Accessories

LARQ Water Bottle Review

In Partnership with LARQ.

About LARQ

LARQ Water Bottle Review

The LARQ Water Bottle uses UV technology to self-clean and purify drinking water[1] while having a meaningful impact on the environment. LARQ sells eye-catching, reusable, stainless steel bottles with UV-C LED technology.

Their state-of-the-art water bottle has been featured on CNN, in Esquire, Mashable, CNET, and other big media outlets, so the buzz is hot.

This LARQ Water Bottle review will take an in-depth look at the brand and its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more, to help you decide if their products are worth the buy. 

Overview of LARQ

LARQ Water Bottle Review

Clean water is a basic human need[2], and yet, not all Americans have access to pure drinking water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although tap water in the US is amongst the cleanest in the world, contamination can still occur[3]. This can happen through bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and a variety of other unsettling means.

If you want to stay on the safe side when it comes to your drinking water, but don’t want to shell out extra money for bottled water every week, then LARQ might be for you.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, LARQ launched its original Water Bottle in the US in October 2018. This was after a very successful crowdfunding campaign when LARQ raised £1.04 million in under 30 days. The people have spoken: they want clean, high-tech water.

LARQ operates from their headquarters in Foster City, California and launched in 2017. Their vision is simple but profound: they aspired to develop an innovative technology that would help people access exceptional drinking water easily and sustainably. LARQ believes you are what you drink, and they’re award-winning design is built on that mantra.

LARQ uses PureVis technology to eradicate up to 99.9% of germs, bacteria, protozoa and other harmful bio-contaminants without the use of toxic chemicals like mercury. Not bad statistics, huh? 

PureVis is LARQ’s patented UV-C LED technology. UV light has long been known to be able to kill pathogens. One study, which compared the effectiveness of chemicals and UV-C light as disinfectants in hospital isolation units, showed that they were equally effective in reducing the number of bacteria on surfaces that were exposed to them.

Not only do the bottles provide clean and tasty drinking water, but 1% of the proceeds from every LARQ bottle go towards cleaning up our oceans. LARQ partnered with Plastic Blank to remove 1 million single-use plastic bottles from the ocean. With their technology, LARQ hopes to motivate behavior change that will benefit the environment. This is a noble cause, given that the amount of plastic trash going into our oceans is estimated to triple by 2040 if we continue on our current course.

LARQ is the world’s first portable digital water purification system. It’s equipped with a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that keeps going, just like you.

The UV-C LEDs in LARQ water bottles last 40 times longer than mercury-based purification systems. Plus, mercury is toxic[4], even in small amounts, so a mercury lamp can be dangerous if broken.

If you would rather catch the highlights of the LARQ review, here’s our summary:

Highlights

  • Innovative portable digital water purification system
  • Removes 99.9% of bio-contaminants in water 
  • 100% BPA-free, durable stainless steel
  • Sustainable impact on the environment with proceeds directed toward improving ocean health
  • No fuss, little maintenance
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Free returns for customers in the US and Canada
LARQ Water Bottle Review

LARQ sells two bottles (the LARQ Bottle and the LARQ Bottle Movement), equipped with  cutting edge technology. We’ll give you an in-depth look at both models in this LARQ water bottle review. Let’s start with the OG:

LARQ Water Bottle

LARQ Water Bottle Review

So you want clean, fresh-tasting water and a bottle that cleans itself. The LARQ Water Bottle fits the bill with on-the-go water purification.

The bottle uses UV light to break up the DNA of bacteria. That’s right—goodbye harmful, odor-causing germs. In fact, UV light is so effective that it has replaced chlorination and ozonation as a means of disinfecting water at many water treatment plants.

Did you know that hospitals have been using the same UV technology to sterilize operating rooms for the last 10 years? It has even been used recently to disinfect items from COVID-19[5]. We’re talking seriously smart science here.

In our LARQ Water Bottle review, we learned that purifying happens automatically, 6 times a day (activating every 2 hours), and cleans your water in 60 seconds. Plus, it’s 100% BPA-free stainless steel. It’s vacuum sealed and double insulated. That translates to 24 hours of cold water and 12 hours of hot water.

LARQ works hard so you don’t have to. It’s time you got on with your adventures, backwash bacteria-free.

LARQ Water Bottle Review

LARQ’s motto is smarter, cleaner, better. According to the brand, the LARQ Water Bottle is 10,000 times more hygienic than regular reusable bottles. If you don’t clean your normal water bottle regularly, there is a risk of contamination and illness[6].

By using the LARQ Water Bottle, you’ll save $1,000 per year by not having to buy bottled water. Imagine where you could put that money. We’re thinking Hawaii.

Plus, one charge lasts up to a month, and if you have a bit of pep in your step, put the bottle in adventure mode for extra purification power.

The LARQ Water Bottle is available in two sizes, and comes in some trendy colors:

LARQ Water Bottle Engraving

If you want to up the exclusive factor of your LARQ Water Bottle, you can personalize it if you reside in the US. LARQ offers engraving for the original bottle only. You can add up to 10 uppercase letters and numbers to the bottle. Such a neat way to jazz up your water!

LARQ Bottle Movement

The LARQ Bottle Movement contains ultra light stainless steel, so it’s great for athletes and people on the go. The dual-tone bottle comes in sweet colors: white and coral, white and marine, black and onyx, plus black and green.

This pure on-the-move water charges while you’re on the go. So cool.

The LARQ Bottle Movement features a silicon sleeve that protects it from scrapes and scratches. You can go far and wide with this durable bottle—to the tennis court, to the gym, on a plane, up a mountain, wherever—and this bottle won’t smell. Like the OG LARQ bottle, this one will keep your water cold for 24 hours, and hot water stays that way for 12. 

Aside from the bonus active lifestyle features, this model boasts the same vacuum sealing, double insulation, 6x per day purification powers, and water cleaning in 60 seconds. The LARQ Bottle Movement is available in 710 ml and 950 ml sizes for $99 and $129. 

LARQ Water Bottle Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

LARQ Water Bottle Review

This LARQ Water Bottle review turned up split camps between skeptical scientists and very happy buyers. One microbiologist comments that from a scientific perspective, the product was not a good idea. Another scientist agreed with this appraisal, stating that when you use UV light to clean dirty water, it kills the bacteria but not the chemical byproducts that the bacteria secretes.

The scientists also said that the UV radiation in the LARQ Water Bottle would become less and less effective over time. From the perspective of a good old biologist, soap and water is more effective than anything. 

Happy customers, on the other hand, said that they loved to show off their LARQ technology while on the go. They felt that they were getting a powerful clean from the good-looking product. Customers were impressed that the purification process is silent, so it didn’t interrupt a date or a board room meeting.

One reviewer noted how sleek the LARQ Water Bottle is and how much it improved the flavor of water: “The taste of the water is amazing and I love the style of the bottle! This bottle is also helping me drink more water because I know the water is clean and tastes great!”

For the adventurous sort, the LARQ Water Bottle is awesome for travel and it took worry out of the picture. It really did keep water hot or cold all day and benefited active types. As promised, the water bottle doesn’t smell. 

Another reviewer praised the LARQ Water Bottle for improving their water intake:

“I absolutely love the filtration! The main draw to this bottle for me was that it removes lead and PFAS. I was impressed by how it made tap water taste amazing too — like what I imagine Fiji water tastes like… (but I’m too cheap to actually buy Fiji). I take it with me when I travel because I can’t stand the taste of tap water or buying bottled water. This truly helped me break the cycle of dehydration while traveling!!! Highly recommend!”

Overall, LARQ customers seem to be pleased with their new favorite travel companion: the LARQ Water Bottle.

Are LARQ Water Bottles Worth It?

LARQ Water Bottle Review

While we value scientists greatly, we take the scrutiny of this product with a grain of salt because customers are happy and feel the benefits that LARQ’s science promises. For our LARQ Water Bottle review, that’s what counted the most.

This fabulous LARQ Water Bottle fits into the active, hard working lifestyle and takes the thought out of drinking clean, fresh water with no odor, while having a positive impact on the environment. When it comes to the LARQ self-cleaning water bottle, we’re behind it! 

LARQ Promotions & Discounts 

LARQ Water Bottle Review

We have some great news from the findings of our LARQ Water Bottle review. If you complete a 60-second questionnaire, you receive $5 off of your order. Simply take the quiz to get the LARQ promo code.

To find access to another LARQ discount code, continue to check back on their website and social media. 

Where to Buy LARQ

LARQ Water Bottle Review

We think shopping should be as easy as clean water, so in our LARQ Water Bottle review, we tapped into the best places to make your purchase:

FAQ

LARQ Water Bottle Review

Do I ever need to wash my LARQ Water Bottle?

The answer to this question is yes, but….

The first tip from the team we found in our LARQ Water Bottle review is using a warm, soapy rinse around the bottle and cap once in a while. This will help to get rid of any build-up or residue from lipsticks or food.

So yes, you should wash your LARQ Water Bottle, but much less than a regular one because it’s self-cleaning. This is one of the most optimal benefits of the LARQ bottle, as you don’t have to wash it every day. In fact, you can wash it as little as every 3-4 weeks.

Can you put other drinks in the LARQ Water Bottle?

LARQ doesn’t recommend that you use your bottle for coffee, tea, or drinks with milk or sugar. These kinds of drinks are known to stain but worst of all, they can reduce the efficacy of the PureVis UV-C LED technology. What do all these technical terms mean? It prevents the light from bouncing off the electropolished walls of the bottle.

If you do pour in coffee or some soda, make sure to use a bottle brush to scrub with warm soapy water. That way, you avoid leaving traces of a stain behind, so your LARQ Water Bottle will continue working at optimal efficiency and your water will keep tasting fresh.

Can I wash the cap?

This is a major point of uncertainty for LARQ users, but yes, you can absolutely hand wash the cap if needed. LARQ thought through all the angles and the cap is IPX7-rated. Please be safe and make sure that the cap is completely dry before charging so that you avoid injury.

How do I clean the LARQ Bottle Movement sleeve?

You can wash the sleeve, but wipe it or use a damp cloth, or put it in the dishwasher after removing it from your bottle. One important takeaway is that you shouldn’t leave it in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time or it will fade.

How often does the LARQ Water Bottle need to be charged, and how will I know when the battery is low?

A charge lasts up to one month on the LARQ Water Bottle and it can easily be recharged through MicroUSB. This time frame is based on 3-4 usage cycles per day. Normal mode lasts up to 4 weeks of use and adventure mode lasts 10-12 days.

When your battery is low, your cap will blink yellow before and after a cleaning cycle. This is your signal that it’s time to charge.

LARQ Shipping Policy

Good news: LARQ ships all around the world. For deliveries in the US and Canada, the United Kingdom, or the European Union, orders take between 5-7 business days. Deliveries to other countries take 7-14 business days.

LARQ asks that you allow an additional business day for processing. Expedited shipping is available for certain regions and your options will be available to you at checkout.

LARQ Return Policy

LARQ offers a 1-year limited warranty on all bottles purchased from LiveLarq.com as well as authorized retailers. The warranty covers the repair or replacement of defective material or components. LARQ will submit a refund. What it doesn’t cover is wear and tear associated with regular use, loss, or theft.

LARQ accepts returns of unused products (excluding charging cables and personalized LARQ bottles) in their original packaging within 30 days of the purchase date. In the United States and Canada, returns are complimentary. What a bonus! Unfortunately, if a product is returned or used or it doesn’t pass inspection, it won’t be eligible for a refund or exchange.

Contact LARQ

LARQ Water Bottle Review

In our LARQ Water Bottle review, we looked for the best way to get in touch with the team. You can contact them over email at [email protected] and they try their best to respond within 24 hours. 

LARQ’s address:

LARQ

950 Tower Ln, Suite 2100

Foster City, California, U.S.


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Article Sources

  1. Ashok, Abhijeet & Khedikar, Isha. Overview of Water Disinfection by UV Technology -A Review ResearchGate
  2. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health PubMed Central Nutr Rev. 2010 Aug;68(8):439-58
  3. Levin RB, Epstein PR, Ford TE, Harrington W, Olson E, Reichard EG. U.S. drinking water challenges in the twenty-first century PubMed Central Environ Health Perspect. 2002 Feb;110 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):43-52
  4. Rice KM, Walker EM Jr, Wu M, Gillette C, Blough ER. Environmental mercury and its toxic effects PubMed Central J Prev Med Public Health. 2014 Mar;47(2):74-83
  5. Kong J, Lu Y, Ren Y, Chen Z, Chen M. The virus removal in UV irradiation, ozonation and chlorination PubMed Central Water Cycle. 2021;2:23–31
  6. Sun, X., Kim, J., Behnke, C., Almanza, B., Greene, C., Miller, J. and Schindler, B. (n.d.) The Cleanliness of Reusable Water Bottles: How Contamination Levels are Affected by Bottle Usage and Cleaning Behaviors of Bottle Owners International Association for Food Protection Food Protection Trends, [online] 37(6), pp.392–402

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Customer Reviews

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Is it made in CHINA?
Karen BOlten
3 years ago Reply
Experience

Larq bottle doesn’t say where is is made? Is it China

gavin
3 years ago Reply
Experience

Larq refusing to cover the warranty (the product wont charge and flashes purple 5 times) because i bought the product from ebay (brand new) which they say is not authorised. Ridiculous and refusing to cover what is clearly a product fault – its been charged once (as im an infrequent user)

Phil
3 years ago Reply
Experience

I bought two bottles. One has a charging issue the other has water in the party where the led light is.

Larq customer service has been shocking and they’ve done nothing to help me. Both bottles are only 6 months old

I since bought a different brand, half the price and it charges quicker had more ‘light cleaning options’

Don’t waste your money on Larq – all hype, no substance!

Mark
3 years ago Reply
Experience

What was the alternate bottle the Larq bottles?

Julie
3 years ago Reply
Experience

I bought one of these and can’t find where best to post my review. It works great as you would imagine but I got the black one with a green sleeve and literally every time I close it the black coating scrapes off between the lid and the bottle. When I emailed them they said I was tightening it too hard, like what? Do I want my bottle to spill? No. Also as a side note I really don’t think I was doing too hard but whatever. They offered me a 15% discount instead of a return because they probably understand as I do that this is a design flaw or a lack of durability in the coating on the bottle. Would recommend with a warning.

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