Just like fashion and beauty trends, water bottle fads come and go with a vengeance. If you're part of the hydration-obsessed fandom (don't worry, we are too), you're probably familiar with all the biggest names in the water bottle business: the Stanley Tumbler , Alix Earle's favorite Air Up bottle , the leakproof BrüMate , or maybe one of Owala's brightly hued, mood-boosting bottles — the star of this particular Vetted series . Fun fact: Two of our editors are serious Owala fans, using them daily and admitting they're choosing it over other water bottles in their collection.
So, what makes Owala worth the hype? We're diving into all the details here. But first, if you're new to Owala, you're not alone; the brand is still on the newer side, founded in 2020. It carries several different water bottle styles, arguably the most well-known being its FreeSip bottles.
They're easily recognizable for their colorblock designs and standout label on the side, but the most-talked-about feature is the dual-function straw. Spoiler alert: This function helps prevent spills, whether you need a quick sip without tilting the bottle or a bigger gulp when you're really thirsty. To get the scoop on what makes Owala water bottles so special, we asked two PS editors to share feedback on their most trusted models.
They dive into what sets these bottles apart, how they've become a staple in their daily routines, and whether they live up to the social media hype. Keep reading for our review of Owala's water bottles — and find out if they're truly worth it. 6 Editors Review Abercrombie's Activewear — Which May Be Better Than Its Jeans Owala 32-Oz Freesip Owala-32oz FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($33) "I've tried countless water bottles over the years — so many that I never imagined I'd be genuinely impressed by a new one.
I know I sound dramatic, but hear me out: I noticed so many people using this bottle at CorePower Sculpt (IYKYK), so when I spotted this pretty version while perusing the aisles of Academy Sports and Outdoors, I had to see what the hype was about. I started using it straight away and the rest was history. Beyond its aesthetics, I fell in love with the dual function straw.
What makes it so great is that you can either sip it upright through the built-in straw (ideal for avoiding spills when it's full), or swig from the spout opening when you need a lot more water at once (perfect for those intense Sculpt classes). To open the spout, you press a button and it pops open with a satisfying sound that strangely brings me joy. (It's the little things!) Plus, it holds enough water for all my workouts (runs, lifting sessions, and the occasional OrangeTheory class), fits perfectly in the treadmill's water bottle spot and my car's cup holder, and has the prettiest colorblock design.
It's been my go-to emotional support water bottle for the past six months. Trust me, you won't regret buying it." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Shopping Rating: ★★★★★ Owala 24-Oz FreeSip Twist Owala 24-Ounce FreeSip Twist Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($28) "I'd heard so much hype about the Owala bottle that I had to know what made it elite compared to everything else.
It's a water bottle, after all, so there shouldn't be that big of a difference. But I was (happily) wrong. I got the FreeSip Twist model with a twist-off cap to protect the mouthpiece.
It might seem annoying to keep unscrewing the cap to drink water, but I love it because it's much easier to clean than push-button openings. The cap also has a handle that I can hang or hold onto easily, just like the original FreeSip model. The twist-off cap is incredibly leakproof.
I've dropped this in the gym many times, and not even a single drop comes out. Plus, there are barely any scratches or dents. I love that this is slim and can fit into my bags and cup holders.
The feature that truly won me over is the dual swig and sip spout. I'm pro-straw, but when I found out that using straws often can lead to premature wrinkles, I was heartbroken. The Owala's sip function is wider than that of a traditional straw, so I don't have to pucker my lips to enjoy its convenience.
The insulated bottle keeps my water cold for over 24 hours, especially when I use ice. After using it for a few weeks, it's easily the one water bottle I gravitate towards the most. " — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Shopping Rating: ★★★★★ Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content.
Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others.
