I love glass water bottles for one major reason: taste purity. There’s something unique about drinking from a glass water bottle. My beverages just taste better.
Gone are the days when the mere thought of a glass bottle would make me uneasy, bringing images of broken glass pieces instantly to mind. Modern designs usually come with durable borosilicate glass and silicone sleeves, so I’m not afraid to take them on even my most demanding hikes or travels.
In this guide, I’ve handpicked the best glass water bottles. These are my go-to choices when I want to feel a bit more fancy and take a break from my usual stainless steel and plastic bottles.
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What Are the Best Glass Water Bottles?
Water Bottle | Buy Now |
|---|---|
 Best Overall Takeya Glass Bottle | Final Score: 4.2/5 |
 Best on Budget Ello Syndicate | Final Score: 4.1/5 |
 Best with Sleeve Waterdrop Glass Bottle | Final Score: 3.8/5 |
Takeya 22 oz. Glass Water Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Takeya glass bottle has become my favorite due to its outstanding durability and practicality. Priced at $23, it offers a range of useful and unique features that make it stand out from other glass bottles I’ve tried.
Key Features
One of the first things you’ll notice about this bottle is its sleek design. Made from thermo-shock-resistant borosilicate glass, it feels different from other glass bottles. This material keeps the bottle odor-free, stain-free, and maintains the purity of your liquids.
The glass itself seems strong, and the Advanced Sure-Grip Safe Shell technology gives me confidence that it won’t shatter easily.
This soft-touch layer not only makes the bottle comfortable to hold but also keeps glass shards contained if it breaks. Plus, it doesn’t show fingerprints, which is yet another reason to love this bottle.
Another key feature is the straw lid, which is easy to drink from and doesn’t make that annoying suction noise, thanks to a small airflow hole. This hole lets air in while you drink and seals when the straw is down, preventing leaks. It’s a thoughtful design detail.
At the bottom of the bottle, the removable silicone bumper adds an extra layer of protection and allows for a quiet set-down on any surface, like your desk.
Potential Pitfalls
The Takeya bottle comes with only a straw lid, which is a bit of a letdown for me as I’m not a big fan of this lid type. Sure, you can buy the compatible spout lid separately, but it costs an additional $6-$10.
That said, if you prefer straw lids, this won’t be an issue for you.
One more thing I noticed is that you need to be careful not to misplace the silicone bumper since it tends to be a bit loose.
Also, these 22 oz. this bottle offers get consumed pretty quickly and you’ll need to refill it quite often. If Takeya ever decides to make larger versions, I’ll be first in line.
Verdict
Priced at $23, the Takeya glass water bottle offers excellent value and is the best glass water bottle I’ve tried so far. The thermo-shock-resistant borosilicate glass and Advanced Sure-Grip Safe Shell technology make it both strong and comfortable to use.
This bottle meets most of my needs and could be a reliable addition to your routine as well.
Ello Syndicate 20 oz. Glass Water Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Ello Syndicate is, in my experience, the best budget glass water bottle you can get. Priced at $16, it keeps your water tasting pure and looks great.
Key Features
The most significant advantage of this bottle is its price. At $16, you get quality without breaking the bank. Compared to other bottles that often cost $25 or more, this one offers value and lets you afford a couple of them. I recommend getting two so you can easily rotate them for cleaning and drying.
I especially love the one-touch quick-flip lid of this bottle because it makes it easy to drink directly from the glass, avoiding any contact with plastic. Your beverages taste just as they should, with no aftertaste.
Additionally, the lid pushes up and away from the bottle opening, so you can drink without it hitting your face or losing the cap.
Ello even has this cool feature called “Guardian,” which is essentially an anti-microbial silicone seal that helps prevent bacterial growth on your drink surfaces.
Although the capacity is only 20 oz., I find this an advantage because this smaller size makes it compact and easy to take anywhere.
It fits into all cup holders I’ve tried, unlike bigger bottles and the built-in carry loop adds convenience, making it ideal for car travel, gym routines, work, school, and more.
Cleaning is straightforward too. All parts of the bottle are top rack dishwasher safe, and there’s no need to remove the silicone sleeve.
But my absolute favorite feature has to be the lid with its clever and unique locking mechanism that stops leaks if you accidentally press the button. I can’t emphasize enough how handy this feature has been for me!
Potential Pitfalls
The Ello bottle is not the most sturdy option available and if you’re prone to dropping things, this bottle can shatter easily.
I haven’t seen information on whether the material is borosilicate glass or regular glass, but I suspect it’s the latter. Fortunately, the silicone sleeve can save the bottle from breaking.
The biggest downside, though, is the weight – it’s surprisingly noticeable. My empty Ello bottle weighs in at 21.4 ounces, and the silicone sleeve, while super handy for protection, adds quite a bit to the overall weight. Because of that, it’s not exactly my top choice for portability.
Verdict
The Ello Syndicate bottle is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
The one-touch quick-flip lid and silicone sleeve are standout features. While it’s not the most durable bottle, the compact size and ease of use make it a great companion for daily activities. If you handle it with care, this bottle can be a reliable part of your routine.
Waterdrop Glass Bottle
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
The Waterdrop bottle was my first glass bottle, and I bought it nearly two years ago. It’s still going strong, with just a bit of minor cap damage. I absolutely love this bottle for its pure taste and beautiful design, plus the protective sleeve that comes with it is a nice touch!
Key Features
The standout feature of the Waterdrop bottle is its fantastic neoprene sleeve, which is super soft to the touch and lightweight, unlike the Ello Syndicate, for example. It even comes with a handy strap that can comfortably fit four fingers if you want!
The look of the bottle and sleeve is absolutely stunning! Honestly, it’s one of the prettiest bottles in my collection.
The bottle is made from durable borosilicate glass, and I’ve already dropped it on a wooden floor more than once without it breaking! Luckily, I usually keep it in a neoprene sleeve, but I think it could handle a few drops without the sleeve – just definitely not on concrete.
Potential Pitfalls
One standout feature of this bottle is the bamboo cap. I have to say, it looks gorgeous, but it’s not the most durable option. I try to handle it gently, yet somehow it still ended up cracking in a few spots.
Another key downside is that the bottle can be a pain to clean. With its narrow opening, you’ll need to spend extra time getting into all the nooks and crannies with a brush. However, it’s dishwasher safe, so it can definitely save you a lot of time and nerves.
The cap design adds to the hassle too. The silicone gasket tends to trap a lot of gunk, so you’ll have to clean it often to keep it fresh. Plus, that area isn’t easy to reach, so a small brush is a must!
Verdict
The Waterdrop bottle might not top this ranking (mainly because it’s overpriced) but I genuinely love using it. The blend of pure taste, solid durability, and the stylish neoprene sleeve makes this bottle one of my favorites!
Are Glass Water Bottles Healthier Than Alternatives?
Glass is the safest water bottle type because it’s chemical-free and made from natural materials.
You don’t have to worry about any harmful substances leaching into your drink. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially if you’re health-conscious.
Another big plus is how easy glass bottles are to clean. Glass is non-porous, so it doesn’t absorb odors or bacteria, which helps keep your bottle pristine and fresh.
Most glass bottles are also dishwasher-safe, making them incredibly convenient to maintain.
Why Are Glass Water Bottles Expensive?
While compared to high-end stainless steel or aluminum bottles, glass water bottles often come out cheaper. Even some plastic bottles can be pricier. However, when you’re looking at an investment of $20 or more, it might still feel like a lot.
One reason for the cost is the quality of materials. Glass water bottles are made from durable borosilicate glass, which can withstand temperature changes and is less likely to break than regular glass. The production process for borosilicate glass is more complex, which adds to the cost.
Then there’s the design and additional features. Many glass bottles come with silicone sleeves for extra protection and grip. These sleeves not only help prevent breaks but also add to the overall aesthetics of the bottle.
Some designs also include features like leak-proof lids and easy-carry handles, which add to the cost but enhance usability.
Is Glass Water Bottle Better than Stainless Steel?
Whether a glass water bottle is better than stainless steel depends on what you value most. If taste purity and chemical-free materials are your top priorities, go with glass. If durability and versatility matter more to you, stainless steel might be the better choice.
First, let’s talk about taste purity. Glass bottles win hands down. Every sip tastes exactly how it should, without any metallic or plastic aftertaste. If you enjoy savoring the true flavor of your drink, glass is the way to go.
Most glass bottles are also dishwasher safe, which is a convenient feature. Stainless steel bottles require a bit more care to avoid any residual taste from previous drinks.
However, stainless steel bottles aren’t without their merits. They are incredibly durable and versatile. You can take them on rugged hikes, camping trips, or anywhere you need a sturdy option. They withstand drops and bumps that would shatter some cheap glass bottle in an instant.
But probably the most important advantage of these bottles is that they often come with insulation that keep your drinks hot or cold for longer periods. This is a huge plus that makes stainless steel so versatile and popular.
Is It Better to Use Glass or Plastic Water Bottles?
If you value pure taste and environmental responsibility, glass is undoubtedly the better choice. While plastic offers convenience and durability, it falls short in other important areas.
Plastic bottles, while convenient, may not deliver the same level of purity. Over time, they can absorb flavors from previous drinks, affecting the taste of your water. This can be a deal-breaker if you enjoy savoring each sip.
In terms of environmental impact, glass stands out too. Glass bottles are fully recyclable and don’t degrade in quality over time. Plastic bottles, although recyclable, often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution.
Durability is one area where plastic has an edge, being lightweight and resistant to breaking. But modern glass bottles come with silicone sleeves or other protective features that make them more durable than you might think.
Conclusion: Are Glass Water Bottles Worth It?
If you want to feel a bit more fancy and enjoy your beverages in their purest form, a glass water bottle is well worth it.
Keep in mind that glass might not be your everyday, all-around bottle. It’s not the most versatile option if you’re someone who braves the elements regularly.
But if you’re looking to take a break from the standard stainless steel or plastic options, choosing glass can feel like a breath of fresh air. It combines safety, taste purity, and ease of cleaning into one elegant package that you’ll love.
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.
