- Water reminder apps compared
- Nine apps to help you drink more water
- How much the NHS says to drink
- Simple trackers, playful apps or smart bottles?
- Making the habit stick
- Easy ways to drink more
- Hydration when you exercise
- When to talk to a doctor
- My plain advice on choosing a water reminder app
- Frequently asked questions
The best water reminder app nudges you at the right moments and makes logging a drink take one tap. Look at how reminders work, whether goals adjust to your day and how the app shows progress. Nine apps follow in no particular order, plus what the NHS says about how much to drink.
Most people don't drink too little because they don't care; they just forget. A reminder app turns drinking water into a habit by nudging you through the day, logging each glass and showing how close you are to your goal.
The nine apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from playful trackers with characters to smart bottles that log sips for you. Each description comes from the app's own website or store page, re-checked today. If you've ever wondered how bottles add up, my guide to how many water bottles are in a gallon does the maths.
Water reminder apps compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store page describes a free app or free version, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated. Free versions usually cover reminders and logging, with extra themes or stats in a subscription.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drink Water Reminder | Nudges and logging | Simple reminders through the day | Yes |
| HidrateSpark | Smart bottle app | Automatic tracking from a bottle | Yes |
| Hydro Coach | Android water tracker | Goals based on your day | Yes |
| Plant Nanny | Gamified tracker | A plant that grows as you drink | Yes |
| Water Reminder | Daily tracker | A clean daily water log | Yes |
| Waterllama | Playful water tracker | Challenges and cute characters | Yes |
| Waterlogged | Water log | Logging with your own cups | Yes |
| WaterMinder | Water tracker | Detailed logs and Apple Health | Yes |
| Wattery | Minimal tracker | A minimal daily goal | Yes |
Nine apps to help you drink more water
Drink Water Reminder
Best for: Forgetful drinkers who want regular nudges and a one-tap log without any extra features.
HidrateSpark
Best for: Gadget fans who want sips logged automatically by a smart bottle that glows when it's time to drink.
Hydro Coach
Best for: Android users who want a simple water goal, regular reminders and a history of what they've drunk each day.
Plant Nanny
Best for: Anyone who needs a little fun to keep going, watering a cute plant each time they drink.
Water Reminder
Best for: People who want a clean daily log with reminders and history and nothing they don't need.
Waterllama
Best for: Younger users and families who like challenges, characters and streaks to make drinking water a habit.
Waterlogged
Best for: Tea and coffee drinkers who want to log drinks in a way that fits their own bottles, cups and everyday habits.
WaterMinder
Best for: Apple users who want detailed drink logs, widgets and syncing with Apple Health on iPhone and Watch.
Wattery
Best for: Minimalists who just want a daily goal, a reminder and a simple progress bar.
How much the NHS says to drink
Many apps set goals without explaining them. The NHS says the government's Eatwell Guide recommends people aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day, and that most people should aim to drink enough during the day so their pee is a clear pale yellow colour.
What that means for you: use an app's goal as a guide, not a rule. You'll need more in hot weather, when you're active or unwell, and other drinks such as lower-fat milk and lower-sugar drinks count too.
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Simple trackers, playful apps or smart bottles?
Simple trackers offer reminders and one-tap logging, which is all many people need. Playful apps add characters, plants or challenges that grow as you drink, which helps people who need a bit of fun to keep going. Smart bottles log sips automatically and glow or buzz when it's time to drink.
If you've tried and failed before, a playful app or a bottle you can see on your desk often works better than another plain reminder.
Making the habit stick
- Keep a bottle where you can see it all day.
- Drink a glass with each meal.
- Set reminders for the times you usually forget.
- Log drinks as you have them, not at night.
- Start with an easy goal and build up.
- Drink more on hot days and when you exercise.
Easy ways to drink more
- Flavour it. Add fruit or mint to plain water.
- Use a bigger bottle. Fewer refills, less forgetting.
- Pair it with habits. A glass after brushing your teeth or making coffee.
- Keep it cold. Many people drink more when it's chilled.
Hydration when you exercise
Active days need more fluid, so drink before, during and after a workout rather than all at once. If you train at home, my back workouts at home are a good reason to keep a bottle close. Small sips throughout a session are easier on your stomach than gulping a whole bottle at the end.
When to talk to a doctor
Feeling thirsty all the time, very tired or dizzy despite drinking plenty is worth mentioning to a GP. Some health conditions and medicines change how much fluid you need, so if you've been told to limit fluids, follow that advice rather than an app's goal.
Do you make a water reminder app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a water reminder app
Pick the app that makes logging fastest for you. A widget or watch button you can tap in a second beats a feature-packed app you have to open, and you'll log far more drinks that way. If motivation is the problem, choose something playful; if forgetting is the problem, focus on reminders.
And listen to your body as well as the app. The NHS points to the colour of your pee as a simple check, and you'll need more on hot or active days than any fixed number suggests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best water reminder app?
The one you'll log in without thinking. Simple trackers suit most people; playful apps and smart bottles suit those who need extra motivation.
Are water reminder apps free?
Most are free to download with reminders and logging; extras are often in a subscription.
How much water should I drink a day?
The NHS says the Eatwell Guide recommends aiming for 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day, more in hot weather or when active.
Do other drinks count?
Yes. The NHS says water, lower-fat milk and lower-sugar drinks all count towards your fluid intake.
Can an app adjust my goal?
Some apps change goals based on your activity or the weather; others use a fixed target you set.
Do smart water bottles work?
They log sips automatically and remind you with lights or alerts, which helps if you forget to log.
