Glass drinkware is undoubtedly the classic option, but it’s not always the best option. Glass is prone to breakage, of course, which can be dangerous if you have small kids or pets around, or if you’re entertaining outside; and since glass cups tend to be heavy, they can be tough for people with limited mobility to use. That’s where the best acrylic drinking glasses come into play: Acrylic is durable, lightweight, and scratch- and shatter-resistant, but its crystal-clear clarity could easily be mistaken for glass. It’s also dishwasher-safe, so long as you place it on the top rack and use gentle detergents.
One thing to note: Not all acrylic drinking glasses are technically made of acrylic. Oftentimes, you’ll find unbreakable drinkware made with other types of plastic — all of which are similarly BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, crucially. Tritan is a common stand-in for acrylic, and a worthy alternative. Acrylic isn’t totally unbreakable, and it may crack over time or with consistent exposure to heat. Tritan, on the other hand, is almost indestructible.
Ahead, you’ll find six of the best acrylic drinking glasses (and other sturdy plastics) you can find on Amazon, from essential tumblers in several sizes, to Waterford-inspired cut-glass patterns, to a set of glasses in gorgeous jewel tones.
1
The Overall Best Acrylic Drinking Glasses
If you’re looking for a timeless, reliable set of drinking glasses, opt for this popular six-glass set from US Acrylic, which has garnered over 11,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Although the brand name-checks acrylic, these are actually made of SAN plastic — a common alternative to acrylic, since it’s also BPA-free, shatter-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and lightweight. They’re built to last, too: One customer reported that they stand up to regular spins in the microwave, and another wrote that they’ve remained scratch-free after two years of use (and dropping occasionally). Design-wise, they’re simple enough to suit any aesthetic. The set pictured above features 16-ounce drinking glasses (that’s double the size of a standard, 8-ounce glass of water), but you can also pick these up in 12-ounce, 24-ounce, or multi-size sets.
What reviewers say: “These are truly high quality acrylic glasses. We have a pool so we use acrylic poolside. They get dropped, we always wash them in the dishwasher and they are still clear and look great!! Best acrylic glasses I have ever bought.”
- Available sizes: 12 ounce, 16 ounce, 24 ounce, multi-size
2
Best Color Drinking Glasses
Not opposed to a pop of color in your kitchen? Consider this set from SCANDINOVIA, which includes six glasses in an array of gleaming jewel tones. Each glass also features a dappled grip as another gemstone-inspired design element, though that also prevents the glasses from sticking together when you stack them. These Japanese-made glasses are constructed with Tritan, which makes them even more durable than acrylic or SAN plastic.
What reviewers say: “These glasses are fantastic. The material and the way the glasses are shaped (the bumps on the inside of the glass) cause them to sparkle like a fine crystal, but also with some color. Looking at them, it would be difficult or impossible to know that they are not made of glass until you hold one [...] The base is wide, which makes the glass very stable and the size fits comfortably in one's hand. I particularly appreciate these glasses because they are durable enough to use as an everyday glass, but look classy enough to use for guests.”
- Available sizes: 1
3
Best Patterned Drinking Glasses
With their diamond pattern and sturdy construction, these acrylic tumblers are a worthy alternative to classic cut-crystal tumblers, without the fragility and expense. Also unlike that Waterford tumbler you’ve been coveting, you can stack these safely and run them through the dishwasher on the top rack. They feel pretty light in the hand, so they’re still a solid option for entertaining, outdoor use, or if you need or prefer a glass that’s easy to maneuver. This design is also available in sets of wine goblets or highball glasses.
What reviewers say: “I love these glasses. Husband unable to hold heavy glasses anymore, and these fit the bill. Very easy to hold, lightweight, and pretty. Love that they are BPA free!”
- Available styles: Double old-fashioned, goblet, hi-ball
4
Best Portable Drinking Glasses
Take your coffee, tea, water, smoothie, or other beverage of choice on the go with these insulated, acrylic canteens. They’re equipped with lids and reusable straws, and their long, skinny shapes make them easy to hold. Thanks to their double-walled construction, they can help keep warm liquids warm, cold liquids cold, and slippery condensation at bay. Choose from an assortment of sleek, stylish shades, like matte blush, matte cotton pink, or the clear and rose gold combination pictured above.
What reviewers say: “These tumblers are beautiful, the color is perfect...i love it.”
- Available styles: 2-pack, 4-pack
5
Best Wine Glasses
Customers are obsessed with these Vivocci wine glasses. Made of Tritan for extra sturdiness, many reviewers specifically point out how “truly unbreakable” these are, even after dropping or knocking them over. Beyond their durability, reviewers are impressed with the glass-like quality of their look and feel; though they’re more lightweight than real glass, so a great option for entertaining. The stemless design is a modern and convenient touch, and the 20-ounce volume is big enough to “hold a ½ bottle of wine,” as one reviewer helpfully pointed out. (But of course you can use them for water, juice, or other, non-alcoholic beverages, too.) Get these fan-favorites in sets of two, four, six, or eight.
What reviewers say: “I love these glasses! They are gorgeous and hold everything we drink from Orange juice to wine without staining. Clean up is a breeze [...] they look great, have a better feel than other plastic cups/glasses and are durable.”
- Available sizes: 20 ounce, 12.5 ounce
- Available styles: 2-pack, 4-pack, 6-pack, 8-pack
6
Best Tumblers
Round out your barware collection with these Tritan tumblers. Also known as double old-fashioned or rocks glasses, these 12-ounce tumblers are traditionally designed to fit a large ice cube and the spirit of your choice (like bourbon, whiskey, or vodka), though they’re also handy for cocktails like Negronis, Sazeracs, Palomas, and Old Fashioneds (of course). Reviewers confirm that they look and feel like real glass, thanks to a classic crystalline pattern at the base and satisfying heft. If you’re building your glassware from scratch, you can pick these up in a set of 24.
What reviewers say: “I got these Rocks glasses for my home bar and for house parties, but needed something durable than glass (especially after a couple of drinks). I was very surprised in how much it looks like glass! You wouldn't know it's not glass until you pick it up. It's also dishwasher-safe; I ran them in the dishwasher a couple of times with hot steam and it always came out spotless.”
- Available styles: 4-pack, 24-pack
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