The 8 Best Gallon Water Bottle Selections To Help You Stay Hydrated

Last Updated 11 Nov 2024 by Fiona Perisone

EDITOR'S PICKS

Recommended
best overall     
The Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle thumbnail

4.7/5

  • Keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
  • Sturdy and space efficient
  • Easy to carry around
Recommended
best seat free and best straw lid
Coldest Water Gallon Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle thumbnail

4.6/5

  • Water stays cold for up to 48 hours
  • Excellent quality and style
  • Sturdy and functional
Recommended
dishwasher safe
Hydro Flask 128 Oz Oasis thumbnail

4.7/5

  • Keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Huge and capable of holding a large volume of water

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

Getting enough water is critical for your health, happiness, and recreational goals. A gallon water bottle is worth considering when it comes to staying hydrated and tracking your daily water intake. Convenience, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, motivational, and easy to clean, gallon water bottle offers many benefits. Whether you go for sweaty gym sessions, beach days, or backcountry hikes, these reusable water bottles make the perfect companion and ensure you crush those hydration goals. 

The importance of gallon water bottles has led to an ever-growing trend of gallon water bottles. To help you shop and drink water on the hour, we have rounded up the best gallon water bottles designed to make drinking water easy. They can help you stay hydrated and be your ultimate hydration vessel.

Before diving in, let's look at what to look for when looking for a gallon water bottle. Below, we've listed the key elements to consider before buying a gallon water bottle. With this information, you'll be one step closer to meeting your hydration needs.

What to Look for in a Gallon Water Bottle

Durability

If you're looking at water bottles, you're going to want something that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. To determine durability, look for a bottle that is BPA-free, toxin-free, and non-corrosive. 

If you are feeling unsure, comment sections are great places to zero in on what attributes people do and don't like about a certain water bottle.

Cost

A gallon water bottle cost varies depending on the material, features, and brands. Plastic water bottles are typically under $35, while insulated stainless steel water bottles (like Yeti) range from $50 to $150.

Think about how much you are willing to spend before selecting an option. While the most expensive options usually have the best features, the cheaper ones have perks, too, and are worth considering. Set a budget and stay within it.

Ease of Cleaning

Bottles with built-in side handles are often convenient to carry but harder to clean because few cleaning tools can reach all the nooks and crannies. Water bottles with wider mouths and no handles are usually the easiest to clean.

Before you clean, remember to read the instructions to understand proper care procedures. Some water bottles are not dishwasher safe. If handwashing doesn't sound appealing to you, seek dishwasher-safe options. 

Design

Gallon water bottle design affects ergonomics. Carrying, lifting, or pouring a gallon-sized water bottle can be heavy. You want a water bottle that isn't difficult to carry and is well suited for your needs. Some come with straps, and others come with handles. If you have a design preference, factor that into your decision.

Size

Most gallon water bottles are pretty large and can hold 128-134 fluid ounces. If an option says 64 fluid ounces, that's a half-gallon water bottle.

Knowing how much water you want/need on hand will help guide your search. If you're an active person who's going to be carrying the bottle around, opt for a half-gallon water bottle and refill it when able. A full gallon is more convenient if the water bottle is for home use or sits on the sideline at a sporting event.

In all scenarios, a full gallon of water is heavy. Make sure you alternate arms when holding the bottle or stuff it into a backpack with padded straps. While it may be harder to clean, handles make bottles easier to carry.

Material

Gallon water bottles are built using two primary materials: plastic and stainless steel. The material affects the weight and insulation.

If you want a lighter-weight option, a plastic water bottle is ideal. If you prefer keeping liquids cold, however, consider an insulated stainless steel water bottle. Gallon-sized stainless steel bottles are always heavier than plastic ones.

Insulation

Not all water bottles are made equally. Insulated steel bottles are heavier but will keep your cold water cool for longer. Non-insulated varieties don't do much for temperature regulation but generally weigh less.

On the flip side, there are sleeves (think oversized Koozies) that are lighter but not as long-lasting or as effective at keeping beverages cold. Opt for insulation if you don't mind adding a bit of weight to the water bottle.

Weight

The weight of the water bottle is probably the most important factor to consider, especially if you want to carry the bottle around. Weight has to do with overall capacity and the material used. Plastic gallon water bottles are the lightest (and least insulated) and stainless steel bottles are the heaviest (and most insulated).

Features

Some water bottles come with features. For example, there are some that have motivational marks written on the outside. The marks tell you how much water you should drink by a certain time of day.

For those who don't want to tilt a heavy bottle toward their face every time they take a sip of water, a bottle with a built-in straw is attractive. If you are worried about leakage, try finding one with a magnetic top/spout.

Knowing which of these factors and features matter to you most will help you find the best water bottle. Check out our top picks for the following categories!

8 Best Gallon Water Bottles

The Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle

Best Overall

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

The Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle

Features:

  • Insulated
  • 100% BPA free and non-toxic
  • Modern design

The Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle is made from high-grade 18/8 stainless steel that's double-walled, BPA-free, and toxin-free. It also features vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. It has a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling and a leak proof spout lid.

The Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle is durable, lightweight, not too expensive, and easy to carry, making it the best overall gallon water bottle. As the name suggests, it's perfect for sports games and outdoor recreation. Be sure to remember to care for it properly. This one is not dishwasher safe but is well worth the extra effort.

Material

Stainless Steel

Weight

4.24 pounds

Capacity

14 Fluid Ounces, 18 Fluid Ounces

Dimensions

4.5" W x 10.8" H

Pros:

  • Keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
  • Sturdy and space efficient
  • Easy to carry around

Cons:

  • Spout might be too small for others

Coldest Water Gallon Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Best Sweat Free and Best Straw Lid

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Coldest Water Gallon Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Features:

  • Insulated bottle and lid
  • Heavy duty
  • Modern design

Coming in tons of color options, this fantastic bottle is made with 18/8 stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation. Double wall insulation is a key component that prevents sweating. Water bottle sweating is when water vapor condenses into liquid drops on the outside of the bottle, resembling sweat. Sweaty water bottles are much harder to hold.

The water bottle also comes with: a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling, a twist-off cap with a flip-lid straw, and a premium carry handle, making it perfect for hauling around from place to place. These features make drinking from a gallon water bottle easier than ever.

Material

Stainless Steel

Weight

5.69 pounds

Capacity

128 Fluid Ounces

Dimensions

7.3" W x 13.8" H

Pros:

  • Water stays cold for up to 48 hours
  • Excellent quality and style
  • Sturdy and functional

Cons:

  • Can be a bit heavy
  • Water leaks through the gasket when held upside down or on its side

Hydro Flask 128 oz Oasis

Dishwasher Safe

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Hydro Flask 128 Oz Oasis

Features:

  • Double-wall vacuum insulation
  • Leakproof
  • BPA-Free & toxin-Free
  • Flexible strap

This gallon Hydro Flask 128 oz Oasis is made of 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, is BPA-free and has double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot liquids hot for up to 12 hours. The bottle has a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling and is dishwasher-safe, and it also comes with a convenient handle for easy carrying and pouring.

While the cleaning process is super simple, this gallon water bottle does weigh close to 5 pounds! If a gallon water bottle is too heavy for you, check out the other sizes instead to meet your hydration goals.

Material

Stainless Steel

Weight

380 Grams

Capacity

128 Fluid Ounces

Dimensions

6.5" W x 14.8" H

Pros:

  • Keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Huge and capable of holding a large volume of water

Cons:

  • Heavy especially when it's full

YETI Rambler Gallon Jug

Best for Keeping Water Cold

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

YETI Rambler Gallon Jug

Features:

  • Insulated
  • FatLid insulation helps lock in temperature for hours
  • Dishwasher-safe

The YETI Rambler Bottle is made of 18/8 stainless steel and has double-wall vacuum insulation that will keep your cold beverage cold and hot drinks hot. The bottle is designed with a chug cap for easy drinking and a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling.

With a no-sweat design and convenient handle, this durable and long-lasting insulated bottle is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. With one gallon capacity, you can share piping hot coffee with your crew or get your daily water intake while on long workdays. This gallon water bottle is slightly lighter than the Hydro Flask 128 oz oasis mentioned above.

Material

Stainless Steel

Weight

3 pounds

Capacity

1 Gallons

Dimensions

12.5" h x 6.5" w

Pros:

  • Leakproof
  • Keeps beverages hot or cold for a long time
  • Convenient

Cons:

  • Lid can be hard to get off
  • Heavy when filled

The GYM-KEG Reusable Leakproof Transparent Water Bottle

Most Budget Friendly

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

durability

Ease of Use

Cost

The GYM-KEG Reusable Leakproof Transparent Water Bottle

Features:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Huge capacity
  • Motivational time markings

Taking home our most budget-friendly award, this water bottle is made of durable and lightweight plastic, perfect for carrying around. The bottle has a wide mouth and a screw-on top that is leakproof and easy to use. It conveniently has both a handle and straps, along with two pop-cap options.

The GYM-KEG Reusable Leak Proof Transparent Water Bottle is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly gallon water bottle while taking advantage of handy features.

Material

Plastic

Weight

1.55 pounds

Capacity

1 Gallons

Dimensions

12.2 x 7.6 x 7 inches

Pros:

  • Crafted from BPA-free plastic
  • Comes with a straw lid, regular lid, carry strap, and motivational time markings on the bottle
  • Sturdy and durable bottle
  • Large opening

Cons:

  • Not insulated
  • Strap is not sturdy

Fidus Gallon Motivational Paracord Removable Water Bottle

Best Motivational Water Bottle

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Fidus Gallon Motivational Paracord Removable Water Bottle

Features:

  • Straw
  • Motivational quote and time marker

Hydration goals are easier to reach when you have this fun-colored bottle that features inspirational messages and motivational time marks. These marks keep you accountable by keeping track of how much water intake you should reach by certain times of the day.

Made of BPA-free, toxin-free, and non-corrosive plastic that is both durable and lightweight, this water bottle is another solid option. The water bottle also comes with a convenient paracord handle for carrying and a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling.

Material

Food Grade Tritan

Weight

1.28 pounds

Capacity

128 Fluid Ounces

Dimensions

5.5" W x 13.8" H

Pros:

  • Comfortable and fashionable
  • Best for cycling, running, and hiking
  • Sturdy, leakproof, and easy to clean
  • Paracord handle makes it easy to carry

Cons:

  • Not insulated
  • Paracord handle is not detachable

Stanley 64-Ounce Easy-Pour Growler Water Bottle

Best for Pouring

overall 

4.8/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Stanley 64-Ounce Easy-Pour Growler Water Bottle

Features:

  • Double-wall vacuum insulation
  • Large capacity
  • Functional design
  • Leakproof lid

The Stanley 64-Ounce Easy-Pour Growler Water Bottle has a wide mouth and a flip-top lid that is leakproof. It also has a convenient side handle for carrying and a wide spout for easy pouring. Like other desirable options, it's made from stainless steel with BPA-free plastic coating and is double-insulated to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 18 hours.

Material

Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic

Weight

2.2 pounds

Capacity

64 Fluid Ounces

Dimensions

6.5" l x 4.9" w x 11.6" h

Pros:

  • Food and dishwasher safe
  • Simple lid and opening make it very easy to clean
  • Portable and convenient
  • Great for camping or long drives

Cons:

  • Lack of a pour spout might take some getting used to

Corkcicle 64 oz Sport Jug

Best Triple Insulation

overall 

4.9/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Corkcicle 64 Oz Sport Jug

Features:

  • Triple insulated
  • Wide mouth for ice cubes
  • Folding handle
  • Anti-microbial coating

The last entry on our list is also the most insulated. The triple-insulated design keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature for hours, making it the perfect choice for outdoor activities or long trips.

The water bottle is made of stainless steel with an anti-microbial coating and can keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours and hot for up to 8 hours. The Corkcicle 64 oz Sport Jug has a leak proof, flip-up lid and an ergonomic handle for easy carrying. The bottle also has a wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling.

Material

Plastic, DURAPRENE™

Weight

N/A

Capacity

64 FLUID OUNCES

Dimensions

N/A

Pros:

  • Keep beverages hot for 3+ hours
  • Excellent quality and design
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Perfect for picnic or camping

Cons:

  • Can be too large for gym
  • Since there is no straw, it may be a little challenging to sip from.

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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