How to Leverage Your Smartwatch s Hydration Tracking Features and Set Reminder Alerts to Drink Water Throughout the Day

The 9 Best Smart Water Bottles of 2024 for Better Hydration

Staying hydrated isn't just good for youit can also have a major impact on your workouts. Studies have shown that staying hydrated while exercising helps maintain your heart rate and boost your performance. Drinking enough water also prevents fatigue and can even help you push harder in the gym before reaching your limits.

If you often forget to drink throughout the day (or even if you're simply searching for a new emotional-support water bottle), a smart water bottle can help. These bottles have tech-forward features that can remind you to drink, sanitize your water, send you their location, and more. While they are usually more of an investment than traditional bottles, smart water bottles may be a smart buy if you've tried other ways to boost your water intake with limited success.

When shopping for a smart water bottle, you'll want to look for one that's large enough so you won't have to constantly refill it, with features you'll actually use, at a budget-friendly price. We spoke with experts to find the best smart water bottles to help you meet your hydration goals.

What is a smart water bottle?

A smart water bottle is a bottle thats designed to help you hydrate throughout the day. Unlike regular water bottles, smart water bottles are incredibly versatile for anyone who wants to ensure theyre getting the recommended daily amount of fluids. Features include reminders, built-in temperature gauges, and LED lighting that tells you when its time for a refill, Lori Ann Peterson, a retired pediatric nurse, says.

How does a smart water bottle work?

How a smart water bottle works depends on what kind of tech makes it smart in the first place. For example, some smart bottles have sensors that can measure how much water youve consumed, and they log the data in an app on your smartphone. Others can play music from your phone using Bluetooth or have a power bank that can charge your devices throughout the day. Some models have self-cleaning modes, too. If you havent pressed the button in a while, certain smart water bottles will even start the cleaning process automatically.

Pros

• Frequent hydration reminders

• Wide range of sizes and colors

• Location-tracking feature

HidrateSparks Smart Water Bottle is our top overall pick, because it tracks your water intake, connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth, and logs your data in a convenient mobile app. If you forget to drink, this bottle will glow as a reminderand you can customize the glows color, pattern, and frequency through the app. Plus, its easy to charge using the included cable.

We like that its available in a range of bright colors and in sizes from 17 to 32 ounces. You can also choose from plastic or stainless steel exteriors, and two types of lidswide-mouth or straw. (If you change your mind, you can purchase an additional lid separately.)

If youre someone who tends to leave your water bottle at the gym, you can use the apps Find My Bottle feature to pinpoint the last place where it synced to your phone. The only drawback is that theres no self-cleaning feature, but otherwise, we think its a dependable smart water bottle.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 17 to 32 ounces | Materials: Plastic or stainless steel (BPA-free) | Insulated: Yes (stainless steel), No (plastic) | Hydration Tracking: Yes | Self-Cleaning: No | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, only the lid}

If youre looking for a smart water bottle while on a budget, we recommend this one from ICEWATER. We love that theres a lock feature that stops water from seeping out when its not in use, and that it can be easily opened with one hand using a button.

This bottle can play music via Bluetooth and comes in both plastic and stainless steel versions. Its not dishwasher safe, however, and is only available in one 20-ounce size.

You cant track your hydration levels with this smart water bottleif that is important to you, we recommend HidrateSparks Smart Water Bottle. But it does glow every hour to remind you to drink more throughout the day.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 20 ounces | Materials: Plastic or stainless steel (BPA-free), silicone | Insulated: Yes (stainless steel), No (plastic) | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: No | Dishwasher Safe: No}

Pros

• Long battery life

• Sleek design

• Durable

Looking for a self-cleaning water bottle? Available in both 17- and 25-ounce capacities, LARQs Bottle is our top pick for walks, hikes, or sightseeing trips. Although its expensive, its a smart and stylish bottle thats built to last, so we think its well worth the investment.

To use the bottles self-cleaning function, simply fill it up with water, press the cap, and wait. UV-C LED technology kills off harmful bacteria inside, like E.coli. If you forget to push the button yourself, not to worryLARQs Bottle will automatically clean your water every two hours anyway.

We like that the insulated version can keep water cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. And the battery can last up to one month on a single charge. Accessories, like a Travel Sleeve and an Active Loop, are sold separately. Just note that, unlike others on our list, LARQs Bottle cant track your water intake.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 17 to 25 ounces | Materials: BPA-free stainless steel | Insulated: Yes | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No}

CrazyCaps Smart Water Bottle is our pick for a stainless steel bottle thats both durable and functional. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident that itll hold up (even after the occasional fall).

Unfortunately, CrazyCaps Smart Water Bottle cant track your water intake, but the double-walled bottle can keep your beverage cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12, without sweating on the outside. We also like that it comes in a wide range of bright colors and patterns.

Unlike other bottles on our list, this one has two self-cleaning modes. Tapping the cap twice will start a quick, 60-second clean, or you can tap five times for a more thorough, two-minute clean. Like HidrateSparks Smart Water Bottle, CrazyCaps bottle will automatically clean your water every four hours, in case you forget.

While this bottle is only available in one, 17-ounce size, we appreciate that the battery lasts up to seven days on a single charge.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 17 ounces | Materials: BPA-free stainless steel | Insulated: Yes | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No}

Pros

• Large capacity

• Can be personalized

• Set goals in the app

Cons

• Not insulated

• Might not be as durable

Instead of trying to calculate how much water you need to drink by hand, let Gatorades Smart Gx Bottle do the work for you. With this bottle, you can set daily hydration goals, and the lights on the cap will show your progress. Use the Gx app (only available for iOS devices) to access specific statistics, like when the best time to hydrate is, or to change the caps color.

Although this bottle only comes in one size, we like that its 30 ounceslarge enough to go from the gym to the office with ease, but because its plastic, it may not be as durable as other bottles on this list. Its not insulated, either, unlike other options on our list.

We like that you can personalize the cap. You can fill it with cold water or sports drinks, but hot drinks are not recommended.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 30 ounces | Materials: Plastic | Insulated: No | Hydration Tracking: Yes | Self-Cleaning: No | Dishwasher Safe: No}

For an extra boost of motivation during tough workouts, Ultimaxxs Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle comes equipped with a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. Detach the speaker to bring your music with you while youre on the go, or clip the bottle to your bag using the carrying loop to blast your favorite playlist on hikes.

Ultimaxxs smart water bottle is triple-insulated and can keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 14 hours. It fits in most cup holders, and a lid lock prevents leaks or spills.

Its worth noting that it cant track hydration levels. But otherwise, this smart water bottle comes with plenty of unique features.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 23.6 ounces | Materials: BPA-freestainless steel | Insulated: Yes | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: No | Dishwasher Safe: No}

Pros

• Durable

• Long battery life

• Sleek design

Monos Kiyo UVC Water Bottle is our pick for the best lightweight smart water bottle. We love the self-cleaning feature that eliminates up to 99.99 percent of bacteria in minutes. There are two self-cleaning modes: a 60-second quick clean and a three-minute deep clean.

The battery on this smart water bottle lasts around one month on a full charge. We like that its durable, since its designed to travel with you everywhere you go. Although its one of the most expensive bottles on our list, you do get a sleek, tough smart water bottle that looks good and is built to last.

Theres a two-year warranty included, and we like that you can fill it with both hot and cold drinks. Both sizesthe 17-ounce and 25-ounceare lightweight and portable, using the attached loop. The silicone base protects both your bottle and surfaces from dents, dings, or scratches.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 17 to 25 ounces | Materials: Polypropylene, silicone, stainless steel, silex glass | Insulated: Yes | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Not listed}

Cons

• Only comes in one size

• Limited smart features

Prevent last-minute, low battery panic with Tylts Smart Water Bottle. It comes with a power bank thats compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, and we love that it provides up to two full charges.

The power bank can also be detached from the water bottle, for easy cleaning or on-the-go charging, although this bottle isnt dishwasher safe. The bottle itself is insulated and can keep drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours.

Tylts bottle is only available in a black, 17-ounce model, which is smaller than other bottles on our list. Plus, its only smart feature is the power bank, so if you need a bottle to track your water intake or remind you to sip more, we recommend HidrateSparks Smart Water Bottle.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 17 ounces | Materials: Stainless steel | Insulated: Yes | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: No | Dishwasher Safe: No}

Pros

• Self-cleaning

• Dishwasher safe

• Two-year warranty

For a rechargeable smart water bottle, we recommend Philips Waters GoZero Smart Water Bottle. Although it cant track hydration, like other water bottles on our list, theres a lot to like about it.

Its dishwasher safe (excluding the cap), and it can keep drinks cool for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. The self-cleaning mode takes three minutes and eliminates up to 99.99 percent of bacteria.

When the GoZero water bottle needs charging, the cap turns orange. Simply plug in the charger until it flashes green, and youre good to go for up to 30 days. There are four colors to choose from, and its available in two sizes: 12 and 20 ounces. A two-year warranty is included with your purchase, and we like that its durable and BPA-free.

^{Key Specs:Capacity: 12 or 20 ounces | Material: BPA-free stainless steel | Insulated: Yes | Hydration Tracking: No | Self-Cleaning: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes}

How We Selected the Best Smart Water Bottles

First, we spoke with Lori Ann Peterson, a retired pediatric nurse and owner of Story Of Lori, and Meghan Novoshielski, MS, RDN,a registered dietitian, to get their opinion on which features to look for when shopping for smart water bottles. They also helped us understand why its important to stay hydrated, what the benefits of a smart water bottle are, and how many times a smart water bottle can be reused.

We researched over 30 smart water bottles from the most trusted and popular retailers. We considered size, weight, materials, price, durability, smart features, capacity, and more.

What to Look For in Smart Water Bottles

Price

You can expect to pay between $20 and $120 for a smart water bottle. Most options on our list range from $20 to $80. Less-expensive options may include some smart features, like Bluetooth connectivity, hydration reminders, or a power bank that can charge your smartphone. If youre looking for more advanced smart features, like self-cleaning modes, hydration tracking through an app, or the ability to track your water bottle if its lost, then you may want to consider a more expensive smart water bottle.

Size

Smart water bottles come in a range of sizesour list features bottles as small as 12 ounces and as large as 32 ounces. When deciding which size is right for you, consider your hydration goals and how much youll need to drink to avoid becoming dehydrated. Being dehydrated can lead to low energy levels and impaired focus and concentration. This can greatly impact fitness performance, as dehydration can lead to reduced muscle strength and endurance, Novoshielski says.

Materials

Smart water bottles are usually made from plastic or stainless steel. Although plastic has some benefits (its usually cheaper and more lightweight), we prefer smart water bottles made from stainless steel. That is because its more durable and can insulate your water, while plastic bottles cant.

When shopping for a smart water bottle, consider whether its BPA-free. Research has linked BPA exposure to metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, and uterine cancer. If avoiding BPA is important to you, be sure to check the manufacturers specifications for the smart water bottle you plan to buy.

Durability

If youre going to be using your smart water bottle every day and want it to last a long time, look for one that is made from durable materials and can take the occasional drop or two. CrazyCaps Smart Water Bottle is our pick for the most durable smart water bottle, because its made from high-quality stainless steel and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Smart Features

Self-Cleaning

Some smart water bottles, like LARQs Bottle, have self-cleaning features that can eliminate up to 99.99 percent of bacteria from water before you drink it. Certain bottles will even activate this feature automatically, so you can be confident your water will always be clean and taste great. Self-cleaning bottles are usually on the more expensive side, however.

Hydration Tracking

Hydration tracking is a favorite of most smart water bottle users. Some bottles can remind you to drink more water every so often, while others can connect to an app on your smartphone to show you how hydrated you are. An app-controlled feature is great, as it allows you to set hydration goals and track your progress on a daily basis, Peterson says. Some people find this easier than manually tracking how much water theyve consumed.

Certain smart water bottles even have caps that light up to quickly show you your daily progress, like Gatorades Smart Gx Bottle.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Usually, smart water bottles with hydration tracking or speakers can also connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth. This way, you can adjust certain settings and preferences right from your phone. Each one connects differently, so be sure to read the manufacturers instructions for setting up and using your smart water bottle.

Extra Features

Extra features found on smart water bottles may include the ability to track your bottles location if its lost, a power bank that charges your iPhone or Android device, or an extra long battery life. Note whether the bottle youre shopping for has any of these features before deciding to make a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best smart water bottle?

  After researching over 30 bottles and speaking with experts about the most important features each one should have, HidrateSparks Smart Water Bottle is our top pick for the best smart water bottle. It can track your water intake, show you its last location if you misplace it, glow throughout the day as a reminder to hydrate, and more. If youre looking for the best budget-friendly smart water bottle, we recommend ICEWATERs 3-in-1 Smart Water Bottle.

• Are smart water bottles worth it?

  Smart water bottles can be worth it if you constantly battle dehydration and need a push to hit your goals, Novoshielski says. To fully take advantage of their features, you have to remember to charge them and bring them with you wherever you go, she adds. We think that finding the right smart water bottle can help you set and reach hydration goals to help you get the most out of your workouts.

• How many times can you reuse a smart water bottle?

  Each manufacturer lists a different number of times you can reuse a smart water bottle. Its important to follow the instructions included with your device, including how frequently you should use and clean them. This ensures that your smart water bottle will last for as long as possible, at an optimal performance.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a certified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. Always looking for ways to improve his hydration and a fan of new technology, he looks for a smart water bottle thats durable, portable, and has smart features not seen in regular water bottles. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those whove tried them.