We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Kitchen Products Tabletop Products The 10 Best Drinking Glasses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Sip in style with our tested faves. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 23, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Megan Soll Few kitchen items get more use than everyday glassware. That’s why the best drinking glasses are versatile enough for everything from iced lattes to evening cocktails. To find the best drinking glasses, we tested 21 sets in our Des Moines lab, evaluating each on design, ease of use, versatility, durability, and performance. We also received expert advice from Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design, and Kristen Pena, principal designer of K Interiors. Our Top Picks Best Overall Drinking Glasses: Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tumblers at Williams-Sonoma $8 Jump to Review Best Budget Drinking Glasses: Better Homes & Gardens Josie Glassware Set at Walmart $22 Jump to Review Best Stackable Drinking Glasses: SALE Bormioli Rocco Bodega Collection Glassware at Amazon $49 $38 Jump to Review Best Everyday Drinking Glasses: SALE Duralex Unie Glass Tumbler Set at Amazon $36 $27 Jump to Review Best Short Drinking Glasses: Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini Glass Tumbler Set at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Tall Drinking Glasses: SALE Luigi Bormioli Classico Tall Beverage Glasses Set at Amazon $50 $40 Jump to Review Best Thin Drinking Glasses: Made In Drinking Glasses at Amazon $59 Jump to Review Best Drinking Glasses for Cocktails: Libbey Ascent Assorted Glassware Set at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Best Drinking Glasses with Weighted Bases: Libbey Polaris Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best Design Drinking Glasses: Our Place Short Night & Day Glasses at Fromourplace.com Jump to Review Best Overall Drinking Glasses Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tumblers PHOTO: Williams Sonoma $8 at Williams-Sonoma What Stands Out They feel lightweight yet durable. What Could Be Improved They don’t stack well without sticking together. This large, versatile set of tumblers from Williams Sonoma’s Open Kitchen easily earned the top spot on our list. For one, it comes with 12 glasses in a mix of sizes (12 and 18-ounce), so you can use them for everything from water to coffee to cocktails. During our tests, we found that the largest glasses can even double as vases. All in all, these are great everyday glasses suitable for many uses. Made from lightweight yet durable glass, these tumblers won’t break easily and are comfortable to hold. They have a modern yet classic look that can work with many different decor types and are dishwasher-safe. During our tests, we were pleased to discover how well they washed and how few water spots remained afterward. One flaw of this set is that the glasses are technically stackable but can stick together, so you might want to keep them separate. Still, these are fantastic tumblers with a stylish look worth the price. Material: Glass | Size: 12 ounces (short); 18 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 12 Real Simple / Brierley Horton Real Simple / Brierley Horton Best Budget Drinking Glasses Better Homes & Gardens Josie Glassware Set PHOTO: Walmart $22 at Walmart What Stands Out They keep drinks insulated and don’t cause condensation. What Could Be Improved Some glasses aren’t as smooth as others. You don’t have to overspend for top-tier drinking glasses, as proven by the Better Homes & Gardens Josie Mixed Size set. (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by Real Simple’s parent company, Dotdash Meredith.) In our testing, we were very impressed by the design and quality of these 16 glasses, including their classic look and how well they held up after multiple cycles in the dishwasher. These glasses come in two sizes (13.3 and 16-ounce) and with so many pieces included, they are ideal for families or people furnishing a kitchen on a budget. We like the smaller glasses for cocktails and the tall ones for water, juice, seltzer, and more. The mid-weight glass construction isn’t stackable or the most uniform (a few pieces had random bumps on the ridges), but they still look nice, keep drinks fairly insulated, and wash quite well. For the price point, you can’t beat this versatile set. Material: Glass | Size: 13.3 ounces (short); 16 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 16 Real Simple / Sophia DeVito Real Simple / Sophia DeVito Real Simple / Sophia DeVito Real Simple / Sophia DeVito Best Stackable Drinking Glasses Bormioli Rocco Bodega Collection Glassware PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon $44 at Food52 $4 at Sur La Table What Stands Out They have an attractive design that looks elegant on a dinner table. What Could Be Improved They only come in one size. If you want to save space in your kitchen cabinets, opt for stackable drinking glasses like these tumblers from Bormioli Rocco. This set of 12 quality drinking glasses stack without sticking to each other. During testing, this convenient feature stood out from many other drinkware options. We also appreciated the thick but not heavy material, how comfortable they are to hold, and the classic 12-ounce size (which fits perfectly in a car cup holder). Each glass has a sleek, modern look with unique straight edges that look great on a dining table. Additionally, we found them to do a solid job keeping liquid at a stable temperature over long periods, and the tumblers are also dishwasher-safe (but you might want to wash them by hand to avoid water spots). Since all the glasses are one size, this isn’t the most versatile set out there, but in our opinion, that complaint doesn’t outweigh the durable make, space-saving stackable design, and affordable price tag. Material: Glass | Size: 12 ounces | Quantity: 12 Real Simple / Mary Claire Lagroue Real Simple / Mary Claire Lagroue Real Simple / Mary Claire Lagroue Best Everyday Drinking Glasses Duralex Unie Glass Tumbler Set PHOTO: Amazon $27 at Amazon What Stands Out The thick, durable glass is ideal for families with kids. What Could Be Improved Condensation can develop after a few minutes. If you want a set of everyday drinking glasses for water, juice, coffee, seltzer, soda, cocktails, or smoothies, look no further than these 11.5-ounce tumblers from Duralex, which come in a set of six and boast a low price tag considering their high quality. In our tests, we loved how thick and durable the glass of these tumblers is—an essential quality for casual, everyday use (especially if kids are around). The comfortable glasses have a simple, modern design that may not be chic enough for fancy occasions but works for regular daily drinking. You can also stack them, although we wouldn't recommend adding more than two or three glasses since they’re tall. Plus, they’re dishwasher-friendly and don’t accumulate water spots. The only downside we noticed was that condensation can develop on the glasses after a few minutes, but that’s minor compared to all the perks. This set makes an excellent choice for anyone in the market for everyday glasses that will last a long time and serve many purposes. Material: Glass | Size: 11.5 ounces | Quantity: 6 Real Simple / Emily Johnson Real Simple / Emily Johnson Real Simple / Emily Johnson Best Short Drinking Glasses Bormioli Rocco Bodega Mini Glass Tumbler Set PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Webstaurantstore.com $44 at Food52 What Stands Out The clean, seamless design makes any drink stylish. What Could Be Improved They aren’t well-insulated, so ice melts fast. For those who enjoy an occasional cocktail, this set of 12 mini drinking glasses from Bormioli Rocco is a worthwhile choice. At 7.5 ounces each, they’re the perfect size for many cocktails and small beverages alike. During testing, we liked that their clean, seamless design made any drink look chic. The material of these glasses feels lightweight yet sturdy, and they have stylish thin rims and a comfortable feel. You can stack the glasses to save room, but prepare for them to stick together a bit. We also like that you can wash them by hand or in the dishwasher without worry of water spots afterward. However, these glasses aren’t the most insulated. During tests, ice melted quickly due to their thin walls, and condensation formed, too. Still, there’s so much to love about this miniature set, including its elegant design, durable make, high quantity, and affordable price tag. Material: Glass | Size: 7.5 ounces | Quantity: 12 Real Simple / Russell Kilgore Real Simple / Russell Kilgore Real Simple / Russell Kilgore Best Tall Drinking Glasses Luigi Bormioli Classico Tall Beverage Glasses Set PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon What Stands Out They have a timeless look that suits any glassware collection. What Could Be Improved They’re not great at keeping drinks hot. Every drinkware collection should include at least a few tall glasses, and we're partial to these 16.25-ounce tumblers from Luigi Bormioli. Although they may be small in quantity (only four glasses are included), they have big pros including a durable make, timeless design, and versatile functionality. During our tests, we found ourselves using these glasses primarily for water or soda due to their tall size, but they could also work for juices and cocktails, among other beverages. They have a comfortable, midweight feel and a smooth, seamless design with a stylish thin rim. Because of their height, they’re not stackable. It’s worth noting that these glasses are not very insulated. During testing, condensation builds up quickly, so you won’t want to use them for hot drinks. They also have a higher price tag, but their sophistication, sturdiness, and size make them winners in our book. Material: Glass | Size: 16.25 ounces | Quantity: 4 Real Simple / Katherine Fuller Real Simple / Katherine Fuller Real Simple / Katherine Fuller Real Simple / Katherine Fuller Best Thin Drinking Glasses Made In Drinking Glasses PHOTO: Made In $59 at Amazon View on Madeincookware.com What Stands Out They have slightly angled edges that give them a cool, unique look. What Could Be Improved They’re not stackable. With thin rims, seamless design, and lightweight material, this set of four drinking glasses from Made In adds a touch of sophistication to any beverage. The 5.5-ounce glasses also have unique, slightly angled edges that add to their attractiveness but are subtle enough to blend in smoothly with more traditional drinkware. In our testing, we found that the short height and wide mouth of these glasses make them a good fit for cocktails, but of course, you can use them for pours of water, juice, or coffee, too. They’re not stackable, which is disappointing considering their small size, and they’re not well-insulated. However, our tests proved they’re durable and unlikely to break easily. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe and don’t show water spots after cleaning. Ultimately, while this set's price is higher, it reflects the glasses’ top quality, appealingly thin glass, and eye-catching design. Material: Glass | Size: 5.5 ounces | Quantity: 4 Real Simple / Megan Soll Real Simple / Megan Soll Real Simple / Megan Soll Best Drinking Glasses for Cocktails Libbey Ascent Assorted Glassware Set PHOTO: Amazon $40 at Amazon $35 at Wayfair What Stands Out They’re very effective at keeping drinks insulated. What Could Be Improved Neither of the sizes is stackable. Complete your bar cart setup with this set of 16 tumblers and rocks glass set from Libbey. With a mix of 13.3- and 16-ounce glasses for a low price, the set is a great, affordable option especially useful for cocktails (though you can certainly use them for other beverages as well). During our tests, we were pleased by the weight and durability of these glasses. They felt neither too lightweight nor too heavy and were very comfortable to hold. All the pieces have thin sides and thick bottoms, making them fantastic at insulating drinks and preventing ice from melting too fast. The simple, seamless look of the glasses allows them to blend in with other drinkware, but on the downside, they don't add much style or uniqueness to a table set-up or cocktail hour. They’re also not stackable, unfortunately. But on the plus side, they are dishwasher-safe and don’t leave water spots. Overall, this large, sturdy set of glasses would make a worthwhile addition to (or total replacement for) anyone’s drinkware collection. Material: Glass | Size: 13.3 ounces (short); 16 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 16 Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Best Drinking Glasses with Weighted Bases Libbey Polaris Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set PHOTO: Amazon $39 at Amazon $39 at Wayfair $40 at Walmart What Stands Out They’re stackable and affordable. What Could Be Improved The heavyweight glass isn't suitable for children. A drinking glass with a weighted base provides helpful stability and an attractive look—just take this set of 16 tumblers and rocks glasses, which have paperweight-like bottoms that keep them from falling over and add to their overall sophistication. Available in a mix of stackable 12.25- and 16.25-ounce glasses, this collection is ideal for both everyday use and special occasions. The durable glasses have round edges, an ergonomic feel, and impressive insulation. The wide mouths of the glasses make them easy to clean with a sponge, but they’re also dishwasher-safe. Due to their heaviness, these may not be the best option for young kids. But if that’s not a concern for you, we think you’ll love these hefty yet elegant glasses. Material: Glass | Size: 12.25 ounces (short); 16.25 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 16 Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Real Simple / Taylor Rock Best Design Drinking Glasses Our Place Short Night & Day Glasses PHOTO: Our Place View on Fromourplace.com What Stands Out They come in nine colors, including two multi-color varieties. What Could Be Improved Depending on the color you choose, you might not be able to see the hue of your drink. A great set of drinking glasses is functional and aesthetically pleasing—this option from Our Place fits the bill. The four 12-ounce glasses have a retro design and are available in many colors including rosa, dusk, twilight, and two variety packs. There’s also a clear option if you prefer a traditional look. Because of the pieces' pigmented glass, you might not be able to see the color of your drink, but that’s the only complaint we had during our testing. We love that the glasses are thick yet lightweight, don’t break easily, stack together without sticking, keep drinks insulated, and are dishwasher-safe. They’re versatile enough for water, juice, cocktails, and more—and you can always buy a set of the matching 16-ounce glasses if you want a larger option (and are willing to spend a little more). Material: Glass | Size: 12 ounces | Quantity: 4 Real Simple / Katherine Gallagher Real Simple / Katherine Gallagher Real Simple / Katherine Gallagher Final Verdict Of all the drinking glasses we tested, this set of 12 tumblers from Open Kitchen stood out for its versatile mix of sizes, durable make, and timeless design. For a budget alternative, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens Josie Mixed Size Drinking Glasses due to their large quantity, effective insulation, and clean look. Our Testing Process To find the best drinking glasses, we tested 21 sets in our lab, evaluating each set on design, ease of use, versatility, durability, and performance. We incorporated the drinking glasses into our regular routines, using them for at least three beverages like water, cocktails, coffee, or juice, and noted which beverages they felt most well-suited for. We also considered the weight and thickness of the glasses and how comfortable and ergonomic they were to hold and drink. If the glasses had seams along the rim or side, we noted how they felt in our hands and if they affected the drinking process. We also evaluated the design and aesthetic appeal of the glasses, noting how they looked on our tables and what occasions they would be best for. To check the glasses’ effectiveness at insulation, we kept track of how quickly our hands warmed cold beverages and how quickly hot beverages cooled down. We also observed the level and speed of any condensation formed by filling a glass with ice and water and setting a 10-minute timer to capture any notable results. We also checked if the glasses were stackable. If they were, we checked if the pieces stuck together. Additionally, we washed all the glasses by hand and in the dishwasher, evaluating how easy they were to clean and any water spots that formed. Throughout our testing, we studied the durability and sturdiness of the glasses, taking note of any damage that may have occurred through dishwashing or drops. Finally, we evaluated the price of each set to determine whether it reflected the glasses’ overall value. How to Shop for Drinking Glasses Like a Pro Versatility This is an important factor to consider when shopping for drinking glasses, as some sets are much more versatile than others. If you’re looking for everyday glasses you can use for water, cocktails, juice, and more, opt for a larger set of tumblers that’s dishwasher-safe (so you can clean and reuse them quickly). If you plan on only using them for a certain beverage or occasion, you can afford to be more selective in your search. Depending on your taste and budget, it can be worthwhile to have a fancier set of glassware, even if it’s used rarely. “Unique high-quality glassware makes your table look elegant and pulled together,” says Watts. Material Most drinking glasses are made from glass, and the thickness of the glass can affect the type of care that’s needed to keep them clean and long-lasting. Thinner glass (like soda-lime glass) is the “most common type of glass used for everyday items, including drinking glasses,” explains Watts. This kind of glass may be nice to hold and drink from, but more likely to shatter compared to other glass. Thicker tempered glass, meanwhile “is resistant to breakage, and when it does break it breaks into cube-shaped pieces, so it has an extra layer of safety,” says Watts. Tempered glass can take up more room in your cabinet but be worth it for its durability. Then there are glasses made from borosilicate glasses, which are “resistant to temperature changes, making them suitable for hot and cold beverages,” says Watts. There are also glasses made from sleek crystal (“often used for special occasions”, she notes) and affordable plastic, among other materials, so think about your taste and what you plan on using them for before buying. Size Drinking glasses come in a wide variety of sizes, with each option meant for different beverages. Water glasses “typically hold 8-16 ounces, and are used for water and other non-alcoholic beverages,” says Watts. “I’m a big water drinker so I keep 16-ounce glasses on the ready,” says Pena. Juice glasses “are smaller than a water glass and bigger than a shot glass, and they often have colorful designs or beautiful shapes,” she explains. Tumblers, which contain about 8-12 ounces, are “versatile for various drinks,” says Watts. You also have lowball glasses, which are “shorter and wider, and commonly used for spirits on the rocks or cocktails without mixers,” while highball glasses are “tall and narrow, ideal for cocktails with a mixer.” Quantity You can purchase drinking glasses individually or buy them in a set, which can range in quantity. Some sets contain just two glasses, while others contain two dozen—and what works best for you depends on how many glasses you need and what price you’re willing to pay, plus “how often you host and entertain and how formal those gatherings are,” says Watts. More Drinking Glasses to Consider Fortessa Jupiter Iced Beverage Glass, 13-oz., Set of 6: With a beaded design, these beautiful glasses will elevate any tablescape. However, they only come in one size and aren’t the easiest to clean by hand. Hawkins New York Essential Glassware (medium; 12-ounce; set of 4): We loved the glasses' sleek, minimalist design, durability, and stackability. Unfortunately, the ultra-thin glass may be a dealbreaker to some. Libbey Province Tumbler & Rocks Set, Set of 24: This set of glasses has a classic design and includes two size options, making them a versatile option. That said, they’re not stackable or as durable as many other sets. Questions You Might Ask How many drinking glasses should you own? That depends on “how often you entertain and how many people you have living in or stopping into your home,” says Watts, as you should have at least one full place setting per person, which usually consists of three to four glasses. Having at least one extra set can be helpful for “when they are cycling through the dishwasher,” she notes, or in case any break or you have company. Ideally, you should have “at least two times the number of glasses to that of your other dishes,” adds Pena, since you use them so often. What type of glass is strongest? Tempered glass is much stronger than soda-lime glass, and it can handle spills and small drops with relative ease. That’s not to say it can never break, but it’s extremely durable and should last for a long time. If you do opt for soda-lime glass for the sake of price or convenience, you might want to pick up some extras in case they get damaged in the dishwasher or dropped at a party. Watts also recommends glasses made from borosilicate glass, which “can be thin yet durable, so you can get the elegance and the functionality.” She adds that it’s also “super user-friendly” because it’s both microwave- and dishwasher-safe. What type of glass is the highest quality? Crystal glass is the highest quality, due to its durable nature, heavier weight, and ability to refract light, making for a beautiful appearance. “It has a brilliant and reflective appearance that really elevates the elegance factor,” says Watts. Because of this, though, it tends to be pricier than regular glass, which is typically less durable but can still be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. To find the best drinking glasses, we tested 20 sets in real-world conditions, evaluating their performance, design, durability, versatility, and ease of use. We also spoke to Kristen Pena, principal designer of K Interiors, and Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design, for expert insight. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.