The best gym water bottle for 2026 for every workout, tested and approved by fitness experts

Capacity options: 21 oz.| Materials: Trutaste polypropylene with hydroguard, polyester/nylon (phone pocket) | Number of color options: 6 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: No

This larger, 21-ounce insulated is perfect for longer bouts of outdoor exercise, but it’s a good choice for hitting the gym, too, which is why it tops our list as best overall. It’s ideal for long runs on warm days when an insulated bottle like this will keep your water cold for longer than most handheld bottles. And if you’re exercising at the gym, its squeeze-bottle spray spout is handy for quick sips between sets.

Its large phone pocket is a handy feature, too. It can fit most smartphones, so you don’t have to worry about where to put it in the gym if your leggings have no pockets. But if you keep your phone in a sports bra or shorts pocket like I do, you’ll have the water bottle pocket free for other essentials like energy gels, hand sanitizer wipes and keys.

And for cyclists, if you remove the phone pocket, the bottle is sized perfectly for water bottle cage mounts on a bike. So, for spin class or a casual weekend bike ride, the Podium has you covered.

Capacity options: 14 oz., 17 oz. | Materials: Plastic | Number of color options: 3 (within package) | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: No

When I received a sample pack of these bottles from HydraPak, my first thought was that they seemed pretty basic, with no insulation or carrying mechanism. But they’re also perfect for stashing behind a tree in the park or in the shade on the track during a hard workout. I also find these bottles handy for treadmill runs, fitting neatly in my treadmill’s cupholders, with enough room left over for a phone, making them a great choice for using on any cardio machine.

It’s hard to ignore how budget-friendly they are, too. At just $22 for a pack of three, you’re looking at roughly $7 per bottle. If you hit the gym most days a week, you can keep them in rotation, washing them between uses and always having one at the ready. And if you accidentally forget a bottle at the gym, it won’t be like losing a Yeti or a BrüMate, which cost considerably more.

These bottles aren’t as versatile as other options, though. Since they’re not insulated, they won’t keep your water cold if you’re using them for outdoor exercise. They’re also not great for carrying on the run with no handle. If that’s the purpose you’d use them for, you’re better off spending a few more dollars on something with more features.

Capacity options: 23 oz., 34 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel bottle and straw, plastic lid and spout, silicone handle | Number of color options: 14 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes; lid is top-rack only

Admittedly, a fair number of bottles on our list are available on Amazon. However, if you’re looking for a bottle that checks practically every box and also costs less than many stainless steel competitors, this is the Amazon buy you should grab. The triple-insulated bottle comes in two sizes (23 and 34 ounces) with the smaller version perfectly sized to fit in practically any cardio equipment bottle holder. The flip-top spout is easy to open, drink from and seal, the screw top prevents unwanted leaks and a standout — the stainless steel straw — is durable and easy to clean.

Personally, I prefer the larger 34-ounce bottle to the narrower option. I like that it’s less likely to fall over if I set it on the floor between sets, and that, well, it just holds more water. The silicone handle is also easy to grab and carry. It’s not quite as handy as an actual handle, but more practical for most workouts. You can also string it through a gym bag or purse strap to make it easy to carry if your bag doesn’t have an integrated bottle compartment.

For anyone looking to cut down on plastic exposure, the stainless steel housing and straw are a real bonus, but the plastic spout isn’t quite as nice as BruMate’s silicone spouts (two of BruMate’s products, which also have stainless steel straws, are featured on this list),. That said, the price is considerably lower, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick, it’s hard to go wrong with the b.box brand. I was also thoroughly impressed how cold the triple-insulation kept my water. I left the bottle in my car overnight on a warm, Texas evening, and the next day when I went to grab it, there was still ice knocking around on the inside.

Capacity options: 18 oz. | Materials: BPA-free plastic, nylon, spandex, polyester (for the handle) | Number of color options: 5 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: No

Before testing , I was already a fan of its predecessor, the 14-ounce ExoShot 2.0, which had been my go-to for some time. It’s collapsible, compact and lightweight, making it easy to slip into a pocket whether it’s filled with water or not. Plus, it comes in my favorite color — hot pink (or, as the company labels it, ). Both of our experts are also fans of Nathan’s soft-flask bottles.

“I use this bottle on all runs longer than 30 minutes in the summer and for my long runs in the winter, as well as in my marathons,” says , an RRCA-certified running coach in Boulder, Colo. “I love that I can easily toss some powdered electrolytes in there and easily sip every mile or so.”

This version has a few key upgrades — a greater fluid capacity and insulation, so it keeps your water colder for longer. Like the hard plastic bottles featured here, it’s also easy to fill and freeze ahead of time, melting down quickly in the summer heat to deliver extra cold water.

One downside to the collapsible flask is that it can develop residue buildup if not hand-washed promptly after use (particularly if you’re adding electrolyte or other drink mixes to your water), and it’s also not dishwasher-safe. Additionally, the flask doesn’t have enough storage space for a phone, which could be a significant drawback, especially considering the higher price point of this bottle.

Capacity options: 18 oz., 26 oz., 36 oz., 46 oz., 64 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 14 | Lid options: 3 (bottle straw cap and cup cap at an additional cost) | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Even among non-fitness enthusiasts, Yeti has a reputation for offering high-quality insulated drinkware like . We love that this bottle comes in a variety of capacities — from 16 to 64 ounces — and can handle both hot and cold beverages and is dishwasher-safe Best of all, its “chug” spout allows for sucking down extra water after powering through a set of heavy squats or doing a set of burpees. So, for a gym or track-based workout, it’s hard to beat.

In fact, for me, it’s a go-to for track workouts during the summer. There’s nothing better than stopping for ice-cold water or electrolytes between all-out sprints, and I love that I can trust this water bottle to keep my fluids cold no matter how long my workout takes.

Walking and hiking fans will appreciate the easy-to-carry handle lid, but the biggest drawback is it’s on the heavier side, which makes it too awkward to carry during long runs or workouts where you can’t keep an eye on it. The 36-ounce size I tested is too bulky to fit in a treadmill or cardio machine cupholder, but the 16- and 26-ounce options might fit, given their more narrow size.

Capacity options: 22 oz., 32 oz., 40 oz., 64 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 5 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

It’s always a pain when your water bottle isn’t cardio-machine-friendly, leaving you with no option but to place it on the floor out of reach. Most cardio machine water bottle cages are smaller than car cupholders (depending on the machine), so even bottles that work in your car won’t necessarily work on your treadmill. Most treadmills, ellipticals and bikes can only fit a taller, narrower bottle like the durable, 22-ounce.

It has a 3-inch diameter that fits comfortably in hand, and the lid has a spout opening with a built-in ice blocker so you can take easy swigs without breaking a stride and without spills. A quick-drink feature like this is perfect for getting gulps in while playing sports or while catching your breath during a recovery interval on your cardio machine.

Fill-ups are easy with a twist-off lid, and it has a carrying loop for maneuvering. A removable bumper also helps protect the bottle against dings should you drop it by accident.

The bottle is spillproof when the lid is secure — meaning your gym bag won’t get soggy — and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Capacity options: 30 oz., 40 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel, silicone | Number of color options: 14 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

If you want a high-capacity tumbler that serves you all day, in the gym, on errands, at work or wherever life takes, you, it’s going to be hard to beat BrüMate’s Era Tumbler. Straws make it easier to gulp down your water without spills and insulation means your water will be nice and cold when you do. It’s also worth noting that the water-touching portions of this bottle are completely plastic-free — a benefit if you’re trying to cut down on plastic exposure. The housing and internal straw are stainless steel and the external spout is silicone.

Like many similar (and popular) straw water bottles on the market, this insulated, double-walled tumbler can keep drinks cold for over 24 hours. What sets it apart is its 100% leak- and spillproof cap and straw. The lid screws on (so it won’t pop off), and the cap features a twist function at the straw that completely seals the opening, ensuring you won’t have to worry about leaks — even if it falls off a weight bench or gets knocked over by a fellow gym-goer.

The design is car cupholder-friendly, but it may still be too bulky to fit in some cupholders of cardio equipment. Even if it fits in your machine’s cupholders, it may be a bit top-heavy, risking a tumble, especially if the machine moves or shakes at all as you push through a high-intensity interval, so test it with some mild measure of caution.

I also love that the cup is completely top-rack dishwasher-safe, and depending on the color, the cup may be bottom-rack-safe, too (you have to check the specific model’s indications when you receive it). This comes in handy if you’re sipping smoothies or protein drinks and you want a little extra help washing the residue out.

Capacity options: 25 oz., 35 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel, silicone | Number of color options: 16 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Know what I love about this bottle? It’s a straw bottle that doesn’t look like a straw bottle. The wide-mouth external (silicone) spout makes it easy to gulp down liquids, but you don’t have to tip the bottle back to do so — it’s attached to an internal stainless steel straw that makes it easy to simply suck water down. The bottle also offers all the features BrüMate bottles are known for — a leakproof lid and stainless steel insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold.

The flip-top makes it easy to access your drink and the carry handle is functional for toting the bottle around. You also don’t have to worry about whether the handle will interfere with storage in a cardio machine water bottle holder. The narrower, 25-ounce bottle fits in most machines, although the larger, 35-ounce bottle is less likely to fit unless your tread or elliptical has a larger holder for a bottle.

The screw top lid is also extra wide, which makes it easy to fill with ice. As for cleaning, this bottle is extra nice — all parts are dishwasher safe (although the lid should be top rack only) and the silicone sleeve and spout can be removed for more careful cleaning. And like BrüMate’s Era bottle, all parts that come into contact with water or your mouth are plastic-free — a great win for those trying to reduce plastic exposure.

Of course, like most larger, stainless steel bottles, its heavier weight and size makes it less-functional for long distance running workouts. Likewise, the 35-ounce version may not fit every cardio machine holder.

Capacity options: 24 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 11 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Lid only

Whether you’re looking to shake up a pre-workout supplement or a post-workout protein shake, you may want to carry a shaker bottle with you to the gym. The BlenderBottle Strada Shaker Cup is the perfect double-duty water bottle with a BlenderBall whisk to quickly mix protein and creatine powders into your water without clumps. It’s also great to re-fill with electrolyte powder after a sweaty training session when you need to replenish lost minerals.

Plenty of mixer cups exist on the market, but the Strada Shaker Cup is particularly nice because it’s stainless steel and insulated, so it’ll keep your drinks nice and cold. The stainless steel design also helps reduce the likelihood of lingering odors from supplement powders clinging to the inside of the bottle — not what you want when you use it as a water bottle and a supplement shaker.

The lid of this bottle is also lockable and dishwasher-safe — two handy features. That said, the cup shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher. Fortunately, it’s easy to wash by hand.

Capacity options: 14 oz. | Materials: Bottle, BPA-free plastic; sleeve, nylon and polyester | Number of color options: 2 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: No

I’ve been a long-time user of Nathan hydration products, and its handhelds are consistently reliable — they don’t leak and are comfortable to carry. I especially like that as you drink, the bottle collapses down, making it easier to carry on long runs.

At 14 ounces, this is a lower-capacity water bottle, which has its advantages and disadvantages. We love that it’s light and compact. It’s ideal for lower-intensity workouts at the park, hikes, walks or runs along trails or in gyms that have easy-to-access water fountains for regular refills. It’s not big enough for longer bouts of activity when you don’t have a way to replenish it, though.

It also features a hand strap that allows for grip-free carrying (you don’t have to worry about dropping it) and an exterior pocket large enough for keys, a credit card or energy gels, although it may not accommodate a hefty smartphone. If that’s an important factor for you, it’s worth considering. One more feature we love? The reflective sleeve. For outdoor workouts at dusk or dawn, the added reflection pumps up visibility and safety. Not to mention, if you workout at a track or park, you can set the bottle down and still find it more easily, thanks to those same reflective strips.

Capacity options: 101 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel (straw is plastic) | Number of color options: 4 | Lid options: 1, but has “chug” and straw options integrated | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Whether you’re an athlete or someone who just wants to drink more water, a bottle that provides maximum capacity with a minimal refill requirement may be just what you need. This 101-ounce water bottle (that’s more than 3/4 gallons) from Zulu is particularly helpful. Simply fill it up at the beginning of the day and carry it with you to have a constant hydration reminder right at your side.

Not only is this a mega-sized bottle, but it’s also great for keeping drinks hot or cold. The vacuum-sealed stainless steel insulation can keep drinks cold for several days or hot for up to 24 hours. We appreciate that the lid is leakproof and offers two options for drinking — a wide-mouth spout for gulping down water or a straw for sipping. The extra-large handle also makes it easier to carry around this super-sized bottle.

Of course, this is a good option for all-day use and workouts at home or the gym, but it’s not practical to carry with you while running or riding your bike — it’s simply too big and bulky (even unfilled it weighs more than three pounds).

One more thing to love? The price. At less than $50 when on sale, it’s significantly more affordable than other, similarly sized insulated bottles. For instance, Hydro Flask’s 128 oz. Oasis Water Jug will cost you $125 while Yeti’s will set you back $130. If your goal is to increase your water intake and make sure you’re drinking enough before, during, and after your workouts, this affordable option does the trick.

Capacity options: 20 oz. | Materials: Silicone and #5 recyclable plastic| Number of color options: 7 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

I’ve tried a number of rollable, collapsible and otherwise packable water bottles over the years. This is the only one that I’ve held on to. While it takes a decided backseat to my larger, insulated water bottles, it’s hard to beat when it comes to travel. It collapses to just a few inches tall, its lid screws down tight for a leak-proof seal and it’s dishwasher safe, thanks to its silicone construction (I’d still keep it on the top rack only, though). It also feels more substantial than a lot of the other collapsible, travel-friendly water bottles I’ve tried — it holds its shape and is easy to grip.

All of these features make it a great, lightweight choice for packing in a carry-on bag to have available when you reach your destination for scenic hikes or bike rides. I also appreciate that the mouth is wider than that of many competitors, making it easy to add ice cubes inside. That’s a bonus, given that the bottle isn’t insulated, so unless you fill it and freeze it in advance, it won’t stay cold for very long. Its capacity is also on the lower end, so if you’re going to participate in a long or sweaty workout, you’ll want to ensure you’re near a water fountain or another water source so you can refill it.

Capacity options: 20 oz. | Materials: Glass, silicone| Number of color options: 10 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

“Gym workouts” and “glass water bottles” don’t sound all that compatible. If you accidentally kick a glass water bottle against the base of a steel-framed squat rack, the result isn’t going to be good. But if you’re looking for a plastic-free water bottle and you’d prefer a non-stainless steel solution, your only good options are glass or silicone. While silicone has its place (like Stojo’s collapsible travel bottle featured above), its flexible construction may not appeal to everyone. So, if you’re going to go non-stainless steel? I’d suggest opting for this Ello glass water bottle.

The 20-ounce capacity is good for standard workouts where you won’t need extra water, the lid screws on tight for a leakproof seal, the flip-top offers a wide mouth to chug water from and the silicone sleeve helps protect the bottle from bumps and breakage. While the bottle isn’t insulated, the lid is wide enough to throw in extra ice and the narrower shape allows it to sit comfortably in most cardio machine cup holders. It’s also lighter weight than most stainless steel bottles. And, as you might expect from a glass water bottle, it’s also dishwasher safe and won’t retain odors — a nice feature if you want to use it for water at the gym and an iced coffee at the office.

Of course, it’s not perfect, The bottle, once again, is glass. While the silicone sleeve helps reduce the chance of breakage, you don’t want to drop this one by accident. Also, the carry strap is a bit small and not as convenient to hold compared to many of the options on our list. Finally, while the flip top snaps securely, it doesn’t feel exceptionally durable — with time and use, it might stop working as reliably (or at all).

Capacity options: 1.5L | Materials: Bladder, plastic; vest, nylon/polyester | Number of color options: 2| Lid options: NA | Dishwasher-safe: No

Alright, so a hydration pack isn’t technically a water bottle, but for individuals who engage in long, outdoor workouts, it’s hard to overlook the benefits of carrying your water on your back. This lightweight vest includes a 1.5-liter bladder and an easy-to access bite valve that makes it possible to sip hands-free. The pack also provides pockets for storage of keys, phone, gels and other necessities, and it offers an all-over reflective design for added visibility.

In testing, I found the pack to be comfortable to wear — no rubbing or chafing — and easy to adjust to achieve the right fit. The pack itself is machine washable and easy to clean, just make sure you remove the bladder, tubing and bite valve. The bladder itself is a bit more challenging to clean, which is why this option is best reserved for events or extra-long mileage days, rather than frequent trips to the gym.