Those who commute to work or spend a lot of time on the road will agree that the best travel mugs are worth their weight in gold. But what exactly makes a “good” travel mug? And how can you pick from the hundreds of options out there?
The best travel mugs serve multiple purposes and are sturdy enough for daily use. When looking for a mug for your travels, you should prioritize ones with one-hand usability and pay attention to whether you can throw it in the dishwasher. For warm coffees or teas, heat retention is a must. Likewise, if you’re more of a cold drink person, find a mug that’ll keep your beverages ice cold for hours.
Before you choose a travel mug for your most important drink of the day, read on to learn which ones we recommend.
$42 at Amazon and Yeti
Yeti’s Rambler Travel Mug holds 30 ounces and comes in 12 different colors, including black, seafoam and harvest red. This mug stands out for many reasons, including its leakproof lid that uses dual-slider magnet technology to stay in place. The lid also rotates with ease, making this mug perfect for right-handed or left-handed drivers. Plus, like all other Yeti products, this travel mug prioritizes heat retention (and cold), thanks to its incredible insulation.
$30 at Amazon
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is ideal for drivers and car riders who want to customize their mug based on size and style. You can order this mug in two sizes: 12 ounces or 16 ounces. You can also choose from eight different colors that range from champagne gold to lavender pink. More importantly, this mug boasts a stainless steel interior and exterior as well as vacuum insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. It’s also BPA-free, and its lock-tight lid makes it easy to transport.
$40 at BrüMate
$18 at Amazon
$40 at Amazon
$18 at Amazon
This 24-ounce travel mug from Haushof comes with all the bells and whistles but for a reasonable price. The product itself is made of stainless steel that is double-wall vacuum-insulated, and the flip lid with a wide mouth creates the perfect sipping port. This mug is not only affordable, but it’s BPA-free and comes in four different colors: black, navy blue, pink and seafoam green.
From $13 at RTIC Outdoors
The basic travel mug from RTIC Outdoors comes in two different sizes (16 ounces and 20 ounces) and 25 different colors at an affordable price. This travel mug features a slim design with an integrated handle that works well with the majority of cup holders. It’s double-wall vacuum-insulated for maximum heat retention. A screw-on, flip-top closure helps prevent spills, and the no-sweat exterior ensures the outside of your mug is always dry.
$45 at July
$27 $20 at Amazon
If you’re looking for a gift for your favorite outdoorsperson, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug could be a good fit. Among the color options, you’ll find a camouflage design, dubbed Country DNA. The mug comes in two sizes — 16 ounces and 20 ounces — and offers a push-button lid and a leakproof sipping port. This travel mug is perfect for anyone who frequently heads to the backcountry or a job site with their drink in tow. The mug is also dishwasher-safe, so you can have it ready for your favorite beverage when needed.
$36 at Amazon
If you’re specifically looking at mugs with straw-compatible lids, check out the Contigo Luxe Stainless Steel Tumbler With Spill-Proof Lid and Straw. This vacuum-insulated 18-ounce travel mug comes with a fully sealed lid and straw to prevent messes and spillage, and the entire package is dishwasher-safe. All parts are BPA-free. Keep in mind that this mug is not designed for hot beverages — only those that are cold, and they can’t be carbonated, pulpy or perishable.
$72 at REI
The Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal Vacuum Bottle isn’t cheap, but it comes with upgraded features that mean a lot for regular coffee drinkers. This mug uses QuadVac insulation that can help keep up to 44 ounces of liquid at the ideal temperature (hot or cold) for days. In fact, warm drinks can stay hot for up to 40 hours, cool drinks can stay cold for up to 35 hours and ice can be kept for up to six days. A steel-lined stopper helps achieve zero plastic contact, its rubberized grip makes it easy to transport and it’s also dishwasher-safe. The Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal Vacuum Bottle also comes with a lifetime warranty.
$25 at Amazon
Nothing says heat retention quite like the Thermos brand. The Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Tumbler uses vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention, and it’s made of durable stainless steel inside and out. A built-in tea hook can even hold your tea bag in place, and this 16-ounce mug fits in most car-sized cup holders with ease.
$25 at Amazon
Available in 12 colors and four different size options — 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces and 30 ounces — this lightweight option from CamelBak offers double wall vacuum insulation. Not only will it keep your hot drinks warm, but it’ll also keep your cooler drinks cold. The mug is dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean after each trip.
$19 $14 at RTIC Outdoors
If you’re looking for a travel mug that’s built for the outdoors, the Get Out and Go Series 20-ounce tumbler from RTIC Outdoors could be a good fit. This mug was crafted for hunters, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need their hot or cold beverage to stay that way. Not only is this travel container affordable, but it comes with features like double-wall vacuum insulation, an easy-grip base and a splash-proof lid with a comfortable sipping port.
$15 at Amazon
If you need a travel mug that takes up less space when not in use, check out the Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup. While not technically a mug, this cup is ideal for travelers, including in the car. With the capacity to hold 12 ounces of liquid, the Stojo is made of silicone material that can handle both hot and cold drinks. It’s also safe for the dishwasher, leakproof and BPA-free.
From $23 at Target
The Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Autoseal Travel Mug from Target has a unique look. It doesn’t have a handle, and its auto-sealed lid makes it appear especially stylish. This affordable mug is leakproof and spill-proof, and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for five hours and cold drinks at their ideal temperature for up to 12 hours. You can order this mug in two different colors and three different sizes: 16 ounces, 20 ounces or 24 ounces.
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