Last Updated on August 19, 2021

Water bottles were initially considered an exclusive preserve of athletes and ever-present goods of sports stores. Recently, they have exploded in popularity. In today’s complex society, you do not have to be an athlete to use one of these water containers.

Look around; everyone from kids to adults owns one water bottle or the other. So many come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. The question then becomes, with so many brands, what insulated water bottle should you go for?

Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask are two brands that have gained popularity in the insulated water bottle industry. Both promise a lifetime of usage, but how do they compare to each other on different criteria like durability, functionality, floating, grip, and price?

Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask

To find answers to these questions and recommend which will best suit your lifestyle, we spent long hours reviewing Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask, subjecting the brands to a series of rigorous tests. As a result, we have presented a side-by-side product comparison in this article and ultimately selected one brand as the best of the two.

Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask for 2021 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Insulated water bottles are reusable. That is their major advantage over plastic bottles. Thus, they keep the environment clean, one reason everyone seems to have one these days. You probably have heard the Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask debate; which is better? The table below provides a quick overview of their features.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle - Standard Mouth Flex Lid - 18 oz, Carnation
YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with Chug Cap, Stainless
Model
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle
Material
Steel
18/8 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe?
Yes
Yes
Special feature
TempShield Technology
Double-wall vacuum insulation
Coating
Proprietary Powder Coat
DuraCoat Color
Hydro Flask Water Bottle - Standard Mouth Flex Lid - 18 oz, Carnation
Model
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Material
Steel
Dishwasher safe?
Yes
Special feature
TempShield Technology
Coating
Proprietary Powder Coat
YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with Chug Cap, Stainless
Model
YETI Rambler 18 oz Bottle
Material
18/8 stainless steel
Dishwasher safe?
Yes
Special feature
Double-wall vacuum insulation
Coating
DuraCoat Color

Functionality

One of the essential factors to consider when making a water bottle buying decision is functionality. When shopping for any vacuum-sealed product, prospective buyers rely on intuition and customer reviews to determine the level of functionality. For this test, we subjected both a Yeti water bottle and hydro flask to extensive functional investigation to establish how efficient they are at their jobs.

Our study on both water bottles determined which is better at keeping cold things cold and hot drinks hot in a uniform environment. We documented the efficiency of the water bottles.

In trial A, both bottles were filled with hot liquids having a temperature of 2080F (970C), sealed, and carefully placed in a monitored room to document results. After seven hours of monitoring, we found that Hydro Flask kept the liquid warmer. It had a final temperature of 50F higher than the liquid in the Yeti water bottle.

Test B investigation was to determine which of the bottles will chill drinks better for seven hours. As in the experiment above, we filled both bottles with cold liquids, sealed them, and carefully stored them in a regulated environment for seven hours. Again, the results were similar; Hydro Flask excelled. It kept the liquid cooler for seven hours. Again, however, the difference was minute.

And finally, we placed ice in both bottles and stored them in a controlled room. The goal was to determine which will preserve the ice from dissolving for 24 hours. The bottles excelled. We found ice in both the Yeti water bottle and Hydro Flask even after 24 hours.

Winner: Hydro Flask

Durability

Another feature we considered is the indestructibility of the bottles. The reality is you will drop your water bottle at some point, no matter how careful you are. This ranges from a simple tumble or a drastic fall such as slipping from your hand or falling off your car on a cold hard floor.

Irrespective of the reason, your water bottle will take some beating. As such, you should go for a product that can take some punishment.

Like the functionality, we also perform an extreme durability examination to determine the level of damage these bottles can take.

After a 7 feet durability test in which both products were dropped off the ground, we discovered that the Yeti water bottle was tougher and would take some beating in its stride.

We also tested to determine which was scratch-resistant. This test entails dragging keys across the bottle’s external casing. Unfortunately, the bottles didn’t pass this test. Instead, both sustained unpleasant scratches that penetrated the color coat and disfigured the bottles’ exterior casing.

Winner: Yeti Water Bottle

Price

Affordability is a key factor in determining whether a user will add to cart or not, especially when it comes to Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask. An overpriced product will likely not sell, and a ridiculously cheap item will come off as inferior quality.

For the two water bottles, their prices for 18-ounce are almost the same. However, Hydro flask cost $29.95, while the Yeti Water bottle cost $29.98. The pricing becomes steep as you move higher in size. We found that Hydro Flask has relatively linear pricing while Yeti Water Bottle has a wide price disparity.

Winner: Hydro Flask

Ease of maintenance

Another important feature we analyzed is the ease of care and maintenance. Irrespective of the water bottle you choose, none will serve you for long unless you have good maintenance culture.

According to the manufacturers, Yeti Water Bottle is dishwasher safe. Although, we recommend washing by hand to get more use out of it.

Washing in a dishwasher means that water pressure and detergent will wear down the DuraCoat Color over time. So if you plan to wash by hand, which we also recommend for Hydro Flask – wash the detachable parts like lids with warm, soapy water.

We also found a washing instruction in the Yeti manual that recommends filling the bottle halfway with hot water and soap, closing the lid tight, and shaking. The method will clean the water bottle and help to avoid the harshness of a dishwasher.

If you notice a stained spot that refuses to clear with handwashing, try using a brush to scrub the area. If this does not work, Hydro Flask recommends cleaning with a baking soda and vinegar combo. Washing with this unique mixture will give your bottle a shiny look.

We have cleaned both Yeti water bottles and Hydro Flask by hand using soap and water for years, both respond nicely.

Winner: Tie

Floating Test

Insulated water bottles are perfect for adventures, including activities on the sea. However, if you intend to take one on a kayaking or boating trip, you may wonder if it will sink or float if it falls on water.

We performed a floating test on both bottles by closing their lids and dropping them in a pool. Yeti Water Bottle and Hydro Flask floated both when full and empty.

Winner: Tie

Grip

Yeti Water Bottle is crafted from 18/8 stainless steel, a material that reduces heat loss. In addition, this material built has no coatings. This insulated bottle is dishwasher safe without hassles.

In contrast, Hydro Flask is built with stainless steel and has a powdered coating. The coating improves the flask grip. However, it is not completely dishwasher safe, as the coating may rub off during a machine-washing process.

Winner: Tie

Customization

While this feature plays no active role in the bottle’s performance, Yeti Water Bottles come with arrays of symbols to beautify the external casing. In contrast, Hydro Flask does not have this feature but comes with color customization features. Users can pick their preferred strap, boot, and bottle colors.

Winner: Tie

Bottle lid

When considering cap design, there is only one winner, Yeti Water Bottle. Yeti bottle designs allow users to slip three fingers for firm grip, while the Hydro Flask permits just two, which is somewhat awkward. This extra gripping finger might seem unnecessary at first, but when you need to haul your bottle around or sip refreshments in a park, you will appreciate this feature.

To make up for Hydro Flask cap limitations, the manufacturer allows users to choose the cap they like. Users can match their water bottle with a sippy cup or large-cap style cap with the many different models on offer.

When we considered the cap width, Yeti came out on top as well. The cap measures 2.75 inches. As a result, the bottle’s upper rim is placed conveniently above your nose. The manufacturer claims this design allows you to drink your beverage and enjoy the smell simultaneously.

In contrast, the Hydro Flask cap measures 2.28 inches. This design will place the rim on your nose bridge. Although you may never notice this subtle difference, you are more susceptible to splashing while drinking from a Hydro Flask than a Yeti when you attempt to drink while jogging.

Although Hydro Flask stretches just 2.28 inches, it does cover the drinking hole. For better illustration, the cap screws firmly into the neck of the water bottle, preventing any unfriendly elements from accessing your beverage. Thus, when you drink from a Hydro Flask, your lips rest on a metallic portion protected from elements in the outside world.

Yeti Water bottle, on the other hand, screws to the insides of the bottle. As such, users are forced to rest their lips on an exposed metal during each sip. This might not bother many users, but this slight difference should be considered if you are germ-conscious. In addition, Yeti Water Bottle and the Hydro Flask do not have a flip-lid, as seen in some brands.

Winner: Yeti

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a Yeti Water Bottle better than Hydro Flask?

Yeti has one slight edge over Hydro Flask; we found the Yeti Bottles slightly more durable during our durability test. Yeti had fewer dents when dropped from 7 feet and was less susceptible to having the insulation compromised from a fall.

Q: Why is Hydro Flask expensive?

According to the manufacturer, the external casing makes the bottle tough enough to withstand usage in the wilderness for a few days. It features a vacuum-sealing technology combined with attractive colors that influence the price of the product.

Q: Why is Hydro Flask popular?

Hydro Flask is trendy because of its unique mix of things. It was the first insulating water bottle in the market and the first to introduce vibrant colored bottles. In addition, the company has excellent branding and continues to innovate in sizes and colors. As a result, adults and kids picked up Hydro Flask as a must-have item.

Q: Can I store lemon in my Hydro Flask?

Yes! You can store lemon juice or lemon water in your Hydro Flask. Lemon juice is mildly acidic and will not react with the internal steel Hydro Flask is made from.

Q: How can I dispose of my insulated water bottle?

Stainless steel water bottles are recyclable. However, you might need to extract the steel components and drop them in a metal recycling shop. You can also sell the stainless steel on eBay or donate them to a thrift store. Some manufacturers also have special recycling programs for their products; check out the brand website.

Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask

Conclusion

In general, both Yeti Water Bottle and Hydro Flask are solid products when considering insulated water bottles. However, you will agree that Hydro Flask slightly edges the Yeti Water Bottle vs Hydro Flask debate on a closer look.

Our test shows that Hydro Flask kept cold things cold and hot drinks hot more efficiently than the Yeti Water Bottle. It also held its own during the drop test and has better linear pricing than Yeti.

So, on your next run, hiking or kayaking, or when you need to take a beverage to your office, a Hydro Flask will serve you well and keep you hydrated all day long. Keep a tab on both Hydro Flask and Yeti websites; they release newer models all the time.