We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 6 Best Filtered Water Bottles, According to Our Tests We tested filtered water bottles from Brita, CamelBak, and LifeStraw to find the ones we trust. By Alyssa Longobucco Alyssa Longobucco Alyssa Longobucco is a writer, editor, and stylist living in New York with over a decade of experience in the food, home, and lifestyle categories. When she's not diving into the latest trends and products, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and children. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 31, 2026 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews How We Tested Filtered Water Bottles Factors to Consider FAQ Other Filtered Water Bottles We Tested Our Expertise Credit: Food & Wine Whether you're hiking, camping, or just staying somewhere new, the water situation can be questionable. Tap water can have off-flavors and odors, and sometimes you need a refill when the only water around is a trailside stream. While we love glass water bottles and insulated water bottles, the only way to make absolutely sure you always have safe water at your fingertips is with a filtered water bottle. Like fridge pitchers, filtered water bottles can remove impurities, contaminants, and microplastics from drinking water, whether you’re at home or 20 miles from base camp. We tested the best filtered water bottles from top brands that deliver delicious, reliable, and safe drinking water. Our Favorite Filtered Water Bottles Our top pick is the Philips Stainless Steel Water Bottle With GoZero Filter, which pairs an active carbon filter with a durable stainless steel body. The LifeStraw Go Series Filtered Water Bottle is another editor favorite because it’s easy to use and incredibly effective at removing all contaminants. Top Picks Best Overall Filtered Water Bottle: Philips Stainless Steel Water Bottle With GoZero Filter at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Editor Favorite Filtered Water Bottle: LifeStraw Go Series 22 oz Water Bottle at Amazon $44 Jump to Review Best Value Filtered Water Bottle: Brita Premium 26oz Filtering Water Bottle at Amazon $23 Jump to Review Best Splurge Filtered Water Bottle: GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Filtered Water Bottle for Outdoors: CamelBak Tritan Renew with Straw Top at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Filtered Water Bottle for Travel: LifeStraw Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Overall Filtered Water Bottle Philips Stainless Steel Water Bottle With GoZero Filter Credit: Amazon $26 at Amazon Pros In addition to its filtration technology, this bottle is made from stainless steel, so it will help keep your water cold, too. Cons We noticed a faint metallic taste at first, and the filter straw can be a bit annoying to use. With an active carbon filter and stainless steel body that keeps water cold for up to 24 hours, this Philips GoZero filtered water bottle hits all the marks. The 18.6-ounce vessel holds enough liquid to keep you hydrated for several hours, with 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 backpack 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 for around 2 months of daily use 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 slight metallic taste at first, but it quickly dissipated, leaving 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 occasion, 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: All but filter (top rack only) Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Editor Favorite Filtered Water Bottle LifeStraw Go Series 22 oz Water Bottle Credit: LifeStraw $44 at Amazon $45 at REI $40 at Home Depot Pros This LifeStraw bottle has the best filtration system we tested, and it comes in tons of colors. Cons This bottle is not insulated, and the straw takes more suction power than you would normally use. If you’ve been looking for a filtered water bottle for a while, you’ve probably heard of LifeStraw. The brand is 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. We just wish it were insulated. LifeStraw had the most impressive filtration technology of all the filter water bottles we tested, though the straw took a little more work than your standard straw-lid bottle. The membrane microfilter meets both EPA and NSF safety standards and removes more than 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, as well as any sediment clouding the water. The separate activated carbon filter takes care of 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 replacement (the activated carbon filter should be changed every 26 gallons), 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 Food & Wine 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 types: Membrane microfilter and activated carbon | Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 22 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (top rack only) Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Value Filtered Water Bottle Brita Premium 26oz Filtering Water Bottle Credit: Amazon $23 at Amazon $29 at Lowe's View on Walmart Pros This inexpensive water bottle comes in two sizes, so you can tailor your choice to your water intake and needs. Cons This bottle is not insulated, so it won’t help keep your water cold for long periods. The translucent, BPA-free plastic body of this Brita bottle allows visibility into the sleek filter inside. Available in 26-ounce and 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. The filter is integrated into the vessel’s straw, making it easy to assemble and clean, a factor we appreciated throughout testing. The filter relies on an activated carbon block to remove the taste and odor of chlorine and reduce particulates. However, this filter doesn't remove metals, so if that's something you're looking for, this might not be the best match. While testing this water bottle, we quickly came to appreciate its lightweight, functional design, which doesn’t add much bulk to a purse or bag, and it comes with a convenient carrying loop on the lid. This is because this bottle isn't insulated — just know the price you pay for lightweight portability is sometimes room-temperature water. 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 | Dishwasher-safe: Yes (top rack only) Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Splurge Filtered Water Bottle GRAYL GeoPress Water Purifier Bottle Credit: Amazon $100 at Amazon $100 at REI $100 at Backcountry Pros This water bottle removes the highest number of pathogens on our list, which is confirmed through the brand’s independent lab testing. 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. It can get rid of hepatitis A, norovirus, salmonella, E. coli, and more. Translation: You can fill up anywhere, from a spring-fed 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 8 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. But if you're taking it on the go, be aware that this water bottle is heavy. It weighs a full pound when empty, which can add some serious weight to your pack when it's full. Filter types: Activated carbon, electroabsorption Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 24 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: No Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Filtered Water Bottle for Outdoors CamelBak Tritan Renew with Straw Top Credit: Amazon $50 $44 at Amazon $50 at Walmart $50 $45 at Camelbak.com Pros A bite-to-drink design on the mouth of this bottle keeps it from leaking, even if it’s upside-down or sideways in your pack. Cons The base of this water bottle is a bit wider than average, so it didn’t fit in our car cup holder or backpack water pocket. 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 bottle that keeps 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 effectively removed 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 prevents leaks. 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 types: Ion exchange, hollow fiber membrane | Materials: BPA-free plastic, silicone | Capacity: 32 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: Cap and bottle only Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Best Filtered Water Bottle for Travel LifeStraw Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle Credit: Amazon $60 at Amazon $60 at REI $60 at Target 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. Cons This water bottle requires you to sip through the straw to filter the water, so you can’t pour filtered water into another vessel. There’s a reason LifeStraw made our list of the best filtered water bottles not once, but twice. Their bottles are stylish, with unmatched technology, 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. It meets the NSF 42 standard for chlorine reduction and the US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for bacteria and parasites. 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 types: Activated carbon, membrane microfilter | Materials: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, silicone | Capacity: 24 ounces | Dishwasher-safe: No Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine Credit: Food & Wine How We Tested Filtered Water Bottles We tested eight filtered water bottles for this piece, which varied in design, material, size, and filtration method. This was a real-world test conducted by Food & Wine editors, in which we took the bottles home and incorporated them into our daily lives. Throughout the testing period, we used them like any other water bottle as well as put them through a few tests to assess their filtration capabilities. Food & Wine Assembly test: To determine how easy these bottles would be to use over a long period, we took them apart and reassembled them a few times. We looked for various features that added (or detracted) from the bottle’s functionality and ease of use. We noted the material, weight (full and empty), capacity, and extra features such as a leak-proof lid or a convenient carrying loop. Filtration and flavor tests: These were the biggest focus of our testing attributes. We filled our bottles with water from different sources to gauge flavor and filter effectiveness. We spent extra time deciphering how each vessel filtered contaminants and how effective said filtration proved. We compared the taste of unfiltered and filtered water from home taps, public water fountains, and in some cases, natural bodies of water. We noted whether the filtration removed any unpleasant flavors, such as chlorine or metallic taste, as well as any particulates. 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). Cleaning test: For each bottle, we noted the specific care requirements, including which parts (if any) could be cleaned in the dishwasher and whether and 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. At the end of the testing period, we revealed the price of each bottle to compare cost to performance to assess value. At the time of testing, the least expensive bottle was $16, and the most expensive bottle was $100, for an average cost of about $41. Factors to Consider Filter Type When shopping for a filtered water bottle, one of the main areas of focus is the type of filter each model uses. 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. When it comes to portable water filtration systems (rather than a reverse osmosis system, which is often installed directly in your home), activated carbon is widely considered one of the best filtration methods 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 combines them. The best filtration method depends largely on how you envision using your water bottle, whether that’s sipping from a stream or just improving the cleanliness of your tap water. 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 particulates that weren’t there before, it may be a sign to change the filter or that you have a subpar system. Be sure to thoroughly read the instructions first; some filters need to be rinsed or flushed to avoid cloudiness in the first few batches. Bottle Material Like water filter pitchers, the filtered water bottles on our list are made from various materials, most commonly BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. Plastic is typically the lighter of the two options — stainless steel water bottles can be annoyingly heavy when full. However, stainless steel is more effective at maintaining a liquid's temperature for longer; cold water will reach room temperature quickly in plastic. Plastic is usually cheaper than steel, but if you're looking to reduce your plastic usage, stainless steel is worth the added cost. Food & Wine Ease of Use In general, filtered 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 time on your end, whether that's assembling and cleaning the filtration system or the ongoing 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 resting on the passenger seat may not be of consequence to you, but if you’re hiking up the side of a mountain with your bottle clipped to your pack, a few extra ounces can make a big difference. 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 Unlike traditional water bottles, many of which can be thrown in the dishwasher, filtered water bottles require a bit more hands-on care. Because of the integrated filter system, cleaning them isn’t as straightforward as it would be with a normal reusable water bottle. While a select few can be placed in the dishwasher with the filter removed, most 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. Food & Wine 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." 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 equal. “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.”If heavy metals are of particular concern to you, look for a bottle that specifically mentions them in the filter description. How do I clean my filtered water bottle? Is it dishwasher-safe? Always clean your filtered water bottle according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the water bottle or its integrated filter. Filtered water bottles should not be placed in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly states they're dishwasher-safe. 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.” 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, but they fell short in just one or two testing categories, which 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 ($31 at Amazon) Though Brita is a trusted name in filtration technology, this water bottle didn’t quite hold a candle to its brandmate above. While we loved the stainless steel body for its ability to keep our water at the right temperature on the go, the bottle’s straw felt especially difficult to use. The bottle leaked frequently, whether the lid was open or closed. Food & Wine 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 that the slim shape was easy to hold. The bottle’s 18-ounce capacity was already a bit tight, and we found we couldn’t fill it 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. 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. Explore more: What to Buy Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit