Food & Drink

Best Filtered Water Bottles of 2025, Tested & Reviewed

With a seasonal calendar full of hiking trips, beach excursions, and fast-paced adventures, you'll need the right gear on deck. Hydration is of peak importance outdoors, especially when you’re active or battling high temperatures, but sipping water safely on the go can sometimes be a challenge. While we love glass water bottles and insulated water bottles, the best filtered water bottles have the added advantage of removing impurities, contaminants, and microplastics from drinking water.

This purification process helps make your drinking water taste better while granting you access to clean and safe drinking water, whether you’re at home or 20 miles from base camp on a trail. To help outfit you for anything summer throws your way, we tested the best filtered water bottles from brands including Brita, CamelBak, LifeStraw, and Grayl that deliver delicious, reliable, and safe drinking water.

Philips 18.6 Oz Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
PHOTO: Amazon
Pros

  • In addition to its filtration technology, this bottle is made from stainless steel, so it will help keep your water cold, too.

With an active carbon filter and stainless steel body that keeps water cold for up to 24 hours, this Philips GoZero filtered water bottle is the best of both worlds. The 18.6-ounce vessel holds enough liquid to stay hydrated for several hours, with various convenient add-ons, like a cup holder-friendly width, an easy-open lid, and a carry loop that’s perfect for toting by hand or attaching to a picnic basket or pack with a carabiner. The real magic comes from the bottle’s comprehensive filtration system. It relies on an inserted active carbon filter to remove impurities from drinking water, including chlorine and particulates. Each filter is good for about 40 gallons of water, which should last around two months before it needs replacing.  

During our testing, we were impressed by the design and functionality of this piece, which integrated seamlessly into our day-to-day lives. The water bottle wasn’t too heavy to tote around in our backpack cooler, even when full, and the carry loop was a nice touch. The filtration system imparted a bit of a metallic taste when first used, but that quickly dissipated, leaving behind water that tasted cleaner and lighter than regular tap water. The water is filtered as it’s sipped through the straw, so it can be a bit difficult to suck up the water, which on occassion made us drink a bit less due to the inconvenience. Still, this bottle is effective and sleek, so that was an easy gripe to overlook. 

Filter Type: Carbon | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18.6 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Top rack, except the filter)

LifeStraw Water Bottle
PHOTO: LifeStraw

If you’ve been looking for a filtered water bottle for a while, you’ve probably heard of LifeStraw. They’re a major player in the clean water game — and for good reason. This comprehensive bottle is ideal for everyday use, providing safe hydration and a stylish BPA-free vessel that’s easy to use (and comes in a dozen colors). The only thing better than its aesthetics? The peace of mind you’ll have knowing that dual-filtration technology at work improves the taste of your water and protects against harmful nasties like bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, silt, and sand. 

LifeStraw had the most impressive filtration technology of all the filtered water bottles we tested. With a membrane microfilter that meets both EPA and NSF safety standards, it works to remove more than 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, as well as any sediment clouding the water, like sand or silt. The activated carbon filter takes care of the water's smell and taste, leaving behind silky water that tastes exactly how you’d imagine pure drinking water should. Best of all, the workhorse microfilter can go through 1,000 gallons of water before needing to be replaced (the activated carbon filter should be changed every 26 gallons or about every two months), so you know you’re investing in a piece that will be a constant companion for years to come.

“When I'm traveling and iffy about finding filtered water, I bring this bottle,” says editor Mary Claire Lagroue. “The handle makes it easy to carry on hikes, and it fits in my daypack pocket. Being able to fill it at any water source makes it so convenient, but I was also happy to have it during a recent Airbnb stay when the fridge filter needed replacing. It keeps water tasting clean.”

Filter Type: Membrane microfilter and activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 22 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Top rack)

Brita Premium Filtering Bottle
PHOTO: Amazon

The translucent BPA-free plastic body on this Brita bottle allows visibility into the sleek filter beyond. The filter is integrated within the vessel’s straw and relies on an activated carbon block filter to cut out the taste and odor of chlorine and reduce the number of particulates. Available in 26-ounce or 36-ounce sizes, this bottle will last you several hours throughout the day, and you can use the filter for around two months before it needs replacing. 

While testing this water bottle, we quickly came to appreciate the lightweight and functional design, which didn’t add much bulk to a purse or bag, and comes with a convenient carrying loop on the lid. The filter integrates right into the straw, so it’s easy to assemble and clean, a factor we appreciated throughout testing. Sipping through the straw took a bit of getting used to. Because the filter doesn’t hold water (the water passes through on the way up the straw), there was an unusual air pocket we'd encounter every time we'd sip. We got used to it as we used the bottle, and it’s a small price for clean, fresh drinking water. 

Filter Type: Activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 26 ounces, 36 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Top rack)

Grayl GeoPress 24 oz Water Purifier Bottle
PHOTO: Amazon
Cons

  • This water bottle weighs almost a pound, which may not seem like a lot but is noticeable in-hand, especially when full.

If you’re serious about adventure and even more serious about clean drinking water, then Grayl’s GeoPress filtered water bottle should be high on your list. The cutting-edge technology in this model can’t be beat; it relies on both an ultra-powdered activated carbon cartridge and a filter to remove an impressive amount of bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and microplastics from your water, including hepatitis A, norovirus, salmonella, E. coli, and more. Translation: You can fill up anywhere, from a fresh spring lake to a grimy trailside bathroom tap, and know that the water you’re ingesting is safe. 

During testing, this water bottle stood out from the pack immediately due to its unique filtration system. Instead of filtering water through an integrated straw, Grayl’s water bottle relies on force. You fill the outer refill vessel with water, then press the core, forcing the water through the filter and cleaning it in under eight seconds. While it requires a bit of brute strength, it was pretty simple to accomplish once we got the hang of it, and we loved how this water bottle could be sipped from normally for easy hydration. The result was impressively clean and tasty water, void of chlorine smells or metallic flavors. Because this bottle has a one-way valve, you can pair it with electrolyte mixes, which is great news for adventurers undergoing rigorous hikes. 

Filter Type: Activated carbon, electroabsorption  Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 24 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: No

Camelbak Eddy + Water Bottle Tritan Renew with Straw Top
PHOTO: Amazon

Talk about a match made in heaven. This water bottle pairs the focused hydration of CamelBak products with the top-tier filtration of LifeStraw for a one-of-a-kind water bottle that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Like many of the picks on our list, this bottle relies on two separate filtration systems. The first is LifeStraw’s hollow-fiber filter, which removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics from your water; the second, an ion exchange filter, takes things one step further, eliminating chemicals like lead and chlorine. Both filtration systems will last a while (25 gallons for the ion, 1,000 gallons for the fiber filter), allowing you to check plenty of adventures off your bucket list with this bottle.

Our first impression of this bottle during testing was how lightweight it was. When you’re spending time outside, particularly if hiking, camping, or otherwise in charge of carrying all your belongings, every pound counts. Even full, this bottle didn’t feel cumbersome, though we struggled to fit the wide base into the designated bottle pocket on our backpack. The sipping experience was top-notch, and the bottle worked to remove any lingering flavors from our tap water, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable drink. Like many CamelBak vessels, this bottle has a bite-to-sip mouthpiece that keeps it from leaking. It may take a bit of getting used to, but anyone familiar with the brand will already know the deal. The BPA-free plastic body won’t keep your drink cold while in the wilderness, but the comprehensive filtration system makes up for that by granting you peace of mind.  

Filter Type: Ion exchange filter, hollow fiber membrane | Material: BPA-free plastic, silicone | Capacity: 32 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cap and bottle)

LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
PHOTO: Amazon
Pros

  • Like all LifeStraw water bottles, this one has premium filtration technology. It meets the NSF 42 standard for chlorine reduction and the US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for bacteria and parasites.

There’s a reason LifeStraw made our list of the best filtered water bottles not once, but twice. Their bottles are stylish, with technology that can’t be matched, making them perfect for on-the-go travelers who want to look and feel their best. This bottle is designed with double-walled stainless steel construction to keep your water cold for up to 24 hours, plus the brand’s signature dual filtration technology pairs a carbon filter with a membrane microfilter. The dynamic combination of those two filtration systems means your drinking water will be free of all major contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and taste-impacting chemicals like chlorine. 

We loved the stainless steel body on this piece, which kept the filtered water at a crisp, enjoyable temperature for hours. Due to the material, this bottle is a bit heavier than its plastic counterpart, but it feels sturdy and well-made, which left us confident it could handle whatever travel throws our way. Like many of the bottles on our list, you need to sip through the straw on this bottle to filter the water. This felt unconventional at first and took some getting used to. We appreciated how easy it was to clean every part of this bottle and loved the filter’s longevity (up to 1,000 gallons).

Filter Type: Activated carbon, membrane microfilter | Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone | Capacity: 24 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: No

How We Tested Filtered Water Bottles

We tested eight filtered water bottles for this piece, which varied in design, material, size, and filtration method. Each water bottle was used repeatedly and filled with water from different sources to gauge flavor and filter effectiveness. The filtered water bottles we tested were used and examined extensively, and rated in the following categories:

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  • Design: While filtered water bottles serve an intensely practical purpose, there’s no harm in wanting one that’s stylish, either. We examined the aesthetic of each bottle we tested, both from a design perspective and how the various features added (or detracted) from the bottle’s functionality. We noted the material, weight (full and empty), capacity, and extra features, like a no-leak mouth or convenient carrying loop. 
  • Filtration Method: This was the biggest focus of our testing attributes. We spent extra time deciphering how each vessel filtered contaminants and how effective said filtration proved. We noted the exact type of filtration method used and any independent lab testing or strict guidelines the bottle adhered to. 
  • Flavor: The difference between unfiltered and filtered water isn’t necessarily something you can put a finger on until you’re doing a sip-by-sip comparison of the two, so that’s exactly what we did. We compared the taste of unfiltered and filtered water, noting if the filtration removed any unpleasant flavors like chlorine or metal. We also smelled the water to determine if there were any lingering aromas, both before filtration and, when possible, after (bottles that filter through the straw made this difficult to do, however). 
  • Care and Cleaning: Unlike traditional water bottles, many of which can be thrown in the dishwasher to be cleaned, filtered water bottles require a bit more hands-on care. For each bottle, we made note of the specific care requirements, including what parts (if any) could be cleaned in the dishwasher and if/when soap could be used. We also noted how easy it was to disassemble and reassemble the filter parts for cleaning. Another consideration? Ongoing maintenance. All the bottles on our list require you to replace the filter components, so cost and maintenance were factored into our testing. 

What We Looked For

Filter Type

When shopping for a filtered water bottle, one of the largest areas of focus is the type of filter each model relies on. When it comes to portable water filtration systems (instead of something like a reverse osmosis system, which is often installed directly in your home), activated carbon is widely considered to be one of the best methods of filtration and is what many of the water bottles on our list rely on. Fiber filtration systems are also effective, and it’s even better if a bottle teams the two together for a comprehensive safety system. Your selected method of filtration depends largely on how you envision using your water bottle, whether that’s sipping from a stream or just upping the cleanliness of your tap water. 

Bottle Material

Similar to water filter pitchers, the filtered water bottles on our list are made from different materials, most commonly BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. Plastic is typically the lighter of the two options, while stainless steel will be more effective in keeping liquids at a specific temperature for an extended time. As you’re shopping, be sure to weigh your material options, paying close attention to a design’s durability, temperature control abilities, and more. 

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Water Taste

Though it can be tough to quantify without getting a chance to test a water bottle yourself, you should factor the taste of water into your decision-making process when shopping for the best filtered water bottle. The hope is that your chosen filtration system eliminates lingering flavors of metal or chlorine, but you also want to make sure it doesn’t impart any funky flavors (or aromas) either. If you do taste something off with your chosen water bottler, or notice floating particulate that wasn’t there before, it may be a sign of a faulty filtration system. 

Ease of Use

Filtered water bottles have an important role to play, so assuming they’ll be fill-and-go is pretty futile. In general, these bottles require a bit more setup and maintenance than your average water bottle, so some assembly is to be expected. That said, look for a filtered water bottle that doesn’t require too much of a time investment on your end, whether that be assembling and cleaning the filtration system or the constant maintenance of buying new filters. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the bottle itself is easy to sip from. If you have to pull too hard through the straw or can’t get the mouthpiece to work, it may not be the bottle for you. 

Size and Weight

If you’re running errands, the weight of your filtered water bottle may not be of consequence to you, but if you’re hiking up the side of a mountain, a few extra ounces can mean the difference between comfort and an aching back. If you envision doing any sort of physical activity with your filtered water bottle in tow, you’ll want to pay special attention to each bottle’s weight and size capacity, which will give you a good idea of both how much it will weigh when filled, and how long the water will last you if you’re out in the wilderness. 

Cleaning 

Because these water bottles rely on integrated filter systems to purify your water, cleaning them isn’t as straightforward as it would be with a normal reusable water bottle. While a select few can be put in the dishwasher with the filter removed, most of the models on our list are hand-wash only to preserve their functionality and quality. Be sure to read all the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning your bottle or its filter (this includes using soap), and never place it in the dishwasher unless instructed to do so.

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Other Filtered Water Bottles We Tested

While the six filtered water bottles that earned a spot on our list were the best of the best, we still found several strong contenders throughout testing. These vessels are still great options for sipping, falling short in just one or two testing categories that prevented them from making our final list. Here’s what stood out and where they could have done better:

Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle ($29 at Amazon)

Though Brita is a trusted name in filtration technology, this water bottle didn’t quite hold a candle to its counterpart, the Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle, which made our list. While we loved the stainless steel body for its ability to keep our water temperature on the go, this bottle’s straw felt especially difficult. The bottle leaked frequently, whether we had the lid open or closed. 

LifeStraw Go Series Tumbler ($50 at LifeStraw)

We loved the idea of a filtered tumbler, but unfortunately, this LifeStraw design didn’t perform as well as the other bottles on our list. We liked that the interior was lined with stainless steel for temperature control, and the slim shape was easy to hold in hand. The bottle’s 18-ounce capacity was already a bit tight, and we found that we couldn’t fill the bottle up all the way, or it wouldn’t work. In addition, the straw was hard to drink through and often took two or three pulls before any water reached our mouths.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I use a filtered water bottle?

    Beyond ensuring adequate hydration, filtered water bottles are an important means of guaranteeing the water you drink is safe and healthy, says Anistacia Barrak-Barber, a certified water sommelier. “These types of water bottles are convenient and can purge suspect water sources of many dangerous germs, viruses, debris, and potentially heavy metals, depending on the type of filter the water bottle brand employs,” she adds.

    “A filtered water bottle can ease your concerns about waterborne health issues when you travel, hike, or have to hydrate from any concerning tap or faucet away from your home filter. An additional — and very important — reason for using a filtered water bottle is to reduce your environmental impact by eliminating the purchase and disposal of single-use plastic bottles.”

  • Is filtered water better for you?

    “Filtered water is better than unfiltered water in several ways,” says Barrak-Barber. “The first and most noticeable benefit of filtered water is the improved taste. Filters can reduce or remove impurities and bad-tasting chemicals like chlorine and sulfur, resulting in a fresher, more satisfying taste. The second (and very important) benefit is the removal of dangerous contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants that can also affect the taste of the water.

    Some filters are even designed to leave beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water, which are important for maintaining good health, especially if they are not present in sufficient amounts in the diet.”

  • Can filtered water bottles remove heavy metals?

    According to Barrak-Barber, filtered water bottles can remove a variety of heavy metals, though not all filtration methods are created equally. “Activated carbon filters can absorb heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as other impurities like chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and volatile organic compounds and trihalomethanes,” she says.

    “UV-C uses ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect water by killing or deactivating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the water, but it does not physically remove impurities from water. Membrane filters use a bundle of small, hollow fibers to remove impurities from water and, depending on the size of the pores, can potentially remove things like heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, and chlorine.”

  • How do I clean my filtered water bottle? Are they dishwasher-safe?

    Always clean your filtered water bottle according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging either the water bottle itself or the integrated filter. Filtered water bottles should not be placed in the dishwasher unless deemed safe to do so. It is rarely (if ever) recommended to wash a filter in the dishwasher.

  • Are purified and filtered water the same thing?

    “Technically, filtration is used to treat both filtered and purified water,” says Barrak-Barber. “Filtered water can still contain various types of contaminants depending on what sort of filtration is used, as discussed above. However, purified water goes through a few extra processes to remove all stubborn pollutants.”

Our Expertise

Alyssa Longobucco is a writer, editor, and stylist with a background in food, interior, and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry, creating content for storied brands including Food & Wine, Food52, Good Housekeeping, and more.


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