Hydration is important, and with so many different water bottle options on the market, it can be difficult to decide what’s best. You’ve probably seen the Stanley cups all over social media, and they’re most often compared to the Owala water bottles - both have similar prices and color options, yet their designs are very different.

I’m usually someone who buys random reusable water bottles off the shelf at Target or the grocery store; I’ve never given them much thought or research, and the idea of spending more than $20 seemed very crazy to me. After some of my reusable water bottles got moldy no matter how often I cleaned them (dishwasher or hand wash), I decided to dive in and purchase both the Owala Freesip 32oz water bottle in Iced Breeze and Stanley 30oz Flowstate Quencher Tumbler in Rose Quartz 2.0 to see if they were worth the hype (or price), and came away with a clear favorite.

Keep reading for my full review, comparison, and the water bottle brand I recommend if you only want one.

stanley 30 oz flowstate quencher tumbler review

• Price: $35 (buy it here)

• Pros:

  • Fits in a cup holder

  • Lightweight, even with a handle

  • Handle is comfortable to hold

  • Can buy replacement straws

  • Easy to clean

  • Comes in tons of colors

• Cons:

  • More expensive and holds 2oz less than Owala

  • Bigger and bulkier than other water bottles; it is definitely a tight squeeze in my car’s cup holder and not the most convenient to use

  • Straw is exposed

  • More likely to leak

owala 32oz freesip water bottle review

• Price: $32.99 (buy it here)

• Pros:

  • Straw folds into itself, which is more sanitary and also keeps the entire drink insulated

  • Can also use it without a straw

  • Extremely easy to clean

  • Top rubber mouthpiece is sold separately if you ever need to replace it

  • Leak-proof

  • Comes in tons of colors

• Cons:

  • Does not fit in a cup holder

  • Wider and bulkier

  • Harder to hold unless you use the top hook handle, which could also get uncomfortable if you hold it for an extended amount of time

  • Still pricey for a water bottle

  • Replacement rubber seals are sold separately; same with the silicone bottle boot

does the stanley flowstate quencher tumbler or owala freesip water bottle hold more water?

You can buy different sizes for both the Stanley and Owala, but comparing their most similar models, the Owala holds 32oz and the Stanley holds 30oz, so the Owala holds more.

is the stanley flowstate quencher tumbler or owala freesip water bottle a better value?

Both bottles come with different size options that will slightly change the pricing. The Stanley retails for $35, holding 30oz, and the Owala (which holds 32oz) is priced at $32.99; both come with a straw. The Owala is a better value - you get 2oz more of liquid for a cheaper price, but I’m sure adding a handle is what makes the Stanley more expensive.

One caveat - while it isn’t necessary, the bottle boot you see on my Owala protects the bottle and works as an anti-slip grip is sold separately and costs an additional $7.99.

Tip: You can sometimes snag these for cheaper by adding them to your Amazon cart and then clicking “Save For Later.” You’ll be alerted if the price decreases, and Amazon tends to run flash sales randomly. Both brands also run sales from time to time; check their websites during major holidays or sign up for their emails.

is the stanley flowstate quencher tumbler or owala freesip water bottle better to travel with?

The Stanley fits in cup holders; the Owala is too bulky (even without the silicone cover). I find the Owala to be better to travel with; the lid is much more secure so you don’t have to worry about leaks, the straw folds into the lid so you don’t have to worry about it getting dirty, and without the handle, it’s much more lightweight. I do wish the Owala fit in a cup holder, so I sometimes gravitate towards the Stanley for longer road trips, but if I could only pack one, the Owala is the clear winner.

which stays colder - the stanley flowstate quencher tumbler or owala freesip water bottle?

I’ve tested this through all seasons (including a heatwave), indoors and outdoors - both keep your drinks really cold and the ice will last overnight (even cheaper grocery store ice that tends to melt super quick). The difference is negligible at best, but the Owala slightly wins because you can fold the straw into itself, keeping the entire drink enclosed and insulated.

is the stanley flowstate quencher tumbler or owala freesip water bottle easier to clean?

The Owala is easier to clean, even if it seems more compact. The straw and lid portions detach completely, and you can buy replace the rubber seal separately if needed. Both of these cups are leaps and bounds above the HydroFlask, though.

straw comparison: stanley flowstate quencher tumbler vs owala freesip water bottle

The Owala straw is built-in and can be tucked away when the lid is closed, keeping it clean and avoiding germs/ external dirt (which is great on beach days or if you play a sport). The straw for the Stanley is open, which makes it easier to drink from while driving, but isn’t ideal if you’re doing an outdoor activity. If you’re running errands, Stanley wins; for anything else, Owala.

stanley flowstate quencher tumbler vs owala freesip water bottle for hot drinks

While they’re primarily marketed for cold drinks, I’ve also tested both for hot tea, hot chocolate, and coffee. Both work great, even in temperatures below 40, and the difference is barely noticeable. If you’re super picky, go with Owala, because the lid closes completely and keeps your drinks completely protected from external elements. The straw is pretty tightly held in the Stanley, but it does play a tiny part in drinks cooling faster.

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