servicenow tumbler travel cup

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Best Insulated Cups of 2024

We tried the Stanley Tumbler, Yeti Rambler, and other cups to see which did the best job keeping drinks hot and cold

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

Yeti, Stanley, Swell, Zojirushi, and Hydra Flask insulated cups

An insulated cup lets you take your favorite drink, hot or cold, anywhere you go. Whether you’re looking to tote around a day’s worth of cold water, or you want to keep your coffee hot all the way to work, the right insulated cup feels like it was designed with your routine, and even you, in mind.

But the worst insulated cups can feel like a piece of over-engineered junk that leaks tepid coffee or room-temperature water onto your lap, and clutters your cupboards, collecting dust.

Best Insulated Cups

Stanley tumbler review, yeti rambler review, how cr tests insulated cups.

These devices go by many names—travel mug, travel cup, or tumbler to name a few. And of course, some brands and models have become all but synonymous with taking your drink to go: The Yeti Rambler, Stanley Tumbler, and Thermos-brand models of any variety are all famous for different reasons, from inventing the category itself to protecting your drink so well even a fire won’t breach its vacuum-insulated walls.

But reputation isn’t everything. In our recent evaluation of insulated cups, we tried out a traditional Thermos, the Stanley Tumbler, and the Yeti Rambler, along with plenty of the competition, to see which insulated cups rose to the top.

“One of the most interesting findings in our testing was that some of the really well-known brands, including Yeti and Starbucks, fell short of the competition,” says Bernie Deitrick, CR’s test engineer in charge of evaluating insulated cups. “In certain cases, we’d find that the mug would be beautifully designed and styled, but would have something like a flimsy plastic lid that would allow the heat to escape, or liquid to spill.” We run our tests to give you data-based comparisons. With something like an insulated travel mug—which will live in your grip day after day—we realize that only you can decide what makes it great, whether that’s a leakproof design or a profile that fits in the slimmest of cup holders. Know that at a minimum, every mug here keeps drinks hot for at least a few hours; we sincerely hope that’s plenty long enough for your commute.

We test how well-insulated cups keep drinks hot or cold, how easy they are to clean, and whether they offer readily replaceable gaskets.

For the temperature tests, we filled each insulated cup with boiling water (212° F) and immediately screwed or pressed each lid back on. Then our testers opened each cup at set intervals to take the temperature of the water inside until it dropped to 140° F—better known as lukewarm.

We also tested each cup to see whether it could keep cold drinks cold as well as hot drinks hot. “We found that cups that were well-insulated did a great job with keeping liquids either hot or cold,” Deitrick says.

To rate how easy cups are to clean, we evaluated each lid, assigning points to those that were easy to clean and subtracting from those that had hard-to-clean nooks or gaskets in their lids that retained soils even after a thorough scrubbing.

Each insulated cup in our test had at least one silicone gasket, and some had as many as three. Over time, they can wear out, and many harbor foul odors. So we removed each gasket that could be removed—some can’t—to see how easy it would be to clean beneath it, and then replaced it. We also noted whether a manufacturer offered replacement gaskets or lids, which will, on occasion, spare you the need to replace an entire cup.

Lastly, we sized up ease of use, which reflects whether or not the cup resists leaking and spilling, how easy it is to open the lid and drink from the cup without it, and how easily the cup will—or won’t—fit into car cup holders.

Paul Hope is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports and a trained chef. He covers ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, as well as grills, drills, outdoor power tools, decking, and wood stains. Before joining CR in 2016, he tested kitchen products at Good Housekeeping and covered tools and remodeling for This Old House magazine. You’ll typically find him in his old fixer-upper, engrossed in a DIY project or trying out a new recipe.

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Stanley The Flowstate Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

Hydro flask 20 oz w/ flex sip, contigo byron 2.0 16 oz (2094843), starbucks 16 oz (insulated tumbler), bubba hero xl (20088), s'well traveler (13016-b19-52140), takeya 17 oz (51273), zojirushi 16 oz (she48za), zojirushi 16 oz, yeti rambler 20 oz, s'well commuter 16 oz, thermos stainless king 16 oz.

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Best travel coffee mugs in 2024 — tested and rated

We’ve tested a range of models to find the best travel coffee mugs

The best travel coffee mugs displayed together on an outdoor railing

Best overall

Best budget and durable

Best with handle

Best heavy duty

Best color selection

Best smart travel mug

Best for heat retention

Best for sustainability

Most secure

Best mug design

Best ceramic

How we test

How to choose.

If you're on a morning commute, traveling or camping, you'll need one of the best travel mugs. These are essential for keeping your coffee warm, or your iced tea cool in warm conditions.

And while choosing a travel mug might seem easy to do, it can be tricky to know which one is suitable for your lifestyle. First, you'll need to consider what material you'd prefer? Durable materials range from steel, aluminum and plastic, to even ceramic. Also, if you'll be on the move, you'll need to know heavy it is to carry, heat retention, and overall style.

Finally, what's your budget? The best coffee travel mugs range from as little as $15 to $35. Or if you want to splurge, you could invest in more advanced types with their own battery, costing around $185.

Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work and found a great selection of the best travel mugs to suit any lifestyle, need and budget.

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the best travel coffee mugs you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.

The MiiR Flip Traveler is equipped with a double wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel body that holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid. It comes with a secure lid on top that flips out when you need to drink and locked in. It's lightweight and you can choose from nine, vibrant colors. Read more below

Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

Stanley is known for their rugged design and durability, and this travel mug is a great choice for the outdoors. Made from stainless steel, it holds 16 ounces. What's more, the lid has a unique trigger system that lets you sip by just pressing the button, making it leak-proof.

1. MiiR Flip Traveler

The MiiR Flip Traveler is one of the best travel coffee mugs we’ve tested, offering a compact cup that will keep your liquids hot or cold for hours. Coming in 9 different colors, the double wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel body holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid. Although there are 12 and 20 fluid ounce capacities available too. The cup itself is very light, coming in it at 10.2 ounces.

The unique lid on top flips out when you need to drink and is secure when you need it locked in. But right after you drink, a small amount of liquid can gather on the lid, leaking to tiny droplets getting in places they shouldn’t. Also, if you don’t lock the lid firmly in place, it can spill. There’s nothing worse than having hot tea on your electronics because you didn’t make sure the lid was completely down.

It was one of the best we tested at keeping liquids consistently hot. Our testing started at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, only to drop to 178 after two hours, 154 after five hours, and 126 after 10 hours. Other cups paled in comparison, with the MiiR outclassing them in the category that is, literally and figuratively, the hottest.

Washing the cup is super simple and the lid doesn’t need to be taken apart to be put in the dishwasher. The whole cup is fairly durable and comfortable to hold. Overall, MiiR offers a fantastic travel mug with few downsides, keeping everything cool and on the inside. Give it a try if you are looking for a mug that offers everything you’d need.

Best travel coffee mugs: Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

2. Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

Best budget and best durable

Stanley is a brand built for rugged adventures and their Trigger Action Travel Mug is no exception. The strong, durable exterior claims that it has survived a bullet so it should be able to handle whatever you can throw at it. Made of stainless steel, the double-wall vacuum insulation creates a sturdy mug that weighs 12.8 ounces and holds 16 ounces, making it one of the heaviest we reviewed. A 20 ounce capacity is available too, which will no doubt weigh even more — we tested the 16 ounce capacity.

The lid is also built to last, having a unique trigger system that lets you take a sip by just pressing the button. Though the lid is useful, it does tend to leave a bit of water in the mouthpiece if you close it too quickly. But other than the occasional dribble, it won’t leak even when turned upside down and severely shaken. The whole cup is dishwasher safe, but you might want to think twice about taking apart the lid. It's a bit difficult to reassemble, especially when you haven’t rebuilt it before.

It kept the heat in fairly well, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to 176 at two hours, 152 at five, and 125 hours at 10. But when it does have a hot liquid in it, the heat only breaks through a bit allowing you to hold even scolding beverages without a problem.

While the MSRP is $25, it can often be found for $17.50, so you are getting one of the best travel coffee mugs out there for a great price. Even if you aren’t the adventurous type and just need something to shove in your cup holder that won’t tip over, then Stanley is your guy.

Best travel coffee mugs: Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

3. Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Hydro Flask is one of the most popular brands for travel mugs and cups for a very good reason. Available in multiple sizes, from 12 to 40 ounces, and in 11 colors, this travel mug features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your drinks at the right temperature for hours. The stainless steel bottle is durable, with paint that won’t chip from use.

What really makes this mug different from the competition is its unique lid. The top handle is great for taking it on the go, but when you unscrew it you see the real magic. To take a sip, just turn the lid counterclockwise to open the seal. When you want to take the whole lid apart to clean, just unscrew it in the opposite direction, revealing the intricate mechanism beneath. Keep in mind that getting it put back together can be a bit of a hassle or might take practice.

The cup is incredibly durable and lightweight, coming in at 11.6 ounces for the 20 ounce capacity. Though it lacks a rubber bottom, the cup is still comfortable to hold and stable. It's also great at keeping your drinks hot, falling from 202 degrees Fahrenheit to 172 after two hours, 145 after five, and 116 after 10. It's definitely one of the more unique-looking cups we’ve tested, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Expert engineering and craftsmanship put it at the top of our list. This is why it’s one of the best travel coffee mugs.

Best travel coffee mugs: THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

4. THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Thermos is a brand that has become synonymous with quality travel mugs, and the Stainless King is truly a wonderful option. Made of stainless steel, this vacuum-insulated cup is dishwasher safe and should fit in most cup holders. The handle on the side makes holding the cup easy and the outside stays cool even when hot liquids are inside. It is available in four different colors and holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid.

The lid is expertly crafted and won’t leak no matter how many times it's turned over or shaken. But it does have to be completely closed to work, just a little bit of an opening and the cup will spill out whatever is inside.

To open the lid, just turn the nozzle counter-clockwise revealing the “open” label on the lid. When it's closed, the lid creates a vacuum seal that keeps everything nice and hot. There’s even a small hook on the bottom of the lid to hold your tea bag and make sure it doesn’t fall in. The lid doesn’t even need to be taken apart to clean.

The Thermos excels at keeping beverages hot, outperforming everything else we tested. Starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, it only dropped to 181 at two hours, 159 at five, and 131 at 10 hours, which we found was still too hot to drink. It earns a spot on our list as one of the best travel coffee mugs for this reason alone.

It is one of the heaviest cups we tested, coming in at a whopping 15.6 ounces. The only heavier mug was the Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug.

5. Yeti Rambler

Available in 10, 20 or 30 ounces (we tested the 20 oz capacity), the Yeti Rambler is unique in its design, offering a much stouter mug with enough room for your liquid inside. Cupholder-friendly and dishwasher safe, this double-wall vacuum-insulated mug is great for taking your cold or hot drinks on the go. Plus it’s available in a whopping 34 colors, so you can find whatever tone you want.

Because of its more round shape, it's better than some we’ve reviewed at not getting knocked over, though it doesn’t have a rubber bottom for grip. But even the mightiest wind should allow the Yeti to stay upright.

The lid is simple but effective when kept upright. You can slide it up to take a sip and then slide it back down to seal it. The slide requires a bit of pressure for it to get opened, so it shouldn’t just flop open and spill what's inside. But you shouldn’t just place this cup in your bag because it is possible for it to spill. The lid does not screw on and only has a rubber circle keeping it in place. With enough shaking or momentum, the lid will pop off and won’t have an airtight seal when turned upside down.

It's also a bit dangerous to drink while hot. We found that while testing the outer ring on the lid retains heat a bit too well and was too hot to touch. The cup itself retains heat well enough, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit and going to 166 after two hours, 136 after five, and 108 after ten.

But if you aren’t going on any backpack adventures and just want a drink to keep warm, then the Yeti is a great option.

Best travel coffee mugs: Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug

6. Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug

Having an electronic travel mug that costs $185 might seem a bit extra, but the Ember makes it seem absolutely reasonable. The mug has an internal battery and can keep a drink at the same consistent temperature for three hours on a single charge. All you have to do is tap the center to reveal icons and set it to your desired temperature.

It's packed full of smart features, which is why it’s one of the best travel coffee mugs, like Bluetooth that connects it to your phone to set the temperature and light that tells you when the cup needs charging. It also has an app, which is simple to use and works flawlessly, showing the battery level and temperature of the beverage (but it does need to be reconnected after every use). To charge it, all you have to do is place the cup on the included stand and it should be ready to go in just a few hours. We set the temperature to 136 degrees Fahrenheit after starting at 199, it managed to stay the same for the whole 10-hour period.

The lid is also a marvel of engineering- all you have to do is press down whenever you want to drink to create a small circle of liquid to flow through. Even when shaken, the liquid didn’t escape and stayed inside the remarkable metal cylinder. Some liquid might stay around the lid after you take a sip, so keep that in mind.

It’s also very durable and has a rubber-coated bottom to keep it from spilling over. It might be a great travel mug, but other options can do what it does without the hefty price tag. There’s no need to over-engineer a cup that’s worked fine before. It’s fairly lightweight, coming in at 12 ounces and holding 12 fluid ounces. Being hand wash only is a drawback to boot as well.

7. Teabloom

The Teabloom tumbler allows you to make teas on the go with everything inside the bottle. Unlike a lot of other travel mugs, this long but elegant bottle comes with a metal diffuser with its own handle that you can throw your favorite tea blend or coffee right inside. Holding 16 fluid ounces, it's made of stainless steel and brushed with a metallic exterior that stood up to the wear and tear of everyday use and weighs 15.2 ounces.

The tumbler is very thin and can be a bit wobbly. It doesn’t have a rubber grip and it's tall but the thin facade can cause it to get knocked down with just a little bit of force. But it will fit in almost every cup holder snugly, without any worry of it flying out.

The lid is a simple screw-on top with a rubber ring that easily stops it from leaking even when shaken upside down. We found that even with the lid not screwed on completely all the way, the cup did not spill any water.

It also retained heat very well. When you put it in high-temperature beverages you can feel the heat on the side but it is definitely not too hot to touch. Out of all the travel mugs we tested without its own battery, the Teabloom held heat the longest, starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, and falling to 179 at two hours, 154 at five hours, and 126 at ten hours. It's by far one of the best travel coffee mugs to store hot liquid in, the fact it can make tea, coffee, or infused fruit water is just a plus.

Best travel coffee mugs: bioGo 16 oz Reusable Coffee Cups

8. bioGo 16 oz Reusable Coffee Cups

The bioGo Reusable Coffee Cup is simplistic but offers everything you’d need in a travel mug. Available in eight colors, it's made of recycled rice husks making them better for the environment. They also fit in cup holders and have a padded bottom to stop the cup from falling over.

It's also remarkably light; the model we tested weighs 6.2 ounces while still holding 16 fluid ounces. Although a 13 ounce capacity is also available. That light nature does make it feel a bit flimsy, but it held up to being knocked around just as well as other stainless steel mugs we tested. The cup is dishwasher safe and won’t break apart after multiple uses.

The screw-on lid is simple but effective. The hole on top has a plastic stopper that can be flipped in or out, which effectively keeps liquids inside. No matter how shaken or flipped upside down, the cup did not leak. The lid closer did not move once it was locked in place, but when the piece came out of the hole it did flop around.

Though it's a very pretty and stylish cup, it didn’t retain heat as well as a lot of the other mugs we tested. Starting at 202 degrees, it dropped quickly to 118 by two hours, 90 by five, and room temperature by 10. The whole cup became extremely warm on the outside, starting out at 125 degrees making it too hot to touch. If you need a mug that's safe for the environment and that you don’t need to hold hot beverages for long periods, then give this bioGo a shot. The environmentally friendly aspects make it one of the best travel coffee mugs.

Best travel coffee mugs: Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

9. Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

The Contigo West Loop Travel Mug has a gorgeous and unique shape that is durable enough to last. Made of stainless steel and its own patented Thermalock insulation, drinks stay hot or cold for hours inside. The shape makes it stand out from other travel mugs out there while still being slim enough to fit in most car cup holders. It holds 16 ounces of fluid and weighs 6.9 ounces. A 20 ounce capacity is also available, but we tested the smaller model.

The lid opens with a button press on the side, allowing any liquid to flow without issue. Even when shaken and held upside down, nothing escaped. To make sure nothing escapes, there’s a fantastic locking feature where all you have to do is press down on a button on top to make sure the lid can’t open. So when you place the mug in your bag, the button won’t accidentally get pressed and spill everywhere.

The odd shape does have it wobble a bit when tapped and it lacks rubber grips on the bottom, so it can fall. But it is still quite durable so even a tumble shouldn’t crack the exterior. The whole cup is dishwasher safe and the locking lid does not require disassembly to clean.

When filled with hot liquid, we found that the plastic lid coated in rubber got very hot and couldn’t be touched at max heat. But it did hold heat tolerably, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit and failing to 166 at two hours, 137 at five, and 111 at 10. Other travel mugs insulated a bit more consistently, but the Contigo still earned a recommendation, which is why it makes the list as one of the best travel coffee mugs.

Best travel coffee mugs: Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

10. Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

The Ello Campy Travel Mug is a simple, yet truly effective, liquid container. Its sleek metallic exterior hides a vacuum-insulated interior that keeps beverages cold or hot hours after use. That hard body makes it incredibly durable, though the plastic lid may not be able to handle the most aggressive of use.

The handle is coated in cork inside, helping you keep your grip and not burn yourself when going for a drink. The large handle makes it impossible for it to fit firmly in most car cup holders, especially any that are very deep. But it does make the cup look aesthetically pleasing and simple to use if you’d rather grasp a handle.

The screw-on lid is a bit more than just a simple piece of plastic, using a unique flipping mechanism to look the cup in place. Hot liquids made the lid too hot to touch and drink. It's also just a simple push button that can easily be knocked open without you noticing. This cup can’t be placed in a bag because it will spill everywhere. But it won’t leak when turned upside down as long as the lid is positioned correctly.

The whole cup is fairly good at keeping liquids hot, starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit it fell to 171 at two hours, 142 at five, and 113 at 10. That puts it alongside a lot of the other cups we tested with vacuum insulation. Overall, it's great as long as you don’t try to drink scolding hot beverages. The model tested holds 18 ounces and weighs 5.3 ounces, but a smaller 11 ounce design is also available.

Best travel coffee mugs: Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

11. Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

The Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug is elegant with a timeless look, capturing the vibe of a cozy summer cottage somewhere in the wilderness. With a thick rubber bottom, the mug stays firmly planted when placed down and won't jiggle too much unless you try to knock it over. Being made of ceramic, we imagine that it's not as durable as other steel options (though we didn’t intentionally try to break it).

The handle on the side makes it comfortable to hold, though it is a fairly wide mug that won’t fit in most cup car holders. You can fill it with 18 fluid ounces of liquid and clean it in the dishwasher.

The top lid is a thin piece of plastic that you can shift up and down to take a drink. The lid is most certainly not leakproof and does not offer an airtight seal. If you just flip it over, the liquid will come gushing out, potentially with the lid as well. The lid is not screwed on and has no rubber gasket and is only held in place by a thin rubber bit around the lid.

It’s also not very good at retaining heat. It started at 199 degrees Fahrenheit and went down to 115 in just two hours. Like the Tupkee Glass Tumbler, the cup reached room temperature in just five hours. It's a much better indoor mug than a travel one, offering a unique option that just isn’t as stable as others on this list. The mug is also quite heavy, coming in at 22 ounces.

We put these travel mugs through rigorous testing for durability, heat retention, and comfort. First, we gave a score to every mug based on holding capacity, comfort to hold, stability, ease of opening, ease of cleaning, weight, and quality.

Best travel coffee mugs: Thermos mug shown above sink

Then we performed a test to see if it could hold liquid while turned upside down, without spilling a drop. We filled each cup to its maximum amount and held it upside down for five seconds. Then we noted which cups leaked and spilled onto the countertop. Most mugs managed to stay tight-lipped, while others leaked their insides everywhere. After a quick wipe-down of each mug, we moved on to the next step.

Best travel coffee mugs: Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug, Ember and Thermos shown on counter with digital thermometer testing liquid temperature.

Then we tested each mug's ability to retain heat. We filled each cup at the same time with boiling water and checked its temperature with a digital instant-read thermometer at two, five, and 10 hours. To check the inside temperature, we opened the top and placed a thermometer with a rod inside just long enough to get the recording without leaking much heat. Then, we closed the lid as quickly as possible before moving onto the next one.

Material A travel mug can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, or glass. If you need a more durable mug, you should find one made of a tougher material like steel or plastic. These tougher mugs are also much better at retaining heat, with some having a vacuum insulation that keeps heat from escaping.

Durability Steel and plastic mugs are incredibly durable, able to withstand rigorous outdoor activity or time spent knocking around in a backpack. Mugs with rubber bottoms are also better at staying upright and not just falling over. If you are looking for a mug you can take on the road, it needs to be both durable and practical to use.

Size Most travel mugs are between 12 and 20 ounces, with 16 and 18 being the sweet spot. Most are slim enough to fit inside your average car coffee cup holder, while being snug enough to not just bounce around inside. If you are looking for a good sized mug, then aim for one that's around eight to ten inches in height.

How easy is to clean Ideally, you should wash or rinse out your travel mugs straight after use, to prevent any grimy build-up inside. If you want to remove odors, one tip is to add ½ cup of vinegar before adding 1tbsp baking soda into the travel mug. Allow it to soak in the solution overnight, and then rinse it with warm water. Make sure you rinse it well so that there are no traces of the solution/vinegar. This should have removed lingering smells.

How do you keep your beverage hot or cold? Whether you want to maximize the heat or chill factor of your drink, there are a few tips. For hot beverages, it's recommended to pour hot water into the mug, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then empty the mug, before adding your hot drink, and this should retain the temperature. The same applies for cold drinks, but you use ice cubes in the cold water instead.

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Steven Asarch is a writer and editor who lives on Twitch and YouTube. After graduating from Baruch College, he wrote for IBT Media, Newsweek and Insider. In 2021, he executive produced the docu-series "Onision in Real Life" on Discovery +. As someone always looking to have the best smelling apartment possible, he's made it his mission to find the best air purifiers out there. His home has since become an air purifier haven, having stored and tested ten models for over three months. You could say he now knows everything there is to know about air purifiers, and what separates the good from the best.

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The world of insulated tumblers is overwhelming. There are more options than ever, and each one seems to boast some game-changing technology or eye-catching feature. But when it comes down to the basics, what you really need is something that will keep your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot, prevent spilling, hold up to the bumps and bruises of life, and look pretty good doing so. With those criteria in mind, we went on a journey to find the very best options you can buy.

When it comes to insulated tumblers, the materials are pretty standard. You won’t find many designs straying from stainless steel, as it provides excellent temperature control and is easy to clean. Still, you will want to consider your primary tumbler use. There are different tumblers for different occasions, whether you’re looking to keep your coffee warm on your desk as you finish up a morning of meetings or your wine chilled as you make your way to the perfect spot in the park for an al fresco movie viewing.

Ahead, you’ll find our suggestions for the best insulated tumblers. Each one was researched and tested in our Brooklyn lab for several factors: temperature control for hot and cold beverages, whether or not they’re spill-proof, ease of cleaning, design, durability, and comfort.

Final Verdict

Product selection, how we tested, other tumblers we tested.

What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, fellow carter everywhere mug.

Size 3.5 /5
Design 4 /5
Insulation 5 /5

Unique design

Rich color options

Long-lasting temperature control

Not the best for small hands

Too big for some car cupholders

We had high hopes for this tumbler, and it didn't disappoint. The limited-edition color and shape are joyful and eye-catching—it almost looks like an Apple product—and it kept both hot and cold liquids very close to their original temperatures after an hour-long test. The mug stayed securely in an extra-large car cupholder and came out easily, though it is a little short. It also fits nicely into a backpack pouch. "It's really trendy and cute, is great for people looking for a smaller tumbler, fits well in your hand, feels well-made, and the materials look and feel nice," one of our lab testers commented.

The thermos circumference is a little wide—those with smaller hands may have trouble comfortably holding this cup for long periods. But if you can overlook that, there's a big perk: This design-forward tumbler features a ceramic interior that keeps odors and other flavors from long-ago pours at bay. The lid also features a thinned drinking lip, making it easier to sip without spilling.

Material: Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic lid, inner ceramic coating | Weight: 12.3 ounces | Capacity: 12 or 16 ounces

Best Budget

Rtic insulated tumbler.

Great cold and hot temperature retention

Strong and durable construction

Travel-friendly size

Slight metallic taste

Could be better looking

RTIC's Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Tumbler does exactly what an insulated tumbler should do. It keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. And although at a lower price point than its competitors, our testers didn't see a drop-off in performance. Our testers found the RTIC tumbler held the same temperature an hour after the liquid was placed in the container for cold beverages. And for hot drinks, the temperature did cool, but it stayed hot enough. This excellent temperature regulation is thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation and the stainless steel construction.

This metal construction and the tumbler's size make it ideal for travel and adventure. Our testers liked how well it fit in standard and extra-large-sized cupholders. They also liked how easily it fits into a travel backpack . What puts this tumbler ahead of others is its splash-proof lid with a straw-compatible flip lid closure.

Material: Stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation | Weight: 11.2 ounces | Capacity: 20 ounces

Best for Coffee

Contigo autoseal west loop travel mug.

Kept coffee very hot

Lid is secure

Sleek design

Requires a brush for cleaning

Transporting coffee and hot tea might be one of the most popular reasons people purchase a tumbler. And of the more than two dozen we tested, our testers liked the Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug best for coffee. "I'm afraid to drink it after an hour because it's still really hot—like it was just poured," one tester commented immediately after the test. Technically the temperature of the coffee dropped from 172 degrees to 148 degrees an hour after being poured, but "that's still plenty hot to drink," concluded another tester.

Contigo uses Thermalock vacuum insulation, which claims to keep hot drinks hot for up to seven hours. Auto-seal technology in the lid helps drinks stay securely where they should. The tumbler's shape makes it impossible to clean properly without a brush, however. It also makes it tougher to fit into cupholders since the bottom is wider than the top. Still, for anyone looking to securely transport hot beverages like coffee or tea, the Contigo was as good as tumblers get.

Material: Stainless steel, Thermalock vacuum insulation | Weight: 11.7 ounces | Capacity: 20 ounces

Best with Handle

Yeti rambler 24-ounce mug with magslider lid.

Courtesy of Yeti

Comfortable handle design

Low-maintenance cleaning

Classic Yeti durability

Not leak-proof

Yeti has basically become synonymous with high-quality coolers and tumblers. The Rambler Tumbler is Yeti’s version of a beer mug, but it’s a fantastic option for holding any kind of beverage. That's thanks to Yeti's double-wall vacuum insulation, which does a good job of keeping cold drinks cool and hot drinks warm for long periods of time. Another perk of the Yeti Rambler is that it can go in the dishwasher, increasing the ease of cleaning.

Because of the size and heft of this insulated tumbler, our testers found the handle helpful, but it made it hard to fit the tumbler a car cupholder. (Yeti says on its site the handle isn't necessarily designed with cupholders in mind.) "Nice to have a handle, but in the cold,ho you have to keep your hands outside [your gloves] to hold it. It also would take up more space in a bag," one tester pointed out.

If you're set on the Yeti Rambler but also want something more cupholder-compatible, Yeti makes a travel version of the same mug with a higher-placed handle and thinner bottom. There's also a straight tumbler with no handle.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 1 pound, 6 ounces | Capacity: 24 ounces

MiiR Flip Traveler

Doesn't leak

Modern design

Great travel size

Bulky lid lock can interfere with drinking

The Flip Traveler tumbler from MiiR is sleek. With minimal branding, classic color options, and a lid that features a flip top that locks in place, this bottle is just as easy to sip from as it is to show off on your morning commute. After lots of use, there was no notable odor or "extra flavors" clinging to the interior. This is the insulated tumbler you gift a friend (or yourself) who spends way too much time agonizing over various design details and product silhouettes—it's an insulated tumbler for those who don't want to look like they're imbibing from an insulated tumbler.

No surprise, MiiR's insulated tumbler is an ideal travel companion, fitting easily into standard-sized cupholders and a backpack. It also performed very well in our cold insulation and leak-proof tests. "This fits great in a backpack pocket," a tester noted. "It was easy to slide in and is smaller in diameter than the pocket, so it feels secure."

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 9.9 ounces | Capacity: 12 ounces

Best for Camping

Hydro flask 22-ounce insulated tumbler cup.

Durable design

Travel-friendly

Stainless steel interior prevents flavor transfer

Lid can be hard to remove

If your hikes and camping adventures aren't complete without a midday sip of ice water—yes, actual cubes—you've found your match. Hydro Flask is a beloved brand for a reason. The double-insulated design (which is also BPA-free ) keeps water cold for hours and will withstand any drops or bumps it may face as you head out into the wilderness. One thing to keep in mind: Removing the lid can be a bit unwieldy, so make sure you've got a good grip on the base of the cup before popping off the lid (especially if you have hot liquids inside). This is an excellent option for tossing water in your hiking daypack or enjoying some hot chocolate at the end of a long day.

Our testers enjoyed the design of Hydro Flask's tumbler and found it easy to fit in a backpack but a bit snug in a standard-sized cupholder. While the cold insulation was solid, testers noted the taste of cold water wasn't as crisp after an hour as some other tested tumblers. Overall, if you're looking for a solid camp mug that can go from coffee to water to beer in one day—while also showing the resiliency to take a few falls along the way—this Hydro Flask tumbler is a solid option.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Capacity: 22 ounces

Best Stainless Steel

Bubba envy insulated tumbler.

Design 3.5 /5
Insulation 4.5 /5

Clean, attractive aesthetic

Very good cold insulation

Great value for money

Too big for standard cupholders

If you're looking for another budget option, look no further than Bubba's double-walled, vacuum-insulated, BPA-free stainless steel tumbler. We were thoroughly impressed by the insulating capabilities of the Bubba Envy, as the cold temperature test basically saw no change an hour after we filled it with ice water. Our testers also liked how this tumbler looked and how easy it was to carry around.

While it did fit well in a backpack, it didn't fit in a standard cupholder. We also didn't love that the only lid option has a straw hole. But if you can live with those two minor issues, this is an excellent tumbler option, especially considering the price.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 14.4 ounces | Capacity: 24 ounces

Best for Wine

Maars bev stainless steel stemless wine glass tumbler with lid.

Good insulation

Easy to clean

Some may prefer a taller, thinner profile

Like many other tumblers on this list, the Maars Bev Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler is constructed of 18/8 stainless steel with double-walled vacuum insulation. Unlike many other tumblers on this list, the Maars tumbler is explicitly designed with wine enthusiasts in mind. (Just because it's a wine glass tumbler doesn't mean you only have to drink wine in it—we envision this being good for any setting where a smaller tumbler is preferred.)

Our testers liked the insulating capability of this tumbler and that there was no metallic taste in the water during testing. One tester noted they'd like to see this model be a bit taller and thinner and with a cover to close the lid's drinking hole. "This wine tumbler style isn't something I'd recommend to a friend, although the quality of this one is good," concluded another tester. "If you like wine-style tumblers, this one is the one to buy."

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 6.4 ouncess | Capacity: 12 ounces

Best for Beer

Beast stainless steel tumbler.

Large variety of colors

Huge capacity

Bulky design

Not super durable

If you've never sipped suds from an insulated tumbler, it's time to give it a try. Seriously. You can thank us later. And if you're going to partake, you might as well do it with the Beast Stainless Steel Tumbler. Available in over a dozen colors, the tumbler comes in three sizes: 20, 30, and 40 ounces. We find that perfect for beer drinking as froth does tend to be more of an issue in insulated tumblers, so the extra space for a 12- or 16-ounce beer is helpful. Not necessarily relevant to beer drinking, each tumbler also comes with two straws (one curved design for water and one straight design for thicker drinks like smoothies) and a lifetime guarantee. The lid has a flip spout, which is surprisingly easy to clean.

We were only able to fit this tumbler in the extra-large cupholder. Our testers were very impressed with its leakproofness (it didn't leak when held upside down or shaken)—suitable for consuming beer. And they weren't impressed with its ability to insulate heat—also suitable for consuming beer. Our testers did say the separately sold handle would be a bonus. "The Beast was a little large in my hand, and while it was easy to grip the external material, it could benefit from a handle," one tester noted. "But a great value considering the capacity and its stellar performance preventing leaks."

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 14.4 ounces | Capacity: 20, 30, or 40 ounces

For an insulated tumbler that checks all of the boxes, go with the Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug —the sleek look is just as appropriate at the office as on your travels. The MiiR Flip Traveler is another excellent option if you want something more minimal and stylish.

Tumblers were selected based on our extensive knowledge of tumblers and tumbler brands and the popularity of products on major e-commerce sites like Amazon. Products were chosen by editors from TripSavvy, Serious Eats, and The Spruce Eats. We also chose products with a range of price points and intended uses.

Products were tested in our Brooklyn testing lab. Tumblers were tested for cold insulation, heat insulation, comfort in hand, the taste of liquid in the tumblers, and how much they leaked. We tested the mugs with ice water and hot coffee. A temperature reading of each mug was taken when a liquid was poured into it and an hour later. Tumblers were also tested for their ability to be transported. For this, we placed tumblers in cupholders and backpack pockets.

CIVAGO Tumbler with Lid and Straw : This attractive tumbler comes in various colorways. We liked its cold-holding ability and the seal was pretty solid as well, but the heat-holding wasn't as good and the shape of the tumbler is just a little too bulky to be completely comfortable in hand.

Ello Campy Water Bottle with Slider Lid : The full-sized handle on this pick is divisive; it protrudes out and some find it unnecessary, though it does make for a comfortable carrying experience. It held temperature well (both hot and cold), but you'd probably need a bottle brush to clean the bottom effectively.

What to Look For in an Insulated Tumbler

Generally speaking, insulated tumblers are relatively inexpensive. The larger they are and the more liquid they hold, the more expensive they will be. More design-forward tumblers (like the options from MiiR and Fellow above) will also run a higher price. Don't expect to pay much more than $40 for your insulated tumbler. No matter the product, how much you're willing to spend is personal. We tried to include a range of prices on this list to offer options for different budgets.

Consider how you’re going to be using your tumbler. There are lighter options for hikers and campers, but they may not hold as much liquid or keep it as cold or hot. Going on a super-long road trip and need enough coffee to fuel you for a day straight? Go for something a bit larger that you may not be toting around very often. There are also plenty of minimalist options for those who may have their insulated tumbler on display throughout the day (like in an open-plan office).

Stainless steel is the standard for insulated mugs since it’s easy to clean, doesn’t hold on to odors, and has fantastic temperature control compared to other materials, such as plastic.

There are insulated tumblers of all sizes, but the most common ones are 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, and 24 ounces. You can undoubtedly find larger ones (like the Beast option above) that will hold 30 ounces and more.

First off, let’s define BPA—it stands for the chemical bisphenol-A, an industrial chemical that is often used to create plastics.Some medical studies have found it to be an endocrine disruptor in large quantities, simply meaning it interferes with the body’s hormones. Given this risk, many people prefer to purchase tumblers and water bottles made from BPA-free materials.

Many insulated tumblers are dishwasher-friendly, but it’s best to check the washing instructions on the manufacturer’s website. Some insulated tumblers come with design details that can be hard to clean without scrubbing them yourself, like built-in straws.

Erika Owen is a big fan of super cold water. A simple water bottle doesn't pass the temperature test. She's been testing insulated tumblers for years and is constantly searching for the perfect travel-friendly option that doesn't eat up (too much) precious carry-on space.

Nathan Allen is TripSavvy's Outdoor Gear Editor. He knows from too many personal experiences how frustrating it is to finish a bike commute with coffee all over the bottom of your backpack. While he prefers a Nalgene for water and hydration, he exclusively drinks coffee and beer from insulated tumblers. His current rotation includes tumblers of various styles and sizes from Klean Kanteen, Yeti, and Hydro Flask.

Fran Sales , Taylor Rock , Meg Lappe , and Jalyn Robinson tested tumblers together in our Brooklyn testing lab.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Bisphenol A (BPA) .

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Endocrine Disruptors .

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The Best Leak-Proof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot (and Cold) Drinks on the Go

The 18 Best LeakProof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot Drinks on the Go

Whether you're embarking on your morning commute or headed on an East Coast road trip , you should have one of the best travel mugs in hand. Finding one you like means you can skip the routine stop at the coffee shop (or at least say no to the disposable cup), cut back on single-use plastics, and keep your drinks at an ideal temperature (with some, for hours and hours at a time). Ahead, we've rounded up Condé Nast Traveler editors' personal favorites—from brands like Hydro Flask, Yeti, Corksicle, Stanley, and more. With insulated, leak-proof, and easy-to-carry options in the mix, there's a mug in here ready for a spot in your cup holder or tote bag .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

The 20-ounce version of Hydro Flask’s All Around Tumbler has been my go-to lately, both at home and on the commute to work. It keeps coffee warm for a few hours, so if I’m sipping slowly I don’t have to bother with reheating it, and does its job in keeping iced coffee cool, too. It has the type of lid that you can push back and forth to open or close, and the opening is wide enough to easily fit a reusable straw. I don’t drive, but the mug's size seems very cupholder-friendly, too! — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Stanley Classic Trigger Action travel mug

Stanley makes the best classic mugs (the company has been around since 1913 after all). The brand is known for its iconic insulated steel thermoses, which promise hours-long insulation for hot drinks and durability for wherever you’re taking your beverage— hiking , camping , thrown in the back of your car on a road trip , you name it. The original green color has a delightfully retro vibe as well. — Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Stojo collapsible travel cup, 16-ounce

The main reason I adore my collapsible Stojo cup is its clever design that makes it incredibly easy to carry around. I’m not kidding when I say that when folded down, my 16-ounce cup turns into a disc that fits into my jacket pocket. It’s also light enough to drop into a travel backpack or a sling bag when you go hiking. I use mine for everything from coffees and smoothies, and when dry, for snacks and berries. Don’t expect an insulated mug with this one: It keeps a beverage warm (or cool) for long enough for you to drink it, but isn’t a double-walled metal cup. However, it has helped me cut down on a ton of waste when traveling, and might I add is cute-looking, too. — Arati Menon, global digital director

Read a full review of the Stojo cup.

Stanley Aerolight Transit bottle

The AeroLight Transit bottle has become my new favorite mug to use on my morning commute to work. My tea is still piping hot even after my hour-long train ride. I keep it in my tote bag—along with my laptop and phone—and it never leaks. I've flipped this one completely upside down and nothing spills out, making it a reliable option to travel with. It's one-third lighter than Stanley's typical stainless steel, so it doesn't feel heavy in my bag either. I also appreciate how slim the bottle is—it's so easy to carry around. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Yeti Rambler stackable mug

When I'm traveling, the most essential ritual I preserve is my morning coffee. While I love nearly all of the Yeti drinkware options, this mug is perfect for coffee—both for its manageable 10-ounce size, as well as the side handle, which makes this especially easy when I'm on a road trip or a train. (This mug has come with me on camping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Delaware Water Gap, on a road trip through the Appalachian Highlands, and a long drive between D.C. and New York City .) A fair word of warning though: The airtight lid and insulation work almost too well—coffee stays hot a long time, so I recommend you get it close to your ideal temperature before pouring it in. —Corina Quinn, former city guides director

Snow Peak Milk bottle

This is one of those gifts I have become deeply attached to—it was given to me about a year ago, when I was getting really into camping and the chic outdoor brand Snow Peak, and it’s since become a staple in my house. It has a beautifully minimalist design, is small enough to feel really portable (as in, it’s not a pain to have to tote home once it’s empty), and it never leaks. It’s no bargain, but given how much I use and love it, I think the math sort of works out in the end. — M.S .

Zojirushi stainless steel mug

“This mug is my favorite one ever because the lid has a lock feature that makes it completely leak-free. I can throw this in a travel tote and not worry about coffee dribbling all over. Plus the stainless steel interior keeps coffee extra hot for hours, but it doesn't burn your hands. In addition to my commute on the subway, I've taken this little wonder on train rides to upstate New York , and I've never spilled a drop.” —Jessica Puckett, senior editor, transportation and travel news

Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Another option from Hydro Flask worth noting is the 20-ounce bottle with a Flex Slip lid. It's large enough that I can bring plenty of iced coffee with me on the go, but it's still cupholder-friendly—very important for road trips. The double-wall vaccum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12. The carry-handle makes it easy to hold on long walks and the leak-proof lid is easy to open and close. I love the color options, especially this new purple shade. —M.K.

Martina Thornhill Okay cup

It’s not hyperbole to state that I’ve tried the lion’s share of travel mugs on the market. I drink a ton of coffee and I travel and drive a lot. I hate the way metal mugs make coffee taste—it’s so much better out of a ceramic mug. The Okay Cup from Portland, Oregon –based ceramicist Marina Thornhill is gorgeous, doesn’t leak, and doesn’t make your coffee taste like mud. It’s pricey, but a better long-term deal than always dumping the coffee you put in another mug and don’t actually drink. It’s constantly selling out, so put your name on the pre-order list—it’s worth the wait. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor

Kinto travel tumbler

If you’re a tea drinker like me or like your travel mugs to keep your hot drinks piping hot, be warned: this insulated mug gets me every time, keeping my teas at steaming, roof-of-mouth-burning temperatures for what feels like an impossibly long time. (And that’s a good thing in my book.) I prefer the matte exterior over the stainless steel for its added grip. I use it to commute with my tea (it doesn’t leak!) and on extra-long winter walks because I know it’ll stay warm the entire time. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor

Yeti Rambler lowball

This mug is a thing in my house. My partner received one as a Christmas gift , only to find it missing every morning—truth be told, after I stole it once to use for hot coffee on my morning subway commute, I couldn’t go back to any other thermos. I personally love that this mug doesn’t have a handle, because it’s so insulated it never burns my hands, yet the coffee inside stays piping hot, and its shape is nice and easy to hold. When I’m done enjoying my hot drink on the go, it takes the least space possible in my bag , where it usually clangs around for the rest of the day until I make my way home (or back to wherever I’m staying). —M.S.

Corkcicle classic tumbler

This Corkcicle tumbler keeps my coffee hot on my subway commute, and is secure enough to sneak a couple of sips while standing on a crowded, moving train. There’s also something joyful about pouring my freshly brewed coffee into a pink vessel—how could I not be cheerful toting this cute mug around the office? Most often this mug has been my subway companion, though I have used it for road trips and early morning flights that require a caffeine boost before boarding. —Katie Henwood, former senior SEO manager

Miir Climate+ Tumbler

Lately when I want a compact option that won't take up much space in my backpack or tote after it's empty, I've been reaching for this sleek stainless steel tumbler from Miir. It's shatter proof, so I don't worry about dropping it or getting any dents. For an extra charge, you can even personalize it, making it a great gift for any traveler in your life. —M.K.

Image may contain Coffee Cup Cup Bottle and Shaker

Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug

This Hydro Flask mug checks all the boxes: It's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, has a leak-proof lid, carrying handle, and no-sweat matte finish, and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can use it as a thermos, a water bottle , or a coffee cup. Hydro Flask also has matching slings that let you carry your travel tumbler hands-free, helpful when biking, hiking, or just dashing through the airport. — Kristi Kellogg, contributor

OtterBox Elevation wine tumbler

Technically this is a wine tumbler, but more often, I use it for iced coffee. It keeps my caffeine cold, fits the extra-large ice cube I put into the bottom, and doesn’t leave rings on tables when I set it down. Plus, like all things OtterBox, it’s sturdy—I don’t have to worry about dinging or denting it when I inevitably drop or knock it over. Its smaller size means it’s also carry-on and backpack friendly. —M.F.

Hay Sowden travel cup

I don’t think there’s a chicer travel mug than this colorful one from Hay, which comes in pink, green, or gray, all with contrasting, two-toned lids. It puts all other thermoses to shame when it comes to design—but it’s also totally functional, with an insulated stainless steel exterior that keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for an impressive 24 hours. —M.C.

W&P Porter mug

This mug hits all the right marks: The silicone sleeve makes it easy to grip and quiet when placed down on a surface; the mouthpiece on the lid is easy to slide open and close; and it’s safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave. Plus, it just looks nicer than the rest of my logo-clad travel mugs. Most often I use it to sip coffee on my morning commute, but I have also brought it on longer train rides to D.C. and on flights as a vessel for oatmeal. —M.F.

Simple Modern travel coffee mug

One of my favorite reusable water bottles is from Simple Modern, so I had high hopes for its travel mug and it certainly did not disappoint. This stainless steel mug keeps my hot beverages hot for four hours and my iced coffee cold for up to 16 hours, so it's great for day trips and using at the office. It's dishwasher safe and the handle makes sipping on the go easy. The under $20 price tag is nice, too. —M.K.

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The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, Whether You Walk, Ride, or Drive

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We take our recommendation for the best travel coffee mugs very seriously. The working world (ours anyway) runs on caffeine, and for many coffee drinkers, that need has to be satisfied on the go. So a good travel coffee mug—one that’s easy to hold, doesn't leak, and keeps hot coffee hot and iced coffee cold—is a must.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Image may contain: Steel, Bottle, and Shaker

Brumate Nav

Yeti Rambler 10-Ounce Tumbler with Magslide Lid

To find the best travel mugs available right now, we tested more than 20 popular and top-rated options in a variety of shapes and sizes. Below, you’ll find our top picks for commuters of all kinds, followed by the details of how we tested and what we looked for. To learn the pros and cons of all the other mugs we tested, keep reading.

The best travel coffee mug to toss in your bag: Zojirushi

Of all the travel mugs we tested, there are only a few we’d feel comfortable tossing into a bag with our laptop or favorite book, and of them all, this one was the absolute best at keeping our coffee hot. After five hours the hot coffee we poured in was almost too hot to drink.

That excellent heat retention is due to the Zojirushi’s vacuum-insulated, double-walled stainless steel. Though it sounds like a beast, this travel mug is actually relatively lightweight and has a super-slim design that fits perfectly in your hand or bag. It also looks really nice, which is a definite plus for a mug you'll be carting around everywhere.

And you never have to worry about coffee spilling inside your bag or briefcase because the spout cap has a pretty serious sliding lock on the top that, when engaged, makes it impossible to open or spill. Shake, rattle, roll this thing—it's not going to leak any hot drinks on you or whatever else you’re carrying. The lid also comes apart for easy hand washing.

The Zojirushi travel tumbler isn’t dishwasher-safe, which is true of many vacuum-insulated vessels. This was the slimmest travel mug we tested (the opening of all three sizes is just 1⅝ inch) so if you want to clean it with friction, you’ll need a soft bottle bottle brush . That kind of cleaning shouldn’t be necessary often since the inside has a non-stick coating. We weren’t able to find any kind of documentation on what that coating actually is but it probably is nothing to worry about as the issues with nonstick cookware are around exposing it to direct, high heat or scratching it with metal utensils, neither of which are likely in a coffee cup. The super-slim design also means this mug may rattle around in a car cup holder, and the 20-ounce size is too tall to fit under our Nespresso VertuoPlus spout (you’d likely run into the same issue with other single-serve coffee makers ). Finally, sipping from the Zojirushi is slightly more awkward to drink from than many of the other mugs we tried, but it’s a small price to pay for such incredible heat retention and the peace of mind that comes with having a truly leak-free travel mug to use for hot drinks on the go.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes, very Sizes available: 12 ounces , 16 ounces , 20 ounces Warranty: 5 years

This price represents the 12-ounce size. Click through for more options.

The best dishwasher safe travel coffee mug to toss in your bag: Brumate

If you want a spill-proof, leak-proof travel mug that you can also stick in the dishwasher at the end of the day, we recommend the Brumate Nav. This tapered, tumbler-style mug is just as secure as the Zojirushi, though the “BevLock” lid uses a slider to lock a flip-top spout cover into place. And even when it’s not locked, this mug won’t leak; the lock just provides an extra layer of security in case the flip-top were to catch on something strong.

We accidentally turned our testing up to eleven one morning when we dropped this mug—full of piping hot coffee—while trying to shuffle small kids out the door. The lid was closed, but not locked, and we didn’t lose a single drop or burn any toddlers.

The insulated stainless steel body retains heat well (though not as well as the Zojirushi) and we appreciate that the BPA-free clear plastic lid allows us to look inside the cup.

The Brumate doesn’t retain heat nearly as well as the Zojirushi, but if you consume your coffee within an hour or two, it’s more than sufficient. The product description says it will keep hot drinks hot for three hours, but we only experience that kind of heat retention if the mug is full, and stays that way, for the entire three hours. We’d also love to see this mug in a 16-ounce size.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces , 22 ounces , and 32 ounces Warranty: Limited lifetime

This price represents the 22-ounce size. Click through for more options.

The best travel coffee mug for the car: Yeti Rambler with Magslide Lid

If you like to take your coffee in the car, you might not need a truly leak-proof mug. But you still need something to prevent sloshing and splashing when you inevitably encounter a pothole or other rough road. And, of course, a travel mug for the car must be able to keep your coffee hot even on brutally-cold mornings.

Yeti’s tumbler-style Rambler mug meets all of our requirements for a car-friendly coffee mug, and then some. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your drink hot for hours, the slim base fits comfortably in a car cup holder, and the Magslide spout cover is really easy to open with one hand while driving (it’s easiest if you slide it open while it’s still in the cup holder).

This mug is also incredibly easy to clean as all three parts are dishwasher safe. The little magnetic slider stays securely put until you pop it off from the underside of the lid.

Aside from the fact that it’s not leak-proof, there’s not much we don’t love about this mug. But some coffee drinkers may find the size options limiting. The 10-ounce is perfect for an 8-ounce pour-over, a small latte, or a couple shots of espresso, but the next size up is 20-ounces and that may feel too big if you just want to commute with a cup of coffee. We’d love to see this mug offered in a 14-ounce or 16-ounce size, too.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 10 ounces , 20 ounces , 30 ounces Warranty: 5 years

This price represents the 10-ounce size. Click through for more options.

How we tested travel coffee mugs

For weeks we conducted unofficial testing, adding these mugs to our regular coffee-vessel rotation. When it came time for the official testing, we filled all of the mugs with piping hot water and let them sit on our desks for five hours. We then sipped from each to determine if they had retained heat. Next, we put the containers through a stress test, shaking them and tipping them up and down to see if anything leaked. Finally, we took some brisk walks to mimic the frantic conditions of a morning commute, coffee mug in hand. We did not preheat the mugs by filling them with hot water first—we figured the typical user would not do this and we wanted to see how well each mug retained heat without this step.

The Zojirushi is the only insulated vessel we’ve tested that (just barely) fits into the ridiculously slim side pocket of a standard Fjallraven Kanken backpack.

What we looked for

Obviously, a travel mug needs to be spill-proof, but mugs that will travel in a bag also need to be completely leak proof. To test the seal on each mug, we filled them with hot coffee, closed the lids according to the manufacturer’s directions, and shook them vigorously while turned upside down.

One of the most important considerations was temperature retention, so we looked at how well the mug kept coffee hot over the course of a few hours. We lined up the mugs and tasted them side by side after five hours to see which one was the hottest.

If a mug was marketed as leak-proof, we looked at how hard or easy it was to engage its leak-free function. Mugs that are too hard to seal are more likely to malfunction when you’re running out the door in a hurry.

We didn't want a travel coffee mug that was too heavy or unwieldy, as this would make it more difficult to carry around while commuting. We also considered how much you had to maneuver your mouth while drinking.

If a mug wasn’t listed as dishwasher safe, we looked at how easy it was to get all parts—including the nooks and crannies of the lid—thoroughly clean with hand washing .

Yes, these mugs are utilitarian vessels meant for keeping hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold, but let’s not pretend looks don’t matter. These are accessories as much as they are tools.

Personal preference dictates what size coffee cup you’ll need, and if you make yourself an 8-ounce latte every morning, a 20-ounce travel mug is going to be too big. So we looked for mugs that offered a range of sizes—including mugs big enough for those who do like to chug 24 ounces of coffee on the way to work.

For car commuters, a base that’s too wide is a deal breaker. So we looked at whether or not these mugs were slim enough to fit into standard car cup holders.

Other travel coffee mugs we tested

We love this bigger Yeti Rambler mug for most of the reasons we loved our top pick for the car, and it even has a handle and a more leak-resistant (though not leak-proof) lid. But the smallest size is 20-ounces and it’s just big enough that it’s not guaranteed to fit in every car cup holder. Plus, unless you’re planning to hit the road with an entire French press-worth of coffee, a 20- or 30-ounce capacity is overkill for your morning commute.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Some Leakproof: No Sizes available: 20 ounces , 30 ounces

Yeti Rambler Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid

Yeti's most mug-shaped Rambler mug has the best size selection of all of the Rambler mugs and the two smaller sizes (10 ounces and 14 ounces) are stackable. But because it's mug-shaped, it won't fit in a car cup holder. And because it has the Magslider lid, it's not leak proof, either. While this one is generally good for camping, the handle is pretty basic and not very comfortable to hold—especially if the 24-ounce size is full of hot coffee.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: No Leakproof: No Sizes available: 10 ounces, 14 ounces, 24 ounces

Yeti Rambler 24-Ounce Mug

With the addition of the Hotshot lid, Yeti’s versatile, durable insulated Rambler water bottle becomes a (mostly) leak-proof travel mug for coffee, tea, and other hot or cold drinks. The Hotshot lid, when twisted to the open position, allows you to drink from any spot along the rim. We say it’s “mostly” leak-proof though, because if it’s not closed tightly enough, it is possible to shake some drops out of this mug when turned upside down—and we don’t love that it allows for that kind of user error. You can also buy the Hotshot cap separately , which is a great way to get even more out of a Yeti Rambler bottle you already own. Well, as long as you make sure to close it really well.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Most Leakproof: Mostly Sizes available: 12 ounces , 18 ounces

Yeti Rambler with Hotshot Cap

Brumate haș a series of leak-proof coffee mugs with handles called Toddy and these mugs have nearly all the same features we love about the Nav. But the reasonably-sized option ( 16 ounces ) is too wide to fit into any cupholder. The two larger sizes ( 22 ounces and 32 ounces ) have tapered bottoms and actually do fit into many cup holders, but most coffee drinkers will find they're otherwise just too big, in general.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Some sizes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 6 ounces , 22 ounces , 32 ounces

Brumate Toddy

Klean Kanteen is best known for its lightweight stainless steel reusable water bottles (and for tripping up our spell check every damn time) but the brand also makes a very nice double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel tumbler. In fact, it’s so nice it’s almost perfect. This mug has excellent heat retention, and the powder-coated body is durable, dishwasher safe, and covered by Klean Kanteen’s lifetime warranty. The tumbler’s wide mouth (wide for Klean Kanteen, anyway) is big enough to fit most ice cubes, and the bottle itself is slender enough to fit most cup holders. Unfortunately, you need to use two hands to open the leak-proof lid, which isn’t always conducive to drinking hot coffee while on the go.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces , 16 ounces , 20 ounces

Klean Kanteen Wide Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

Klean Kanteen

We’re generally big fans of Oxo gear but the Oxo Good Grips travel mug we previously tested always leaked a little when tipped upside down. In 2023, we tested a newer model, which has what the brand calls a leak-proof “SimplyClean” lid. The mug comes in an array of pretty colors, all of the parts are dishwasher safe, and we found the lid to be truly leak free when properly assembled. However, the engineering required to get such a good seal is… a lot. Disassembling the lid for cleaning and reassembling it are each three-step processes—and the steps are so unintuitive that instructions, arrows, and numbers are actually embossed in various spots all over the three separate lid components (four if you count the removable gasket). After a few tries, it’s pretty easy to get used to how it all goes together, but coming from a brand that makes such user-friendly products, this leak-proof lid is more complicated than it needs to be. It’s also a little too easy to accidentally remove the entire lid when trying to open the spout.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces , 20 ounces

OXO Good Grips Travel Coffee Mug With Leakproof SimplyClean Lid

We like that the short Hydro Flask coffee mug feels like a traditional mug, and this is the only “travel” mug we tested that comes in a 6-ounce size. Like all of Hydro Flask’s insulated products, this mug has great temperature retention and it’s also very durable thanks to solid construction. But because it doesn’t have a leak-proof lid or fit into a car cup holder, it’s definitely more of a “coffee on the front porch” mug or “hot toddy around the campfire” mug than an actual commuting mug. Another drawback? Unlike the brand’s powder-coated water bottles, Hydro Flask mugs are not powder-coated and therefore are not dishwasher safe .

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder : No Leakproof: No Sizes available: 6 ounces , 12 ounces , 24 ounces

Hydro Flask Mug

This 16-ounce stainless steel vacuum-insulated travel mug from Thermos is good, and most people would probably be content using it, but there's also nothing remarkable about it. It didn't keep our coffee hot nearly as long as the Zojirushi and though it has a leak-proof lid, it doesn't lock like the Brumate does. It’s also only available in one size (16 ounces). That said, the underside of the lid does have a built-in hook for tea bags and loose-leaf tea infusers, so if you're a tea drinker who likes to take your hot tea on the go, you’ll like that feature.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder : Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler

When we first tested the Fellow Carter mug, we tried the Move model —a gorgeous ceramic-lined thermal mug that does a great job of keeping hot drinks hot. Unfortunately, the twist-off lid required the use of both hands, which kept the Fellow Carter from taking a top spot. When we retested travel mugs in 2023, we were thrilled to find that Fellow had recently released a new model of the Carter mug with a slide-lock lid (the lid can also be purchased separately if you already own a Carter mug). The smooth sliding mechanism makes it easy to open and close the angled lid with one hand, and though it doesn’t actually lock like the Zojirushi does, it is leak-proof when closed. But the angle of the new lid means our testers’ noses got smashed up against it every time we took a drink, and because of a lip around the inside of the body, it’s hard to get every last drop of coffee out of this mug. Additionally, the ceramic-coated stainless steel interior is supposed to keep this mug from holding onto smells, but we found that after just one use, it was nearly impossible to get the coffee smell out the lid —so this isn’t a tumbler we’d want to use interchangeably as a coffee cup and a water cup.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces, 16 ounces

Fellow Carter Slide Travel Coffee Mug

We wanted to love this beautiful powder-coated stainless steel tumbler from Kinto, a Japanese housewares brand. And for the most part, we did. The carry handle on the smartly-constructed top can be removed, revealing a thin circular opening that ensures controlled sipping. Liquid doesn’t pour out too quickly (no scalded tongue or ice cubes in the face) and when tightly sealed, it doesn’t leak. You can also remove the entire top of the mug, which makes pouring easy and makes the travel mug easy to clean. However, it’s impossible to open this mug one-handed. That, combined with its high price tag, kept it out of our top picks.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 17 ounces

Kinto Day Off Stainless Steel Tumbler

The MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler got a lot of oohs and aahs during the unboxing phase of our test. It's sleek, bright, and incredibly comfortable to hold. And when you buy a mug, the brand gifts a portion of revenue to a charity project that's trackable via a code on the bottom of the mug. Hot drinks stay piping hot in this mug, thanks to what the brand calls “Thermo 3D Double Wall Vacuum Insulation Technology.” The locking flip lid is super-secure, too. Unfortunately, the way it’s designed makes it impossible to get the lid completely out of the way when drinking, which resulted in little spots of coffee on our testers’ noses with every single sip.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces

MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler

S’well’s water bottles have a cult-like following so we were excited to try the brand’s sleek and simple vacuum-insulated travel tumbler. It did a good job keeping our coffee warm for a couple hours, but it wasn’t noticeably better than most of the other mugs we tried. The stainless-steel and BPA-free plastic lid is actually leak-proof thanks to an airtight flip-top spout cover. However, it flips easily enough we’d be worried about it catching on something in a bag and opening up by accident. Also, as with the Miir above, our testers’ noses got pressed into the piece that flips back while drinking—especially as we got toward the bottom of our hot and cold drinks. This design flaw is less annoying on this mug than it is on the Miir, but it’s annoying nonetheless.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 oz

Sip by Swell Stainless Steel Travel Mug

We can't help but love this vintage-inspired Stanley travel tumbler—but definitely not for coffee. It does a good job of keeping hot drinks hot, but after weeks of testing, we will only ever use it for ice water because following every single sip, a significant amount of whatever liquid is inside accumulates on the top of the supposedly leak-proof trigger-activated spout cover. When that liquid is coffee, you risk leaving little coffee stains everywhere you go. The slim design is really nice to hold and this tumbler fits in every cup holder we tried, but it’s kind of annoying to have to hold down the trigger the entire time you’re drinking.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 16 ounces , 20 ounces

Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug

Ace Hardware

This vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel mug from Ello looks like the kind of old-school speckled enamelware you'd find in your grandparents' house (that’s a good thing). More importantly, it holds heat well and doesn’t leak, though we wouldn’t want to toss it into a bag with any electronics or white clothes. It’s slender enough to fit in some (but not all) car cup holders—and unlike most of the insulated travel tumblers we tested, it has a handle. Technically, this mug is dishwasher safe, but the brand recommends hand-washing, and we’d want to do that anyway since the inside of the handle is lined with cork. There’s also no way to clean with friction under the sliding spout cover. Still, for less than $20, this mug is a good budget pick, especially if you want a cute, leak-proof insulated mug with a handle. But price is often indicative of quality, and while we have yet to encounter any problems, customer reviews indicate issues with long-term durability, and upon closer inspection, we realized we could probably snap off the handle with very little effort. (Intentional damage would not be covered by Ello’s limited lifetime warranty , but accidental breakage might be.) If you want something that will hold up to everyday use, consider investing in something that’s more solidly constructed.

Dishwasher safe: Yes (top rack only, hand wash recommended) Fits in car cup holder: Maybe Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 18 ounces

Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

Like the Ello Campy (above), the Ello Cole is a budget-friendly, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel tumbler with a leak-proof sliding spout cover. It holds heat well and all of the parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, though hand-washing the body is recommended. The Cole also has a cork accent, though on this mug, it’s a “built-in coaster,” which seems rather pointless since a well-insulated mug shouldn’t sweat. While we enjoyed testing this mug, we also worry about long-term durability after reading customer reviews—and the fact that there’s no way to deep clean under the slider lid is concerning, too.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces

Ello Cole Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The West Loop mug with Contigo’s leak-proof Autoseal lid is very leak-proof, thanks to a lock switch on the top. But even after unlocking the sip lid, you still have to push pretty hard on the autoseal button on the side of the lid to open it enough to get a good swig. In theory, it’s a good system, but when you just want to take a drink of coffee, it’s pretty annoying, especially because the button isn’t very responsive; it often feels like you’re not pushing it hard enough. We also had a really hard time getting the coffee smell out of the lid, even after just one use.

Dishwasher safe: Lid only, top rack Fits in car cup holder: Most Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces , 20 ounces , 24 ounces

Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

The Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug has some nice features that set it apart from the West Loop. There’s a permanently-affixed non-slip silicone textured sleeve and a silicone pad on the bottom, too. But it has Contigo’s Autoseal lid, and though the Transit mug’s push-button mechanism is slightly different from the lid on West Loop (and locks and unlocks by twisting the lid), it’s equally annoying to have to hold down a button as you drink.

Dishwasher safe: Lid only, top rack Fits in car cup holder: Most Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces

Contigo Autoseal Transit Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Our testers were divided on this collapsible silicone travel “mug.” It’s really more of a coffee cup to travel with than an actual travel mug, as it’s not insulated and the flip-top lid is more leak-resistant than leak-proof. But if you want something that takes up very little space when not in use, this is a decent option. Simply push down the cup from the top and it becomes about the size of a can of tuna. It also comes in lots of pretty colors and all of the parts are super easy to clean in the dishwasher. On the other hand, keeping track of all those parts (especially the support ring) can be kind of annoying.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 12 ounces , 16 ounces , 24 ounces

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup With Straw

The takeaway

If you want a travel mug that will keep your coffee piping hot (or your cold brew cold) for hours, the Zojirushi stainless steel mug has the best heat retention capabilities of any mug we tested. It’s also completely leak-proof so you can toss it in your bag without worry. The Brumate Nav , while not as great at retaining heat as the Zojirushi, has an equally-secure lid and the added benefit of being dishwasher-safe. For car commuters, we recommend the tumbler-style Yeti Rambler with the Magslide lid . Though not leak-proof, this dishwasher-safe, vacuum-insulated mug is pretty great at preventing spills while also keeping your morning coffee easily accessible—even while you keep your eyes on the road.

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The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, According To Rigorous Testing

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I bought my first reusable coffee mug 20 years ago, when I was a junior in college. As a young student with a burgeoning coffee addiction and a desire to reduce my use of disposable paper and plastic cups, getting a reusable mug seemed like a logical choice. I can’t recall the brand of travel coffee mug I purchased back then, but I do remember it leaked profusely and left an unpleasant plastic taste in my morning brew. Fast-forward two decades, and after putting 14 different travel coffee mugs and tumblers through their paces over 10 days, I am happy to report that the contemporary travel mug game is very strong. The Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Coffee Tumbler stood out for keeping my coffee piping hot and fresh-tasting and my bag free of leaks and spills all day—all without breaking the bank. From tumblers featuring sturdy reusable straws designed for iced beverages, like the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler , to the Yeti Rambler Stackable Cup , specifically designed for espresso drinks, there are many worthy travel coffee mugs on the market today.

After testing 14 different mugs, I am happy to report that the contemporary coffee travel mug game ... [+] is very strong.

Below, you’ll find my top recommendations for the best travel coffee mugs across various categories.

Best Travel Coffee Mug Overall: Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Coffee Tumbler
Best Insulated Travel Coffee Mug: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
Best Travel Coffee Mug With A Handle: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug
Best Iced Coffee Travel Mug: Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler
Best Leak-Proof Travel Coffee Mug: Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug
Best Small Travel Coffee Mug: KeepCup Brew Cork Reusable Coffee Cup
Best Travel Coffee Mug For Espresso: Yeti Rambler Stackable Espresso Cup

Best Travel Coffee Mug Overall

A leakproof tumbler that offers a delightful coffee-drinking experience.

Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Coffee Tumbler

Leah Koenig's writing and recipes have appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Food & Wine, Epicurious, Food52, and Tablet, among other publications.

Leah is the author of  six cookbooks  including  The Jewish Cookbook  (Phaidon, 2019) and  Modern Jewish Cooking.  (Chronicle Books). In addition to writing, Leah also leads cooking  demonstrations and workshops  around the country and world. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and two children.

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Daily coffee drinking on the go
Carrying coffee around in your purse, backpack or gym bag with no spills
You prefer a mug with fewer components to clean

Every mug and tumbler I tested had redeeming qualities when it came to insulation, being leakproof or delivering a delightful coffee-drinking experience. However, none of these excelled on all fronts as consistently as the Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Coffee Tumbler .

This tumbler earned top marks for insulation, maintaining my coffee above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (considered the upper end of the ideal drinking temperature range) for six hours and keeping iced coffee brisk at 47 degrees for eight hours. The screw-top lid proved completely leakproof, passing even my rigorous upside-down shaking tests. I even took the filled tumbler on a flight from New York to Minneapolis without experiencing any spills. I appreciated the environmental aspect of Klean Kanteen’s tumbler, crafted from 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel. Additionally, it’s dishwasher-safe, including the cap, and didn’t leave any noticeable flavor residue in my coffee.

The only potential downside of Klean Kanteen’s tumbler is the accompanying Café Cap . While it effectively prevents leaks and offers a smooth coffee flow, it consists of five screw-together parts that require effort to reassemble after washing. Moreover, if one piece of the cap is misplaced, the entire cap becomes unusable. Instead, I recommend pairing the TKWide tumbler with Klean Kanteen’s compatible Loop Cap (available separately), which is equally leakproof and much simpler to use.

Best Insulated Travel Coffee Mug

A lightweight tumbler with a nifty flip-top lid, zojirushi stainless steel mug.

Maintaining your beverages piping hot or refreshingly icy cold for extended periods
Easy access with one hand for opening and drinking
You prefer a travel mug with a traditional design

Anyone who owns a Zojirushi rice cooker , like myself, will understand my obsession with its products. The Japan-based company makes some of the highest-quality, best-performing appliances globally. The brand’s double-walled, vacuum-insulated travel mug is no exception. To put it to the test, I poured nearly boiling water (207 degrees) into the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug at 10 a.m. Six hours later, the water remained impressively hot at 170 degrees, and even after 12 hours, it was still above 140 degrees. On the cooler side of things, after eight hours of holding ice water, a digital thermometer inserted into the center of the mug showed a temperature of 47 degrees, tying for the coldest among all the models.

The 20-ounce travel mug I experimented with (also available in a 24-ounce size) felt lightweight in my hand, even when filled with coffee. Once the leakproof lid was securely screwed into place, I felt completely at ease carrying it in my backpack. The mug’s flip-top lid, controlled by a button, dispenses liquid in a smooth, splash-free stream. My only minor critique of the Zojirushi travel mug is its tapered shape and lid, making it resemble more of a water bottle suitable for coffee rather than a conventional travel coffee mug. Not everyone may share or be concerned about this stylistic observation. However, I feel more inclined to fill the Zojirushi Stainless Mug with ice water for a hike rather than with coffee for the office. Read my full review to learn more about the Zojirushi Stainless Mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug With A Handle

A stylish, splash-resistant mug, hydro flask stainless steel reusable mug.

Taking your morning cup on the train or for a walk with the dog
Enjoying morning coffee at the campsite or while traveling
You prefer longer insulation
You need a leak-free travel mug

I adore a quality mug—the type that beckons you to wrap your fingers around it on a chilly morning. The Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug fits the bill perfectly, with the bonus of a press-on lid that allows you to take your coffee on the go without worrying about spills and splashes.

While the mug’s double-walled vacuum insulation wasn’t the most impressive among its peers, it managed to maintain coffee above 120 degrees (considered the lower end of the ideal drinking temperature range) for several hours, which suited my coffee-drinking needs just fine. Additionally, the soft, textured exterior adds to the pleasure of holding the mug, and the slide-top lid dispenses both hot and cold liquids evenly and smoothly. During my testing, I noticed a gentleman strolling to the subway with his Hydro Flask, and I couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly and stylishly it fit into his morning routine. (Normally, I might not have paid attention, but travel mugs were on my mind!)

Although the Hydro Flask mug is splash-resistant while walking, it’s not completely leakproof when shaken upside down, so I wouldn’t recommend tossing it into your purse or bag. However, its lightweight design allows it to be conveniently stowed, empty, in a suitcase or camping backpack, ensuring it’s always ready for coffee time—wherever and whenever it may be. Additionally, the slider top easily disassembles and reassembles, simplifying the process of keeping the mug thoroughly clean.

Best Iced Coffee Travel Mug

A must-have for iced coffee lovers, fellow carter cold tumbler.

Frosty coffee drinks that stay cold for hours
Superior sipping on the move
Iced coffee isn’t your thing

As a proud member of the year-round iced coffee aficionados club, I’m conscious of the environmental impact of my daily coffee routine and thus, you can imagine my enthusiasm at discovering Fellow’s Carter Cold Tumbler . This ceramic-coated, stainless steel cup maintains iced coffee at frosty temperatures for hours, all without leaving behind any metallic taste. During the insulation test, the tumbler impressively sustained a chilly 47 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours, outperforming its main competitor, the Simple Modern Classic Tumbler. Additionally, I found the sleek, smooth-sided design of the tumbler comfortable to grip (though I harbored some concerns about potential drops and dents), while the thin yet robust straw provided a delightful drinking experience.

The inclusion of the straw (in other words, a literal hole) means the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler isn’t entirely leakproof, but its spill-resistant nature, even when tipped, is remarkable. Opting for the 16-ounce tumbler, I found it held a satisfying amount of cold brew and was readily accepted by my local baristas. While the model is also available in a 20-ounce size, I prefer the slightly smaller size for its optimal portability. Read my detailed review to learn more about the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler.

Best Leak-Proof Travel Coffee Mug

A sturdy tumbler that's dishwasher-safe, stanley classic trigger-action travel mug.

Keeping your coffee piping hot throughout the day
Ensuring no leaks or spills whatsoever
You prefer a more straightforward cap design

The Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug , equipped with a robust screw-top cap, is absolutely leakproof. I vigorously shook it upright, then held it upside down and shook it some more. I even filled it with hot coffee and took it on a flight, carrying it all over New York in my tote. In every trial, the Stanley mug reliably kept my coffee securely contained. Additionally, the push-top “trigger action” cap allowed for convenient one-handed drinking without compromising the mug’s leakproof design. It efficiently maintained the temperature of 16 ounces of coffee, whether hot or chilled, throughout the day, rivaling the performance of other mugs and tumblers I tested.

During the cleaning process, I observed that the cap required disassembly into two parts, which then needed to be reassembled. Considering my tendency to misplace lids (yes, food-storage containers, I’m talking to you!), I had some reservations about keeping track of multiple cap components. However, for individuals who are more organized with their kitchen equipment than I am, Stanley’s travel mug is undoubtedly a winning choice.

Best Small Travel Coffee Mug

A reusable cup with a cork band to keep your fingers safe, keepcup brew cork reusable coffee cup.

Reducing paper cup waste at the café
An improvement over the finger-burning paper coffee cup experience
You require coffee to stay hot during an extended commute

KeepCup’s Brew Cork Coffee Cup earns its spot on this list largely due to its aesthetically pleasing design. The sturdy, tempered-glass cup feels delightful to hold, thanks to its soft, sloping shape and the slip-free cork band encircling the top. (The cork band also doubles as a reusable coffee cup sleeve, protecting your fingers from potential burns.) It is the kind of product that sparks conversations with strangers on the street inquiring, “Where did you get that?” Additionally, while not completely leakproof, the press-on “sipper lid” does a commendable job of preventing coffee from splashing onto your hands or dribbling onto your shirt as you walk.

While KeepCup doesn’t offer extensive insulation, making it less suitable for lengthy commutes or trips, it’s an ideal choice if you aim to reduce paper cup waste at the coffee shop or need a stylish and functional reusable cup for the office. After use, the cork band easily slips off, allowing both the cup and lid to be cleaned in the dishwasher’s top rack. While this cup is available in four sizes, including a petite 6-ounce cup and a larger 16-ounce cup, I found the 12-ounce option perfectly suited to my daily coffee needs.

Best Travel Coffee Mug For Espresso

A petite cup designed for espresso lovers, yeti rambler stackable espresso cup.

On-the-go espresso drinks
Anyone looking for a small, lightweight drinking vessel
You prefer larger coffee or espresso drinks

I almost didn’t test the Yeti Rambler Stackable Espresso Cup . At 8 ounces, it seemed quite small—would a cup of that size really be useful? However, this tiny-yet-mighty cup has proven to be a valuable addition to my coffee arsenal. I like to toss it (unfilled—since the lid isn’t leakproof) into my tote bag when running afternoon errands, treating myself to a cortado or macchiato on the way home. The petite, lightweight cup (weighing under half a pound) feels great in the hand, settling in your palm like your favorite at-home mug. It’s also barista-approved—staff at my local coffee shop mentioned it’s a delight to make espresso drinks in.

Despite its vacuum-insulated stainless steel walls, the Yeti Rambler Stackable Cup didn’t perform exceptionally well during insulation testing. After six hours, the liquid in the cup dropped from 207 degrees Fahrenheit to just under 100 degrees, making it less than ideal for those seeking to keep their coffee steaming hot all day. However, espresso drinks, typically topped with warmed and frothed milk, aren’t meant to be held for hours. They’re intended to be enjoyed immediately, and the Yeti Rambler Stackable Cup allows you to do just that.

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To find the best travel coffee mugs for toting your morning brew on the go, I rigorously tested 14 tumblers and mugs over 10 days. While each model had its upsides and drawbacks, here are the seven models that didn’t quite make my final cut.

Ello Magnet Stainless Steel Travel Mug : I nearly selected Ello’s travel mug as my pick for the best travel coffee mug with a handle. I appreciated its slim and sleek design, along with the magnetic lid closure that effectively kept liquids securely inside, even during vigorous shaking. The vacuum insulation also kept coffee relatively hot—after five hours, my instant thermometer registered 127 degrees Fahrenheit (down from 207 degrees) when inserted into the middle of the cup, which was comparable to its primary competitor, the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug . However, in the end, I preferred the look and feel of the Hydro Flask in my hand.

Fellow Carter Move Mug : I wanted to love the Fellow Carter Move Mug, just as I adored its iced coffee–friendly counterpart, the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler . While I did appreciate the snap-in splash guard that effectively prevented sloshes and spills while I drank, the Move Mug presented a few drawbacks that I couldn’t overlook. The cylindrical mug felt rather bulky and had a slippery exterior, making it feel awkward and unstable in my hand. Additionally, I encountered difficulty with the screw-top lid—it seemed nearly impossible to open. Perhaps the hot coffee inside created too strong of a vacuum seal, or maybe my experience was unusual. Regardless, I literally couldn’t open it after filling the mug with hot coffee and screwing it closed. My husband had to resort to banging the cap on the counter to loosen the seal, which did the trick but unfortunately left unsightly dents in the stainless steel.

MiiR Flip Traveler : There were certainly some notable advantages to MiiR’s 12-ounce travel mug (also available in a 16-ounce size). It’s slim and compact, making it easy to hold, and thanks to the truly leakproof screw-top lid, it’s convenient to pack in a purse or backpack with confidence—even when filled with hot coffee. It effectively maintained my hot coffee above 140 degrees Fahrenheit for six hours and my iced coffee at a refreshing 48 degrees for eight hours. However, the primary drawback for me was the discomfort I experienced while drinking from it. The lid’s flip top proved to be cumbersome to open, requiring both hands and a significant amount of effort. Additionally, once open, I noticed that I had to tilt my head quite far back to sip the liquid, resulting in my nose uncomfortably bumping against the lid.

Owala SmoothSip Stainless Steel Coffee Tumbler : Drinking from the Owala SmoothSip was undeniably a smooth experience. The drinking spout dispensed coffee smoothly and evenly, providing overall comfort. However, the inability to fully close the spout meant that the 20-ounce tumbler lacked leakproof capabilities and didn’t excel in insulation. Additionally, I found the cup’s wide shape to be cumbersome to hold.

Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler : While I adored the overall aesthetic of Simple Modern’s Classic Tumbler, I was disappointed by its insulation performance. After eight hours, the iced coffee stored inside registered 58 degrees Fahrenheit, which was 11 degrees warmer than the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler under the same conditions. Additionally, I found the tumbler’s tapered shape and relatively wide top to be less comfortable to hold compared to a straight-sided option. (I tested the 20-ounce tumbler, but it’s also available in 16-ounce, 24-ounce and 28-ounce sizes.)

S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug : The S’well mug has a pleasing size and shape, but it fell short in terms of insulation. Compared to its primary testing competitors, the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug and Ello Magnet Stainless Steel Travel Mug , the S’well mug felt thinner and flimsier, and the lid seemed less secure when pressed on. While my husband appreciated this mug’s faux teakwood design, I personally found it to look too artificial.

W&P Insulated Bottle : I was immediately captivated by W&P’s 16-ounce Insulated Bottle (also available in 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes). The silicone grip felt luxuriously soft and secure in my hand, while the screw-top lid ensured no leaks. Additionally, the “drink-through” lid (sold separately) effectively controlled spills, even while I was walking. I also appreciated the bottle’s ceramic coating, which imparted no metallic taste to the coffee and water stored inside, and left no stains behind—even after a full day of holding coffee. However, by the second week of my testing process, with minimal use, I already noticed scratches and tiny chips in the ceramic near the top of the bottle. While minor, this raised concerns about the bottle’s durability over the long term.

How I Tested The Best Travel Coffee Mugs

I tested out 14 different travel coffee mugs and tumblers over 10 days to find the very best travel coffee mugs on the market. This involved consuming copious amounts of hot and iced coffee and tea at home, as well as sampling espresso drinks from my local coffee shop.

For me, the most important criteria were how comfortable the mugs and tumblers felt in my hands, and how seamless and enjoyable they were to drink from. I spent considerable time holding them in various ways, picking them up and, of course, drinking from them. Although these actions may have seemed peculiar out of context, they provided valuable insights.

To test for leakage, I vigorously shook the filled mugs both right-side up and upside down. Those that passed this shake test were then subjected to further testing by being carried in my tote bag or backpack to ensure they remained leakproof on the go. I even took a couple of the most promising travel coffee mugs on an airplane to assess their performance under cabin pressure.

When evaluating insulation, I filled the mugs with freshly boiled water and monitored the temperature after six hours of undisturbed resting. For chilled drinks, I filled them with iced coffee and checked the temperature regularly. After a full day of use, I washed the mugs—either by hand or in the dishwasher—and examined them for any lingering coffee residue or odors.

Considering that many people use their coffee mugs while driving or strolling with their kids, I made sure to test whether each mug fit into the cupholder of my Toyota RAV4. Surprisingly, all of the travel mugs fit comfortably, with even the protruding handles of the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug and S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug proving to be manageable. Additionally, I tested the mugs in my 5-year-old’s umbrella stroller, finding that while they did fit, larger and heavier options such as the Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler and the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug stretched the cupholder’s capacity and felt less secure.

How To Pick A Travel Coffee Mug

Size and shape.

The ideal size and shape for a travel coffee mug is arguably subjective. In my experience, I found it more comfortable to hold mugs and tumblers that leaned toward taller and slimmer designs rather than wider ones, especially those with a wide top that tapered toward the bottom. Parthasarathy echoed this sentiment, stating, “Some cups are just too wide to hold, which can be a little cumbersome—especially for someone with smaller hands.”

Additionally, I found mugs with handles to be convenient, as they provided a more traditional feel akin to at-home mugs. However, I ultimately did not find a handle to be necessary to enjoy drinking from a mug or tumbler.

The majority of high-quality travel coffee mugs available today are constructed from stainless steel, and for good reason. Stainless steel provides effective vacuum insulation and is generally easy to maintain. According to Parthasarathy, “Stainless steel mugs with a ceramic coating help prevent odor retention.” My experience with a few mugs and tumblers featuring a nontoxic ceramic coating, such as the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler and the W&P Insulated Bottle , supported this claim. Nevertheless, Parthasarathy noted, "Stainless steel alone is also fine," a sentiment with which I agree.

In the case of the KeepCup Brew Cork Reusable Coffee Cup , the glass cup encircled with a ring of cork proved to be exceptionally comfortable to hold and enjoyable to drink from. Dana remarked, “Glass is a great material for enjoying coffee, as it won’t retain or impart flavors,” adding, “But glass cups are generally less popular with Parlor’s team for busy (and sometimes clumsy) New Yorkers. Nobody wants to deal with broken glass on the subway!”

Cap/Lid Style

The travel coffee mugs I evaluated were equipped with a wide array of caps and lids, and preferences in this regard can vary greatly. Generally, I found that screw-on caps provided the most secure seal and effectively prevented leaks and spills. Conversely, press-on lids tended to be prone to leakage when tipped or shaken. When it came to tumblers, I particularly appreciated those that included reusable straws, as they made the process of drinking iced coffee feel more natural.

Before investing in a travel coffee mug, consider how you intend to use it. If you prefer iced coffee, a screw-on lid with a durable straw is likely the most suitable option. On the other hand, for hot coffee and tea, a screw-on lid with or without a spout will meet your needs effectively.

My Expertise

As someone who frequently travels for work and enjoys visiting local coffee shops when at home, I have developed strong preferences for what I seek in a to-go cup. So when this assignment came along from Forbes Vetted, I jumped at the opportunity to enhance my already extensive collection of travel coffee mugs.

Professionally, I am a seasoned food writer with over 15 years of experience. My work spans various esteemed publications such as Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, the Washington Post, New York Magazine and Food52. Additionally, I have authored seven cookbooks and regularly contribute to Forbes Vetted, where I publish meticulously tested reviews for kitchen items such as adult lunch boxes , rice cookers and hand mixers .

To fill in any gaps in my own coffee-related expertise, I enlisted the insights of two industry experts. Stephanie Dana, from the Brooklyn-based roastery Parlor Coffee , and Namisha Parthasarathy, co-founder of the coffee subscription service Aramse , provided their valuable knowledge and perspective.

How Long Does A Travel Coffee Mug Keep Drinks Hot?

Many travel coffee mugs available today excel at maintaining your favorite beverages—whether it’s coffee, matcha, chai latte or Earl Grey tea—piping hot or refreshingly cold for extended periods. These mugs leverage single or double-walled vacuum insulation, effectively eliminating air between the stainless steel walls. This insulation mechanism slows down the transfer of heat or cold, ensuring that the contents inside the mug remain at a consistent temperature for longer durations.

During my testing process, the top-performing travel mugs and tumblers maintained drinks at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (which is considered the upper end of the ideal coffee-drinking temperature range) for six hours. Similarly, they preserved the chill of ice water at approximately 47 or 48 degrees for up to eight hours. If your daily routine or activities, such as hiking or camping, demand prolonged heat retention for your coffee, consider opting for a travel mug with superior insulation, like the Zojirushi Stainless Mug .

However, for everyday coffee drinking habits, excessively long insulation may not necessarily be advantageous and could potentially impact the taste of the brew negatively. “We notice that the flavor quality of hot, filter-brewed coffee begins to deteriorate after an hour and a half, even in a sealed vessel,” remarked Dana. Additionally, while iced coffee tends to last longer in a tumbler, exposure to oxygen can lead to staleness over time for any coffee beverage.

What Size Travel Coffee Mug Should I Buy?

Before investing in a travel coffee mug, it’s crucial to consider your coffee-drinking habits. Are you someone who kicks off the day with a black coffee and then moves on? Do you enjoy coffee dates with friends followed by strolls in the park? Are you an avid traveler or hiker who likes to bring coffee along? Or perhaps you have a penchant for iced lattes?

Your coffee personality will determine what size and style of travel coffee mug works best for you. Iced coffee lovers might consider a 16-ounce tumbler with a straw, like the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler , which holds an ample amount of coffee without being too heavy or cumbersome. Those who prefer an afternoon macchiato might opt for a smaller 8-ounce cup like the Yeti Rambler Stackable Cup . Folks packing coffee for the whole day will do well with the 20-ounce Zojirushi Stainless Mug , which keeps liquid hot for a long time. And someone who stops by their local coffee shop for a cup of coffee en route to work should try a 12-ounce lidded cup like the KeepCup Brew Cork .

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The 16 Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold on the Move

Good travel mugs are leakproof, durable and stylish. The best ones go even further.

By Hayley Helms and Jack Seemer

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Travel mugs deserve due diligence. You might be tempted to grab whatever mug you see on sale, only to realize later that it leaks or has terrible thermal properties.

Good travel mugs are simple to use, leakproof, durable and stylish. The best ones also fit easily in a cupholder (with some exceptions) and keep your coffee hot or cold for hours on end. These picks do all that and more.

Every product is independently selected. Learn more about our testing methods.

Best Overall Travel Mug

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Travel Mug

Fits in standard cupholder
Dishwasher-safe
Large variety of color options
Lifetime warranty
No extra bells or whistles
$25 at Amazon $35 (29% off)

Hydro Flask’s double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel water bottles are known to keep beverages cold or hot all day long, and the same goes for its coffee mugs.

The Wide Mouth Mug keeps cold drinks chilled for a whopping 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. The variety of colors and sizes Hydro Flask offers is wide, the flexible carry handle is comfortable to grip and makes it easy to strap to any pack and the lifetime warranty is sweet.

Best Upgrade Travel Mug

YETI Rambler 20 Ounce Tumbler

Sturdy design
Dishwashe-safe
$35 at Amazon

Yeti is pretty firmly ensconced as the cooler king . No big surprise then that the company makes some pretty damn good mugs, as well.

This double-wall vacuum-insulated option keeps your beverage as hot or cold as you like while also looking good and standing up to the elements. The no-muss Magslider lid makes it even more travel friendly.

Best Budget Travel Mug

RTIC Travel Coffee Mug

Top-tier insulation
Comes in multiple sizes
Hand-wash only
$23 at Amazon

Rtic makes top-of-the-line coolers , so it’s understandable the brand also crushes the hot beverage game — with style to spare.

Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps each sip toasty, and the 16-ounce capacity ensures there will be plenty such sips.

Brand to Watch

SMMT Outdoor Serpa Tumbler

Easy to clean
Doesn't fit cupholders
$42 at SMMT Outdoor

Created by former Nike execs and located in Park City, Utah, SMMT Outdoor specializes in elevating outdoor gear, and its Serpa Tumbler is no exception.

The leak-proof lid separates into two components — the durable plastic sipping lid and a magnetic base, which doubles as a coaster when sipping lid-free.

The Serpa can hold 16 ounces, and it is shorter and stouter than other insulated mugs. It doesn’t fit in car cupholders (which is a shame) but it’s chic design and ability to keep drinks at their optimal temperatures will probably inspire you to have it in-hand, anyway.

Best Large Travel Mug

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Large handle makes carrying easy
Compatible with all cup holders
Heavy when full
$45 at Amazon

Thanks to TikTok, Stanley’s humble Quencher has gone from standard issue to red-hot over the last couple years. If you’re seeing one in practically everyone’s hand, it’s not just the effect of social media: the bottle is that good.

The 40-ounce capacity with cup holder compatibility is spill-proof, easy to drink out of thanks to its reusable straw and easy to grip thanks to its extra-large handle. It’s easy to clean since it’s dishwasher safe, and it comes in a variety of colors.

And, yes, it keeps your drinks at just the temp you want — four hours for warm drinks, and 11 hours for cold beverages.

Innovative Lid Design

Miir 360 Traveler

Sleek and sophisticated design
Pricey per ounce
Only available in smaller sizes
$28 at Miir

If you’re constantly on-the-go, sometimes it can be a pain to take the time to sip out of one tiny little opening in your travel mug lid. You want options! And Miir offers them with its 360 Traveler.

The unique pop-up design of the lid allows for sipping anywhere around the rim — no thinking required. It’s spill proof, sleek and easy to use.

The lid can be a little annoying to clean, but that’s not anything new in the world of insulated mugs and bottles.

Most Versatile Design

Camelbak Products MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup – Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel – Black – 22oz bottle & 16oz cup

CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup

Easy to share beverages
Can also store dry goods
Too tall for daily use
$40 at Amazon $52 (23% off)

If you’re looking for a travel mug that can do more — and are willing to shell out for it — CamelBak’s Red Dot Design Award-winning innovation is your play.

The insulated 22-ounce bottle features a removable, lidded 16-once cup you can use to reduce waste at a coffee shop, stash snacks and even use to share some of your precious rocket fuel with a friend, if you’re feeling generous.

Best Travel Mug for Long Journeys

Ember Travel Mug 2

Keeps drinks at a specific temperature for three hours
Not for cold drinks
Requires setup
$120 at Amazon

If you’re the type to let your coffee or tea go cold, just to microwave it and let it go cold again, then the Ember 2 should be on your radar.

Yes, other insulated mugs and bottles can keep your favorite drink semi-hot for up to six hours. But Ember’s keeps your coffee, tea or other hot beverage at the same exact temperature for three hours.

Classic Travel Mug

Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug

Comfortable handle
White lid stains easily
$18 at Amazon

If you love to get outdoors, this backcountry-inspired travel mug looks just like the ceramic mugs that used to be everyone’s go-to for camping.

The sliding leak-proof lid keeps things hot and secure for up to five hours. We recommend pairing this mug with some easy-to-make camp coffee like Kuju’s pour-over grounds or Alpine Start’s instant coffee.

Best Travel Tumbler

CamelBak Horizon 10 Ounce Rocks Tumbler

Fits easily in your hand or pack
Non-slip silicone base
Won't hold a standard 12-ounce can of beer
$16 at Amazon $19 (16% off)

Camelbak’s small-but-mighty 10 ounce tumbler is perfect for keeping drinks — alcoholic or not — chilled and ready for sipping at a moment’s notice.

The double-walled insulated stainless steel is powder-coated for a sweat-free finish: use this for your afternoon cocktail this weekend, and you won’t get those annoying drops rolling off every time you raise your glass to take a refreshing sip.

CamelBak’s non-slip silicone pad on the base keeps things upright and steady, and its tumbler-style lid slides open into three different positions, so you can find the flow that works for you.

Best Travel Mug for Bike Rides

Velo Canteen

Fits standard bottle cages
Only holds 13.5 ounces
$45 at Velo

For the cyclist that enjoys a quality brew but doesn’t want to pour it into plastic — or simply refined riders that want a beautiful, functional bottle to complement their kit — it doesn’t get much better than Velo’s Stainless Steel Canteen.

It fits in a standard cage, works on and off the bike and double-walled stainless steel keeps warm drinks warm for hours on end.

Best Snap-Lid Design

zojirushi 16 ounce stainless steel vacuum insulated mug

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Comes in two-dozen colorways
Multiple sizes available
Cold retention is short
$26 at Amazon

Offered in two-dozen attractive hues, Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.

Best Travel Mug for Iced Coffee

Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide 16 oz Travel Mug

Some of the best thermal retention on the market
Appearance is pretty plain
$33 at Amazon

This vacuum-insulated bottle gives you loads of liquid refreshment options. But simply using the included leak-proof Café Cap and carrying handle, you can tote hot coffee for an impressive 14 hours — or iced coffee for a mind-blowing 47.

An Aesthetically Pleasing Design

Swell Teakwood Traveler

Triple-layer vacuum insulation
Comes in three sizes
Not real wood
$40.00 at swell.com

The 16-ounce version of this distinctive-looking option will keep your coffee steaming for a a generous 12 hours thanks to stainless steel and triple-walled insulation.

If the wood finish isn’t your style, there are several other colors and patterns to peruse.

An Old-School Design

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug

Lid can open with one hand
Classic stylng
May be too old-school for some
$25 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Stanley’s been at it for more than a century, with consistent quality you can trust.

This mug combines timeless good looks with reliable 18/8 Stainless Steel and double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure hours of toasty joe.

It’s easy to drink while driving, too, thanks to the push-button lid you can trigger with your thumb.

Best Travel Mug for Tea

Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Tumbler

Has thousands of positive reviews
Built-in tea hook
Not the most durable design
$22 at Amazon $28 (21% off)

This fan-favorite has over 8,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average. The vacuum insulation will keep coffee or tea hot for up to five hours, while the built-in tea hook handily suspends tea bags and most loose leaf infusers.

The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, According to Our Tests

We tested more than 25 top-rated picks to find the best spill-proof, stylish, and durable mugs.

In This Article

Our Top Picks

How We Tested Travel Coffee Mugs

Our favorite travel coffee mug, factors to consider, other travel coffee mugs we tested, our expertise.

Food & Wine / Will Dickey

There’s nothing like sipping a freshly brewed coffee from your favorite espresso machine or cold brew coffee maker first thing in the morning — if you have the luxury to savor that cup before your day gets busy. For those of us with little to no time to spare, a travel coffee mug is essential. You may not be able to drink your coffee while relaxing in your favorite local coffee shop, but you will have super-hot or ice-cold coffee to fuel your day.

The problem is finding the best travel coffee mug that keeps the flavor of your go-to coffee intact without any metallic aftertaste. Paper and plastic cups don’t come close to the efficiency, sustainability, and temperature control a durable travel coffee mug offers. We tested more than 25 travel coffee mugs, paying close attention to insulation, design, and size. We also spoke to some die-hard coffee drinkers to get their expert opinions on the best travel coffee mugs, from ceramic mugs to stainless steel tumblers. Read on to discover our editor-tested and approved picks.

Best Overall

Yeti rambler 20 oz tumbler.

At 20 ounces, it’s large enough to hold enough coffee or other beverages to last all day long, with tough insulation to keep the temperature just right.

Be careful: the MagSlider lid isn’t leakproof.

Durability, size, and next-level insulation characterize the Yeti Rambler Tumbler. It can handle all environments, from your office to your car, pool chair, or camping tent. Made from kitchen-grade, rust-resistant stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, your beverage will remain at the exact temperature you desire (whether hot or cold) for hours.

The Rambler can take a tumble with its hardy construction, and the exterior won’t chip or fade from years of use. However, during an upside-down leak test, we noted that the mug dripped a bit, so they wouldn’t leave it loose in a bag. The magnet on the MagSlider Lid adds an extra layer of protection to keep heat or cold from escaping.

During testing, we also noted the Rambler’s long-lasting cool insulation, staying under 40°F for about 10 hours. It won’t sweat either, and if you spend a decent amount of time in the car, you can rest easy knowing it fits in most cup holders. (We've also weighed in on the Stanley vs. Yeti debate , if you're curious!) Once you’re done for the day, you can throw it in the dishwasher to be ready for tomorrow.

Volume: 20 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Will Dickey

Ello Campy Travel Mug

This mug is a great size, features a stylish design, offers stellar hot and cold insulation, and is truly leakproof — all for under $20.

While the lid is dishwasher-safe, the body should be hand-washed.

Some of the coolest travel tumblers around, Ello products have great heat retention to keep things piping hot for hours. We especially love the Campy Stainless Steel Mug, which is great for traveling because it didn't leak a single drop during testing. It also performed very well for cold insulation, with under-40° temperatures that lasted for more than 10 hours.

Pair those marks with the mug’s stylish design and comfortable cork handle, and you’ve got a perfect formula for an all-around great mug. Hikes, commutes, working from home or at the office, picnics — we can't envision a scenario where this mug wouldn't be useful. And under $20, it can't be beaten for value.

Volume: 18 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe, body is not

Food & Wine / Fran Sales

Best Leakproof

Contigo autoseal west loop vacuum.

This mug kept drinks insulated for nearly two days, outperforming competing options.

You might want to pass if you're only looking for a travel mug that's good for cold beverages.

Contigo's leak-proof mug is ideal for anyone who takes their beverages on the go, especially hot drinks. It fits in cup holders, it keeps drinks insulated for hours, and it's easy to use with just one hand if you're driving or holding something in the other.

We loved this mug’s Autoseal feature, where the snap seal top pops open with the click of a button. It can even help you avoid spilling your drink. Functionally, it’s comfortable to hold, with a center groove that lends itself nicely to wrapping your hand around. The downside is there’s no handle or a texture to boost grip, though the color coating on the outside provides a light layer of non-slip.

Volume: 20 ounces | Lid type: Pop-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe, body is not

Food & Wine / Bailey Fink

Best Wide Travel Mug

Fellow carter everywhere mug.

This mug feels high-end and offers incredible insulation abilities, keeping drinks hot for hours.

Since it doesn't fit in a cup holder, this is not a good option if you like to sip while you drive.

For a reliable and secure travel mug with exceptional insulation abilities, we recommend the Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug. During our tests, we noted that the lid screwed on and off easily, creating a tight seal when shut — meaning no liquid was spilled when the mug was placed upside-down, on its side, or even shaken.

Insulation-wise, this mug performed very well with both cold and hot liquids. For cold drinks, the ice didn't melt at all the following day. For hot drinks, the temperature dropped very slowly. Plus, the ceramic interior helped their drinks taste better and ensured the mug didn’t absorb residual odors after washing. Our only qualm was the overall size of this mug, as its wide base does not fit in standard car cupholders. If you're looking for a slimmer model, we highly recommend the Fellow Carter Move Mug , which comes in three sizes: 8, 12, and 16 ounces. We've tested the 12-ounce option and love it so much that bring it with us whenever we travel.

Volume: 16 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Food & Wine / Bridget Degnan

Best Splurge

Kinto day off tumbler.

It provides excellent hot and cold insulation, is leakproof, and seals incredibly well, thanks to its twist-on cap.

This mug is not dishwasher-safe.

This high-end travel mug looks as good as it functions. It aced our usability and leakproof tests: It has a screw-on cap that ensures every drop of liquid stays in the mug (although we noted that you need to make sure you screw on both pieces very well or else they will leak). The kinto's slim body is comfortable to hold. We enjoyed drinking from the circular opening of the mug, which allowed us to sip from any angle, though we noted that the flow was a bit fast.

The cap keeps the mouth area covered, so no need to worry about it coming into contact with germs as it rolls around inside your bag. Plus, it's versatile enough to use for either coffee or water, as it keeps both hot and cold drinks at your desired temperature for long periods. While this tumbler is on the pricier side, if you want an aesthetically pleasing travel mug that works, we say this one is worth it. The compact size, exceptional insulation, and smart, leakproof lid design make this an all-around standout.

Volume: 17 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Best for Car Travel

Bubba envy insulated tumbler.

This is the ideal iced or hot drink container for the car.

This mug is not leakproof.

If you’re looking for a reliable, extra-large travel mug, the Bubba Straw Envy Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler might be your best bet. The removable straw is nice for iced coffee, and the size is ideal for a car cup holder. The mug is spill-proof in that if you knock it over, the lid won't pop off — but the liquid will come out of the mug. While it's comfortable to hold, the lack of leak protection will certainly make a mess even if it's tipped, let alone knocked over or turned upside down. It should remain upright in your hand or a cup holder only.

Despite that, this mug has incredible insulation and keeps liquid cold for nearly two days. The hot water remained hot for more than three hours and even kept warm until the following day, at 22 hours. We found the insulation abilities of this mug to be surprisingly unmatched, performing better than mugs twice or three times the price. We even poured an iced coffee to drive down to the beach one morning, and on the drive home, the remaining coffee was still ice-cold. Case in point: This is the ideal iced or hot drink container for the car.

Volume: 24 ounces | Lid type: Pop-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Food & Wine / Megan Soll

Best Insulated

Hydro flask wide mouth flex sip lid bottle.

We gave this tumbler a perfect score across all four categories, including size, design, insulation, and value.

It’s difficult to open this mug with one hand.

Another great name in insulated and no-sweating drinkware tech, the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler earned a perfect score. This large mug can carry hot or cold coffee or tea in any environment for extended periods — and looks good in the process. Made from stainless steel, it’s comfortable to hold, while the wide mouth facilitates easy access to add liquids and ice. On the go, the handle and exterior texture make it simple to grip.

The lid can be sealed completely by twisting to prevent leakage, and it even has a red color marking inside to easily indicate if it’s fully closed. During testing, we noted that the lid’s super-tight seal never leaked, despite placing the mug upside-down and on its side. Given its sleek design and high performance, we recommend this mug for any type of liquid, hot or cold.

We tested 27 popular, top-rated travel coffee mugs via an initial 4-week testing period and through long-term testing to collect further insights from editors after months of continued use.

For 4 weeks, we provided feedback on each travel coffee mug’s sealing capabilities, cold insulation performance, hot insulation performance, and ease of cleaning. In addition to its general design observations, we also paid close attention to insulation, size, and value.
In our long-term testing, we paid attention to each mug's durability and ability to withstand daily bumps, scratches, and dishwashing cycles. We also observed any changes in each travel coffee mug's design, observing how well the thermos kept our coffee hot or cold or any changes in the effectiveness of the leak-proof or spill-proof seal over time.
Overall, we evaluated each mug based on how often we reached for it in our daily lives and if we'd recommend it over others we've tested.

Thanks to its durability, size, and next-level insulation, the Yeti Rambler earned the top spot on our list of best travel coffee mugs. During testing, we found the Yeti to work great in virtually any environment, keeping our beverage at the exact desired temperature for up to 10 hours.

Travel coffee mugs are usually made of either metal or ceramic, with tight-fitting lids, and some can be vacuum insulated. Your choice of material should take into account how you intend to use the mug, how long you need your coffee to stay hot, and how you drink out of it.

Choosing the right size of travel mug is about more than just how much coffee you want it to contain. If you need it to fit in your car’s cup holder, for example, or slide easily into a bag or backpack for a train commute. In general, you want a travel mug that will be easy to transport and contain enough volume of coffee to keep you satiated.

Lids are either designed as “drink-thru” or have to be removed to access the contents. Drink-thru lids are easier to navigate on the go but are not as good at keeping heat from dissipating. If you need a mug just to get hot coffee from one place to another without needing to drink it en route, a sealed lid with no drink-thru access will work best for retaining heat. If you do need to sip on the go, look for a lid with an easy slide or flip access that still protects from spills, rather than one that has a permanent opening.

Leak-Proof vs. Spill-Proof

Leak-proof travel mugs are designed to not allow any liquid to release when properly closed and sealed. These are ideal for mugs that you might need to toss into a bag or backpack during your commute. Spill-proof mugs are designed to mitigate a mess when accidentally knocked over during use. Some companies may use the language interchangeably, but in general, Leak-Proof will usually be slightly more secure than just spill-proof.

Care and Cleaning

Many travel mugs are not dishwasher safe, especially some that are vacuum insulated. Be sure to check the packaging to determine the best way to care for them. Regardless, travel mugs should be at least rinsed out after each use, even between cups, to keep them fresh, and preferably fully cleaned once a day to prevent mold and mildew. Remember that even if your mug is dishwasher safe, the dishwasher won’t remove tough stains and strong odors. For that, you’ll want to use baking soda and water and give it more of a scrub.

Frequently Asked Questions

“This is a vessel with two layers (or walls), one inside and one outside,” says Jessica Easto, author of Craft Coffee: A Manual . “In between is a layer of space, which even air has been sucked out of (that's what a vacuum is). Heat moves very slowly through the air, and it moves even more slowly through this "vacuumed" space because there are very few molecules in that space. Since heat transfer happens so slowly, your coffee stays hotter for longer.”

This will depend on your travel mug, says Easto. “A vacuum-insulated travel mug can keep coffee hot for several hours. Different brands promise different times.” If you need your coffee just to get you through your commute, you may not need the top-of-the-line mugs, but if you want that coffee hot all day, investing in a good vacuum-insulated mug or bottle will be the way to go.

Up to a point, says Easto. “The best performers of any material will be vacuum insulated.” Having said that, ceramic is a good material for retaining heat, and lids help to prevent fast cooling, so if you only need your coffee to stay hot for a short amount of time, they work fine.

Use a stiff brush or rough-sided sponge to remove the oils left behind by coffee (and any dairy or oat milk you've added). Baking soda and vinegar are the best bet for neutralizing aromas; soap is often difficult to thoroughly rinse out, and you can get lingering unwanted aromas and flavors. Put a half cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of regular dish soap in the travel mug, fill the rest with hot water, let it soak for a few hours, and then rinse it out thoroughly.

For the lid and rubber gasket (if needed), take the gasket off, and wash it with regular dishwashing liquid on a soft sponge. You can use the same sponge to clean the lid. Finally, rinse the mug and let it air dry.

Strong Contenders

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug ($29 at Amazon)

Although the Zojirushi performed well in our leak tests and kept both hot and cold beverages at the right temperature, we didn't love the overall design of this travel coffee mug. Since this mug is narrow yet tall, we found it difficult to hand wash and dry.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler ($35 at Amazon)

We liked the vacuum insulation of the S'well Stainless Steel Traveler and noted that it formed a perfectly airtight seal to keep our beverages cold for up to 30 hours. However, we wish this travel coffee mug had a grippy exterior, a looped handle, or another more travel-friendly design feature, as it was slippery to grab and go.

THERMOS Travel Coffee Mug with Snap Flip Lid ($30 at Amazon)

We noted that this mug does not leak at all, even when knocked around on the countertop. Though it fits in standard car cupholders, the bulky handle of this thermos makes it awkward to easily grab and sip while driving, so we would have preferred not to have a handle at all.

MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler with Locking Flip Lid ($34 at Amazon)

We liked the overall design, insulation, and size of the MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler. However, we found a design flaw with the locking flip lid, as we found it difficult to take a sip without splashing coffee especially while commuting.

RTIC Outdoors Travel Mug ($35 at RTIC)

This travel mug performed well in our leak and insulation tests, but we didn't love the somewhat bulky handle and we found it difficult to quickly unscrew the lid for cleaning or refilling.

What Didn’t Make the List

In our tests, a few travel coffee mugs did not meet our expectations in terms of design, performance, and insulation. Some models like the Klean Kanteen Wide Recycled Insulated Mug leaked and spilled during our tests. We were disappointed by the performance of the Ember Stainless Steel Temperature Control Travel Mug and found that the smart controls took some time to get used to, and even then were ultimately awkward to use.

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is an acclaimed food writer with nearly a decade of experience. She has written for Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, and more. For this piece, she used editor-tested insights and her research on top-rated travel coffee mugs.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 12 Very Best Travel Mugs

Cut back on waste and enjoy a better cup of coffee..

When I walk into any coffee shop, I see at least a handful of people asking for their morning brew to be poured into their own reusable vessel instead of something disposable. And trust me: Baristas are more than happy to oblige. Every single one of the pros I talked to for this story said that not only are ceramic, glass, and stainless-steel options better for the environment, but they actually make your coffee tastier than paper or plastic. They’re also more convenient — I make my coffee and tea at home the vast majority of the time, but now, I pour it into one of the few reusable mugs I tested for this story whenever I want to take it with me on the go. Not only does that save money, but it keeps my drink hot or cold for longer. And I can sip some, throw it in my bag , and save the rest for later.

All the travel mugs on this list have temperature retention for at least a few hours, with the exception of three, which I’ve noted and explained. While all of them work well, if you’re going to invest in this long-term good habit, you want to find the one that best fits your coffee habits and, of course, aesthetic preference. Read on to help determine which reusable cup, mug, or tumbler is best for you. And if you’re in need of a water bottle , I’ve got you covered there, too.

Update on July 26, 2024: Added an image of the KeepCup in use; updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

Eight or 12 ounces is on the smaller side; both are good for standard cappuccinos or cortados or if you don’t consume all that much coffee or tea. Twenty ounces is pretty big, useful if you’ll be toting your drink around all day without the chance for refills. And then, of course, 16 ounces is somewhere in between.

The type of lid on your travel mug can make a fairly big difference in how you experience drinking. Some have bigger openings, some smaller. Some snap shut; others twist open and close. This can come down to personal preference — meaning the literal mouthfeel of each one. But it’s also important to consider when and how you’ll be using your travel mug, whether that’s commuting by train or car, sitting at a desk, or running errands around your neighborhood.

How to clean

Some travel mugs on this list are dishwasher safe; others need to be cleaned by hand. Take note if that’s an important factor for you.

Best travel mug overall

Volume: 12 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

The MiiR Travel Tumbler is my personal favorite travel mug. I own the smallest size (12 ounces) and love the compact build and sleek shape. I find the grip itself to be secure, too, and slim enough to fit in one hand. The whole lid screws on tight; I’ve never experienced any leaking. It’s especially easy and comfortable to sip from, thanks to the small piece on the lid that flips up and reveals a hole that allows a stream steady enough to get a good mouthful but not so wide open that it spills when I tilt the mug back. This is even the case with iced coffee; the cubes never obstruct the opening or cause uneven flow (though if you mainly drink it this way, one of the larger sizes might be a better choice).

The temperature retention is fantastic, too; I’ve had coffee stay hot — not just warm, but piping — for six hours. Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco, explains that this is thanks to the double-walled interior, which also means it’s never too hot or too cold to hold on the outside. “It’s stainless steel, so it washes really easily,” Morrison says, “and doesn’t hold on to any flavors.” Will Pratt, founder and owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine, agrees that its material makes it a breeze to clean — and that if you have one, you can even just throw it in the dishwasher. “Coffee has sticky oils that leave residue, and there’s nothing worse than a mug that holds that flavor over time,” he says. The final bonus, as mentioned by Morisson, is that it fits into cup holders in both cars and bikes, which “is not always the case.”

Michael Philips, director of content and copy at Blue Bottle , recommends Miir’s standard tumbler . Like the travel model above, the body is made from the same material, slightly tapered towards the bottom, so it still feels good in the hand and fits in cup holders, Philips says. The clear lid “gives you a chance to see what you’re drinking,” he says, and “does a great job stopping sloshes from getting out and onto your hands.”

Best travel mug for cappuccinos

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash only

KeepCup was also mentioned by many of our experts, and in my own testing, I liked it, too. The lid here functions pretty much the same as the MiiR, which means you can sip from the hole or take the whole thing off. Both make for comfortable sipping. But I will note: while there’s a small silicone tag that fits into the sip hole to seal it, it isn’t perfectly leak-proof, meaning this isn’t a mug I would casually throw in my bag. But it’s very nice for taking on walks or bringing coffee-shop brew home.

I was initially nervous the glass would be delicate, but it’s thick and feels sturdy, with a wide cork ring around the perimeter so I can grip without my fingers getting too hot. The glass body also means that there’s not as much heat retention going on as some of the others. (And for Ryan Fisher, director of coffee and roasting at GoodBoyBob Coffee in Santa Monica, California, that’s actually a benefit instead of a problem: The glass gets his coffee to the exact temperature he likes quickly.)

KeepCup was also praised by coffee pros who say its size and shape works well on their side of the counter, too. The small glass vessels were designed by two former baristas in Melbourne, Australia, making it easier for people like Joanna Lareau, coffee manager at Stumptown , and Samya Said, former barista training manager at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea , to do their jobs. Both Lareau and Said say that having a wide mouth and inner slope allows baristas to pour amazing coffee art. Lareau also notes that the small size fits cortados and cappuccinos well. “Some reusable cups are so big they don’t fit into the espresso machine,” she says.

Best travel mug for iced coffee

Volume: 8, 12, and 16 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid | How to clean: Hand-wash only

Fellow is generally a favorite brand among industry folks (I’m a big fan of their electric kettle in particular). As with all their products, the travel mug has a streamlined look. Even though you can’t throw it in the dishwasher, Morrison says the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean. And it retains hot and cold temperatures with the best of them. But the coolest feature of all? “There’s a small guard insert at the top,” Morrison says, “so if you’re drinking iced coffee, the cubes don’t fall back onto your face when you get towards the bottom.”

Best travel mug for commuting

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

The Zojirushi, which was also a top pick for reusable water bottles , comes with a lot of the same perks as many others on this list — namely fantastic temperature control and a slim, sleek, and lightweight body. We’ve been recommending it since 2016 in large part because the water bottle keeps drinks at the same temperature as they were when you initially filled it. “One time, I made coffee early one winter morning and brought it to work in my Zojirushi. When I got to the office after walking through freezing temperatures and snow, the coffee was too hot,” wrote Laura Perciasepe in her review of this Japanese mug . “I put an ice cube in it like a philistine.”

But according to tea consultant Sara Shacket , its most impressive quality is that it’s completely airtight. “It really doesn’t leak,” she says. “I’ve used it during many commutes on the subway, thrown in my bag, and was never worried. Same if I was hiking on a trip. It could be upside-down and it wouldn’t leak.” Cookbook author and recipe developer Carla Lalli Music , who owns multiple Zojirushi models, echoes this sentiment, saying, “It has the most bustproof cap in the biz.” Ilana Glazer likes her so much, she brings it onstage, in large part because it’s “so sleek in its design and so quick to open and close.”

Best travel mug with a handle

Volume: 10 to 24 ounces | Lid type: Slide lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

If you prefer a mug with a handle, I recommend this Yeti option. Steven Sadoff, founder of New York City’s Ground Support , has many travel mugs (including the MiiR and the Fellow above), but he finds the handle on this one particularly convenient when he’s driving because even though it doesn’t fit in a cup holder, he can easily grab it and sip with control. “It makes for a pretty comfortable drinking experience,” he says, “especially as you get close to the end of your coffee.” The same applies when he meets friends for a coffee outside because “you can gesticulate wildly without spilling.” Aside from the handle, he appreciates that the mug seals incredibly tightly, keeps liquid hot for hours, and is dishwasher safe. Rhiannon Giddens is another fan , saying that Yeti bottles keep liquid “hot or cold for a millennia.”

Best less expensive travel mug with a handle

Volume: 8 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Slide lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

MiiR also makes a sweet travel mug that mimics an actual handled mug, and it also came recommended by multiple experts. Em Orendorff, former manager at Intelligentsia Coffee , likes it because “it’s shaped just like the mugs we use in the café (short and wide with a great handle), so it’s a breeze for baristas to make your drink in it as well as easy to clean and to drink out of.” Caleb Chauncey, former barista at East Pole Coffee Co. in Atlanta, likes that its insulated interior keeps drinks warm or cold for long periods of time, and it keeps a consistent temperature on the outside too. “It won’t burn your hand if you have a hot beverage inside, and it won’t sweat when you have a cold one,” he says. To me, it seems like the perfect camping companion. It’s also worth noting that it comes in the largest range of sizes of any of the mugs we’ve listed.

Best travel mug with a replaceable lid

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Bottle

Volume: 12 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid or sip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Hydro Flask is another go-to for water (in fact, I named it our best-overall bottle). Here, the Flex Sip lid makes it especially easy to use on the go, keeping your coffee contained as you drink. Plus you can dangle the mug with one finger from the looped handle. If you already own a Hydro Flask, you can buy the lid separately and just replace your old one. The company says it’s dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended — though my boyfriend and I have been putting our own Hydro Flasks in the dishwasher for months now, and there hasn’t been any damage.

Best no-leak travel mug

Volume: 12 and 17 ounces | Lid type: Screw top double lid | How to clean: Handwash recommended

This tumbler has an extra-secure double-lid system to prevent leaks. You take both lids off to fill the bottle, then twist in the first one that has a few holes around the perimeter to sip from, and then add the fully closed screw top over that. Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa loves this feature, he says, because there are no small flip-up or sliding parts that can open by accident. Once, he had to stuff it into his backpack while traveling and thought he was going to open it to find coffee stains on his clothes , but everything inside stayed clean and dry. Plus, “the actual lid where you drink from and makes contact with your lips never touches the exterior of your bag, or wherever you’re stashing it,” Rellosa says. Julia Shaw, director of marketing at NYC’s Devoción Coffee , is another fan. She says the bottle keeps liquid hot or cold for a long time and has an “elegant” aesthetic appeal.

Best travel mug with open hole lid

Volume: 8.5 and 12 ounces | Lid type: Sip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Kinto’s To-Go Tumbler has a very small but always-open sip hole, which means it’s best suited for when you’re sitting at a desk or on a walk holding the tumbler in your hand. This means your drink will stay hot for about an hour and cold for several hours, but it’s not going to retain its temperature all day long. That said, it’s still a favorite of a couple of our experts. For Haley Boyd , a designer and sustainability enthusiast, this is mostly because of the aesthetic. “It’s an attractive, simple shape in a solid color without a huge logo, which is surprisingly hard to find,” she says. But for Noah McKeown, general manager at Go Get Em Tiger in Los Angeles, who uses his nearly every day, it’s more than just looks. “I like the small-hole sip lid,” he says. “I think the flow-out of it is really nice. It never spills, but you still get a lot of the coffee aromatics out of it.”

Best customizable travel mug

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Button lid or straw lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Not only does this ceramic-lined mug hit the mark on functionality, but it allows you to customize way beyond size. You choose between a lid with a button-release or a built-in straw and then pick from a bunch of pretty, muted tones, either making it monochrome or designing it so that the body, lid, and button are all different colors.

It’s super effective, too. I tested a button-release version: While you unscrew the lid fully to fill the vessel, you press down on a circle flush with the top that opens another much smaller hole to sip from. This releases a slow and steady stream of liquid when you tip the mug back. Even when I was walking around with it, I never had to readjust how I was holding or maneuvering it, and no amount of turning it upside down or jostling led to any leaking. And the temperature retention (for both hot and cold drinks) is great — my coffee stays hot for about four hours, and last summer, I could hear ice clinking around after that same amount of time when I was out and about on a hot day.

Best glass travel mug for brewing tea

Volume: 7 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Often, tea-brewing tumblers have a metal insert that’s filled with tea leaves and steeped in water. That means that once the appropriate amount of time has passed, you either have to remove the strainer — which can be impractical, if you’re on the go — or just leave the leaves inside, which can cause your drink to turn bitter. But not with this tumbler. Daniela Titiun, tea sommelier and author of Tea Cachai , tried many models before landing on the Oneisall, which she says has “the smartest system.” It functions by dividing the vessel in half with a filter. One side houses the leaves; the other, the water. This allows you to turn the bottle upside down to infuse and then right side up when you’re ready to unscrew and sip. (There’s a helpful video on the product page.) While the glass means this mug is non-insulating, the double walls help retain heat for about an hour, and at only seven ounces, it should be easy to finish by then. Plus, as Titiun notes, you can easily re-brew for a second time with the same leaves.

Best stainless-steel travel mug for brewing tea

Volume: 16 ounces | Lid type: Sip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

Like the model above, this travel mug brews tea without an infuser sitting in your water — but instead of the flip method, it has a more traditional tea press that you push down once the steep time is over (similar to a French press ). The grip is comfortable, so I often take it with me on late-afternoon walks, and the twist-off lid is extremely tight. It hasn’t ever spilled, even when jostled in my tote bag . There are small sip holes around the perimeter of the top of the infuser so you can drink from any angle, all while the flow of liquid is slow and controlled. Finally, because of the stainless-steel insulation, it stays at temperature for hours; when I brew it before I go upstairs for the evening, it’s still hot when I drink from it before bed.

Some more travel vessels we’ve written about

Our experts

• Haley Boyd , designer and sustainability enthusiast • Caleb Chauncey, former barista at East Pole Coffee Co. • Ryan Fisher, director of coffee and roasting at GoodBoyBob Coffee • Joanna Lareau, coffee manager at Stumptown • Noah McKeown, general manager at Go Get Em Tiger • Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee • Carla Lalli Music , cookbook author and recipe developer • Em Orendorff, former manager at Intelligentsia Coffee • Will Pratt, founder and owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters • Jeremy Rellosa , Strategist writer • Steven Sadoff, founder of New York City’s Ground Support • Samya Said, former barista training manager at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea • Sara Shacket , tea consultant • Julia Shaw, director of marketing at Devoción Coffee • Daniela Titiun, tea sommelier and writer of Tea Cachai

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The 8 Best Tumblers And Travel Mugs To Save You From Single-Use Cups

To-Go Travel Mugs & Tumblers For Wherever You’re Heading

Anyone else brew a fresh cup of coffee, find it too hot, forget about it…and then it’s cold? Asking for a friend. 👀

If you’re like us, you may be ready to upgrade to a tumbler or travel mug to keep your hot drinks warm—and your cold drinks cool! ☕ We’ve found eight of the best brands for sustainable travel coffee mugs, tumbler cups, and reusable canteens. Perfect for your home office, your next road trip, and everywhere in between, you’ll never need to waste yet another styrofoam or plastic cup again.

Upgrade your routine and make the sustainable switch to a reusable water bottle too, if you don’t already have one. And for those heading back into the office, consider this sustainable silverware guide for reusable cutlery !

1. Klean Kanteen

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: Klean Kanteen

Materials | BPA-free stainless steel, silicone, eco-friendly powder finish Features | Double-wall insulation, 8–16 oz, up to 20 hours iced or four hours hot, dishwasher safe Ethics | Certified B Corp, family- & employee-owned, Climate Neutral Certified, gives back to environmental causes Price Range | $19.95–$27.95

Klean Kanteen was one of the first brands ever to sell reusable, BPA-free, stainless steel bottles. Today, this family- and employee-owned business is a certified B Corp paving the way once again, this time with sustainability. The tumblers and travel mugs are double-wall insulated, carbon-neutral, and splash-proof; you can also purchase one individually or as a kit. Get ready for very refreshing water—even if it’s been left out overnight.

Shop Klean Kanteen

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: S'well

Materials | BPA-free stainless steel Features | Triple-wall insulation, 10–24 oz, sweat- & splash-proof, up to 12 hours cold & 7 hours hot, dishwasher safe Ethics | Certified B Corp Price Range | $24.99–$35

S’well has thought of it all with its takeaway mugs, tumbler cups, and bottles. These BPA-free pieces are triple-walled, sweat-proof, and splash-proof. Plus, liquids will stay hot for up to seven hours or cold for up to 12. (If you grab S’well’s original bottle, enjoy up to 24 hours hot and 48 hours cold!) As a certified B Corp, the company prioritizes ethical manufacturing in China, responsible materials, and giving back.

Shop S’well

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: Stojo

Materials | LFGB certified safe silicone, BPA-free polypropylene lid & heat sleeve Features | 8–24 oz, collapsible, kid-friendly options, dishwasher safe Ethics | Partially recyclable, factories meet BSCI Code of Conduct, gives back to environmental clean-up initiatives Price Range | $12–$25

For a cup you can collapse when you’re not using, we love the leak-proof Stojo cup. Available in four sizes (or you can pick up the Stojo bottle), they’re all dishwasher safe and designed to fit standard cupholders. Stojo believes in quality so it uses only BPA-free and LFGB certified safe materials and is actively working towards more sustainable practices. Perfect for home, work, or travel, this cup will cut disposables out once and for all.

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: Fellow

Materials | Stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, ceramic coating Features | Double-walled insulation, 8–16 oz, splash guard option Ethics | Responsible production & materials Price Range | $27.50–$30

Fellow is a team favorite at The Good Trade, and the line of Carter travel mugs earns our praise, too. There are three styles to choose from, including one with a 360-degree lid and splash-guard, and they’re available in multiple styles and gorgeous matte colors. All are made with BPA-free plastic and stainless steel, designed for that piping hot (or cold brew) coffee.

Shop Fellow

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: KINTO

Materials | Stainless steel & BPA-free polypropylene Features | 12–17 oz, up to six hours cold or hot Ethics | Recyclable, eco-friendly packaging Price Range | $32.50–$35

KINTO wants you to sip slowly and sustainably. This Japanese brand looks to minimalism and functionality for its travel collection, especially the tumblers. Since its inception 50 years ago, KINTO has created strong partnerships with suppliers and craftspeople across the country, so the products are beautifully made and consciously packaged. We also appreciate the team’s growing commitment to sustainability.

6. Corkcicle

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: Corkcicle

Materials | BPA-free stainless steel & plastic Features | Triple-walled insulation, 9–60 oz, up to 25 hours cold or 12 hours hot Ethics | Free of single-use plastic, gives back to water projects Price Range | $32.95–$49.95

Corkcicle ’s mugs and tumblers are game-changers—we know because we have our own! There are dozens of options, many in collaboration with pop culture trends and brands like Marvel, Star Wars, and Rifle Paper Co. In late 2021, Corkcicle announced the elimination of single-use plastic in all products, and a portion of every order funds water projects around the world. With up to a 60 oz capacity and 25 hours cold, get ready for some serious hydration.

Shop Corkcicle

7. package free.

The Best Tumblers and Travel Mugs: Package Free Shop

Materials | Stainless steel, BPA-free polypropylene, silicone, borosilicate glass Features | 16 oz tumbler or 12–16 oz coffee cup Ethics | Eco-friendly packaging, plastic-free Price Range | $20–$40

Whether you prefer a tumbler and straw or an oversized coffee cup, Package Free has you covered. The Tumbler will keep drinks hot up to six hours and cold up to a full day—and we especially like the removable silicone straw for easy sipping. Or, if you want a fully plastic- and toxin-free option, consider the Coffee Cup that’s designed for easy pouring and is dishwasher-safe.

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8. w&p design.

The Best Tumblers & Travel Mugs: W&P Design

Materials | Ceramic or stainless steel, LFGB-certified silicone, BPA-free plastic lid Features | Double-walled insulation, 12–16 oz, dishwasher-safe Ethics | Responsible materials & production in China Price Range | $25–$35

W&P Design is on a mission to change how we eat and drink. Its Porter Mug and Insulated Bottle are two wonderful ways to get your H2O in, with the double-walled bottle as our preference. Check out the soft pastel colors and patterns to choose from as well as the chance to add personalization for just $10 more. Easy to grip, splash-resistant, leakproof—and affordable? What hasn’t W&P thought of?

Shop W&P Design

The Best Travel Mug

By Trey French and Anna Perling

Hot drinks are a daily staple for many, and just as important as the beverage is the travel mug that keeps it warm while you’re on the go.

After a decade of testing travel mugs, we still recommend the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug for most people.

It keeps drinks hot for hours, and its locking lid stays securely closed, even when you toss the mug into a bag. We also have another option, which fits better in most cup holders, for use while you’re driving.

Everything we recommend

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

The best travel mug.

This mug offers the best heat retention, plus one-handed usability and a locking, leakproof lid, which makes it especially useful if you carry your mug in a bag or backpack.

Buying Options

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug (16 ounces)

A wider mug for drivers.

This wider mug fit securely in our testers’ cup holders, and its spill-proof lid design is good for rough roads. It doesn’t retain heat as well as the Zojirushi mug—a fact that some people might actually appreciate.

OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set

For cleaning your mug.

This bottle-cleaning set has a skinny straw brush and a looped detail-cleaning brush, which are all you need to keep your travel mug squeaky clean.

The 16-ounce Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug keeps beverages hot for hours, even in cold environments. It has a well-designed exterior, an easy-to-clean nonstick Teflon interior, and a foolproof lid-locking mechanism that you can operate with one hand.

The mug is lightweight and slim, but it may not fit snugly in some cup holders. However, thanks to its locking lid, we were comfortable carrying it around in a bag, without worrying about leaks.

This Zojirushi model is pricey for a travel mug, but this is the mug we trust most not to spill in a bag, and it’s hard to put a price on that. (Actually, that would be about the price of a new bag, laptop, phone, and whatever else happened to be in there at the time.)

It’s also available in a 20-ounce version .

Like other Zojirushi products, it comes with a five-year warranty.

The 16-ounce Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug is wider and fits better in most car cup holders than the Zojirushi mug. The lid has an auto-sealing button that prevents spills, and when you drink, it won’t block your view of the road ahead.

Although this Stanley model may not keep drinks as hot as the Zojirushi mug, some people might prefer such results—we’ve heard many complaints over the years of the Zojirushi mug keeping drinks too hot.

Both the mug and the lid are dishwasher safe, but the lid has fewer parts than that of our top pick, so it is easier to disassemble and hand-wash if you prefer to clean it that way.

And let’s not forget that these things need cleaning regularly. That’s why we also have a bottle-brush recommendation for when you need to clean out the gunk .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: zojirushi sm-sf stainless steel mug (16 ounces), also great: stanley classic trigger-action travel mug (16 ounces), also great: oxo good grips water bottle cleaning set, other good travel mugs, the competition.

We’ve been testing travel mugs since 2013. Previous versions of this guide were written and researched by Séamus Bellamy and Anna Perling.

In 2023, staff writer Trey French wrote the latest version this guide. He covers travel and outdoor gear, including thermoses , ice cleats , and thermal underwear . He gained an appreciation of high-performing insulated drinkware while spring camping in Colorado when the temperatures dropped below freezing.

In addition to conducting our own tests, we’ve done the following:

We spoke to engineers and industry professionals about mug design, ideal coffee and tea drinking temperatures, and the best way to find out how long coffee will really stay good in a travel mug.
We watched a mass of online videos on what other professional and consumer reviewers had to say about travel mugs.

Travel mugs, as their name implies, are for people who want to take beverages on the go. Compared with paper or Styrofoam cups, a good travel mug offers better insulation and safeguards against leaks or spills. In addition, you can save money in the long run and reduce your environmental impact by using a travel mug.

Tumblers, thermoses, and insulated water bottles are all close cousins to the travel mug but have some important differences:

Tumblers have sipping ports that don’t seal as tightly or securely as on travel mugs . They also have wider mouths for adding ice cubes. Many also have straws for sipping cold beverages.
Thermoses usually lack the slim size and lid-design features that make travel mugs portable and convenient. With a thermos, instead of popping open a lid to take a sip, you need to unscrew the cap and pour liquid into an open cup to drink.
Insulated water bottles are geared toward keeping drinks cold and don’t have sipping ports like travel mugs do. Instead, they often have screw-top lids that require two hands to open and close, or they have sport caps, which aren’t great for hot drinks.

Here’s what we prioritized when deciding which travel mugs to test:

Vacuum-insulated: All of the mugs we consider are double-walled and vacuum-insulated .

Capable of retaining heat all day: We look for mugs that claim to keep hot beverages drinkably warm for at least eight hours.

Made of stainless steel: Stainless steel is more durable than glass or ceramic and retains heat better than plastic. It’s also the best material for vacuum insulation and therefore heat retention.

Leakproof and spill-proof: A leakproof seal keeps a closed lid from leaking if the mug jostles. A spill-proof seal guards against spills should you drop the mug or knock it over; such seals typically incorporate a push button, like the one found on the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action.

Easy to use: A good mug should be easy to both open and close, as well as to lock and unlock, with one hand. It should also be easy to disassemble for cleaning. We look for mugs that advertise these features or have reviews indicating that they are easy to use.

Between 12 and 20 ounces in capacity: We’ve concluded that 16 ounces is the optimal capacity for a travel mug, as it delays the need for a refill while remaining portable and easy to hold. Some people prefer wider mugs that don’t rattle in cup holders, while others like slimmer mugs that take up less space in backpacks or bags. We test both styles.

After considering the everyday wear and tear that a travel mug might go through in real-world scenarios, we devised tests to mimic those scenarios:

Leak and spill tests: We test mugs for leaky seals by shaking them upside down, dropping them, and carrying them in bags.

Drop test: We drop each mug three times from a height of 4 feet onto asphalt.

Insulation test: We fill each mug with boiling water and then measure how quickly the water cools over eight hours, checking every hour.

Ease of cleaning: We wash each mug, following instructions; we also take apart their lids and wash those. We check for lingering smells and to see if the finish on the mug is harmed.

Cup holder compatibility: We test the mugs in cup holders of varying sizes (2.75, 3.5, and 3.75 inches in diameter).

A blue Zojirushi SM-SF Stainless Steel Mug.

The 16-ounce Zojirushi SM-SF Stainless Steel Mug is the best travel mug for keeping drinks hot for long periods of time. This mug also comes in a 20-ounce size. (The SM-SF is the current model; these model designations often change from year to year, but the mugs themselves stay the same.)

It kept our drinks the hottest. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the best temperature range for coffee is 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. After sitting for eight hours in the Zojirushi mug in a 72-degree room, our water measured 158 degrees—hotter than in any other mug we tested. That translates to hot coffee over a full workday. (If you’re opening the mug more frequently than once an hour, however, it might cool a bit faster.)

It won’t leak. It has sturdy, leakproof seals and a simple locking mechanism. Just close the lid, switch the lock into position, and you’re guaranteed that the top won’t pop open when you don’t want it to—when you’re carrying the mug in a bag, for instance.

It’s easy enough to keep clean. The nonstick interior helps to prevent odors and stains, though the mug’s instructions do warn against storing milk or fruit juices in the mug. (If you prefer drinking from a vessel that doesn’t have a nonstick coating, you might consider the Zojirushi SM-KHE , which has an electro-polished stainless steel interior.) The narrow girth makes it hard to get a sponge inside, but using a bottle brush circumvents that problem. You can disassemble the plastic lid to clean out any gunk that might be lodged in hard-to-reach places, although the small plastic and silicone parts can be difficult to get on and off the lid.

It’s durable. Though this mug developed a few scuffs in our drop tests, it acquired no more than the other mugs we tried, some of which fared far worse. Zojirushi backs the vacuum insulation of its stainless steel mugs with a five-year limited warranty, and the company sells individual replacement parts online .

It’s simple. The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug has an attractive design that’s minimalist yet eye-catching in its simplicity. The 20-ounce version comes in only one color (navy), but our pick, the 16-ounce version, comes in three (navy, pale pink, mint blue).

How the Zojirushi mug has held up

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug might be the single most commonly owned and used product among Wirecutter staffers; it has traveled in many crowded bags, backpacks, and purses without any problems. One staff member did report that after eight years of use, hers finally developed a leak. Another colleague says that their mug has survived drops onto cement (once from a third-floor balcony) without suffering more than a dent.

Zojirushi specifies hand-washing only, but we know of several mugs that have survived accidental trips through the dishwasher without any noticeable decrease in performance, though the external paint has flaked as a result.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Zojirushi mug is sometimes too good at insulating. We’ve found that if we pour fresh coffee directly into the mug, the liquid can stay scalding hot for hours. To prevent burning your mouth, let your beverage cool a little before closing the lid.

It’s not cup holder friendly. This model, which is more narrow than a typical travel mug, did not fit snugly in our testers’ car cup holders. If you prefer a travel mug with a larger circumference, check out our also-great pick.

It isn’t spill-proof. Though the SM-SF is leakproof, it isn’t spill-proof like our also-great pick; the design lacks an automatic seal to prevent liquid from spilling if you drop the mug while you’re drinking.

A white Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug.

The 16-ounce Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug is our recommendation for use in a car, as it’s a great spill-proof mug that keeps drinks hot and fits in a cup holder.

It’s designed for drivers. Wider than the Zojirushi mug, this Stanley model fit more securely in our testers’ car cup holders. The top of the mug is narrower than the base, though, to help reduce heat loss through the lid. (Experts told us that the lid is where a double-walled mug loses the most heat.) And the design has no pop-up lid to bump your nose or block your eyes while you’re drinking.

A close-up of the cap of a white Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug.

It’s spill-proof, unlike the Zojirushi mug. You do need to hold down a button to keep the sipping port open to drink from the mug, which may be frustrating to some people. However, this design prevents spills—whether from rough roads, say, or if you accidentally knock the mug over while reaching for it—since the mug closes automatically. Other mugs we tested, such as the Contigo Autoseal Transit and West Loop (both former runners-up), had similar buttons, but the button on the Classic Trigger-Action was easier to press and hold. Unlike the Zojirushi model, this mug has no lock to secure its lid, but it never leaked in our tests.

It’s tough. This mug endured our drop tests, sporting only light scuffing on the plastic lid and minor dents at the side of the base of its body. Like Zojirushi’s five-year warranty, Stanley’s lifetime warranty covers only manufacturer defects, not damage to mug components due to accidents or wear. Should you damage the lid or simply lose it, you can buy a replacement lid .

It’s dishwasher safe. Both the mug body and the lid can go in the dishwasher. The lid has some hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, so be sure to disassemble it for the best cleaning results. Stanley’s lid has fewer pieces than Zojirushi’s lid and is easier to take apart.

You have more color choices. If you care about colors, the Classic Trigger-Action comes in many—about a dozen at last count. This mug also comes in a 20-ounce size .

It doesn’t keep drinks hot as long as our top pick does. The Classic Trigger-Action can’t keep your beverages quite as hot for quite as long as our top pick can, but that might be a plus for those who complain that the Zojirushi mug keeps drinks too hot. When we boiled water and let it sit in this Stanley mug, the water took only three hours to cool to 158 degrees (whereas water in the Zojirushi mug took eight hours to reach that temperature). After eight hours, the water in the Classic Trigger-Action measured 132 degrees—26 degrees cooler than the water in the Zojirushi mug. If you drink your beverages quickly or don’t want to wait for them to cool down before sealing your mug, the Classic Trigger-Action may be a better option for you.

The OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set is the best bottle-cleaning set. It comes with a large bottle brush, a skinny straw brush, and a looped detail-cleaning brush, all kept together on a handy ring so you won’t lose any of the parts. The set is dishwasher safe, and we found that it works well for anyone looking to remove gunk from travel mugs and other hard-to-clean items.

If you want a mug with a locking lid for about half the price of our top pick: Consider the GSI Microlite 500 Flip , which keeps liquids almost as hot as the Zojirushi mug and has a similar one-handed flip top with a lock.

However, when we dropped this GSI mug to the ground when the lid was unlocked, the lid popped open and spilled coffee everywhere—and the exact same thing happened when we dropped it a second time. Eventually, we dropped the mug enough, accidentally, to break the lid; GSI does sell replacement lids.

This mug, which has a large sipping port, also has a higher flow rate than our picks, and may require more careful sipping when the beverage is really hot.

If the Zojirushi mug is out of stock: You might look into the MiiR 360 Traveler , which in our tests kept drinks almost as hot and resisted denting just as well as our top pick. When it’s unlocked, its sipping port allows you to drink from anywhere on the lid’s circumference. We decided not to make it a pick because we struggled to decipher whether the sipping port was open or closed—which in turn led to spills. Unlike some twist-to-open 360-degree ports, the MiiR 360 Traveler’s lid has a push button for operation that forms the center of the lid, and at a glance, it looks nearly the same whether closed or open.

The mug is also available in a flip-top version called the Flip Traveler , but we’ve found flip-top lids prone to breaking during our drop tests. The mug bodies for the 360 Traveler and the Flip Traveler are the same, and the lids are interchangeable, in case you buy one and then decide that you’d like to try the other.

We’ve considered and evaluated several other Zojirushi travel mugs throughout our testing. Here’s a breakdown:

Zojirushi SM-WR : Almost identical to the SM-SF series, this version has an integrated gasket, which reduces the total pieces to clean. We like it almost as much as our top pick. However, it dispenses a little faster than the SM-SF, which is good for cold drinks but can be too much for really hot drinks.
Zojirushi SM-YAE : This 16-ounce mug costs a little more than our main pick. It comes with an electro-polished interior, like the Zojirushi SM-KHE, but has a shape that’s stouter than other Zojirushi mugs and short enough to fit under the spout of a single-cup brewing machine. In our tests, however, it fell short of our picks in insulating performance: After eight hours, the water temperature had dropped to 100 degrees, 58 degrees cooler than the water in our top pick.
Zojirushi SM-SHE : We were reluctant to test this mug due to persistent stock issues. Zojirushi sent us one to try out anyway, but it broke during our drop test.
Zojirushi SM-JHE : We opted not to test this mug because it has a wide-mouth, screw-off lid.
Zojirushi SM-JTE : We also elected not to test this model, which has a tea-leaf filter, due to its screw-off lid.

The JoeVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug brings a scalding drink down to a drinkable temperature and holds it there by using a third layer in its wall to capture excess heat and then release it over time. It isn’t leakproof or spill-proof, though.

The 17-ounce Kinto Travel Tumbler insulates well—so well that it was the third-best contender at insulating in our tests behind the Zojirushi SM-SF and GSI Microlite 500 Flip. Drinking from it requires fully removing the lid, though, and finding a place to put the lid.

After dismissing previous iterations of the Hydro Flask travel mug, we tested the 20-ounce Hydro Flask Coffee Cup with Flex Sip Lid , and it was a clear improvement over older models. It kept drinks hot for about a half day, and it resisted denting better than about half of the other tested mugs. The lid requires two hands to open and close, however, so it can be tough to open while you’re distracted, and it has a tendency to “burp” a small amount of liquid when you rotate the lid from closed to open.

The 16-ounce OXO Good Grips Thermal Mug with SimplyClean Lid resembles—and insulates about as well as—the Hydro Flask mug we tested, keeping drinks hot for a half day. It also shares that model’s flaws, requiring two hands to open and close, and burping some liquid.

The Klean Kanteen Insulated Wide Mouth Water Bottle was a previous runner-up in this guide, as well as a former insulated water bottle pick, but we found that the lid occasionally leaked when we left the bottle on its side overnight.

The 18-ounce Purist Mover with Scope Lid insulates nearly as well as our picks and has a 360-degree sip lid, which lets you drink from any side of the mug. It requires two hands to open and close, though.

We broke the flip-top lid of the 20-ounce Welly Traveler , as well as the glued-on product-label plate on the bottom of the mug, the first time we dropped it.

The 12-ounce Ketiee Travel Mug is cheaper than most mugs we looked at, and we wondered what we’d get for the price. It kept drinks hot for about two hours during our tests, scoring near the bottom. Our main complaint is that the molding process left a pointy knob on our test unit, right above the drinking port, that pressed into our testers’ noses. Also, the product page states that it’s spill-proof—and we found that it wasn’t, whether the flip-top lid was open or closed.

The battery-powered Ember Travel Mug 2 promises to keep your beverage at a specific temperature (up to 145 degrees) for three hours—if you remember to charge it. Without the battery, it scored at the bottom on our insulation test; we also managed to break its inner seal during our drop test. Although we like the standard Ember Mug 2 (read more in our mug warmers guide ), we can’t recommend this even more expensive sibling.

The Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug was one of our previous runners-up. Like the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action , it has a button that you need to push before you can drink. The West Loop didn’t hold up as well in our drop tests as the Stanley model did, and we found its vertical push button harder to use than the one on our current also-great pick.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Hongbin Bill Ma, director, Center of Thermal Management at the University of Missouri , phone interview , September 22, 2017

Michael Dickey, professor of chemical engineering at North Carolina State University , phone interview , September 26, 2017

Meet your guides

Trey French

Trey French is a staff writer at Wirecutter covering outdoors gear. A trail runner, backcountry skier, and long-distance backpacker, he has reviewed gear for Treeline Review and advised wilderness travelers on lightweight backcountry equipment at Katabatic Gear. He resides in California’s Eastern Sierra, where scenic desktop backgrounds are born.

Anna Perling

Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter. During her time at Wirecutter, she reported on various topics including sports bras, board games, and light bulbs. Previously she wrote food and lifestyle pieces for Saveur and Kinfolk magazines. Anna is a mentor at Girls Write Now and a member of the Online News Association.

This Inexpensive Water Bottle Is Meant for Cyclists, But It’s Great for Travelers, Too

by Christine Ryan

The Camelbak Podium is affordable, lightweight, and perfect for packing.

Our Favorite Mugs

by Jackie Reeve

Our Wirecutter home team is passionate about the vessels they drink them out of. Here are the mugs we can’t get enough of.

A collection of different types of water bottles laid flat on a surface.

How to Clean a Travel Mug or Water Bottle

Don’t want your coffee to taste like yesterday’s brew? Give your travel mug a good deep clean—and do the same for your insulated water bottle, too!

Two photos of the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug in illustrated polaroids.

We’ve Recommended This Travel Mug for a Decade. It’s Still Going Strong.

by James Austin

Our longtime favorite travel mug keeps drinks piping hot, and the nifty locking lid makes it virtually spill-proof.

The 8 Best Travel Mugs for Caffeinating on the Go

We got our hands on several popular travel mugs to find out if they’re worth the hype. These are our favorites among those we tested.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

These durable, portable mugs are typically made of stainless steel, with built-in insulation so your last sip of coffee is as warm (or as cold) as the first. Their lids are designed to prevent splashing or spills, so you can throw the travel mug in a backpack or slide it in a car’s front console without worrying about a potential mess.

Many of the best travel mugs we recommend are ideal for camping or hiking in addition to everyday carrying. Most are dishwasher-safe or stack for easy storage, and won’t set you back more than $30. Considering they’re reusable and maintain your drink’s temperature, they’re worth considering even if your daily commute it from the kitchen to your home office. Whether you’re keeping warm by the campfire or sipping tea on the train, wrap your hands around one of these editor-tested travel mugs.

The Best Travel Mugs

Best Overall: Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug
Best Value: CamelBak Horizon Tumbler
Best Leakproof Lid: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle
Best Coffee Maker Combo: Espro P0 Ultralight Single Serve French Coffee Press
Best Exterior Insulation: Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Portable Coffee Tumbler

What to Consider

Most of the travel mugs on this list are made with stainless steel. Steel is great for long-term durability, holding up well to drops, scratches, and continuous washing. Flavors and odors don’t stick to steel either. Once you finish your drink and rinse out the mug, you won’t taste your last cup of tea lingering in the background for the rest of the day.

Some stainless steel mugs have a slight metallic taste to them. If you’ve got sensitive tastebuds, consider a mug with a ceramic coating on the inside. This replicates the neutral flavor profile of a classic mug you use for coffee at home.

Travel mugs are typically insulated to keep your drink hot or cold for the duration of your trip. Most have double-wall construction, with two layers of metal inside and out. The pocket of air in between prevents temperature transfer, so even if you’re drinking piping hot coffee, your hand doesn’t feel a thing.

Many of the travel mugs we recommend come in multiple sizes, usually from six ounce to 24 ounces or more to double as your water bottle. Despite large capacity, most are designed to fit into a car cupholder or the side pocket of a backpack.

Additional Features

Some travel mugs come with handles while others do not. Handles on a mug are great for holding them while on a walk or hike as well as for storage. Instead of packing your mug into your backpack where it takes up valuable storage space, clip it on by the handle. Travel mugs with handles typically don’t fit easily in a cupholder. This is a major drawback for commuters who want a coffee cup for their drive to work.

Travel mugs almost always come with lids, but these vary in quality. Some prevent splashes and major spills by simply covering the top of the mug. They press on and often have a thin rubber ring around the perimeter to help keep them on the mug, though they won’t be completely sealed. So if you drop your mug, liquid is bound to spill out.

Other travel mugs come with thicker, screw-on lids that completely seal your drink inside. These protect your drink from spilling when they are dropped, but are typically much larger than a press-on lid and are more tedious to clean.

How We Tested

Each travel mug we tested was evaluated based on their performance in every day situations from morning commutes to walking outdoors. We paid close attention to heat retention, drink flavor, splashes or spills with the lid on, and ease of cleaning. Each travel mug was dropped several times from standing height to ensure durability. For those with press-on lids, we also paid attention to how securely the lids stayed on during a drop.

For mugs we didn’t personally test out, we compared key specs such as size, material, and insulation. We also researched across multiple online publications and read through customer reviews.

YETI Rambler Stackable Mug

This travel mug from Yeti impressed us with its durability, convenience, and practicality. The stainless steel construction holds up well against drops, and the double-wall insulation kept my coffee hot for hours.

The bottom of the mug is slightly thinner than the rest of the body. Because of this, the mug stacks perfectly into other Yeti mugs for easy storage when not in use.

The press-on lid isn’t completely leakproof, but it does come with a slider to cover the mouth hole when you aren’t drinking. While this won’t prevent a leak if you drop your mug, it certainly keep coffee from splashing out as you walk.

The slightly larger than average 14-ounce capacity was a small but noticeable detail for anyone who likes a full cup of joe, creamer, and sugar. The 12-ounce mugs require the slightest sacrifice while this Yeti gives you all the space you need.

CamelBak Horizon Tumbler

Without the classic mug handle, this tumbler from CamelBak is built for the commute. While a handle is great for walking and hiking, this travel mug fits into your car cupholder without the cumbersome handle getting in the way.

The travel mug also has a silicone based which provides a solid base that keeps the mug steady when in motion. Like most of the travel mugs on this list, the CamelBak is make of stainless steel.

However, the steel is powder-coated so when you take a sip of your tea, you taste the tea, not the metallic lingering flavor of your cup.

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle

If you want a leakproof container for your coffee, this tumbler from Hydro Flask is your answer. The screw-on lid has a twisting top that seals the bottle closed when you aren’t sipping. Twist it open to grab a sip, twist it closed, and your bottle won’t leak even if it’s dropped on the ground.

Both the lid and body are dishwasher-safe, so don’t worry about scrubbing coffee stains out of the crevices and corners of the relatively tall bottle.

While it doesn’t have a handle, this travel mug comes with a carrying strap on the top of the lid. Combined with the leakproof lid, you can hook the bottle to the outside of your backpack filled to the brim and not lose a drop.

Espro P0 Ultralight Single Serve French Coffee Press

Make your coffee fresh and take it to go with this portable French press from Espro. With double filter design, all the grit and sediment from your coffee grounds is kept at bay, so your fresh cup is as smooth as any you could make at home.

Unscrew the leakproof lid and you’ll have hot coffee to sip all day long. The French press feature also works well for tea. Simply swap out your coffee grounds for loose leaf tea, and the mechanism is just as effective.

Instead of carrying along a cup of drip coffee from my house, I get fresh pressed coffee that's smoother, and frankly, tastier than anything my regular machine can make. I love it so much that I sometimes use the Espro at home just for its double-filter press.

Hydro Flask Insulated Travel Portable Coffee Tumbler

Another option from Hydro Flask, this travel mug gives you the the same sensation as your favorite mug at home. Instead of grasping your hands around the cold metallic exterior of many other travel mugs, the Hydro Flask has a soft to the touch coating.

While it won’t warm up your hands like a ceramic mug, it won’t cool them down, like other travel mugs. For all the cold mornings by the campgrounds, the last thing you want to do is wrap your hands around a frigid metal mug.

The travel mug also comes with a press-on lid with a slider for the mouth opening. It leaks if you drop it, but it keeps the coffee from splashing around as you walk.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

Coupled with a ceramic-coated interior to stave off any odors, tastes, or smells from the cup, this Carter mug is great for getting that home-mug experience even if you can’t be at home. The wide opening also lets you brew coffee straight into the mug using a pour-over coffee maker or an Aeropress while camping or hiking.

The twist-locking lid of this reusable cup is leakproof to ensure no messes occur in transit and the double-wall insulation keeps your coffee hot for hours.

It doesn’t fit into a standard cupholder and the wide mouth may be hard to sip while driving or on the subway, but if you need something to transport coffee, this ensures it’s hot (and not all over your bag) when you arrive at your destination.

Zojirushi Stainless Travel Mug

For heat retention that lasts all day, the travel mug from Zojirushi is built to handle it. The double-wall insulation keeps the heat, while the variable sizes mean the mug can double as a thermos for soup too.

The leakproof lid has a flip top that locks in place, keeping liquids secure when closed. The lid also disassembles into four different pieces, so you can better clean each part of it and prevent mold buildup.

The interior of the mug has a nonstick coating that prevents residue from caking up the corners of the bottle. All you need to clean it out is some soapy water and a dish brush.

Klean Kanteen Insulated Camp Mug

Made out of 90 percent recycled steel, this travel mug from Klean Kanteen offers the same insulation as other options on our list but with a much smaller environmental impact. The recently climate neutral company created the mug using post-consumer recycled steel, meaning it would have otherwise entered a landfill.

Beyond this, the mug comes with a unique design etched into the side. The mountains and forestry on the side of the mug add help the mug stand out among its otherwise neutral-colored contemporaries.

The press-on lid is perfect for reducing splashes, but the open mouth does leave something to be desired. While it minimizes coffee splashes, expect a few drops to slip out on a bumpy commute.

Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling . He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website .

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

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For many of us, coffee is a constant companion — and that means you'll want a trusty travel mug as you head out the door. Whether you prefer a piping hot cup from your drip coffee maker or single-serve coffeemaker , a refill at Starbucks or a dose of joe from your cold brew coffee maker , your travel coffee mug should handle it all without leaking. Fortunately, there's tons of options out there, including stainless steel coffee thermoses to keep your beverages cool and ones with straws for easy sipping.

Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested 45 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of use and more. In our most recent tests, we called in samples of the latest travel mugs and used them both in the office and on our commutes to see how well they held up. We noted how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel coffee mugs based on picks that performed well during testing or come from brands that we trust.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Coffee Mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce stainless steel mug.

Best Value Travel Coffee Mug

Juro stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler.

Best No-Spill Travel Coffee Mug

Stanley classic trigger action travel mug.

Read on for more information on our testing process as well as for tips on what to look for when shopping for a travel coffee mug. For more ideas on what to fill your cup with, check out these coffee recipes to make at home .

Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It will keep hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes for that extra chill.

Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version.

This stainless steel mug is a great affordable option, especially considering its large 20-ounce size. What's more, it claims to retain the temperature of your coffee for up to six hours. Online reviewers like that it fits easily into car holders and won't sweat when filled with ice. The tumbler includes two lids: The featured slider lid as well as a flip-style lid , so you can choose which you prefer for the beverage you're drinking. It also comes with a reusable straw and a straw cleaner, though we found the straw was short and inconvenient to use.

Stanley has been in the thermal carafe game since 1913. This travel coffee mug delivers the company's insulated design and also includes a push-button "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless pushed. We liked that it means the spout stays closed when you're not hands-on . Our pros did note that it requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button while sipping. This mug is available in several colors (even camo!) and in a 20-ounce size.

Avana Sedona Stainless Steel Thermal Tumbler

This 10-ounce travel mug from Avana is perfectly sized for espresso-based drinks, but it's also available in 20-ounce and 30-ounce versions. Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes that the simple two-piece design is easy to clean because the lid is just one solid piece, unlike many other lids. This is particularly helpful if you like coffee drinks with foam, like latte beverages , that can gunk up lids over time. The contoured mouthpiece makes sipping easy, but it doesn't seal closed, so watch out for leaks. The double-walled insulated construction keeps drinks hot or cold and helps prevent condensation from collecting on the outside.

OXO Good Grips 16-oz Travel Coffee Mug with Leakproof SimplyClean Lid

We love when kitchen gear comes apart for a thorough cleaning, but would rather skip the guesswork that can follow when it's time to reassemble. The OXO travel coffee mug with SimplyClean lid solves this pain point: The four-piece lid is color-coded, numbered and etched with assembly instructions . It's easy to take apart and clean by hand (or in the dishwasher), and simple to put back together for your next cup. Never mind, it's also comfortable to hold. The mug comes in four other colors as well as a 20-ounce size.

Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid Coffee Flask

Hydro Flask has a huge following when it comes to water bottles — in fact, we named the brand our best stainless steel water bottle — and we're fans of its coffee mugs (called coffee flasks), too . GH Lab tests found that its stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body kept drinks hot and cold for hours, and it was quite leakproof. Hydro Flask also offers a separate wide-mouth lid , which can be handy for cold beverages. (The included lid twists to open and close.) But, be careful drinking hot beverages with a wide mouth as it can spill easily. It's available in a range of colors as well as 16- and 20-ounce sizes , and the little handle helps make it easier to transport.

SMRTMUGG Heated Coffee Mug

This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour battery life — kept coffee hot (above the target temp of 135˚F) for the full four hours of our Lab tests . Once you get the hang of the controls at the bottom of the mug, the clear digital readout is helpful in setting the temperature and turning off the mug. This travel mug also aced our leak tests. Our tester noted that while the push-button lid is easy to use, the edge of the button can bump your lip while drinking.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler

This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, our pros appreciate that i ts large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes , which makes it a great choice for frequent iced coffee drinkers. We have also found other S'well products to be good at maintaining temperatures. It seals shut and is leakproof; plus, it will keep your drinks cold (or hot!) all day. The S'well comes in a ton of color options as well as 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes.

Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Mug

This coffee mug from Contigo is super comfortable in your hands, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go . It's also completely dishwasher-safe, even the lid. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.

YETI Rambler Mug with Lid

This popular Yeti mug looks just like a traditional coffee mug, but it's designed to keep your drinks hot or cold and comes with a lid to prevent unnecessary spills. The sturdy and comfortable handle is large enough for even wide hands. It's available in a dozen different colors as well as sizes from 10- to 30 ounces. Another bonus is that when you buy from the Yeti site, you can customize your product with a short text, a monogram or a logo. Our tester found that the lid slides open easily but noted that it's not leakproof. The brand has also introduced the Rambler Stronghold lid , which screws on (rather than presses in), which we're actively testing in the Lab.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

This little cylinder makes a statement, with testers loving how compact it was. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. The screw top reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice . It comes in seven additional colors as well as a smaller, 12-ounce size.

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Papantoniou likes that the inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean porcelain, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time that can negatively impart flavors . She also noted that it keeps coffee "nice and hot right off the bat." It includes a simple shape and a silicone sleeve for a comfortable non-slip grip. It comes in several colors and a couple of terrazzo prints . It's also available in a 16-ounce size.

Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Starbucks fans will appreciate that they can purchase this mug online rather than solely in the stores. The ceramic mug is easy to use — the lid just pops into place and is surrounded by a rubber seal to help keep it (and the coffee) in place — and easy to clean . "It keeps coffee warm like a standard ceramic mug would, and the lid helps to keep things a little warmer for longer," our tester says. "I like that it's not scalding hot like in a metal mug, so I can enjoy my coffee without burning my mouth." The 12-oz size is perfect for refills of Starbucks tall drinks.

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Stojo's collapsible coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics. The brand impressed our pros with its other collapsible offerings — the Collapsible Bowl won a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award . Similarly, this travel cup is well designed: The cup includes a heat sleeve that provides a structured grip for the squishy silicone cup, and the 16-ounce size includes a straw (which is great for iced coffee or if you prefer to bring your own cup to fountain machines). The collapsed cup is just two inches in size. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, with 8-ounce , 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes.

MiiR Flip Traveler

With a 4.8-rating on Amazon, this stainless steel thermos comes in a slim design and an easy-to-open lid. Though we have not tested this pick in the Lab, we like its focus on giving back: T he bottom of each travel mug is printed with a "Give Code" that you can enter at Mirr's website for details on the brand's corporate giving , which is funded through every purchase. The Flip Traveler is available in several colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes .

JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

This glass bodied Joco mug has a colorful silicone lid and a matching thermal sleeve. It's microwave (and dishwasher!) safe, which makes it a great option if you like to reheat your coffee throughout the day. Since the glass is clear, it's easy to see how much coffee you have left — and hit your preferred shade when you add your creamer. Take note that the lid does not seal shut, so while it might be handy for car commuting, this isn't one that's great for tossing in your bag.

Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker

For iced coffee fiends, this mug is for you. Get your cuppa in flash: Simply store the inner core of the mug in the freezer, then slip the frozen cup into the protective plastic sleeve and pour in hot coffee. Our tester found that the travel mug will chill your coffee rapidly without watering it down with ice cubes. (The brand actually uses the same concept for its ice cream maker .) Slide in the lid with the provided straw, and you're ready for undiluted iced coffee — though you can add ice if you prefer. One caveat is that the freezable core holds only 11 ounces, which some might find too small.

How we test travel coffee mugs

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test travel coffee mugs, they use thermocouples to track the temperature of the liquid inside the mug over time. Many of the mugs on this list were tested at home over months (even over commutes) to assess their durability, ease of use and temperature retention.

Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability, cleanability and comfort of both holding and drinking. They test whether the mug is easy to open and close, and they drop each mug to assess its durability. To test for leaking, our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.

How to find the best travel coffee mug for you

✔️ Material : Many travel coffee mugs are stainless steel, though our list also includes porcelain, glass and silicone options. Double-walled construction is common with stainless steel mugs, and that can help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Other materials may not be insulated. If you opt for a glass mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped. Porcelain mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. Silicone is a great lightweight option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve.

✔️ Lid : Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug , which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.

✔️ Washability : Check to see if the mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Sarah Wharton is the Senior Editor and Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several of the newest additions to this list as well as led the recent test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte .

Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all testing of kitchen gear, including products like coffee grinders , coffee makers , espresso machines and Nespresso machines . She has tested almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment in her daily travel mug use. She is also the lead judge in the Good Housekeeping Institute's forthcoming Coffee Awards .

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

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Tested: The Best Travel Mugs For Hot & Cold Drinks On The Go

By: Ethan Brehm Published: Feb 15, 2024

By: Ethan Brehm and Cameron Cardwell Published: Feb 15, 2024

Contributors

There are a lot of travel mugs and commuter cups that claim to be “thermal,” but most of them are just cheap imitators that can’t keep a cup of coffee at the ideal temperature that the true drinker demands. Don’t get ripped off by any second-rate piece of plastic with a styrofoam insulator that claims it will keep your hot beverages hot and your cold beverages cool for long drives and long days at the office. Go with one of our picks from our guide to the best travel mugs, which we’ve tested and reviewed so you don’t have to.

Best Travel Mugs Breakdown

Best Budget Travel Mug

RTIC Travel Mug

Best Outdoor Mug

Yeti Rambler Mug

Best Hot Coffee Mug

KeepCup Travel Mug

Best Mug for Commuting

MiiR Flip Traveler

Best Mug Overall

Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Best Mug for the Car

Contigo Travel Mug

JeoVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug F 2 24 4

Best Coffee Mug for Instant Sipping

JoeVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug

Best Large Mug

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Article Overview

How We Tested

What makes a good travel mug, travel mug comparison chart, why use a travel mug, single-wall vs. double-wall vs. triple-wall, honorable mentions, the best insulated water bottles.

Let’s be honest: There are a LOT of travel mug options out there, with new ones making their way into the space each year. With that, we had to distill that list down to a select few. To do so, we used our years’ worth of expertise and experience using these vessels to help us out. We also looked at who were the major players in the game, the feisty newcomers, and the trendy outliers. From there, we came up with a short list, looking at materials, aesthetics, claimed performance (prior to testing), features, and lid function, and sourced samples for testing.

Testing took several days and consisted of actually using these mugs for both hot and cold beverages, depending on their intended purposes. For starters, we filled up each mug halfway with ice and halfway with water. Then we checked the temperatures initially and came back to them 15 hours later to see how much the temperature rose (or dropped in one instance). We only did this for the mugs that were intended for all-day drinking and cold temperature retention. In other words, the few mugs that were specifically for hot water only got tested for hot water. However, we performed the hot water test for all 8 mugs. In a similar way to the cold water test, we checked the temperature at the start and revisited each mug after 6 hours (mugs can’t hold hot water for as long as cold). Another thing we did after filling each mug was turn it upside down and shake it somewhat vigorously to see how much water, if any, leaked out. While almost all of these claim to be spill-proof when sealed properly, not all of them are leak -proof. So we’ve presented our findings as a distinction between the two terms. All of our results and findings are detailed down below.

Travel mugs are generally best for coffee, tea, or any other hot (or cold) beverage you need on the go, making them ideal for commuting, traveling, and camping. It’s a better choice than disposable options from an environmental standpoint, but also from a health standpoint because you decide what’s going in there.

Size: 12oz to 24oz is the average range for most travel mugs (with 8oz – 12oz options available for smaller beverages like cappuccinos) and should be sufficient unless you can’t make frequent drink trips or consume entire pots of coffee. For those of you who do need more volume, there are options that get into the 32oz or 40oz territory.

Lid: Lids can vary slightly (and not so slightly) from mug to mug; they can twist open, flip open, snap shut, and even include a straw sometimes. Commuters might want something with a sturdy no-nonsense lid, and those who WFH may go for something with a flip top or a straw. Decide which lid works best with your lifestyle and feels best, and go for that one.

Material: Firstly, make sure whatever you buy is BPA-free, then decide if you want a tempered glass, plastic, or stainless steel mug . Stainless steel retains temperatures better, but glass is more sustainable and can be put in the dishwasher. Plastic is probably the worst of these choices, but there are some solid options out there.

Finish: While you might want a powder-coated finish to keep standard water bottles from slipping out of your hands, mugs often come with handles instead. However, many of the picks below will have some sort of extra grip, whether or not a handle is included.

Temperature Retention: Stainless steel options will often be vacuum-insulated (an added layer that keeps heat from getting in or out) and keep your drinks either hot or cold for a while. Since heat rises, going for mugs with smaller lids/lid openings will help with heat retention.

Maintenance: Most stainless steel mugs need to be washed by hand, as opposed to putting them in the dishwasher (which you can do with most glass and ceramic mugs).

Leak-Proof/Spill-Proof: As we mentioned up above, most travel mugs advertise themselves as spill-proof, but what does that really mean? Most of them won’t deluge water if toppled over, however, they might still leak if upside down or sideways for any amount of time. It’s important to distinguish the difference, especially if you’re planning on carrying these in your bag.

Really good temp retention
Sleek design
Handle not super ergonomic
Lid screws on so sipper opening is too close to handle

Best Budget Travel Mug: RTIC is a legendary name in drinkware, and in less than a decade. Known for offering unrivaled outdoor-ready gear at affordable price points, this 20-ounce option is not only incredibly cheap but looks like a travel mug that’s twice the price, especially considering the size (there’s also a 16oz size available). Compared a lot to YETI, RTIC still gets the job done with double-wall stainless steel insulation for temperature retention, a no-sweat exterior to eliminate condensation, and a splash-proof flip-top lid with an air-tight seal. Also, it’s dishwasher-safe!

If you’re looking for something simple for transporting your drink to and from work or school, or simply want a desktop vessel that can keep your coffee warm for a while, the RTIC Travel Mug will do the trick, and with a price tag much lower than the competition. Aesthetic-wise, it’s simple and sleek enough that nothing about it looks cheap, and it feels durable in your hand. Despite the plastic lid, which helps you see how much of your beverage you have left, the mug had some of the best temperature retention, only gaining 3.6ºF in 15 hours.

My biggest gripe is the lid itself. Aside from being difficult to open upon first use (also there’s a lip on one side that almost implies it’s a seal-on rather than twist-on), the flip-top always lands too close to the handle when twisted all the way. I suppose if you really wanted to force it, you could make it so the sipper was in a better position, but no one should have to use a vice-grip in order to drink from a lid properly. Also, the handle design is pretty uncomfortable with its thin, sharper edges. Surprisingly enough, the RTIC Travel Mug was actually one of the least prone to leaking on this list. Even without clamping the lid all the way on, not a single drop came out of it when shaken upside down. This can be attributed to the actual effectiveness of the flip-top plug, which is pretty deep, despite being fairly easy to snap on and off.

Verdict: The lid design doesn’t make sense with its twist-on function –– not to mention, it restricts which hand you can grab it with –– but RTIC still makes the best budget travel mug around and has some incredible leak resistance and temperature retention.

Size: 20oz Material: 18/8 stainless steel Cap: Flip-Top Finish: N/A Temperature Gain (15hrs): 3.6ºF Temperature Loss (6hrs): 54.2ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: Yes

Secure sipper closure
Nice-sized sipper opening
Surprisingly leak-proof
Won’t fit in many cupholders
Difficult to open without spilling

Best Outdoor Mug: Since 2006, YETI has been making products (starting with coolers) that stand up to tough conditions and don’t leave you hanging like the mass-produced retail options. Since then, the brand has garnered a lot of popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and people who just appreciate good build quality. And the label’s Rambler Mug is a shining example of this quality, made with double-wall vacuum insulation that’ll keep drinks (and food) as hot and cold as you’d like. This is a great choice for the campsite, and can even be thrown in the dishwasher, unlike most other stainless steel mugs. Plus, it’s stackable, which makes it easier for packing if you have more than one. We tested the 14oz mug, but there are 10oz and 24oz versions too.

We all know YETI’s prowess when it comes to vacuum-sealed water bottles, but the brand is also superb when it comes to other drinking vessels. The smaller size of this 14-ounce Rambler makes it better for sipping hot beverages, as does its sipping lid. The clear top allows you to see how much you have left inside, or you can remove the lid altogether to let your drink cool down a bit faster. After all, the stainless steel construction will keep this hot for much longer than you probably intend it to. Despite the diminutive stature, the Rambler is deceptively capacitious. Aside from the satisfying action of operating the sliding cover over the sipper, the slider itself feels firm when both opened and closed. Other versions of this on other mugs seem flimsy and more prone to leaking. However, after being jostled around a bit, I couldn’t find much leaking coming from the lid or its sipper cover –– only minimal moisture collecting around parts of the edges.

It’s also important to note that the nature of the sealed cap makes it pretty difficult to open up. Sure, this helps prevent leaking but the fact that you’ll have to tilt this at an angle and use force makes it virtually impossible to open when liquid is already inside. Say you just want to top off your coffee or tea –– forcing the lid open when the mug is half full will undoubtedly lead to spillage. The handle feels good in hand and will fit about three fingers when held. Also, the non-twist lid lets you position the sipper hole where you want in relation to the handle for more ergonomic comfort.

Verdict: High on durability, yet relatively lightweight, the YETI Rambler is a fantastic option for drinking coffee and tea on camping trips. Despite being difficult to open with liquid inside, the lid has a sipper hole that isn’t too small, which is great for not burning your tongue on hotter beverages, while the slide opener prevents leaks pretty well.

Size: 14oz Material: 18/8 stainless steel Cap: Open mouth with slide sipper Finish: N/A Temperature Gain (15hrs): N/A Temperature Loss (6hrs): 78.1ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: No

Unique design
Can fit under coffee machines
Glass is really tough
Technically breakable
Sipper plug comes off too easily

Best Hot Coffee Mug: After two Melbourne baristas saw how much waste was involved with coffee making and drinking, they decided to make the KeepCup, a reusable mug, that hit the land down under in 2009. Now the KeepCup is beloved worldwide, thanks to the mug’s coffee-friendly design made with tempered glass, a cork band, and a splashproof lid. It even fits under most espresso and coffee machines, so you can get your favorite local coffee to go while preserving its flavor and temperature. It comes in four different sizes: 6oz, 8oz, 12oz, and 16oz, although we only reviewed the 12oz version.

The first thing you’ll notice with the KeepCup is its unique design. While the cork band is mostly for aesthetic purposes, it can also help provide an extra bumper if this thing happens to fall or bang against another item or surface. On the other hand, it doesn’t help much with the grip, yet adds an extra layer of thickness that makes it more difficult to hold in your hand. I wouldn’t complain if KeepCup made a version of its flagship model with a handle. Although it’s made of glass, the mug is one of the most durable-feeling glass mugs we’ve used; I can’t imagine it breaking easily. With a lower hot liquid temperature retention time, the glass wall will also be favorable for those who hate steel mugs that make it difficult to drink hot coffee quickly.

For sipping, the lid opening is triangular shaped and is large enough that sipping isn’t unproductive; this isn’t a Starbucks lid. In the center of the lid is a piece that swivels so that you can cover the opening when you’re not drinking or be turned when you want to leave it open. Even though the plug doesn’t quite “snap” into place like I expected, it also didn’t allow leakage when I turned it upside down and shook it. Likewise, the entire lid itself feels like it’s not incredibly secure. I kept thinking it wasn’t on all the way. However, even when I tossed it onto the ground and let it tumble a bit, only a few drops presented themselves around the sipping hole (which, technically, means it’s not entirely leak-proof, but this is still impressive). I was taken aback when the sipper hole cover piece came off the lid, exposing a giant hole in the center of the lid. Then I figured this would make it easier for cleaning . I just wish it didn’t come off so unintentionally; it was much too easy to over-twist this swivel piece.

Verdict: Overall, it’s a lot of fun to use the KeepCup and it will certainly add a stylish element to your desktop space. We don’t recommend putting this in your backpack with liquid inside but it won’t spill if you’re traveling with it in a car. Glass is an attractive option for quicker coffee drinkers who don’t want to wait for the cool-down times of steel mugs. Even though the lid on this model feels a bit flimsy and cheap compared to other options, the company has the right idea.

Size: 12oz Material: Tempered glass and cork Cap: Flip-top Finish: N/A Temperature Gain (15hrs): N/A Temperature Loss (6hrs): 103.3ºF Dishwasher Safe?: No Leak-Proof?: No

Really sleek design
Pretty leak-proof
Good for tossing into backpack or bag
Sipping is a challenge; flip-top gets in the way

Best Mug for Commuting: The independently owned label MiiR is a certified B Corporation with a Climate Neutral certification, and a mission to craft products that benefit not just the user, but the environment. MiiR’s Flip Traveler is a sleek, simple, and effective travel mug that’s perfect for your commute in that it is leak-proof for carrying in a bag , fits easily into your cupholder, and sports an easy one-handed flip top. It’s made with vacuum-insulated stainless steel to keep your drinks at the perfect temp, and even features an insulated spill-proof lid. Additionally, it’s coated in the label’s Hardshell Powder Coat, making it more durable. We took a look at the 16oz model (12oz and 20oz versions are also available).

As we’ve seen with its other models, such as its Insulated Water Bottle, MiiR really knows how to bring subtle design changes to traditional vessels without losing their recognizability as that object. Case in point is this minimal travel mug, which sports a sleek body and an angular design up top. Easy to open for filling compared to other mugs and bottles, the Flip Traveler sports a lid with a flip-top sipper design that snaps into place to prevent leaking. This proved to be almost true upon shaking the bottle upside down, although some drops did come out. Likewise, there’s no equivocality in whether the top is opened or closed thanks to the effort it takes to snap it shut. This is great if you’re carrying the mug inside your backpack or gym bag (although there are certainly better gym options out there). In the way of our testing, the MiiR had the best heat retention numbers and second-best coldness retention numbers.

In terms of a practical drinking vessel, the Flip Traveler may prove to be more impractical than most. The flip-top doesn’t open far enough and bumps into your nose when drinking, preventing you from doing so comfortably. Likewise, if you’re looking for a single-hand mug, the MiiR will be troublesome due to how difficult it is to open its flip-top. It’s almost impossible to do this without two hands, and closing it requires a bit of extra force. This isn’t an issue if you’re leaving it open for a car ride . However, if you forget to close it or merely think it’s closed all the way, you could have a messy situation. Despite the claim that the outer wall was powder-coated, it was highly slippery in my hand.

Verdict: Stylish and fairly leak-proof, the MiiR will give you some issues when it comes to actually sipping your beverage with a flip-top that simply gets in the way and can’t be opened or closed single-handedly. Nevertheless, the Flip Traveler is a solid commuter option for those who don’t want a giant bottle taking up space and adding weight to their work bag. Plus it has the best heat retention and second-best cold retention of the vessels we tested.

Size: 16oz Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel Cap: Flip-top Finish: Powder-coated Temperature Gain (15hrs): 2.9ºF Temperature Loss (6hrs): 42.1ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Lid only (top rack) Leak-Proof?: No

Multiple lid options
Great construction
Feels good in hand
Silicone handle is useful
Lifetime warranty
Can be tricky to use while driving

Best Mug Overall: If you don’t already have a Hydro Flask (or somehow have never seen one), then you’re missing out on the Oregon-based label’s outdoor-friendly and durable products. Since they’ve taken the world by storm, Hydro Flasks began receiving new iterations, like this insulated mug here that’s part of the company’s coffee-focused lineup , which is backed by a lifetime warranty. Holding 16oz of liquid (12oz and 20oz options available too), it gives you 12 hours of hot drinks and 24 hours of cold drinks, with a leakproof Flex Sip lid that provides a simple way to drink without spilling.

In terms of hitting all the marks well, this Hydro Flask Coffee is a winner. It’s easy to carry with a comfortable silicone strap attached to the lid and it minimizes spillage when turned upside down. The cap is easy to take on and off, and you can tighten it pretty well if you try. While the powder-coating could be more aggressive like some of the brand’s other options, it has a nice in-hand feel and has solid temperature retention without being too heavy. Perhaps the best part about Hydro Flask aside from its tried-and-true quality is its lid options. Aside from this sip lid, there’s the chug cap, sport cap, and straw cap. However, if you’re really looking for a travel mug, especially for drinks like coffee, the sip lid is the way to go. It might not be as pleasant to physically sip from as others on this list in terms of the flow of the liquid, but it’s better for hot beverages and seems to slow down liquid on its way to your mouth.

The biggest downside of the Hydro Flask Coffee is how difficult it is to open while driving. The twisting operation of the sip lid requires two hands and has a good deal of resistance even then. However, this can be remedied if you simply leave the cap open on your car ride. Plus, if you forget to close it back up, the depth of the lid will minimize most incidental spillage. On the other hand, when closed properly, this bottle proved to be leak-proof when shaken upside down. Some users have noted that if the silicone strap breaks, you have to replace the entire lid. But the sturdiness of the strap makes it hard to imagine it getting damaged in the first place.

Verdict: Benefitting from top-to-bottom construction excellence, the Hydro Flask Coffee has decent temperature retention, a stylish aesthetic, and multiple lid options. It’s difficult to open and close single-handedly, but the advantages of this vessel far outweigh its drawbacks.

Size: 16oz Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel Cap: Twist-top sipper Finish: Powder-coated Temperature Gain (15hrs): 6.7ºF Temperature Loss (6hrs): 49.9ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: Yes

Fits in cupholder despite holding a lot
Autoseal button closes sipping hole when not in use
Leak proof when Autoseal is locked
Not leak proof when Autosal is unlocked
Below average temp retention, but still not terrible

Best Mug for the Car: It’s ideal for the commuter thanks to the simple, one-handed flip design. The brand’s patented Autoseal technology allows the sipper to open up when you need it with the push of a button, but even more, it closes automatically so you can’t accidentally forget. It is guaranteed to be completely leakproof whether you are shaking it, rocking it, or rattling it. Stands up to the worst you can throw at it for those times when you just need a little caffeine after you roll your car. Works for both righties and lefties with equal ease. Large enough for even the hardiest coffee fiend and simple to use at 24 oz (16oz and 20oz options available too). If you need style and substance without dropping a lot of dough, the Contigo has you covered. Comes with a lifetime warranty against defects and provides up to 5 hours of hot drinks and 12 hours of cold drinks.

Car mugs are hit or miss, and many of them are great in one regard but terrible in another. However, the Contigo Travel Mug doesn’t have a lot of flaws, at least not where driving and (non-alcoholic) drinking is concerned. The Autoseal is a great feature that allows this mug to be spill-proof while also making it fun to use. You literally just press the Autoseal button firmly and sip from a hole on the other side. Also, the flow of the liquid was pleasantly paced. This is one attribute that can’t get controlled a whole lot with simple openings in a lid. However, the canal shape required of this particular contraption allows it to have a unique drinking experience.

While it’s spill-proof, it’s not technically leak-proof when the Autoseal is unlocked. Shaken upside down, quite a few drops still came out, but this shouldn’t be much of an issue if the bottle just topples over on the table. On the other hand, if you use the Autoseal lock, this mug is about as leak-proof as they come, just like the brand claims. I do wish, however, that the Autoseal lock were easier to press. It often got stuck when wet and I had to use two fingers to push. While the 8.3ºF temperature gain over 15 hours isn’t bad, it’s still the worst of the ones tested. I was honestly surprised it did so badly considering the density of the lid. But upon further inspection, it makes sense because the seal itself isn’t terribly wide.

Verdict: Not many 24-ounce travel mugs can fit inside cupholders as well as the Contigo Travel Mug. Add to that the ability to seal the drinking spout automatically when not in use and you have yourself the ultimate car ride sipper. Priced fairly, this mug really doesn’t have a lot of flaws outside of below-average temperature retention. However, it will still serve most people’s needs just fine.

Size: 24oz Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel Cap: Push-button flip-top Finish: Metallic Temperature Gain (15hrs): 8.3ºF Temperature Loss (6hrs): 52.7ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Lid only (top rack) Leak-Proof?: No

JeoVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug F 2 24 1

Reduces hot temp to drinkable temp in 3min
Nice aesthetic
Silicone grip feels good in hand
Lid’s lip is too large

Best Coffee Mug for Instant Sipping: A big issue with travel mugs when it comes to coffee or other hot drinks is the inability to drink right away. In a standard coffee mug, the liquid cools down instantly and most people drink it fast enough that it can retain a level of warmness the entire time. But if you need coffee on the go, the temperature retention of most steel vessels prevents you from sipping for hours unless you pour it into a separate mug for drinking. However, this Temperfect from JoeVeo uses an innovative system that brings the temperature down to a drinkable level in just 3 minutes AND keeps it at that drinkable level for hours.

JeoVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug F 2 24 2

Obviously, when a product makes a claim such as the JoeVeo, it’s natural to try and see if it can follow through. As such, to test this specific mug, we checked the temperature right as the coffee was poured and then again 3 minutes later (with the lid on). In that short amount of time, the coffee went from 162ºF to 146ºF –– pretty impressive. I wanted to see how much it would drop after 5 more minutes, this time with the lid open. Lo and behold, the temperature stayed relatively the same, this time hovering around 144.5ºF. If you’re someone who likes to drink coffee quickly, this might still be too hot, compounded even more by the fact that it’s being held at that temperature indefinitely, more or less. On the other hand, coffee sippers will love how drinkable their beverage is in such a short amount of time.

JeoVeo Temperfect Javabliss 16 Travel Mug F 2 24 3

As far as the drinking experience, the anti-slosh sipper shutter isn’t terribly reliable when it comes to leakage. It’s essentially the same effect as if you were to use your finger to cover the opening –– although the brand acknowledges this in the product description online. Likewise, the lip of the lid is just slightly too deep for sipping comfortably. From an aesthetic standpoint, the JoeVeo has an attractive design language, with a silicone sleeve that provides a firm grip in your hand. I also like the silicone base, which eliminates noisy set-downs on your desk. However, as someone with a caffeine addiction, 16oz is a bit small for me (I drink around 64oz of coffee per day ) so I would have loved it if there were a larger size option.

Verdict: Poor lid execution aside, the JoeVeo sports an attractive design and stays put in your hand with a silicone grip. It will definitely leak and is difficult to sip from but the mug follows through on its promise to deliver drinkable hot coffee in just three minutes.

Size: 16oz Material: Stainless Steel Cap: Anti-slosh sipper shutter Finish: Brushed and electropolished with silicone sleeve Temperature Gain (15hrs): N/A Temperature Loss (6hrs): 59.9ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Lid only Leak-Proof?: No

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler F 2 24 1

Holds 40oz inside your cupholder
Straw or sipping options
Comfortable handle
Negative temperature retention
Dual drinking options aren’t entirely practical
Difficult to switch drinking modes
Not spill-proof

Best Large Mug: This is probably the cup your dad used (and still uses) whenever you went camping as a kid. However, we’ve all seen how trendy Stanley Tumblers have become with the younger crowd in today’s viral society. But don’t let the trends fool you; Stanley is a heritage brand through and through, around since 1913, when the founder brought vacuum insulation and steel together to create a rugged cup that can stay hot. You can also trust that the historical quality of this brand translates to its insulated travel mug. It’s made with recycled materials, and the label’s FlowState lid, which offers a full cover top, a drink opening, and an opening for the included straw so it doesn’t spill while using it. Additionally, it’s dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime warranty. For those who drink a lot during the day and want minimal refills, this 40-ounce option is a great pick, although it’s available in several sizes from 14oz to 30oz.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler F 2 24 2

It’s easy to deride a product that’s become a fad but Stanley’s Tumbler makes it so difficult. For starters, the sheer design that intuitively allows for 40oz of liquid to be held in your car’s cupholder is brilliant. The tapered bottom half has made this mug desirable in and of itself. I also liked how comfortable the handle felt in my hand. Wisely, it’s a different, softer material than the steel mug, which is a crucial element with a thermos this size because it can get quite heavy. As for the cold temperature retention, this mug actually lost degrees over 15 hours and was the only one that still had ice left inside.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler F 2 24 3

As nice as it is to have options between a sipper and a straw, the actual application of this feature is a bit gimmicky. The triple-function lid does not open and close very easily, which can be an issue when you have a full mug of coffee on a bumpy car ride. It almost always requires two hands to operate. Likewise, if you’re out for the day and have decided to switch from the straw to the sipper, you’ll have to find a place for the straw in the meantime. A remedy for this requires you to make the executive decision of sipper-versus-straw before you leave the house. Likewise, the sipper opening is a bit too close to the handle, just like the RTIC above. However, it doesn’t disable you from sipping outright, and at least you’re able to drink this while holding it with your right hand (the cupholder side). Another important thing to note is that the Stanley is in no way spill-proof, let alone leak-proof, and was the only one in this guide where lots of spillage occurred when it was tilted upside down. It was pouring out water even lying on its side. The lid loosens far too easily, which can be a major issue for a lot of people.

Verdict: Stanley’s Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler may be the most trendy on this list but it definitely delivers in a lot of ways. The unique design lets you easily travel with 40oz of your beverage of choice and the phenomenal cold temperature retention is a big plus. Not to mention, the handle is comfortable to hold despite the heavier weight of the tumbler. We didn’t love the lid necessarily, which isn’t spill-proof, but this might not be an issue if you love everything else this mug can do.

Size: 40z Material: Recycled Stainless Steel Cap: Rotating lid with straw and sipper Finish: N/A Temperature Gain (15hrs): -2.9ºF Temperature Loss (6hrs): 45.3ºF Dishwasher Safe?: Yes Leak-Proof?: No

With the myriad options of insulated water bottles these days, one might wonder why a travel mug is a preferable option. Well, for one, mugs are better for hot liquids for their ability to sip rather than chug. Smaller holes on top give you the ability to nurse your coffee or tea rather than meet a daily goal, like you would with water. Likewise, mugs are usually much smaller, which is also better for beverages you don’t want a lot of. On the other hand, you wouldn’t be blamed if you wanted to bring along an insulated water bottle AND a travel mug –– in fact, a lot of people do it.

While a vast majority of stainless steel bottles and mugs are double-wall insulated, you’ll come across single- or triple-wall options every so often. If you’re wondering what double-wall means, it essentially refers to the two layers of stainless steel that have had the air between them vacuumed out in order to limit heat transfer. On the contrary, triple-wall insulation doesn’t mean a third wall of steel but actually a layer of copper between the two steel walls, which helps further insulation. Although the jury is still out on if this is actually necessary or just a marketing ploy. As for single-wall insulation mugs, these may be appealing to those who don’t care as much about temperature retention and want something a bit lighter in weight.

One popular budget option is Zojirushi’s Stainless Steel Mug , a cupholder-friendly flip-top thermos with interesting tech that includes partial vacuum construction which allows for some air between the two walls. The Contigo is similarly priced and has some better features, but the Zojirushi is a popular choice as well.

While the Carter Wide Mug from Fellow has a great design and construction, we preferred the similar YETI Mug above. It’s a popular choice for its aesthetic and performance but lacks a handle and can’t fit in most cupholders.

BruMate’s NAV 22oz is a great choice with its extra capacity thanks to the contoured shape. The company always comes to the party with innovation and originality. However, their products always seem to get discontinued quickly, which prevented its inclusion here.

Despite its design-forward silhouette, the Kinto Travel Tumbler narrowly missed the cut because it lacked a lot of desirable “travel” features, such as a handle and an actual sipping lid, meaning you have to remove the entire lid to sip from it — not ideal.

Another option that’s more form than function is the Hitch Bottle & Cup Kit , which sports a cool industrial minimalism but feels impractical for actual traveling.

While we love travel mugs for our coffee and tea on the go, we need much more capacity for our hydration needs. Take a look at our best water bottles guide for H20-specific solutions.

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Coffee & Tea

I Tested 15 Travel Mugs to Find the Best Ones for Coffee and Tea

My top picks from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto are hot, hot, hot.

Serious Eats / Irvin Lin

The Winners, at a Glance

What we learned, the criteria: what to look for in a travel mug, our favorite travel mugs, the competition.

Why We're the Experts

Straight to the Point

Our favorite travel mug is from Zojirushi . It keeps coffee and hot beverages warm for a remarkably long time and has a locking flip lid. For coffee and tea enthusiasts, the Fellow Carter Move Mug has a thinner-edged lip that offers a better drinking experience.

After working at a coffee shop right out of college, I stopped drinking caffeine. It was the inevitable result of having way too much of it (post-college, I did not understand moderation) and coming home with my hair, skin, and clothes smelling of it chronically. But years later, after getting married to a coffee enthusiast (some would say snob), I came back to my love of coffee.

Though I now work from home and can savor my coffee slowly out of a mug, my husband often needs to bring his second cup of coffee on the go. Coupled with the extensive camping and road-tripping we do, travel mugs of all sorts have started to accumulate in our kitchen cabinets.

This is all to say: A review of travel mugs is right up my alley. I set out to test 15 of them to see which ones retained heat and cold best, were comfortable and easy to use, didn’t leak, and offered the best drinking experience.

The Best Overall Travel Mug

Zojirushi sm-sc48hm stainless steel vacuum insulated mug.

This travel mug is deceptively lightweight, yet still holds 16 fluid ounces of coffee or tea. It retains heat for a remarkably long time (longer than any other mug I tested). The lid not only opens up with a simple click of a button but also locks shut with a side switch, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally opening.

The Best Travel Mug for Coffee and Tea Enthusiasts

Fellow carter move mug.

The Fellow Carter Move Mug is designed with coffee enthusiasts in mind. Its heat and cold retention was second only to the Zojirushi and the inner chamber of the mug is ceramic-lined for a neutral flavor. The thin lip of the mug made drinking coffee out of it a pleasure.

Another Good Travel Mug

Kinto day off tumbler.

The Kinto Day Off Tumber is another excellent option for coffee and tea lovers. The top has a looped handle that makes it easy to carry around and the inner lid has a built-in splash guard. It also retains heat and cold for an exceptionally long time.

Note: If a temperature-controlled travel mug is what you're interested in (where you can set and hold the temperature for a prolonged period of time), then the Ember is the one to get. We tested temperature control mugs separately .

Heat Retention Test One (without Lid): I filled each travel mug with 212°F boiling water, then left the lid off. I inserted a ChefAlarm 's probe (our favorite probe thermometer ) and set the alarm to 140°F to see how long it took for the temperature to drop.
Heat Retention Test Two (with Lid): I filled each travel mug with 212°F boiling water, and then placed the lid on. I took temperature readings each hour to see how long it took for it to drop to 140°F.
Cold Retention with Lid: I filled each travel mug with 36°F cold water, and then put the lid back on. I placed the mugs in an oven with the light on, monitoring the temperature of the oven to keep it within 80 to 85°F, to simulate a warm day. I took temperature readings each hour to see how long it took for the water to reach 60°F.
Leak Test: I filled each travel mug with water and placed the lid back on. I vigorously shook the travel mug upside down to see how much it would leak.
Drinking Test: I filled each mug with 12 ounces of freshly brewed coffee , carrying it around the apartment and outside on walks and drinking from it to see how the user experience was.
Cleaning Test: After each test, I thoroughly cleaned the mugs and lids.

Screw Tops Didn’t Leak Like Pop Tops

The travel mugs I tested had two types of lids. One style screwed onto the mug’s body and the other popped on and had a rubber gasket that held the lid in place. The latter were easier to put on, as all you needed to do was push the lid onto the body. However, these mugs all leaked...some worse than others.

Conversely, most of the screw-on lids I tested did not leak much, if at all as long as they were put on properly. The bottom line: Get a travel mug with a screw-on lid and double-check that the lid is properly aligned and seated to avoid leakage.

Drink Buttons Were Annoying

Some lids, like the Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel and Stanley Classic Trigger , require pressing a button to drink from the mug. In theory, this seems like a great idea, as it only requires one hand and could prevent leakage. However, continually pressing a button for extended periods causes hand fatigue, especially if you have mobility or strength issues. This was especially noticeable with the Stanley mug, which had a stronger spring that required more pressure and strength to press.

Lid Design and Drinking Experience

Some lids (like the Camelbak , Yeti Rambler Tumbler , and Yeti Rambler Mug ) featured thick plastic lids with drink holes set slightly back from the edge. Drinking from them felt bulky and cumbersome. Other lids, like the Simple Modern Kona Collection , had a latch right near the opening, hitting my bottom lip as I sipped. My favorite travel mugs had thinner lid edges (like the Zojirushi and Fellow ) or rounder-edged lids (like the Kinto ), which felt more natural and pleasant to drink from. Both the Fellow and the Kinto also allowed you to drink from the mug in any direction.

Heat and Cold Retention

The travel mugs that had the best heat retention also, unsurprisingly, kept liquids cold longer as well. The Zojirushi blew every other mug away on both accounts, taking over 14 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and nearly 20 hours for 38°F water to warm up to 60°F. The second-best mug in these tests, the Fellow , took a respectable 10 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and 6 hours to go from 38°F to 60°F. The Kinto mug also took 10 hours to drop down to 140°F and 13 hours to get to 60°F. With these three mugs, you could carry around your coffee or tea and it'll stay hot or cold nearly all day.

On the flip side, some of the worse performing mugs, like the Hydro Flask and Corkcicle , dropped temperature alarmingly fast, from 212°F boiling to 140°F in just three hours and 38°F to 60°F in about eight hours. Most folks drink their coffee and tea within a few hours of brewing it, but if you prefer your coffee piping hot or you have a long commute, it’s nice to have a mug that'll go the distance.

Look for a travel mug that has a double-walled, vacuum-sealed body for the best heat and cold retention. Select a travel mug that has a screw-on lid. Pop-on lids are more convenient but leaked. Pick a travel mug that has a rounded or thinner lip for the most pleasant drinking experience.

And, finally, get a travel mug that's suitable for your lifestyle. If you are constantly on the road, look for a mug that's lightweight, easily opens up with just one hand, and fits in your car's cup holder. If you're a long-distance commuter on public transit, find a mug that retains heat exceptionally well and can be safely tossed into a bag.

What we liked : The Zojirushi retained heat and cold for a remarkably long time, longer than any mug I tested. The 212°F boiling water took a little over 14 hours to cool down to 140°F, while cold 36°F water took over 20 hours to warm up to 60°F. The flip-top was easy to use, with a simple button that popped it open. There’s a secondary latch that locks the lid, too.

The mug has a thin plastic lip and the lid comes apart into two pieces, which makes it easier to clean. The inside features a nonstick coating, preventing stains. Best of all, this slim travel mug is incredibly lightweight.

What we didn’t like: The heat retention of the mug is one of its best features. But it also means freshly brewed coffee takes a while to cool down to a drinkable temperature. If you plan on drinking the coffee from the travel mug immediately, make sure to let the coffee cool before pouring it in. Otherwise, you might scald your tongue with each sip.

Also, the opening of this travel mug is narrower than other models. This made it more challenging to clean. (You’ll want a bottle brush for the task.)

Material: Stainless steel with nonstick coating and BPA-free plastic
Dimensions: 2.625 inches diameter; 8.5 inches tall
Dishwasher-safe: No
Stated capacity: 16 fluid ounces
Fits in a car’s cup holder: Yes
Weight: 7 ounces

What we liked : The Fellow Carter Move Mug is great if you prioritize the coffee or tea-drinking experience. The interior chamber of the travel mug is ceramic lined, to help prevent any metallic taste that a cheaper stainless steel model might impart to your coffee or tea. The thin metal edge of the mug feels great on your lips and allows you to drink in whatever direction you pick the mug up from.

The mug features a removable “splash guard” insert that looks a bit like a sink drain. This prevents hot liquid from splashing outwards. The double-walled, vacuum-sealed body retained heat, taking over 10 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and 16 hours to rise from 36°F to 60°F.

What we didn’t like: The mug's lid requires you to unscrew it and you need two hands to do so. This also means you have a lid that you need to carry (or put down) when you're drinking. That said, Fellow does sell an optional slide lid (which I did not test).

Material: Stainless steel with ceramic interior coating
Dimensions: 3 inches diameter; 7.25 inches tall
Weight: 12.5 ounces

What we liked : The Kinto is a well-constructed, lightweight mug that retained heat and cold for fairly long, taking nearly 10 hours to cool 212°F boiling water down to 140°F and 13 hours for 36°F water to warm up to 60°F. The mug itself features a two-part top, one that screws onto the body and acts as a splash shield, and one that's a sealing lid with a looped handle.

The first splash shield offers a tapered lip and allows you to drink from all sides of the mug. Like the Fellow, this makes it a pleasure to drink from. The handle on top of the sealing lid is nice for carrying, too.

What we didn’t like: Because the Kinto mug has two parts to the lid that screws onto the body, there is twice the chance of user error where you can misalign the threads and not properly screw on the lid. Like the Fellow, the Kinto lid screws on, which means it requires two hands to remove it. Unlike the Fellow, though, the lid does have a handle, so it's easier to wrap your fingers around it and hold on to it, allowing you to drink with one hand.

Material: 18-8 Stainless steel powder coated, with polypropylene and silicone
Dimensions: 2.75 inches diameter; 9 inches tall
Stated capacity: 16.9 fluid ounces
Weight: 10.5 ounces
Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug : Contigo makes reasonably priced travel mugs and this one does a good job retaining heat and cold. But the shape of the lid and its small opening meant coffee pooled on top of the lid between sips, which caused dribbling and spilling.
Hydro Flask All-Around Stainless Steel Tumbler with Lid : The Hydro Flask travel mug lost heat the quickest of all the mugs I tested, and the pop-on lid leaked.
Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Tumbler : This Yeti Rambler had a pop-on lid that leaked and didn’t retain heat or cold very well.
MiiR Flip Traveler: This solidly constructed, lightweight mug was easy to use and retained heat and cold better than most of the mugs I tested. Unfortunately, it leaked a bit, no matter how much I tightened or screwed on the lid.
Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug: Unlike the Yeti tumbler we tested, this Yeti mug had a screw-on lid that didn’t leak. It also retained heat and cold for a respectable amount of time. But the thick plastic lid made drinking out of the mug less pleasant than our winners.
Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug : This Contigo mug did a decent job with retaining heat and cold, but having to hold down a button to drink was tedious.
Simple Modern Travel Coffee Mug : This mug lost heat and cold relatively quickly.
Corkcicle Commuter Cup : Unfortunately, this mug lost heat extremely quickly (in just over three hours).
W&P Porter Insulated Tumbler : I loved the feel of this tumbler and its colorful design. But the insulated tumbler lost heat relatively quickly and leaked terribly when turned upside down.
CamelBak Horizon Tumbler : The Camelbak tumbler did a poor job of retaining heat and cold. It also had a snap-on lid that leaked.
Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug : The rugged and durable mug felt like what your grandfather probably drank from as he backcountry hiked his way across the Rocky Mountains. It’s built to last a lifetime (and is backed with a lifetime warranty as well). And it did a good job retaining heat and cold. But it's slightly annoying to drink from since you have to push a button to sip. And when you did, the coffee flowed out very slowly.
Simple Modern Insulated Thermo s: This travel mug did a great job retaining heat and cold. But the small lid had a flip-top with a locking latch that protruded fairly high, bumping into my bottom lip.

How do you clean coffee or tea stains off of a stainless steel travel mug?

Sprinkle some baking soda (about one to two teaspoons) into the mug and add water to form a paste. Gently scrub with a damp cloth, soft sponge, or bottle brush. The mildly abrasive baking soda should remove the stains.

How do you maximize the heat and cold retention of a travel mug?

For hot beverages, warm up the inside of the travel mug by pouring hot water (it can from the tap) into the mug, letting it sit for a couple of minutes, and empty the mug. Then, add your coffee or hot beverage. For cold drinks, cool the inside by pouring in water and adding a few ice cubes, swirling the cubes around, then drain it and add the cold beverage.

What size travel mug is best?

For most folks, a 12- or 16-ounce travel mug is sufficient. If you're a hardcore coffee drinker or you travel a longer distance for work, a larger 20-ounce mug might be a better fit.

How do you clean a travel mug lid?

If your travel mug's lid disassembles, take it apart. Then soak the lid in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and thoroughly rinse.

What is the best travel mug?

After testing, the Zojirushi travel mug came out on top, with a convenient flip-top and excellent insulation. But if you prioritize the coffee-drinking experience, the Fellow Carter Move Mug and Kinto Day-Off Tumbler are also excellent.

What travel mug won't leak?

All of our favorite travel mugs (from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto) are leak-proof. The Zojirushi features a flip-cap that locks, while the other two have screw-on lids that prevent accidental spills.

Why We're the Experts

Irvin Lin is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist.
He wrote the cookbook Marbled, Swirled, and Layered , which was picked by the New York Times as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016.
He runs a blog called Eat the Love , where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010. Eat the Love was nominated twice for best food blog by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) in 2016 and 2022.
He has served as a judge for the 2021 IACP Cookbook Awards and served on the executive committee for the 2022 IACP Cookbook Awards. He currently serves on the 2024 Book Awards Committee for the James Beard Foundation.
He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items including stand mixers and indoor herb gardens .
For this review, Irvin tested 15 travel mugs, evaluating their insulation, usability, and more to find the best ones.

More Serious Eats Recipes

The Best Travel Mugs of 2024

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Zojirushi SM-KHE48

Excellent temperature retention

Easy to carry

Not dishwasher safe

BrüMate Era 40 oz.

Fantastic temperature retention

Spill-proof lid

Easy to clean

Can't use without straw

Contigo Handled Autoseal Travel Mug with Easy-Clean Lid

Includes a handle

Autoseal technology guards against leaks

None that we could find

Thermos Stainless King Travel Mug, 16 oz.

Vacuum insulation keeps drinks warm

Difficult to open its lid

Contigo Autoseal West Loop, 16 oz.

Long-lasting temperature retention

Nearly leak- and spill-proof

Lid difficult to clean

Updated March 29, 2024

Whether your beverage of choice is water, hot coffee, or an iced latte, most of us rely on some kind of rejuvenating beverage to get us through the day.

Portable and generally easy to clean, travel mugs and tumblers get bonus points if they can fit in your car's cup holder. We shopped around and bought popular travel mugs and tumblers from brands like Stanley, Contigo, Hydro Flask, Yeti, and old favorite, Thermos. We then tested and scored them keeping in mind things like spillage, heat retention, and ease of care.

However, there are many great travel mugs and tumblers in our guide—read on to find your fave!

When it comes to retaining temperature (which is the most essential function of a travel mug), the Zojirushi is an absolute beast.

Our top pick is such a well-insulated mug that if you leave coffee in it overnight, it’s still steamy the next morning! It performs just as admirably with cold beverages. In addition to its stellar temperature retention, it holds a respectable 16 ounces. The trim build also allows it to seamlessly slip into cup holders and bags.

The only drawback to the best travel coffee mug we’ve tested is that it can’t go in the dishwasher. Although it’s not dishwasher safe, the top can be disassembled, which makes cleanup a breeze.

It’s especially attractive thanks to a slim, streamlined shape and slick, steel finish, in colors such as champagne gold, lavender-pink, emerald, cherry, and smoky blue. For 24-hour heat retention, the Zojirushi is the best travel mug we tested.

A pink 40 oz. tumbler sitting on a wooden table against a brick background.

The Era tumbler is unbeatable with its cold retention and spill proof design.

BrüMate’s Era is an exceptional answer to the trendy 40 oz. tumbler. With a balanced design and built-in straw, there’s a lot to love about the Era tumbler, but the lockable lid design is what sets it apart from the rest.

The top of the tumbler slides to lock and unlock. When unlocked, you can sip freely. When locked, it’s totally spill-proof, but you can’t sip from the straw. The inside of the tumbler is insulated stainless steel. and the straw comes in two parts, the bottom half is stainless steel and slides into the lid, while the lid itself has a silicone straw attached to the top.

Beyond its impressive spill-proof design, it also has incredible temperature retention. It keeps drinks very hot, so they stay steamy. Plus, ice cubes don’t melt after hours in the BrüMate Era.

BrüMate Era’s tumbler is superior to the popular Stanley tumbler because it offers better insulation, keeping drinks hot and cold for longer, and is reliably spill-proof, while the Stanley has quite a bit of leakage.

The biggest downside to the Era tumbler is that you can’t use the tumbler without the straw, which makes it difficult to use with hot liquids. The Era tumbler is available to pre-order now, so there will be some delay between when you purchase and when it arrives.

A gray travel mug with a handle against a blue background.

This leak-proof travel mug from Contigo has a convenient handle for easy carrying.

The Contigo Autoseal is the best travel mug with a handle. The handle’s design sits cleverly at the top of the mug near the lid, so it doesn’t interfere with placement in car beverage holders or bag pockets.

It also promises to keep hot beverages hot for 5 hours and cold beverages cold for 14 hours, although we find that it exceeds expectations in both cases. Hot beverage temperatures dropped only slightly after 6 hours, and cold drinks retained a chill overnight for about 16 hours. You can thank the addition of double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel for that, as well as patented Autoseal technology, that renders it virtually leak-proof and spill-proof.

You do have to hand wash the bottom half of the mug, but the top can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher, and its inner mechanism can be loosened (but not detached) so you can get into those hard-to-clean crevices.

A man driving a tractor holding a Thermos coffee mug.

For piping hot coffee from 9-to-5, go with the Thermos travel mug.

After all these years, you still have to give it up to Thermos, the true OG of the travel mug market. This particular product has all of the practical functionality expected of the venerable brand, such as a durable stainless-steel build and an actual handle. Its vacuum insulation keeps coffee steamy through your entire 9-to-5; in fact, has the best heat retention of all the travel mugs and tumblers we tried, even beating out our Best Overall pick, the Zojirushi. It’s one of the best insulated tumblers we’ve ever seen.

While this stainless steel mug is well-constructed, it’s also heavy, and the handle is too bulky. While the locking lid is appreciably robust and keeps it leakproof, it’s a two-handed effort to flip it open.

A silver travel mug on a purple background

This sleek and sexy mug won us over instantly by keeping our coffee super hot (150°F) from start to finish, although its “stay hot/cold” pledge is slightly less than that of the handled version.

Like all Autoseal models, it also stands firm against spills and leaks, with its impenetrability further underscored by a button lock lid (which, it bears mentioning, is tough to effectively clean).

But hey, it’s pretty! Not only does a gracefully curved shape make the Contigo especially attractive, but it also provides a comfy grip and allows it to easily fit into a cup holder or bag.

The Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler is your iced coffee's new best friend.

While we also love the 40-ounce Stanley tumbler for the days when you need to tote around a lot of liquid at once, we think the 16-ounce Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler is a better all-around choice for bringing with you on a walk around the neighborhood.

It lacks a handle like Stanley offers, a trade-off for being smaller and more lightweight, making it easier to manage. We also love that this insulated travel mug includes a hard straw, which has a notch underneath the lid that keeps it from sliding around when you take a sip.

It is spill-resistant, though not completely leakproof when turned on its side or upside down. The tumbler's sturdy design does a good job of staying upright and it also fits in most cup holders. It comes in six different colors and you can pay a little extra to personalize it with your name.

This Fellow tumbler isn't dishwasher safe, so you'll need to take the time to clean it by hand.

Keeps drinks ice cold

Spill-resistant

Fits in most cupholders

Hand wash only

A blue travel mug and a white travel mug and lid on a purple background

Thermos does it again with this absolutely sleek model from its Guardian Collection. This travel mug doesn’t have a handle to break up its flow, but it is still comfortable to hold and easy to manipulate one-handed, with a slide-to-open lid.

We appreciate the 5-year warranty and love that it’s dishwasher safe. It also has great temperature retention, although the 5-hour hot, 14-hour cold promise is less than that of Thermos’ Stainless King (temperatures stayed relatively stable until those times, but dropped quickly after that).

Includes 5-year warranty

Dishwasher safe

Good temperature retention

Lacks a handle

A white Stanley Quencher Tumbler sitting in the grass outside.

The Stanley Quencher is ultra popular, and it totally lives up to the hype.

The Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler is the one everybody wants. And to be honest, there’s not much this Stanley tumbler can’t do. It's made from BPA-free stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation that excels at keeping drinks at temperature all day long. In fact, in our tests, this was the only tumbler that kept ice cubes from melting after several hours—and our iced drinks got progressively colder over time.

Our hot drinks lost some heat after 30 minutes, but the liquids were still piping hot. The lid design on this large travel mug features a rotating cover with three options: one for a straw opening, one for a drink opening, and one to fully cover the opening. We like this design over the previous Stanley tumblers because it is less prone to leaking.

Like the Hydro Flask tumbler, the Stanley tumbler holds up to 40 ounces and can be heavy to transport when full. The design of the handle features an ergonomic comfort grip to help make carrying easier, but it’s still a beast.

The cup is larger on top and narrower on the bottom and we found that it fits into most car cup holders. The only problem is that the handle may get in the way of the second cupholder, depending on your layout.

In short, if your tweens (or you) are desperate for this trendy tumbler, its function is just as good as its form.

Large capacity

Fits in cup holders

Keeps drinks cold

Has comfort grip handle

Prone to leaking

A silver travel mug on a white background, next to a silver mug in a fall setting with steam coming out

The Atlin tumbler seems custom-designed for holding 30 ounces of cold beverages, though it also handles hot drinks quite well. Especially considering it comes with an accompanying stainless-steel straw.

(Double bonus: An adorable teeny steel cleaning brush, which makes washing up easy. It’s also dishwasher safe). And boy, does it keep those bevies icy. Iced coffees stay chilled even after sitting in a car cup holder for hours.

The top doesn’t lock, and a solid pound of steel isn’t ideal for toting uphill—or any distance, really, over flat terrain, so when it comes to actually traveling, we wouldn’t choose to use this one.

Holds 30 oz.

Comes with a stainless steel straw

Lid doesn't lock

Size is a little big for travel

A tan hand holds a peach water bottle on a purple frilly background

Without question, the Acera is the most attractive travel tumbler we’ve tested. The hexagon design with gold bees and crystals is more like a work of art than a travel mug. This particular design comes in five colors and holds just over 12 ounces. However, we’ve got a few bones to pick.

The ceramic tumbler features double wall insulation. In our tests, we found that it performed better at keeping cold liquids chilled versus heated liquids hot. During our 30-minute heat retention test, with the lid on, the tumbler lost 40 degrees. While it was still hot enough to drink, this isn’t a tumbler you can count on for long term heat retention.

Additionally, when filled with a hot liquid, the outside of the mug becomes hot to the touch over the course of our tests, and we couldn’t pick it up for more than a few seconds at a time.

While everyone’s budgets are different, the cost for this travel tumbler is higher than most—and certainly any in our guide by a long shot. The MSRP is $188—enough to buy yourself a coffee maker, a bag of coffee, and our favorite travel mug. It comes nicely packaged in a mint green gift box, making for a nice gift if you want to spend it on a friend or loved one.

Finally, the tumbler is hand-wash only, making it more of a challenge to clean than others in our guide. It also is quite delicate, so it’s possible it could chip or break easily if dropped or bumped against another hard surface.

While this tumbler is absolutely gorgeous, it’s very hard to justify the high price point, especially given its performance with hot drinks and delicate design.

Attractive design

Good cold retention

More expensive than others

Hot to touch with heated drinks

A fun option for fancy pants commuters, the Bobble has a French press built right in. Simply place your preferred grounds in the bottom of the copper canister, insert a stainless-steel tumbler fitted with a micro-filter, pour in some hot water, and wait three minutes or so for those coffee grounds to steep. Top with the silicone lid, and you’re good to go.

But be wary of spillage, as that supposedly lockable top has a bit of a funky fit. And while you can technically leave out the filter interior and just use the outer canister for hot or cold drinks, the press is really more of a one-trick pony.

Built-in french press

Lid doesn't fit perfectly

Designed with backpackers and campers in mind, this cup is super lightweight at 3.5 ounces, while still holding an impressive 17 ounces of liquid.

The sealable lid fits snugly and latches tightly (which benefits its ability to retain temperature), and a ballistic cloth-covered cozy and tarpaulin handle makes it comfortable to hold while guarding the BPA-free, non-leaching polypropylene interior canister against crawling critters and dirt.

It even doubles as a measuring cup, which makes it ideal for measuring out the exact amount of water required to rehydrate a dehydrated backpacking meal. Downsides are that it’s a bit tricky to wash because of that fabric sleeve, which also runs a risk of slipping off—and leaving your cup lost for all time on a trail.

That insulation is also more for keeping your hands protected than the contents of the mug warm (or cold). So, don’t expect temps to stay stable during the length of a hike.

Tight sealing lid

Great temperature retention

Doubles as a measuring cup

Can be difficult to clean due to cloth sleeve

A white woman holds a white cup with a blue band

Copco’s Acadia is designed to look like a standard, paper coffee cup (albeit one made of reusable BPA-free plastic), which, depending on your aesthetic, can be cute (or not so much). A textured, non-slip sleeve is much more effective at shielding your hands than the cardboard ones.

The Copco is both microwave and dishwasher safe, which is more than you can say of your average bodega cup.

Yet despite boasting double-walled insulation, it’s not great at maintaining temperature—and hot coffee cools a bit within the hour. And though its quarter-turn lid sealing design (may) be enough to keep your computer safe—we wouldn’t trust it for a second in a backpack pocket, and most definitely not actually placed inside of a bag.

Microwave and dishwasher safe

Has a textured non-slip sleeve

Made from reusable BPA-free plastic

Poor temperature retention

Lid design isn't great for travel

A white woman's arm grips a travel mug in a car's cup holder

Given the large size, it can be a bit difficult to hold when full, but the handle makes this easier (though it lacks a comfort grip like the Stanley tumbler has). It also fits in most standard size cup holders.

One gripe we have is that the lid on the Hydro Flask tumbler is not as secure as others in our guide. It does not screw into place, like the Stanley tumbler. Therefore, if you drop it or it tips over, the lid may pop off, resulting in a spill.

Because of the included plastic straw and lid design, which features a flexible, built-in straw in the top portion, you don't want to use it with hot liquids. However, when paired with cold liquids, the straw is easy to drink from.

We wish the built-in straw extended all the way down into the cup and didn't stop at the lid, so it could be one collective piece. In its current state, a separate straw attaches to the underside of the lid, which is just one more thing to keep track of.

Lid does not secure

Temperature regulation not as impressive as others

Three blue travel mugs with handles in a line

Yeti benefits from a great deal of brand loyalty. And we’re not immune to its appeal. But with so many travel mug options on the market, we don’t quite see the upsides of this one—unless you like really cold beverages over long time frames.

The plastic top (which is hard to remove) doesn’t actually close, either. So, there’s no way to keep liquids from sloshing out of the perennially exposed opening.

Premium insulation

Powerful magnet lock feature

Doesn’t fit in cupholders

Not leak proof

How We Tested

Three testers have taken on travel mugs and tumblers for this guide. Freelance food writer Sarah Zorn tackled our original batch, and she, like many busy professionals, almost exclusively functions on coffee. She maintains that she often mainlines it when scuttling back and forth on the subway or hunched over a computer. As such, having a mug that keeps her drink hot or cold while tapping at keys for extended periods of time is of utmost importance to me.

We alternately filled each mug with hot and cold beverages, measuring the temperature to start, and then checking it again every 30 minutes or so for the course of two hours.

We also took each mug for a test run throughout an entire day, analyzing how comfortable they are to hold, how easy they are to drink out of, how snugly they fit into a backpack or car holder, how portable they are, how likely they are to spill when jostled or turned upside down, and how easy they are to clean—either in the dishwasher when possible, or using a bottle brush.

What Should You Look For In A Travel Mug?

Travel mugs should be comfortable to hold, effectively retain temperature, able to be safely stashed in a beverage holder or bag, and keep hot (or cold) liquids securely contained, so they don’t slosh all over your shirt. The same certainly can’t be said of flimsy, disposable, heat-leaching paper or Styrofoam cups.

Travel mugs should be well insulated—vacuum insulated stainless steel is preferred—so they can keep your coffee tasty and hot, from your first sip to your last (even if your mug ends up sitting on your desk all day). They should have securely locking lids, so they can be carried pretty much wherever or in whatever without incident; even inside your bag.

Why Buy a Travel Mug?

A reusable cup is much better for the environment than disposable ones. It's also a money saver over time—imagine how much cash you’d save, carrying your own coffee instead of buying it at a coffee shop day after day?

Unlike a regular coffee mug, a travel mug is also meant for, well, travel, whether you’re driving cross country, camping in the woods, or merely cramming yourself in a rickety train each morning on the way to work. Many will work whether you prefer hot or cold beverages.

How to Clean a Travel Mug

If you’re lucky, the whole darn thing can be thrown onto the top rack of a dishwasher, although this feature is rare. More often than not, you’re going to have to get a bit hands-on, especially with the lid. Even when it comes to the body of your travel mug or tumbler, there’s ample opportunity for water to leach between the layers of insulation, which can lead to mold.

Some travel mugs come with their very own mini brushes for accessing hard to reach places, although spare toothbrushes (reserved solely for this purpose of course) or even Q-tips can do the trick.

If you’d just as soon avoid soap, white vinegar and baking soda are both natural cleansers. Distill one tablespoon of vinegar in warm water, for a solution that’s excellent for soaking and scrubbing, or make a paste of equal parts water and baking soda, for attacking especially grimy spots.

Meet the testers

Contributor

Sarah Zorn is a food writer, cookbook author, and product tester for Reviewed, Wirecutter and the Food Network. She regularly contributes to outlets such as Saveur, Esquire, and Civil Eats, and has very much passed her food obsessions down, as her beloved rescue hound, Rowdy, regularly deglazes his kibble bowl.

Rachel Murphy

Editor, Home

Rachel Murphy is Reviewed's home editor. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a freelance writer for publications like Insider and Mashable, and as an associate editorial producer for Good Morning America. Aside from smart home tech, her interests include food, travel, parenting, and home renovation. You can usually find her sipping on coffee at any time of the day.

Samantha Mangino

Staff Writer, Home

Samantha Mangino is a self-proclaimed homebody. Conveniently she is a home staff writer at Reviewed, covering cleaning, appliances, furniture, and home furnishings and décor. She knows her way around a house and has tested everything from furniture, sponges, steam irons, to Legos. She’s always on the hunt for the latest internet trends and wants to help make your home cleaner and cozier.

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Swig Life 12oz Wine Tumbler with Lid, Stainless Steel, Dishwasher Safe, Portable, Triple Insulated Moscow Mule Cup in Cocktail Club Copper

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Swig Life 12oz Wine Tumbler with Lid, Stainless Steel, Dishwasher Safe, Portable, Triple Insulated Moscow Mule Cup in Cocktail Club Copper

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

KEEPS COLD UP TO 9 HOURS, HOT UP TO 3 HOURS. Copper plated, triple insulated wine cup is double-walled and vacuum sealed with thick, professional grade 18/8 stainless steel.
EASY TO HOLD, EASY TO CARRY, our 12oz stainless steel wine glass is the perfect travel companion for trips to the beach, pool, boat, or camping.
HAMMERED TEXTURE is a one-of-a-kind combination of an insulated stainless steel wine tumbler mixed with the feel of a classic moscow mule cocktail mug (NOT DISHWASHER SAFE).
SLIP-FREE, SCRATCH-FREE, NOISE-FREE SILICONE BASE keeps your stainless steel wine tumbler from tipping over or making too much noise when you set them down.
OVER 40 COLORS AND PRINTS to choose from makes our Swig Life insulated wine tumbler the best wine gift for wine lovers; women, men, mom, dad, teachers, coworkers, Birthday, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas.

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COCKTAIL CLUB HIGHBALL TUMBLER (22oz)

Your favorite mixed drinks belong in our hammered-finish Highball Tumbler. The tapered silhouette means you can easily hold this Swig til the very last sip!

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This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour ...
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A good travel mug features a leakproof lid, one-hand usability and vacuum insulation in addition to retaining heat or keeping drinks cool. These are our 18 favorites.
Tested: The Best Travel Mugs For Hot & Cold Drinks On The Go
What Makes A Good Travel Mug? Travel mugs are generally best for coffee, tea, or any other hot (or cold) beverage you need on the go, making them ideal for commuting, traveling, and camping. It's a better choice than disposable options from an environmental standpoint, but also from a health standpoint because you decide what's going in there.
The 3 Best Travel Mugs of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
I Tested 15 Travel Mugs to Find the Best Ones for Coffee and Tea My top picks from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto are hot, hot, hot.
15 Best Travel Mugs and Tumblers of 2024
Enter: The best travel mugs and tumblers. Portable and generally easy to clean, travel mugs and tumblers get bonus points if they can fit in your car's cup holder. We shopped around and bought popular travel mugs and tumblers from brands like Stanley, Contigo, Hydro Flask, Yeti, and old favorite, Thermos.
Swig Travel Mug, 18oz, Stainless Steel, Insulated, Party Animal, Travel
About this item 18OZ TUMBLER WITH HANDLE AND LID keeps cold drinks cold for 9 hours and hot drinks hot for 3 hours with Swig Life's triple insulated, copper-plated, stainless steel cups. Travel coffee tumbler holds up to 18oz of your favorite beverages. CUP HOLDER FRIENDLY 18 oz tumbler fits most standard size cup holders.
Coffee Travel Mugs & Tumblers
Browse coffee travel mugs, travel cups, and tumblers on our online store. We're stocked with sustainable, high-quality products perfect for your cup of coffee.
Swig Life 22oz Moscow Mule Highball Tumbler with Lid, Cup Holder
CUP HOLDER FRIENDLY stainless steel tumbler is easy to hold, and fits in most car cup holders. The perfect travel coffee mug or tea tumbler (tea infuser attachment sold separately). SLIP-FREE, SCRATCH-FREE, NOISE-FREE SILICONE BASE keeps your insulated coffee tumbler from tipping over or making too much noise when you set them down.
Swig Life 12oz Lowball Tumbler, Triple Insulated, Stainless Steel
HOT UP TO 3 HOURS, Double wall, vacuum sealed, and copper plated insulated lowball tumbler with thick, professional grade 18/8 stainless steel. HAMMERED TEXTURE is a one-of-a-kind combination of an insulated stainless steel tumbler mixed with the feel of a classic moscow mule cocktail mug (NOT DISHWASHER SAFE).
Cocktail Club
Our Cocktail Club collection is the perfect addition to your home bar. Keep your drinks ice cold in our insulated copper hammered-finish Cups, Mugs, and Tumblers.

Best Insulated Cups of 2024

Best Insulated Cups

Sharing is Nice

Stanley The Flowstate Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

Best travel coffee mugs in 2024 — tested and rated

Best budget and durable

How we test

The quick list

1. MiiR Flip Traveler

2. Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

3. Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

4. THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

5. Yeti Rambler

6. Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug

7. Teabloom

8. bioGo 16 oz Reusable Coffee Cups

9. Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

10. Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

11. Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

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Most Popular

The 9 Best Insulated Tumblers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best Budget

Best for Coffee

Best with Handle

MiiR Flip Traveler

Best for Camping

Best Stainless Steel

Best for Wine

Best for Beer

What to Look For in an Insulated Tumbler

The Best Leak-Proof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot (and Cold) Drinks on the Go

Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

Stanley Classic Trigger Action travel mug

Stojo collapsible travel cup, 16-ounce

Stanley Aerolight Transit bottle

Yeti Rambler stackable mug

Snow Peak Milk bottle

Zojirushi stainless steel mug

Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Martina Thornhill Okay cup

Kinto travel tumbler

Yeti Rambler lowball

Corkcicle classic tumbler

Miir Climate+ Tumbler

Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug

OtterBox Elevation wine tumbler

Hay Sowden travel cup

W&P Porter mug

Simple Modern travel coffee mug

The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, Whether You Walk, Ride, or Drive

The best travel coffee mug to toss in your bag: Zojirushi

The best dishwasher safe travel coffee mug to toss in your bag: Brumate

The best travel coffee mug for the car: Yeti Rambler with Magslide Lid

How we tested travel coffee mugs

What we looked for

Other travel coffee mugs we tested

The takeaway

More of the best gear we've ever tried

The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, According To Rigorous Testing

Best Travel Coffee Mug Overall

Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Coffee Tumbler

Best Insulated Travel Coffee Mug

Best Travel Coffee Mug With A Handle

Best Iced Coffee Travel Mug

Best Leak-Proof Travel Coffee Mug

Best Small Travel Coffee Mug

Best Travel Coffee Mug For Espresso

The 8 Best Hotels In Nantucket

How I Tested The Best Travel Coffee Mugs

How To Pick A Travel Coffee Mug

Cap/Lid Style

My Expertise

How Long Does A Travel Coffee Mug Keep Drinks Hot?

What Size Travel Coffee Mug Should I Buy?

The 16 Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold on the Move

Best Overall Travel Mug

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Travel Mug