8 Best Collapsible Water Bottles, Tested & Reviewed

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, our experts test at least two dozen water bottles year-round, including some collapsible models, evaluating them for factors such as ease of use, performance and durability.

To evaluate performance, we test whether water bottles are leak-proof by filling each water bottle with equivalent amounts of water and food dye. We then knock over each water bottle and let it sit on its side for 30 minutes, checking to see if any water seeps out. We also shake each water bottle at full capacity to see if any water escapes.

To assess durability, we use our drop tester machine to drop water bottles three times each from a height of 5 feet and note any damage that occurs.

Lastly, to score ease of use we consider how each water bottle is to open and close. Using either a dishwasher or dish soap and a brush, we test how easy it is to clean each water bottle.

In addition to Lab tests, we send water bottles to consumer testers when possible to get their opinions on how water bottles fare in real life.

✔️ Capacity: Collapsible water bottles can be squeezed into a compact shape, but that doesn't mean you can't find one with enough capacity to last you the duration of your hike, errands or commute. While some collapsible bottles are smaller and only have room for under a liter of water, you can find ones with larger capacities of up to 2, 3 or even 6 liters.

✔️ Material: You'll find that most collapsible water bottles are made of silicone or plastic. That's because soft, flexible materials are what enable these water bottles to fold up or collapse. Just keep in mind that they won't provide as much insulation as stainless steel would.

✔️ Weight: All the collapsible water bottles on this list weigh under a pound, and some are so light that you'll barely even feel them in your pocket.

Anyone can benefit from a collapsible water bottle, though those with an active lifestyle like hikers, travelers, commuters and students will appreciate them most. "They're especially great for people with limited storage in their bag," says Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer. She explains that once you've finished drinking, all you have to do is collapse your water bottle and store it in your bag for future use. Best of all, they give you access to water throughout the day without having to buy water bottles every time you're out.

According to Bleyer, "All water bottles should be cleaned regularly to eliminate bacteria and prevent mold growth." While some collapsible water bottles are dishwasher-safe, others are hand-wash only. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions first.

For bottles that must be hand-washed, Bleyer suggests looking for one with a wide mouth and fewer parts. You should use a bottle brush to thoroughly clean the interior with soap and warm water. She warns that you may need a smaller brush or water bottle cleaning tablets for collapsible water bottles with unique designs and grooves that are harder for a bottle brush to get into. And for bottles that have a straw, "we recommend that you hand-wash it for a thorough clean, even if the bottle states that it is dishwasher-safe," she says.

Most collapsible water bottles are made of flexible materials like plastic and silicone that aren't designed to provide long-term insulation in the way that stainless steel can. "They can keep your water cold for a short time, but if you have it in a hot car or leave it out in the sun, it won't keep it cold for long," says Bleyer. If you're looking for a water bottle that can keep your water cold, it's best to consider an insulated water bottle like this Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle that aced Lab tests.

Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer has tested a variety of kitchen and beverage gear, including tea kettles, blenders and juicers. She also holds a B.S. in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health from New York University, where she studied sustainability practices. During her time at GH, Eva has tested a variety of water bottles both at home and on the go.

GH Institute writer and analyst Olivia Lipski closely collaborated with Bleyer to write this guide based on our Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab’s recommendations.