To find the best filtered water bottle, I tested plastic, stainless steel and travel-friendly options with both freshwater and tap water.
* Best overall filtered water bottle
* Best filtered water bottle for tap water
* Best insulated filtered water bottle for travel
* Filtering mechanism and materials
* Ease of use and cleaning
What is the best filtered water bottle overall?
The Grayl Geopress Water Purifier is the best overall filtered water bottle because our tests found that it turned natural water into fresh-tasting bottled water.
The purification system is the most intense of the bottles tested. It can filter out chemicals, pesticides, particles, heavy metals, bacteria and viruses. It also takes little to no prep or waiting, so you can just fill and drink.
The Grayl Geopress is great for backpacking, hiking or camping when clean water may be scarce.
Best filtered water bottles of 2025
Best overall filtered water bottle
Grayl Geopress Water Purifier
- Relatively easy to clean with dishwasher-compatible parts
- Wide enough opening and 24-ounce capacity to fit ice cubes
- Filters out particulates, heavy metals and germs
- Can withstand 10-foot drops on concrete
- Has NSF/ANSI and EPA certifications
- Expensive at around $100
- Inner portion and outer portions can suction together if stored when wet
Best filtered water bottle for tap water
Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle
- Dishwasher-safe
- Comes with a handle for travel
- Affordable at less than $20
- Sturdy
- Has locking top
- Larger capacity up to 36 ounces
- NSF/ANSI certified by the WQA
- Easy to scratch up
- Best only for tap water
Best insulated filtered water bottle for travel
Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle
- BPA-free
- Stays cold for about 24 hours
- Filter replacements are affordable at around $5 for each one
- Medium capacity of 20 to 32 ounces
- NSF/ANSI certified by the WQA
- The body is not dishwasher-safe
- Holds slightly less than plastic Brita bottle
Other filtered water bottles tested
Lifestraw Go
The Lifestraw Go did not meet my expectations for filtering. The double-stage filtration includes a hollow-fiber membrane and a carbon capsule, yet this is the only bottle that produces water with particles after passing through the Lifestraw filter.
Waterwell Ultrafiltration Travel Water Bottle
Waterwell claims its double-stage filtration system removes 99.9% of waterborne pathogens, but based on the taste of the water that came from this bottle, I wouldn’t be so sure.
How we test filtered water bottles
I put six filtered water bottles to the test at a water source of fresh groundwater in Southern California.
For the sake of safe drinkable water, two friends and I ventured out to a freshwater source in Southern California. We were lucky to find a tiny trickle of a waterfall in the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa Wilderness area in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Factors to consider when choosing a filtered water bottle
I considered five important criteria when using each reusable water bottle: filtering and filter capacity, materials, taste, ease of use and cleanup.
Best filtered water bottles FAQs
Which water bottle is the healthiest?
Stainless steel or glass water bottles are the healthiest because they are natural and chemical-free.