bottles that my family and I use every day.
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What Is the Safest Water Bottles to Drink From?
Water Bottle | Buy Now |
|---|---|
 Best Overall Hydro Flask 32 oz | 4.75/5 |
 Best with Straw Owala FreeSip | 4.25/5 |
 Best Glass Bottle Waterdrop Glass Bottle | 3.8/5 |
 Best Durability YETI Rambler | 3.62/5 |
Best Overall: Hydro Flask
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Hydro Flask absolutely takes the crown as not only the safest, but also the best water bottle overall.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers and my own experience (it’s the most-used bottle in my collection of over 50!), Hydro Flask clearly stands out.
Now, I’ve experimented with high-tech hydrogen water bottles and smart bottles, always on the lookout for health benefits, but Hydro Flask proves that you don’t need flashy tech to deliver top-notch safety.
These bottles are proudly BPA-free and lead-free, because the company has steered clear of using lead for sealing their products for years. I love supporting a brand that never cuts corners when it comes to health.
Each Hydro Flask is crafted from 18/8 stainless steel, which is essentially medical-grade.
This material is not only free of toxins and resistant to chemical leaching, but it also handles temperature changes without breaking down.
It meets stringent FDA food contact standards, so you really can’t ask for a safer starting point.
But safety isn’t all Hydro Flask has going for it. I put these bottles through rigorous insulation and durability tests, and they passed with flying colors—making them one of the most reliable bottles in my arsenal.
If Hydro Flask sounds like the perfect fit for you, I recommend going for the 32 oz. size because it’s incredibly versatile.
For those always on the move, the new upgraded Flex Straw Cap is hands-down the best option Hydro Flask offers.
And if you’d rather not have any plastic in contact with your water at all, check out this special stainless steel cap here.
Best with Straw: Owala FreeSip
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
If you’re after a stainless steel bottle with decent insulation (and a fun design to boot) the Owala FreeSip might just be your new favorite.
Safety-wise, Owala is a reputable brand that takes pride in educating customers about what goes into their bottles.
While other companies have faced issues (remember when Stanley got called out for lead in their bottles?), Owala pledged that their products are and always will be lead-free. Plus, they’re crystal clear that no BPA is ever used.
Design-wise, the Owala FreeSip is a blast. It’s hands down the most fun bottle in my collection, thanks to the huge variety of colors, patterns, and designs available.
The unique lid makes sipping super easy and keeps the straw hidden for extra cleanliness, which is an extremely rare feature. Whether you prefer a chug or a straw, there’s a setting for you.
On top of that, it’s generally a bit more affordable than options like Hydro Flask or YETI, yet it’s still built with premium 18/8 stainless steel.
Of course, there are a couple of quirks to keep in mind. Unlike the Hydro Flask, the Owala FreeSip is designed exclusively for cold beverages, so if you’re planning on enjoying a hot drink, this one’s not for you.
Also, it’s not entirely dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to give it a good hand wash.
All in all, the Owala FreeSip has quickly become one of my most-used bottles, and I trust it completely when it comes to safety and performance.
If you’re into its playful, unconventional design (or if you’re looking for a cool gift), I recommend giving it a try!
Best Glass Bottle: Waterdrop Glass Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Tired of bottles with plastic lids? Meet the Waterdrop glass bottle. It holds a special place in my heart because it was my very first reusable bottle, and I paired it with Waterdrop flavored drops, because I couldn’t stand drinking unflavored water at the time.
Sure, glass might raise a few durability concerns, but what really sets this bottle apart is its cap. It’s a unique combo of bamboo, silicone, and stainless steel—meaning there’s zero plastic in sight.
If you’re all about keeping your drinks as pure as possible, this is the bottle for you.
It even comes with a sleek, protective neoprene sleeve that helps guard against the usual glass fragility issues. That said, I broke my first Waterdrop bottle a long time ago. I love the outdoors, and I quickly learned the hard way that bringing a glass bottle with me is a lost cause.
So, I switched to stainless steel for travel and now use my Waterdrop bottle at home. That’s a likely scenario for you as well.
Best Durability: YETI Rambler
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
After covering the more fragile glass bottles, it’s only fair to swing to the other end of the spectrum—the toughest contender on our list: the YETI Rambler.
This thing is built like a tank. Crafted from extremely durable stainless steel, my Rambler has endured all sorts of abuse over the past year, and it barely shows a scratch.
Safety-wise, it’s rock solid as well. YETI ensures all its Rambler drinkware is lead-safe, undergoes frequent testing in accredited third-party labs, and is 100% BPA-free.
The only real danger is dropping this thing on your foot. Trust me, it hurts, a lot more than your average bottle. Consider that your friendly PSA.
The only real downside? The weight. This bottle isn’t exactly light, but given its durability, I can live with that trade-off.
It’s a premium-priced bottle (practically the cost of two) but it’s built to last for years, making it a solid investment.
And it’s safe, obviously.
Is it Better to Drink from Glass or Stainless steel?
Both glass and stainless steel are great and safe choices, but they have pros and cons.
- Glass is the purest option. No metal taste, and easy to clean. But it’s fragile and can be a bit heavy, especialy those bottles with thick protective silicone sleeves.
- Stainless steel is more durable, keeps drinks hot or cold longer, and is great for travel. They can be heavy, but there are dozens of options with reasonable weight you can find.
If you want purity and don’t mind fragility, go for glass. If you need something tough and insulated, stainless steel is better.
Is It Safe to Drink out of Stainless Steel Every day?
Yes, it’s completely safe to drink from stainless steel every day, but make sure it’s high-quality, food-grade stainless steel (like 18/8 or 304). It won’t leach chemicals, it’s durable, and it keeps drinks hot or cold.
That said, ANY bottle that isn’t cleaned regularly can become unsafe due to bacteria buildup. Wash it often to keep it safe to use.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t an exhaustive list of safe water bottles and there are plenty of other great choices out there.
Fortunately, we live in a time when it’s rare to find a reusable bottle, even a plastic one, that contains harmful chemicals (although some unsafe options still exist).
That said, every bottle on this list has been personally tested over the years, so I can vouch for their safety.
But remember, safety is just one piece of the puzzle. Durability, insulation, and overall usability matter just as much.
For me, the Hydro Flask takes the top spot because I use it every day. But depending on your needs, you might find another option that suits you even better!
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.
