Buoy Vs. Liquid I.V.: A Comprehensive Comparison of Electrolyte Drinks

I’m always on the hunt for the best hydration solutions, especially after a sweaty workout or a long day in the sun. With so many electrolyte drinks flooding the market, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze.

That’s why I’m comparing two popular options—Buoy and Liquid I.V.—to help you decide which suits your needs. From taste to ingredients, cost to convenience, I’ll break down the pros and cons, share my experience, and provide a clear, engaging comparison.

Let’s figure out which drink keeps you hydrated and feeling your best.

A Brief Comparison Table

What Are Buoy And Liquid I.V.?

I first stumbled across Buoy while searching for a low-calorie electrolyte option that wouldn’t leave me feeling like I’d just chugged a sugary sports drink.

Buoy is a liquid electrolyte supplement you squeeze into any drink—water, coffee, even a smoothie.

It’s designed to be subtle, with no overpowering taste, and it’s packed with electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, plus trace minerals and B vitamins.

Its claim to fame is flexibility: you control the dose, and it’s sugar-free, making it a go-to for keto dieters or anyone avoiding extra calories.

Liquid I.V., on the other hand, is a household name in the hydration game. It’s a powder you mix into 16 ounces of water, and it comes in flavors like Lemon Lime, Passion Fruit, and Strawberry.

Liquid I.V. uses a proprietary blend called Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which combines glucose, sodium, and potassium to speed up water absorption. It’s marketed for athletes, travelers, or anyone needing a hydration boost, but the added sugar and calories make it a different beast from Buoy.

I’ve used both, and each has its own vibe—let’s break it down.

Why Compare These Two?

Hydration isn’t just about drinking water; it’s about replenishing what you lose through sweat, stress, or even a night out.

Both Buoy and Liquid I.V. promise to restore electrolytes, but they approach it differently. I wanted to compare them because their formats—drops versus powder—and ingredient profiles cater to different lifestyles.

Whether you’re a gym rat, a busy parent, or just someone trying to stay hydrated, understanding their strengths and weaknesses helps you make an informed choice. Plus, I’m covering every angle—taste, cost, portability, and more—to answer your questions before you even ask them.

Buoy: Pros And Cons

Buoy Pros

• Versatile and Customizable Hydration

I love how Buoy fits into my life like a chameleon.

The liquid drops let me add electrolytes to anything—my morning coffee, a smoothie, or just plain water.

I control the dose, typically 2–6 drops per 8–12 ounces, which means I can tweak it based on how dehydrated I feel.

For example, after a light yoga session, two drops do the trick; post-marathon, I’ll go for six.

This flexibility makes it feel like a personalized hydration tool, not a one-size-fits-all drink.

• Zero Sugar and Calories

As someone who tracks macros, Buoy’s zero-sugar, zero-calorie profile is a game-changer. It’s perfect for my keto days or when I’m fasting, as it won’t spike my blood sugar or break my fast. Unlike sugary sports drinks that leave me bloated, Buoy keeps things light.

I’ve used it during long workdays when I’m sipping water constantly but need an electrolyte boost without extra calories sneaking in.

• Trace Minerals and B Vitamins

Buoy’s inclusion of 72 trace minerals—like zinc, selenium, and copper—sets it apart. These minerals support everything from immune function to energy metabolism, though I’ll admit I didn’t feel like Superman after using it.

The B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B12) are a nice touch, potentially boosting energy and mood. I noticed a subtle lift in focus when I added Buoy to my water during a mid-afternoon slump, though it’s no replacement for coffee.

• Travel-Friendly and Eco-Conscious

The compact dropper bottle is a traveler’s dream. I’ve tossed it in my carry-on for flights or slipped it into my pocket for hikes without worrying about leaks or bulk. One 2-ounce bottle lasts me weeks, unlike packets that pile up in my bag.

Plus, Buoy’s recyclable bottles and subscription model cut down on waste and shipping emissions, which aligns with my eco-friendly values. It feels good to hydrate without trashing the planet.

Buoy Cons

• Dosage Guesswork

Figuring out the right number of drops can be a bit of a puzzle. The instructions suggest 2–6 drops, but it took me a few tries to nail the sweet spot. Too few drops, and I didn’t feel much hydration; too many, and my water tasted like I’d accidentally sipped the ocean.

For someone like me who’s always on the go, stopping to count drops feels like an extra step I don’t always have time for.

• Higher Upfront Cost

At $14–$18 for a 2-ounce bottle, Buoy’s price tag made me hesitate at first. While it breaks down to about $0.50–$1.00 per serving, the upfront cost feels steep compared to grabbing a Gatorade at the gas station.

Subscriptions help, but if you’re not ready to commit, buying one-off bottles can sting. I wish they offered smaller trial sizes to test the waters.

• Limited Availability

Buoy’s mostly an online purchase, which is fine if you plan ahead, but it’s a bummer when you run out mid-trip and can’t find it at a local store. I’ve had to ration my drops during a weekend getaway because I forgot to pack enough.

If you’re someone who likes instant access, this could be a dealbreaker compared to more widely available options.

• Subtle Taste Issues

While the unflavored drops are designed to be neutral, I’ve occasionally noticed a faint saline aftertaste, especially if I overdo it. The flavored options (citrus, berry) are better, but they’re not as bold as a typical sports drink.

If you’re expecting a burst of flavor, Buoy might feel too understated, which threw me off at first.

Liquid I.V.: Pros And Cons

Liquid I.V. Pros

• Fast-Acting Hydration

Liquid I.V.’s Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) isn’t just marketing hype—it works.

The blend of glucose, sodium, and potassium helps your body absorb water faster, which I felt after a grueling spin class.

I mixed a Lemon Lime packet into my water bottle, and within 20 minutes, my post-workout fatigue was noticeably less intense.

It’s like giving your cells a hydration express lane, perfect for athletes or anyone sweating buckets.

• Tasty and Approachable

The flavors are a major win. Lemon Lime is crisp, Passion Fruit feels like a tropical escape, and Strawberry is a crowd-pleaser. I shared a packet with a friend who’s picky about drinks, and she loved it.

The sweetness makes hydration feel like a treat, not a chore, which encourages me to drink more water overall. It’s a psychological win for staying hydrated.

• Packed with Nutrients

Beyond electrolytes (500mg sodium, 370mg potassium, 12mg magnesium), Liquid I.V. includes vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, and B12, plus a dash of zinc.

After a long flight, I used the Energy Multiplier (with caffeine) and felt a noticeable boost, like a gentle nudge from a cup of coffee. The vitamins make it feel like a wellness drink, not just hydration, which I appreciate during busy weeks.

• Widely Available and Convenient

You can find Liquid I.V. everywhere—Costco, Target, Amazon, or even gas stations. The packets are a no-brainer: rip, pour, mix, drink. I keep a few in my gym bag, and they’ve saved me during unexpected heatwaves.

The simplicity is perfect when I’m too tired or rushed to think about measuring anything.

Liquid I.V. Cons

• High Sugar Content

The 11 grams of sugar per serving (from cane sugar) is a sticking point for me. It’s fine if I’m burning through energy on a run, but when I’m just hydrating at home, those 45–50 calories feel unnecessary.

For comparison, that’s like eating a couple of cookies. If you’re watching sugar or on a low-carb diet, this could be a dealbreaker.

• Overly Sweet Taste

While the flavors are tasty, they can lean too sweet, especially Passion Fruit. I tried diluting a packet in 20 ounces of water instead of 16, but it threw off the electrolyte balance.

My partner found the aftertaste artificial, which bugged him after a few sips. If you prefer subtle flavors, Liquid I.V. might feel like drinking candy.

• Environmental Footprint

Each packet is single-use plastic, and if you’re using one or two a day, the waste adds up fast. I’ve gone through a 16-pack in a couple of weeks, and the empty packets in my trash bin made me cringe.

Compared to Buoy’s reusable bottle, Liquid I.V. feels less eco-friendly, which bothers me as someone trying to cut down on waste.

• Higher Cost Per Serving

At $1.25–$1.50 per packet, Liquid I.V. is pricier than Buoy over time. A month of daily use could cost $37–$45, compared to Buoy’s $15–$18.

Even with subscriptions, it’s a bigger hit to my wallet. I love the convenience, but I’ve had to budget carefully to justify it for regular use.

Key Differences Between Buoy And Liquid I.V.

• Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s get nerdy for a second. Buoy’s ingredients are minimalist: purified water, sea salt, trace minerals, and B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, B12). The sodium (50–150mg per serving, depending on drops) comes from sea salt, which gives it a natural edge over processed sodium sources.

The trace minerals—think zinc, selenium, and copper—are a unique selling point, claiming to support overall wellness beyond hydration. I appreciate the transparency; Buoy lists all 72 minerals on their site.

Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier, the most popular formula, includes sodium (500mg), potassium (370mg), magnesium (12mg), and glucose (11g) from cane sugar. The vitamins (C, B3, B5, B6, B12) are a nice touch, but the zinc (1mg) feels like a token addition.

The CTT blend is science-backed, using glucose to enhance electrolyte absorption, but I wonder if the sugar is necessary for non-athletes. Other Liquid I.V. products, like Energy Multiplier or Sleep Multiplier, tweak the formula, but the core hydration line is what most people buy.

• Taste and Experience

I’ll be honest: taste matters.

Buoy’s unflavored drops are a game-changer for me because I can add them to anything without altering the flavor.

I’ve mixed them into tea, sparkling water, even a margarita (don’t judge).

The flavored versions, like citrus, add a subtle zing, but they’re not overpowering.

If you overdo the drops, though, you might catch a slight salty aftertaste, which isn’t my favorite.

Liquid I.V. leans hard into flavors. Lemon Lime is crisp and refreshing, while Passion Fruit feels tropical but borders on too sweet. I’ve tried mixing half a packet to cut the sweetness, but that messes with the electrolyte balance.

It’s a fun drink, but I don’t always want my water to taste like dessert. If you love flavored drinks, Liquid I.V. wins; if you prefer neutrality, Buoy’s your pick.

• Portability and Convenience

As someone who’s always on the move, I value products that fit my lifestyle. Buoy’s dropper bottle is a winner here. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket, and one bottle lasts weeks, depending on how often I use it. I’ve taken it on flights, hikes, and to the office without issue.

The only downside is remembering to shake the bottle and count drops—not ideal when I’m rushing out the door.

Liquid I.V.’s packets are convenient in a different way. Rip, pour, mix, drink—done. They’re great for gym bags or travel, but I’ve had packets tear in my backpack, leaving a powdery mess.

They’re bulkier than Buoy’s bottle, and I need to carry multiple packets for multi-day trips. If you’re in a hurry or don’t mind carrying packets, Liquid I.V. is simpler; if you want something compact, Buoy takes the lead.

• Cost Analysis

Money talks, so let’s crunch the numbers. Buoy’s 2-ounce bottle retails for around $14–$18, with about 30 servings, making it $0.47–$0.60 per serving. Larger bottles or subscriptions drop the cost closer to $0.50. I like that I can control the dose to stretch it further, but the upfront cost feels high for a small bottle.

Liquid I.V. packets cost $20–$25 for a 16-pack, or $1.25–$1.56 per serving. Subscriptions lower it slightly, but it’s still pricier than Buoy. If you’re using Liquid I.V. daily, the cost adds up fast—$37–$45 a month versus Buoy’s $15–$18.

For budget-conscious folks like me, Buoy’s a better long-term investment, but Liquid I.V.’s accessibility in stores might justify the price for some.

• Who Are These For?

Buoy feels tailor-made for people like me who want control over their hydration. It’s ideal for low-carb dieters, minimalists, or anyone who drinks a variety of beverages and wants to add electrolytes without changing the taste.

I’ve used it during fasting periods, and it doesn’t break my fast—a huge plus. It’s also great for eco-conscious folks who prefer less packaging waste.

Liquid I.V. is for those who want a quick, tasty hydration fix. Athletes, travelers, or people recovering from a hangover (no shame) will love its convenience and flavor.

The higher sodium and glucose make it better for intense physical activity, where you’re sweating buckets and need fast rehydration. If you don’t mind the sugar or extra calories, it’s a solid choice.

My Personal Experience With Buoy And Liquid I.V.

I tested both products during a busy month of workouts, travel, and long workdays.

Buoy became my go-to for everyday hydration.

I’d add a few drops to my water bottle at my desk or mix it into my coffee (yes, it works).

I felt hydrated without the bloat I sometimes get from sugary drinks.

However, during a tough spin class, I noticed Buoy’s lower sodium content didn’t quite cut it—I still felt parched.

Liquid I.V. shone during a weekend hike. I mixed a Passion Fruit packet into my water bottle, and the flavor kept me sipping consistently. I recovered faster than with plain water, and the energy boost from the B vitamins was noticeable.

But when I used it daily at home, the sweetness got old, and I didn’t love the extra sugar. Both worked, but context mattered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

You’ve got two solid options here, but it comes down to your lifestyle. If you want a low-calorie, versatile electrolyte boost that fits into any drink, Buoy’s your pick—I love its flexibility and eco-friendly vibe.

If you’re after quick, tasty hydration for workouts or travel, Liquid I.V. delivers with its science-backed formula and bold flavors, though the sugar might give you pause.

Use the comparison table to weigh your priorities, and try both if you can. Hydration’s personal, so choose what keeps you feeling your best.