There are countless water filters available today, designed to ensure that your home always has access to clean water. These large filters are helpful when you’re at home, but they are less useful when you’re on vacation or at the gym.
If you don’t have access to a water filter, it can be tempting to buy bottled water, which produces a lot of plastic waste and is expensive if done frequently. However, it is also possible to buy filtered bottles, which will remove contaminants from whichever water you fill them with.
These reusable bottles are the ideal solution for an active lifestyle, but there are many to choose from and they are not all created equal. To help you make the right purchase, we have reviewed seven of the current best filtered water bottles, chosen for their filtration type, size, and which contaminants they will remove.
- Multi-stage filter
- Organic filter
- Filter can process 75 gallons
- Durable material
- Tight seal
- User-friendly lid
- Five color options
- 36-ounce capacity
- Reduces chlorine taste
- Thorough two-stage filter
- Removes over 99% of bacteria
- Filters should last two months
- Four-stage filtration
- Wristband for secure grip
- Filters about 400 gallons
- Double-wall insulated body
- Dishwasher-safe
- Effectively removes chlorine taste and smell
How Do Filtered Water Bottles Work?
Despite their relatively small sizes, filtered water bottles often contain very complex filtration systems. These systems can vary significantly from bottle to bottle. Some water bottles filter the water as they are filled, while others filter it as you drink from them. Both methods can be effective.
Filtered water bottles will remove contaminants and other impurities from your water. This means they can also remove odors, leaving you with cleaner, fresher water. Which contaminants a bottle removes will depend on the type of filter used.
The most common type is an activated carbon filter, which typically uses three stages of filtration. Let’s take a closer look.
Pros & Cons of Filtered Water Bottles
Filtered water bottles have many benefits that make them a popular choice for both economical and environmental reasons.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider
Filtered water bottles are convenient and will reduce your environmental impact. However, like any item you are expected to eat or drink from, it is important to find a high-quality product that is suitable for your lifestyle. To help you do that, here are some of the things you should look for to buy the best filtered water bottle.
Product Reviews
With so many bottles to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth buying. To help you decide, we have reviewed seven of the best filtered water bottles that are available today. We chose these bottles based on their capacity, how effective they are, and how long their filters will last before they need to be replaced.
Epic Nalgene OG 32-Ounce
Best Large Filtered Water Bottle
If you live an active lifestyle and want to stay hydrated with clean water, the Epic Nalgene OG is an excellent option. It has an organic coconut-based carbon filter that is made in the United States.
The bottle itself is made of Tritan material and is dishwasher-safe and FDA-approved. This means you can use it with confidence that it will be completely safe. It will hold 32 fluid ounces, making it a high-capacity model.
The materials used are reusable and recyclable, and the filter is gluten-free and 100% vegan. The multi-stage filter will effectively process about 75 gallons of water, so it should last you a long time depending on how much water you drink.
What We Like
Multi-Stage
This product is one of the most effective water filter bottles that are currently available. It houses a multi-stage filtration process that utilizes depth and adsorption to remove particles as small as 1 micron.
The activated carbon coconut filter adsorbs contaminants such as heavy metals, herbicides, chemicals, and cysts.
Organic
This bottle is fitted with an organic coconut shell-based carbon-fiber mesh filter. It is eco-friendly and complies with NSF/ANSI standards. This means it has been independently tested, so you can trust that it is high quality.
Lightweight
With a generous capacity of 32 ounces of filtered water, this bottle is an excellent size for anyone who needs to stay hydrated with an active lifestyle. Despite its capacity, the bottle is lightweight and easy to carry, thanks to the convenient handle at the top.
Long-Lasting
The filter has a long lifespan by bottle standards, able to filter up to 75 gallons before it needs to be replaced. The bottle itself is also long-lasting, potentially preventing hundreds of bottles worth of plastic waste. The filter is easy to replace and the replacements are affordable.
What We Don't Like
Filter Sits High
As the filter doesn’t reach the bottom of the bottle, you can be left with some water that is difficult to get out. This also means you might suck some air through the straw alongside the water, which can be uncomfortable.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Multi-stage |
Filter Life | 75 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | 32 ounces |
Dimensions | Not specified |
Weight | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Brita 20-Ounce Stainless Steel Bottle
Best Stainless Steel Filtered Water Bottle
If you want to avoid plastic material as much as possible, we recommend this Brita stainless steel filtered bottle. It has a sleek but sturdy design that is made to last for years to come.
The activated carbon filter is very effective and should last about two months before it needs to be replaced. When the time comes to replace it, the process is very straightforward.
The lid seals tightly to prevent any leaks throughout the day. On a hot day, your water should stay cool thanks to the insulated stainless steel body.
What We Like
Durable
This Brita bottle is made of durable stainless steel and is resistant to rust, as well as physical damage. It has a slim design that is easy to hold while on the go. The bottle is also insulated, so it should keep your water cool throughout the day.
Tight Seal
A common problem with water bottles is that they leak. However, the Brita Premium’s lid seals tightly and won’t let a drop of water escape. You will be able to keep it in your bag without worrying about water damage to your belongings.
Easy Lid
It is quick and easy to open the lid while you’re out and about. The straw is easy to drink from, and the filter is at the top of the straw. This means you won’t leave any water at the bottom of the bottle due to a bad filter design.
Easy to Replace Filter
Each filter will last up to 40 gallons, so they should be replaced about every two months. Replacing the filter is very straightforward:
- Remove the old filter and rinse the new one under running water for 15 seconds.
- Place the new filter firmly into the straw and attach it to the lid.
- Fill the bottle, and it will filter the water as you drink from it.
What We Don't Like
The Lid Doesn’t Open Fully
As you drink from the bottle, you will have to either move it around or tilt your head back. Customers comment that the lid doesn’t open fully, so it might press against your cheek, nose, or chin as you drink.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Single |
Filter Life | 40 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | 20 ounces |
Dimensions | 3.2 x 3.2 x 10.8 inches |
Weight | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Brita Water Bottle With Filter
Best Cupholder Friendly Filtered Water Bottle
If your daily schedule includes constant travel, it is essential that you can take your water bottle with you to stay hydrated. This is why it is important that your bottle can fit in cup holders, such as those in a car or a child’s stroller.
Thankfully, this Brita BPA-free water bottle is an ideal fit. It also features a carrying loop so it can be attached to a backpack. It is dishwasher-safe on the top rack, making it far easier to clean than many other water filter bottles.
With a 36-fluid-ounce capacity, this bottle is a great choice for long hikes. The bottle is available in five different colors, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
What We Like
Five Color Options
If you aren’t a fan of pink, don’t worry. This Brita-filtered water bottle is also available in blush, night sky, sapphire, and sea glass.
36 Ounce Capacity
If you need a lot of water for a long hike or drive, you will appreciate this bottle’s generous 36-ounce capacity. You will be able to drink more water with fewer trips to the tap.
Reduces Chlorine Taste
Many people dislike drinking tap water as it can have an unpleasant taste or smell. Thankfully, this bottle’s filter removes most of the contaminants that cause these issues. It will allow you to enjoy your municipal water supply far more, as long as you replace the filter every couple of months.
What We Don't Like
Mold Issue in the Straw
Some customers find that mold forms at the top of the straw relatively quickly, even with regular cleaning. This is frustrating as the point of a filtered bottle is to drink clean, uncontaminated water.
Only Allows Small Sips
This isn’t the best bottle for the gym or running, as water moves through the straw quite slowly. This means you can’t drink from it quickly, which is a potential issue if you are trying to stay hydrated.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Single |
Filter Life | 40 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | 36 ounces |
Dimensions | 10.51 x 3.86 x 3.62 inches |
Weight | 8.4 ounces |
Our Ratings
LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
Best Filtered Water Bottle for Intense Activities
LifeStraw is one of the leading brands when it comes to mobile water filtration, and its Go bottle lives up to this reputation. With a two-stage filtration system, this bottle will effectively remove the majority of bacteria, parasites, and chemicals from your water.
Its slim design and carabiner mean it is easy to take wherever you go, so you should never be left without clean drinking water.
The bottle is made of BPA-free Tritan, and the mouthpiece is food-grade silicone. The filter is very thorough and should last about two months, depending on your water quality.
What We Like
Thorough Two-Stage Filter
The two-stage filter includes a hollow fiber membrane that removes bacteria and parasites. It also has an activated carbon filter that removes chemicals such as chlorine and VOCs. This filter also improves the taste and smell of your drinking water.
Fights Bacteria
If you rely on natural water sources such as rivers or creeks while hiking or camping, this water bottle will be very helpful. The two-stage filter will effectively remove over 99% of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites.
Long-Lasting Filters
Each stage of the filter has a relatively long lifespan. The microbiological filter can process up to 264 gallons. The activated carbon filter has a shorter life of 26 gallons but you should still be able to go two months between replacements. The filters are easy to find and simple to replace.
Excellent for Intense Activities
If you enjoy rock climbing, sailing, or any other intense outdoor activity, you need a water bottle that can come with you.
The LifeStraw Go is an excellent addition to an active lifestyle. It is not only sturdy but also includes a built-in carabiner, making it easy to attach to your bag or belt.
What We Don't Like
Hard to Suck
Unfortunately, this bottle is quite hard to suck water through. It requires a few strong sucks to get the water moving, which can be difficult for people with breathing issues.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Two-stage |
Filter Life | 1.056 gallons/126 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | 23 ounces |
Dimensions | 9 x 3 x 3 inches |
Weight | 6 ounces |
Our Ratings
SurviMate 4-Stage Filtered Water Bottle
Best Long-Lasting Filter
The SurviMate is an excellent bottle for anyone who spends their days in the great outdoors. It is very easy to carry thanks to its light, slimline design.
The bottle is made of food-grade Tritan copolyester, so it is BPA-free, FDA-approved, and heat-resistant. It has a wristband that will help keep it secured when hiking or running, so you won’t have to worry about losing it.
To ensure you have clean drinking water, it is equipped with a four-stage filtration system. This is highly effective and ideal for filtering water taken from natural sources such as streams and rivers.
What We Like
Four-Stage Filtration
The SurviMate water bottle boasts advanced four-stage filtration:
- Medical-grade hollow fiber membrane filter
- Coconut shell-activated charcoal
- Antibacterial beads
- Medical-grade PP cotton filter
Each time you sip, these four stages will effectively remove pollutants as small as 0.01 microns.
Excellent for Hikes
On a hike through the wilderness, there could be long distances between water sources, so a reliable water bottle is essential. The SurviMate was designed with this in mind, so it is lightweight and has a slim design that makes it easy to hold.
In addition, the wristband sits securely around the neck of the bottle and won’t come loose as you walk or run. SurviMate claims you can fill this bottle using any natural water source you might discover in the wild.
Long-Lasting
The bottle’s filter is both thorough and long-lasting. SurviMate claims it should filter almost 400 gallons, depending on the quality of the water you put through it.
What We Don't Like
Slow to Drink
Due to the four filtration stages, it can be quite difficult to initially get water to come out. Customer reviews say it requires five to eight strong sucks to get the water started, which can be challenging if you have a breathing condition.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Four-stage |
Filter Life | 396 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | 22 ounces |
Dimensions | 9.4 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches |
Weight | 6.7 ounces |
Our Ratings
SimPure Filter Bottle
Best Filtered Water Bottle for Hiking
If you love hiking, this could be the bottle you’re looking for. With an advanced four-stage filter that effectively purifies water on the go, it is the perfect companion for long stays in the wilderness.
SimPure claims you will be able to safely fill this hiking bottle with water from any rivers or creeks you find on your travels. The slim design makes it easy to carry, and the addition of a top loop makes it even more secure while running or walking over rough terrain.
What We Like
Four-Stage Filter
This bottle is equipped with an advanced four-stage filter. Its pre-filter effectively removes solids and debris. The coconut shell activated carbon filter reduces chlorine tastes and smells. The third filter removes water impurities such as bacteria, protozoan parasites, and microplastics with its 0.1-micron hollow fibers.
If any contaminants remain unfiltered after the third step, 0.2-micron PP cotton intercepts residual particles to ensure your drinking water is as clean and safe as possible.
Slim Design
Unlike many other filtered water bottles, this SimPure bottle has a slim design. It is 9.06 inches tall and 2.95 inches in diameter — easy to grab and hold, even during activities.
Long-Lasting Filter
The filter can process almost 400 gallons, enough for two to three months depending on how frequently you use it. It is easy to access the filter, as it is slim and lightweight.
Excellent for Camping and Hiking
The slimline bottle is easy to carry securely, as you should be able to fit two fingers through the top loop. Despite being slim, it is well-balanced and should stay standing even if it is placed on a slight slope.
The filter itself is very effective, you can safely fill the bottle using rivers, creeks, or lakes as you go. This makes it an overall excellent choice for time spent outdoors.
What We Don't Like
Replacement Filter Not Included
The only significant downside of this product is that it does not include a replacement filter. This means you will need to find one yourself when the initial filter reaches the end of its lifespan.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Four-stage |
Filter Life | 396.25 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | Not specified |
Dimensions | 9.06 x 2.95 x 2.95 inches |
Weight | 10.56 ounces |
Our Ratings
Philips Water GoZero Everyday Water Filter Bottle
Best 18.6-Ounce Filtered Water Bottle
The GoZero filtered water bottle from Philips Water is an excellent choice for anyone who wants pure water from every sip. It can hold 18.6 fluid ounces and the activated carbon fiber filter will process up to 40 gallons, or about two months’ worth of water.
It has a slim design that is lightweight and easy to carry. When paired with the electro-adsorptive filter it will remove bacteria and viruses. Maintaining the bottle itself can be almost effortless as it is suitable for dishwashers.
What We Like
Long-Lasting Filter
If you want a filter that will last a long time without needing to be replaced, this is an excellent option. The activated carbon filter will process up to 40 gallons of water before a replacement is required.
Improves Taste
Chlorine in tap water can create an unpleasant smell and chemical taste. The activated carbon filter in this bottle reduces chlorine and water particulates. This greatly improves the taste and odor of municipal water by adsorbing chemicals and other contaminants.
Easy to Clean
The Philips Water GoZero filtered bottle is safe to clean on the top shelf of your dishwasher, making it a very low-maintenance option.
Double-Wall Insulated Body
This bottle is double-insulated, making it ideal for keeping your drink cool on long trips.
What We Don't Like
Small Water Capacity
This is an excellent bottle in terms of filtration and keeping water cool throughout the day. Unfortunately, its 18.6-ounce capacity means your water is unlikely to last long in any case.
Product Specs
Filter Stages | Activated carbon fiber filter |
Filter Life | 40 gallons |
Bottle Capacity | 18.6 ounces |
Dimensions | 2.93 x 2.93 x 9.65 inches |
Weight | 13.58 ounces |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Filter Stages | Filter Life | Bottle Capacity | Dimensions | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epic Nalgene OG Bottle | Large | Multi-stage | 75 gal. | 32 oz | 8.8 x 4 x 3.7″ | 9.6 oz |
Brita Stainless Steel Bottle | Stainless Steel | Single | 40 gal. | 20 oz | 3.2 x 3.2 x 10.8″ | N/A |
Brita Water Bottle | Cupholder Friendly | Single | 40 gal. | 36 oz | 10.51 x 3.86 x 3.62″ | 8.4 oz |
LifeStraw Go Water Bottle | Intense Activities | Two | 126 gal. | 23 oz | 9 x 3 x 3″ | 6 oz |
SurviMate 4-Stage Bottle | Long-Lasting Filter | Four | 396 gal. | 22 oz | 9.4 x 3.1 x 3.1″ | 6.7 oz |
SimPure Water Purifier | Hiking | Four | 396.25 gal. | 20.8 oz | 9.06 x 2.95 x 2.95″ | 10.56 oz |
Philips Water GoZero | 18.6-Ounce | Activated carbon fiber | 40 gal. | 18.6 oz | 2.93 x 2.93 x 9.65″ | 13.58 oz |