The Owala FreeSip and YETI Rambler are always vying for the top spot in the popularity contest. Both have legions of fans, but after some rigorous testing, my ultimate choice is clear: the Owala FreeSip.
I’ve put both bottles through their paces, and while the YETI Rambler has its merits, especially for more stationary scenarios, the Owala FreeSip simply outshines it in everyday use.
In this comparison, I’ll show you why the Owala FreeSip deserves your money more and why, although it doesn’t score as high overall, the YETI Rambler can still serve you well in certain scenarios.
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Owala FreeSip | YETI Rambler | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Price | $27.99-$37.99 | $24-$65 |
Warranty | Lifetime | 5 years |
Available Sizes | 24, 32, 40 oz. | 18, 26, 36, 46, 64 oz. |
Insulation | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
Lid/Cap Usability | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Portability | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Leakproofness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Ease of Cleaning | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Price/Value Ratio | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Final Score | 4.25/5 | 3.62/5 |
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Insulation
Both bottles offer double-wall vacuum insulation, but their performance, especially in terms of heat retention, has some interesting differences.
Owala FreeSip
Let’s start with the Owala FreeSip. I have to point out right away that you can’t use this bottle with hot beverages. The potential pressure buildup could damage the bottle, which is a bit of a bummer if you’re a coffee or tea enthusiast.
But don’t write it off just yet. What it lacks in heat retention, it more than makes up for with its stellar cold retention.
During my tests in a room temperature environment, the Owala FreeSip kept my water cold for a full 24 hours, and the temperature rose from 33°F (0.5°C) to 55.4°F (13°C) over that period.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
YETI Rambler
One obvious advantage the Rambler has over the Owala FreeSip is its ability to handle hot beverages. In my own heat retention test, it managed to keep my tea hot for a full 8 hours.
This is a good result, though I admit I’ve seen other bottles do better by an extra four hours or even more. Still, for your average day at the office or a short trip, the Rambler gets the job done.
In terms of keeping your water cold, the YETI Rambler doesn’t disappoint. It maintained a cold temperature for 24 hours effortlessly, moving from 32°F (0°C) to 54.3°F (12.4°C). That’s almost identical to what the Owala FreeSip achieved.
YETI Rambler Score
★★★★☆
Durability
While both bottles are made from the same 18/8 stainless steel and have similar durability, their lids are very different, making the YETI Rambler more durable overall.
Owala FreeSip
This bottle is noticeably lighter than the Rambler, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s weak. It’s still made from 18/8 stainless steel, which offers premium durability that’s hard to find in other bottles.
However, I can’t shake the feeling that the walls are a bit thinner and thus more susceptible to denting.
Also, the lid of the Owala FreeSip is one of the most complex lids I’ve ever come across on a water bottle. I absolutely adore its unique design, but this complexity has its downsides. One common issue people encounter is the button falling out if you’re a bit too rough with it.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
YETI Rambler
If durability had a mascot, it would be the Rambler bottle. It’s also made from 18/8 stainless steel, but there’s something about its construction that makes it feel indestructible.
The bottom of the bottle, in particular, seems thicker and more resistant to denting. I have to say, this has been my most durable bottle so far, and it’s taken some serious hits without flinching.
The real star of the show, though, is the lid, as the Rambler’s Chug Cap is the most durable lid I’ve come across. Made of thick plastic, it feels incredibly solid in your hand. I have full confidence that it won’t fall apart easily, unlike some other bottles I’ve owned.
YETI Rambler Score
★★★★★
Lid Design
I’m a big fan of Owala’s lids, and their FreeSip bottle is no exception. The YETI Rambler also offers an interesting solution with their newly upgraded Chug Cap. However, for me, there are some quirks that make Owala’s lid more enjoyable.
Owala FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip’s lid is so unique that writing about every single detail would take hours. First of all, it’s much lighter than the Rambler’s lid; you don’t even have to weigh them to notice the difference.
The most important feature is the spout, which allows you to drink in two different ways. You can either sip through the hidden straw or tilt the bottle and chug.
This 2-in-1 spout is the selling point of the Owala and something that hooked millions of people, including me. It’s not just a gimmick to make the bottle look more interesting but a fully functional feature that I use almost daily.
My favorite way to drink is through a straw. It’s possibly the most pleasurable straw I’ve ever used; it makes sipping effortless, unlike some other water bottles with straws that require a Herculean amount of suction force.
Another highlight is the opening mechanism. You push a button to open the cap, and it snaps open with a satisfying force. It does require a bit of muscle to close, but nothing that would tire you out.
The carrying handle is another thoughtful touch. It accommodates your middle and third fingers comfortably, making it easy to carry around. Although I usually prefer soft handles, this one has a unique ergonomic shape that feels surprisingly nice to hold.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★★
YETI Rambler
I’ve developed a bit of a love-hate relationship with the YETI Rambler’s Chug Cap over the years. It’s an interesting cap, and people generally like it for its durability. However, I have my gripes that make me lean more towards Owala’s FreeSip lid.
First off, let’s talk about the basics. The Rambler’s Chug Cap offers two drinking options: you can either sip from the spout or use the wide mouth.
But here’s where things get tricky. The opening process of the Chug Cap is more confusing than it should be. At first glance, it seems straightforward: unscrew the cap to access the spout or unscrew the whole lid to use the wide mouth.
However, I quickly discovered that if you screw the cap on too tightly, it unscrews the entire lid instead of just the cap. This means I have to use both hands, grabbing the narrow ring at the bottom of the lid just to unscrew the cap properly.
Another quirk is the noise. Screwing the lid on and off produces a noise that’s louder than any of my other stainless steel water bottles. It’s not unbearable, but it’s definitely noticeable. Trying to sneak a sip during a quiet meeting or a packed lecture hall suddenly becomes challenging.
Despite these quirks, the Rambler’s lid isn’t all bad. The handle is quite handy and it assists in the opening process and makes carrying the bottle easier.
YETI Rambler Score
★★★☆☆
Portability
While neither the Owala FreeSip nor the YETI Rambler are the most portable options out there, if I had to choose the more portable one, I’d go with the Owala. Its much lighter weight gives it the edge over the Rambler.
Owala FreeSip
Let’s get one thing straight: the Owala FreeSip is a chunky bottle. With a base diameter of over 3 inches, you’ll likely struggle to fit it into your car’s cup holders. This holds true for all sizes: 40 oz., 32 oz., and even the 24 oz. versions.
But what makes the Owala FreeSip more portable than the Rambler is its weight. My favorite 32 oz. version weighs in at around 15 ounces when empty, which is 7 ounces lighter than the YETI Rambler. That’s a huge difference you’ll notice right out of the box.
In addition to its relatively light weight, the FreeSip is easy to carry thanks to its handy carrying handle. I’ve managed to carry it for half an hour, even when it’s filled to the brim, without any discomfort.
The exterior coating also improves grip, reducing the chances of it slipping out of your hand. So, while it may not fit in your car’s cup holder, it’s still easy to carry around.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
YETI Rambler
The first thing you’ll probably notice about the YETI Rambler is its weight. My 26 oz. version tips the scales at 21.7 ounces when empty, making it the heaviest water bottle I own in this size range.
Does this weight affect its portability? Absolutely. That’s why I almost never consider taking my Rambler on hikes or even for casual walks in the park.
Just like the Owala FreeSip, fitting the Rambler into your car’s cup holder is a lost cause. Even the smallest 18 oz. version won’t fit into that tight space, let alone the bigger sizes.
So if you’re planning on sipping while driving, you might need to find another spot for your Rambler, perhaps nestled awkwardly in your passenger seat.
YETI Rambler Score
★★☆☆☆
Leakproofness
Leakproofness is often the top priority for many of us. There’s no clear winner here as both bottles perform exceptionally well in this department. However, because of the lid design, I trust my YETI Rambler just a bit more.
Owala FreeSip
One thing that might make you wonder about the leakproofness of the Owala FreeSip bottle is the button and I’ve heard plenty of stories of people accidentally pushing the button and spilling water everywhere.
However, the designers at Owala must have anticipated this because they introduced a carrying handle that not only helps with portability but also covers the button when not in use.
This clever design minimizes the risk of accidentally opening the bottle to almost zero. Thanks to this feature, I’ve never had any spills whatsoever.
But there’s a small caveat. You must remember to always cover the button with the handle. Initially, it might seem like an extra step, but over time, it becomes second nature. And once you’re in the habit, you’ll appreciate that extra layer of security.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★★
YETI Rambler
While the Owala FreeSip is impressively leakproof, the YETI Rambler goes a step beyond. It’s one of the few bottles that I trust completely not to let a single drop escape.
The Rambler’s sturdy build and robust lid design play a big role here. The lid and cap require some force to close and open, which adds to its reliability. This rugged construction ensures that even if you toss it into the back of your car or cram it into an overstuffed backpack, it stays sealed tight.
YETI Rambler Score
★★★★★
Ease of Cleaning
Between the Owala FreeSip and the YETI Rambler, there’s only one bottle I can confidently say is easy to clean, and that’s the YETI Rambler. On the other hand, you might find yourself spending a bit more time cleaning your Owala.
Owala FreeSip
The biggest drawback here is that the FreeSip is not dishwasher safe as running it through the dishwasher can seriously damage the bottle’s coating or impact its insulation performance.
So, manual cleaning it is. While cleaning the bottle part is pretty straightforward, the real challenge lies in the lid. Because of its complex design, there are some hard-to-reach places that require extra attention.
Ideally, you’ll want to remove the gasket and the rubber part on the cap to ensure you’re getting to all those nooks and crannies.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★☆☆
YETI Rambler
Ease of cleaning is where the Rambler absolutely shines. I’m not afraid to toss it into the dishwasher, which saves me both time and nerves.
And if you prefer to clean your bottles manually, you’ll find it much easier than tackling the Owala FreeSip.
YETI Rambler Score
★★★★★
Versatility
In terms of versatility, you’ll really see the stark differences between the Owala FreeSip and the YETI Rambler. The Owala FreeSip is my go-to for almost all places I venture, while the YETI Rambler feels more like a homebody, thriving in stationary settings.
Owala FreeSip
You probably already know that the FreeSip can keep your water cold for hours, is incredibly portable, and offers three drinking options – sip through the straw, tilt and chug, or use the wide mouth.
These features combine to make this bottle versatile and suitable for many scenarios. Because I travel a lot, I absolutely love taking my FreeSip on sightseeing adventures and most of my travels. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, so it doesn’t weigh me down.
You’ll find it’s perfect for the gym (especially the large 40 oz. size), work, commutes, classes, or even leisurely hikes. Personally, I love playing football (or soccer, if you prefer), and my Owala always tags along to the pitch.
However, if there’s one thing I wish it could do better, it’s handling hot beverages. I enjoy some tea on my winter morning walks or hikes, and unfortunately, the FreeSip isn’t designed for that. But for everything else, it’s a jack-of-all-trades.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★☆
YETI Rambler
The Rambler is the complete opposite of the FreeSip when it comes to versatility, mainly because of its weight.
I practically never take it hiking unless the hike is less than two hours. Hauling 50 ounces when the bottle is full to the brim doesn’t sound enticing to me.
The lid is another sticking point. It confuses me every time – will I open just the cap or the entire lid? This uncertainty adds a layer of frustration I could do without.
On the bright side, I absolutely love my Rambler in stationary settings. It’s perfect for the office or the gym, where it reaches its full potential thanks to its unmatched durability and decent insulation performance. In these environments, the weight isn’t an issue, and the sturdy build shines through.
YETI Rambler Score
★★★☆☆
Price/Value Ratio
Both the Owala FreeSip and YETI Rambler are premium bottles with top-notch quality, but for me, it’s the Owala FreeSip that provides more value for the money spent. Its pricing feels far more reasonable compared to the YETI Rambler.
Owala FreeSip
First off, I really appreciate the pricing of the Owala FreeSip. For the 24 oz. version, I paid $28. This might not sound super cheap, but when you compare it to the YETI Rambler, which costs $12 more for a bottle with only 2 ounces more capacity, you start to see the value.
In addition to its reasonable price, Owala offers a limited lifetime warranty. This is a huge bonus that gives you peace of mind and something YETI can’t match.
Owala FreeSip Score
★★★★★
YETI Rambler
The YETI Rambler is the most expensive stainless steel bottle this size I own. At $40 for a 26 oz. bottle, it’s a hefty price tag, no doubt.
But that’s the cost for premium durability, and the Rambler truly lives up to the hype, outlasting several cheaper bottles in my collection.
However, the Owala FreeSip can also boast impressive durability if you take good care of it and don’t put it through a war zone.
Lastly, while YETI sweetens the deal with their standard 5-year warranty, it pales in comparison to Owala’s lifetime warranty.
YETI Rambler Score
★★☆☆☆
Bottom Line: Owala Is the Winner
The Owala FreeSip takes the crown, and it’s not hard to see why. It offers more while costing less. Regardless of your age, profession, or needs, the Owala FreeSip is a versatile bottle you’ll love, even though it’s not perfect. It features a unique spout and three different drinking options, which are hard to find in other bottles.
The YETI Rambler is definitely more rugged than the Owala FreeSip and can endure more. It also keeps your tea or coffee hot, but that’s where its advantages end.
You’ll find it especially useful in stationary settings like work or the gym, where you need something extremely durable with decent insulation.
Owala FreeSip | YETI Rambler |
|---|---|
| |
Final Score: 4.25/5 | Final Score: 3.62/5 |
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.
