The LARQ Water Bottle has been getting much attention lately, including a successful appearance on the popular entrepreneur show Shark Tank. It stands out from other top-rated water bottle brands by offering highly effective water purification at an affordable price in a stylish package.
In this LARQ water bottle review, we investigate whether this high-tech, UV-C LED purification system deserves a place in your EDC.
LARQ Self Cleaning Water BottleQuick Overview
The Larq Self-Cleaning and Insulated Water Bottle offers an innovative and effective solution for protecting against microorganisms and keeping your water bottle clean. With the addition of the Larq Filtered Bottle cap you can be sure that every drop of water you drink is free from potentially dangerous contaminants.
Functionality
9.5/10
Style
10/10
Dependability
9.0/10
Value
8.5/10
What We Like
Stylish, durable, and well-sized
Effective at killing microorganisms
Self-cleaning cycle prevents odor
Optional cap filer protects against chemical, heavy metal, and other physical contaminants
What We Don’t Like
Expensive for a water bottle
PureVis doesn’t filter physical contaminants without the optional Filter cap
Water in the lip of the lid not hit by the UV-C
What is the LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle?
The LARQ bottle combines a sturdy and stylish stainless steel insulated bottle with a cap-mounted UV-C purification system. By shining UV-C light into the water, microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses can be effectively eliminated.
UV-C light reduces required cleaning by killing any bacteria that would multiply and create that “funky'” smell water bottles can get and the ability to purify water from uncertain sources, making it safe to drink.
Key features
- Double-wall vacuum insulation to keep water cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.
- Rechargeable cap-mounted UV-C purification system effectively kills 99.9999% of microorganisms in water.
- Capable of use with tap water or microbiologically contaminated water with Adventure Mode.
- Automatic self-cleaning that does a great job preventing funky smells or sliminess in the bottle.
- Two-towned powder coating.
Specifications
- Volume: 17oz/502.8ml | 25oz/739.3ml
- Weight: 13.5oz/382.7g | 17oz/481.9g
- Dimensions: 9.6″ H x 2.7″ D / 243.8mm H x 68.58mm D | 10.4″ H x 3″ D / 264.2mm H x 76.2mm D
- Run Time: Normal Mode – Up to a month / Adventure Mode – 10-12 days
- Charging Time: One hour
LARQ Water Bottle Design and Style
LARQ followed in the footsteps of industry greats when designing its water bottles. The LARQ bottles are sleek and stylish. They use a two-tone enamel-like coating for a matte finish that looks sharp and improves durability.
LARQ bottles are available in several sizes depending on whether you want insulated or non-insulated, and come in various colors. The bottle lid contains the LARQ’s UV technology purification system and is noticeably taller than the lid on something like a Kleen Kanteen or HydroFlask. All in all, the LARQ is functionally stylish and works with just about any look.
LARQ Water Bottle Features and Functionality
The LARQ self-cleaning bottle offers several exciting features on top of the usual functionality of a water bottle. We focused on the effectiveness of its various filtration/purification systems, filter/purifier lifespan, self-cleaning ability, ease of use, portability, and water capacity.
UV-C purification and nano zero filter effectiveness
The LARQ Water Bottle uses UV-C purification technology built right into the cap. It’s the same technology that’s been used for years by hikers and backpackers and in utility-scale water purification plants, and for good reason.
UV-C technology is highly effective at eliminating up to 99.9% of pathogens such as:
- Bacteria (Giardia, E. coli, Legionella, Shigella)
- Viruses (Norovirus)
- Parasites (Cryptosporidium, Cyclosporiasis)
Independent testing of the LARQ UV-C purification system showed a reduction of at least 99.9% of harmful pathogens when using the PureVis cap system as directed. We can’t verify this on our own in this LARQ water bottle review, but the testing setup for modern water filter systems is rock solid and has always been reliable in our experience.
One thing to remember with the LARQ Bottle PureVis is that it isn’t a water filter but a water purifier. Biological pathogens in your water are eliminated, but any particulates, chemicals, or heavy metals are not removed. The UV-C LED technology can’t do everything, unfortunately.
Thankfully LARQ has taken this into account and offers an easy add-on solution in the form of the LARQ Filtered Bottle. It uses proprietary Nano Zero Filters that combine proven activated carbon filtration media with Nano Zero layers that combine to effectively protect against:
- Heavy metals
- Microplastics
- Harmful bacteria
- Chemicals
- Pesticides
- Pharmaceuticals
- PFOA/PFOS
The LARQ Filtered Bottle met or exceeded ANSI 42 & 53 standards in independent testing. That’s the gold standard for portable water filtration.
The UV-C PureVis Bottle is most effective if you’re concerned about biological threats while traveling internationally, hiking in the backcountry, or drawing water from uncertain sources. For day-to-day protection against the most likely threats, we recommend you pick up the LARQ Filtered Bottle. It offers dependable protection against the most common hazards found in municipal and other treated water sources.
Neutralizes bacteria and viruses using non-toxic mercury-free UV-C LED technology to sanitize water and clean the inner surfaces of the bottle. Works at the touch of a button and self-cleans by intelligently activating every 2 hours to keep your bottle fresh and stink-free. Double-wall vacuum insulated and stainless steel bottle keeps your water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.
LARQ bottle filter setup and lifespan
The LARQ Filtered Bottle ships with one filter and the option to join a subscription program offering a 20% discount on replacement filters. The filters are rated for 40 gallons (151 liters) or about two months under regular use.
Our testing in this LARQ water bottle review with four filter elements was roughly at those numbers. Water flow slowed down by about the 250th refill and was noticeably more difficult between 290 and 310, depending on the water used.
The replacement filters are reasonably priced and competitive with similar filters we’ve used previously. Compared to the price for the same number of prepackaged water bottles, you come out significantly ahead cost-wise and reduce your single-use plastic consumption massively.
The UV-C ray system, while more expensive up front, is considerably cheaper to operate over your ownership of the PureVis bottle. LARQ reports that a single charge for the PureVis cap will last for about a month in normal mode and between 10-12 days in adventure mode.
That matched our experience during our LARQ water bottle review testing. The cap has an indicator light that lets you know when to charge and uses an included MicroUSB cord.
Self cleaning effectiveness
We could test the self-cleaning mode of the LARQ PureVis reusable water bottles much more effectively than we could verify filter effectiveness independently. Our testing involved repeatedly filling the LARQ bottle with water, drinking from it, and leaving it empty but damp overnight. We checked it after one week, two weeks, and one month. We did the same with a comparably sized vacuum bottle without UV-C cleaning protection as a comparison.
Overall, there was a small but noticeable difference in the scent of the two bottles after a week, a much more noticeable “funk” coming from the non-LARQ bottle after two, and a palpable slickness/sliminess in the standard vacuum bottle after a month. If you’ve ever left a bottle in your car for a few weeks, you know the musty water bottle smell we’re talking about.
The LARQ PureVis backs up its cleaning claims and can reliably keep your water bottle in much better condition than a non-UV-C bottle, especially when it comes to odor-causing bacteria.
Water capacity and portability
The LARQ PureVis is available in insulated or non-insulated variants. The insulated variants are available in 17oz (502.8ml) and 25oz (739.3ml), while the non-insulated variants are available in 24oz (709.8ml) and 32oz (946.4ml).
We would like to see a 32oz insulated bottle, as we tend to be quite thirsty throughout the day, but it’s understandable that LARQ chose to prioritize sleekness and portability over capacity.
The smaller and larger bottles in each type were roughly the same size and had nearly the same shape. All were easy enough to carry or slip into a backpack pocket or pouch. For those that like a little more security, LARQ offers an accessory called an Active Loop that allows you to attach a carabiner to your LARQ bottle.
Ease of use
The LARQ PureVis is exceptionally user-friendly. To purify water just fill it and press the button on top. If you’re using water from an unknown source, press twice quickly to activate Adventure Mode for a three-minute cycle of UV-C. Cleaning happens automatically every two hours unless you set it to Travel/Storage mode. It’s just that simple.
LARQ Water Bottle Durability and Warranty
The LARQ PureVis and LARQ Filtered Bottle are both made from BPA-free polished stainless steel with the exterior coated with an enamel-like substance, which helps keeps the water cold (or other liquid). We didn’t exactly fling them onto concrete for our testing, but our overall impression of the bottles compared to industry leaders like Kleen Kanteen, Yeti, or HydroFlask was favorable.
The bottles are sturdy and stand up to regular use. We don’t doubt they’ll dent or scratch if dropped on hard surfaces, but the same is true for every other insulated water bottle we’ve tested.
The cap is the component we were most concerned with. LARQ put a lot of effort into adding protection and shock absorption into the housing for the PureVis UV-C light emitter. Those protections are ample for everyday use and general wear and tear, but we still recommend you try not to drop the bottle from height onto concrete if you can avoid it.
LARQ’s warranty is effectively boilerplate. It offers one year of coverage for defects in materials or manufacturing, with the option to repair or replace as required. As is typical, it doesn’t cover damage due to misuse, wear and tear, or loss/theft.
Who is the LARQ Water Bottle For?
The LARQ Bottle is an excellent addition to just about anyone’s EDC. We at Gearscape constantly have a water bottle with us, and we dislike the hassle of weekly cleanings.
When you add troubling information on modern American municipal water supplies and significant water scandals such as in Flint, MI, an effective and reliable portable water purification and filtration system becomes all the more compelling.
For most people, in most places, we recommend a dependable water filter such as the LARQ Water Bottle.
When you combine the microbiological protection of the LARQ PureVis with the ability of the LARQ Filtered Bottle to remove physical bio – contaminants, you end up with comprehensive protection. You and your family will be protected no matter what comes out of the tap.
Is the LARQ Water Bottle Worth it?
The LARQ seems to be an expensive water bottle at first glance, particularly when compared with similarly sized water bottles. In actuality, though, the LARQ bottle is a bargain, especially if you’re someone who values pristine drinking water and drinking cold water all day.
Its highly effective PureVis UV-C LED cap lasts for years with proper care and offers thousands upon thousands of refills. The LARQ Filtered Bottle is a bit pricier in terms of the overall cost of ownership, but even when you combine the cost of both filter systems it still represents massive savings compared to buying bottled water.
Consider the LARQ an investment in your long-term health and the price seems much, much more reasonable. Plus, it’s far more environmentally friendly than using non-reusable single-use plastic bottles.
LARQ Water Bottle Alternatives
LARQ was groundbreaking, but several strong competitors are now offering alternatives.
CrazyCap
CrazyCap is the most directly comparable product to the LARQ on the market today. It uses similar UV-C purification technology that’s also housed in the lid. The bottle shape of the CrazyCap is more similar to Swell-style water bottles that resemble soda bottles, but otherwise it’s roughly comparable in durability and usability.
We personally don’t like the Swell style bottle shape, but many do. The battery on the CrazyCap doesn’t last nearly as long as on the LARQ bottle, rated for just seven days per charge vs. the LARQ’s month-long battery life.
One important caveat with the CrazyCap is that they offer a lower-cost model that’s roughly half the price of a LARQ bottle. If you’re looking to benefit from UV-C LED light cleaning/purification, the CrazyCap LYT is a good option.
Epic Water Filter
Epic Water Filter doesn’t have a UV light purifier but does offer highly effective drop-in filter solutions for the water bottles you’ve already got in your house. Epic’s lid-based filter systems are rated to remove 99.99% of heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants in tap water and can be used seamlessly with common Nalgene bottles or popular Hydro Flask insulated bottles.
They’re more affordable initially than buying a brand new water bottle and offer a more sustainable way to improve your water quality without cluttering up your house with a new water bottle you don’t need.
LARQ Water Bottle Review Final Thoughts
The LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle offers an innovative and effective solution for protecting against microorganisms and keeping your water bottle clean. With the addition of the LARQ Filtered Bottle cap, you can be sure that every drop of water you drink is free from potentially dangerous contaminants.
Most of us already carry a water bottle daily. The LARQ self-cleaning bottle not only protects you against potential pollutants in your water, it makes the daily upkeep of your water bottle much less of a hassle.
Thanks for reading our LARQ water bottle review!
Neutralizes bacteria and viruses using non-toxic mercury-free UV-C LED technology to sanitize water and clean the inner surfaces of the bottle. Works at the touch of a button and self-cleans by intelligently activating every 2 hours to keep your bottle fresh and stink-free. Double-wall vacuum insulated and stainless steel bottle keeps your water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.
