Glass vs Plastic vs Metal Bottles: Which One Fits Your Brand Best?

Last Updated: 10 April 2026 

Key Points:

• Metal bottles are the most popular, since they are strong, durable, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Glass bottles look the most premium and are best for offices or gifts, but they are heavier and can break easily.
• Plastic bottles are the cheapest and lightest, which makes them a good choice for events and large giveaways.

Let’s be honest — picking the right promotional drink bottle for your brand isn’t as simple as it looks. Between Glass, plastic, and metal, each has its own vibe, price point, and purpose. We’ve worked with hundreds of Australian businesses who swear by one type or another, so we decided to run a small survey with 20 of our customers to see what really matters to them.

And the results?

Let’s say there was no single winner, but some clear favourites depending on how you use them.

Quick Comparison Table

What Our Customers Told Us

We asked 20 Cubic Promote customers who purchased bottles from us about their bottle preferences. Here’s what came back:

• Metal bottles came out on top overall — people love their durability and versatility for both office and outdoor use.
• Glass bottles were voted the most luxurious and premium-looking option by far. Several customers mentioned they now use glass bottles at work instead of ceramic mugs — a trend we didn’t expect but makes perfect sense for modern offices.
• Plastic bottles remain a popular choice for events involving kids. These were also popular as giveaways due to their affordability, safety, and ease of carrying.

So while metal might win on popularity, Glass wins on style points.

Glass Bottles: Look The Best

   

• Look and feel sophisticated. Glass has a naturally appealing, glossy look.
• Completely recyclable and chemical-free
• Keeps drinks fresh and odour-free

Cons:

• Fragile, especially in transit
• Heavier than plastic or metal
• Not ideal for travel or outdoor events

Best For:

Corporate clients, professional environments, or eco-conscious offices that want a stylish, reusable bottle that feels more “boardroom” than “backpack.”

At Cubic Promote, our staff have noticed that people tend to be more careful when using glass bottles. They usually keep them on desks instead of carrying them around all day. This helps avoid drops and breakage. It also makes glass bottles more suited for office use than on-the-go situations.

Metal Bottles: For Everyday, Everywhere Use

   
Pros:

• Extremely durable — built to last
• Available in insulated options for hot or cold drinks
• Laser engraving gives a long-lasting, premium finish

Cons:

• Can dent if dropped
• Slightly higher price point

Best For:

Gyms, sports events, outdoor companies, or corporate gifting with a practical edge. They’re the “reliable all-rounder” of the bottle world.

Plastic Bottles: The Budget-Friendly Event Hero

Pros:

• Lightest of the three options. Very affordable
• Great for freebies and events. Sports teams, schools, and festivals will be perfect.
• Easy to brand with colourful designs
• Soft Squeezy bottles allow users to squirt water, making hydration faster.

Cons:

• A perceived cheaper option (although the polycarbonate plastic ones do look and feel very premium)

Best For:

Marketing events, charity runs, or short-term giveaways where cost and portability matter more than luxury.

🌏 Sustainability Snapshot

If your brand focuses on sustainability or carbon-neutral initiatives, Glass and metal clearly lead the way.

💡 Recommendations — Who Should Choose What?

Glass, Plastic, or Metal?

After seeing the survey results and talking with clients, one thing’s clear — the best bottle depends on what your brand stands for.

• Want to make the very best premium impression? Go for Glass.
• Looking for something that feels almost as premium as Glass, but also durable? Choose metal.
• Need a significant volume of product at cheap prices? Plastic’s your friend.

Whichever option you choose, trust Cubic Promote. We have printed and supplied over 500,000 bottles over the past 17+ years.

Ready to Buy?

Shop Glass Promotional Bottles here
Shop Branded Metal Bottles here
Shop Promotional Plastic Bottles here