The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Plastic glasses are no longer just red Solo cups. Thanks to incredible innovations in the glassware field, the plastic glasses of today are heavy-duty, reusable, and designed with style in mind. They're made to withstand everyday use, combining crystal-like quality with dishwasher-safe durability.
To help you choose the best plastic drinking glasses for your home, we researched the top-rated sets and consulted with glassware experts to discover their favorite brands. After testing each set side-by-side, we evaluated them on design, size, durability, and overall value. Many beverages—including water, cocktails, and wine—were sipped in various environments indoors and outdoors, and the plastic drinking glasses were even gently tossed off coffee tables and onto the floor to make sure they would stand the test of time.
How We Tested Plastic Drinking Glass Sets
We tested each plastic drinking glass set in the kitchen of one of our experienced at-home testers, while also testing one in our official testing Lab. In both locations, we used them for an array of beverages, including old-fashioneds, margaritas, wine, and more, in both indoor and outdoor environments. To see if they were strong enough to withstand bumps and falls, we even gently tossed each glass off of a coffee table and onto the floor. We then rated each on its design, size, durability, and overall value and offered additional insights on each piece's strengths and weaknesses.
Best Overall
Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Acrylic Double Rocks Tumbler
Incredibly durable
Stackable
Crystal pattern
Seams around glass
Cocktail Kingdom's acrylic line is "quite deceiving," says Dean Hurst, beverage director at Datz Restaurant Group in Tampa. Why? They have the bright look of glass and feel great in hand with just the right amount of weight, making them a safe and durable choice for a pool deck or active home bar. Essentially, if you want the feel of real glass with the durability of plastic, opt for this set.
Especially ideal for the glassware aficionado, the design takes the cut crystal patterns of Japanese Yarai mixing glasses and translates them into acrylic that withstands drops and spills. Whiskey lovers will appreciate that these stackable 10-ounce glasses are not only large enough to fit a round ice cube, but also durable enough to bring to the sauna or pool. You can pop these in the dishwasher after use, but hand-washing will increase the lifespan.
While we have found that many plastic glasses crack when you stack them, these are incredibly durable—you’re unlikely to snap one. The one downside we noticed is that there's a seam running down the side of the glass, but when filled with drink it doesn't stand out much. Since it does come in larger sets, we suggest buying a full set to keep on hand for parties. They're sturdy enough for such situations, and they still have the appearance of a high-end cocktail glass. When you're done, simply stack them and keep them in your cupboard since they take up a minimal footprint.
Material: Acrylic | Capacity: 10 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3 inches
![6 Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Acrylic Tumbler Set on a black counter with a blue background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/DagGln_DdYyIdvN11nATDlq7CuY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plastic_Glasses_Cocktail_Kingdom_Yarai_Acrylic_Tumbler_Set_2_02-d5146190383341c6b098823471d2fbfa.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best for Whiskey
Host Whiskey Freeze Cooling 9-Ounce Acrylic Glass
Excellent alternative to whiskey rocks
Band protects your hand from the chill
Double-walled construction
Need to keep upside down while freezing
Will cause condensation—use a coaster
If you like ice-cold drinks, these glasses are crafted to keep your beverage freezer-level chilled sans the dilution of an ice cube. Store them in your freezer and when you’re thirsty, take them out, pour your drink of choice, and sip away. During testing, we appreciated that the chilled glass prevents dilution, making this a smart alternative to large cubes. It also means you don’t need to opt for a whiskey stone, so rocks aren’t clunking around in your glass, though you do have to keep them upside-down while they're chilling.
How do they stay cold? The double-walled construction features a proprietary cooling gel, which keeps drinks between 43 and 53 degrees. A cozy silicone band protects your hand from the cold and your drink from the warmth of your hand. While they're designed specifically for whiskey, these glasses will keep a rainbow of beverages cold, from lemonade to Moscow mules, and each one holds 9 ounces of liquid. The glass does sweat a lot, though, so be sure to use a coaster if you're sipping this inside to keep it from slipping and sliding around.
Material: Silicone | Capacity: 9 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: No | Number of Pieces: 2 | Dimensions: 4.72 x 5 inches
![Host Whiskey Freeze Cooling 9-Ounce Acrylic Glass on a counter with a blue background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/Vav1jDE7Rpx7JMyYnXxWkL4yBJA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plastic_Glasses_Host_Whiskey_Freeze_Cooling_9_Ounce_Acrylic_Glass_02-ebfa4f114df74cf983824a5de4ea4ad2.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best for Wine
Govino Shatterproof Outdoor Wine Glasses
Sturdy
Recyclable
Thin like crystal
Small capacity
Not enough room to aerate
There’s a lot to love about these plastic wine glasses. They have the appeal of real crystal with a brilliant reflective finish. Made from lightweight, bendable material, they're also completely shatterproof. They look great, are environmentally friendly, and are completely serviceable for even the biggest wine nerds. (Though you may need to serve with an aerator on the bottle, since there's not a lot of space to let the wine breathe). We love them for sitting on a rooftop, hanging out in the park, or hosting friends who may get a little clumsy after a few glasses of wine (read: breakage!).
The design is particularly clever—a contoured shape and small dent in the side of each glass lets your thumb sit comfortably, making it easier to hold, a feature we definitely appreciated. They can be reused again and again and are completely recyclable should you decide you’re done with them one day. Other options within the brand include a Champagne flute, beer glass, cocktail glass, or whiskey glass, all of which are shatterproof. There’s even a matching decanter for serving.
Material: Polymer | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 3 x 3.75 x 3 inches
![Govino Shatterproof Outdoor Wine Glasses on a dark surface with a blue background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/8n2MvXGfTHAmHPKdJTC0EFmtejU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plastic_Glasses_GoVino_Shatterproof_Outdoor_Wine_Glasses_HeroHorizontal-b3a8af661adf424b96c65206296e88b9.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Easy to clean
Brilliant clarity
Great for cocktails
Hand-washing is best
Looking to stock up your outdoor bar cart? This set of high-quality acrylic glasses will do just that. Included are a total of 16 glasses (eight 12-ounce rocks glasses and eight 16-ounce highball glasses) made with unbreakable, BPA-free acrylic. Each glass has a generous capacity to fit all sorts of drinks, from sangrias to Bloody Marys and beyond. And, even though they aren’t real glass, the cups have an elegant look for upscale drinking. These would be a great choice for enjoying a cocktail on a picnic or while camping. Pick up a travel bar set with all the bar tool essentials, and you will be all set.
We were particularly impressed with the clarity of these pieces, as the plastic has the brilliance of high-end glass. While many plastic glasses tend to get foggy and lose their shine quickly after purchase, these remain beautiful and crystal-clear wash after wash. You'd definitely think these were glass if you weren't holding them.
Break them out for any occasion, and once you're done, you can place them in the dishwasher to use all over again. We did notice a bit of wear and tear (minor scratching and such) after a couple of spins through the dishwasher, so we recommend hand-washing to keep these looking their best.
Material: Acrylic | Capacity: 12 and 16 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes (top rack only) | Number of Pieces: 16 | Dimensions: 3.75 x 3.25 and 6 x 2.75 inches
![Le'raze Classic 16-Piece Premium Quality Acrylic Tumblers displayed on a dark surface with a blue background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/ZHuHO9KOtxtdS9vNjqou75ArR4M=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plastic_Glasses_Leraze_Classic_16_Piece_Premium_Quality_Acrylic_Tumblers_03-8b240cb88574427f944ef918f6ca4781.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Best Insulated
Tervis 16-Ounce Clear Tumbler Set
Double-walled construction
Shatter-proof
Large capacity
Lightweight
May build up condensation
These lightweight, unbreakable tumblers from Tervis are designed with double-walled insulation to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. They come in a 4-pack and are available in an assortment of colors (and color combinations) to match any kitchen or style. Made in the United States, these BPA-free plastic drinking glasses are also safe to use in the dishwasher or microwave—a rare feature when it comes to insulated drinkware.
During testing, the glasses were resistant to drops and spills, making them perfect for drinking outdoors and ideal for families with children. Although the lip of the tumbler is thicker than similar cups, it was properly curved to allow the liquid to flow cleanly without making a mess. Even when the cup was loaded up with ice, the double-walled design kept our hands at room temperature and our drinks freezing cold, just the way it should be. We were also impressed by the lightweight construction, another perk for outdoor use. Make sure you've got a coaster handy, though, because condensation can build up.
Material: Plastic | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Number of Pieces: 4 | Dimensions: 6 x 3.4 x 2.6 inches
The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples
Best Multicolored
Lawei 6-Pack Unbreakable Plastic Drinking Glasses
Very durable
Colors are useful for identifying your glass
Stylish design
Hand-wash only
Thick lip
For durable, regular use, these multi-hued glasses add a little bit of color to your daily dining. The set of six glasses comes in a rainbow of colors, including pink, violet, orange, and clear, with a crystal effect that gives them an effervescent appeal. The interior has slight dabbling to ensure they won’t stick together when stacking and storing. They have a nice weight to them, too.
Break them out for poolside hangs, picnics, and camping trips. Since these glasses won’t break or chip when they fall, kids can use them worry-free. Seriously, you could probably throw them as far as you could, and they still wouldn't shatter. These would also be great to hand out at a party since the bold colors mean no one will mix up their drinks.
Be cautious when cleaning, though. While they are great for every occasion, they will crack in the heat of a dishwasher, so they should be hand-washed carefully. Beyond that, the brand declares these virtually unbreakable, so if you’re prone to breaking glasses, they're a solid solution. Each one holds 12 ounces and stands about 4.5 inches high.
One thing to note is that these glasses have a textured pattern on the inside but not on the outside. If the pattern was on the outside, you might be able to better grip the product. That said, these are fairly standard plastic glasses. The lip is quite thick, but if you're not swirling whiskey, it doesn't make a huge difference.
Material: Plastic | Capacity: 14 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: No | Number of Pieces: 6 | Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 4.5 inches
![Lawei 6-Pack Unbreakable Plastic Drinking Glasses on a dark surface with a blue background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/0zQd2yzbkP7utl-vrHtY4QWWsco=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plastic_Glasses_Lawei_6_Pack_Unbreakable_Plastic_Drinking_Glasses_HeroHorizontal-37c0799bc1104e08a5c240c2290a4867.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
Final Verdict
Skip single-use disposable cups and opt for the sturdy and attractive Cocktail Kingdom Yarai Acrylic Tumbler Set. For a nicely chilled drink that doesn't need to be watered down with ice, we recommend the Host Freeze Cooling Cups.
Other Options We Tested
- Host Freeze Stemless Margarita Glass: These 12-ounce cocktail glasses are designed with frozen drinks in mind. We found that, realistically, they only hold about 6 ounces each, which isn't enough to fit a full drink with ice. After the recommended two hours in the freezer to pre-chill the glasses, only some parts of the glass had frozen because there wasn't enough cooling gel. Also, the rubber that's supposed to protect your hand from the cold fell in an awkward position at the bottom of the glass instead of the middle.
- Sugar & Cloth Ombre Plastic Pitcher and Tumbler Set: This set of mint, peach, blue, and rose ombre glasses with a matching pitcher is beautiful. There's no denying you would get an Instagram-worthy picture with them, but the colors chipped shortly after the set was unboxed and with continued use. However, we were a big fan of the spacious 56-ounce pitcher.
![Sugar & Cloth Ombre Plastic Pitcher and Tumbler Set on a black surface with a black background](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/cus7gakvvYc8MF0LWedwAQRhiQM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Plastic_Glasses_Sugar__Cloth_Ombre_Plastic_Pitcher__Tumbler_Set_HeroHorizontal-22c050229ea64cfda1f0b1b8b0d0928e.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Kate Dingwall
What to Look for in Plastic Drinking Glasses
Size
What you're planning on serving in plastic glasses will make a difference as to the size or shape you decide to purchase. Most plastic glasses are 8 ounces to 24 ounces in size. But what about the width of the glasses? That's important too, especially for little hands or adults whose hands don't work quite like they used to. All of these factors will help you make the right decision as to the proper size glasses you need.
Design
From 16-ounce glasses to Champagne flutes, there are so many designs available. Whether you're serving wine or Champagne, or iced tea or lemonade, there are plastic glasses fit for every occasion. Coming in all different colors and printed-on designs, and sometimes even shatterproof, they're perfect for special celebrations, barbecues, poolside, birthday parties, or holidays.
Ease of Cleaning
A lot of plastic—and acrylic—glasses can be used over and over again, so you want them to be easy to clean, too. Some of them can be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher, making for a quick cleanup, so if this feature is important to you, check to make sure they're dishwasher safe.
FAQs
Are plastic glasses recyclable?
While most plastic glasses are recyclable, make sure the recycling symbol is printed on the bottom before discarding them in the recycle bin.
Are all plastic glasses BPA-free?
Not all plastic glasses are BPA-free, so if this is a concerning and determining factor in the purchase of these types of glasses, read the information on the box they are packaged in before buying. You might find a notation on the bottom of the glasses, too.
How long do plastic glasses last?
There are a few factors to consider in how long these types of glasses can last. Plastic glasses can last a few years depending on whether they are taken care of properly, how often they get used, and what they are made of.
How do you clean cloudy plastic drinking glasses?
Your plastic drinking glass may start to develop a cloudy buildup over time from hard-water minerals or layers of dust. Try soaking them in a diluted solution of water and white vinegar for a couple of minutes, rinsing, and then drying them off with a microfiber cloth. For extra stubborn hard-water stains, you can also make a quick paste out of baking soda and water to rub gently on tough spots before rinsing.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Kate Dingwall is a freelance writer and sommelier who has spent years researching all things wining and dining. She’s a huge glassware nerd and collects antique coupes, highballs, and Champagne flutes from a range of eras. She personally tested each plastic drinking glass on this roundup.