Tumbler vs. Water Bottle: Differences & How to Choose

Did you know that every hour, Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic water bottles? Reusable drink holders are a great way to combat this, but which type is right for you? In this blog we cover the key differences between tumblers vs. water bottles, including which beverage is best for each. Let’s dive in!

What is a Travel Tumbler?

Tumblers are typically insulated cups or mugs that are designed to keep drinks safe while on the go. You’ll likely see tumblers with a screw on lid, and sometimes even a handle.

Tumblers can be made out of plastic, glass, or stainless steel. It’s possible for the material of your tumbler to directly affect how long your beverage stays hot or cold. Stainless steel is known as one of the best materials, because it has great temperature control. It is also durable, dishwasher safe, and isn’t vulnerable to harboring bacteria like plastic and other materials.

What is a Tumbler Used For?

The best thing about tumblers is that they are incredibly versatile. From iced coffee and cold mocktails, to hot toddies and tea, tumblers can hold any of your favorite hot or cold beverages.

Whether you need a travel tumbler that has your back on the morning commute, or simply want a durable cup to sip on your poolside cocktail, tumblers are the go-to cup for any time of day.

BrüMate tumblers, like the Nav 25oz, are made with triple-insulated stainless steel. A diluted drink is never enjoyable, so these tumblers are engineered to ensure your first sip is just as tasty as your last. Cold drinks can stay cool for up to 12 hours, while warm drinks stay toasty for up to four.

What is a Water Bottle?

Water bottles are traditionally made for, you guessed it, holding water! This doesn’t mean that you can’t put other liquids in it, of course. Water bottles are perfect for tossing in your bag on the way to the gym or office.

Similar to tumblers, water bottles can be made with a wide variety of materials. If you’d like to invest in a water bottle that will keep your water from picking up that pesky metallic aftertaste, stainless steel is the way to go.

Reusable plastic water bottles are often the most popular, but they have some environmental implications. Plastic water bottles can also contain BPA, a toxic chemical that can have negative effects on your health. If you purchase a plastic bottle, remember to check if it’s BPA-free!

What’s the Difference Between Tumblers vs. Water Bottles?

The most common difference between tumblers and water bottles is that tumblers can have a wider mouth. This allows for some more versatility in what you’re able to drink. From cappuccinos to smoothies, iced-tea to energy drinks, tumblers can hold whatever you throw at them.

Whatever you choose should depend on what you like to drink most, and your lifestyle. Are you a craft coffee lover? Check out the BrüMate coffee tumblers. Are you into working on your fitness? The MultiShaker may be your best bet!

At BrüMate, we’re committed to engineering products that will keep your drink tasty from the first sip to the last. Whether you choose a tumbler or a water bottle, all of our products are 100% leakproof. We want to support you and your lifestyle. Simply throw your tumbler or bottle in your bag and hit the road!

Our Favorite Tumblers and Water Bottles

Looking for the best option to help you stay hydrated all day long? Whether you’re on team tumbler, water bottle, or shaker bottle, BrüMate has you covered with leakproof, ultra-durable drinkware designed to elevate every sip.

Hydration

When it comes to drinking more water, convenience matters. If your drink is easy to grab, carry, and sip throughout the day, you're much more likely to stay hydrated

The Era Series was made for exactly that. Available in 20oz, 30oz, and 40oz sizes, it's built for everyday hydration whether you're working from home, heading into the office, or running errands. The comfortable handle, leakproof lid, and cupholder-friendly design make it easy to keep water close by, while the insulated stainless steel construction keeps drinks cold for hours.

Some days, your drink barely leaves your desk. Other days, it's bouncing between the car, your bag, and wherever you're headed next. That's where the Resa Flip Series fits in. The covered straw helps protect the drinking surface, while the 20oz and 35oz sizes are easy to bring when you're out and about.

Coffee

Mornings tend to move fast. Between getting out the door and settling into the day, it's easy to forget about your coffee until you take the next sip. A well-insulated travel mug helps make sure it's still hot when you get back to it.

The Müv Series fits naturally into that routine. It's easy to carry, the leakproof lid gives a little extra peace of mind, and it works just as well at your desk as it does in the car.

Not everyone wants to carry a larger mug, though. Strova has a more streamlined feel that slips easily into a backpack or tote without taking up much space. It's the kind of drinkware that's easy to grab before heading out the door and just as easy to forget about until it's time for another sip.

Fitness

A long workout can put your drinkware through a lot. Between early-morning gym sessions, afternoon walks, team practices, and weekend adventures, it's nice to have something built to keep up with them. The MultiShaker 25oz was made for those days when water isn't the only thing on the menu. Whether you're mixing protein powder, pre-workout, or an electrolyte drink, it helps simplify the routine by keeping everything in one place.

Of course, not every workout calls for a shaker bottle. Sometimes all you need is cold water within arm's reach. That's where the Rise Series comes in. Whether it's headed to a workout class, a walk around the neighborhood, or a Saturday spent at the fields, it's an easy option to keep nearby. The covered straw is a nice bonus when you're moving between activities and don't want to think twice about where your bottle has been.

Enjoy Your Beverages With BrüMate!

At BrüMate, we’re passionate about creating innovative drinkware that keeps up with your lifestyle, wherever it takes you. Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, working out, or winding down, our products are designed to deliver on performance, style, and convenience. Ready to find your perfect match? Explore our best sellers and upgrade your everyday sip.