Those who commute to work or spend a lot of time on the road will agree that the best travel mugs are worth the money. But what exactly makes a “good” travel mug? How do you choose from hundreds of options?
The best travel mugs are versatile and sturdy enough for everyday use. When looking for a mug for your trip, you should prioritize one for one-handed use and pay attention to whether it can be thrown in the dishwasher. For hot coffee or tea, keeping warm is a must. Likewise, if you prefer a cold drink, look for a cup that will keep your drink cold for hours.
Before choosing a travel mug for the most important drink of the day, read on to find out which ones we recommend.
Amazon and Snowman $42
Yeti’s Rambler travel mugs have a 30-ounce capacity and come in 12 different colors, including black, seafoam, and harvest red. This mug stands out for a number of reasons, including a leak-proof lid that stays in place with dual-slider magnet technology. The lid also swivels easily, making this mug ideal for right- or left-handed drivers. Plus, like all other Yeti products, this travel mug prioritizes keeping warm (and cold) thanks to its incredible insulation.
Amazon $30
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mugs are perfect for drivers and car riders looking to customize their mugs to size and style. You can order cups in two sizes: 12 oz or 16 oz. You can also choose from eight different colors from champagne gold to lavender pink. What’s more, the mug has a stainless steel interior and exterior and vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot and cold for hours. It is also BPA free and its locking lid makes it easy to transport.
BrüMate $40
The BrüMate Toddy XL holds up to 32 ounces of your favorite beverages, and its incredible insulation keeps your beverages hot and cold for hours. This travel mug is completely leak-proof and its BevLock technology helps prevent spills. Although expensive, the BrüMate Toddy XL is well made and comes with a lifetime warranty. Buy this mug for yourself, or as a gift for the coffee lover in your life.
$18 on Amazon
What does the coffee lover who has it all get? Some fancy coffee grinder? Nespresso coffee at home? How about the 18 oz Ello Magnet Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug? An affordable gift for the traveler in your life, this mug offers superior insulation for maximum heat retention, leak-proof technology and a sleek matte black finish. This travel mug is also BPA free and the lid is dishwasher safe.
Amazon $40
The Hydro Flask brand is known for its excellent heat retention and thermal properties, but the company offers more than just water bottles. The Hydro Flask Tumbler keeps 22 ounces of coffee or tea piping hot, but it also fits in your car’s cup holder. (It’s also available in 16 oz and 32 oz.) The cups are made of stainless steel, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. The narrow and stylish design also makes this glass easy to hold when you’re out and about.
$18 on Amazon
This 24-ounce travel mug from Haushof comes with all the bells and whistles, but at a reasonable price. The product itself is made of stainless steel, double-layered vacuum-insulated, and the large flip-top lid creates the perfect sip. Not only is the mug affordable, it’s BPA-free and comes in four different colors: black, navy, pink, and sea bubble green.
RTIC Outdoors from $13
RTIC Outdoors’ basic travel mugs come in two different sizes (16 oz and 20 oz) and 25 different colors at an affordable price. This travel mug features a smart design with an integrated handle that fits most cup holders. It is double vacuum insulated for maximum heat retention. The screw-on flip-top closure helps prevent spills, and the sweat-resistant exterior ensures the outside of your mug stays dry at all times.
July $45
July’s travel experts have developed their own bottle designed for frequent travelers who want to stay hydrated on the go. Vacuum insulated stainless steel bottles keep liquids hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours. Plus, it’s available in eight different colors, and you can even personalize your bottle with your name, initials, and even your pet’s face to truly make it your own.
$27 $20 on Amazon
If you’re looking for a gift for your favorite outdoor enthusiast, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug might be just the thing for you. Among the color options, you’ll find a camouflage design called Country DNA. The mug comes in two sizes — 16 ounces and 20 ounces — and offers a button lid and leak-proof suction. This travel mug is perfect for those who frequently travel to remote areas or work with beverages. The mug is also dishwasher safe, so you can have it ready for your favorite beverage when you need it.
Amazon $36
If you’re particularly concerned about cups with straw lids, check out the Contigo Luxe Stainless Steel Glass with Splash Lid and Straw. This vacuum insulated 18 oz travel mug features a fully airtight lid and straw to prevent smudging and spills, and the entire package is dishwasher safe. All parts are BPA free. Remember, this mug is not designed for hot drinks – only those that are cold, they cannot be carbonated, pulpy or perishable.
REI $72
Stanley Master’s unbreakable thermos isn’t cheap, but it’s packed with upgraded features that mean a lot to the average coffee drinker. Featuring QuadVac insulation, this mug helps keep up to 44 ounces of liquid at the ideal temperature (hot or cold) for days. In fact, hot drinks can be kept warm for up to 40 hours, cold drinks can be kept cold for up to 35 hours, and ice cubes can be kept for up to 6 days. The steel-lined plug helps achieve zero plastic contact, its rubber handle makes it easy to transport, and it’s also dishwasher safe. Stanley Master’s unbreakable thermos also comes with a lifetime warranty.
$25 on Amazon
Nothing says insulation like the Thermos brand. Thermos Stainless Steel King Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug uses vacuum insulation technology to maintain maximum temperature and is made of durable stainless steel inside and out. Built-in tea hooks even hold your tea bags in place, and this 16-ounce mug easily fits into most car-sized cup holders.
$25 on Amazon
Available in 12 colors and four different sizes – 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz and 30 oz – this lightweight option from CamelBak offers double layer vacuum insulation. Not only does it keep your hot drinks warm, it also keeps your cold drinks cool. The cups are dishwasher safe, so they’re easy to clean after every trip.
$19 RTIC Outdoors $14
If you’re looking for a travel mug designed for the outdoors, the Get Out and Go Series 20 oz glass from RTIC Outdoors might be the perfect fit. This mug is designed for hunters, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a hot or cold drink to keep it that way. Not only is this travel container affordable, it also features features like double-layer vacuum insulation, an easy-to-grip base, and a splash-proof lid with a comfortable suction port.
$15 on Amazon
If you need a travel mug that takes up less space when not in use, check out the Stojo Foldable Travel Mug. While not technically a mug, this mug is perfect for travelers, including in the car. Capable of holding 12 ounces of liquid, the Stojo is made of silicone material and can handle both hot and cold beverages. It’s also dishwasher safe, leak-proof and BPA-free.
Target price starts at $23
Target’s Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Autoseal Travel Mug has a unique look. It has no handle, and the self-sealing lid makes it extra stylish. This affordable mug is leak- and spill-proof, and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks warm for 5 hours and cold drinks at the ideal temperature for up to 12 hours. You can order cups in two different colors and three different sizes: 16 oz, 20 oz or 24 oz.
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