Battle of the Bottles: Owala 40oz Tumbler with Handle vs Stanley Tumbler

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve probably heard the buzz about the Stanley Tumbler 40oz. This cup has become an internet sensation, in large part due to its handle and straw that make sipping easy. Its popularity is partly due to TikTok, where influencers have sworn by its use. That’s a pretty big reputation to live up to. 

Despite its cult following on social, not everyone has fallen in love with this bottle. Reviews have been mixed, and lately there’s been a lot of buzz about a new tumbler that just hit the scene. The new winner? The Owala 40oz Tumbler. 

Let’s see how it compares. 

(Shortened version: we announce the winner at the bottom)

 

Design

At first glance, the Owala 40oz Tumbler and the 40oz Stanley Cup look pretty similar. Each one is made from high-quality stainless steel that’s durable and rust-resistant, holds the same water capacity, has a handle and straw, has a wide opening that makes it easy to clean or fill with ice, and has a smaller base so it can comfortably sit in a cup holder. That last feature has been a major selling point, as it’s easy to use on road trips or errands around town. 

Beyond the construction of the bottles, each is offered in a variety of colors. As far as general design, both bottles have all the bells and whistles you could want in a tumbler. But there are a few key differences that put the Owala 40oz Tumbler on top. Let’s take a closer look. 

 

Handle

One of the standout features of a tumbler is the convenient handle. Whether you’re in an exercise class or working at a desk, the handle makes it easy to take a quick sip of water. 

The Owala handle is contoured with a spot for your thumb and designed to be comfortable to hold. Not only that, but it has a lid that can be switched so it’s a perfect fit for right-handed and left-handed users. Pretty nifty, huh?

The older 40oz Stanley Cup has a plastic handle that isn’t anything out of the ordinary, while the new one has comfort-grip inserts to make holding it more cushy. 



Straw

Because let’s be honest… straws make staying hydrated fun and super easy. When it comes to the design of the straws, they’re actually pretty similar. Both are about the same in size and made of BPA-free silicone.The Owala tumbler does have an attachment on the straw that provides extra color, but it doesn’t affect sipping.  While the Owala straw is in the middle of the tumbler, the Stanley straw is closer to the edge, however both are easy to sip from. What many reviewers have already mentioned is that they don’t have to rotate their tumbler to sip from the Owala one, making it more convenient for drinking. 



Insulation

Both bottles are designed to keep water refreshingly cold. After all, if you’re out all day in hot weather, you’ll want a tumbler that can take the heat. 

The Owala Tumbler keeps drinks cold and ice lasts overnight, as does the Stanley Cup. So it’s pretty neck and neck there. 

More in the mood for coffee or tea? These cups have you covered. This Stanley will keep liquids nice and toasty for several hours so that you always have a hot beverage on hand. 

So overall, they’re pretty similar in insulation. Whether you’re looking to use it for hot or cold beverages, they both have your back. 



Spill Resistant

Hey, accidents happen. When they do, you’ll want a tumbler that works hard to keep your countertop (and yourself) water free. The Owala 40oz Tumbler was designed to withstand spill after spill, and only leak a few drops. It sounds almost too good to be true, right? We promise you, it’s not. Customers have put the Owala 40oz Tumbler to the test and it passes every single time—with flying colors. 

Want to see the Owala tumbler and the Stanley in action?

https://www.tiktok.com/@laurentokk/video/7217410443780885806

Even upside down and with the straw attached, the Owala manages to leak very little. The Stanley Tumbler 40oz… well, you might want to be wearing a poncho if you knock it over. 



Price

Love a good deal? You’re in good company. When you compare the two bottles, Owala 40oz Tumbler with Handle goes for $37.99, while the Stanley 40oz Tumbler with Handle retails for $45. While not a huge price difference, spending an extra $$ for a bottle with similar features may not be worth it. 



Reviews

Buying a product without reviews? Basically unheard of—especially if you can’t see the product in person. Luckily, social media has become a great source for recommendations on the latest and greatest. TikTok in particular is where new products go viral, and the new Owala 40oz Tumbler with Handle is no exception. Here are a few reviews about this new star on the scene.

A comparison of Owala vs Stanley (and a few other tumblers). Spoiler alert: Owala gets a 10/10

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@madlyn0511/video/7205324980253363498?q=owala%20tumbler%20stanley&t=1680845335157 

 

The prediction in the caption… we might have to agree. 

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellembarilla/video/7200140938931539246?q=owala%20tumbler%20stanley&t=1680845335157 

 

In this one, someone is singing praises about the Owala tumbler—literally. 

 

https://www.tiktok.com/@maggieandoakley/video/7205342023593905450?q=owala%20tumbler%20stanley&t=1680845335157 

 

Overall Winner: Owala

There’s a pretty clear winner here, and it blows the competition out of the water. While at first glance the Stanley 40oz Tumbler with Handle and the Owala 40oz Tumbler with Handle may seem similar, Owala has a few distinct advantages: infinitely better splash resistance, a lower price point, and a handle made for right-handed and left-handed users. So if you’ve been thinking about getting a tumbler, this one is definitely the one for you.