Is the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle Worth the Hype? A Skeptical Review

Is the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle Worth the Hype? A Skeptical Review

Staying hydrated seems to be more controversial than ever. Every year, a new "it" water bottle pops up—S'well in 2019, Hydro Flask in 2021, and the Stanley Quencher in 2023. Now, the Owala FreeSip has flooded our social media feeds, and I couldn't resist giving it a try.

While the trendy color-blocking and sleek, rounded design of the Owala bottle definitely grab attention, it’s the unique lid featuring both a built-in straw and a wide-mouth opening that sets this bottle apart. After testing it, I was impressed but not entirely wowed by the design elements.

What We Like:

Keeps water cold: The insulation works well for keeping drinks cool throughout the day.

Leakproof with a locking lid: Ensures no spills, even when upside down.

Multiple color options: A variety of styles to suit different preferences.

Straw and wide-mouth openings: Offers versatility in how you drink from the bottle.

What We Don’t Like:

Integrated straw opening isn’t as comfortable: Not as easy to drink from compared to regular straw bottles.

Bulky design: The bottle feels large and might not be the most portable option for everyone.

Specifics:

Available Sizes: 19 oz, 24 oz, 25 oz, 32 oz, and 40 oz

Materials: Stainless steel or Tritan plastic

Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe; the cup requires hand washing.

Hot beverages: Not designed for hot drinks.

First Impressions of the Owala FreeSip

At first glance, the Owala FreeSip is surprisingly gorgeous for a water bottle. When I received the 24-ounce size, I was shocked by how large it looked; I thought I’d ordered a bigger size by mistake. The bulkiness is likely due to the triple insulation, which is actually beneficial for keeping your water cold.

The bottle features two indented areas that make it easy to grip, even when wet. Owala also offers a silicone sleeve for the bottom to protect the bottle from dents and scratches. That said, the need for a protective case raises some concerns about the bottle’s durability. Fortunately, after using it for some time, I haven't noticed any damage to the surface, but I'll continue to monitor it.

Design and Performance

The Owala FreeSip has an innovative two-part opening system: a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, and a smaller section with a silicone straw for sipping. Unlike some other bottles, it doesn’t feature a traditional mouthpiece; instead, you access the straw through a specific part of the wider opening. While this design is clever, it isn’t as comfortable to drink from as bottles with an exterior straw. I had to tilt the bottle more than usual to get a smooth pull, which wasn’t my ideal experience.

On the plus side, the bottle is completely leakproof. To release the spout lid, you press a button, and the carrying loop locks it in place, preventing accidental spills. I tested it by turning the bottle upside down, and there were no drips or leaks.

Insulation Test

I decided to put the triple insulation to the test by filling the bottle with ice water and leaving it at room temperature for six hours, and then 12 hours. After six hours, the water remained at 35°F, though the ice had melted by the 12-hour mark. However, the water temperature stayed below 50°F after a full 12 hours, showing that the Owala FreeSip is capable of keeping drinks cool for a long period of time.

For comparison, we also tested the RTIC Road Trip Tumbler, which kept ice cubes intact for up to 20 hours. However, the Owala FreeSip is a bottle, not a tumbler, so it’s fair to expect a slight difference in performance.

Cons to Consider

While the Owala FreeSip offers versatility, I found the integrated straw to be less comfortable than a traditional, exterior straw bottle. To drink properly, you need to tilt the bottle, which is not ideal for me. Additionally, the 24-ounce size feels bulky—at over 10 inches tall, it’s a bit cumbersome to carry around. While you can fit it in a backpack or hold it in one hand, it’s not the most compact option available.

Should You Buy It?

If you're already happy with your current water bottle, there’s no urgent need to switch. The Owala FreeSip is reasonably priced and definitely stylish, but at the end of the day, it’s just another water bottle. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a functional, cool-looking bottle with good insulation. However, if you prefer a more traditional drinking experience with a standard straw, this might not be your perfect match.

For those looking for a more portable, ergonomic tumbler, I’d recommend checking out the BrüMate Era Tumbler, which impressed us with its leakproof design and ergonomic shape.

In the end, if you’re like me and enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the day, stocking up on a few different bottles—and maybe even a top-notch coffee thermos—might be the best solution for you.

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