There's nothing like a big swig of cold water during a tough workout, which is why water bottles are a gym bag staple. But staying hydrated while you run, lift, cycle or otherwise get your sweat on is more important than you might think. Whether or not you keep on top of your fluid intake affects how well you perform, how likely you are to get injured and how quickly you recover, according to science.
It's tricky to know exactly how much water you'll need, explains Chris Mohr, PhD, an exercise physiologist in Louisville, Ky. How much you tend to sweat, whether you're acclimatized to the heat or environment, your age, gender, body weight, and the duration of your workout, all play a role, which is why it's essential to carry water with you, he says. "It's important to start hydrating before feeling thirsty — a very general guideline is to aim [to drink] about 17-24 ounces (that's about 2-3 cups) before exercise and about 4-8 ounces (1/2-1 cup), or several large gulps of fluid, every 15-20 minutes during activity," recommends Mohr.
Of course, the type of water bottle I want to carry with me on my long-distance runs may not be the same one I want to have when I'm hitting the gym for strength training or knocking out a few miles on a treadmill at home. So, to find the best gym water bottle, best running water bottle and best water bottle for every workout, I tested a range of options to see how they faired during exercise. Here are our top picks for the best water bottles for athletes and gym-goers.
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If you're looking for the best water bottles for general use, check out our article, where we tested more than 100 different bottles.
Table of contents
Update, Feb. 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability and added more context about different types of workouts. Our number one pick for best gym water bottle remains unchanged.
Best gym water bottle overall
CamelBak
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 CamelBak bottle 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.
Other top gym water bottles we recommend for 2025
HydraPak
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.
Nathan
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 this bottle from Nathan, 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, magenta). 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 Sarah Manderscheid, 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.
Yeti
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 this rambler water bottle. 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.
Takeya Sport
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 Takeya Sport Insulated Water Bottle.
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.
BrüMate
Capacity options: 30 oz., 40 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 14 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
If you want a high-capacity water bottle 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.
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 has a twist function at the straw that completely seals the opening, so 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 cardio equipment cupholders. 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.
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.
BlenderBottle
Capacity options: 24 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 11 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Lid only
If you're lifting for a while, getting some intra-workout protein or carbs can help you power through the rest of your session. The BlenderBottle Strada Shaker Cup is the perfect double-duty water bottle with a BlenderBall whisk to quickly mix protein and supplement 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.
Nathan
Capacity options: 12 oz. | Materials: Polyurethane | Number of color options: 4 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes
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. Many Amazon reviewers feel the same. "The last one I purchased lasted 10 years and about 20,000 miles of running/hiking/climbing. Fill it, chunk it in the freezer, and you have cold water for an hour and a half at least in the blazing sun. Double insulated, very durable. It's my go to running companion. Fits to your hand like a glove with a nice zippered pouch to put keys, cash, wallet in. Lightweight too. I expect to get a lot of years and a lot of miles out of this new one I ordered," shares one such customer. Like the ExoDraw 2.0 highlighted earlier, this model is insulated to keep your water colder, longer.
At 12 ounces, this is a lower-capacity water bottle, which has its advantages and disadvantages. We love that it's light and compact, making it easy to carry. 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 top it up, though.
It also features a pocket large enough for a phone or energy gels, but it may not accommodate all phone sizes. If that's an important factor for you, it's worth considering.
Aquafit
Capacity options: 128 oz. | Materials: BPA-free plastic | Number of color options: 9 | Lid options: 2 | Dishwasher-safe: No
If you're an active person or athlete or just want to drink more water, a bottle that helps you track your intake is an ideal tool. This one-gallon water bottle from Aquafit is particularly helpful. Simply fill it up at the beginning of the day and carry it with you so all your daily water is on hand. Time markers will help remind you when to drink and how much to aim for, plus milliliter and ounce markings help you stick to the hydration recommendations during your workouts.
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 (when filled, it weighs more than 8 pounds). Also, it's not insulated, so it won't keep your beverages cold.
Insulated alternatives, like the Coolflask Gallon Water Bottle ($48) and the Hydro Flask 128 oz. Oasis Water Jug ($116) are on the market, but you'll spend a lot more, and even those cost less than Yeti's version ($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.
Factors to consider when buying a water bottle
When choosing a water bottle for exercise, it's crucial to first think about how you'll be using it and which features are most critical for your needs. All of these factors may affect which bottle is best for you.
Workout environment: For workouts in hot and humid conditions, like outdoors in the summer, sweaty HIIT studios or hot yoga, prioritize insulation to keep your drinks cold. You may also need to consider a larger bottle to ensure you have enough to keep you going throughout your workout if you won't have access to a water source as you exercise.
Ease of refills: For indoor workouts or workouts on trails where you have easy access to a water fountain, insulation or size may not be as important. You can choose a larger or smaller bottle, depending on your preference.
Ease of transport: If you're a runner or move around the gym a lot, you'll want a water bottle you can easily take with you. Consider handheld options with a comfortable handle and storage for essentials like keys, energy gels or your phone. If holding something in your hand feels cumbersome, look for lightweight or collapsible options that fit in a pocket. While we didn't review any for this piece, you may also want to consider vests that carry multiple water bottles or hydration packs you can wear on your back.
Spout: Ensure the bottle has a lid or spout that's easy to sip from during your workout. You may not want options you have to unscrew and screw back on after every sip. Wider-mouth bottles, those with flip caps or squeeze spouts, and those with straws may all be better choices.
Weight: Stainless steel and insulated bottles weigh more than plastic bottles. Likewise, larger bottles weigh more when filled to capacity. Consider whether you'll be carrying your bottle with you or if you can store it during your workout. If you'll be carrying it with you, you may want lighter options.
Cleaning specifications: You might also consider how easy it is to clean or whether it's dishwasher-safe. However, in my experience, comfort and durability should take priority. My go-to handheld for running is the Nathan ExoDraw 2.0, which isn't dishwasher-safe and must be hand-washed. But to me, that's a fair trade-off for a lightweight hydration system that I can depend on throughout my marathon training season.
Trackers for water intake: Some bottles offer markings on the side that show how much water is in the bottle (and how much you've consumed). This can be helpful if you're trying to meet specific goals.
Shaker bottle options: Some bottles can be used as shaker bottles to mix up protein drinks, pre-workouts and electrolyte powders. If you like to add supplements to your water, this feature may be important.
Width of bottle: If you need to store your water bottle on your cardio machine or in a bike cage, the width of the bottle is important — wider or bulkier bottles are less likely to fit.
How we tested the best water bottles
As a seasoned marathon runner and USATF Level 1-certified run coach living in Houston — one of the hottest climates in the U.S. — I've had plenty of experience trying hydration options for exercising, both indoors and outdoors. I used my experience to guide my research and I tapped two additional experts — Chris Mohr, PhD, an exercise physiologist in Louisville, Ky., and Sara Manderscheid, an RRCA-certified coach in Boulder, Colo. — to provide feedback on the importance of staying hydrated while exercising. They also offered suggestions for the brands and styles of water bottles to test.
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Based on this expertise, I researched the top brands and models and selected 13 bottles to put to the test. I considered a wide range of workouts and corresponding needs to assess the benefits and drawbacks of each water bottle based on the product's features. While reviewing bottles, I looked for insulated models offering storage options like pockets for keys, energy gels or a phone for outdoor workouts. I looked for stronger insulation features and larger fluid capacity for bottles not carried during exercise. I considered the width of the bottle, spout type, any carrying features and whether it was dishwasher-safe. In total, I tested 13 products over six weeks and narrowed my selection down to the top nine included here.
FAQs
What is BPA, and why should I avoid it?
When shopping for water bottles, you might notice most plastic options are labeled BPA-free polyurethane or plastic. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics found in various products like eyeglasses, windows and water bottles.
Research shows that exposure to BPA could be linked to an increased risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular and liver disease and breast cancer. This potential risk has led many consumers to opt for BPA-free alternatives when choosing plastic products.
How often should I clean my water bottle?
You should clean your water bottle after every use to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and residue buildup, particularly if you're adding supplements or electrolyte solutions to your water. Many bottles aren't dishwasher-safe but are relatively easy to clean quickly by rinsing out with water and some dish soap.
Can I put my water bottle in the dishwasher?
Many hard plastic or stainless steel water bottles are safe to put in the dishwasher. However, if you find a soft-flask bottle more comfortable to exercise with, you can easily keep it clean by hand-washing it daily to avoid bacteria growth and buildup.
What's the best water bottle for running?
As an experienced marathoner, my current preferred water bottle is the Nathan ExoDraw 2.0. This soft-flask bottle is impressively lightweight, holding 18 ounces of fluid. Whether full or empty, it easily fits into my shorts or sports bra pocket, and it's just as comfortable to carry in my hand as it's designed to do.
What's the best water bottle for the gym?
You can be less picky with materials and accessories when choosing a water bottle for an indoor environment like the gym. My current favorite is the HydraPak Tempo because the slim plastic bottle fits easily into a treadmill or other cardio machine cupholder and is easy to sip from mid-workout. It's also incredibly affordable at roughly $7 per bottle.
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Other water bottles we tested
HydraPak SkyFlask Speed bottle: This soft-flask water bottle is similar to the Nathan ExoDraw 2.0 included on this list but falls short for several reasons. For one, it's not insulated, so water doesn't stay cold once you get moving. It also lacks a pocket to store gels or keys, and the handle isn't as secure as the Nathan bottles. Lastly, I noticed electrolyte residue buildup in the lid spout and around the top of the bottle despite cleaning it shortly after each initial use.
Gatorade Gx Water Bottle: While these bottles are fun because you can customize them to display your name on the lid, they're ultimately not the best for outdoor exercise. Since they're plastic and offer no insulation, they won't keep your water or electrolytes cold unless you freeze them, and even then, not for long. They're also too big to carry and don't have a handle or pouch of any sort, so they're better suited for stashing, though you'll have to hope you can find a shaded spot to do that.
Nathan ExoShot 2.0 Handheld: This is an old favorite of mine, which was quickly replaced by the Nathan ExoDraw 2.0, as it's slightly bigger in capacity and is insulated. This one still works great in a pinch, though, as it's easily freezable, fits in a pocket and is available in my favorite hot pink color.
S'well Traveler: Compact and cardio-machine-friendly, this insulated water bottle is a nice option for general use, but the cap has to be screwed and unscrewed for every swig and there's no carrying loop included. These details make it less appropriate for exercise and gym workouts.
