If you exercise or spend a lot of time in the sun, you probably consume a lot of pre-bottled drinking water. 

Maybe you always grab the bottle that’s the most aesthetically pleasing off the shelf because it looks like the best option. But when you’re trying to improve your hydration, it’s hard to know what’s best for you as a consumer. 

Do you need water that’s alkaline, filtered through osmosis, and that contains (or doesn’t contain) additives? Do you need to be replenishing your electrolytes based on the level of activity you do? How much does the price of water figure into the quality? 

And if you’re concerned about the environment and how certain packaging materials affect it (and your health) you have at least one more thing to consider. After all, it’s not just water that you’re buying. 

To help you find your personal favorite bottled water, we’ve rounded up 12 options that meet different standards, qualities, and price ranges. Pick up a few bottles before your next bike ride, hike, or camping trip to find your water soulmate. 

Don’t forget to recycle or reuse the empty water bottle after. 

Before we get to the list, here are a few quick basic terms to help you understand the pros and cons of different types of water. The world of water can be hard to navigate, so let this glossary to guide you. 

• Alkaline water: A higher pH water that contains antioxidants whose health benefits have sometimes been considered controversial. This water might undergo ionization to achieve this pH, resulting in ionized alkaline water—or water with increased antioxidation power. 

• Reverse osmosis: A purification process that removes particles from water. 

• Spring water: Water that comes from underground sources in an aquifer. 

• Aquifer: An underground rock formation containing water.

• Mineral water: Water containing salts and sulfur compounds.

• Electrolytes: Minerals that are helpful to the body’s functioning and replenish salts that we lose through exercise and exertion.

• BPA: An abbreviation for bisphenol A, a chemical in certain plastics.

• Artesian water: Another name for water that comes from an aquifer.

12 top bottled waters with something different to offer

When you’re thirsty and just need a quick fix, almost any variety will do. But bottled waters all taste slightly differently and offer different salts, minerals, health benefits, and even packaging. It’s best to get informed and find the bottled water brand that’s right for you when you’re choosing what to stock up on. 

1. Aquafina

Pros: 

• High purity standards that exceed government regulations

• Chemical-free product

• Refreshing, clean flavor

Cons: 

• Doesn’t contain any minerals, including beneficial ones 

• Not always available in all geographical areas 

2. Essentia

Pros: 

• Bottled water with a conscience.

• Ionized through a 3-step process 

• Clean taste

Cons: 

• Drinking too much alkaline water can potentially have negative health effects

• There’s controversy around whether alkaline water actually provides the health benefits it claims 

3. Evian 

Pros: 

• Comes in easy-to-recycle bottles 

• Reputable, well-known brand 

• High in electrolytes

• Sourced in the Alps

Cons: 

• More expensive than other waters

4. Fiji

Pros: 

• Bottled at an aquifer 

• Doesn’t contain contaminants 

• Contains healthy minerals

Cons: 

• Can be expensive

5. Icelandic

Pros: 

• Boasts an eco-friendly production process

• The bottles are reusable and recyclable

Cons: 

• Water may contain fluoride residues 

• The plastic bottles used could contaminate the water

6. JUST water

Pros: 

• Sustainably sourced

• Contains natural minerals 

• Comes in a 100% recyclable box-style presentation

Cons:  

• The packaging isn’t easily reusable 

7. Acqua Panna

Pros: 

• Great taste 

• Contains minerals 

• Made from spring water

• Aesthetically-pleasing presentation—perfect for dinner parties

Cons: 

• The acids and mineral salts in this water can be harmful in large amounts 

8. Propel 

Pros: 

• Enhanced with electrolytes 

• Contains vitamins C & E

• Sugar-free

• Comes in various flavors 

Cons: 

• Contains some controversial ingredients like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and SHMP

• You may not need electrolytes after light workouts, but whether or not you work out, they do seem to come in handy if you’re sick or have a bad hangover—stock up on this water before your next party

9. Poland Spring 

Pros: 

• Reasonably priced option 

• Good taste

• Sold in large packs—perfect for your next family camping trip

Cons: 

• Some bottles could contain plastic that’s not BPA-free 

• Has been some controversy around the brand, their marketing, and how water is sourced

10. Perfect Hydration 

Pros: 

• Undergoes a 9-step filtration process

• Enhanced with electrolytes 

• 9.5+ pH level

• Great taste

Cons: 

• Studies suggest that alkaline water can be damaging to our health in large quantities 

• There’s controversy around whether alkaline water actually provides the health benefits it claims 

11. Smartwater 

Pros: 

• Infused with electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium

• Tastes great

• Comes in a variety of presentations and flavors

Cons: 

• More expensive than tap water with similar properties

• You may not need electrolytes after light workouts, but keep in mind our tip from above about replenishing these minerals and salts after an illness or a night of partying

12. Voss 

Pros: 

• The water comes from an artesian well 

• Glass bottles are clean and reduce some dangers to health

• Aesthetically pleasing—stock up before a classy dinner party or before heading out in a formal look

• Environmentally-responsible brand

• The bottles are reusable, and not just for filling with water again. Flower vases, anyone? 

Cons: 

• The water isn’t completely alkaline so this may not be the right option for water connaisseurs looking for a specific pH 

If you’re ready to explore the world of water, Gopuff is here to help. Stock up on different brands and try a water tasting at home to find that perfect fit to accompany you on any adventures you take. When you order from GoPuff, your items arrive in just minutes. If you’re thirsty now, it won’t last long.