Swell vs Hydro Flask– Which is the Better Water Bottle?
Hydro Flask W32TS618 – Insulated Bottle with Wide Mouth (32 oz) vs S’well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle (25 oz): Which one is best?
It’s no secret there is a need to take better care of our planet; what better way to do your part than to ditch the plastic bottles in favour of making a more eco-friendly choice. When you decide to purchase a stainless steel water bottle, you are showing that caring for our environment matters.
Not only do these bottles keep your water colder for longer, but they come in a range of colours and patterns that are sure to brighten your mood. For the hot drink lovers, they can also keep your hot drinks warm for those long morning drives into the office.
Breaking it down
We take a look at these two versatile products and try to highlight the key points to help you to make an informed decision. While both products are excellent, you may find yourself swaying one way or the other based on personal preference alone.
In judging, we factored in crucial points such as how much liquid each bottle can hold as well as how long each bottle can keep the contents either hot or cold. Also, we looked at what the bottles are made of as well as the variety of colours.
Amount of liquid bottle each bottle can hold
If you are looking at one of these bottles specifically for hydrating during your workout sessions, consider how long you work out. Then consider the intensity of your sessions. You may want to judge how much liquid you need to take in, based on the duration of your training. This will then help you when making the decision on what size bottle to purchase.
At the same time, if you specifically want to buy one of these bottles to keep your hot drink in, you may not be too concerned about how much liquid the bottle can hold. The saying ‘less is more’ may not apply here, this goes on individual preference and need.
Hydro Flask W32TS618
This product holds up to almost 1-liter of liquid or 32 oz, making it ideal for those long walks or extended workouts at the gym. Some bottles that hold less or more liquid are available from the supplier in the identical make-up.
S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle
This specific product only comes in one size, but the supplier does offer similar bottles in both smaller and larger sizes.
Winner: We are going to award a TIE for these products, as the size is entirely up to what you are specifically looking for. We won’t favour one product over the other, purely based on how much the bottles each hold.
Weight / Composition of Bottle
Having a lightweight but suitable water bottle is a massive win all round. Making sure the container is durable and of good quality is something to look out for too. It is pointless purchasing a bottle that holds just the right amount of liquid you need each time if the quality of the bottle is poor.
Hydro Flask W32TS618
The empty Hydro Flask weighs just 1-pound. This light bottle is made from 18/8 premium grade stainless steel and boasts a powder coated finish to ensure a slip-free grip. The bottle is also BPA-free and made from completely recyclable materials. If you are an eco-friendly being, then this is definitely a check-box you can tick.
S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle
The BPA-free and equally weighted S’well bottle, at 1-pound in weight is made from 18/8 premium grade stainless steel.
Winner: Hydro Flask.
Time the bottle can keep liquid cold / hot
The colder, the better; moreover the longer you can keep it cold the better. For those potential buyers who may spend a lot of time driving out on the road, perhaps keeping you drink hot is equally important. We put these two products to the test, with the following results.
Hydro Flask W32TS618
The Hydro flask is able to keep your choice of drink cold for as long as 24 hours. If you are opting for something hot, the Flask will keep your drink hot for up to 6 hours.
S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle
The S’well bottle keeps will keep your drinks cold for as long as 24 hours. At the same time, this amazing product will keep your drinks hot for as long as 12 hours.
Winner: S’well bottle.
Variety of Colours available
While some people may not be too bothered with bright colours, a water bottle in your favourite colour is nice to have. Similarly, you can even have many colours to match your different workout gear.
Hydro Flask W32TS618
The Hydro flask boasts 22 different colours, making it a range with a wide variety of options to choose from.
S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle
The S’well bottle offers 15 different and unique colours; again providing a wide range to make your selection from.
Winner: Hydro Flask
Insulation
Knowing a product is adequaltely insulated will ensure that the contents are kept either cold/hot, as well as ensuring minimal or zero condensation.
Hydro Flask W32TS618
- The Hydro flask is made using the double-walled construction.
S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle
The S’well bottle is made using the triple-walled construction, giving it that little bit extra insulation. This assists in the product being able to keep your drink hotter for longer.
Winner: S’well bottle
Final Recount:
- Hydro Flask W32TS618 – 3/5
- S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle – 3/5
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle
S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Final Verdict
We declare a TIE when comparing these two products. While the Hydro flask does come with an easy to carry handle, the S’well bottle is also easy to hold and can keep drinks hot for up to 12-hours. We feel this is a matter of personal preference when it comes to both the sizes of these bottles as well as the unique styling of both products.
The Hydro Flask has the added powder coating for a slip-free grip, but at the same time, the triple-walled insulation of the S’well Vacuum Insulated bottle creates excellent insulation and no condensation on the outside of the bottle.
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Coffee Mug with Wide Mouth (20 oz) vs S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug, (20 oz): Which one is best?
With so many handy and trendy looking travel mugs on the market, it’s always nice to have one that is comfortable to hold and won’t leak. We often tend to look at the more appealing looking products, without thinking of the practical features the various products offer. But the notion of having hot coffee spilled on your lap doesn’t sound too appealing either. We put both products to the test and compare which one comes out on top.
Direct Comparison
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Coffee Mug |
S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug | |
---|---|---|
Amount of liquid mug can hold |
20 oz (592 ml) |
20 oz (592 ml) |
Styling of Mug |
Wide mouth with hydro flip lid for easy access drinking. Made with a powder coating finish for a slip-free grip. The mug is both BPA and toxin free. |
Wide mouth with a thick rim, providing an easier drinking experience. The mug is both BPA and toxin free. This mug boasts an ergonomic grip for an easy ‘on the go’ experience |
Time can keep coffee hot |
6 hours |
6 hours |
Variety of Colours available |
Yes – 17 colours |
Yes – 13 colours / different designs |
Dishwasher safe / leakproof |
Not safe / Not leakproof |
Not safe / Leakproof |
Insulation |
Double-walled, condensation free |
Triple-walled, condensation free |
Compare Prices Online |
Breaking it down
We compare these two mugs and judge which is the more superior product. While keeping in mind that hot drinks can cause severe burns, we also highlighted some of the other features of these products. While we want to illustrate the time you can keep your beverage hot, we also want to mention both products finishing touches.
Amount of liquid mug can hold
Judging by the amount of hot coffee or tea these mugs can hold and keeping in mind that they can keep your drink hot for up to 6 hours; you may get more than a cuppa out of these products.
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug
- This mug holds just over half a liter of liquid, or 20 oz.
S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
- This mug holds an equal amount of liquid being 20 oz.
Styling of Mug
Holding a hot drink in your hand can be scary. It is not only sensible to ensure you have a travel mug that is comfortable to hold, but one that is easy to drink from too.
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug
The Hydro Flask Travel Mug has a wide mouth easy flip lid which makes drinking easy. The mug is also finished off with a powder coating for a slip-free grip. The mug is toxin and BPA-free, making it a safe choice.
S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
This toxin free and BPA-free wide mouthed and thick rimmed travel mug provides a comfortable drinking experience. This mug boasts an ergonomic grip for an easy ‘on the go’ experience
Winner: S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Time can keep drink hot
You may not always be wanting to stretch out your hot drinking experience, but for those who tend to spend a lot more time on the road having a travel mug that keeps your drink hot for up to 6 hours is a definite plus.
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug
- The Hydro flask keeps drinks hot for up to 6 hours.
S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
- The S’well Travel mug keeps drinks hot for up to 6 hours.
Winner: TIE
Variety of Colours available
- Not everyone wants bright coloured travel mugs. This is a matter of personal preference.
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug
- The Hydro flask Travel Mug comes in a variety of 17 different colour options.
S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
The S’well bottle offers a variety of colours and patterns, offering a choice of 13 different varieties.
Winner: S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug. While Hydro Flask offer more colours, we love that the S’well Travel mugs come in different colours and patterns too.
Dishwasher Safe / Leakproof
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug
- The Hydro flask is not dishwasher safe, nor is the product leakproof.
S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
- The S’well Travel mug is not dishwasher safe, but it is leakproof.
Winner: S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Insulation
Knowing a product is properly insulated will ensure that the contents are kept hotter for longer as well as ensuring you feel minimal or zero heat on the outside of the mug.
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug
- The Hydro flask is made using the double-walled construction.
S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle
- The S’well bottle is made using the triple-walled construction.
Winner: TIE – Although the S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug has triple-walled finishing inside, the Hydro Flask Travel mug managed to keep the heat well insulated.
Final Recount:
- Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Mug – 3/6
- S’well Vacuum Insulated Bottle – 6/6
Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Coffee Mug

Lotus Foods Gourmet Organic Brown Jasmine Rice
S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Final Verdict
We favour the S’well travel mug, most especially for the convenient and practical shape. The colourful designs won us over too.
Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid vs S’well S’ip 20010-A19-14360 Water Bottle: Which one is best?
With so many handy travel mugs on the market, it’s always nice to have one that is comfortable to hold and won’t leak. After all, the effects of hot coffee spilled on you is not an appealing thought. With both products being put to the test, we compare which one comes out on top.
Direct Comparison
Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle in Stainless Steel Wide Mouth with BPA Free Straw Lid and Silicone Boot |
S’ip by S’well 20010-A19-14360 Water Bottle 10oz | |
---|---|---|
Amount of liquid flask can hold |
12 oz (354 ml) |
10 oz (296 ml) |
Styling of Flask |
Easy to sip straw. Silicone boot for non-slip little hands, as well as powder coating finish for additional slip-free grip. The flask is both BPA and toxin free. |
Both spill free and drip free, fits easy into kids lunch boxes. The flask is BPA-free |
Cold / Hot drinks |
Cold drinks only, not recommended for hot drinks |
Cold and hot drinks |
Variety of Colours available |
Yes – 5 colours, all two-toned |
Yes – 14 colour / patterned varieties |
Dishwasher safe / leakproof |
Not safe / Not leakproof |
Not safe / Leakproof |
Compare Prices Online |
Breaking it down
We compare these two options that are generally more suited to little kids, in order to see which one comes out on top. While generally kids usually go for the brightest and most colourful bottles, we point out some of the extra’s to help you when trying to decide which bottle is best for your little one.
Amount of liquid flask can hold
These smaller alternatives are just enough for those little tummies. Being able to keep the drinks cold for extended periods of time is also an added bonus.
Hydro Flask Kids Bottle
This bottle holds 12 oz of liquid.
S’ip by S’well Bottle
This bottle holds 10 oz of liquid.
Winner: Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Bottle
Styling of Flask
While the styling is not something the kids look at, it is definitely something that moms and dad want to be on the more practical and safe side.
Hydro Flask Kids Bottle
The Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Bottle comes fitted with an easy to drink from straw. The silicone boot, together with the powder coating finish helps little hands to get a slip-free grip. The flask is both BPA and toxin free.
S’ip by S’well Bottle
The S’well bottle is both spill and drip free and fits easy into kids lunch boxes. The flask is BPA-free.
Winner: Hydro Flask Kids Sippy Bottle
Cold / Hot Drinks
While this may factor high on the list for coffee drinkers, this was not something we considered for the kids. We felt there was very little need for the kids to have something to keep any drink hot.
Hydro Flask Kids Bottle
The Hydro flask is not recommended for hot drinks at all, only for cold drinks.
S’ip by S’well Bottle
The S’well bottle can hold either hot or cold drinks.
Winner: TIE. While the Hydro Flask is not suited for hot drinks, we did not think it necessary to score this bottle down. We therefore decided to award a tie in this category.
Variety of Colours available
When it comes to the little people, the brighter the colours the better.
Hydro Flask Kids Bottle
The Hydro Flask Kids sippy bottle is available in 5 different two-tone colour options. All of the Sippy bottles come with a silicone boot on the base of the bottle.
S’ip by S’well Bottle
The S’well bottle offers a variety of colours and patterns, offering a choice of 14 different varieties.
Winner: TIE
Dishwasher Safe / Leakproof
Hydro Flask Kids Bottle
The Hydro flask Kids Sippy Bottle is neither dishwasher safe nor leakproof.
S’ip by S’well
The S’ip by S’well is not dishwasher safe, but it is leakproof. The product is both spill free and drip free.
Winner: S’ip by S’well
Final Recount:
- Hydro Flask Kids Bottle – 4/5
- S’ip by S’well – 3/5
Hydro Flask 24 oz. Lightweight Trail Series Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle in Stainless Steel Wide Mouth with BPA Free Straw Lid and Silicone Boot

Hydro Flask 24 oz. Lightweight Trail Series Water Bottle
S’ip by S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle

S’ip by S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Final Verdict
Main Differences Between Hydro Flask vs S’well is that The Hydro Flask Kids Bottle not only has a comfortable and slip-free grip, but a handy and convenient straw for kids. While there are less colours available in the Hydro Flask Kids Bottle, the two-toned look and feel is attractive. The fact that the Hydro Flask bottle is not suitable for hot drinks does not strike us as a negative, as most little ones aren’t hot drink drinkers and it can also become a safety issue.