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Whether you’ve got little ones heading back to school or bigger ones returning to work, an insulated drink bottle is a must-have hydration companion for busy days.

Insulated drink bottles use durable stainless steel to keep drinks cool (or hot) for hours – sometimes even days. Available in various sizes, from mini flasks for toddlers and school kids to mega bottles that hold a day’s supply of water, there’s a thirst-crushing bottle out there to suit every age, stage and personality.

Perhaps best of all, reusable insulated bottles are a critical step away from single-use plastic bottles. And we’re right behind environmental awareness every step of the way.

Owala FreeSip drink bottles in blue and green.
Owala FreeSip drink bottles are this year’s craze! Image: Owala

Insulated Drink Bottles Comparison Table

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to bottle shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)

The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.

Owala FreeSipYETI Rambler Chug CapFrank Green Ceramic ReusableStanley Quencher ProtourHydro FlaskEcoVessel FrostB.Box InsulatedMontiiCo SportBBBYOThermos FUNtainerEcoCocoonThew Somewhere Co.EcoVessel Boulder
Suitstweens, teens & adultsall agestweens, teens & adultsadultsall ageskidskidskids & tweensadultskidskidsadultstweens, teens & adults
Various sizesYESYESYESYESYESNOYESNOYESYESNOYESYES
Materialstainless steelstainless steelstainless steel/ceramicstainless steelstainless steelstainless steel and copperstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelstainless steel
Start price$49.95$50$49.95$75$39.99$49.95$32.95$54.95$32$29.95$36.95$46$62.95
Loved for itsdual straw/spout lidlong insulationcolours & customisationflip-straw and handlewide mouth for icekid-friendly handlepress-button lid openerwide opening for iceneoprene sleeve accessorypush-button lidleak-proof cocoon capmix & match lids and bumpersdual opening
Mouths Of Mums Insulated Drink Bottles Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)

 13 Best Insulated Drink Bottles For Kids, Teens & Adults

We took a deep dive into Australia’s coolest insulated flasks and put them in one handy spot for you.

From the sweetest bottles for little hands to giant ’emotional support’ bottles for teenagers and grown-ups, check out our picks of the crop and get your new year off to a hydrated and eco-conscious start.

Any included reviews come via the Mouths of Mums Facebook Page.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Drink Bottle, from $49.95

Owala FreeSip 946ml drink bottles.

What makes the Owala FreeSip so appealing to so many people is that you can sip and swig from it! It comes fitted with both a straw and a spout opening, which really does cater to all kinds of water sippers. It’s triple-layer insulated and fitted with a leak-proof lid. It’s also free from lead, phthalates and BPA. Choose from the kids’ 475ml size or the larger 946ml size.

“We have yetis, Frank Green and owalas. The Owala is the best by far, keeps ice frozen all day.” (Lis)

“Love Owala. I have 2 of them. Tried all the rest and they are my favourite” (Janet)

“Owala drink bottles is what the girls are all after!” (Maree)


Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Bottles, from $49.95

Frank Green Insulated Drink Bottles.

Some of the most popular ’emotional support water bottles’ around, Frank Green Ceramic bottles feature hand-polished stainless steel and triple-wall insulation to maintain the temperature of your drink for days! They’re BPA-free, ceramic-lined (which means no metallic taste) and come with a silicone strap for easy toting. Styles range from glow-in-the-dark bottles to popular collabs and classic colour combos. Popular sizes include the 595ml and 1L – perfect for school and office.

“My Boy uses Yeti, My Girl uses Frank Green” (Emma)

“Definitely Frank Green! U can design your own online and get it engraved.” (Bethany)

… the Frank Green is probably more ‘cool’ than the yeti.” (Rosalie)

“All the teen girls at my kids school are all Frank Green!” (Tara)

“My 4 kids and I have frank green. And they are fantastic” (Sianna)

“Frank Green! Cant fault it yet. Pre-teen says it stays cold all day! Easy to clean!” (Bec)

“Myself and my kids (9 and 12) have Frank Green. Great bottles. Stay cold all day” (Rachael)


YETI Rambler Bottles With Chug Cap, from $50

YETI Insulated Drink Bottles With Chug Cap

Available in kids’ and adults’ styles, YETI double-wall insulated bottles are some of the most popular in Australia for their good looks and high performance. They come with a TripleHaul handle that twists off easily, revealing a shatter-resistant spout perfect for gulping. The entire spout is removable for adding ice, and the stainless steel and DuraCoat colours are resistant to cracking and fading.

“Yeti expensive but keeps drink cold all day” (Kim)

“Yeti all the way. Put ice in the morning and still have ice in the afternoon” (Melanie)

“Kids were all given yeti water bottles for Christmas. They are brilliant!” (Amber)

“Yeti all the way” (Nicole)

“In fact our entire household only use Yeti drink bottles, they’re that good” (Rebekah)

“Yeti are amazing” (Brooke)


Stanley Quencher Protour Flip-Straw Tumbler, from $75

People holding Stanley Protour Flip-Straw Tumblers in rose quartz.

It’s the iconic Quencher so many people have loved, now with a leakproof flip-straw lid! Available in a choice of 30oz (887ml) and 40oz (1.2L), it comes in a range of colours to suit virtually anyone. It uses BPA-free 90% recycled 18/8 stainless steel and keeps water cold for up to 11 hours. Grown-ups love it for its easy-grip handle and dishwasher-safe parts.

“Stanley is so far the best for me with straw, but it’s not practical for school. The only drink bottle that I know that won’t get mould.” (Linda)


Hydro Flask Insulated Drink Bottles, from $39.99

Hydro Flask Insulated Bottle

Available in a range of volumes and a choice of standard or wide-mouth formats, the Hydro Flask caters to all lifestyles. Made using pro-grade stainless steel, they’re BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, and they keep your drink cool for up to 24 hours. Removable silicone boots are available separately to protect against knocks and bumps.

“Keeps ice all day with tap water. Also lasted all year with my boy who drops and smashes all drink bottles. It’s worth the money” (Jess)

“Love my hydro flask” (Tan)


EcoVessel Frost 355ml Insulated Bottle With Straw, $49.95

EcoVessel Frost Kids' Insulated Drink Bottles

A finalist in the Non-Toxic Awards, the 355ml EcoVessel Frost offers triple insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 36 hours. It uses non-leaching stainless steel and comes with a flip-spout lid for one-handed drinking – fabulous for when their hands are full.


b.box 350ml Insulated Drink Bottles, from $32.95

b.box Kids' Bottles

Leak-free and ergonomically designed, b.box double-walled drink bottles are just the right size for toddlers and preschoolers. The easy push-button opening makes one-handed sipping easy, and the smart insulation keeps things cool for up to eight hours. Available in 350ml and 500ml sizes.


EcoVessel Boulder Triple Insulated Bottles, from $62.95

Woman drinking water from an insulated bottle.

The award-winning Boulder range from EcoVessel boasts triple insulation technology to keep your favourite drinks hot for up to 18 hours or cold for up to 90 hours! It comes with a removable strainer for use with tea leaves, fruit or herbs, and it absolutely never sweats. Choose from 591ml, 700ml or 946ml.


EcoCocoon 350ml Stainless Steel Bottles, $36.95

EcoCocoon Kids' Water Bottles

Eco-friendly and huge on fun, EcoCocoon kids’ flasks use high-grade stainless steel to keep drinks cool or warm for an entire day. They have a leak-proof cap, a one-way valve system and triple insulation for less condensation. And at the end of its life, it’s completely recyclable. Also available in a 600ml option for bigger kids and adults.


MontiiCo Sport Drink Bottle, $54.95

Montii Sport Drink Bottles.

The Montii Sport holds 700ml and comes in five awesome colours. What has parents sold on these is that they’re fuss-free, leakproof and designed for easy one-handed sipping. Dishwasher safe, it’s completely free of BPA and lead, and it’s double-walled for a full day of cold sips.


Thermos FUNtainer Drink Bottles, from $29.95

Thermos FUNtainer Kids' Drink Bottles

With ‘fun’ in their name, you can count on the kids loving these thirst companions. Each uses BPA-free stainless steel and comes with a non-slip base and flexible silicone straw. Spill-proof, they boast vacuum insulation to keep drinks at the perfect temperature for longer. Choose from 355ml or 470ml capacities.

“Thermos stainless steel water bottles are the best. Covered flip lid, double insulated” (Catherine)

“love ours- had them for years – and they don’t break the bank either like other brands” (Christina)


The Somewhere Co Insulated Water Bottles, from $46

The Somewhere Co Insulated Drink Bottles.

These colourful bottles definitely stand out in the crowd. Key features include double-walled, stainless steel construction that keeps liquid cold for 20 hours and hot for eight, and a silicone band to protect it from dings! Choose from 500ml or 1L capacities.


BBBYO Insulated Water Bottles With Covers, from $32

BBBYO Insulated Bottles With Neoprene Covers

Created by an Australian business committed to keeping our oceans and beaches beautiful, these eco-friendly sets come with a stainless steel flask and a neoprene sleeve. They have an airtight lid and keep bevvies cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12. Sizes include 500ml, 750ml and 1L.


Tips For Buying Insulated Drink Bottles

Thirty? Not for much longer! Take a peek at our top tips for buying water flasks that go the distance:

  • Look for leak-proof lids – When a drink bottle leaks over a handbag, school bag or lunch box, it can quickly ruin the day. So if you or the kids are always on the move with a bottle in tow, do yourself a favour and opt for one with a leak-proof lid.
  • Do you need a carry handle? If you have younger kids, a handle makes bottles easier to hold and helps keep them out of the lost property. For adults, a handle is fantastic for taking your bottle with you on your daily walk.
  • Consider capacity – Younger kids aren’t likely to get through a litre of water in a day, so there’s no need for them to lug around a large drink bottle that weighs down their school bags. On the flip side, active teens and adults hitting the gym might need up to two litres to save on constant refills.
  • Get enough insulation for your needs – Whether you’re packing a tasty soup for the kids’ lunches or a cold drink to get you through an entire day, ensure you buy a bottle that insulates the contents for enough time. Technology varies a lot between bottles; some insulate for up to eight hours, others for more than a day!
Boy holding a blue MontiiCo Sport insulated drink bottle.
For a bottle that lasts, consider your child’s specific needs. Image: MontiiCo

FAQs

Are insulated water bottles worth it?

Yes, if you like your liquid to stay at a constant temperature throughout the day, insulated water bottles are worth it. If you invest in a great quality insulated water bottle, you’ll get icy cold water for hours, without condensation on the outside (which is super annoying for kids when they keep their bottles inside their school bags!)

What shouldn’t you put in an insulated bottle?

You shouldn’t put certain drinks like hot milk or tea in insulated bottles because of the risk of bacterial buildup. It’s also not recommended to fill them with soft drinks, as it may damage the bottle.

How long should I keep water in an insulated water bottle?

It depends on the individual features of each water bottle – some keep water cold for up to 24 hours. But it is recommended that you tip out any water after a day and wash your water bottle thoroughly between uses.


Got little ones heading off to school soon? Take a look at our ten tips to help school starters settle into the new stage smoothly.

  • With so many more of these on the market today, I’d love to know what competes as some of the best now. Looking to update all my children’s bottles for Christmas/before school.

    Reply

  • I love to see a range of prices in this list as drink bottles are slowly hiking in prices. We have a been a loyal frank green family however have noticed over the last year or so, that they are losing their quality. They aren’t staying cold for long and they are chipping quite easily as well which is frustrating for the price point.

    Reply

  • Lots of price points which is good to see. There are so many beautiful designs.

    Reply

  • We have so many yeti bottles and I love how they come in all different sizes – so handy when out and about.

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  • First things first, no matter the bottle. Always put a name on it!! I have four kids and have gone through SO many bottles! I have had them all! I actually found I didn’t like the hard ones because they drop them and chip the paint/dint them and they look bad within the first few days.

    Reply

  • Out of all the drink bottles I have purchased over the years, Yeti has definitely been the winner for me. They are expensive but so worth the cost. The amount of times my daughter has dropped it and it hasn’t broken is amazing. I have also found it easy to clean and not go mouldy

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  • The heat this summer has made me extra conscioys of drink bottles, so I’ve been revisiting this article to consider whether any of our collection need updating. The kids are old enough now that we don’t lose them so often, making me more willing to spend up a bit to get quality.

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  • My kids use montii and i couldn’t be happier after having used so many bottles throughout. The interchangeable lids make it so cost effective and space saving which is great. The bumper is also amazing at protecting from dents etc from falls, which has saved us o plenty of times over the years with kids little hands

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  • I wish I’d seen this list before I just bought my son a cheapie and it doesn’t even keep his drinks cold through the day. Although when I say cheap it was about $18. These are so handy especially when they are athletes and need lots of cold drinks throughout the day.

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  • I like the water bottles that have their own flip top straw, very convenient.

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  • Investing in a good water bottle is so worthwhile. They last for years and years if they’re good quality (and your kids don’t manage to lose them, of course).

    Reply

  • My kids all need new water bottles for school this year so that’s what we are doing this morning. Thanks for this article it has a lot of great information and has given me some great pointers in what to look for and some really good options to show the kids to see what they think 🙂

    Reply

  • My collection of Insulated drink bottles was an absolute lifesaver when I had my bub! They kept water cool all over the house! They’re also been amazing this summer where I leave them in the fridge until I need them and even if I leave them in my hot car, they still provide cold refreshing water upon my return! They’re well worth the investment.

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  • The most helpful article ever to read before kids return to school. Thank you!! Love the fact that insulated drink bottles of various designs and styles were included. So often articles and reviews on drink bottles are focussed on very young children, whereas mine are now teens. With these suggestions, I am off shopping tomorrow for drink bottles for my teens. Thank you

    Reply

  • What a great and super helpful article! I remember as a kid using a Pump water bottle! haha
    It’s great to see how far water bottles have come for the kiddos, especially when needed in this crazy summer heat. The MontiiCo Mini Water Bottles would be perfect for my fam! A nice sized and cute designs, plus 24 hours of coolness perfect!

    Reply

  • In our household we love the B.Box insulated bottles. They come in 350ml (perfect size for my 1 year old) and 500ml for my 3 year old. They have now just released a 1l bottle too. I’ve found them fantastic and on a price comparison against other companies they far outway.

    Reply

  • Such a great and super helpful article. Especially coming up to Christmas time and back to school next month. I was at a loss as to what drink bottle to get the kids. We’ve decided to try the Frank Green as I’m a big fan of the ceramic bottles. They taste so much better than stainless steel.

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  • Yeti is amazing! My daughter and I both had frank greens but they never stayed cold so we upgraded 🙂

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  • I remember reading this article a while ago and have been keeping an eye out for a sale on the Yetti drink bottles. I think this bottle would be perfect for my daughter for school next year but it is quite high cost. I was hoping for a Black Friday sale but they weren’t having one.

    Reply

  • I’m really not a brand person as they are way to expensive. Some are so big they would be uncomfortable to carry around and don’t fit in the cup holders of the car. No good having a screw top lid while driving. So many things to think about. I would mainly use one when out walking so I want it easy to drink from. Great to see info on so many types.

    Reply

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