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I’ll admit that I’m a huge sucker for takeout coffee. Visiting a hip indie cafe with artisanal roasts and spending $7 on premium cold brew counts among my guiltiest pleasures (and regularly wreaks havoc on my budget). But I’ve recently been trying to convince myself to be more financially practical, which motivated me to get serious about brewing coffee at home. With my collection of coffeemakers at the ready, I can now whip up a drip coffee, iced coffee, or latte in the comfort of my kitchen. But, because I need to travel with my morning java pretty frequently, a reliable arsenal of reusable to-go cups is a must-have.
Travel coffee mugs come in countless sizes, designs, colors, and materials, and wading through the dizzying number of options can be overwhelming. Luckily, you can benefit from my long journey of testing, researching, and discussing travel mugs.
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Why It’s Great: Made of sturdy stainless steel; leak-resistant; vacuum-insulated; dishwasher-safe
Grain of Salt: On the expensive side
I currently live in Austin, Texas, where YETI—one of our most prominent hometown brands—is practically a way of life. But even if I wasn’t geographically submerged in YETI culture, I’d still be a devoted fan of my YETI Rambler Travel Mug. The double-walled vacuum insulation keeps hot beverages’ temperature consistent long after they go in the mug. If you’re like me and are accustomed to lower-quality travel cups that cool coffee at a rapid speed, be careful not to burn your tongue!
The Stronghold lid arguably sets the YETI Rambler apart from its competitors more than anything else. This twist-on lid uses double magnets to stay firmly in place and keep your drink from spilling everywhere, which accident-prone folks (like me) will appreciate. YETI offers the Rambler Travel Mug in a variety of colors and patterns, and you can even get your mug customized or monogrammed. This resilient, dishwasher-safe mug provides everything that a discerning coffee lover wants in a travel cup.
The Details: 4.8 x 7.4 inches; 20 ounces; 5-year warranty; magnetized Stronghold lid; dishwasher-safe
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Why It’s Great: Insulated; easy to carry; fits in a cup holder; leakproof; limited lifetime warranty
Grain of Salt: Not dishwasher safe
Quality travel mugs can get pricey, but Contigo–a reputable brand that specializes in mugs and water bottles–offers a 20-ounce insulated stainless steel mug that’s around $20. The Byron Travel Mug uses double-walled stainless steel to keep drinks hot for up to six hours and cold for up to 12, and the exterior coating allows you to get a strong grip. The narrow shape can tuck into a cup holder with ease, and the leakproof lid will keep the contents fully contained.
I like to keep a less-expensive travel mug in my car for en-route caffeination purposes. The Contigo Byron feels like an excellent candidate since it’s less than half the price of the YETI Rambler, yet comes with many of the same perks in terms of insulation and leak resistance. The Byron’s sleek silhouette and intuitive design make it look and feel like a far more spendy mug, and because it can be ordered in numerous colors, it’s easy to find a Contigo Byron that suits anyone’s aesthetic preferences.
The Details: 3.2 x 8.5 inches; 20 ounces; limited lifetime warranty; SnapSeal lid; handwash only
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Why It’s Great: Strong insulation; 100% leakproof lid; limited lifetime warranty; reasonably priced; dishwasher-safe
Grain of Salt: Handle can make it difficult to store in small spaces.
Some minimalists will tell you that a handle on a travel mug brings unnecessary bulk, but others, like Colby Cox, coffee roaster for Atlas Coffee Club in Austin, Texas, differ. “At home, I love a nice chunky handle on the side of my mug that I can slip my fingers through and palm the rest of the hefty mug,” he says. “But on a flight, road trip, or backpacking? That handle can and does get in the way of its ability to stow neatly for me.” Personally, I love a grippy handle, so I was glad to find a fantastic handled model in the BrüMate Toddy.
BrüMate makes coolers, water bottles, and travel cups for cocktails and beers, so it stands to reason that they take temperature control very seriously. The Toddy features insulation so powerful that even carbonated beverages can maintain their fizz and coldness. The smooth exterior coating feels comfortable in the hand, and there’s no condensation to worry about. Add to all that, the handle can work for both left-handed and right-handed drinkers, the mug is dishwasher-safe, and the specially-designed lid is 100% leakproof.
The Details: 4.5 x 5.5 inches; 16 ounces; limited lifetime warranty; BevLock lid; dishwasher-safe
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Why It’s Great: Well-insulated and damage-resistant; smooth texture on exterior; limited lifetime warranty
Grain of Salt: Not machine-washable; handle could make it harder to store in small spaces
Camping mugs need to be compact and resilient, and the HydroFlask Mug delivers on both fronts. The 12-ounce model is lightweight, and the stainless-steel construction means that it can slide around in a camper or knock around in a rucksack with no fear of damage. The handle gives it that old-school camp mug flair, and the impressive insulation that HydroFlask is famous for will keep drinks hot or cold for up to six hours.
The handle and the smooth coating make this mug texturally appealing and stop the exterior from feeling hot or cold to the touch, which adds a kid-friendly flair. The lid presses into the mug’s opening smoothly and protects against leaks. Whether you’re using the HydroFlask Mug for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or an adult beverage, this cup is ideally designed for sipping and toasting by the campfire.
The Details: 3.53 x 4.55 inches; 12 ounces; limited lifetime warranty; press-in lid; hand-wash only
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Why It’s Great: Attractive design; vacuum-insulated; smooth exterior; fits in cup holders
Grain of Salt: Not machine washable; no warranty
If you love Scandinavian minimalism, the Lars Nysøm Coffee Mug will be the travel cup of your dreams. Clean lines, Instagrammable colors, and an attached wrist strap for easy carrying—this model has it all. The mug is vacuum-insulated with double walls, which gives it the ability to lock in hot temperatures for up to four hours and cold temperatures for up to eight.
Shapewise, this mug fits into standard cup holders and nestles nicely into the palm. The wrist strap might seem like an unnecessary addition to some, but, because I’ve been on an early-morning hike and cursed the fact that I couldn’t enjoy my coffee while also keeping my hands free, I recognize the advantages. The Lars Nysøm Coffee Mug also benefits from a leakproof lid so your drink won’t go splashing everywhere as the mug swings on its strap, and the smaller 13-ounce model is an appealing lightweight option for active adventures.
The Details: 3.5 x 5.86 inches; 13 ounces; flip-top lid; 30-day return policy; hand-wash only
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Why It’s Great: Vacuum insulated; leakproof top; sophisticated design
Grain of Salt: Pricey; the mug’s height can make it prone to tipping over
Sleek and svelte, the Zojirushi 16-Ounce Mug doesn’t rely on fancy bells and whistles, and it’s that focus on pared-down function that makes it so elegant. This Japanese-designed travel cup features both stainless steel and vacuum insulation, so no air will get the chance to mess with your beverage’s temperature. The flip top features a sealing clasp to erase any possibility of spillage, even if the mug falls from a decent height.
Cupholders, bags, small office drawers, and cabinets—the Zojirushi Mug can fit just about anywhere. The lid includes several pieces and can therefore be a bit fiddly to clean, but users insist that a full-scale cleaning only needs to happen once every few uses—the mug can be easily and effectively rinsed in between.
The Details: 2.9 x 9.1 inches; 16 ounces; flip-top lid; 5-year warranty; hand-wash only
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Why It’s Great: Lightweight and collapsible; comes in appealing colors; includes a straw; microwave safe
Grain of Salt: No warranty; silicone doesn’t insulate as strongly as stainless steel; includes several small pieces that could get lost
As someone who spent many years living in a tiny studio apartment with hardly any cabinet space, I know firsthand the value of items that can collapse into small packages and slip into a small nook or fully-loaded drawer. The Stojo Travel Cup, a silicone mug that squishes down flat when it’s not in use, is an ideal choice for coffee drinkers with limited kitchen real estate or space in their bag.
Not only is the Stojo Travel Cup dishwasher safe, but it’s also microwaveable. When it’s collapsed, it has only a 2-inch diameter, so feel free to stow it in your glove compartment, your office desk drawer, or even your pocket. The silicone feels pleasant in the hand and effectively locks in heat and cold. The Stojo Travel Cup also comes with a temperature-resistant sleeve and a reusable straw for cold brew drinkers.
The Details: 4 x 6 inches; 16 ounces; slide lid; 30-day return policy; dishwasher safe
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Why It’s Great: Beautiful aesthetics; ceramic coating keeps metallic flavor out of the drinks; strong insulation; straw included
Grain of Salt: Not dishwasher safe; short warranty
Iced Coffee Squad, rejoice: Fellow designed its Carter Cold Tumbler with you in mind. These chic stainless-steel travel mugs are streamlined for maximum chill and efficiency. The three parts (the mug itself, the lid, and the straw) fit together in a smooth line, yet the mug nestles comfortably in the palm, The slightly rounded base settles well in a cup holder, and the fairly narrow straw promotes slow and easy sipping.
The insulation will keep drinks cold for more than 18 hours, while the ceramic coating over the stainless core prevents any metallic flavor notes from getting into your coffee. Spills are halted in place by the tightly-locked lid, and that narrow straw comes in handy again by stopping liquid from rushing out of the cup if it tips over. Plus, the color range feels very modern and stylish; the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler is as much a fashion accessory as it is a practical tool for on-the-go drinking.
The Details: 3.25 x 11.13 inches; 16 ounces; twist-on lid; 30-day limited warranty; hand wash only
Our Takeaway
For the best combination of powerful insulation, durability, and versatility, the YETI Rambler Travel Mug is our top choice (and is worth its slightly-higher price tag). For a more budget-friendly alternative, snap up the Contigo Byron Travel Mug, which delivers double-walled stainless steel and impressive leak resistance.
How to Pick the Right Travel Coffee Mug
Size
When determining the size of your ideal travel coffee mug, it’s important to consider your general coffee-drinking habits, along with your preferences for take-out coffee. Do you always order a Venti when you head to Starbucks? Or are you more of a single-espresso-shot person? Larger mugs (16 ounces and up) can be beneficial for those who like to caffeinate in a big way (or those who like to nurse the same beverage throughout the day), but they’re also more difficult to transport and store than smaller models.
“I usually trend toward drinkware that can handle at least the biggest coffee drink I usually buy,” says Cox. “If you only ever drink 16 oz lattes, then it’s a little over-the-top to get a 30 oz mug. But a 16 oz mug will happily handle my weekend bad-boy iced latte just as readily as [it will] an 8 oz cappuccino… with some extra head space. This can look a little goofy if you’re bringing a pint glass to the counter for a double espresso, but that decision is between you and your self-confidence.” When in doubt, err on the side of a larger cup.
Lid Type
A travel mug’s overall ability to maintain beverage temperature rests in large part in the effectiveness of its lid. Lids also stop unfortunate coffee spills, which is an invaluable quality when you need every sip of morning java you can get. That’s why lids with powerful lock structures warrant higher prices; they’re an investment in your long-term coffee-drinking experience. For instance, the YETI Rambler Travel Mug’s lid uses magnets to seal onto the mug, so there’s no need to worry about slippage. On the other hand, less-expensive mugs and lighter-weight mugs often come with lids that seal decently well but may include more pieces or lack a fail-safe latching mechanism.
If you plan to use your travel mug in more stationary situations (like at your office), you may not require ultimate sealability. But those planning to take their mugs on long road trips, on hikes or bike rides, or camping should prioritize the lid’s fit and its leakproof capabilities.
Care
While just rinsing your travel mug with water after each use can be an acceptable shortcut (temporarily, at least), you’ll eventually need to give your trusty coffee cup a good cleanout. If you value efficiency and don’t want to deal with hand-scrubbing, then you’ll want to prioritize a dishwasher-safe model. Just be aware that many dishwasher-friendly mugs still have some restrictions; specifically, they often recommend that you wash the mug (or at least the lid) on the top rack.
Mugs that are hand-wash only aren’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but, because they do require an extra time investment (and may require special tools like straw brushes), make sure that you’re willing to put in that effort if you choose one of these models.
Finally, keep in mind that mug lids may include rubber gaskets, which, according to Cox, are responsible for the water-tightness. “These gaskets should be removed and cleaned regularly, a habit most people neglect,” he says. “Most of the time, it’s just one gasket; but in some models, there may be several specialized gaskets that have to go in the right place, and there’s a definite right-side-up and upside down. Neglecting to clean these gaskets on a regular basis can lead to the development of mold and other colonies of mean nasties with serious health implications.”
Common Questions
What’s the difference between “leakproof” and “spill-proof”?
Mug manufacturers have a vested interest in emphasizing their product’s ability to stop spills in their tracks, but their specific choice of words can carry different meanings. If a mug advertises itself as “leakproof,” that “means that the mug is meant to be assembled in such a way that liquids physically cannot permeate the barrier created by the combination of container and lid,” says Cox. “Fill it up and flip it upside down; if zero (and I mean zero) liquid runs, it’s leak-proof, plain and simple.”
A more mild version of “leakproof” is “leak-resistant,” in which the lid will protect against most leaks but can’t guarantee a 100 percent prevention rate. And “spill-proof” means that, should you knock your travel mug over or drop it on the ground, the lid won’t pop off and cause the liquid to spill everywhere, but smaller leaks from jostling are still possible.
Are all travel coffee mugs vacuum-insulated?
The short answer to this question is “no.” For a mug to be vacuum-insulated, it must have double walls with a layer of air-free empty space in between, which instigates the vacuum seal and prevents air from entering or heat/cold from exiting. The result is premium temperature control for your beverage.
For many, it’s worth picking up a vacuum-insulated travel mug, which tend to be more expensive than their non-vacuum-insulated counterparts. “Yes, it’s worth the hype,” says Cox. “While they certainly cost more than their non-insulated counterparts, but frankly, the extra cost is nominal, especially when one considers the lifespan of those vessels. Seriously, go ask your dad or your dad’s dad about his Stanley cup. The technology is not new, but it has certainly improved in terms of temperature stability, market availability, and processing efficiency.”
Can travel mug materials absorb flavors and odors?
Certain materials are more prone to picking up errant tastes and smells than others. Silicone, for instance, is a softer material that’s more prone to absorption.To minimize your risk as much as possible, focus on a stainless-steel mug, as this material is famously impervious to flavors and odors. However, stainless steel can sometimes impart its own metallic taste to drinks. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, consider a stainless-steel mug with a ceramic coating, like the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler.
Why Take Our Word For It?
Taylor Tobin is a freelance lifestyle journalist who focuses on food & beverage recipes and recommendations. She’s a self-confessed coffee fiend whose recent journeys into the world of home coffee brewing have left her with a cabinetful of travel mugs and a lot of opinions on the subject. Her work has also been featured in Southern Living, HuffPost, Business Insider, Eater, Simply Recipes, Wine Enthusiast, Thrillist, and Apartment Therapy.