BlenderBottle Classic Loop Top Shaker
InstaShaker Vortex Mixer Cup
Contigo Shake and Go Snap Fit Shaker Bottle
If you’re not prepping your gym time with a killer protein shake, then what are you even doing? Your protein shaker is like your right-hand man, your shield against fatigue, and your promise of a high caliber workout session that’s going to bring results. We’ve not only covered the top twelve shaker bottles, but we’ve also dug deep to solve all the problems that tend to pop up with them. We’ve researched the cream of the crop, detailed how to maintain them and buy the right one for your needs, and simplified the process as much as possible. You’re here for a better protein shake, so let’s hop into the best protein shakers available, and get you pumped up for your next workout.
The Best Protein Shaker
1BlenderBottle Classic Loop Top Shaker
BlenderBottle is at it again with another stellar protein shaker. Their Classic Loop Top Shaker comes with a super simple design and a standard black-and-white color set. There are dozens of other variations available, but added colors might cost a few bucks extra here and there. The real magic of BlenderBottle, apart from the BPA-free construction, is the surgical grade stainless steel agitator that flawlessly mixes your protein shakes into a smooth, creamy state of perfection. You get a total of twenty-eight ounces of storage space, a design that’s built to sit in cup holders without rattling around, and a top rack dishwasher safe stamp of approval. Simple, inexpensive and effective.
Total of 28 oz of capacity
BPA and phthalate-free
Safe for top rack dishwasher use
Mixer ball made of surgical grade stainless steel
- BrandBlender Bottle
- ModelC00573
- Weight6.4 ounces
2BlenderBottle ProStak Protein Shaker
You can’t beat BlenderBottle, no matter how hard you try. They’ve engineered the very best gym shakers, and this inexpensive rendition of their famous lineup is a shining example to that fact. You get a leak-proof SureSeal cap with a flip-up spout, which has a high wall to prevent swaying and spilling. Pair that with the included protein powder jar that actually connects to the bottom of the shaker, and you’ve got an all-in-one travel station for your protein shake at the gym. Everything is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and completely safe to put in the dishwasher, making BlenderBottle ProStak one of the most durable and versatile protein shakers we’ve ever tested. If the basic steel gray style doesn’t suit your liking, you can always opt for one of their 20+ designs as well. Make sure you always keep it handy in your gym bag.
Total 22 oz capacity
Measurement markings
Interlocking jar attaches to the bottom
Leak-proof SureSeal cap
- BrandBlender Bottle
- ModelC01710
- Weight8.5 ounces
3Performa Perfect Protein Shaker (Movie Collection)
You’re not only given the option to choose from some of your favorite superheroes (we’re fans of The Punisher model), but you actually get to live with a superior protein shaker. Performa made Perfect Shaker (Movie Collection) completely shatter resistant, so a simple drop from the top of the dishwasher isn’t going to crack, split or pop any elements out of place. Combine that with their fantastic mixing technology, actionrod. That uses the force of motion with the agitator to create a piston that forces liquid in and out, keeping your protein shakes perfectly blended no matter what. You’ve got a leak-proof lid with a guarantee, as well as a completely BPA-free construction that’s 100% dishwasher safe. What’s not to love?
One dozen movie and TV franchise models to choose from
Completely shatter-proof barrel
Guaranteed to be completely leak-proof
Actionrod technology for better mixing
- BrandPerfectShaker
- ModelPSK1001/100/108
- Weight1.6 ounces
4BluePeak Protein Shaker Bottle
Trying to get his and hers set of protein shakers? We think it’s a romantic gesture, and BluePeak wants to make sure it goes off without a hitch. You get one black and one pink protein shaker with each purchase, both crafted out of a completely BPA-free durable plastic that’s extremely resistant to drops and scuffs. BluePeak stands out for their dual mixing technology, which includes an agitator ball, as well as a mixing grid to filter out any particles or clumps that haven’t been blended in properly. Each of these BluePeak Protein Shaker Bottles has a total of twenty ounces of capacity, and measurement markings that travel up to the sixteen-ounce mark. You’re hitting the gym with your lady, and you want to do it in style: BluePeak’s got your back.
Completely BPA-free
Dual mixing element keeps things smooth
Markings go up to 16 oz out of the 20 oz capacity
Two protein shakers per purchase
- BrandBluePeak
- Weight13 ounces
5Homiguar Protein Shaker Bottle
This is a serious step-up in style, and Homiguar wastes no time getting right into the goods with this. The first thing you might notice is the peekaboo window into the contents of your shaker, so you can monitor how much you have left. I’ve personally chugged the last of my shake without realizing how low it was and it’s always a bummer, but that doesn’t have to happen anymore. Crafted out of stainless steel without a hint of BPA plastic, Homiguar Protein Shaker Bottle also features a fully leak-proof lid, and a nice lanyard loop on top to keep it by your side at all times.
Completely BPA-free stainless steel construction
Peekaboo window to see how much is left
Total of 28 oz capacity
Fully leak-proof lid
- BrandHomiguar
- Weight12 ounces
6PROMIXX Stainless Steel Electric Protein Shaker
PROMIXX understands that you’re sick and tired of clumps and lumps in your protein shake. Admittedly, we’ve all grabbed those dollar store mixers and found that they haven’t worked, and we’ve been hit with a nasty powder bomb. PROMIXX Stainless Steel Electric Protein Shaker not only take all the hassle out of mixing but remain convenient. The base if rechargeable with a simple micro USB cord, so you can bring it with you and mix at the gym if you’d prefer. Everything is created without BPA or DEHP components, and all non-electric components are top rack dishwasher safe. No more hassle, no more clumpy protein shake.
BPA and DEHP-free design
Rechargeable base with a simple micro USB cord
Lightweight with a fairly quiet operation
Includes a one-year warranty straight from the manufacturer
- BrandPromixx
- Model4336315097
- Weight14.1 ounces
7Hydra Cup Shaker Bottle
To us, Hydra Cup Shaker Bottle is one of the most iconic styles we’ve seen at the gym constantly. Hydra Cup slays the game when it comes to style, but also functions far better than most inexpensive protein shaker models on the market. You get twenty-eight ounces of storage space, as well as a separate protein powder storage container included with your purchase. Your lid is 100% leak-proof, so if this knocks around in the cup holder or in the mesh pocket of your backpack, you can rest assured that it won’t leak a single drop. Zero BPA used during construction, crafted in the USA, and built to last.
Total of 28 oz capacity
BPA-free construction
Protein powder storage container included with purchase
Leak-proof lid won’t stop for anything
- BrandHydra Cup
- Weight1.6 ounces
8InstaShaker Vortex Mixer Cup
You’ll see that there aren’t many electric shakers on this list, but InstaShaker’s Vortex model just can’t be ignored. Attach your 20 oz reservoir to the motorized base, flip on the switch, and watch some magic happen. You have a 16,000 RPM motor going to town on your mixture. That means no clumps, no lumps or powdered protein shake mix just sitting around. It’s named Vortex for a reason: it pulls everything down, blending it furiously in a thirty-second interval, promising you nothing but the smoothest shake every single time. The chamber is made of 100% BPA-free acrylic, promising superior quality and an easy-to-clean surface every single time. You’ll also get a one-year warranty on the motor and electric parts, so there’s relatively no risk in trying your hand at an electric protein shaker.
Fully electric base mixes your shake in thirty seconds
16,000 RPM motor promises no lumps or powder clusters
20 oz BPA-free container
Includes a one-year warranty on electrical components
- BrandInstaShaker
- Weight14.1 ounces
9Bottled Joy Protein Shaker Bottle
The joy should be in the cup, but we’re getting pretty excited just by the exterior. Bottled Joy created a simple and inexpensive protein shaker, with over eight different aesthetic styles to choose from, as well as a fully BPA-free construction. The star of the show here is the contoured finger inlays on the outside of the shaker, giving you full control while holding it. That’s good because the flip-up lid is difficult to get open thanks to the 100% leak-proof guarantee. If this ends up hitting the passenger side floor in the car, it’s not going to cost you a hundred bucks in some lowbrow detailing. Last but not least, Bottled Joy Protein Shaker Bottle is super simple to clean inside and out.
Total of 27 oz of capacity
Completely leak-proof lid
Finger inlays on barrel for superior grip
BPA-free and FDA approved
- BrandBOTTLED JOY
- Weight6.4 ounces
10Contigo Shake and Go Snap Fit Shaker Bottle
If you’ve been wondering how little you can spend while still getting a quality protein shaker, Contigo is your answer. This simple bottle comes with a mixer ball to keep things shaken up, as well as a leak-proof lid to ensure things don’t get too wild. There’s a simple flip-top spout on the top, and twenty-eight ounces of capacity to quench every bit of thirst at the gym. As our best value pick, you’re getting minimal brand logos and aesthetics, but a ton of functionality. Not concerned with how your protein shaker bottle looks to the others at the gym? If you answered yes, then Contigo is about to save you some money.
Easy snap-on lid
Includes mixer ball
Leak-proof lid
Total of 28 oz of capacity
- BrandContigo
- Model70290
- Weight4.2 ounces
11Grenade Shaker with Protein Compartment
It’s by a company called grenade, and apparently, they have an awesome sense of humor. This simple twenty-ounce protein shaker looks very militant and includes a high walled spout that gives you a little bit more room to shake things up. You’re also going to get an inclusive protein compartment, which hooks right onto the bottom of your shaker to extend its height. Pair all that with the dual mixing system, and you’ve got one hell of a shaker that gets major style points. Making this aesthetic didn’t come at any cost on quality, because Grenade made these BPA and DEHP-free, making Grenade Shake excellent for the dishwasher, microwave or freezer without having to worry about breakage.
Microwave and dishwasher safe (top rack)
BPA and DEHP-free
Includes a protein compartment with flawless attachment
Total 20 oz capacity
- BrandGrenade
- Model6740006
- Weight1 pounds
12Smartshake Original Shaker Cup
Last but not least, this simple approach deserves some credit. With Smartshake Original Shaker Cup you get the measurement markings on the side, you get a stellar look, but most importantly, you end up saving an absolute mad wad of cash while still getting excellent mixing power. There’s a fully leak-proof lid, which also comes with a lanyard loop if you’re hooking this onto the side of your backpack before heading to the gym. It’s also completely BPA and DEHP-free, so you won’t have to worry about a single thing during use. Those properties are a result of superior construction, which also makes this 1005 dishwasher safe (top rack only). SmartShake focused on simple aesthetics, so choose from one of five different colors, and get mixing.
Fully leak-proof lid and flip cover
Top rack dishwasher safe
BPA-free, DEHP-free and microwavable
20 oz capacity with markings up to the 12 oz line
- Brandsmartshake
- Model7350057181065
- Weight5.3 ounces
Protein Shaker Buying Guide and FAQ
We showed you twelve of the best protein shakers ever made, but now we’re going to discuss why they’re so awesome, and go over the rules of maintaining them, and what you need to look for before committing to the purchase.
How do We Choose Our Selection of Protein Shakers
Brand - Brand is a big factor here. You have companies that dedicate themselves to fitness and health products, and have already come through the trial and error phase. The good thing is that with protein shakers, you’re not looking at brand being a huge upcharge on the price tag.
Quality - Quality is difficult to measure, but when you take a look at locking mechanisms, anti-corrosion construction on manual mixer balls and a ton of other features, it all comes together as a full puzzle. Quality is alsop associated with brand. For instance, you aren’t going to see crummy versions of our top pick, BlenderBottle, because they consistently make excellent gym shakers.
Reviews - The voice of the people, users who’ve tested them for months, who use them every day, and every other variety of review you can think of. These help us determine our shortlist before actually purchasing and testing products. They play a big role in determining what’s worth our time, and what isn’t worth a dime.
Price - Price is always going to be a factor. Fortunately, most protein shaker bottles are relatively inexpensive, and won’t cost you more than an hour of wage to get a really high-quality one.
Features to Look for in Protein Shakers
Capacity - This is all going to depend on how hard you plan on going to the gym, and the volume of protein shake that you’re going to need. You’ll see a common theme of 24 oz and 32 oz bottles, which are perfect for most protein shakes.
Mixing System - Whether it’s an electric mixer or a simple metal mixer ball, the mixing system is going to be the key here. Personally, we prefer manual mixer balls to help give it a more thorough, smooth texture and taste.
Tight Seal - It’s a shaker, meaning you’re going to shake it before drinking it just about every single time. You want a tight seal, or it’s not worth your time and money.
Materials - You’re predominately going to see different grades of plastic. The only thing you need to be on the lookout for, is ensuring that whichever gym shaker you have your heart set on is BPA-free, and you should be fine.
Manual vs. Battery Operated - This is about preference, but it’s also about function. If you go with an electric unit, just know that even the best shaker bottle can run into problems, and then you’ll have to go manual. If you want to save money in the first place and have a more hands-on feel to your protein shake, stick with the manual from the start.
Portability - You’ll be looking for lanyard loops on the lid, an ergonomic grip or finger inlays to make sipping easier, and a diameter/size that can fit in the mesh pocket of a backpack or a cup holder at the very least. If it’s not portable, you’re also going to have a hard time finding somewhere to place it down in the gym.
Protein Shaker FAQ
Q: What is a Protein Shaker?
A: A protein shaker is an enhanced plastic bottle that’s intended to go with you to the gym. It normally includes a very tight-fitting cap, a drinking spout of some sort, and most importantly, a mixer ball for the interior to help keep your drinks nice and smooth. Protein powder and other protein shake meal replacements often clump up if they’ve been sitting there for a bit, and the mixer ball is your ticket to revitalizing the smoothness of your shake.
Q: Can I Mix Warm Liquids in my Protein Shaker?
A: You absolutely can, so long as you follow one simple guideline. Don’t add boiling water into your protein shaker. Even though most plastics are made completely BPA-free, plastic is just a really hardened and condensed oil. Adding boiling water can extract elements out of the plastic and dissolve it into your food, which is really not good for your health. So long as you try to stay under a threshold of 200 F (which is easy), you can add warm liquids to your shaker.
Q: How do I Get Rid of the Smell of my Protein Shaker?
A: Whether milk, protein powder or added ingredients have given your gym shaker a funky smell, there’s an insanely simple way to take care of it. You have to think that if you have a manual shaker, the metal mixer in the middle can scratch up the inside of the shaker. If you stir it with a metal spoon or fork, you could scratch up the inside. This creates micro divots that can hold onto trace elements of bacteria, protein powder and milk. Sounds gross, but this is how you fix it.
Get one full cup of distilled white vinegar. Place it in your protein shaker, then add two teaspoons of baking soda (preferably from a freshly opened container), and fill the rest with water. Vinegar is a natural sterilizing agent, and will work to remove particles. You’ll want to rinse this out thoroughly after leaving it to sit for a few hours, because now you’re going to have a vinegar scent. Run it through a cycle in the dishwasher and it’ll come out with no scent at all.
Q: Can I Wash my Protein Shaker in the Dishwasher?
A: Most protein shakers are made with durable plastic that can withstand the dishwasher, so long as you put it on the top rack. However, this won’t always be your best bet to clean it. Even if you have a fairly high-end new dishwasher, morsels of protein powder that caked to the inside of your manual protein shaker may still remain. It’s important to give it a thorough rinse, and run your hand along the inside of the container before putting it in the dishwasher, (or just washing it by hand to be doubly certain).
Check the instruction packet that came with your shaker. You should have received a folded up square piece of paper in your shaker that states maintenance and care requirements. For certainty, wash by hand. If that’s not how you do things, be sure that the model you’re looking at is dishwasher safe before you commit to the purchase.
Q: How do I Make the Best Protein Shake Ever?
A: We’ll be the first to admit that there’s a ton of protein powders and formulas out there that look good on paper, but frankly just don’t entice your taste buds. Let’s fix that. We’ve got a few hacks that you can use on a whim to help modify and augment your protein shake, and get the most out of your gym shaker at the same time.
- Instead of using water as the instructions might deem, use 2% or skim milk to achieve a better all-around flavor palette. This adds a richer texture to the mixture, but if that texture is a bit too smooth for you, our next tip will help.
- Cut like you’ve never cut before. If you’re using six ounces of milk or water with your powder and it comes out tasting too thick or smooth, bounce up to eight ounces, and so on. Think of it as adding a shot of milk or water (two ounces) every single time to flavor is off to you. So long as you consume the whole drink, the worst thing that happens is you get more thorough hydration. It doesn’t diminish the quality of the protein powder.
- Add fresh fruit. Is it going to be a smooth and simple drink? Not exactly, but the natural sugars in pineapple, strawberries and blueberries will enrich the flavor, while changing up the texture. Plus, if you don’t get enough fruits during the week, this is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone.