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The ideal travel mug is prized for its convenience, versatility, and ability to keep you warm for hours after leaving the house. This perfect transitional accessory can carry you through early morning caffeination to mid-afternoon hydration to a swig of whatever floats your boat as you pregame your evening date.
A more sustainable option than paper and plastic cups, reusable mugs — typically made from BPA-free stainless steel or ceramic coating — are better for the environment and for your taste buds, as they don’t allow oils and odors to build up. But perhaps their primary draw is how they retain temperature for far longer than disposables.
Whether you’re looking for a companion to tag along on your morning commute or camping trips, we’ve researched a variety of the best travel mugs on the market for every activity and sip sensibility. Our top pick is the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle, thanks to its rugged make and top-tier temperature regulation. But slow sippers and gallon gulpers alike are sure to find a travel mug on this list that’s best suited to their personal style.
Here’s our breakdown of the best travel mugs to shop now:
Why We Love It: In addition to the Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle’s tried-and-true durability and exceptional long-term heat retention, its leak-proof lid pulls double duty as an 8-ounce cup.
What to Consider: The wide-mouth lid is great for those who prefer to sip or swig at leisure, but the spill potential means it may not be the best choice for in-motion use.
Stanley’s Classic Vacuum Bottle stands out for its multi-purpose leak-proof lid, which doubles as an insulated 8-ounce cup so that you can toast yourself (or whomever you’re with) for buying one of the handiest travel mugs on the market. Backed by Stanley’s lifetime warranty — in effect since 1913, when William Stanley himself pioneered the steel, vacuum-insulated technology that aids temperature retention — this rust-proof thermos stands up well against the elements, whether that’s a rocky hiking trail or just the debris in your tote bag. The streamlined, handleless design makes it easy to take on the go, and perhaps most impressive of all is its mind-boggling temperature retention: this bottle will keep your beverage of choice piping hot for 28 hours or perfectly chilled for 30 hours — and up to 5 days if iced. Oh, and did we mention it’s dishwasher-safe? Plus, it’s available in two thirst-quenching sizes: 20 or 32 ounces.
Price at time of publish: $27
Capacity: 20 ounces | Weight: 1.32 pounds | Temperature Retention: 28 hours hot, 30 hours cold, 5 days iced | Material: Stainless steel
Why We Love It: Yeti’s Hotshot Cap features a fully rotational leak-proof lid that allows you to sip from any side, plus, it’s interchangeable with a number of other lids.
What to Consider: The bottles may be too big for some cupholders, which could make this a no-go for commuting caffeination.
Famous for their durable, insulated coolers, Yeti packs a lot of power into even their smallest vessels. The Rambler Hotshot Bottle is made from BPA-free, kitchen-grade stainless steel, making it rust- and puncture-resistant – meaning it's an ideal companion for your most rustic adventures, from camping to fly fishing. The brand does offer a five-year warranty, although its products are hardy enough that you’re hardly likely to need it. What makes this model stand out from other Yeti bottles and tumblers is the 360-degree Hotshot Cap, which you need merely half-twist once until it clicks to sip it from any side, making it ultra-convenient for gulping on the go. If that sort of unfettered freedom doesn't appeal to you, fear not — there are a number of other interchangeable lid options, including a straw cap, a 5-ounce cup cap, a chug cap, a cap with a handle, and more. As a bonus, you can customize these dishwasher-safe bottles with your corporate logo so your coworkers don’t get too jealous.
Price at time of publish: $30
Capacity: 18 ounces | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Temperature Retention: Not listed | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: Thanks to its size, durability, and spill-proof lid, this mug is one of the absolute best values on the market.
What to Consider: If you’re more of a gulper, the trigger-action lid may feel restrictive.
When it comes to getting the most bang and beverage for your buck, Stanley’s Classic Trigger-action Travel Mug is a ridiculously great deal. Backed by Stanley’s lifetime warranty, this rust-resistant mug is made from ultra-durable 18/8 stainless steel, so it will hold up to whatever activities you’ve got in store. If said activities happen to include hunting, you’ve come to the right mug — in addition to metallic and matte shades, it’s available in not one, but three different camo patterns. The main draw, besides the affordable price-point and the all-day-long temperature retention, is the trigger-action lid, which is essentially a push button that shuts after every sip and makes this an easy mug to manipulate one-handed. It comes in both 16 and 20-ounce versions.
Price at time of publish: $27
Capacity: 20 ounces | Weight: 0.85 pounds | Temperature Retention: 7 hours hot, 10 hours cold, 30 hours iced | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: The millennial-approved aesthetic of this cup is an added bonus to the fact that it folds down into a disc that you can slip into your pocket.
What to Consider: Be sure to dry it out before collapsing it, as liquid can leak out slightly otherwise.
Stojo’s reusable travel cup hits the sweet spot when it comes to sustainability and convenience, helping you skip the paper or plastic waste and also skip lugging around a full-size thermos all day. Once you’ve finished your drink, you can remove the heat sleeve and collapse the cup (available in 8 to 24-ounce capacities) into a 2-inch disk that tucks into your pocket. Just keep in mind that it’s best to fully dry out the cup before collapsing it down to avoid potential spills. While Stojo’s cups are great for transporting hot and cold beverages alike, the food-grade silicone doesn’t maintain the temperature for as long as materials like stainless steel, so if that’s your primary concern, then this might not be your go-to. But if saving space is your M.O., then this dishwasher-safe cup is an excellent choice — plus, it’s available in a range of millennial-approved colors like oat, sage, and carnation pink.
Price at time of publish: $19
Capacity: 12 ounces | Weight: 0.35 pounds | Temperature Retention: Not listed | Material: Silicone
Why We Love It: Hydro Flask’s standard bottle features a honeycomb-insulated cap to further increase its top-of-the-line temperature retention.
What to Consider: The screw-top lid and wider opening are great for adding ice cubes but less ideal for those who need one-handed ease.
Besides reducing waste, one of the primary draws of reusable travel mugs is how well they retain the temperature of your go-to Starbucks order. But while some mugs claim to keep your coffee piping hot all day long and your lemon water iced until the New Year, few deliver on their promise as enduringly as Hydro Flask. The brand’s Standard Mouth Bottle has a wide enough opening to fit ice cubes so your drinks will stay chilled even longer than the 24 hours promised; meanwhile, you can pour your morning coffee or tea and feel free to forget about it until lunchtime without worrying about it cooling down thanks to the TempShield double-wall, which provides vacuum-sealed insulation. The cap also helps to regulate the temperature, featuring a honeycomb insulation system. The wider mouthpiece might not be the top choice for those who prefer one-handed access to their beverage, like car commuters. For everyone else, the handy carrying loop makes it an ultra-convenient addition to your daily routine. And for fans of the great outdoors, another perk of purchasing a Hydro Flask is their Parks for All program, which supports non-profits that aim to enhance access to national parks around the country.
Price at time of publish: $35
Capacity: 21 ounces | Weight: 0.05 pounds | Temperature Retention: 12 hours hot, 24 hours cold | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: Viva’s Recharge is an elegant and efficient way to brew tea or coffee on the go.
What to Consider: It’s a bit of a splurge.
The key differentiator between a travel mug used primarily for tea instead of coffee is the addition of an infuser. Viva’s Recharge Travel Mug Pro features an easily-removed filter where you can steep whatever loose-leaf tea or fruit-infused water your heart desires — but what really sets it apart is its ability to also craft iced tea and French-press coffee on the go, thanks to its removable inner tumbler. The double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel bottle is rust-resistant, available in six classic colors, and holds 16 ounces of liquid with the infuser or 18 without it.
Price at time of publish: $50
Capacity: 18 ounces | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Temperature Retention: 6 hours hot, 12 hours cold | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: This mug has a special strainer and steeper for you to make teas, coffees, infusions — a bevy of beverages if you will.
What to Consider: The screw-off lid makes room for ice cubes but somewhat limits your sip style.
A travel mug that keeps your dark roast nice and toasty from morning ‘til night and your cold brew iced for days is great, but what if it could do that and also steep your favorite teas and infuse your water with antioxidant-rich fruits? The MVP (Most Versatile Player) award for travel mugs goes to Vibrant’s All-in-one, which comes with a removable steeper as well as a strainer. The multipurpose, leak-proof mug comes at a budget-friendly price and keeps beverages cold for 32 hours and hot for 12 hours, so you’ll be hydrated on the go. Note that it’s best to skip the dishwasher with this model.
Price at time of publish: $25
Capacity: 16.9 ounces | Weight: 0.66 pounds | Temperature Retention: 12 hours hot, 32 hours cold | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: The elevated handle offers the best of both worlds, meaning the model is easy to carry around but still cupholder-friendly.
What to Consider: You have to remember to close the lid to ensure it won’t leak.
Even before you’ve finished your morning joe, the sturdy handle on Yeti’s Rambler Travel Mug will help you get a grip on the day ahead. Backed by the famously durable brand’s five-year warranty, this mug is ready to rumble on and off-road. The signature twist-on, twist-off Stronghold Lid features magnetic technology and is rotatable for lefties and righties, ensuring a leak-proof seal when closed as long as you avoid filling the mug with carbonated beverages. To avoid anyone mistakenly “borrowing” your envy-inducing mug, go ahead and personalize it with your name, your favorite national park logo, or your favorite slogan of the “Don’t Talk to Me Before I’ve Had My Coffee” ilk.
Price at time of publish: $38
Capacity: 20 ounces | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Temperature Retention: Not listed | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: The True Taste technology on this minimalist, ceramic-coated mug ensures that leftover coffee oils and odors are a thing of the past.
What to Consider: The smaller mouthpiece might not cut it for those looking to quickly quench their thirst.
Fellow’s Carter Move Mug features a ceramic inner lining boasting True Taste technology that keeps your coffee tasting exactly as it should — not with lingering notes of oil or the old-penny tang that can build up over time. The Slide Lock lid is another innovation in the travel mug category, which functions exactly as it sounds: You gently slide the lid to the side to reveal the slight opening. This is a huge bonus for those with wrist or thumb injuries, as it avoids the tension of screwing and unscrewing the cap. Note that the smaller mouthpiece may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if you’re using this to hydrate throughout the day. While the mug is hand-wash only, it makes up for the slight inconvenience thanks to its compatibility with most standard pour-over drippers — plus, it fits in most cup holders.
Price at time of publish: $30-$35
Capacity: 16 ounces | Weight: Not listed | Temperature Retention: 6 hours hot, 6 hours cold | Material: True Taste Ceramic Coating and Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: Zojirushi combines everything you’d want in a classic 12-ounce mug, from heat retention to a flip-top lid and durability.
What to Consider: The finish is sleek rather than powdered, so it offers less grip than other models.
It’s likely that you may want to opt for more than one travel mug — after all, the mug for your to-go cappuccinos likely isn’t the same size as the one you use to gulp down water during a graveyard shift. A classic 12-ounce mug is your must-have roadie companion. It’s on the smaller side but essentially does the job of replacing your otherwise disposable morning coffee cup. Zojirushi’s Stainless Steel Mug is available in a range of metallic shades, including champagne gold and smoky blue, and for those who don’t like the powdered-coating feel of other mugs on the market, this slick steel finish is sure to please. Perhaps the handiest aspect is the flip-open lid with a built-in safety lock, making it a breeze to sip whether you’re heading to work or fueling up mid-workout.
Price at time of publish: $30
Capacity: 12 ounces | Weight: 0.44 pounds | Temperature Retention: Not listed | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: Unlike other super-sized tumblers that can tip over easily when only partially full, the wide base on this one helps to stabilize it.
What to Consider: Be sure to remove the straw to avoid leaks when in motion.
Sometimes, only 50 ounces of your go-to beverage will do. Whether you’re working all day without many chances to refill your water or you’re taking your favorite home-brewed iced tea on the road, this sturdy steel tumbler will keep your drinks tasty and temperature-regulated for the entire day. We love it for its choose-your-own-adventure lid, with three options to satisfy every type of sipper, from a straw to a small opening to a double opening. Thanks to its wider base, it’s more difficult to tip over than other large-scale tumblers — and its handle means it’s easy to pick up and carry around, even when it’s at maximum capacity. Not for nothing, it’s also a great price for all that beverage toting.
Price at time of publish: $30
Capacity: 50 ounces | Weight: 0.28 pounds | Temperature Retention: 12 hours hot, 36 hours cold | Material: Stainless Steel
Why We Love It: This ceramic thermos has a whimsical range of customizable colors, plus it’s available in a variety of easy-to-tote-around sizes.
What to Consider: Since there’s no handle or narrow lid, this requires a more attentive grip.
Remember the thermos you used to bring to elementary school? This is the grown-up version, brimming with nostalgia and whatever beverage calls to you. Frank Green’s ultra-chic travel cup is all curves, meaning it’s less easy to get a grip on for more active outings, but makes the perfect companion for deskside sipping thanks to its triple-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps your drinks hot or cold for hours and avoids residual odors with its ceramic coating. It’s our go-to for a custom look since it’s available in 10, 12, and 16 ounces and a whimsical color range that includes chrome rainbows, highlighter neons, and pretty pastels. You can mix and match the shade of the base as well as the award-winning button lid, which locks to prevent spills after you press down on it. If you’re more of a tea drinker, you can also customize it with an infuser for a fee.
Price at time of publish: $36
Capacity: 16 ounces | Weight: Not listed | Temperature Retention: Not listed | Material: Ceramic Lining and Stainless Steel
When on the hunt for a new travel mug, it’s crucial to keep in mind two main aspects: how you intend to transport it and what your preferred sipping style is.
Are you primarily planning to drink your morning brew on your daily commute (and is that by train or car)? To hydrate while hiking? To keep your orange wine cool at the beach all afternoon? However you plan to carry your beverage of choice will impact which sort of vessel you need—your to-go cortados can be poured directly into a heat-retaining 8-ounce glass container, but you’d be better suited with a 32-ounce stainless steel jug if you’re looking for a way to keep your water cool all day long at work.
Some other things to keep in mind: Handle or no handle? Straw or no straw? While handles make larger mugs more convenient to hold (and straws, of course, make them easier to sip from), both could be a drawback if you know you’ll need to fit your mug into the pocket of your bag.
It’s also important to know your preferred mouthpiece and lid style. There are all sorts of options: Big and small openings, lids with straws, twist-off tops or magnetic auto-lock caps. Your lid type — which is entirely a matter of personal preference — will impact the way you use the mug, as certain styles are better suited to being in motion than others (i.e., a full twist-off lid would be more difficult to maneuver mid-jog than a flip-top lid).
While some travel mugs are hand-wash only, the majority on this list are dishwasher-friendly. That being said, it’s best to wash your lids by hand whenever possible, as avoiding the heat of the dishwasher helps to maintain their leakproof seal. If you are washing by hand, the best method is to disassemble your bottle and wash it with a soft bottle brush or sponge as well as dish soap and hot water. Then, you can soak it overnight with an equal parts solution of white vinegar and water. If nasty odors really persist, you can use Cafiza tablets, which are designed to nix even the nastiest smells from espresso machines.
This will depend on the mug — be sure to check the label! Most stainless steel mugs are not microwaveable, but luckily, the ones on this list were chosen for their impressive temperature retention, so your favorite beverages should stay hot for hours regardless. If you are looking for a microwave-friendly option, glass or ceramic mugs are your best bet. But still, be sure to check the label before testing it out yourself.
Yes! Just be sure to empty it out before going through security. You can refill it once you get to the other side. That’s one of the best parts of travel mugs — whether you want to load up on water to hydrate during your flight or fill it up with your favorite brew so that you can avoid the questionable airplane coffee, a reusable mug will keep your beverages hot or ice-cold until you reach your destination. Once you’ve arrived, feel free to refill your mug with a bottle of rosé and hit the beach with your pals.
For this article, Sophie Dodd researched every aspect of travel mugs and used her expertise as a travel writer to narrow down a list of the most reliable options for every need and budget.
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