Those who commute to work or spend a lot of time on the road will agree that the best travel mugs are worth their gold. But what exactly makes a “good” travel mug? And how can you choose from the hundreds of options out there?
The best travel mugs serve multiple purposes and are sturdy enough for everyday use. When looking for travel mugs, you should prioritize one that can be used with one hand and pay attention to whether they can be put in the dishwasher. For warm coffee or tea, heat retention is a must. Likewise, if you’re more of a cold drinker, look for a mug that can keep your beverage cold for hours.
Before you choose a travel mug for your most important drink of the day, read on to find out which one we recommend.
$42 at Amazon and snowman
Yeti’s Rambler Travel Mug holds 30 ounces and comes in 12 different colors, including black, sponge, and harvest red. This mug stands out for a number of reasons, including a leak-proof lid that uses dual-sliding magnet technology to stay in place. The lid also rotates easily, making this cup perfect for right- or left-handed drivers. Plus, like all Yeti products, this travel mug prioritizes heat (and cold) retention 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 mugs based on size and style. You can order this cup in two sizes: 12 ounces or 16 ounces. You can also choose from eight different colors, from champagne gold to lavender pink. More importantly, this mug has stainless steel inner and outer layers as well as vacuum insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. It’s also BPA-free, and the lid features a tight lock for easy 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 at a reasonable price. The product itself is made of stainless steel, is double-vacuum insulated, and the wide-mouth flip lid forms the perfect sipping port. Not only is this mug affordable, but it’s also BPA-free and comes in four different colors: black, navy, pink, and navy.
From $13 at Outdoor RTIC
The basic travel mug from RTIC Outdoors comes in two different sizes (16 ounce and 20 ounce) and 25 different colors at an affordable price. This travel mug features a slim design with a built-in handle that works well with most cups. It’s double layer vacuum insulation for maximum heat retention. A screw-on, flip-top lid helps prevent spills, and a sweat-wicking outer layer ensures the outside of your cup stays dry.
$45 at July
$27 $20 at Amazon
If you’re looking for a gift for your outdoor lover, the Stanley Classic Action-Activated Travel Mug could be a great 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 features a push-button lid and leak-proof sip port. This travel mug is the perfect choice for anyone who frequents the backcountry or work place with their drink. The mugs are also dishwasher safe, so you can have them ready for your favorite drinks when you need them.
$36 at Amazon
If you’re particularly interested in cups with straws-compatible lids, check out the Contigo Luxe Stainless Steel Drinking Glass with Spill-resistant lid and straw. This vacuum-insulated 18-ounce travel mug comes with a fully sealed lid and straw to prevent mess and spills, and the entire package is dishwasher-safe. All parts are BPA free. Remember that this mug is not designed for hot drinks — cold drinks only, and they can’t be carbonated, porous, or perishable.
$72 at REI
The Stanley Master Unbreakable Vacuum Bottle isn’t cheap, but it comes with upgraded features that make a lot of sense for casual coffee drinkers. This cup 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 keep for up to six days. Steel-lined stoppers keep out plastic contact, rubberized handles make it easy to transport and are also dishwasher safe. Stanley Master’s unbreakable heat-retaining vacuum bottles also come with a lifetime warranty.
$25 at Amazon
Nothing says as good at retaining heat as the Thermos brand. The Thermos Stainless King Vacuum Insulated Travel Cup uses vacuum insulation technology to maintain maximum temperature and is made of durable stainless steel inside and out. A built-in tea hook can even hold your tea bags in place, and this 16-ounce mug fits 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-layer vacuum insulation. It not only keeps your hot drinks warm, but also keeps your cooler drinks cold. The cup is dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean after every trip.
$19 $14 at Outdoor RTIC
If you’re looking for a travel mug for the outdoors, then the 20-ounce Get Out and Go Series mug from RTIC Outdoors could be a great fit. This mug is built with hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts in mind who need their hot or cold beverage to stay that way. Not only is this travel case affordable, but it also features features like double-layer vacuum insulation, an easy-to-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 Foldable Travel Cup. While it’s not technically a mug, it’s ideal for travelers, including in a car. With a capacity of 12 fluid ounces, the Stojo is made of a silicone material that can hold both hot and cold beverages. It’s also dishwasher safe, leak-proof, and BPA-free.
From $23 at Target
Target’s Contigo West Loop stainless steel Autoseal travel mug has a unique look. It has no handle and the automatic lid makes it look especially stylish. This affordable mug is leak and spill resistant, and the vacuum insulation helps keep drinks hot for 5 hours and cold drinks at the 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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