Our Top Picks for Drinking Glasses After Rigorous Testing

Top Choice

The Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma tumblers stand out as the ultimate drinking glasses. This elegant yet straightforward set comes in two sizes (12- and 18-ounces) to suit various drinks. During testing, we discovered the larger tumbler also works beautifully as a vase for fresh flowers, while the smaller size is ideal for serving breakfast parfaits or dessert treats like ice cream. Their versatility is truly unmatched.

Crafted in Portugal from lead-free glass, these tumblers are both lightweight and robust. During testing, they proved easy to handle and emerged from the dishwasher spotless, with no scratches or water marks.

While the set is designed to be stackable, we noticed the glasses clung together slightly when separated. This minor inconvenience is hardly a dealbreaker, but if it bothers you, storing them individually is an option. We were thoroughly impressed by this contemporary collection, especially given its reasonable price of approximately $9 per glass for a 12-piece set.

Material: Glass | Size: 12 ounces (short); 18 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 12

Top Pick for a Set of 6

If a 12-piece set feels excessive, consider this six-pack of 11.5-ounce tumblers from Duralex. These versatile glasses are ideal for everyday use, whether for water, juice, coffee, seltzer, soda, cocktails, or smoothies. During testing, we were impressed by their high quality and affordability.

The thick, resilient glass stood out during testing, offering peace of mind for households with kids or frequent use. While the design is simple and not suited for formal events, it’s excellent for daily use. Stacking is possible, though we advise limiting it to two due to their height. They cleaned well in the dishwasher and resisted water spots.

The only minor drawback is the formation of condensation on the outside after a few minutes. While not a major issue, using absorbent coasters can prevent water rings on surfaces.

Material: Glass | Size: 11.5 ounces | Quantity: 6

Top Choice for Stackable Glasses

While many options on our list are stackable, these bodega-style glasses stand out for maximizing cabinet space without sticking together when separated. Each Bormioli Rocco glass holds 12 ounces and is sold in sets of 12. Alternatively, you can choose from 7.25-ounce or 17-ounce glasses in sets of 12, or a mix of all three sizes in sets of 18 or 36.

The lead-free tempered glass impressed us with its sturdy yet lightweight build. The ergonomic design feels great in hand, and its minimalist aesthetic enhances tables and open shelves. Popular across Europe, these Italian-made glasses are ideal for water or wine. During testing, they maintained beverage temperatures effectively and survived dishwasher cycles, though minor water marks may require a quick wipe.

While the uniform size limits versatility, the set excels in durability, space-saving stackability, and affordability at just $5 per glass.

Material: Glass | Size: 12 ounces | Quantity: 12

Top Pick for Tall Glasses

For those who prefer tall, elegant glasses, these 16.25-ounce tumblers from Luigi Bormioli are an excellent choice. Although the set includes only four glasses, their durability, timeless design, and versatility make them a standout option. Ideal for everyday use, they also elevate dinner tables or cocktail presentations.

During testing, we used these glasses primarily for water and soda. They felt sturdy and comfortable to hold, with a midweight build, seamless design, and a sleek rim. Their height prevents stacking, and they lack strong insulation, leading to quick condensation buildup—coasters are recommended.

Material: Glass | Size: 16.25 ounces | Quantity: 4

Top Pick for Thin Glasses

For those who appreciate a thin rim and seamless design, these Made In drinking glasses are a standout choice. The 5.5-ounce glasses feature subtly angled edges that enhance their aesthetic appeal while seamlessly integrating with more traditional glassware.

During testing, we noted their short height and wide mouth make them ideal for cocktails, though they also work well for water, juice, and coffee. Their inability to stack is a slight drawback, especially given their compact size, and their thin construction offers limited insulation.

Despite their delicate appearance, these glasses are highly durable. Our tests confirmed that the lead-free crystal is robust and resistant to breaking. They are also dishwasher-safe and remain free of water spots after washing.

Testing revealed their durability and resistance to damage. They are dishwasher-safe and emerge spot-free after cleaning. While the set is priced higher at around $70 for four glasses, the cost reflects their premium quality, sleek thin glass, and striking design, adding a sophisticated touch to any table setting.

Material: Glass | Size: 5.5 ounces | Quantity: 4

Top Choice for Cocktails

For those who enjoy hosting and serving cocktails or mocktails, this 16-piece set from Libbey is a must-have. It includes 16-ounce tumblers and 13.3-ounce rocks glasses, all for an affordable price under $40, making it just over $2 per glass.

During testing, we were impressed by the weight and durability of these glasses. They struck a perfect balance—neither too heavy nor too light—and felt comfortable to hold. Each glass features thin sides, thick bases, and excellent insulation, ensuring drinks stay perfectly chilled.

This set is dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning, though stacking isn’t an option. These large, robust glasses are a valuable addition to—or complete upgrade for—any drinkware collection.

Material: Glass | Size: 13.3 ounces (short); 16 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 16

Top Pick for Weighted Bases

For unmatched sturdiness, the 16-piece Polaris set from Libbey is our top recommendation. The 12.25- and 16.25-ounce tumblers feature weighted bases that ensure stability, adding a touch of elegance to any table setting. These glasses are perfect for both daily use and special occasions.

The glasses boast rounded edges, a comfortable grip, and excellent insulation. Their wide mouths make cleaning easy, and they are dishwasher-safe. While their weight may not suit young children, their robust yet refined design makes them a favorite for those seeking durability and style.

Material: Glass | Size: 12.25 ounces (short); 16.25 ounces (tall) | Quantity: 16

Top Pick for Design

Bring a touch of flair to your daily routine with this stylish and practical set from Our Place. The four 12-ounce glasses feature a retro design and come in a variety of colors, including pink, amber, green, blue, and two multicolor options. While the pigmented glass may obscure the color of your drink, this didn’t bother us. For a classic look, a clear option is also available.

We were impressed by the glasses’ combination of thickness and lightness, their durability, stackable design, excellent insulation, and dishwasher safety. They’re perfect for water, juice, cocktails, and more. If you prefer larger glasses, you can opt for the matching 16-ounce set, though it comes at a higher price.

Material: Glass | Size: 12 ounces | Quantity: 4

Final Verdict

Among all the drinking glasses we tested, the 12-piece set from Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma excelled due to its versatile sizes, durability, and timeless design. For those seeking a smaller set, the 6-piece option from Duralex is an excellent choice.

Our Testing Process

To identify the best drinking glasses, we evaluated 21 sets at home, assessing their appearance, comfort, versatility, durability, and ease of cleaning.

We integrated each glass into our daily routines, using them for water, coffee, juice, and cocktails. We evaluated their weight, ergonomic feel, and seam quality. Additionally, we considered their overall design and suitability for dining tables, coffee tables, open shelving, and bar carts.

To test insulation, we monitored how quickly cold beverages warmed and hot beverages cooled. We also observed condensation levels by filling glasses with ice water and timing the results over 10 minutes.

We also assessed whether the glasses were stackable and if they stuck together when stacked. Each glass was washed by hand and in the dishwasher to evaluate cleaning ease, water spot formation, and scratch resistance. Durability was tested by simulating short drops to mimic accidental spills or sink mishaps.

Finally, we considered the price of each set to determine its overall value. Based on these evaluations, we curated our list of the best drinking glasses.

How to Shop for Drinking Glasses Like a Pro

Versatility

Versatility is a key consideration when choosing drinking glasses, as some sets are more adaptable than others. For everyday use with water, cocktails, juice, and more, a large set of dishwasher-safe tumblers is ideal for quick cleaning and reuse.

If you intend to use the glasses for specific beverages or occasions, you can be more selective. Depending on your preferences and budget, investing in a high-quality set for special occasions can be worthwhile, even if used infrequently.

Material

Most drinking glasses are crafted from glass, and the thickness of the glass influences the care required to maintain their cleanliness and durability.

Thinner glass (such as soda-lime glass) is commonly used for everyday items, including drinking glasses, according to Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design. While it feels pleasant to hold and drink from, it is more prone to shattering compared to other types of glass.

Thicker tempered glass is more resistant to breaking, and when it does, it fractures into cube-shaped pieces for added safety, Watts explains. Although it takes up more cabinet space, its durability makes it a worthwhile choice.

Borosilicate glass withstands temperature changes, making it ideal for both hot and cold beverages, Watts notes. Additionally, crystal glassware, often reserved for special occasions, is highly durable, elegant, and long-lasting.

Size

The size of a drinking glass depends on the amount of beverage you intend to consume. Most water glasses, such as those in the Luigi Bormioli, Libbey Accent, and Libbey Polaris sets, hold around 16 ounces. Our top pick, the Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Tumblers, is slightly larger at 18 ounces and is versatile enough for coffee, smoothies, and cocktails.

Many sets include a 12-ounce option alongside larger sizes. The Duralex Unie Glass Tumblers set of six holds a bit less at 11.5 ounces.

Shorter, wider glasses are ideal for juices, spirits on the rocks, or cocktails like a refreshing margarita. The smallest option we reviewed is the Made In Drinking Glass set, which holds 5.5 ounces.

Quantity

The options we reviewed come in sets ranging from four to 16 pieces, with some available for individual purchase. Your choice depends on household size, storage space, and how often you host guests. You might also consider whether you’ll need extra glasses while others are in the dishwasher.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Taylor Rock, a senior editor at Mytour. She personally tested the Libbey Polaris set and appreciates its weighted base, which is especially useful when her dog’s wagging tail threatens to knock things over.

We tested 21 sets of drinking glasses at home to assess their performance, design, durability, versatility, and usability. Rachel Simon contributed by interviewing Nadia Watts from Nadia Watts Interior Design for expert advice.