We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

From the quintessential iced latte that gets you through Monday slumps to a refreshing homemade cocktail, reusable straws are a sustainable product you can use day in and day out. And with approximately 8.3 billion plastic straws floating in our oceans, you can sip away knowing that your straw won’t end up on a shoreline. While straws account for less than one percent of the plastic waste in our seas, even incremental changes to our daily routines can have an impact. No need to resort to sometimes-soggy paper alternatives or drink your coffee sans straw because there is a range of easy-to-clean, durable, and versatile straws to suit your beverage of choice. Just be sure you clean your utensils regularly and keep track of them because ordering more can defeat the purpose of making the sustainable swap to the best reusable straws.

How we chose the best reusable straws

We considered over 50 types of reusable straws in making this list—evaluating factors including material, cost, portability, amount, reviews, size, and shape. As a frequent user, I also drew from my experience to discern which variables make the biggest difference. I wanted to compile straws that suited different needs, from the perpetually on-the-move professional to homemakers that love an aesthetic kitchen accessory, so this list has a diverse range of options to choose from.  

The best reusable straws: Reviews & Recommendations

From your daily cup of at-home iced coffee to a quick afternoon pick-me-up, one of our straws will be just your cup of tea—and make your dentist very happy and your next cleaning.

Best overall: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Straw Set

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Straw on a white background

OXO

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a silicone tip for comfort, durable stainless steel base, carrying case, and included cleaning brush, this reusable straw is a favorite for portability and design.

Specs

  • Number: 2
  • Size: 10.5 inches
  • Material: Stainless steel, silicone

Pros

  • Silicone tips
  • BPA-free and dishwasher safe
  • Included cleaning instrument

Cons 

  • Carrying case takes up a lot of space

These stainless steel straws from OXO Good Grips have added design elements that elevate them above the rest. Adjustable silicone tips cut out any metallic taste you may get from the steel and the included carrying case improves portability. An included cleaning instrument prevents gnarly crud from building up inside. 

Stainless steel is a favorite for its durability, so you can purchase these knowing they won’t need to be replaced any time soon. The silicone tips are removable and the straws are dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, so cleaning your straws after sipping can be as easy as tossing them in the dishwasher or scrubbing the interior with the included bristle brush.

Best collapsible: FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Straw

FinalStraw Collapsible Straw on a white background

FinalStraw

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: When it comes to portability, this pick from FinalStraw takes the cake, as it collapses down to just 7 cm in its carrying case. 

Specs

  • Number: 1
  • Size: 9 inches
  • Material: Stainless steel, silicone

Pros

  • Multiple colorways
  • Durable materials
  • Small, collapsible design 

Cons 

  • Rubber portions make it more difficult to clean

This collapsible, portable option from FinalStraw was first launched on Shark Tank as a pocket-sized straw to suit just about any beverage. The straw folds to fit inside a 2.5-inch case, easily attached to your keys or backpack or tossed in a purse. FinalStraw also includes a cleaning tool that can pack away into the compact case, so you can scrub your straw even when on the go. 

The food-grade silicone tips on both ends of the straw reduce any metallic taste that might otherwise accompany the stainless steel and is safe to use on hot or cold beverages. For those that need a compact straw that can seamlessly go from morning coffee to evening cocktails, this portable design makes it easy to be more sustainably minded. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of colors to make them more fun than typical polished metallic options.

Best silicone: GoSili Reusable Silicone Straws

GoSilli Reusable Straws on a white background

GoSilli

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: For those who don’t like the stiff feel of steel or glass, these silicone straws are teeth-friendly and great for families. 

Specs

  • Number: 6
  • Size: 5.5 inches, 6.5 inches, 8 inches
  • Material: Silicone

Pros

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Kid-friendly 
  • Softer feel on teeth 

Cons

  • May be too short for some cups

Making the switch to reusable straws can be uncomfortable—especially for those with sensitive teeth or who prefer a softer, flexible straw. To have the best of both sustainability and comfort, look to GoSili Silicone Straws, which offers all the durability of other materials without stiffness. The silicone used in GoSili is European-grade, meaning that it has no open pores to harbor bacteria, added fillers, and is hypoallergenic. 

This six-pack is especially great for kids or families, as it includes shorter sizes that can fit small cups and don’t pose any damage to your little one’s teeth. And while the GoSili pack doesn’t include a cleaning tool, they are dishwasher safe and can be put in boiling water for easy disinfection—no scrubbing or washing necessary. You can also easily drop a dollop of soap into the opening and roll the straw until the water runs clear. 

Best stainless steel: Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straws

Klean Kanteen Reusable Straws on a white background

Klean Kanteen

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Stainless steel is arguably the most durable material for your reusable straw, and with a silicone tip for comfort, this pick from Klean Kanteen can easily replace all your single-use straws. 

Specs

  • Number: 4
  • Size: 8.9 inches
  • Material: Stainless steel, silicone
  • Diameter: 8 mm

Pros

  • Affordable pick
  • Durable materials 
  • Soft silicone tip for comfort

Cons 

  • No carrying case
  • No cleaning instrument 

For those who want a stiff straw to withstand the test of time, this stainless steel pick from Klean Kanteen fits the bill. While some drinkers like the cool feeling of bare metal during sips, others find it too jarring, which is where the removable silicone tips come in to insulate your lips. 

The 8 mm diameter of these straws makes them versatile for various beverages, from water and coffee to thicker liquids like smoothies. And with a four-pack priced lower than some of the other selections, this might just be one of the cheapest reusable straws out there. That said, it does lack some of the bells and whistles that are offered with other selections, like a carrying case or included cleaning instrument.

Best glass: ALINK Glass Smoothie Straws

ALINK Glass Smoothie Straws

ALINK

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This variety pack of glass straws is suitable for beverages hot or cold—and looks elegant as you sip. 

Specs

  • Number: 8
  • Size: 10 inches
  • Material: Glass
  • Diameter: 10 mm

Pros

  • Easy to see when they need cleaning
  • Cost-effective 
  • Cleaning instrument included 

Cons 

  • Less durable than other materials 

From piping-hot morning tea to a post-workout protein smoothie, these ALINK Glass Smoothie Straws are equipped for just about any beverage. This pack of 10 straws comes with four bent straws, four straight straws, and two 10.5-inch cleaning brushes. If you dislike the feel of steel or silicone as you drink, glass straws can mimic the feel of sipping right from the glass itself. 

While glass straws are admittedly less durable than some of our other picks, this food-grade, high-borosilicate glass is BPA-free, lead-free, and about as durable as glass can be. And where you might not be able to tell if your stainless steel or silicone straw has build-up inside, the transparent glass design ensures that you’ll never sip from a dirty straw. Not to mention that they’re also the most aesthetically pleasing and look especially nice in a frothy latte. 

Best budget: StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Straws

StrawExpert Reusable Straws on a white background

StrawExpert

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This affordable pick allows you to equip your household with straws for the whole family. 

Specs

  • Number: 16
  • Size: 8.5 inches and 10.5 inches
  • Material: Stainless steel, silicone
  • Diameter: 6 mm

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Carrying case included
  • Variety of shapes and lengths

Cons 

  • Too long for children’s cups

While a singular straw might be enough for one person, a family or household will likely want a variety of reusable straws in various lengths and shapes. This affordable pack from StrawExpert comes with 16 pieces in total, including eight 10.5-inch straws, eight 8.5-inch straws, four cleaning instruments, and a carrying pouch. Keep a few in the car for drinking on the go, some in your bag, and leave the rest home so you can avoid single-use plastic straws wherever you go. Similar to other stainless steel picks, these straws also come with removable silicone tips that protect your lips from hot or cold temperatures. They’re also dishwasher safe, BPA-free, lead-free, rust-resistant, and non-toxic for safer drinking.    

What to consider when buying the best reusable straws

If insulated water bottles are perfect for on-the-go sipping, then a reusable straw is perfect for hydrating or caffeinating in the comfort of your own home. Here’s what you should remember when making new additions to your utensil drawer or coffee station.

Just a heads-up: if you’re a warm beverage drinker, you might benefit more from a heated mug. It’s not recommended to sip hot liquids from a straw. It’s harder to gauge beverage temperature when you’re giving the best vacuum cleaners a run for their money compared to cautious first sips.

Beverage of choice

If you’re a die-hard boba fan or like a creamy post-workout smoothie, you’ll need a different type of straw than those who will only be sipping iced coffee, tea, or cocktails. Consider what kind of drink you opt for most often, and then choose a reusable straw that best suits your needs—for thicker beverages, we recommend wider straws to allow for more suction. Most models fall somewhere between 0.24 inches for narrow tubes and 0.50 inches for boba-compatible models. 

Durability and portability

One of the benefits of reusable straws is their durability, though within this category some options are certainly stronger than others. If you’re prone to dropping things or want to pack your straw to-go, we recommend a stainless steel or silicone material that won’t break (looking at you, glass straws). Additionally, you can select a foldable straw that can fit into any bag or purse for easy sipping. 

Materials

Unsurprisingly, the material of your straw will have an impact on the taste of your drink. We recommend weighing the pros and cons of different materials to determine what is best for you. For those who place high stakes on flavor, glass straws produce a refreshing and crisp drinking experience that’s cool to the touch when there’s liquid inside. Stainless steel provides a similar experience but some people complain they can cause a metallic aftertaste, so you can look for a straw with a silicone tip to prevent any flavor alterations. 

FAQs

Q: How much does a reusable straw cost?

Depending on how many reusable straws there are in a pack and the material of the straw, a reusable straw can cost $7 for a pack of four up to $14 for a pack of 16—that’s less than $1 per straw.

Q: What is the best material for a reusable straw?

There is no “best” regarding reusable straws—truly, it is based on your personal preferences. For those who like an aesthetically pleasing straw with a stiff feel that takes on the temperature of your beverage, glass is best. If you want an ultra-durable straw that can be taken on the go, stainless steel will suit you. And if you’re prone to chewing straws or have sensitive teeth, a silicone straw is the flexible pick that doesn’t absorb the temperature of your drink for safe sipping. 

Q: How do you clean reusable straws?

There are various ways to clean reusable straws that can depend on the material. All of our straws are dishwasher safe, so you can simply pop them in after use for easy cleaning. That said, due to the small opening of a reusable straw, running it through the dishwasher might not properly scrub out the interior. That’s why many reusable straws often come with included cleaning instruments, in the form of long, thin scrubbing brushes. Simply drop a dollop of soap onto the brush and scrub the straw, then rinse until the water runs clear. If you taste soap in your drink, you’ll know you didn’t rinse long enough. Still, it’s better than mold.

Q: What are the cons of silicone straws?

Unlike glass straws, you won’t be able to see through the walls of silicone straws to look for debris that has been caught inside. While we recommend cleaning your straw after every use, opaque straws don’t provide the reassurance of seeing a sparkling clear straw post-scrub. Silicone straws are also the most flexible and soft material, which can be a pro for some and a con for others. If you’re used to the somewhat-stiff feel of a plastic straw, the more malleable silicone might be an adjustment for you. 

Final thoughts on the best reusable straws

Whether you need a singular, portable, reusable straw for your quintessential morning coffee or a full-fledged array of sizes and shapes to keep at home for the whole family, integrating reusable straws into your life is one way to live more sustainably. No need to reach for single-use plastic straws any longer—these reusable picks are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean, so you can sip with ease. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

Quinn Gawronski
Quinn Gawronski

Quinn Gawronski joined Popular Science in April 2021 as an Editorial Assistant. Since then, she has covered everything from solar-powered headphones to the best home workout gear.

Home
Commerce
evergreen
nota
reviews
roundup