Always having a water bottle on hand is the easiest way to stay hydrated, whether you're at the gym, running errands or commuting. But the quality of the water you drink is just as important.
While tap water might seem safe, it’s not always as pure as we’d like to think. In fact, depending on where you live, your tap water could contain chlorine, lead, or even traces of pharmaceutical drugs; making a water filter bottle an important tool in your daily routine. With this in mind, the ES Best Shopping team spoke to experts from water filter specialist Brita, who helped highlight what to look for when choosing the best way to filter your water safely while on the move.
Why having a water filter bottle is so important
Tap water may look fine, but it’s not always as clean as it seems and often comes with added uncertainties. While these levels are generally low, it raises questions about the overall purity of water. In cities with older pipes, you might also be exposed to lead contamination, which can be harmful, especially over time. Countertop filters and kettles for hard water are useful for having at home, but what about when you are on the move?
Using a water filter bottle isn’t just about convenience; it’s about protecting your health. It’s an easy way to reduce exposure to contaminants, particularly in areas where water quality can fluctuate or if you're travelling. With a water filter bottle, you don’t have to rely on bottled water or trust that the tap water you’re drinking is free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
Filter type and why it matters
Many water filter bottles use activated carbon, which works to remove chlorine, bad odours, and some heavy metals from tap water. However, depending on your location and the water quality, you might want something more robust. Multi-stage filters are designed to remove a wider range of contaminants, including bacteria and viruses. This is especially important if you're travelling or unsure about the safety of local water sources.
It’s also worth considering how long the filter lasts. High-quality filters should last a few months with regular use, but it’s essential to check how often the filter needs replacing. After all, clean water only stays clean if you change the filter on time.
Don’t compromise on convenience
While it’s tempting to go for the fastest filter, it’s important to find a balance. Some bottles filter water almost immediately, while others might take a little longer to produce a drinkable result. If you’re in a rush, a quicker filter might be a better option. But if you’re looking for superior filtration, it’s often worth investing a little more time for cleaner, better-tasting water.
When choosing the right bottle, think about how easy it is to carry. Stainless steel bottles are often more durable and can keep your water cool, but they’re also heavier. Plastic bottles are lighter and more convenient, but make sure they’re made from BPA-free materials to avoid harmful chemicals leaching into your water.
Material and sustainability
Water filter bottles are typically made from plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel offers the durability and insulating qualities needed to keep your water cool for longer, though it comes with the trade-off of being heavier and more expensive. If portability is a priority, look for a lightweight plastic option that’s BPA-free.
A good-quality reusable filter bottle can help reduce your reliance on disposable plastic bottles. Some brands also offer recyclable filters, which add another layer of sustainability to the mix. Maintenance is another key factor. Choose a bottle that’s easy to disassemble for cleaning and check the manufacturer's instructions for filter replacement.
How we tested
The ES Best Shopping team put these water filter bottles to the test by considering a range of factors that matter most to those of us living in London, where it’s no secret that the water quality can be questionable. We based our testing on how quickly each bottle filters, how convenient the design is for everyday use, and whether it’s compact enough to fit into a bag without taking up too much space.
We also considered how practical the bottles are for the gym and for carrying around while out and about. Other things we looked at included ease of use, filter lifespan, and the overall sustainability of the materials.
Read on for the best filter bottles
Brita Active Water Filter Bottle
If you’re struggling to make the transition from drinking bottled water to using a refillable vessel replenished from the tap, you might feel more at ease with a model that filters water as you drink.
The integrated Brita Active Water filter disc removes nasty chemicals such as chlorine from tap water, but makes sure that key salts and minerals remain flush within your water supply – something that is particularly important for athletes.
Each filtration disc lasts up to one month, and a reusable bottle and three-disc bundle costs under £30, saving you on all that unsustainable and frankly unaffordable fancy bottled stuff.
Buy now £24.00, Amazon
Larq Bottle Pure Vis 2
Larq offers a smart solution for cleaner hydration. The self-cleaning feature means no more worrying about bacteria buildup, as the UV-C light inside the cap automatically sanitises the bottle. Another cool feature is that the bottle tracks each sip I take, so I always know exactly how much water I’ve drank.
Then there’s the companion app, which offers valuable insights and lets me see my hydration progress in real time. It’s motivating to see how I’m improving, and it helps me stay on track with my water intake goals.
Buy now £109.00, Larq
Aquaphor City Bottle with Activated Carbon Filter
The bottle’s design is practical, with a one-handed lid opening that makes it perfect for when I’m on the go. Whether I’m heading to a meeting, gym session, or running errands, it fits easily into my bag and doesn’t leak. It’s made from Tritan, which is BPA-free and known for being strong and lightweight, so I don’t have to worry about it breaking.
Another feature I like is the replaceable filter, which is said to last up to 150 litres. This saves me from buying single-use plastic bottles.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Life Straw Go Series
Life Straw’s two-stage filter is a huge plus as it picks out bacteria, parasites and microplastics which is ideal for filling up from taps in places I don’t know about the water source. I’ve even used it in less-than-ideal situations, like airport fountains, and the water still tastes clean.
The carbon filter does a great job of improving the taste by reducing chlorine and odours, and I noticed a difference in the freshness of my water compared to when I’ve just used a regular bottle. The bottle itself is BPA-free and made from recycled plastic too.
Buy now £39.95, Wildbounds
Grayl Geo Press Water Purifier Bottle
This one is super simple to use; just fill, press and drink. It purifies water on the spot, removing pathogens like bacteria and viruses, as well as chemicals, heavy metals and even microplastics, which makes me feel a lot safer when the water source is questionable.
The filter cartridge lasts up to 65 gallons, and it’s easily replaceable, which makes it a solid long-term investment.
Buy now £100.00, Amazon
Doulton Taste 2 Bottle with Water Filter
The Taste 2 Water Bottle is made from insulated, BPA-free stainless steel. The filter lasts up to three months, improving taste and removing contaminants like chlorine and microplastics. Plus, the bottle keeps water cool, so it's still refreshing throughout the day. It's a handy way to stay hydrated during long journeys, workouts, or outdoor adventures.
Buy now £29.95, Doulton
Hydro Clear Bottle
Some studies from Hydro Clear suggest that hydrogen-infused water may help with energy levels, skin health and joint function.
While I can’t say with certainty that it will work for everyone, the bottle’s design makes it super easy to integrate into my daily routine. The convenience of it being USB rechargeable is a bonus, making it easy to take on the go. The hydrogen water process, which some research suggests might help with inflammation and oxidative stress, seems like a useful feature too.
Buy now £59.00, Hydro Clear
The Healthy Hydration Hydrogen Water Bottle
The Hydrogen Water Bottle from The Healthy Hydration uses SPE/PEM technology to infuse water with hydrogen. It aims to improve water quality by enhancing hydration. This bottle features an easy-to-use filter for added convenience and comes with a detachable handle so it is simple to use on the move.
Buy now £39.99, The Healthy Hydration
