How we chose the best reusable water bottles in Australia
The best reusable water bottle in Australia for most people is the Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle, a 946ml (32oz) stainless steel bottle rated 4.5 from 29,092 ratings on its Amazon AU listing. Its first bullet names a FreeSip spout and a push button lid with lock, and a later bullet gives up to 24 hours cold. A reusable water bottle, or drink bottle as many Australians search for it, comes down to insulation, lid, size and how you wash it, so that is how we compare them.
We read the Amazon AU listing for every bottle on this page: the title, the bullet points, the product information table, the description and the A+ text where a listing has one. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing. We did not test the bottles in hand, so every cold hour, capacity and care line here is the listing's own claim, and we name the part of the listing it sits in. Ratings and counts are the ones each listing shows.
Four bottles are compared below. Three more cards, the CamelBak Eddy+, the Frank Green and the Iron Flask, have a dated note and sit in their own sections, outside the comparison and every recommendation.
Last checked: 24 October 2026.
How do the bottles compare at a glance?
Capacity, insulation, lid style and cleaning decide which reusable bottle suits you. The table below sets the Owala FreeSip, Thermos FUNtainer, CamelBak Podium and 500ml clear bottle side by side, using each Amazon AU listing's own wording for cold hours, capacity, lid and washing. Cards with a dated note are left out of it.
| Pick | Best for | Cold hours (listing) | Capacity (listing) | Washing (listing) |
|---|
| Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle | Straw and swig spout for most days | Up to 24 hours cold (bullets) | 946ml (32oz) in the title | Bullets: hand wash cup, dishwasher safe lid. Table: dishwasher safe |
| Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Drink Bottle | A small kid proof bottle | Up to 12 hours cold (bullets) | 365 ml (table) | Hand wash only (table) |
| CamelBak Podium Insulated Steel Bottle | Sport, with a no squeeze design | Up to 18 hours cold (bullets) | 0.65 litres (table) | Dishwasher safe (table) |
| 500ml Clear Water Bottle with Carry Loop | Slim plastic for bag pockets | No insulation claim in the title, bullets or table | 500 ml (title, bullets and table) | Dishwasher safe (title and table) |
Best overall: Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle
The Owala FreeSip is our pick for most people. Its Amazon AU listing shows 4.5 stars from 29,092 ratings and is sold by Amazon AU. The title calls it a 946ml (32oz) insulated bottle, and the first bullet names a FreeSip spout and a push button lid with lock.
The FreeSip spout is the feature the bullets lead with: it is designed for either sipping upright through the built in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening. The push to open lid keeps the spout clean, and the carry loop doubles as a lock. The product table lists Carrying Loop, Insulated, Integrated Spout, Leak Proof and Spout Cover under additional features.
On temperature, the bullets say double wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, with a wide opening for cleaning and adding ice and a cup holder friendly base. The description says it keeps drinks cold for 24 hours. The product table lists the material as stainless steel and the recommended uses as Gym, Office, School, Sports and Travel.
The catch is hot drinks and care. The bullets say not for use with hot liquids and the description says not suitable for hot liquids, so treat it as a cold drink bottle; for a hot drink, see our coffee travel mug guide. Care is given two ways. The bullets and the description say hand wash the cup and the lid is dishwasher safe, while the product table says Product Care Instructions: Dishwasher Safe. Check the cup's care line before using a dishwasher.
Size is also given more than one way. The title and first bullet say 946ml, the product table says 32 fluid ounces with dimensions of 8.7W x 26.7H centimetres, and the description says it is available in 700ml and 950ml sizes. We use the 946ml (32oz) in the title.
The customer summary on the listing says customers find the water bottle easy to clean, with one noting that it is super easy to disassemble. It also reports durability issues, noting that it dents easily and the flip top lid cracks and breaks. The description mentions the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.
Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Drink Bottle
The Thermos FUNtainer is the small kid proof bottle. The listing is the Unicorn design, F4019UN6AUS, and it shows 4.6 stars from 1,761 ratings and is sold by Amazon AU. The bullets say it keeps cold for up to 12 hours, using Thermos vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention.
The lid is a hygienic push button lid with a pop up silicone mouth piece that the bullets call easy to open, and the bullets describe a kid proof design with a durable stainless steel interior and exterior that withstands daily wear and tear. The product table gives 365 ml, an item weight of 0.24 Kilograms and a push button cap, and lists the exterior as condensation free with a non slip, scratch resistant base.
The catch is leaks and care. The listing makes no leak proof claim in its title, bullets or product table, and its customer summary says customers report leakage issues, particularly a hole in the lid that causes water to spill when the bottle is turned, so keep it upright in a bag. The product table says Hand Wash Only, and the title, bullets and product table do not mention BPA. The customer summary also says customers like the size, noting it is great for little hands to hold and compact.
CamelBak Podium Insulated Steel Bottle
The CamelBak Podium is the sport bottle. The listing shows 4.5 stars from 2,240 ratings and is sold by Amazon AU. Its title says 0.65 Litre Capacity and its product table says 0.65 litres, with the style name 22 Oz, which is the same size.
The bullets give premium 18/8 stainless steel, double wall vacuum insulation that keeps beverages cold up to 18 hours, an innovative no squeeze design and a leakproof lockout. The A+ text adds that the lockout ensures the bottle stays securely sealed when not in use, and that no squeeze is meant to spare you excessive squeezing to get a drink.
The product table lists Double Wall, Insulated and Lightweight under additional features, an item weight of 12.4 Ounces, a sport type of Cycling, Product Care Instructions of Dishwasher Safe, and BPA Free, BPS Free, PVC Free, BPF Free and DEHP Free.
The catch is leaks. The customer summary on the listing says customers report chronic leakage issues with the water bottle, and that some find it difficult to remove from its holder, so check the lockout is set before the bottle goes in a bag.
Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle 40oz
This card has a dated note on why it could not be bought. The listing facts below are the ones the saved Iron Flask listing text gives.
The listing title names 40oz, 3 Lids (Straw Lid), Leak Proof and Double Walled. Its bullets give cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, three leak proof lids (a carabiner straw lid with 2 straws, a flip lid and a stainless steel lid), 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA free and non toxic, and hand wash only with soapy hot water.
The bullets also say only the 14 Oz, 18 Oz and 22 Oz sizes fit in cupholders, and the 40oz in the title is not on that list. The product table gives Cap Type Straw Cap and Product Care Instructions Hand Wash Only. This card has a dated note and is left out of the comparison and every recommendation on this page.
500ml Clear Water Bottle with Carry Loop
The 500ml clear bottle is a slim plastic option next to the steel bottles on this page. The listing is from the DREAM9 Store, shows 5.0 stars from only 5 ratings, a very small sample, and is sold by TomatoInternational. Its title is 500ml Clear Water Bottle BPA Free Leak Proof with Carry Loop Scale,Travel Bottles, Reusable Dishwasher Safe Flat Slim Fit Pocket for Sports Camping Outdoor Fitness.
The bullets give a 500ml capacity with a wide mouth for filling, a flip top and an upgraded silicone seal, and they say it is only 3cm thick, sliding into laptop bags, backpack side pockets and car door slots. The product table gives Additional Features of Flip Top and dimensions of 10W x 20H centimetres, so the 3cm is the thickness and the table gives the width and height.
Two details are given more than one way. The material: the product table says Material Type Plastic and Bottle Type Plastic Bottle, and one bullet says food grade plastic, but another bullet calls it a Gift Ready Glass Bottle. We treat it as plastic. The temperature range: the bullets say it handles minus 10 to 90 degrees Celsius.
The catch is the sample and the claims. The title says Leak Proof and the bullets say 100% BPA free and 100% leak proof guaranteed, but with only 5 ratings there is little customer evidence behind them. The listing makes no insulation claim in its title, bullets or product table. Care is dishwasher safe in both the title and the product table, and the bullets say it is easy to clean with a brush.
The product table lists the color as clear, the shape as Square and the recommended uses as Sports, camping, outdoor activities, fitness.
How long the listings say bottles stay cold
Insulation is the point of a steel bottle, and each listing gives its own hours. The Owala bullets say double wall insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, the CamelBak Podium bullets say double wall vacuum insulation keeps beverages cold up to 18 hours, and the Thermos bullets say it keeps cold for up to 12 hours using Thermos vacuum insulation technology. These are the makers' claims on the listings, not our tests.
The 500ml clear bottle's title, bullets and product table make no insulation claim, so treat it as a plain bottle. The Iron Flask (has a dated note) bullets give cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, while the Owala bullets say not for use with hot liquids. A double wall bottle is the kind the Podium product table lists as Double Wall, Insulated, Lightweight.
For hot drinks, our guide to the best thermos in Australia is the place to start, because the Owala listing says not for use with hot liquids. For a whole day out, see our esky guide.
Capacity as each listing states it
Capacity is a trade off between how much water you carry and how heavy the bottle is to lug around, and the listings give it in different units. The Owala title and bullets say 946ml (32oz) and its product table says 32 fluid ounces, while its description lists 700ml and 950ml sizes. The Thermos product table says 365 ml, the CamelBak Podium title says 0.65 Litre Capacity and its table says 0.65 litres, and the 500ml clear bottle says 500ml in its title and bullets and 500 ml in its table.
No bottle we compare is 40oz: the Iron Flask (has a dated note) title names 40oz. Of the four bottles we compare, the Thermos at 365 ml and the 500ml clear bottle are the two smallest. The product tables give item weights for two bottles, 0.24 Kilograms for the Thermos and 12.4 Ounces for the CamelBak Podium, and dimensions for the Owala (8.7W x 26.7H centimetres) and the 500ml clear bottle (10W x 20H centimetres).
Check the side pocket on your gym bags before you buy a bigger bottle. If you plan to mix powder, our protein shaker bottle guide covers bottles built for it.
Lids and spouts as each listing describes them
Each live listing describes a different lid. The Owala has a FreeSip spout, described in its bullets as designed for either sipping upright through the built in straw or tilting back to swig, under a push to open lid that the bullets say keeps the spout clean. The Thermos has a hygienic push button lid with a pop up silicone mouth piece, and its product table says Cap Type Push Button Cap. The CamelBak Podium bullets name a no squeeze design and a leakproof lockout. The 500ml clear bottle lists a flip top in its bullets and product table.
The Iron Flask (has a dated note) lists three lids in its title and bullets: a straw lid, a flip lid and a stainless steel lid. Its bullets add that the stainless steel lid is plastic from inside and stainless steel from outside.
Leak proof claims, listing by listing
A bottle that leaks in your bag is worse than no bottle, and the four live listings treat leaks differently. The Owala product table lists Leak Proof under additional features. The CamelBak Podium bullets name a leakproof lockout, and its A+ text says the lockout keeps the bottle securely sealed when not in use. The 500ml clear bottle has Leak Proof in its title and says 100% leak proof guaranteed in its bullets. The Thermos listing makes no leak proof claim in its title, bullets or product table.
Customer summaries on two listings cut against that. The Thermos summary says customers report leakage issues, particularly a hole in the lid that causes water to spill when the bottle is turned, and the Podium summary says customers report chronic leakage issues. The Owala summary does not mention leaks, and the 500ml clear bottle has only 5 ratings. A claim on a listing is not a test, so keep any bottle upright in a bag where its own listing reports leaks.
Materials, BPA and washing as each listing states them
Three of the four live cards are steel and one is plastic. The Owala product table says Stainless Steel, the Thermos table says Stainless Steel, the CamelBak Podium bullets say 18/8 stainless steel, and the 500ml clear bottle table says Plastic. No glass bottle is among our cards. One bullet on the 500ml listing calls it a glass bottle, but we go with its product table, which says plastic.
BPA is stated in three of the four live listings. The Owala bullets say BPA, lead and phthalate free and its table says BPA Free, the CamelBak Podium table lists BPA Free, BPS Free, PVC Free, BPF Free and DEHP Free, and the 500ml clear bottle has BPA Free in its title. The Thermos title, bullets and product table do not mention BPA.
Washing is given differently on each listing. Three of the four live product tables say Dishwasher Safe: the Owala, the CamelBak Podium and the 500ml clear bottle, which also says Reusable Dishwasher Safe in its title. The Thermos table says Hand Wash Only. The Owala gives two answers: its bullets and description say hand wash the cup and the lid is dishwasher safe, so check the cup before using a dishwasher. The Iron Flask (has a dated note) bullets say hand wash only with soapy hot water.
Two customer summaries mention cleaning. The Owala summary says customers find the water bottle easy to clean, and the Thermos summary says the bottle is easy to clean and comes apart for thorough washing. The 500ml clear bottle bullets say it is easy to clean with a brush.
Bottles with a straw
The Owala bullets say a built in straw, and its description says a built in, easy clean straw. The Iron Flask (has a dated note) title names a Straw Lid and its bullets give a carabiner straw lid with 2 straws, and the Frank Green card title names a Straw Lid (has a dated note). The Thermos title, bullets and product table do not describe a straw, although its customer summary mentions one that is simple to pull out for cleaning. The CamelBak Podium and 500ml clear bottle titles, bullets and product tables do not describe a straw.
Will it fit your car cup holder and your bag?
Only the Owala listing says its base is cup holder friendly, so check any other bottle before relying on it in the car. The 500ml clear bottle's bullets give a body only 3cm thick that slides into bag side pockets and car door slots. The Iron Flask (has a dated note) bullets name the sizes that fit cupholders.
The Owala bullets give a cup holder friendly base and its table gives dimensions of 8.7W x 26.7H centimetres. The 500ml clear bottle bullets say only 3cm thick and slides into laptop bags, backpack side pockets and car door slots, and its table gives 10W x 20H centimetres. The Iron Flask bullets say only the 14 Oz, 18 Oz and 22 Oz fit in cupholders. The Thermos and CamelBak Podium titles, bullets and product tables do not mention cup holders, so check their fit yourself.
Which reusable water bottle should you buy?
Buy the Owala FreeSip, rated 4.5 from 29,092 ratings, for most days: its listing gives a straw and swig spout, a push button lid with lock and up to 24 hours cold. Choose the Thermos FUNtainer for a small kid proof bottle, the CamelBak Podium for sport, or the 500ml clear bottle for slim plastic.
| Job | Bottle | What the listing gives | Care line (listing) |
|---|
| One bottle for most days | Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle | Straw and swig spout, push button lid with lock, up to 24 hours cold (bullets) | Bullets: hand wash cup, dishwasher safe lid. Table: dishwasher safe |
| A small kid proof bottle | Thermos FUNtainer Insulated Drink Bottle | Kid proof design in the bullets, 365 ml in the table, up to 12 hours cold | Hand wash only (table) |
| Sport | CamelBak Podium Insulated Steel Bottle | No squeeze design and leakproof lockout in the bullets, 0.65 litres in the table | Dishwasher safe (table) |
| Slim plastic for bag pockets | 500ml Clear Water Bottle with Carry Loop | Only 3cm thick in the bullets, 500 ml, flip top, no insulation claim | Dishwasher safe (title and table) |
For a hot drink, the Owala listing says not for use with hot liquids, so start with our best thermos guide. If the bottle is for school, our kids lunch box guide covers the box that goes in the bag beside it.
Frequently asked questions
What is actually the best water bottle?
On the Amazon AU listings we read, the Owala FreeSip is our pick for most people, rated 4.5 from 29,092 ratings. Its listing gives up to 24 hours cold, a straw and swig spout and a push button lid with lock. Its bullets say not for hot liquids and hand wash the cup, while its table says dishwasher safe.
What is the best bottle to drink water from?
Pick the Owala FreeSip, rated 4.5 from 29,092 ratings, for everyday use: its listing gives up to 24 hours cold, a straw and swig spout and a push button lid with lock. The Thermos FUNtainer is a small kid proof bottle. The CamelBak Podium is a sport bottle, and the 500ml clear bottle is slim plastic.
Which is better, Yeti or Hydro Flask?
Neither can be ranked from our evidence, because we read no Yeti or Hydro Flask listing on Amazon AU. Compare any two bottles on the same points we use here: the cold hours the listing states, the lid style, the capacity and the washing instructions. The Owala FreeSip, our pick, is rated 4.5 from 29,092 ratings.
Is Yeti or Owala better?
We read no Yeti listing, so we cannot rank it against the Owala FreeSip. The Owala is rated 4.5 from 29,092 ratings on Amazon AU. Its listing gives up to 24 hours cold, a straw and swig spout and a cup holder friendly base, but its bullets say hand wash the cup and not for hot liquids.
What are the downsides of stainless steel water bottles?
From the listings we read: the Owala bullets say not for hot liquids and hand wash the cup (its product table says dishwasher safe), and the Thermos FUNtainer product table says hand wash only. The Iron Flask (has a dated note) says hand wash only and lists cupholder size limits. Check each care line before buying.
How do Australians say water bottle?
Australians search for both names, drink bottle and water bottle, and listings use both. The Thermos FUNtainer title says drink bottle, the Owala title says water bottle, and the CamelBak Podium product information calls it a water bottle. Search both names, because one product can be listed under either.
