The best gym water bottle for 2024 for every indoor or outdoor workout, tested and approved by a run coach

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, 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. For instance, if you're doing a marathon training run of several hours in extreme heat, an insulated bottle like this is the way to go — it'll keep your water cold for longer than most handheld bottles. But if you're exercising at the gym, its squeeze-bottle spray spout is handy for quick sips between sets, and the phone pocket keeps all your necessities at the ready. 

The phone pocket is a handy feature for outdoor workouts too, especially given that it's large enough to fit most smartphones. That said, you might find carrying your hydration and phone in the same hand to be cumbersome. If you prefer to keep your phone in a sports bra or shorts pocket as I do, you'll have the water bottle pocket free for other essentials like energy gels and keys.

It's also worth mentioning that if you remove the phone pocket, the bottle is sized perfectly for water bottle cage mounts on a bike. So for spin class or for 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 appeared to be very basic, with no insulation or carrying mechanism. However, they also looked perfect for stashing behind a tree in the park or in the shade on the track during a hard workout. 

These bottles are also handy for treadmill runs. They fit neatly in my treadmill's cupholders. Even better, they leave enough space for my phone, which is helpful since there's no designated spot to stash it on my NordicTrack. 

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 and better quality.

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 upgraded version not only has a greater fluid capacity but is also insulated, so it keeps your water colder, 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: 16 oz., 26 oz., 36 oz., 46 oz., 64 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 15 | 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 be used for hot and cold beverages, is dishwasher-safe and has a "chug" spout to allow 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. 

Thanks to its easy-to-carry handle lid, it's also easy to take with you on long walks or hikes. The biggest drawback is that it's too heavy to carry in your hand during long runs (track workouts aside). Also, the 36-ounce size I tested is too bulky to fit in a treadmill or cardio machine cupholder, although the 16- and 26-ounce options are narrower, so they might be more easily accommodated. 

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

There are a lot of great water bottles for staying hydrated at the gym, but not all of them are cardio-machine-friendly. 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 require a taller, narrower bottle like the durable, 22-ounce Takeya Sport Insulated Water Bottle. 

The 3-inch diameter of the bottle also fits comfortably in hand. The lid has a spout opening with a built-in ice blocker for streamlined drinking. This is perfect for getting gulps in while playing sports or while catching your breath during a recovery interval on your cardio machine.

The lid twists off easily for quick fill-ups, 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 | Number of color options: 14 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

If you want a high-capacity water bottle that you can take with you to the gym and carry with you all day long, it's going to be hard to beat BrüMate's Era Tumbler. 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 from its counterparts 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, preventing any leakage. This means that if it falls off a weight bench or another gym-goer accidentally kicks it after you set it by your mat, no water will spill out. 

The design is cupholder-friendly, so it'll easily fit in your car's cupholders but it may still be too big or bulky to fit in some cardio equipment cupholders. Also, it's a big tumbler, so even if it fits in your machine's cupholders, it may be a bit top-heavy and seem off-balance, especially if the machine moves or shakes at all as you push through a high-intensity interval. 

Also, I dropped my water bottle a couple of times (I've personally purchased three of these), and when I dropped it on a hard surface, the handle came loose. I ended up just taking the handle off — it functions well without the handle too — but theoretically this type of issue should be covered by the brand's lifetime warranty.

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: 24 oz. | Materials: Stainless steel | Number of color options: 16 | Lid options: 1 | Dishwasher-safe: Lid only

Sometimes you want a water bottle that can whip up a protein shake or an electrolyte drink too. The BlenderBottle Strada Shaker Cup is the perfect double-duty water bottle. The included BlenderBall whisks protein and supplement powders easily, providing drinks with a smooth, clump-free consistency. 

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 having 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: 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 have consistently been reliable, especially since they don't leak and are comfortable to carry. Many Amazon reviewers echo this sentiment. "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. Just like the ExoDraw 2.0 highlighted earlier, this model is also 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 lighter-weight and compact, which makes it easier to carry. That said, it may not be as beneficial during long runs where water fountains aren't readily available. But for lower-intensity workouts at the park, hikes, walks or runs along trails with easy-to-access water fountains for regular refills, it's a user-friendly choice.

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. 

Capacity options: 128 oz. | Materials: BPA-free plastic | Number of color options: 16 | Lid options: 2 | Dishwasher-safe: No

If one of your goals is to drink more water, you need a system in place to help you track your intake. This is especially true for athletes and active individuals who need to be conscientious about the amount of water they're drinking each day. 

This one-gallon water bottle from Aquafit is particularly helpful. You simply fill it up at the beginning of the day and carry it with you, sipping as desired. By day's end you have a clear indication of how much you've consumed, made easier thanks to the water bottle's milliliter and ounce markings on the side. The bottle even has time markers to help remind you when to drink and how much to aim for if you want to sip steadily throughout the day. 

Of course, this is a good option for all-day use and for workouts at home or at the gym, but it's clearly 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. 

There are insulated alternatives on the market, like the Coolflask Gallon Water Bottle ($48) and the Hydro Flask 128 oz. Oasis Water Jug ($116), but you'll end up spending 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.