Simple Modern vs Stanley: Which Viral Water Bottle Is Best?

Stanley has reigned supreme for quite a while now in the world of tumblers and water bottles. There have been a few challengers along the way, but, for the most part, Stanley has been able to stay on top.

That doesn’t mean the viral water bottles are without their flaws. Stanley tumblers are notoriously expensive, they can sometimes be hard to find (especially in certain colors and patterns), and some people simply don’t want to buy into the hype of a “viral” product.

Simple Modern cups have entered the chat. The brand is taking over TikTok and has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon. But when it comes to Simple Modern vs. Stanley, who comes out on top?

Cost

One of the biggest reasons people look for Stanley alternatives is the price. Of course, you get what you pay for, right? Both options are made from stainless steel, designed to keep your beverages cold for hours.

Simple Modern has also gained a lot of positive reviews because it doesn’t leak easily. But Stanley promotes its advanced lid construction, ensuring that your drink doesn’t spill or splash whether you have it in the car, at the gym, or walking into the office.

Stanley

The popular Stanley Quencher is $45.00 for the 40oz version. If that seems like a lot for a water bottle, it is. Again, you get what you pay for, and Stanley prides itself on its stainless steel construction and lid innovation. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can feel confident in your investment, knowing it’ll last a lifetime or you’ll be able to get a different one.

Simple Modern

The Simple Modern 40oz tumbler comes in at $29.99. Like the Stanley, you can get it in a variety of sizes at different costs. A 40oz option is too big for some people, but when we’re comparing apples to apples, it’s a bit cheaper than Stanley for many of the same features.

If you’re not jostling your tumbler around like crazy, you probably won’t notice a difference in how leakproof one is over another. Simple Modern wins when it comes to cost-effectiveness.

Design

When you’re choosing a water bottle, there are a few key features to keep in mind. You’ll want it to keep your drinks cold for a long time. It should fit in a cup holder easily. It should be easy to carry. No matter where you go, it shouldn’t leak, no matter the size.

But, let’s be honest, if you’re going to carry your tumbler with you everywhere you go, you’ll want it to be a reflection of your style and personality, so you should be able to find a design that fits your needs and wants. So, in the Stanley vs. Simple Modern wars, who wins when it comes to design?

Stanley

Stanley has seen huge popularity and continues to grow because it comes in so many different designs and colors. You can shop seasonally, support your favorite sports team, and so much more. You can find dozens of different designs at any given time, and they change frequently while a few standard favorites seem to always be there.

While it’s not always easy to grab certain designs (they sell out quickly), there’s no denying the variety Stanley provides with their tumblers.

Simple Modern

Simple Modern hasn’t quite caught up to Stanley in terms of design and styles. While they have a nice list of colors to choose from, their designs are limited.

However, on the Simple Modern website, you can personalize just about anything you order—including a water bottle. They have also been improving their game when it comes to collaboration. Recently, they paired up with Disney, offering tumblers that feature classic animated movies like The Lion King and Beauty & the Beast.

There’s not a clear “winner” when it comes to design since most of it is based on preference. Many people love the minimalist look and feel of Simple Modern, but if you’re looking for something a bit more personal and flashy, Stanley will likely have more options.

Construction

In this Simple Modern vs. Stanley showdown, the most important thing to consider is how these two cups are made. We’ve touched on the fact that they’re both made of stainless steel, but does the manufacturing process make a difference?

Stanley

Stanley has always boasted about the construction of its tumblers. They are made of 90% recycled stainless steel (a plus for the environment!), and it will take ice about two days to melt in a closed Stanley water bottle.

Stanley also features double-wall vacuum insulation—an invention created by the founder of the company, William Stanley, more than 100 years ago. It hasn’t changed much because it works so well.

Simple Modern

The classic Simple Modern water bottle is made of 18/10 stainless steel. It’s insulated and designed to keep drinks cold for at least 24 hours—longer if you have ice in your beverage! Its construction has continued to advance, and now it advertises itself as leakproof, which might give Stanley a run for its money.

So, who takes the cake in the Stanley vs. Simple Modern war?

A lot of it has to do with personal preference. Does design matter more to you than a completely leakproof water bottle? Do you want to pay top dollar or choose Simple Modern cups that are less expensive? Consider your personal needs and wants when it comes to choosing the right water bottle. Stanley might have a slight edge in construction and design, but you really can’t go wrong with either brand.