Skye Sonnega | Apr 14, 2025

Tumbler vs. Water Bottle - What’s the Difference?

Hero image
Hero image

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 25 oz, 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!

BrüMate water bottles, like the Era 40 oz, is one of the most functional of its kind. This 40 oz bottle comes with a fully leakproof Ü-Turn™ lid and BevGuard™ technology to keep ice for 24+ hours.

When you’re feelin’ the party mode, fill your bottle with your favorite mixed drink or liquor. The party mode cap is full leakproof, and doubles as a 1.5 oz shot glass! When you’re ready to hydrate, screw on the straw-lid and get sipping. This water bottle goes with you from day to night, for any occasion or activity.

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% leak proof. 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.

Era Series – 30 & 40 oz Straw Tumblers

If you’re looking for one drinkware piece to rule them all, the Era Series is a no-brainer. Available in 30oz and 40oz sizes, this straw tumbler is built for real life – complete with BrüMate’s 100% leakproof BevLock™ lid, an easy-carry handle, and a cupholder-friendly base.

It’s made with triple-insulated stainless steel to keep drinks cold for 24+ hours, so your morning iced latte stays just as refreshing by afternoon. The Ü-Turn™ lid gives you straw-sipping convenience with spill-proof confidence, making it a go-to for everything from the gym to your morning commute.

Shop the Era Series

Resa Series – 25 & 35 oz Travel Tumblers

The Resa 25oz is a slightly smaller take on the Era design, but still packs a punch when it comes to performance. This travel tumbler features the same BevLock™ straw lid for zero leaks, but with a sleek silhouette and swing-carry handle for lighter, more compact portability. Whether you're heading to yoga or just running errands, Resa’s triple-insulated build keeps your water or cold brew chilled for hours. It's the perfect pick when you want hydration that goes with you and doesn’t spill in your bag.

Shop the Resa Series

MultiShaker – Feature-Packed 26 oz Shaker Bottle

Need something for workouts, workdays, and everything in between? Enter the MultiShaker 26oz. This all-in-one shaker bottle features BrüMate’s patented agitator/infuser, so you can shake up protein, mix pre-workout, or even infuse your water with fruit on the go. The MagFlip™ lid offers 100% leakproof security, while the non-slip base and easy-grab handle make it a no-fuss option for wherever your day takes you. Bonus: it looks just as good in the gym as it does on your desk.

Shop the MultiShaker

Enjoy Your Beverages With BrüMate!

At BrüMate, we’re all 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.