LARQ Water Bottle Review: Is This Self-Cleaning Bottle Worth the Hype?

We all know we should drink more water, but let‘s be honest – it‘s not always easy. Buying bottled water is expensive and terrible for the environment, while reusable bottles can get gross and smelly if not cleaned frequently enough. Enter the LARQ bottle: a self-cleaning, purifying water bottle that promises to keep your water fresh and odor-free using UV-C LED technology.

I was intrigued when I first heard about LARQ, but also skeptical. Could a water bottle really clean itself? Is it worth the steep price tag? I dug into the details to bring you this in-depth LARQ bottle review. I‘ll cover how the technology works, pros and cons based on real customer experiences, and help you decide if LARQ is right for you. Let‘s dive in!

What is a LARQ bottle?

Founded in 2017, LARQ is a San Francisco-based startup on a mission to provide access to clean drinking water on the go, while combating plastic pollution. Their flagship product is the "world‘s first self-cleaning water bottle," which uses UV-C LED light to purify water and the bottle itself at the touch of a button.

The LARQ bottle has a sleek, minimalist design and comes in two sizes: 17 oz (500 ml) and 25 oz (740 ml). It keeps beverages cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, and is made of BPA-free stainless steel.

The magic happens in the bottle cap, which contains the UV-C LED light. According to LARQ, this technology is clinically proven to destroy 99.9999% of harmful, odor-causing germs in both the water and bottle.

When you press the button on the cap, the UV-C light turns on and purifies the water in just 60 seconds. It will also automatically activate every 2 hours to keep your bottle stink-free. The purification process is certified to NSF standards 42 and 53 for reducing many common tap water contaminants.

The rechargeable battery in the cap lasts 1-2 months on a single charge, and takes just 90 minutes to recharge via micro USB. Overall, it‘s an impressive piece of technology packed into a water bottle!

How does LARQ compare to other purifying bottles?

There are a handful of other self-cleaning water bottles on the market, but none quite like LARQ. Other UV water bottles tend to have the UV light in the cap pointing down into the water, while LARQ‘s UV light points at the interior walls of the bottle itself. This allows LARQ to purify the water and keep the bottle clean.

Other key differences are:

• Longer battery life (1-2 months vs 1-2 weeks for most others)
• More powerful UV-C light
• Automatic self-cleaning every 2 hours (most require you to push a button each time)
• Ability to turn the light on/off at the touch of a button (others clean on a set schedule)
• Vacuum insulation to keep water cold/hot

So while you can find less expensive UV bottles, LARQ does seem to be the most advanced when it comes to the technology and user-friendly features. Of course, that comes with a higher price tag.

LARQ bottle pros and cons

Based on my research and analysis of dozens of customer reviews, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of LARQ bottles:

Pros:

• Removes common tap water contaminants like lead, chlorine, mercury and more
• Prevents buildup of bacteria and keeps bottle from getting smelly
• Easy to use with push-button activation
• Automatically cleans itself every 2 hours
• Long battery life and quick to recharge
• Stylish, durable design
• Hot and cold insulation
• Don‘t need to purchase replacement filters

Cons:

• Expensive compared to regular reusable bottles
• Can‘t put anything besides water in it
• Some say the water tastes a bit flat or strange at first
• Need to remember to charge it once a month
• Lid can be hard to screw on correctly
• A few reports of leaks or bottles breaking

Overall, the vast majority of customers rave about their LARQ bottles. Many say it has helped them drink much more water and they love not having to clean it constantly. The self-cleaning feature and resulting fresh taste and lack of odor is a huge selling point.

The most common complaint is the price, with some feeling it‘s overhyped and overpriced. There have also been a small number of defective bottles reported. However, LARQ does offer a 1-year warranty and responsive customer service.

How much does a LARQ bottle cost?

There‘s no getting around it – LARQ bottles are a splurge compared to a basic reusable water bottle. The 17 oz size starts at $95, while the larger 25 oz size is $118. They also sell the bottles in a few limited-edition colors for $5-10 more.

You can sometimes find LARQ bottles on sale or get a discount code for 10% off your first order. Shipping is free in the U.S. if you spend over $50.

If you want custom engraving, that‘s an extra $15. They also sell replacement caps for $35 and device protection plans that extend the 1-year warranty.

While the upfront cost is high, many LARQ users feel the price is justified for the convenience and peace of mind the bottle provides. When you consider how many disposable plastic bottles it eliminates, it can pay for itself over time. It‘s certainly much cheaper than buying bottled water!

LARQ valuation and company success

Sales of LARQ bottles have exploded in recent years, especially during the pandemic as people look for ways to avoid germs. LARQ doesn‘t share specific revenue numbers, but some noteworthy facts:

• Sold over 1 million units as of early 2022
• Raised $15M in Series A funding in 2021, with a total of $32M in venture funding
• Named to Time magazine‘s Best Inventions list and Forbes‘ Next Billion Dollar Startup list in 2020
• Available in over 20 countries and partnered with major retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, MoMA Design Store
• Earned over 12,000 5-star reviews and 4.5-star average rating across review sites

LARQ‘s estimated valuation is not public, but one site put it at $100-500 million as of early 2022. The global reusable water bottle market size is projected to surpass $11 billion by 2027, and LARQ is well-positioned to capitalize on that growth as a leading brand in the self-cleaning bottle space.

LARQ Bottle vs. LARQ Bottle Movement

In 2020, LARQ launched a second product line: the LARQ Bottle Movement. It has all the same UV-C purifying technology as the original, with a few key differences:

• Lighter weight (pared-down insulation and thinner steel to make it 40% lighter)
• More durable with a protective silicone sleeve
• Better for active lifestyles
• Lower price point ($75-95 vs. $95-118)

So if you prioritize sleek design and maximum insulation, stick with the original LARQ bottle. But if you want the purifying benefits of LARQ in a lighter, cheaper, and more durable package, the Movement is a great option, especially for taking to the gym, hiking, etc.

LARQ bottle FAQs

Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common ones about LARQ bottles:

How long does the battery last?
On a full charge, the battery lasts 1-2 months. An indicator light will alert you when the battery falls below 25%. It takes about 90 minutes to fully recharge.

Is the LARQ bottle dishwasher safe?
No. The UV-C technology in the cap is not dishwasher safe. However, it is IPX7 waterproof, so you can wash the cap by hand if needed. The bottle is hand wash only as well.

Can I put ice in my LARQ bottle?
Yes. The LARQ bottle‘s wide mouth makes it easy to add ice cubes. Just make sure not to overfill to prevent water from entering the cap.

Does it filter the water too or just purify it?
LARQ is not a filter, but the UV-C light does purify the water from bacteria, viruses, and protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium. It also improves taste by neutralizing odors. If you want to filter out sediment or heavy metals too, you‘ll need a separate filter.

Can you put anything besides water in the bottle?
No, it‘s only recommended for use with water. Other beverages can interfere with the UV technology and cause staining or odors.

What is LARQ‘s return policy and warranty?
You can return your bottle within 30 days for a refund, minus shipping costs. LARQ also offers a 1-year limited warranty covering any manufacturing defects. You can purchase an extended 2-year protection plan as well.

Bottom line: Is the LARQ bottle worth it?

After digging into the details, I believe LARQ bottles are worth the investment for anyone who:

• Wants to drink more water and always have pure H2O on hand
• Is tired of reusable bottles getting gross and smelly
• Hates washing their bottle constantly
• Travels or hikes a lot and needs dependable clean water access
• Wants to stop buying single-use plastic water bottles

Yes, LARQ bottles are expensive. But they provide an innovative solution to a problem that plagues many reusable bottle users – funky smells and constant cleaning. UV is a proven purification method and I‘m impressed by LARQ‘s self-cleaning technology.

When you consider the cost and waste of bottled water or replacing cheapy reusable bottles, LARQ can be a smart long-term choice. It‘s also just a really sleek, functional bottle!

My verdict? If you‘ll actually use it regularly, LARQ is worth the splurge for the convenience, taste, and eco-friendly benefits. You‘ll never have to worry about what‘s lurking in your water bottle again.

Just be sure to follow the care instructions, only put water inside, and remember to charge it every few weeks. With proper use and maintenance, a LARQ bottle can provide you with fresh, clean water for years to come!

What are your thoughts on the LARQ bottle? Do you think the cost is justified for the features? Let me know in the comments!