Owala FreeSip (32oz)

Owala FreeSip

Highlights: Trendy, easy sipping, easy to clean

What you'll learn:

1. ​Why is Owala popular?
2. What makes Owala good?
   
3. ​What is not good about Owala?
4. How good is Owala's insulation?
5. How durable are Owala bottles?
6. Are Owala bottles dishwasher safe?
7. Do Owala bottles fit in cupholders?
8. What are alternatives to Owala?

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Owala FreeSip Review

Overview

Owala's FreeSip bottle exploded onto the hydration scene in 2023 and 2024, and it's showing no signs of slowing down soon.  With a truly great lid design and whimsical colors, Owala has captured the hearts and minds of many people, especially younger consumers.  They've used social media and virality to their advantage, following in the footsteps of other brands like Hydro Flask, YETI, and Stanley.

The main selling point is the FreeSip lid, which is a combination straw and chug lid with an ergonomic spout.  It's patent-pending, so unless you're buying from a knockoff (who is probably not legally supposed to be selling it), it's hard to find something comparable.

Why Buy?

• FreeSip Lid: The combination straw and chug lid lets you sip or swig depending on how much water you need.
• Easier Sipping: The lid lets you take sips more easily than most straw lids because traditional lids often have small vent holes that restrict airflow.  Owala's chug opening acts like a wide open vent, letting you sip water much more easily.  It doesn't sound like a big deal, but you can really notice it.
• Easier Cleaning: The FreeSip lid is easier to clean than traditional straw lids, which often have a pivoting spout that has a difficult-to-reach seal under the spout.  Owala's design is fixed, so it's easier to reach all parts of the bottle and lid that come into contact with water.
• Wacky Colors: Many people rave about the wild color combinations.

Why Avoid?

• Wacky Colors: The unique color options are a turnoff for many consumers.
• Mid-Sized Handle: It's a 2-finger handle made of hard plastic.  It's not as comfortable as some wider or flexible handles on the market, especially for people who have larger fingers.
• Durability: The lid relies on small springs and plastic pieces, making it easy for parts to break if the bottle is dropped on its top.

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Owala FreeSip FAQs

• Are Owalas dishwasher safe? | Owala FreeSip bottles are dishwasher safe, just make sure to put lids on the top rack.  However, please note that even though the bottles are dishwasher safe, Owala recommends hand washing them to preserve the finish and prevent cosmetic damage.
• Are Owalas worth it? | With a mid-range price point and an ergonomic spout that's easy to sip from, Owalas are worth it if you are looking for an excellent straw lid bottle.  However, we found it is not as good to use as a chug lid, so if that is your preference then you may be more happy with a dedicated chug lid from another brand.
• Are Owalas leak proof? | Yes, Owalas are leak proof as long as the seals are clean and correctly installed.  If your Owala is leaking, check the seals between the lid and the bottle and between the spout and the spout cap.
• Are Owalas easy to clean? | Yes, Owalas are easier to clean than the vast majority of straw lid bottles.  This is because most straw lids have a flip-up spout that pivots on a ball joint.  Those spouts are difficult to clean around, and you usually have to pop them out.  Doing that too many times can damage the spout.  Owala has a fixed spout, so it avoids this problem.
• Are Owalas insulated? | Yes, though Owala has average insulation compared to similar bottles.​
• Are Owalas stainless steel? | Yes, though they do have plastic options as well.
• Are Owala FreeSip bottles durable? | Yes, to an extent.  Stainless steel is strong, but the bottle will dent if you drop it.  Also, Owala's lid relies on multiple small springs and plastic parts, which are more likely to break if you drop the bottle on its lid.

How Do You Clean an Owala?

Sip or Skip Stat Sheet

Our Sip or Skip stat sheets combine all the information above in one easy-to-use format to make comparing bottles easier.

Owala FreeSip Stat Sheet

See our Video Review

How to Buy Owala's FreeSip

Owala FreeSip (32oz)

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Popular Alternatives

Before you buy, it may be worth looking at these other options.

Owala's Sway Tumbler

Owala Sway Tumbler (30oz)

The same FreeSip dual-purpose lid, but with a wider handle and a cupholder-friendly base.

See on Amazon

Owala's FreeSip Twist

Owala FreeSip Twist (24oz)

Same FreeSip dual-use spout but with a twist-off lid for a more traditional look.

See on Amazon

Zojirushi

Zojirushi (16oz)

More geared for coffee, but with a similar ergonomic spout (not a straw though).

See on Amazon

Helpful Resources

Compare

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Clean

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Deep Dive

Take a closer look before you buy

Recommended Accessories

Bottle Brush Kit

Great for your regular cleaning every 2-4 days.

​ This kit includes a large brush to clean in the bottle, a detailing brush to clean the threads and lid, a straw cleaner, and hangers so you can stay organized.

See on Amazon

Cleaning Tablets

Recommended to use these once per month.

In additional to regular weekly cleaning, deep-cleaning your bottle once per month is usually a good idea to prevent germs and buildup, especially around seals.

See on Amazon

Cup Holder Adapter

Usually needed for bottles over 3" diameter.

Our BottlePro Max has a twist-to-expand base, removable centralizing tabs, and a grip pad to help keep your bottle secure and by your side.

See on Amazon

And Just for Fun (and Better Tasting Water)

Fruit Infuser

As a bonus, check out our FlavorFuze Pod drop-in fruit infuser to make your water fun!  Skip the soda or flavor pods with artificial sweeteners (like Cirkul) and add healthy flavors with natural fruit each day.  The pod is easy to remove when you're done thanks to a big handle on top, making for a healthy mid-day snack.

It comes with two lids.  One is a splash-guard style lid that fits in wide mouth Hydro Flasks, and the other is a drop-in style lid that fits in nearly all wide mouth bottles (including Owala FreeSips, YETI Ramblers, Stanley Quenchers, Hydro Flasks, and many more).

See on Amazon