The world of hydration has reached new heights over the last few years, with the once simple water bottle now a must-have necessity! With so many options out there, finding the perfect one may feel like an almost impossible task. To make the choice easier for all, at Décor, we have created a definitive guide to finding the best water bottle. How you ask? By conducting a comprehensive hydration survey and uncovering what real Australians truly value in their drinkware. 

So, what is Australia’s best water bottle? Of course, the ‘best’ option depends entirely on your preferences and lifestyle, but no matter what you’re looking for, Décor’s range of drink bottles are purposefully designed to ensure you stay hydrated in style.

The Décor Survey: What Australians Prefer

To find out what makes the ultimate water bottle, we didn’t just guess - we asked you! In late 2025, we surveyed over 250 Aussies to get the lowdown on their hydration habits. With six key questions, we delved into what matters most to you, from materials to size, lid types to handles, and even colours. This data gave us a front-row seat to the type of bottles people are looking for. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top selections:

What Are Australians Most Important Features in a Water Bottle

When it comes to choosing a preferred hydration vessel, Australians value bottles that bring convenience and long-lasting durability. Check out our deep dive into the product feature rankings below:

Easy to clean

When it comes to the most important feature of a drink bottle, a top priority for 40% of Aussies is it being easy to clean. Keeping your water bottle clean is important, because let’s be frank, nobody likes the possibility of drinking hidden bacteria or taking a swig and getting a lingering taste from yesterday’s smoothie. You want a drink bottle that comes apart easily and can be thrown into the dishwasher, because convenience and hygiene are a non-negotiable. 

Leakproof

If you have ever been victim to a water bottle emptying all of its contents after being tipped over, then you’re amongst the 30% of Aussies who seek out a leak-proof seal. Whether it’s tossed into a school bag, perched next to a laptop at work, or taken on a road trip or long-haul flight, a reliable lid is essential.

Durability 

With a good drink bottle being something you’ll want to reuse for a long time, it’s no wonder 27% of Aussies prioritise durability. These days, a bottle needs to survive more than just a desk job. It has to handle being dropped at the gym, tossed around in work bags and even luggage, and really just the general rigors of daily life. 

Insulation

Insulation is a must-have for the harsh Australian climate and 28% of respondents agree. Whether you’re at a sports match, heading to the beach or a camping trip, or getting in workouts at the gym, double-wall insulation will keep your water icy for hours. It’s the ultimate relief on a hot day and for anyone with an active lifestyle.

The Best Water Bottle in Australia 

Our survey results have painted a clear picture of what makes a drink bottle a winner in the Aussie hydration game. From the toughest materials to the most practical lids, here is exactly what you have crowned as the ‘best’ in each category.

The Best Material

When it comes to the best material for a bottle, stainless steel is the undisputed champion, with 82% of Aussies choosing it as their most preferred. With incredible temperature control and great durability, as well as being easy to clean making it a good hygienic choice, it’s perfect for everyday use. Explore a great range of options with Décor Stainless Steel Bottles. 

The Best Size

The 750ml bottle takes the crown with 55% of voters deciding it’s the perfect size. Large enough to keep you hydrated through a workout or the work commute, yet sleek enough to remain portable, it’s ticks all the boxes as an all-rounder for daily use. Best of all, it fits most standard Australian car cup holders and backpack side pockets so you can take it absolutely anywhere.

The Best Cap

For those after fast hydration, 37% of Aussies are going with the Chug Cap and it’s easy to see why. It offers the most versatile and easy drinking experience, making it perfect for taking to the gym or your sports matches as well as getting a quick refreshment between tasks.

The Best Handle

For carrying convenience, the flexi handle is the runaway winner, preferred by 69% of Aussies. Its popularity lies in its pure practicality; comfortable to hold for long walks while being flexible enough to be tucked away in a bag, it’s the ultimate choice for those who just want to grab and go. 

The Best Colour

With drink bottles becoming more of an accessory, aesthetics is key when it comes to choosing a colour. Lilac reigns supreme as Australia’s favourite hue with 17% preferring it, proving that style matters just as much as substance. Other top picks like Sage (15%) and Cornflower Blue (14%) show a clear trend towards calming, nature-inspired tones. 

What to Look for When Buying the Best Water Bottle

Ready to find your perfect match? Our practical buying guide is here to help you navigate the essential features that will ensure your next bottle is a long-term hydration partner.

Choose the Right Material

This can come down to your lifestyle and how you plan to use your water bottle. For the best insulated water bottle, stainless steel is the king of temperature control and Décor Stainless Steel Bottles are able to keep drinks icy for 24 hours while also offering rugged durability. However, they can be on the pricier side and quite heavy especially when filled. Whereas BPA-free plastic bottles, like the Décor Tritan Bottles, are a fantastic lightweight and budget-friendly alternative for those on the move. Their downside is they do lose their chill faster as they are not insulated and can get scratched up easier. 

It’s important to think about what your day to day looks like so you can choose the right drink bottle material for you. 

Pick the Right Size

Picking out the right size bottle is key to staying hydrated while making it work for whatever your day looks likes! For most of us, 750ml is that top option. It packs enough water to get you through the commute and meetings without it feeling like a workout just to carry it. If you’re a gym junkie or heading off on a long road trip, scaling up to a 1.5L jug ensures you won't be constantly hunting for a refill. On the flip side, the 500ml is a winner for the kids as it is smaller and easier for them to carry at school. It’s also a great option for when you’re rocking a small bag and want to keep things light and easy!

Select a Cap That Fits Your Lifestyle

Your lid choice really defines how you drink! If you’re someone who is always on the move, a chug cap is your best choice for that quick, high-flow hydration. For those to prefer to sip slowly and for kids especially, Water Bottles with a Straw Cap makes spill-free sipping a breeze, all without the hassle of twisting caps or loosing lids. If you’re after a gentler sip, the soft sip lid provides comfort and avoids those accidental teeth knocks. If you often find yourself tossing your bottle into a bag, you can’t beat a screw cap for that worry-free leakproof seal.

Consider Handle Type

Now that drink bottles are like an ‘emotional support’, being able to comfortably carry it around with you is also important. If you’re constantly on the move, a flexi handle is a total gamechanger, moving with you and tucking away easily when you need to pop it into a bag. For those who want something that is easy to grab, a solid carry handle lid is super reliable and paired with a wide-mouth opening, it’s simple, secure, and built to tackle anything your day throws at it. If durability is your top priority, the rigid handle offers a streamlined design that’s perfect for those who like a low fuss look. You can even loop on a carabiner for that outdoor-adventure energy.

Décor’s Top Picks for Australia’s Best Water Bottle

After crunching the numbers and listening to what matters most to you, we’ve rounded up the absolute best hydration companions and combos. 

Best Overall: Stainless Steel + Chug Cap

With the most responses in their respective sections, Aussies highlighted that they love a stainless steel water bottle with a chug cap! When you know you can get an icy-cold drink fast, it’s no wonder this combo came out on top. Décor Stainless Steel Bottles range is perfect for finding a drink bottle that will become your daily partner in hydration. 

Best for Kids: Straw Cap + Easy Clean

When it comes to picking out the best water bottle for kids, Water Bottles with a Straw Cap are a top option! It allows for tilt-free sipping, avoiding the potential for major spills at school or in the car. Choose a bottle with removable parts so it is easy to clean. Even better if it can be thrown into the dishwasher, as you can rest assured every part can be made fresh and hygienic for your little ones.

Best for Travel: Leakproof + Insulated

For those who are constantly on the move, whether you’re heading into the office or travelling, you need a bottle that won't leave your belongings soaked. If you’re after the best water bottle for travel, you can’t go past one with double-wall insulation and a leakproof seal, a combo you can easily create with the Décor Hydrofit Range. This pair will ensure your water stays cold on every trip without losing a drop.

FAQs

What is the best water bottle material?

Stainless steel is the top-rated option because it offers the best durability and keeps your drinks icy-cold for hours. While BPA-free plastic is a popular lightweight choice, steel is the overall winner for those wanting a long-lasting, eco-friendly, and high-performing bottle.

What size water bottle should I buy?

This can depend on what your lifestyle and how you plan to use your bottle, but for every day, the 750ml size is the most popular choice for balancing hydration with portability. If you have a more active lifestyle, scaling up to 1.5L ensures you stay fuelled during long gym sessions or travel days.

Which cap type is best for everyday use?

For everyday versatility, a chug cap is a crowd favourite because it allows for quick, refreshing gulps while on the go. If you’re often at a desk or driving, a straw lid is a top choice for easy, spill-free sipping without needing to tilt your bottle.

How do I choose a leakproof bottle?

To ensure your bag stays dry, look for look for a leakproof water bottle that features a screw-top lid, which provides the most secure, airtight seal. Or select any lid from the Décor Hydrofit Range which all have leakproof designs!

What is the most popular water bottle colour in Australia?

Pastels reign supreme when it comes to water bottle colours. From our survey, Lilac was the most popular colour and top pick for those wanting a trendy look, followed closely by other calming, nature-inspired tones like Sage and Cornflower Blue.

Are stainless steel bottles better than plastic?

Not necessarily. While stainless steel is a favourite for those who are after ice-cold water and long-term durability, BPA free plastic bottles also are a great choice if you’re looking for a feather-light option that is also budget friendly.

Final Verdict: The Best Water Bottle in Australia

The results are in! When it comes to choosing a water bottle as a hydration companion, Australians value durability and capacity. For the best material type, you can’t argue with 82% of people choosing stainless steel, especially for its temperature control and longevity. As for size, 55% stand by 750ml being the sweet spot, as it’s large enough for a workout but still slim enough for car cup holders. The top preference for chug caps (37%) and flexi handles (69%) shows that Aussie’s prioritise quick hydration and easy carrying, perfect for our on-the-go lifestyle. 

For Australians, ‘best’ means a bottle that is tough, portable, and effortless to use, and that’s exactly what we do at Décor! The Décor Water Bottle Range has something to suit every one, whether you’re commuting to the office, hitting the gym or exploring the great outdoors and everything in between. Find your perfect fit today!