I’ve got to say, I’m kind of blown away by how creative water bottle brands can get. I mean, at the end of the day, it’s just a bottle, right? Its job is to hold my water. How complicated can it really be?
That’s exactly what I thought years ago. But fast forward to today, and as I’m writing this guide, I can actually name eight distinct types of reusable water bottles. Eight!
It’s honestly wild to think how many more we’ll have in, say, 20 years.
In this guide, I’m walking you through these all types of reusable water bottles I’ve tried and tested over the years. Some of these might even surprise you. I know they did me when I first came across them!
Please note, materials are not my main focus in this guide. I’ve got a whole separate ranking for the best water bottle materials, and I definitely recommend checking that out after reading this.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
8 Main Types of Reusable Water Bottles
Water Bottle | Buy Now |
|---|---|
 Insulated Bottles Recommended Bottle: Hydro Flask 32 oz | |
 Collapsible Bottles Recommended Bottle: Hydaway | |
 Filtered Bottles Recommended Bottle: LifeStraw Peak Squeeze | |
 Hydrogen Bottles Recommended Bottle: Piurify Hydrogenator | |
 Smart Bottles Recommended Bottle: Hidrate Spark | |
 Sports Bottles Recommended Bottle: UA Playmaker | |
 Squeeze Bottles Recommended Bottle: CamelBak Podium | |
 Infuser Bottles Recommended Bottle: Infusion Pro |
Insulated Water Bottles
Insulated water bottles are everywhere. It’s the kind of bottle you can find in nearly every larger store, and it’s hard to argue with the benefits.
Insulation is key, because who doesn’t love having their drinks stay hot or cold for hours?
Interestingly, we all call these bottles “insulated water bottles”, but technically, a “thermos” would be the more accurate name for them.
While most people get the importance of insulation, I often see the same mistake: thinking that any bottle with “insulated” on the label is good enough.
But if you’re looking to invest in a solid insulated bottle, a little research will go a long way. Not all insulated bottles are created equal. Some materials hold temperature better than others, so you’ll want to know what you’re getting.
Stainless steel is by far the champion of insulation. You can find plastic and glass bottles with insulation too, but they just don’t measure up to the steel options.
If you’re after serious insulation, you’ll want stainless steel. And if you’re looking at the best water bottles like Hydro Flask, you’ll get double-vacuum insulation, which is the gold standard in keeping your drink at the perfect temperature.
With this type of insulation, you’re looking at 24-hour cold retention and 12-hour heat retention – industry standard for the best bottles.
The best part is that these bottles are ridiculously versatile. I take mine on hikes, camping trips, to work, to school, or just anywhere I know I’ll need my water ice-cold and my tea warm.
Once you go for a bottle with this kind of insulation, you’ll never complain about your drinks being too warm or too cold again.
So, my advice? Make sure you have at least one premium insulated water bottle in your life. If you’re wondering which one to pick, check out my ranking of the best insulated water bottles.
Collapsible Water Bottles
If you haven’t come across collapsible water bottles yet, brace yourself. Yes, you heard that right: some water bottles can actually fold up to the size of your fist (or even smaller)!
The biggest draw with these bottles is how ridiculously portable they are. I’m a huge fan of my Hydaway bottle, which unfolds like an accordion and can be squished down into a tiny disk that fits perfectly in my pocket.
If you’re someone who travels a lot or just doesn’t always have a bag to toss your water bottle in, you’re going to appreciate this design.
They’re incredibly light as well. My Platypus Platy bottle holds a whopping 70 oz. of water and weighs just 1.3 oz. It’s basically nothing. So, if you value minimal weight, collapsible bottles are a dream come true.
Now, the downside: collapsible bottles aren’t insulated. They are usually made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or plastic (PE/Polyethylene), which means no keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours.
It’d be a technological marvel if someone could make a collapsible, insulated, stainless-steel bottle… but for now, we’ll have to settle for practicality over performance.
In short, if you travel a lot and need something light, compact, and easy to stash away, a collapsible water bottle is almost a perfect choice.
Filtered Water Bottles
Filtered water bottles are terrific for anyone who spends time outdoors or travels a lot. You can literally drink from the dirtiest water sources like rivers, streams, or sketchy taps without worrying about what’s lurking in your water.
They’re obviously perfect for hiking, camping, or backpacking trips, but I also use mine when I’m on the go in airports or train stations, filtering out whatever questionable water they have on hand.
One of my favorites is the LifeStraw Peak Squeeze bottle. Not only does it fold up to fit in my bag, but it’s got a filter that clears out pretty much all the contaminants. It’s the perfect combo of collapsible and filtered water bottle.
Let’s say it’s saved my life more than once when I had to drink directly from a river while hiking in the Tatra Mountains, far from any safe water source.
The not-so-glamorous side of filtered bottles is the price. They tend to cost more, and it’s mostly because of that filter inside.
Well, I’m all for paying extra if it means I’m not risking any stomach troubles or worse!
The catch is, they do require more maintenance than your average water bottle. Filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to keep them working properly, so be ready for that.
But if you value fresh, clean water wherever you are, it’s totally worth it.
Hydrogen Water Bottles
Hydrogen water bottles is a new market and not many people know about the existence of this type of bottles, yet I’ve been using mine daily for more than a year now.
These bottles create hydrogen-enriched water, and while that might sound a little science-y, the potential benefits are appealing.
Studies are starting to show that hydrogen water can act as a powerful antioxidant. It helps neutralize those free radicals in your body, potentially reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery after a workout.
There’s also some discussions about it improving energy levels, enhancing hydration, and even supporting brain function by protecting cells from oxidative stress.
For me, the skin health benefits have been the most noticeable. I’ve definitely seen a positive change in my skin since I started drinking hydrogen water regularly. Can’t say it’ll do the same for everyone, but it’s been a nice bonus!
To say they are on the pricier side would be a huge understatement. The best hydrogen water bottles are the most expensive bottles in the world. For my favorite Piurify Hydrogenator, I paid $170.
They’re high-tech, so you’ve got to know how to properly use and maintain them. Cleaning them correctly is a bit more involved than just rinsing it out and tossing it in the dishwasher.
That said, the health benefits I’ve seen so far have been totally worth the investment for me.
These bottles look stunning, too. My Piurify bottle even glows in the dark like a mini lava lamp. If you say it’s not looking beautiful, sorry, we can’t be friends.
Smart Water Bottles
Smart water bottles are another step into the future of hydration. While they don’t create hydrogen-enriched water like their high-tech cousins, they’re pretty cool in their own right.
I happen to own three of them and I kind of like them. What I love most is that they come with an app. Yes, you heard that right. The app tracks how much water you’ve had that day and reminds you how much more you need to drink to hit your hydration goals.
And when you’re slacking, it sends you push notifications to give you a nudge. It might sound a little over-the-top, but if you tend to forget about your hydration, it’s an interesting and useful gadget.
These bottles don’t just work well, they look pretty sharp too. Most smart bottles come with sleek, modern designs, and they often feature glowing LED lights.
For example, my Hidrate Spark bottle lets me change the light color right through the app!
All this high-tech gadgetry does come at a price. You’re looking at anywhere between $70 to $120 for one of these bottles.
But if you’re into gadgets and you need a little help staying on top of your water intake, it’s worth considering.
Want to know more? Check out my guide on the best smart water bottles.
Sports Water Bottles
Sports water bottles are pretty much what they sound like—designed with activity in mind. Whether you’re hitting the field for soccer, shooting hoops, or playing tennis, these bottles are built to keep you hydrated.
Typically, these bottles come with larger capacities since you need more water to keep going during physical exertion.
For instance, my go-to, the Under Armour Playmaker, isn’t even really a bottle anymore, it’s more like a jug with a 64 oz. capacity. It’s a lifesaver for soccer matches, and I’ll take it with me every time.
Some of these bottles also come with clever little extras to make them more practical. The Playmaker, for example, has a handy handle that lets you hook it onto a fence, so you’re not stuck holding it the whole time.
If you’re someone who’s always training hard, check out my recommendations for the best sports water bottles.
Squeeze Water Bottles
Squeeze water bottles are also great for your active lifestyle, but they’re a bit smaller and more compact than your typical sports bottle. Think biking, running, or any activity where you don’t want to be juggling a giant jug while moving.
These bottles are designed to fit comfortably in your hand, so you’re less likely to drop it mid-sprint or ride.
The main feature is their squeezable nature. You don’t have to suck or tilt them. Just give the bottle a gentle squeeze and water flows effortlessly. You don’t even have to bring the spout to your mouth.
Some bottles, like my CamelBak Podium, even come with a clever valve that makes drinking smoother and less messy—a feature you won’t find on every squeeze bottle.
They’re also designed to fit right into your bike holder, and some have handy straps so you can carry them while you run.
Infuser Water Bottles
Infuser water bottles are a fun little twist on the classic bottle. The idea is simple: you pop some fruit (or whatever else you fancy) into a special cartridge, and your water gets a natural flavor upgrade.
Think oranges, raspberries, strawberries… basically whatever fruit makes your taste buds happy.
These bottles are for anyone who can’t quite handle plain old water but also doesn’t want to splurge on artificial flavor drops.
They’re usually made of Tritan plastic or glass, though I do have one that’s stainless steel with insulation.
They’re pretty affordable, too, since the whole design is pretty straightforward. I love pulling mine out every now and then when I’m craving something a little more exciting than regular water.
If you’re curious about specific bottles, check out my guide on the best infuser water bottles.
Final Thoughts
I could go on and on about the countless other types and sub-types of water bottles out there, but I think we’ve covered the main ones that really matter.
By now, you should have a pretty solid understanding of what each bottle can offer (and what it can’t), which will make choosing the right one a lot easier.
Personally, I use my insulated and hydrogen water bottles the most, so they’re my favorites. But it all comes down to what works best for you. Take your time, do your research, and pick the bottle that’ll fit your lifestyle.
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.
