Cirkul Water Bottle Review: 100% Honest Review

Tested & Reviewed by Chip, AKA Mr WeTried It✅

Chip is the quintessential early-adopter, testing products over the past 11 years for WeTried.it

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Cirkul Review: Cirkul is a water bottle with a twist. The Cirkul Water Bottle design will help you drink more water and stay hydrated. Check out this review of the Cirkul, it might be just what you need to get healthy and drink more water overall.

Updated 2026 with new comparisons and flavors!

Health Benefits of Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated offers a ton of health perks. It boosts your energy levels, which helps you stay active throughout the day. Water is also great for your skin, keeping it clear and hydrated. Plus, proper hydration is linked to better concentration and mood.

If you’re like me and your bloodstream is basically 80% Diet Coke, drinking plain water feels… boring. Enter Cirkul. These things make water taste so good, you’ll forget you ever needed caffeine to survive.  

When you’re actually hydrated, your brain is like, “Oh hey, I can function again!” You’ll feel sharper, more alert, and less like a zombie scrolling your phone at 2 p.m.  

Water also keeps your digestive system happy. Translation: fewer “why is my stomach mad at me?” moments. Plus, staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature, so you don’t feel like a melted popsicle during your workouts. Athletic performance? Consider it boosted.  

Your kidneys love water, too. It helps flush out all the junk your body doesn’t need, and it lowers your risk of kidney stones – which, from what I hear, are basically like swallowing Lego bricks. Bonus: hydrated joints are happier joints, so moving around is less creaky and smoother.  

With Cirkul’s fun flavors, hitting your daily water goals doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s like tricking your brain into thinking you’re treating yourself—except your body is actually winning for once.

Now available at Walmart!

The Cirkul Bottle

$19.99

Pros:

• Great flavors
• Variety of flavors
• Easy to use
• Keeps water bottle clean

Cons:

• Have to “suck” to get the water out
• Some flavors are hit or miss

Buy Direct Buy on WalMart

We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

It’s boring and you can only stand it for so long before getting burnt out on the taste (or lack thereof). But Cirkul has a unique way to jazz up your glass of H20 — basically, it turns your water bottle in time into something more than just a glass of plain water.

Unveiling the Cirkul Water Bottle: A Flavorful Hydration Solution

Meet The Cirkul Solution for Building Healthy H2O Habits: Your Guide to Drinking Clean, Delicious Water

I don’t know why I’m trying so many water bottles these days (see our LARQ Water Bottle Review), but I want you to meet the Cirkul water bottle.

Cirkul Bottle Material Composition and Durability

You may say, “Well, this just looks like a normal water bottle.”

You’d be partially correct. The water bottle itself is there’s nothing fancy, but the actual fancy part is all in the cap.

And it’s not even the whole cap. It’s this part of the cap right here:

Cirkul bottles come in various materials, enhancing their usability and lifespan. The common plastic versions are made from BPA-free materials, ensuring they are safe for everyday use. This type of plastic is light yet durable, perfect for on-the-go hydration.

Cirkul offers both lightweight BPA-free plastic bottles and sturdier stainless steel options, and honestly, both hold up well. We’ve tossed them in gym bags, knocked them over, and generally treated them like real life happens—and they didn’t crack or fall apart.

The plastic bottles are easy to carry and great for hikes, runs, or kids’ backpacks. The stainless steel versions feel more premium, keep water cold longer, and have a grippy powder coating that’s nice when your hands are wet or sweaty.

They’re clearly built for repeat use, not replacement. Between the durability and the push toward more sustainable materials, these are bottles meant to stick around—not end up in the recycling bin after a few months.

This part is the flavor pack (aka flavor cartridges). Cirkul calls this a “Sip.” They have multiple different flavors and styles of Sips: ranging from LifeSips (Flavor + B Vitamins), FitSips (Flavors + Electrolytes), GoSips (Flavor + Caffeine), PureSips (Unsweetened Flavor – think something like La Croix), TeaSips (Tea Flavor + Caffeine) and BrewSips (Coffee Flavor + Caffeine).

In short, the “sips” are what turned the plain water into flavored water.

All of the “Sips” are Zero Calories and the sweetened ones are sweetened with Sucralose, AKA Splenda or Stevia.

Comparison of Electrolyte and Caffeine Levels

Some Cirkul flavors do more than just taste good. FitSips include electrolytes, similar to a sports drink, but without dumping sugar and calories into your bottle. They’re meant for everyday workouts or hot days—not hardcore endurance fueling, but enough to be helpful.

GoSips add caffeine instead, roughly in the range of a light coffee. It’s a noticeable boost, but not the shaky, overcaffeinated kind you get from energy drinks. No sugar spike, no crash—just a mild pick-me-up.

Bottom line: FitSips are a cleaner alternative to sugary electrolyte drinks, and GoSips offer controlled energy without going overboard. It’s practical hydration, not a science experiment.

Who is Cirkul for?

Cirkul is designed for individuals who face challenges in staying hydrated, either due to finding plain water unappealing or wanting to reduce their sugar consumption. It caters to those who seek an alternative to traditional hydration methods and are actively striving to increase their water intake.

We also tried Allways Drops (see our Allways Drops Review) but didn’t like them at all!

The Nitty-Gritty: How does Cirkul work?

It’s a bit complicated. But how does Cirkul Work? Let me explain…

1. The Bottle: First off, you’ve got your Cirkul bottle. It’s like the stage for a rock concert, but for water.
2. The Cartridge: Then, you insert a flavor cartridge into the lid. Think of it as the lead singer taking the stage.
3. Dial It Up (Or Down): On the lid, there’s a dial. Twist it to control how much flavor gets into each sip. It’s like adjusting the volume at that concert, but instead of ear-piercing guitar solos, you get a burst of fruitiness or whatever flavor you’re jamming to.
4. Sip and Enjoy: Take a sip. The water flows through the cartridge, picking up flavor as it goes. It’s like catching a Frisbee; you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time. And boom! You’ve got flavored water tailored to your taste buds.

How does the flavor dial on the Cirkul water bottle work?

Ever wished you could play the flavor DJ with your water? Cirkul’s got you covered! This nifty bottle comes with a flavor dial that lets you crank up or dial down the taste in your water.

Imagine, going from a flavor-packed sip to plain old H2O in a twist – no bottle swap needed.

It’s like having a flavor party and a zen water moment in the same bottle! The dial’s smooth as butter, so you can easily find your perfect flavor groove. In the grand world of water bottles, Cirkul’s flavor dial is like hitting the flavor jackpot – every sip, your way!

No Flavors in the Water – The secret behind what makes Cirkul Awesome

Have you ever put Mio in a water bottle only to make the water bottle gross after a couple of days of use? Well, that’s where Cirkul is awesome.

The water in the water bottle stays clean. The Flavor in the Sips are one way – meaning the flavor goes through the Sip to your mouth, but not in the water at all. This keeps the water bottle much cleaner than using something like Mio.

In fact, if you just drink out of the water bottle, not the Sip, it will just be water.

How Cirkul Works

Using Cirkul is super easy:

1. Simply fill your Cirkul Bottle with plain water
2. Select what Sip you want
3. Put it in the lid
4. Adjust the flavor level to the flavor intensity level you want (0 – 9)

It’s that easy.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Keeping your Cirkul bottle clean is super easy. Just wash it with warm soapy water regularly to keep it fresh. Make sure to clean the cap and the spout, as these areas can harbor residues.

Every week, disassemble the lid and rinse all components thoroughly. A soft brush is ideal for tackling any stubborn deposits or hard-to-reach areas, such as the spout.

A periodic thorough clean with a solution of vinegar or baking soda can help keep any lingering odors at bay. Rinsing thoroughly helps remove any cleaning residue before use.

For persistent stains or odors, fill the bottle with warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda overnight, then rinse thoroughly the next day.

Best Cirkul Flavors: What we think of the different flavor cartridges

Everyone’s going to be a bit different. If you’re switching from drinking water to Cirkul, start with the flavor setting on 1 or 2. If you’re switching from soda, you may need to bump up the flavor dial (literally).

I typically keep the flavor dial set at about 3 or 4, depending upon the flavor. You can adjust the flavor dial to any number from 0 (displayed as an “X”) to a 9 on the flavor dial.

How high should you set the flavor dial for flavor intensity?

Putting the flavor level too high tastes terrible, in my opinion. It’s just too much flavor for my tastes.

But keeping it at a level 3 or 4 intensity is good to keep drinking water and stay hydrated.

We liked all of the flavors we tried. We didn’t test any of the coffee flavor sips, since we thought that would be odd.

We tried mostly the LifeSips (simply vitamins + flavor) and FitSips (flavor + electrolytes for the times we needed to be more hydrated).

My favorite flavors were the fruit flavors: Peach Mango and Strawberry Kiwi.

Cirkul Review: What we didn’t love

The biggest thing we didn’t like about the Cirkle Water Bottle is just how you really have to “sip” the water out.

It doesn’t come out on its own (probably due to the one-way flavor design), but you really have to suck on the water out of the Cirkul lid to get the water out.

I tend to prefer drinking water as quickly as I can, so, this actually slowed me down a bit. The tradeoff is that the water bottle stays clean, which is worth it for me.

It’s also a little noisy when you drink from the Cirkul Water Bottle. Not a huge deal killer: but I have to put Zoom on mute when I drink Cirkul and on a video call.

Customer Cirkul Reviews and Satisfaction

Many Cirkul users rave about the convenience and variety of flavors. The ability to customize flavor intensity is a big hit. Some users mention a slight learning curve with the flavor settings, but once they figure it out, it significantly enhances their experience.

On the downside, a few have noted the cartridges can be a bit pricey, yet they feel the benefits outweigh the costs. Customer feedback highlights satisfaction with Cirkul’s flavor variety and convenience.

Many express that the customizable flavors have successfully increased their daily water consumption. Additionally, the option to control flavor intensity adds a personal touch, allowing users to tailor their hydration experience.

However, some users have noted that certain flavors can be quite strong, encouraging experimentation with the dial to find the perfect setting.

Customer Support and User Experience with Cirkul

Cirkul does a solid job on the customer experience side. Support is available via email and chat, and when issues come up, responses are generally quick and helpful. Nothing fancy—just competent, which honestly goes a long way.

Managing subscriptions and flavors is easy through their site and app. You can tweak deliveries, swap flavors, or pause things without digging through menus or emailing support, which we appreciate.

They also seem to actually listen to feedback and make changes over time. Between responsive support and a system that doesn’t fight you, the overall experience feels smooth and well thought out—not something you have to babysit.

Comparison with other hydration systems

When comparing Cirkul with other hydration systems likeAir Up and traditional water bottles, Cirkul stands out due to its customizable flavor options and the convenience of its cartridge system.

Unlike Air Up, which uses scent to add flavor, Cirkul infuses water with taste and nutrients directly through its cartridges. This direct infusion can provide a more satisfying flavor experience for many users. Additionally, the ability to adjust flavor intensity with a simple dial allows users to customize each sip according to their preference, a feature that is unique to Cirkul among hydration systems.

Comparison of Flavor Variety Across Competitors

Cirkul’s flavor lineup is where it really pulls ahead. There’s a wide range—from familiar stuff like Strawberry Kiwi and Peach Mango to more specific options like Sweet Tea or Apple-style flavors—so most people can find something they actually want to drink.

Compared to that, competitors like Air Up and MiO keep things pretty basic. MiO sticks mostly to classic flavors (but has been testing out more unique flavors) and Air Up is actually more scent than what’s actually in your water.

What really separates Cirkul is how the flavors are organized. Instead of just picking by taste, you can choose based on function—like LifeSips for everyday drinking or FitSips if you want electrolytes. It’s less “pick a flavor and hope” and more “pick what fits how you drink water,” which makes the whole system feel more intentional and useful.

Cirkul + Sodastream: do they mix?

The other thing is pretty small. I do use a Sodastream from time to time (yes, I put my Mio right in the bottle) because I do like sparkling water.

Cirkul says that it can be used with sparkling water, there’s nothing wrong with it, however, sometimes this caused overflowing in my Cirkul lid when using it. Not a huge deal, but something to consider.

Cirkul vs Regular Water Bottles

When we compare Cirkul to your classic plain water bottle (like that trusty Nalgene or Stanley you’ve had since college), it’s a lot like comparing plain toast to avocado toast.

With a regular bottle, you get exactly what you expect: plain water. Zero bells, zero whistles, just hydration—no flavor, no sugar, no extras. It’s cheap, simple, and timeless. But let’s be honest… plain water can be boring, especially if your goal is to hit daily hydration goals or stop reaching for soda or sports drinks.

Cirkul shakes things up by giving you a flavor dial that actually makes water fun. Instead of needing separate flavor mixes or dumping powders into your bottle, you snap in a Sip cartridge and twist to dial flavor up or down. That means you can go from “barely there cucumber vibe” to “blast of fruit punch” without changing bottles or adding anything that settles at the bottom. It’s a modern twist on hydration that actually works for people who hate plain water. 

So if your only goal is transport and nothing else, a regular bottle still does the job. But if you struggle to drink enough water (because, let’s face it, plain water is boring), Cirkul tends to win because it makes you want to drink more water—which, at the end of the day, is the whole point of a water bottle. 

Cirkul vs Hydration Multiplier Products

Hydration multipliers (think Liquid I.V. or similar electrolyte drink mixes) are like rechargeable batteries for your body: they target hydration with extra electrolytes and minerals that help your body retain fluids, especially during workouts or heat. 

Cirkul can play in that arena, but it does it differently. Instead of being a separate powder you stir in, some of Cirkul’s Sip cartridges (like FitSips) include electrolytes in a zero-calorie, flavored package. That means you’re getting a lightly enhanced hydration boost without dumping a packet into your water and ending up with sticky residue or needing a shaker bottle. 

But here’s the catch we noticed: most serious hydration multipliers are designed specifically for rapid electrolyte replacement—like after long workouts or ultra-hot days—and are optimized for that purpose.

Cirkul’s electrolyte Sips are more of a “gentle upgrade” to your water rather than a dedicated electrolyte therapy. So if your hydration needs are athlete-level intense, classic hydration multipliers might still edge out pure Cirkul cartridges. But for daily sip-and-go hydration with some electrolyte help along the way? Cirkul holds its own. 

Is Cirkul Worth It Compared to Plain Water?

Here’s where the personal part really comes into play, because compared to plain water, Cirkul adds cost and complexity—but it also adds motivation.

Plain water is free (from the tap) and super healthy. There’s almost zero downside. But a LOT of people just don’t drink enough plain water because it’s boring or flavorless. That’s where Cirkul shines. Putting a fun flavor + control over strength actually got us drinking way more water during our review. 

From a value standpoint, yes—Cirkul costs more than a plain water bottle. But if it replaces sodas, sugary drinks, or single-use flavored water bottles you would have bought anyway, it can actually save money and calories in the long run. Some folks even calculate that it’s cheaper than buying store-bought flavored water every week. 

But if you’re already chugging plain water all day long without a second thought, the extra expense might feel unnecessary. In that case, you’re basically paying for flavor and convenience—not hydration you wouldn’t otherwise get.

So the honest verdict: Cirkul is worth it compared to plain water if you struggle to drink enough water or want a more enjoyable hydration experience. If you already love plain water and hit your fluid goals with zero struggle, the upgrade is more of a luxury than a necessity

Sustainability Initiatives by Cirkul

Cirkul is clearly trying to be better on the sustainability front, especially with its cartridge system. While the cartridges aren’t fully recyclable yet, the company says it’s testing recycling programs and exploring more eco-friendly materials.

The bigger win is encouraging people to use one reusable bottle instead of constantly buying single-use drinks. If Cirkul replaces flavored waters or sports drinks you’d normally buy, that’s a meaningful reduction in plastic waste.

They’ve also started experimenting with cartridge recycling through pilot programs and partnerships. It’s still a work in progress, but it shows they’re at least aware of the issue and actively trying to improve—more than we can say for a lot of hydration brands.

How long does each Cirkul flavor cartridge last?

Each Cirkul flavor cartridge, AKA “sip,” lasts about 6 full water bottles or 132 ounces. I found that to be pretty accurate – got about 7 or 8 when I put the flavor intensity to a level 3.

Cirkul: How much does it cost?

Like so many things this day, it all comes down to money, right? Cirkul will try and get you on a subscription – which may be a way to help you drink more water.

Now available at Walmart!

The Cirkul Bottle

$19.99

Pros:

• Great flavors
• Variety of flavors
• Easy to use
• Keeps water bottle clean

Cons:

• Have to “suck” to get the water out
• Some flavors are hit or miss

Buy Direct Buy on WalMart

We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

If you’re paying for something, you may be more likely to use it (and stay hydrated), right?

First of all, you can get started for free (just pay shipping) by using our special link here.

If you don’t want to start small, you can buy 16 cartridges for $49 (they’ll include a water bottle and everything you need to get started).

It costs about 50 cents for each water bottle fill up. You can buy more cartridges and get them cheaper. You can also put it on a lower flavor setting to save even more

The Subscription Model

The company does offer a subscription model to help you get stocked. Some people hate this, some love it. I get it.

The plans range from 8 cartridges for $27 to 32 cartridges for $82 a month – 32 cartridges is a lot!

Do you have to buy a subscription?

No, you don’t. However, on the smallest plan (8 Sips for $27), the cartridges are $3.375/piece. You can buy individual cartridges for $3.75/piece.

You save about 40 cents by getting a subscription, but I understand not wanting to get a subscription either.

We haven’t had to alter our subscription yet, but you can simply email Cirkul’s good customer service people and they will set you up!

Where can Cirkul water bottles be purchased?

Cirkul is now available at Walmart – and many other places. Which is a huge update since we first wrote this review.

Previously, you could only buy Cirkul directly on their website.

At Walmart, the Cirkul cartridges are 1 cent – yes, you read that correctly, 1 cent cheaper than on Cirkul’s website.

However, Walmart does have a pretty great Cirkul bundle available, too.

For $19.98, you get a Cirkul bottle and two cartridges, which is a pretty good value!

Cirkul Amazon: Also an option

You can also get Drink Cirkul on Amazon, too, now.

What about Cirkul’s Return Policy?

Cirkul doesn’t offer a standard return policy for their bottles, which might be a bit of a letdown given the up to $35 price tag. However, they’re open to solving issues on a case-by-case basis if you contact customer service.

Cirkul vs. Mio – Which one is cheaper?

This is a little more difficult, since there are so many variables (what flavor intensity level do you use, how much do you pay for each flavor cartridge and how much Mio do you REALLY use?).

But looking at the numbers provided by both Mio and Cirkul, here’s what I was able to deduce:

Mio is about $0.35 cents per 22 ounces.

Cirkul is about $.50 cents per 22 ounces.

Once again you can save some money by buying more cartridges, using less Mio or a lower flavor setting.

Air Up vs Cirkul

Air Up is a hydration system that flavors water through scent alone. It uses patented scent-release technology to infuse flavor into your water without any added sugar or calories. The flavor cartridges are easy to switch out, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors throughout the day.

As I mentioned, Cirkul is a refillable water bottle with a flavor cartridge inside. It offers up to 12 different flavors, including fruit-inspired tastes like strawberry and blueberry. Unlike Air Up, Cirkul uses natural sweeteners and electrolytes to enhance the flavor of your water. You simply can’t get electrolytes from smelling the water.

Both Air Up and Cirkul offer an enjoyable way to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you’re looking for something with more intense flavor or electrolytes (or caffeine), then Cirkul might be the better option for you. However, if you want something with fewer calories and no added sugar, then Air Up could be the right choice. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs!

Meet the new Cirkul Flavors

Cirkul recently came out with a bunch of new flavors that we’ll provide our honest review of. These include more focused brands, like Flyte, focused on providing electrolytes. They also introduced Squeeze Lemonade, their lemonade brand.

We’ll let you know if any of these become one of our best cirkul flavors, surpassing our favorites like strawberry watermelon and mixed berry.

Cirkul Kids Flavors: My Kids’ Cirkul Reviews

Not to be left out, my kids also got to try out their new Cirkul Water bottles with kid-friendly flavors.

With fun, kid-approved flavors like Bear Berry, Aligator Apple and Shark Strawberry – there’s something for even the pickiest eater drinker.

Also, read our full Cirkul Kids Review for more deets.

Cirkul Fitsip vs Lifesip

Cirkul’s names are a bit confusing, we get it.

On of the most confusing is cirkul fitsip vs lifesip.

Lifslip – a good overall flavor line

Think of Lifesip as the basic flavor or Cirkul. It’s got some B-Vitamins, but is designed for easy drinking

Fitsip – Flavor + Electrolytes

Fitsip is more like a light Gatorade. It’s got a slightly “salty” taste that is actually the electrolytes. Enjoy Fitsip flavors after working out or just when you need some extra hydration.

They now even have some more unique flavors like, sweet tea, orange citrus, lemon flavor, caramel iced coffee and green apple.

How long does a Cirkul Cartidge last?

A Cirkul cartridge, also known as a “Sip,” can flavor approximately 132 ounces of water, depending on your preferred flavor intensity set by the dial. This translates to about 6 refills for a 22-ounce bottle, 11 refills for a 12-ounce bottle, and roughly 4 refills for a 32-ounce bottle.

Obviously, if you have lower flavor intensity for your Cirkul Drink, then it will last longer. The opposite is true, too.

Nutritional Benefits Comparison of Specific Sips

When exploring the nutritional aspects of Cirkul’s Sips, each category offers unique benefits. LifeSips provide a flavorful kick while delivering B vitamins to support daily energy levels. FitSips, on the other hand, include electrolytes that are excellent for rehydrating after an intense workout.

GoSips are particularly popular among those needing an energy boost, offering caffeine levels similar to a light cup of coffee. This makes them ideal for early mornings or midday slumps without the jitters often associated with energy drinks.

For those seeking a bit of both hydration and relaxation, BrewSips enable a quick coffee-like boost, featuring natural caffeine paired with smooth flavors. The variety in nutritional benefits not only caters to varied lifestyle needs but also enriches the daily hydration ritual.

Is Cirkul Worth it? The final verdict in our Cirkul Bottle Review

The Cirkul water bottle is a great way to encourage yourself to drink more water. I love that the flavors are good and it’s easy to carry around.

Now available at Walmart!

The Cirkul Bottle

$19.99

Pros:

• Great flavors
• Variety of flavors
• Easy to use
• Keeps water bottle clean

Cons:

• Have to “suck” to get the water out
• Some flavors are hit or miss

Buy Direct Buy on WalMart

We might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

It’s always surprising that people will pay $5 for a frappuccino, which is terrible for you, but won’t spend the same amount for water that is much healthier.

And if you’re not convinced yet, we have our very own discount code!

Use our special link to save even more on your first order. Want something else we love? Get our Pura Promo Code. Also, be sure to check out the mixed berry flavor. We like that one, too!

Wait a second, what about the Cirkul Lawsuit?

It looks like Cirkul is involved in a couple of different lawsuits. Lawsuits like this are all really tough, to be honest with you. However, doing some more research on Cirkul.com, I can find that many of the issues step from slow shipping times.

That’s we still recommend using Walmart to buy Cirkul. You can’t find the cirkul water bottle on Amazon, but WalMart is super reliable.

How to keep your Cikrul from leaking

To prevent your Cirkul water bottle from leaking, there are a few strategies you can try. Firstly, make sure that the bottle is not overfilled. If you notice leakage when the bottle is full, try sipping the contents slowly to lower the water level, as this may help reduce the likelihood of leaks.

Additionally, some customers have reported leaks when the bottle is placed on its side. While there isn’t a perfect solution for this issue, you may want to consider keeping the bottle upright to prevent any potential leakage.

It is worth noting that the leakage problems seem to be more prevalent where the cartridge attaches to the bottle, rather than the comfort grip lid itself. If you are experiencing persistent leaking issues, it could be worth reaching out to the manufacturer to inquire about any potential improvements or replacement options.