I’ve owned a lot of reusable water bottles over the years, and have spent some serious time doing research on them for HuffPost Shopping. I’ve tracked down bottles that are truly leakproof, and reported on ones that provide genius solutions to common problems. I’ve even written up a guide on what our team thinks are the best bottles for your money. The Owala FreeSip reigns at the top of that list, but I found another bottle that’s only half the price and might just give the FreeSip a run for its money.First, I was obsessed with the way it looks as soon as I opened the package. The brand has solid colorways and fun summer patterns available right now, and every time I look over at my vine-patterned bottle on my desk, I get a little giddy at how gorgeous it is. Who wouldn’t want to drink out of that? (FYI, the solids also come in a 32-ounce size, if 24 ounces isn’t big enough for you.)But it’s not just a pretty outer shell; the stainless steel, double-wall insulation more than does its job in keeping drinks cold for up to 32 hours or hot for up to 12, without condensation forming on the outside. It’s also leakproof, thanks to the secure design that requires either flipping up the straw or pushing the button to open the lid to drink.Speaking of, like an Owala FreeSip, this bottle offers two ways to drink: sipping from the straw or chugging from the spout. Unlike the FreeSip, the straw has an external component to fit your mouth around, and it flips down to be completely covered when not in use. While I haven’t tried the FreeSip for myself to compare, I appreciate the Tal bottle’s ability to drink through a straw without having to use a tumbler that leaves the straw exposed to the elements.Erica Kam/HuffPostThe bottle offers two ways to drink: a flip-up straw or a chug lid.Beyond its comparisons to an Owala, this bottle solves a lot of issues I’ve had with other bottles in my rotation. For one thing, it has a carrying handle, making it so much easier to tote around than my bottles without one, like my S’wells. It feels more securely leakproof than my Lifefactory bottle, and I can toss it in my purse without fear.My one gripe might be the size of the mouth: It’s wider than something like a S’well bottle, though not the full width of the base. This could make adding ice from an ice dispenser a little tricky, though my fridge doesn’t have one so I haven’t tested that out. And since the base is hand wash only, it may be a little tough to get in there without a bottle brush, but this hasn’t been much of an issue for me since I typically use dissolving tablets to clean my bottles, anyway. (For the lucky folks who have a dishwasher, the lid and straw are top rack-safe.)In general, though, I would not have guessed that this bottle is currently going for just $14. Using it, rather than a $30 comparable bottle for the same size, almost feels like I’m getting away with something. If you’ve been looking for an affordable bottle swap, I’d say this one is worth it. The reviewers below would, too. “I ordered one for back to school for a middle school kiddo - loved the design so much that I went back and grabbed one for myself! Feels like a better design over the other brand that has both a straw and a “sip” function. Tested its spillproof claims and it holds up. Love the carry handle. Really more impressed by a water bottle than is reasonable” — Victoria “The PERFECT water bottle. Keeps beverages cold longer than other water bottles costing twice as much. I have purchased this on multiple color because I love it so much!” — Denise “my husband has arthritis in his hands, and this has been the easiest for him to open carry and handle. I found this to be inexpensive and it keeps too nice water cold. He was able to take the straw out and be able to drink it regularly. it’s a truck driver so he can use it with one hand and it’s non spill.” — Debbie “Love this cup so much! Owala dupe, and costs less. So many color options, I went with the brown because i love the color brown. Originally bought for a birthday gift and almost kept it but since it wasnt expensiveI just bought myself another one. :)” — JNL23 “Absolutely LOVE this one. Definitely keeps things cold. I haven’t tried hot yet. And I love that the lid has two options. I hate straws, so the sip is fantastic. Very leakproof too.” — Jessica Check out other Tal water bottles that look more expensive than they are, from a list curated by the HuffPost Shopping team:WalmartA stylish tumbler with a strawThe Stanley vibes are strong with these roomy tumblers, but at a fraction of the price. Available in two sizes, these tumblers come in a wide array of colors — though I'm loving the shimmery options. They have a comfy handle that makes them perfect for days spent running errands or when you're buzzing around the house. They feature a dual-function lid so you can choose between sipping from the straw or sipping straight from the lid. the stainless steel, double-wall insulation means that these bottles are as functional as they are chic. Doesn't get much better than that!Promising reviews: "These drink bottles made by TAL are absolutely AWESOME! They truly keep your drink could for at a minimum the length they quote. I live in Florida, took one of the 64oz filled with ice and water. I left it in my car for over 5hrs while at the beach on a day over 100 degrees out. When I went back to the car it was still ice cold, still full of ice. Amazing when inside the car was easily 160 degrees or more. It was sitting in the sun. I own at minimum 7 of them. I have given them as gifts at least 9 times. They are the best! Better than any of the other brands especially the expensive ones. I have recommended these to people in the stores (strangers). I've recommended them to many friends and coworkers. The prices are worth it." — Julie"I actually got this as a substitute for a different cup, but I ended up really liking this one! I love the gradient and the shimmer, it's not too much, not too little. The cup has good insulation and is a good size. I am usually a bottle person but I've been enjoying this TAL tumbler so overall, no complaints." — Walmart customerWalmartA 20-ounce travel mugNeed a little more coffee than your everyday mug holds? This 20-ounce travel mug is perfect for your commute, dropping kids off at school, while camping, or enjoying a morning walk and more. it has thermal insulation and is made with BPA-free materlias, while the rugged, portable aesthetic and handle make it ultra-convenient. It's available in two colors. Promising reviews: "I love this mug with the screw lid and no rubber in the lid to expand and contract. I have mugs with a screw lid that now I cannot use because of the rubber is not good anymore. I don't use these as travel mugs. I use them at home. I would love for these mugs to come in different colors too!" — Rebecca"This travel mug is not bulky at all, yet kept my coffee hot for a very long time. It holds a full 20 ounces. The lid is tight and leak-proof. I like the shiny, porcelain-like exterior finish and actually prefer it over the matte, pastel finish of other mugs. Although I have other insulated beverage containers, this is the one I reach for most often because it holds a decent amount without being overly bulky. Definitely recommended." — anonymousWalmartA large-capacity water bottle perfect for hikes and outdoor activitiesPull out the big guns with this whopper of a water bottle for those long days spent in the heat or on a job site. It holds 80 ounces of liquid, so you will stay hydrated all day long, no matter what the conditions may be. Like the other water bottles, it's made of stainless steel and features temperature retention to keep your drinks cold, while the heavy-duty, reinforced handle makes it portable and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or camping. You can get it in two different colors.Promising reviews: "I like this better than any other water bottle. I went kayaking with it on a hot sunny day and the outside of the bottle got hot but the inside was ice cold still and their was still ice in it have 15 hours on the water. In the middle of summer in Florida" — Brandon"Pretty heavy duty, 80oz double walled. Maintains temp very well for at least 8 hours, so it's great for work. I love that the lid locks so you can't over twist it, once it stops it's sealed. It's also fairly lightweight so tilting is easy. Overall I'm very pleased with this purchase and would recommend this to a friend." — Michael