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 travel mug, prioritize mugs that can be used with one hand and pay attention to whether they are dishwasher safe. For hot coffee or tea, keeping warm is a must. Likewise, if you prefer to drink cold, find a mug that will keep your drink ice cold for hours.
Read on to see what we recommend before choosing a travel mug for the most important drink of the day.
Amazon and the Yeti $42
Yeti’s Rambler Travel Mug holds 30 ounces and is available in 12 different colors including black, meerschaum, and harvest red. There are many reasons why this mug stands out, including the leak-proof lid that stays in place with dual-slider magnet technology. The lid also swivels easily, making this mug perfect for right-handed or left-handed drivers. Plus, like all other Yeti products, this travel mug has excellent insulation properties, so keeping warm (and cold) was a priority.
Amazon $30
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is perfect for drivers and car riders who want a custom mug based on size and style. You can order the mug 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, this mug is made of stainless steel inside and out, and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. It’s also BPA-free, and its snap-on lid makes it easy to carry.
$40 at BrüMate
The BrüMate Toddy XL holds up to 32 ounces of your favorite beverage, and its incredible insulation keeps your drinks hot or cold for hours. This travel mug is completely leak-proof and its BevLock technology helps prevent spills. Although pricey, 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.
Amazon $18
What do coffee lovers get when they have it all? Some fancy coffee grinder? Nespresso at home? How about the 18 oz Ello Magnet Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug? This mug is affordable enough to be a gift for the traveler in your life, but it’s packed with features like superior insulation for maximum heat retention, leak-proof technology, and a sleek matte black finish. The travel mug is also BPA-free and the lid is dishwasher safe.
Amazon $40
The Hydro Flask brand is known for its superior insulation properties and prowess at keeping drinks hot or cold, but the company offers more than just water bottles. The Hydro Flask Tumbler insulates 22 ounces of coffee or tea and also fits in your car’s cup holder. (It’s also available in 16-ounce and 32-ounce sizes.) The mug is made of stainless steel, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. The slim, sleek design also makes this tumbler easy to hold on the go.
Amazon $18
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 double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel and the wide mouth flap creates the perfect suction opening. Not only is the mug affordable, but it’s also BPA-free, and it’s available in four different colors: black, navy, pink, and meerschaum 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’s double-walled vacuum insulated for maximum heat retention. The screw-on flap closure helps prevent spills, and the sweat-resistant exterior ensures that the outside of your mug is always dry.
July $45
July’s travel professionals have developed their own bottle, designed for frequent travelers looking to stay hydrated while on the go. Vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle keeps 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, or even your pet’s face to truly make it your own.
$27 Amazon $20
If you’re looking for a gift for your favorite outdoor activity, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug might be just for you. Among the color options, you’ll find a camouflage design dubbed Country DNA. The mug comes in two sizes — 16 oz and 20 oz — and offers a push-button lid and a leak-proof spout. This travel mug is perfect for those who often travel to remote areas or work with their drinks. This mug is also dishwasher safe, so you’ll have your favorite beverage ready when you need it.
Amazon $36
If you’re particularly concerned about mugs with straw-compatible lids, check out the Contigo Luxe Stainless Steel tumbler with spill-resistant lid and straw. This 18 oz vacuum insulated travel mug features a fully airtight lid and straw to prevent messes and spills, and the entire package is dishwasher safe. All parts are BPA free. Remember, these mugs are not designed for hot beverages – only for cold beverages, and they cannot be carbonated, watery, or perishable.
REI $72
The Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal Vacuum Bottle isn’t cheap, but it’s packed with upgrades that mean a lot to the average coffee drinker. This mug features QuadVac insulation that helps keep up to 44 ounces of liquid at the ideal temperature (hot or cold) for days. In fact, hot drinks can be kept hot for up to 40 hours, cold drinks for up to 35 hours, and iced drinks for up to 6 days. The steel liner helps achieve zero plastic contact, and its rubber handle makes it easy to transport and it’s dishwasher safe. Stanley Master’s Indestructible Thermal Vacuum Bottles also come with a lifetime warranty.
Amazon $25
Nothing says insulation like the Thermos brand. The Thermos Stainless King Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug is vacuum insulated for maximum temperature retention and is made of durable stainless steel inside and out. With a built-in tea hook that even holds your tea bags, this 16-ounce mug fits easily in most car-sized cup holders.
Amazon $25
Available in 12 colors and four different sizes — 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, and 30 oz — this lightweight option from CamelBak offers double wall vacuum insulation. Not only does it keep your hot drinks warm, it also keeps your cold drinks cool. This mug is dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean up after every trip.
$19 RTIC Outdoors $14
If you’re looking for a travel mug made just for the great outdoors, the Get Out and Go Series 20 oz tumbler from RTIC Outdoors may be just what you need. This mug is designed for hunters, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who need to keep their beverages hot or cold. Not only is this travel container affordable, but it’s packed with features like double-wall vacuum insulation, an easy-grip base, and a splash-proof lid with a comfortable mouthpiece.
Amazon $15
If you need a travel mug that takes up less space when not in use, check out the Stojo Collapsible Travel Mug. While not technically a mug, this mug is perfect for travelers, including in the car. The Stojo holds 12 ounces of liquid and is made of silicone material that can handle hot and cold drinks. It’s also dishwasher safe, leak-proof, and BPA-free.
From $23 at Target
Target’s Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Self-Seal Travel Mug has a unique look. It has no handles, and the self-sealing lid makes it extra stylish. This affordable mug is leak and spill resistant and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for 5 hours and cold drinks at ideal temperature for up to 12 hours. You can order the mug in two different colors and three different sizes: 16 oz, 20 oz, or 24 oz.
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