Comparison
Owala SmoothSip vs FreeSip: what's the difference?
Owala SmoothSip Slider vs FreeSip, using Owala's own pages: hot vs cold drinks, leakproof lids, sizes, cup holder claims and dishwasher care.
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The SmoothSip Slider is Owala's tumbler for hot or cold drinks. It comes in 12 or 20 oz, with a slide-top lid that Owala calls leakproof when closed. The FreeSip is a 24–40 oz water bottle with a built-in straw. Owala says the stainless FreeSip is not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids.
On this page
Which Owala can you use for hot coffee?
The SmoothSip. Owala's FAQ says the SmoothSip "Holds cold, carbonated, and hot drinks" and that the stainless FreeSip is "Not for use with hot, carbonated, or perishable liquids" (Owala FAQ). Owala's SmoothSip page says "Hotter & colder for longer" without giving hours (Owala). The SmoothSip's Amazon listing says "hot for 6 hours and cold for up to 24 hours" (Amazon listing).
Are both lids leakproof?
Owala says so for both: the SmoothSip is "Leakproof (when slider is closed, obvi)" (Owala), and the FreeSip has a "Leak-proof lid" (Owala).
The products in this guide
Pros and cons summarize the sourced specs on this page. They aren't test results.
Owala
Owala SmoothSip Slider 12 oz
Consider it if: You want a small tumbler for hot or iced coffee
Highlights
- Owala says it holds cold, carbonated and hot drinks
- Leakproof when the slider is closed, per Owala
- Owala lists it as cup holder friendly
Keep in mind
- 12 oz capacity (a 20 oz size is also sold)
- Owala recommends hand-washing the cup
All sourced specs
- 12 oz insulated stainless-steel tumbler; also 20 oz (Owala)
- Slide-top lid; Owala says it is leakproof when the slider is closed
- Owala: holds cold, carbonated and hot drinks
- Owala lists it as triple-layered and vacuum-insulated
- Hot for 6 hours, cold for up to 24 hours (Amazon listing; Owala's page gives no hours)
- 12 oz size: 5.91 in tall × 3.4 in diameter (Owala)
- Dishwasher-safe lid; hand-wash the cup (Owala)
- Owala lists it as "Cup holder friendly"
- Limited lifetime warranty (Owala product page)
Owala
Owala FreeSip 24 oz (stainless steel)
Consider it if: You want a bottle with a locking lid that you can sip from or swig from
Highlights
- Owala lists the lid as leak-proof
- Built-in straw plus a wide-mouth opening
- 3.12 in diameter with a carry loop and no handle
Keep in mind
- Owala says not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids
- No cup-holder claim from Owala; measure your cup holder
- Owala recommends hand-washing the stainless cup
All sourced specs
- 24 oz stainless-steel insulated bottle; also sold in 32 oz and 40 oz (Owala)
- Owala lists it as triple-layer insulated
- FreeSip spout: sip through the built-in straw or swig from the wide-mouth opening (Owala)
- Push-button lid; carry loop doubles as a lock when closed (Owala)
- Owala lists a "Leak-proof lid"
- Owala's product page says "24 hours cold"
- 24 oz size: 10.68 in tall × 3.12 in diameter (Owala)
- Lid top-rack dishwasher safe; Owala strongly recommends hand-washing the stainless cup
- Owala: not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids
- Limited lifetime warranty (Owala product page)
What sizes do they come in?
The SmoothSip Slider comes in 12 oz (5.91 in tall × 3.4 in) and 20 oz (8.13 in × 3.4 in) (Owala). The FreeSip comes in 24, 32 and 40 oz (Owala).
What does Owala say about cup holders?
Owala lists the SmoothSip as "Cup holder friendly" (Owala). It doesn't make a cup-holder claim for the FreeSip on the product page or FAQ. The FreeSip's Amazon listing describes a "cup holder-friendly base" in one bullet and, in the next, says the bottle "is wider than standard cupholders and may only fit in oversized or specialty cupholders" (Amazon listing).
How do you clean them?
Owala lists both with a "Dishwasher-safe lid and hand-washable cup" (Owala, Owala).
Frequently asked questions
Can the Owala SmoothSip be used for iced coffee?
Owala markets it for hot or cold drinks, and its FAQ says it holds cold, carbonated and hot drinks.
Can I put coffee in my Owala FreeSip?
Owala's FAQ says the stainless FreeSip is not for hot, carbonated or perishable liquids.
Sources
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