The 8 Best Shaker Bottles for 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sep 27, 2023

Shake off clumpy drinks and leaky lids with these tried and true protein shaker bottles.

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Shape / Brian Kopinski

Between pre-workout drinks, drinkable greens, coffee mixed with collagen, and protein powder shakes, adding a scoop of your favorite supplement to your drink is an easy way to get more nutrients into your diet. And if you're aiming for certain fitness-related goals (think: a new deadlift PR, or running your first half marathon), you'll need protein easily accessible after your workouts.

"Protein is essential to rebuilding and repairing muscle," notes Allison Knott, R.D., registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports nutrition. "Muscle protein synthesis occurs throughout the day and is heightened in the hours after exercise, making it important to consume high-quality protein after a workout." Her recommendation? Eating (or drinking) at least 20 grams of protein (with carbohydrates as well) within one to two hours post-workout, which will help you optimize your muscle building and repair.

And while you could reach for a turkey sandwich or Greek yogurt with a banana, an on-the-go protein drink is way more convenient than carrying around food. All you have to do is combine protein powder with the liquid of your choice, screw the lid on tight, and shake away until your drink is thoroughly mixed.

A good shaker bottle consists of a cup (usually with measurements for liquids), a twist-off lid, and a ball that’s designed to break up clumps of powder and make your drink more palatable. (Although Knott notes that even if your supplement isn't thoroughly mixed, it'll still have the same nutritional value — you just might find it a little grosser to drink, texture-wise.) The right shaker bottle makes fueling even more convenient by allowing you to mix things up on the go — but choose the wrong one, and you risk finding yourself with a clumpy mess, a leaky lid, or a bottle that starts smelling pretty funky over time.

"The shaker bottle someone chooses should be affordable and effective for their needs," says Knott. "Someone may also want to consider if the bottle can keep liquids cold or hot depending on what’s required for the supplement they choose. This is important from a food safety standpoint if mixing with a liquid that requires a specific temperature range."

There are hundreds of shaker bottles to choose from, from basic plastic bottles with wire balls to high-tech stainless steel shaker bottles with double-wall insulation. To help you weed out the best from the worst, we tested 24 options in a wide variety of features and price points in our New York lab. After mixing and shaking protein powder and water, we tasted our DIY protein shakes and rated each bottle’s performance on design, ease of cleaning, ability to dissolve powder, and more. We analyzed these ratings and our insights to narrow it down to these eight shaker bottles.

Amazon

Why We Like It: The paddle design of the ball breaks up clumps better than anything else we tested.

It’s Worth Noting: This shaker bottle isn’t insulated, so your drinks won’t stay chilled for long.

The Contigo Shake & Go Fit Shaker Bottle impressed us with its innovative design — specifically, the mixer ball is weighted and has solid, indented paddles fanning out from the center rather than the typical wire ball. This detail may seem small, but it prevents clumping while you mix and it makes the ball much easier to clean. We also appreciated that the measurements on the side go up to 24 ounces, making this the biggest shaker bottle we tested. The carry loop makes it easy to tote around, and the snap-on lid gave a satisfying click when fully closed, so we felt confident nothing would leak.

On the downside, this shaker bottle isn’t insulated, so anything you stow will get warm eventually. But at well under $15, we think this shaker bottle is a great value for everyday needs.

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 28 oz. | Colors: 2 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Method: Weighted non-wire ball | Insulated: No | Dishwasher-safe: Yes, top-rack only

Amazon

Why We Like It: A single charge blends the drink perfectly (and quietly) and lasts up to a year.

It’s Worth Noting: We found the measurements hard to read.

Shaking your protein drink by hand is so old-fashioned. If you want to upgrade your shaker bottle, the VOLTRX Premium Electric Protein Shaker Bottle uses electric power (via micro USB C charging cable) to perfectly mix your drink every time. The result? A silky-smooth texture that’s a delight to drink. A single press of the mixing button triggers 30 seconds of almost-silent blending, and a double press activates three minutes (which was more than we needed in our tests, FYI).

We had a hard time reading the measurements on the bottle, due to the slightly curved design. And since the mixing blades are plastic, they feel a little flimsy (and we definitely don’t recommend using this shaker bottle for anything like fruit or ice).

Price at time of publish: From $27

Size: 24 oz. | Colors: 7 | Material: Tritan plastic | Blending Method: Electric with plastic blades | Insulated: No | Dishwasher-safe: No

Walmart

Why We Like It: It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.

It’s Worth Noting: The mixing gets quite noisy.

If a perfectly chilled drink is essential to your post-workout routine, the BlenderBottle's Radian Insulated Shaker Bottle will keep your drink cold for a full 24 hours (longer than any other shaker bottle we tested) thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation. We also loved the high-quality feel of the stainless steel material; we tested a matte finish that felt scratch-resistant and durable enough to get tossed around in a gym bag. Even though the shaker bottle isn’t transparent, there are measurement markings inside the bottle so you can accurately shake, stir, and mix.

But if you want to be subtle about mixing your protein shakes, this may not be the shaker bottle for you. The wire mixing ball clattering around the stainless steel bottle gets pretty noisy.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 26 ounces | Colors: 7 | Material: Stainless steel | Blending Method: Wire ball | Insulated: Yes | Dishwasher-safe: Lid only; hand wash bottle

Amazon

Why We Like It: The smart design lets you hydrate and refuel with two different drinks.

It’s Worth Noting: It’s pretty big and hard to carry.

We were impressed with the thought that went into Hydra Cup's unique dual shaker. It’s divided into a 14-ounce compartment and a 22-ounce compartment for when you want two separate drinks. Not only that, but each compartment has its own drink spout, so you never have that weird cross-contaminating taste from two very different drinks. Instead of a twist-on, this shaker bottle has a four-point snap-on seal that ensures your spouts end up with the right compartment.

Even though this shaker bottle saves you the trouble of carrying two separate bottles, we found it a little unwieldy and hard to carry at times. That said, it will still fit in a car cupholder. Also, because of the divider, it can get a bit messy trying to pour protein powder into the small compartments.

Price at time of publish: $25 for a three-pack

Capacity: 36 ounces (14-ounce and 22-ounce compartments) | Material: Plastic | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Amazon

Why We Like It: The bottle’s design makes this shaker bottle easy to hold and grip, even while sweaty.

It’s Worth Noting: The bottom is slightly too big for most car cupholders.

With a foldaway loop and a textured grip, the BlenderBottle's SportMixer Shaker is our pick for long runs or workouts on the go. It comes with BlenderBottle's signature wire whisk and is available in 20-ounce and 28-ounce options. The standout feature that we noticed was the ergonomic rubber grip and hourglass shape of the bottle, which makes it easier to grip than other options we tested (and if you want a shaker bottle for tough workouts, this one won’t slip out of sweaty hands). The Tritan plastic is also stain- and odor-resistant, which makes us feel more confident taking it everywhere with us.

We would have chosen this shaker bottle as our most portable or best on-the-go if it weren’t for one simple fact: The bottle is too big for average car cupholders. Like the Contigo Shake & Go Fit, this shaker bottle is not insulated.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: 28 ounces | Colors: 6 | Material: Tritan plastic | Blending Method: Wire ball | Insulated: No | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Amazon

Why We Like It: The nesting capsule can store protein powder for on-the-go mixing.

It’s Worth Noting: We thought our drinks came out a little too frothy.

The genius design of the PROMiXX Pro Shaker Bottle really impressed us. Not only does it come with a clever little capsule for storing protein powder, but that capsule fits neatly into the mouth of the bottle so it’s always within reach. We’d recommend this for people who want the two-in-one functionality of the Hydra Cup, but with a rechargeable blending mechanism. The blending blades also make this a snap to clean: Simply put warm water and a bit of dishwasher detergent in the cup, secure the lid, and blend as usual.

Our only note was that the blending mechanism (aka the plastic blades) left our drinks a little too frothy for our preferences — but if that’s something you want in a drink, you’ll be happy with this shaker bottle. The capacity is also a tad small, especially considering how much space the pod takes up when secured in the bottle.

Price at time of publish: $35

Size: 20 ounces | Colors: 5 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Method: Electric with plastic blades | Insulated: No | Dishwasher-safe: No

Amazon

Why We Like It: The slanted walls of this bottle mean you don’t need a blending ball.

It’s Worth Noting: It may not work as well with thicker powders, like casein or whey.

With its unique slanted walls, the Helimix 2.0 Vortex Blender Shaker Bottle eliminates the need for a blending ball (one less thing to lose), and we found that the shaker bottle lived up to its promises of clump-free blending. We also found the Vortex easy to clean, since there aren’t any nooks and crannies where powder can get stuck.

That said, thicker powders (think: casein or whey) may not blend as easily as they would with an electric shaker bottle like the PROMiXX Pro Shaker Bottle or with a traditional shaker bottle. This bottle is also not insulated, so if you prefer ice-cold beverages, try the BlenderBottle Radian Insulated Shaker Bottle instead.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 28 ounces | Colors: 15 | Material: Tritan plastic | Blending Method: Bottle design | Insulated: No | Dishwasher-safe: Yes

Blendjet

Why We Like It: This powerful blender actually mixes fruit and ice as well as powder and liquid.

It’s Worth Noting: It’s much bigger than other options we tested.

The electric shaker bottles we tested were less powerful than expected, thanks to plastic blades. If you want a combination shaker bottle and small appliance, the Blendjet 2 has legit stainless steel blades and can easily chop fruit and ice in addition to blending your supplements. Not only can you use it for protein shakes, but you could use it for smoothies, milkshakes, baby food, or even frozen cocktails. It runs through a 20-second blend cycle at the press of a button, and it comes in dozens of eye-catching colors and patterns.

One charge lasts about 15 uses, which isn’t as efficient as the PROMiXX Pro Shaker Bottle or VOLTRX Premium Electric Protein Shaker Bottle. The Blendjet 2 is also way longer than everything else we tested (despite having only a 16-ounce capacity), making it a little cumbersome.

Price at time of publish: $50

Size: 16 ounces | Colors: 37 | Material: BPA-free plastic | Blending Method: Electric with stainless steel blades | Insulated: No | Dishwasher-safe: No

As fitness lovers and frequent gym-goers, we understand how important the perfect shaker bottle is to meeting your movement goals. We started this search by involving Allison Knott, R.D., registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports nutrition, based in New York City. She shared expert advice on shaker bottles and pre- and post-workout fuel. We then researched the most popular shaker bottles and essential features, such as leak-proof lids, thorough mixing, and easy cleaning. We narrowed it down to 24 shaker bottles to test in our New York lab. Our testing methodology included mixing a protein powder with water, shaking it for 30 seconds, and noting how the bottle performed. Specifically, we took detailed notes on leakiness, the presence of measurements on the bottle, ease of mixing, design, quality, and more. We also had a car cup holder on site to check whether the shaker bottle would fit. With all of these insights and hours of testing, we assigned ratings and rankings to the eight best shaker bottles according to our findings.

Shaker bottles are most often used to blend and drink post-workout protein drinks while on the go, at the gym, or in the car.

Shaker bottles are typically made from plastic, glass, or stainless steel. Plastic is the most common because it’s affordable and easy to clean. However, some users report that plastic shaker bottles hold onto odors and tastes long after washing. Glass shaker bottles look modern and are easy to clean (plus, they don’t hold onto lingering tastes), but they’re breakable and heavy, so they may not be ideal for lugging around in your gym tote bag. Stainless steel shaker bottles keep drinks cold for several hours at a time, but they’re not transparent (read: you can’t see how much is left in your bottle easily) and vacuum-insulated stainless steel is hand wash only.

Traditional shaker bottles use a small wire ball to whisk through powder clumps and break them up. Others, like the Contigo Shake & Go Fit, have a more solid, weighted ball with strategic indents to help blend. These shaker bottles are more affordable, but the blending ball often gets lost or is annoying to clean. Electric shaker bottles, meanwhile, have plastic or stainless steel blades built into the bottle or lid. They’re rechargeable and can blend drinks at the press of a button. They’re more expensive, but you’ll usually get a smoother blend with less effort. The Helimix 2.0 Vortex stands out from the other shaker bottles we tested because it doesn’t use a ball or electric power to blend; it simply relies on the design of the bottle and the “vortex” created when shaking.

Shaker bottles vary greatly in terms of how you clean them. Many (especially the ones made of plastic) are top-rack dishwasher safe, while stainless steel bottles may be handwash only. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to clean shaker bottles by hand (more on that below). You’ll want a shaker bottle that’s easy to clean, especially since protein powders and supplements can clump up in the crevices of a bottle.

To use a shaker bottle, take a scoop of your desired protein powder in the recommended amount and pour it into the shaker bottle. Add the correct amount of water or liquid, following the directions from the brand of protein powder you’re using. If your shaker bottle has a blending ball, drop it into the bottle. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds or more. If you have an electric shaker bottle, follow directions for your specific bottle.

Studies have shown that a shaker bottle can be one of the biggest germ hotspots in your home. However, many shaker bottles and lids are dishwasher-safe, depending on what material they’re made out of. Although, you can hand wash shaker bottles easily with warm water, dishwashing liquid, and a bottle brush. Start by filling your shaker bottle with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid before adding in the blender ball (if included). Then, attach the lid securely and shake the bottle vigorously for several seconds. Finally, rinse the soap out with warm water and use a bottle brush to spot-clean. Read the care instructions before washing your shaker bottle for the first time, and always wash before first use.

The Shape team loves finding new ways to move and understands that you have certain nutritional needs post-workout to meet your goals. Our editors bring real-life experience and expertise to finding the best shaker bottles, and we know which features are most important to your life. Emily Belfiore is a Buying Guides writer for Meredith brands including InStyle, People, Food & Wine, and more. Always in pursuit of the best reviewer-vouched products, she covers topics spanning across the fashion, beauty, and health and wellness verticals. In her free time, you can find her testing products for articles, watching beauty tutorials, or catching up on the latest binge-worthy show.

Kristen Geil is a senior commerce editor at Shape who specializes in fitness equipment, gear, and accessories. She’s a vegetarian who’s always had to supplement her diet with protein shakes, and she has a great distaste for cleaning clumps out of wire whisks and bottles. She analyzed the testing insights to help choose the best shaker bottles in this article.