The HidrateSpark 3 and HidrateSpark STEEL are two of the smartest water bottles around. They keep tabs on how much you’ve drunk in a day, remind you if you’re not drinking enough, and even connect to your smartphone to provide you with some more insight into your habits.
Between the two, they deliver a pretty similar experience, but there are a few important differences here and there. The most obvious one is their bodies, where the HidrateSpark 3 is made of grippy rubber and the HidrateSpark STEEL is built with stainless steel. But there’s more to it than that.
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HidrateSpark 3 vs STEEL Comparison Chart
| Model | HidrateSpark 3 | HidrateSpark STEEL |
| Amazon product | Amazon product | |
| Price | Amazon product | Amazon product |
| Lid | Chug | Chug or straw |
| Capacity | 20oz | 17 or 21oz |
| Glow Reminder | Body | Bottom |
| Battery | Replaceable CR2477, up to 6 months | Rechargeable, 10 to 14 days |
| Cold Water Retention | No | Yes |
| Button Lock | No | Yes |
| Colors | Berry, Coral, Storm, Scuba, Royal, Black | Standard: Black, Brushed, Deep Blue, Fruit Punch, Sea Glass Limited Edition: Sedona, Coral, Amethyst, Ocean |
Design and Features
The HidrateSpark STEEL has more lid and size options than the HidrateSpark 3.
Right off the bat, the HidrateSpark 3 and HidrateSpark STEEL have sensors inside to monitor the amount of water you’re drinking. They’ll then sync all that info to your smartphone and companion app via Bluetooth and update your progress. Each one glows to remind you that you need to take a drink, and that’s where the first distinction lies: the HidrateSpark 3’s whole body glows, while the HidrateSpark STEEL glows only on the bottom. Besides lighting up to remind you to drink, you can also get notifications on your smartphone or smartwatch, for the record.
The HidrateSpark 3 only comes with a chug lid and a 20oz capacity by default. It also uses one replaceable CR2477 battery that lasts about three to six months on average and a rubber body that doesn’t just make it easy to hold but also prevents condensation.
Meanwhile, the HidrateSpark STEEL can use either a chug or straw lid, and it’s available in 17 or 21oz. Instead of a coin cell, it has a rechargeable battery that’s estimated to last between 10 and 14 days on a single charge. It’s an insulated stainless steel water bottle that’s capable of keeping water cold for up to 24 hours, which is a whole lot longer than what the HidrateSpark 3 can do. There’s no condensation either, and it even has a button lock to boot.
Elsewhere, the two are more or less the same, from the app to how they’re used generally. Their lids are also both dishwasher safe, so there’s that.
HidrateSpark App
The HidrateSpark app has plenty of features and customization options, and it’s compatible with other fitness apps like Fitbit and Google Fit.
On the app of the HidrateSpark 3 and HidrateSpark STEEL, you can configure settings like changing how often they glow and set it in milliliters or ounces, things like that. Aside from that, you can check your progress on your daily drinking goal. This goal is measured based on a number of factors, including your weight, height, sex, age, and activity levels.
There’s also a streak counter and a ton of trophies to be earned to help you stay motivated, and it allows you to add water manually when you drink water that wasn’t in the bottle. Moreover, you can share data with your friends to see how everyone is doing, and you can see monthly metrics of your progress.
Compatibility-wise, the app integrates with plenty of popular fitness apps, including Fitbit, Google Fit, Garmin Connect, and Apple Health. Speaking of, it works with Android and iOS platforms.
HidrateSpark Quick Review
You get your money’s worth with HidrateSpark smart water bottles.
Put simply, HidrateSpark smart water bottles work as advertised. Besides the HidrateSpark 3 and HidrateSpark STEEL, there’s also the HidrateSpark 2.0, but with the two newer models around, there’s no reason to get it unless it’s on sale.
Build quality of the products are as premium as you’d expect for the price you’re paying for. The app is simple and intuitive enough that it’s easy to personalize your bottle’s glow and check your data. But the most important part is a stable and reliable connection so that the amount of water you drink updates in real time on your smart device. And that’s what HidrateSpark manages to deliver.
Compared to other brands in the market, HidrateSpark feels more polished and developed. Fitbit officially including it in its own marketplace is proof of that. On top of that, they’re available at Apple’s online store too, which says a lot. Put differently, it isn’t a stretch to say that it’s one of the best smart water bottle manufacturers in the business.
As for the bottles themselves, they’re a nifty way to always stay hydrated. Going so far to say that they’re life changing is a bit much, but they have so much potential to improve your health. That goes double for those who can’t seem to drink enough water every day.
Verdict
There are more reasons to love the HidrateSpark STEEL than the HidrateSpark 3.
Amazon productThe HidrateSpark 3’s advantages are its rubber grip and glowing body, the latter of which is really a matter of preference. In contrast, the HidrateSpark STEEL has the upper hand in terms of functionality and convenience. After all, it has a rechargeable battery and two lid options, and it can go up to 21oz and keep water cold a whole lot longer.
In short, the HidrateSpark 3 is your best bet if you like a better grip on your smart water bottle, while the HidrateSpark STEEL is better if you prefer drinking cold water and would rather not buy replacement batteries from time to time.
FAQs
No. Hot liquids might damage HidrateSpark water bottles’ sensors.
Liquids other than water may damage the sensor on the HidrateSpark 3. On the other hand, they’re safe to put in the HidrateSpark STEEL, but it might not be able to accurately track your intake.
It’s not advised to put ice in the HidrateSpark 3. But in the HidrateSpark STEEL, it’s safe because it’s insulated, and it won’t hinder recording accuracy or damage the sensor.
Yes, but you’ll have to remove the sensor puck first. Otherwise, you risk damaging it.