You’ve made the decision that you’re getting an Owala. Great call. With its sleek design, clever straw lid, and loyal fanbase, Owala is one of the best water bottles. But now comes the deceptively tricky part: which size should you choose? 24, 32, or 40 ounces?
It might seem like a minor detail, but I promise, this is the kind of small decision that can make a big difference in your daily routine.
Lucky for you, I’ve personally tested all three. Yes, I own the 24 oz, 32 oz, and 40 oz Owala bottles, and I’ve put each one through real-life use. I’ll break down the pros and cons of each size, and by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which one fits your lifestyle best.
Spoiler alert? I’ve got a soft spot for the 32 oz.
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Size Comparison Table: Quick Overview
Owala FreeSip (24 oz) | Owala FreeSip (32 oz) | Owala FreeSip (40 oz) | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
Price | $29.99 | $34.99 | $39.99 |
Weight | 13.6 oz | 15.2 oz | 19.6 oz |
Dimensions | 10.68(H) x 3.12(D) | 10.66(H) x 3.43(D) | 11.64(H) x 3.60(D) |
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Owala 24 oz: Lightweight and Compact
If you’re the kind of person who likes to travel light and stay organized, the Owala 24 oz might be your perfect match. It’s the most compact of the bunch, but don’t let the smaller size fool you – it packs a lot of practical value into its sleek frame.
The standout feature is the flat-sided design, unique to this size. At first glance, it might seem like a minor detail, but in daily use, it makes the bottle easier to grip and slide into tighter spaces like backpacks, tote bags, or crowded desks. It feels great in the hand.
Then there’s the price. If you’re looking to join the Owala club without spending more than necessary, this is the most affordable option. It costs $10 less than the 40 oz version, so it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Weight is another strong point here. The 24 oz bottle is noticeably lighter than the 40 oz by around 6 ounces when empty, which may not seem like a big difference on paper, but in real-life use, it absolutely is. I tried carrying both sizes for a while during a walk in the park, and my arm definitely preferred the smaller one (obviously). For hikes, errands, or running between classes, this weight savings adds up quickly.
Now, you might assume that the smallest bottle will easily fit in a standard car cup holder, and in my case, it does. Just barely. If my Owala were even a hair wider, it wouldn’t make the cut. Most car cup holders are around 3 inches in diameter, and this bottle comes incredibly close to maxing that out.
Measuring ahead of time is your best bet, and if needed, an adjustable cup holder can solve the problem for 10-15 bucks. Alternatively, you might want to check out the Owala Twist 24 oz, which has a slimmer profile and fits perfectly in my car’s cup holders.
What about capacity? Well, 24 oz is enough for many situations, but it may fall short if you’re going to be out and about for a while without access to refills. I’ve personally run out of water a few times with this size while spending the day outdoors, so it’s best suited for shorter trips rather than all-day hydration.
That said, there are plenty of scenarios where the 24 oz shines. Quick errands, short commutes, classroom use, or gym sessions where space and weight matter most. Students, casual sippers, and anyone who prefers minimal carry weight will appreciate how easy this bottle is to toss in a bag or carry by hand. It’s also a great size for kids and teens – it won’t weigh them down, and it’s simple to handle.
Owala 32 oz: The Perfect Middle Ground?
If I had to choose just one bottle size to use for everything, the 32 oz would be it. Not just in the Owala lineup, but across all the water bottles I own, this is the size I reach for most often. It strikes the ideal balance between capacity and portability, so it’s incredibly versatile. This bottle never feels like too much or too little.
One of the main reasons I love this size is that it holds enough water to get me through longer stretches without refilling, yet it’s still manageable to carry around. On hikes or extended outdoor walks, it’s the perfect choice. It performs especially great during longer gym sessions, giving me just the right amount of hydration without interruption.
It’s true that it’s a bit heavier than the 24 oz, and yes, it almost certainly won’t fit in most car cup holders. But for me, these are small trade-offs for the extra capacity. Plus, Owala bottles are completely leakproof, so I usually just place it on the passenger seat or toss it into my bag.
While I do miss the flat sides that the 24 oz version has (it does make carrying a little easier), I find myself using the handle more often anyway, so it’s not something I dwell on.
I simply love the 32 oz. size. If I ever decide to add a fifth Owala to my collection (which is becoming more likely by the day), this is the size I would pick again without hesitation.
Owala 40 oz: Built for Serious Sippers
The Owala FreeSip 40 oz is the largest size currently available, and while I sometimes wonder if Owala will eventually drop a half-gallon jug for serious hydration fans, for now, 40 oz is the top-tier option.
I have a soft spot for this size, not just for the capacity but because mine happens to come in the darkest “very,very dark” color Owala offers. It gives off a more mature vibe compared to some of the brand’s brighter, playful colors. It feels more sleek and serious. That’s actually one of the reasons I like taking it to the office or even to meetings.
But looks aside, the magic with the 40 oz size is in the insulation. Even though all Owala bottles use the same vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction, the larger size naturally performs better when it comes to holding temperature. More internal volume means your drink stays insulated longer, thanks to less surface area relative to the amount of liquid inside. Yeah, physics.
Whether it’s ice water or hot tea, this bottle tends to hold its temperature well into the evening, a tiny touch longer than the 24 or 32 oz versions in my experience.
That said, this size does come with trade-offs. It’s not exactly something I grab when heading out for a walk or hike. Once, I took it with me on a five-mile walk through the park and I’ll just say I wouldn’t do it again. The weight becomes noticeable quickly, and it takes up a surprising amount of room in a small backpack. It’s also not fitting in any standard cup holder.
Where it really shines is in more stationary settings: at your desk, in the gym, next to your bed, or in the office. It’s perfect for those who want to sip throughout the day without constantly refilling.
Which Size Is Best for You? Use Cases by Lifestyle
Each size fits a different rhythm, a different pace, and a different story. To help you find your perfect Owala, here’s a lineup of real-life scenarios and the size that’s ready to roll with you.
| Use Case | Recommended Size | Why It’s a Good Fit |
| Commuting or Driving Daily | 24 oz | Fits in most car cup holders, holds enough water for your ride without being bulky. |
| College or School Bag Use | 24 oz | Lightweight and compact — won’t weigh down your backpack. |
| Long Workdays at a Desk | 40 oz | Fewer refills needed; keeps you hydrated throughout the day. |
| Gym or Workout Sessions | 32 oz | Easy to carry around and keeps drinks cold for longer sessions. |
| Running Errands or City Strolls | 24 oz | Light and easy to toss in a tote or sling bag. |
| Outdoor Adventures or Hiking | 32 oz | Perfect for long outings where hydration is crucial. |
| Air Travel / Carry-On Packing | 24 oz | Compact enough to meet TSA empty bottle guidelines and fit in travel bags. |
| At-Home Use (Casual) | 32 oz | Balanced size for lounging, working, or cleaning around the house. |
| Heavy Water Drinkers | 40 oz | Ideal if you’re aiming to hit a high daily water intake goal without constant refills. |
| Kids or Teens | 24 oz | Smaller and easier to handle for younger users. |
Final Verdict: My Favorite Size and Why
After rotating through all three Owala sizes in my daily life, the 32 oz bottle stands out as the clear winner for me. It hits that perfect sweet spot between capacity and portability. I get enough hydration to power through long stretches without the bottle ever feeling too bulky or cumbersome. It’s big enough that I’m not constantly hunting down a refill, but not so large that I dread carrying it around.
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.
