Whether you're a busy parent or a training athlete, a water bottle is so much more than a vehicle for getting water from point A to point B. That's why researching the many types of water bottles on the market today can be tough. You want the best bottle to help you stay hydrated, protect your water, withstand daily use, and, in some cases, make a statement about your style. To help you make the best decision for your needs, here's a guide on the different kinds of water bottles that are available and how to choose between them.

Types of Water Bottles

The range of different water bottles that are available in today's market is as diverse as the companies that are making them. Here are some of the dependable bottles that are available today.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel water bottles are typically made from culinary-grade stainless steel. They're strong yet lightweight, making them convenient and practical. On the other hand, stainless steel bottles can dent, get pretty hot when they sit in the sun, and can sometimes give water a metallic taste.

Glass

A glass water bottle takes all the best parts of your standard drinking glass—a clean taste and no worries about chemical plasticizers like bisphenol A (BPA), as pointed out in a Forbes article—and puts them into a convenient bottle you can close and take on the go. Keep in mind, however, that there are different kinds of glass and some are more prone to breaking than others. Ideally, you want an option that's resistant to shattering, even if it costs a little more.

Insulated Options

When you're concerned about being able to keep your water cold for long periods of time, an insulated water bottle offers some major perks. Because they're vacuum-sealed, the contents of the bottle have almost nowhere to transfer heat to. This means that whatever is in your water bottle—whether it's hot or cold—stays more or less the same temperature it was when it was put inside the bottle.

How to Choose the Right Size

While there are good water bottle options in every size, the biggest consideration when choosing between a bottle that fits in your bag and one that can hold what you plan to drink throughout the entire day is your personal preference. Would you rather have a small bottle you refill throughout the day or a large bottle that holds more water? Think about your lifestyle and needs in order to determine which solution makes the most sense for you.

Qualities to Look for in a Water Bottle

When you're shopping for a water bottle, keep these must-have qualities in mind.

Easy to Clean

If you're drinking out of your water bottle day in and day out, you'll want to make sure it's clean. Do yourself a favor and pick a bottle that's easy to clean. Luckily, many options today are dishwasher-safe, so make sure to check that out.

Motivating to Use

Whether you go with an insulated bottle that keeps your water cold or a giant bottle that holds your water supply for the whole day, opt for a product that helps to motivate you to keep drinking. There are even bottles with metrics that show you how much you have consumed for the day, so you can stay on target.

Portable

The whole point of a water bottle is its portability, so pick an option that's easy to take with you wherever you go.

Attractive

A water bottle doesn't have to look good to get the job done, but when it looks good, chances are that you'll enjoy using it more. Find a bottle that appeals to you—whether it's a clear bottle that shows you how much water is left or a stainless steel bottle for a slick, hip look.

No matter what your days look like, staying hydrated is important. Help yourself stay motivated to keep drinking by choosing a water bottle that works best for you. Start with this guide, sift through your options and compare them with your needs, and then treat yourself to a new way to up your water intake.