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The Hydro Flask has given customers the ability to drink cool water anywhere — even in a hot car after a three-hour shopping trip. That said, the price tag can be a bit out of reach for some buyers. Luckily, the best Hydro Flask alternatives offer the essential features of temperature retention, a travel-friendly design, and toxin-free materials for a better price.
What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Hydro Flask Alternatives
The bottle's construction is essential as Hydro Flask both preserves the interior temperature and prevents sweating, but it's not the only water bottle to offer these features. Keep an eye out for bottles with dual-wall stainless steel vacuum insulation and a secure lid, as these keep water and other drinks at your preferred temperature for longer without external sweating. It'll also prevent leaks so you can toss it isn’t a bag without worry.
Next, pinpoint your ideal size. Some health experts advise people to sip water consistently throughout the day, and when it comes to maintaining the habit, a large-capacity water bottle can more convenient. That said, 40-ounce bottles are heavier, bulkier, and pricier, while a 14-ounce bottle requires regular refilling. Most buyers opt for something in between, though these alternatives come in different sizes to suit your lifestyle.
Last but not least, consider how you’ll be drinking out of the water bottle. The options below are largely leak-resistant and temperature-preserving, but it's the mouthpiece that impacts your drinking experience. Screw-top lids are often the most leak-proof, while straws are easier to sip on-the-go, but may drip when turned upside-down. Some lids feature small handles for easier transporting like the original Hydro Flask. Many of the lids on these are conveniently dishwasher safe, but all of the bottles must be hand-washed.
Shop The Best Hydro Flask Alternatives
In a hurry? These are the best Hydro Flask alternatives:
- The Overall Best Hydro Flask Alternative: Takeya Originals Insulated Water Bottle
- The Best Cheap Large-Capacity Water Bottle: Bubba Trailblazer Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle
- The Fan-Favorite Water Bottle With A Mouthpiece: Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle
- The Editor-Approved Alternative With An Infuser: Welly Traveler Water Bottle
- The Best Insulated Water Bottle With A Straw: HYDRO CELL Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- The Best Big Bottle For Meeting Your Daily Hydration Goals: MiiR Insulated Growler
For all the benefits of Hydro Flask without the hefty price tag, these are the six best options on the market:
1The Overall Best Hydro Flask Alternative
The Takeya Originals insulated water bottle has been my hydration solution of choice for years, and according to the 34,000-plus ratings, others are just as thrilled. This bottle makes for an incredible Hydro Flask alternative due to its double-wall stainless steel interior, leak-proof easy-drink spout, and convenient built-in handle. It’s also available in multiple sizes and colors, keeps your water cold for up to 24 hours, and won’t sweat thanks to the powder-coated exterior. Since sizes start at $21, it’s a smart choice that won’t break the bank.
One reviewer wrote: “I absolutely LOVE this bottle! I got it to replace my HydroFlask that I lost. This is even better. I love the drinking spout, the carrying handle and the capacity while remaining pretty compact. So glad I saw this and didn’t order another overpriced bottle with a wide mouth for drinking (hello dribbles during workouts!) if you’re on the fence about this bottle, I highly recommend it!”
Quick Specs: Stainless Steel (copper-plated interior) | Double-wall Vacuum-insulated | Leak-proof | Keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours (according to the manufacturer).
Available sizes: 18 ounces, 24 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces | Available colors: 12
Also available on: Walmart, $28
2The Best Cheap Large-Capacity Water Bottle
It’s not easy to find a highly rated vacuum-insulated water bottle for under $20 — especially one that has a large capacity — but the Bubba Trailblazer delivers. This 40-ounce bottle boasts a 42-hour cold-temperature retention thanks to its stainless steel interior and leak-proof lid. You can choose from options with narrow spouts or straws, depending on your drinking preferences, and it features a hinged handle that flips upwards for convenient traveling. If you’re looking for a large capacity bottle at a shockingly low price, you likely won’t find a better deal than this one.
One reviewer wrote: “It checks all the boxes - great look, nice opening for ice cubes, nice gulp spout, love the ease of closing the twist lid, sturdy handle, keeps ice cubes and drink cold for 42 hours! [...] Can’t beat the price either.”
Quick Specs: Stainless Steel | Double-wall Vacuum-insulated | Leak-proof | Keeps beverages cold for 42 hours and hot for up to 12 hours (according to the manufacturer).
Available sizes: 24 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces | Available colors: 7
Also available on: Walmart, $15
3The Fan-Favorite Water Bottle With A Mouthpiece
Much like the other options on this list, the Contigo Autoseal water bottle utilizes dual-wall vacuum insulation and a convenient carrying handle. That said, unlike the others, this one has an automatic button that seals the lid between sips to prevent spills or leakage — plus it protects the mouthpiece against germs and allows you to drink with a single hand. It comes in over a dozen colors and fits in most cup holders thanks to the slim 24-ounce design. Plus, it’s backed by an outstanding 4.8 stars overall after more than 36,000 ratings.
One reviewer wrote: “These cups are so awesome!! You can throw it, drop it, shake it, flip it, let roll around everywhere and it will not leak. The only way anything comes out is if you push the button. 90° weather you will still have ice in your cup at the end of the day!! Definitely recommend.”
Quick Specs: Stainless Steel | Double-wall Vacuum-insulated | Leak-proof | Keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours (according to the manufacturer).
Available sizes: 24 ounces, 32 ounces | Available colors: 25
Also available on: Walmart, $21
4The Editor-Approved Alternative With An Infuser
“I have this water bottle from Welly and I’m a big fan,” wrote Kori Perten, a Bustle editor. “It’s super cute (I love the print options), has a handle on top that makes it really easy to carry, and the vacuum-insulated design seriously keeps my water cold (or hot!) all day. I also love the little tea infuser attachment that I can stick inside when I use the bottle for tea. There are a lot of insulated bottles out there, but I feel like Welly stands out with a smart design that looks seriously good.” While the inside features triple-insulated stainless steel, the exterior has silicone, bright colors and prints, and real bamboo.
One reviewer wrote: “Love it! Besides being gorgeous, the tea infuser is easy to use and keeps infusing thanks to the hot water staying HOT. It also keeps ice water cold even 10+ hours later- there’s literally still ice in it. The fact that it benefits clean water charities is a nice extra. I love my Welly!”
Quick Specs: Stainless Steel | Double-wall Vacuum-insulated | Keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours (according to the manufacturer).
Available sizes: 18 ounces | Available colors: 10
Also available on: Welly, $33
5The Best Insulated Water Bottle With A Straw
One of Hydro Flask’s main selling points is the fact that it works with multiple lids. The HYDRO CELL takes that one step further: It comes with two lids (a steel screw-top cap and a sports cap with a straw), all for a low price. This bottle offers four sizes, all of which feature a stainless-steel double-walled vacuum-insulated interior that keeps liquid hot or cold for hours. It also comes in a huge selection of eye-catching colors, some of which are even ombre.
One reviewer wrote: “I got one to keep my water cold at work and at the gym. I now carry this around EVERYWHERE. It literally keeps my water cold all the time. I put ice in it at 6am and its still ice cold at bed time.... and even the next morning. It’s the best purchase ever. I love my cup! Planning to buy another one in another color.”
Quick Specs: Stainless Steel | Double-wall Vacuum-insulated | Leak-proof | Keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 8 hours (according to the manufacturer).
Available sizes: 14 ounces, 18 ounces, 24 ounces, 32 ounces, 40 ounces, 64 ounces | Available colors: 19
Also available on: Walmart, $18 (18-ounce version)
6The Best Big Bottle For Meeting Your Daily Hydration Goals
Yes, it’s actually designed for beer, but according to Kate Miller, a Bustle editor, its size and portability also make it great for hydration: “I use this Miir growler to help me stay on top of my daily hydration goals,” Miller explains. “I love that I can fill it up once in the morning and keep pouring from it all day without having to make trips for refills. It keeps water genuinely cold and it’s easy to clean with a bottle brush." Finally, it is durable and BPA-free, and it has a built-in handle.
One reviewer wrote: “Stays cold for a couple of days, and the durable handle is really easy to hang on to (or hold a couple at once). I’ve had them a few months and no noticable dings or scratches so far. Well made!”
Quick Specs: Stainless Steel | Double-wall Vacuum-insulated | Pressure Lock Lid (Leak Proof) | Keeps beverages cold for 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours (according to the manufacturer).
Available sizes: 32 ounces, 64 ounces | Available colors: 2
Also available on: Miir, $55
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