Why should I use a filtered water bottle?

You should use a filtered water bottle to ensure that you are staying hydrated by drinking clean water wherever your next adventure takes you. These handy bottles eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, debris, and often heavy metals from any suspicious water sources. Whether you’re questioning the water quality on an international trip, collecting river water on a long hike, or avoiding questionable water fountains at your nearby gym, a filtered water bottle can provide peace of mind and help prevent health issues. “If you’re anywhere and you're unsure about the water quality and worried about your stomach, bringing a filtered water bottle wherever you go is a really good option,” says Slepian.

Is filtered water really better for you?

If you’re planning on drinking municipal water from a new place or natural water from rivers, streams, lakes, and more, filtered water is always better for you. Filtered water bottles may remove harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and more—turning any source into drinkable and safe water. “There are different types of dangerous bacteria and viruses within water—and also sometimes heavy metals and other contaminants—so you want to be able to filter your water to make sure it's safe. Drinking untreated water is a risk,” says Trimble.

Can filtered water bottles remove heavy metals?

It’s important to keep in mind that not all filtered water bottles can remove heavy metals. If you know you will be traveling somewhere in which heavy metals pollute the drinking water, look for a specific filter that is tested and certified to remove these contaminants. We recommend the Grayl UltraPress Purifier .

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

Before purchasing a new filtered water bottle, check the manufacturer's website for suggested care instructions. Some will be dishwasher safe, while others will require a bit more effort to clean. Maintenance is an important thing to consider when choosing which bottle is right for you, says Trimble. “Every brand will talk about how to clean their filter, so it's good to review what that is before you purchase. Some will provide additional items to help backflush the filter in case it gets clogged, so that can be an example of an added thing you may want to pack on your trip,” he says.

What is better, bottled or filtered water bottles?

The short answer is filtered water bottles. If you want to save money, save space, and help to save the environment, filtered water bottles are the far superior choice.

Is purified and filtered water the same?

Technically, both purified water and filtered water are treated with filtration. But purified water goes through a few additional purification steps, extracting any and all chemicals that filters aren't capable of removing.

How much does a quality filtered water bottle cost?

A filtered water bottle should be trustworthy, reliable, and easy to use. And, with your health on the line, it’s not worth purchasing a cheap bottle from a brand that is not tested and vetted. Typically, you can expect to pay between $20-100 for a quality filtered water bottle, depending on the intended use. The most budget-friendly option on our list is often available at just $13, while our top recommendation, LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle , was $30 when we published this list.

The 11 Best Filtered Water Bottles of 2023

In order to stay safely hydrated on any adventure, filtered water bottles are the perfect companion. Whether you're traveling internationally, hiking the backcountry, or just hitting your local gym, having access to clean water is essential to avoid the dangerous effects of dehydration.

Filtered water bottles are beneficial beyond their hydrating capabilities. They provide peace of mind in knowing that you won’t risk falling sick from bacteria-ridden water, they are cheaper and more sustainable than single-use water bottles, and they are a great space-saving option. Finding a reliable and well-vetted brand is vital when choosing a filtered water bottle, otherwise, you may risk serious negative health effects.

Different water sources can contain different types of viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, and other really harmful substances, says Wesley Trimble, outdoor gear expert and communications and creative director of the American Hiking Society. “Drinking untreated water is risky in a lot of places throughout the United States and internationally,” he says. “When you aren’t sure what's in the water, using a well-vetted filtered water bottle is a really good way to know that your water is being purified and is safe to drink.”

Based on our research, here are the best filtered water bottles on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Hiking:

Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filtration System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Philips Active Water Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Tap Water:

Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Removing Heavy Metals:

Grayl Ultrapress Water Purifier and Filter Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Self-Cleaning:

CrazyCap UV Water Purifier & Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Extreme Conditions:

GRAYL Geopress Water Purifier at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

LifeStraw Filter System at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Outdoor Activities:

SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Dick's

Pros

Good brand ethics
Comes in many colors
Suitable for a variety of activities

Cons

Some users complain of leaking

The Lifestraw Go Water Filter Bottle topped our list as best overall because it’s versatile, easy to use, and provides safe hydration. The membrane microfilter and activated carbon filters work together to protect against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, dirt, sand, and cloudiness—all while improving odor and taste.

The filters were independently lab tested to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency and National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) drinking water standards—so we have no doubts about this bottle's dependability. It is great to use on international travel, hiking trips, and at your local park. And, since it comes in many colors, you can choose one that you’ll want by your side on every adventure.

The BPA-free plastic bottle is budget-friendly, relatively lightweight, and equipped with a carabiner for easy securing. Plus, the brand is dedicated to reducing pollution from single-use plastic water bottles. And, with every Lifestraw purchase, a child in need receives clean, safe water for an entire school year.

Price at time of publication: $37

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Membrane Microfilter and activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Weight: 7.84 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe when filter is removed | Volume: 22 fluid ounces | Filter Life: Microfilter lasts up to 1056 gallons and activated carbon filter lasts up to 26 gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Basspro.com

Pros

Very lightweight
Quick flow rate
Easy to use

Cons

Requires multiple parts

Recommended by both of our outdoor gear experts as the best option for hiking, this Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System was an obvious addition to our list of top picks. Although it’s not technically a filtered water bottle, to use, you simply fill the included water pouch, screw on the filter, and squeeze the pouch to push the water through straight into your mouth (or a water bottle). A mesh pouch to bring the bottle with you while on the go and an included syringe makes it easy to clean the entire system.

What the Experts Say: “It’s an inexpensive, lightweight option that's a best-kept secret for long-distance hikers,” says Maggie Slepian, outdoor gear expert, editor, and writer.

This system is a reliable way to ensure clean water on all hiking trips, from your local trail to the Appalachian Trail. According to the manufacturer, it protects against 99.99% of all bacteria (like salmonella and E.coli) and removes 99.99% of all protozoa (like giardia and cryptosporidia). It’s a well-vetted and highly-rated option that is extremely popular in hiking communities.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Hollow fiber membrane | Material: BPA-free plastic | Weight: 3 ounces | Care: Back flushing required | Volume: 32 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 540 gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Office Depot

Pros

Sleek look
Squeeze bottle
Delivers great tasting water

Cons

Not suitable for freshwater sources

This Philips filtered water bottle is super budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. The bottle comes with an attachable blue fitness filter that improves the taste of tap water by reducing lead, pesticides, and chlorine. You can purchase a separate green adventure filter that is suitable for more heavy-duty use—with capabilities to filter viruses and bacteria from freshwater sources.

Made from BPA-free plastic, the easy-to-use squeeze bottle is leak-proof and has a sleek design—making it a great option for everyday use, gym sessions, and other outdoor activities. A huge plus: it’s dishwasher safe, for super convenient and low-maintenance use.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Weight: 5.29 ounces | Care: Dishwasher safe when filter is removed | Volume: 20 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 52 gallons}

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Brita.com

Pros

Enclosed straw
Sleek look
Double-wall insulated

Cons

Only recommended for travel and everyday use

Brita’s stainless steel filtered water bottle is double-wall insulated to keep your water cold for over 24 hours for safe and satisfying hydration all day long. The activated carbon filter works to filter out contaminants like chlorine and certain particulates while preserving healthy minerals and electrolytes that may be found in tap water.

This bottle is great for everyday use because of its easy-to-hold handle, enclosed straw, and sleek design. However, we wouldn’t recommend taking this one on your next hike or backpacking trip because it doesn't filter out some of the dangerous contaminants found in natural water sources, like rivers or streams.

Price at time of publication: $39

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Activated carbon | Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 14.4 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: 20 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 40 gallons}

4.3

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com View On Blue-tomato.com

Pros

Easy to use
Quick flow rate
Easy to carry handle

Cons

Expensive

Heavy metals can be found in many natural water sources, so it's important to research the area you’re heading to and check to see if the water will be contaminated. The activated carbon that equips Grayl’s UltraPress Purifier filters sediment, microplastics, many common chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals—so you’re good to go in most cases with this heavy-duty bottle.

We love that the bottle is both compact and easy to use. It features non-slip performance and durability, so it's good to go on your rockiest and bumpiest excursions. When it comes to heavy metals, you want peace of mind, so we believe splurging on this Grayl bottle is well worth it.

Price at time of publication: $90

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Ceramic fibers and activated carbon | Material: BPA-free polypropylene | Weight: 12.5 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: 16.9 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 40 gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Brookstone.com

Pros

Sleek look
Extremely durable
Keeps temperature well

Cons

Requires re-charging

We love this high-tech filtered water bottle for its self-cleaning capabilities. Every four hours, UV rays from the cap automatically activate to clean the inside of the bottle, preventing mold, mildew, bad odor, and foul taste.

Its UV-C purification system (the same UV wavelengths used to sanitize operating rooms) was tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI 55 for Disinfection Performance, Class B, when used in Crazy Mode. This means it's been proven to reduce the amount of non-disease-causing bacteria in disinfected drinking water.

What the Experts Say: “It’s super easy to use, takes one button to push, and is super portable. I use it if I’m traveling to a city I don’t know, for day hikes, to the gym, or any time I want to make sure the water’s clean. It’s the simplest solution,” says Maggie Slepian, outdoor gear expert, editor, and writer.

It's super easy to use—tap twice on the cap for quick cleansing or five times for a deep two-minute purification. We love that the bottle is made from stainless steel and double-walled insulation, so it will keep your water cold and survive frequent, clumsy drops. It does require re-charging but has a long battery life and should last up to seven days on a single charge.

Price at time of publication: $79

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: UV-C | Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 31.7 ounces | Care: Self-cleaning every four hours | Volume: 17 fluid ounces | Filter Life: Requires charge every seven days}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Grayl.com View On Opticsplanet.com

Pros

Quick flow rate
Removes heavy metals
Easy to use

Cons

May be a little bulky
Expensive

If you’re going to be hiking, backpacking, or camping, Grayl’s heavy-duty filtered water bottle is your perfect companion. It’s built tough and made to withstand drops up to 10 feet, making it durable enough for the most extreme conditions.

The reliable activated carbon filter removes waterborne pathogens, including Hepatitis A, E. Coli, Cholera, and more. It also filters particles (like sediment and microplastics) and many chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides.

What the Experts Say: “The filter screws onto the bottom, and then you push a plunger and it filters the water. This removes the little floaties in water, so it’s great for collecting water from outside sources,” says Maggie Slepian, outdoor gear expert, editor, and writer.

With all of that—believe it or not—the filtered water bottle is super easy to use. Just fill it, press, and in eight seconds, you’ll have 24 fluid ounces of safe, clean water. The Grayl GeoPress BPA-free plastic bottle exceeds agency standards, making it a super reliable choice for your most extreme adventures.

Price at time of publication: $100

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Weight: 15.9 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: 24 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 65 gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Campsaver.com

Pros

Quick flow rate
Easy to use
Cap over mouthpiece to keep clean

Cons

Some complain of pinhole leaks

The Katadyn BeFree bottle collapses down to fit into the tightest and smallest spaces, making it an obvious choice for our best lightweight pick. Instead of a traditional water bottle design, this filter holds water in a soft flask pack that can be easily conformed to fit into any backpack, luggage, or purse.

We love that its hollow microfilter is tested to protect against harmful organisms, protozoa, and bacteria to surpass EPA standards. This bottle is best for outdoor activities, like backpacking and hiking, because it is so compact and provides quick hydration in less than one minute.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Hollow fiber membrane | Material: BPA-free thermoplastic polyurethane | Weight: 2.3 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: 33.8 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 264.2 gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Filter can be used on disposable bottles
Very lightweight
Collapsible soft-touch bottle

Cons

Requires syringe for backwashing

We love this filtered water bottle for travel because it is lightweight, portable, and super easy to use. Whether you’re hiking in Machu Picchu or exploring the city of Rome, you’ll have safe and clean water to keep you hydrated all adventure long.

This filtration system includes a two-stage filter, soft-touch water bottle, and backwash syringe that is used to unclog or increase the flow rate in your filter. The soft-touch bottle is collapsable and will fit into any carry-on or luggage easily. A hollow-fiber membrane works to remove waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites, while a replaceable activated carbon capsule improves taste, removes odor, and reduces organic chemical matter, like pesticides and herbicides.

What’s more, the filter can be used on standard disposable water bottles, just in case you misplace the LifeStraw bottle during your travels.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon | Material: BPA-free nylon | Weight: 1.7 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: Not listed | Filter Life: Hollow fiber membrane filter lasts 500 gallons, and carbon filter lasts 25 gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Survimate.com

Pros

Has a compass feature
Comes in many colors
Leak-proof design

Cons

Straw may be difficult to use

This SurviMate Filtered Water Bottle is perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures like biking, hiking, camping, and backpacking. It’s also great for recreational activities from fly fishing in Rock Creek to playing defense in your local soccer game and everything in between.

You can fill it with water from ponds, puddles, and more—while ensuring protection against 99.99% of common bacteria (like E. coli), heavy metal ions, chlorine, and other organic contaminants. However, the straw may be more difficult to use than the straws built into other bottles. The BPA-free bottle is also super lightweight and comes with a carabiner clip, so it can be effortlessly taken with you on all outdoor experiences.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Hollow fiber membrane and activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: 22 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 396 Gallons}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Double-wall insulated
Sleek look
Delivers great tasting water

Cons

Only recommended for travel and everyday use

If you’re going to be carrying around a water bottle all day, you’ll want one that's lightweight, compact, and reliable—that is the Astrea filtered water bottle. It provides safe hydration throughout your day, as it is independently tested and certified to filter out over 20 common tap water contaminants (like lead, pesticides, and hormones), chlorine, and zinc. Plus, it produces great-tasting water.

The BPA-free stainless steel bottle has double-wall vacuum insulation that will keep your water cold all day, which we love, especially for those with busy schedules and hectic lives. This isn’t the filtered water bottle for hiking and backpacking trips—as it's primarily designed to filter out tap water contaminants—but it's perfect for everyday use and general travel.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Filter Type: Ion exchange | Material: Stainless Steel | Weight: 16 ounces | Care: Hand wash | Volume: 15 fluid ounces | Filter Life: 30 gallons}

How We Selected the Best Filtered Water Bottles

In order to curate the most reliable list of recommendations for filtered water bottles, we consulted two outdoor gear experts—Maggie Slepian, outdoor gear expert, editor, and writer based in Montana, and Wesley Trimble, communications and creative director of the American Hiking Society. After learning about what makes the best filtered water bottle, we researched over 30 top-rated and highly-vetted products from the most trusted brands.

With the insights gathered from our interviews, we assessed each filtered water bottle for its type of filter, material, weight, and filtering capabilities. We also looked at usability and filter life to provide the best recommendations for varying activities and adventures.

What to Look For in Filtered Water Bottles

Type of Filter

Different types of filters will filter out different things, says Trimble. Make sure you take a look at what type of filter comes with the water bottle you're purchasing and that it aligns with your intended use.

Membrane microfilters typically remove bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, whereas activated carbon filters work to reduce chlorine and improve taste. A hollow fiber membrane filter is a fine filter that often removes bacteria such as E.coli and protozoa, like giardia. And you can sometimes find a combination of two filters within one bottle, like the Grayl UltraPress Purifier, that work together for optimal filtration.

Material

Filtered water bottles, like regular reusable water bottles, come in different types of materials—the most common being plastic and metal. When considering which material to choose, it is completely up to personal preference and intended use—but if you choose plastic, make sure it's free of toxic substances like BPA. Metal water bottles tend to be insulated and will keep your water cooler, but may be bulkier and heavier than plastic bottles, says Trimble. Different types of materials will be better suited for different types of activities. What’s most important, says Slepian, “is the technology it has, how reliable it is, and how well vetted it has been by people in the field.”

Size and Weight

Similarly to the material of your filtered water bottle, size and weight are up to personal preference and the type of adventure you’re taking. Filtered water bottles come in a variety of sizes and weights, and the right choice for you will depend on your intended use. If you’re planning on packing a water bottle in your luggage to travel internationally, you may want to consider a smaller and more lightweight option. Whereas if you expect to carry your bottle to the gym every day or are hoping to use it while getting your sweat on in the elliptical machine, size, and weight may not matter as much.

Price

As our list of top picks demonstrates, filtered water bottles come in a variety of prices, and you’ll need to determine what price works best for your budget. However, Slepian believes this kind of equipment is worth spending a bit of your budget on. “You’re spending the money to be ensured that your water is safe to drink, so it's worth splurging on this type of product,” she says, “For a durable and reliable water bottle, just spend the money."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a filtered water bottle?

You should use a filtered water bottle to ensure that you are staying hydrated by drinking clean water wherever your next adventure takes you. These handy bottles eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, debris, and often heavy metals from any suspicious water sources. Whether you’re questioning the water quality on an international trip, collecting river water on a long hike, or avoiding questionable water fountains at your nearby gym, a filtered water bottle can provide peace of mind and help prevent health issues.
“If you’re anywhere and you're unsure about the water quality and worried about your stomach, bringing a filtered water bottle wherever you go is a really good option,” says Slepian.
Is filtered water really better for you?

If you’re planning on drinking municipal water from a new place or natural water from rivers, streams, lakes, and more, filtered water is always better for you. Filtered water bottles may remove harmful chemicals, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and more—turning any source into drinkable and safe water.
“There are different types of dangerous bacteria and viruses within water—and also sometimes heavy metals and other contaminants—so you want to be able to filter your water to make sure it's safe. Drinking untreated water is a risk,” says Trimble.
Can filtered water bottles remove heavy metals?

It’s important to keep in mind that not all filtered water bottles can remove heavy metals. If you know you will be traveling somewhere in which heavy metals pollute the drinking water, look for a specific filter that is tested and certified to remove these contaminants. We recommend the Grayl UltraPress Purifier.
How do I clean my filtered water bottle? Are they dishwasher safe?

Before purchasing a new filtered water bottle, check the manufacturer's website for suggested care instructions. Some will be dishwasher safe, while others will require a bit more effort to clean. Maintenance is an important thing to consider when choosing which bottle is right for you, says Trimble.
“Every brand will talk about how to clean their filter, so it's good to review what that is before you purchase. Some will provide additional items to help backflush the filter in case it gets clogged, so that can be an example of an added thing you may want to pack on your trip,” he says.
What is better, bottled or filtered water bottles?

The short answer is filtered water bottles. If you want to save money, save space, and help to save the environment, filtered water bottles are the far superior choice.
Is purified and filtered water the same?

Technically, both purified water and filtered water are treated with filtration. But purified water goes through a few additional purification steps, extracting any and all chemicals that filters aren't capable of removing.
How much does a quality filtered water bottle cost?

A filtered water bottle should be trustworthy, reliable, and easy to use. And, with your health on the line, it’s not worth purchasing a cheap bottle from a brand that is not tested and vetted. Typically, you can expect to pay between $20-100 for a quality filtered water bottle, depending on the intended use. The most budget-friendly option on our list is often available at just $13, while our top recommendation, LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle, was $30 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As an experienced lifestyle writer, Michelle Parente is passionate about making great product recommendations. She specializes in health and fitness, understanding the importance of making informed and reliable recommendations.

The 15 Best Water Bottles of 2023, Tested and Reviewed