Owala reviews and discussion

4.6

94% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Ingenious dual-sip spout design
  • Hygienic covered mouthpiece cap
  • Reliable cold-retaining insulation
  • Secure locking lid mechanism
  • Moisture-trapping lid components
  • Bulky, heavy large formats
  • Occasional straw detachment issue
  • Finish and coating durability concerns

Owala earns strong reviews as a highly functional, well‑insulated bottle that stays cold, doesn’t leak when locked, and features the signature FreeSip dual straw-and-chug spout with a hygienic covered mouthpiece. Reviews also flag drawbacks: some lids or stoppers trap moisture and mold, larger sizes feel heavy and don’t fit cup holders, occasional leaking or straw detachment occurs, and certain finishes or rubberized coatings wear or feel sticky over time.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

158 reviews and posts

  • Great water bottle that keeps drinks cold all day long. There are some great color options. I really like the free sip top that has a straw and open top so I don’t have to pick a specific style water bottle top. They were really quick with shipping around the holidays.

  • The free sip has been amazing! I love that it covers the mouth piece and I don’t have to touch the mouth part at all. It keeps everything sanitary. The only thing is sometimes when I’m biking, the cap has come unscrewed or the lock was unattached somehow whenever it’s in a tote. It’s only happened twice so maybe that’s user error, but I haven’t had other bottles do that. I make sure that it’s in a secure place that doesn’t bounce around and it’s been fine. I don’t mind having hot or cold water, it stays hot enough for me and it keeps it cold for long enough in the summer. My husband and I share the bottle so we usually finish the water before it gets warm if there’s ice. The kids 12 oz tumbler with the free sip cap was a good idea in theory, but I find that leaks more than just having the original straw itself. I tried to use it for coffee, but it kept leaking from the screw part so that was more annoying. I would give that 3 stars. Overall I would purchase again, but I would use bottles that are intended for their specific purpose and to place them in a secure manner.

  • I have 8 of these water bottles, a few different styles. I love the hidden straw so germs don’t creep in. The new ones have handles for carrying and I need to upgrade. There are so many color options, there is one for every style. I have put them in the dishwasher, they have a few small dents and still work great.

  • love the water bottle! being able to sip from the top without flipping it over is nice, while also maintaining the ability to tip it over to drink from like regular bottle. the only thing that's frustrating, which i've had happen to 2 freesip bottles, is the straw starts to not keep attached to the top and will fall off randomly making it so the "freesip" situation isn't always accessible.

  • Only two months after purchasing my water bottles, rust started to appear on the rim and at the bottom inside the bottle. I contacted customer service over a month ago, but they still haven’t provided a simple solution to this quality issue. Now the problems with the rust are getting worse. It’s very disappointing, especially considering I paid $154 for two bottles. I expected much better quality and service.

  • This is a great bottle for on the go. I love that you can either tip the bottle or sip through the straw to take a drink. I actually gifted my dad a bottle for when we go on road trips so he can sip his drinks as he drives. The bottle keeps drinks cold for a good amount of time. I also gifted a bottle to my brother and he loves it. The color varieties that these bottles come in are great and quite extensive. Some may find the price point to be a little high at about 25 to 30 dollars per bottle but it's a bottle that will last a long time and is honestly the only bottle you'll want after you try it.

  • This thing never leaves my side. I lost it traveling and re-bought immediately. I started with the larger size and ended up getting the slimmer one because it better fit in my car cupholder. It never leaks and is easy to clean the straw makes it easy to sip while at your desk or while working out.

  • I’m genuinely impressed with my Owala water bottle! I’ve tried more bottles than I care to admit, but this one finally checks every box. The FreeSip design is genius; whether I want to sip like a straw or tilt it back for a full gulp, it just works. The lid feels sturdy, the colors are fun without being loud, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for being so durable. It keeps my water cold all day (even after being left in a warm car), and the leak-proof lid has already saved the inside of my bag more than once. Cleaning is easy, and the built-in carry loop is one of those little features you don’t think you’ll care about until you have it. Overall, it’s become my go-to bottle for work, errands, and the gym. Highly recommend if you want something functional, modern, and just plain enjoyable to use!

  • I’ve been using my new 32 oz Owala FreeSip bottle in the striking blue color, and I have to say, the hype is absolutely real. This bottle is a genuine game-changer and immediately became my favorite. It doesn't just hold water; it makes staying hydrated effortless. The most ingenious feature is, without a doubt, the FreeSip spout. Having the option to either sip through the integrated straw or tilt it back for a wide-mouth swig means I use it constantly throughout the day, whether I’m taking casual sips at my desk or chugging after a workout. The push-button lid locks securely and makes it totally leak-proof, giving me peace of mind when it’s bouncing around in my backpack.

  • This is my new favorite water bottle - and I had to buy another because my husband took my first one! It ticks all my boxes: keeps beverages cold (ice still frozen 24 hours later!), is easy to fill, easy to wash, easy to open and closed leakproof, AND fits in cupholders! What more does a busy girl need?!

  • Love my Owala drink bottle. I find the quality to be very good and the design that i have super unique and practial (It has both a sip function and a gulp function). I would choose an Owala over a Stanly any day.

  • Really went back and forth on whether I should hop on the Owala bandwagon, ended up getting one. Favorite water bottle I’ve owned! Love the sip and all the colors are so fun. Snap lid can be a bit tight but it loosened up over time for me.

  • I love the Owala water bottles! I have a large one (40 oz) and love the straw/sip option on the lid. I don't love the color options - often they feel better for kids than adults - but I was able to find a neutral one and am happy with it.

  • really fun colors, easy to clean and relatively light compared to other water bottles. I've had it for over a year and it's held up well through many dishwasher cycles. It's never leaked on me and my toddler loves his.

  • While I was very nervous to figure out the straw/pour situation, it was intuitive and I LOVE the ability to have both. Colors are great, easy to clean, keeps water cold....what more can you ask for???? It also works without a straw. In case you lose it.

  • I love my Owala and am seriously considering getting another — the color combos are so fun (I have the all-white one right now). It’s amazing how cold it keeps drinks, even after sitting in a hot car for hours. I love having the choice to sip through the straw or take a quick swig — super versatile! It’s easy to clean, incredibly durable, and goes everywhere with me — from travel days to workout classes. The built-in handle on top is a lifesaver when I’m juggling a million things at once. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with an Owala — it’s the best water bottle I’ve ever owned.

  • I've had an owala for over a year...it washes well and I like the side mouth for cleaning. It's gone to school activities and BoyScouts and keeps the water cool. Not as long as more expensive brands (you can feel the temperature from the inside on the outside), but I'm happy with it.

  • It keeps drinks super cold, and is really sturdy metal-wise. The caps are nice because they include rubbery material to seal the top instead of just screwing on and leaking like other brands. I've put mine through a lot, and the handle has gotten looser and the straw has chipped, but the bottle itself seems indestructible.

  • I love this bottle when it actually comes time to drink out of it. The option to sip or slurp is awesome. The 32 oz is kind of awkward shape wise (it doesn't taper, so good luck fitting it into a cup holder) and it's heavy! I know anything that can hold that much water would be heavy, but the issue with this is you either have the little tab to hold it at the top (and break your fingers) or you have to wrap your hand around it. Which, sure, of course, it's a water bottle you hold. But if you have tiny hands, it can be tiring lol. I also HATE that I cannot get the sticker residue off from the unnecessary sticker on the lid. At least it doesn't spill like a Stanley.

  • We have many of these in different sizes and shapes and colors! The kids had the Harry Potter ones for camp this summer though I prefer my largest vessel for my water :)