Not Hydro Flask Or Stanley: Consumer Reports' Budget Water Bottle Pick Beats Them Both

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Water bottles have become essential in our modern world. Some people keep a bottle on hand just to drink more water, while others need on-the-go hydration to keep pace with their busy lives. Then there are those of us who can't go anywhere without our emotional support water bottles (mine is right here beside me, where it remains at all times). Whatever the reason, water bottles have become big business, and these days, lugging around the most popular water bottle is as much a status symbol as the latest designer handbag. But before you fork over your next paycheck for a name-brand bottle, there might just be a better buy for a fraction of the price.

Consumer Reports tested some of the most popular water bottles on the market alongside some lesser-known budget options to determine the best-in-class across several bottle types, including the best chug (chute) and best straw bottles. Winning the "Best Budget Water Bottle" category is the Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle with Straw Lid. With prices for the 30-ounce bottle ranging from $21.97 to $24.99 depending on the color, this water bottle is significantly cheaper than most Stanley and Hydro Flask bottles, which average around $40 each or more for a similar size. 

But the real kicker isn't just affordability. Consumer Reports rated both the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with the Flex Chug Cap and Stanley's The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler at the bottom of their list, citing that the "It Girl" Stanley tumbler was the only bottle tested that leaked, and the Hydro Flask's Flex Chug Cap was more trouble than it was worth. In contrast, the Simple Modern bottle delivers on usability and durability at a much lower price.

In its water bottle tests, Consumer Reports found that the Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle performed similarly to the Yeti Rambler, which retails around $40 for a slightly smaller size. Side-by-side, the two bottles look very similar, with a sleek, insulated canister and a flip-straw cap complete with a carrying handle.  While we named the Yeti Rambler the best insulated water bottle, the Simple Modern held its own in the Consumer Reports tests. For starters, it suffered only minor cosmetic injuries after a fall down a flight of stairs as part of the durability assessment. The Consumer Reports testers also liked how easy it was to flip up the Simple Modern straw and reported zero leaking issues. It also kept drinks cold for up to 24 hours during testing.

Customers tend to agree with the Consumer Reports analysis. Online reviewers praise the bottle for its convenient handle, excellent insulation, and drop-proof durability. The consensus seems to be that this bottle simply works, and works well. One reviewer said they prefer it over their Hydro Flask, Stanley, and Owala bottles. And while it's not the most important consideration, it's certainly worth mentioning that customers also rave over how pretty these bottles are. It's available in a rainbow of colors and patterns on Amazon, so it'll serve as the perfect accessory to your day just as well as the name brands. 

Now, we admit that we rated the Simple Modern Summit bottle last on our list of popular insulated water bottles — but only because it is not suitable for hot beverages. If you're looking for an affordable cold-beverage bottle, this one's a verified great find.