Those who commute or spend a lot of time on the road will agree that the best travel mugs are worth their weight in 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 durable enough for everyday use. When looking for a mug for your travels, you should prioritize those that have one-handed usability and pay attention to whether you can throw it in the dishwasher. For hot coffees or teas, heat retention is essential. Likewise, if you’re more of a cold drink person, find a mug that will keep your drinks ice cold for hours.
Before choosing a travel mug for your most important drink of the day, read on to find out which ones we recommend.
$42 at Amazon and Yeti
Yeti’s Rambler Travel Mug has a 30-ounce capacity and is available in 12 different colors, including Black, Seafoam, and Harvest Red. This mug stands out for many reasons, including its leak-proof lid that uses double-slide magnet technology to stay in place. The lid also rotates easily, making this mug perfect for right- or left-handed drivers. Plus, like all other Yeti products, this travel mug prioritizes heat (and cold) retention, thanks to its incredible insulation.
$28.99 on Amazon
The Zojirushi stainless steel mug is ideal for drivers and car drivers who want to customize their mug based on size and style. You can order this mug in two sizes: 12 ounces or 16 ounces. You can also choose from eight different colors ranging from champagne gold to lavender pink. More importantly, this mug features a stainless steel interior and exterior, as well as vacuum insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. It also does not contain BPA and its airtight lid makes it easy to transport.
$39.99 at BrüMate
The BrüMate Toddy XL holds up to 32 ounces of your favorite beverage and its incredible insulation keeps your beverage hot or cold for hours. This travel mug is completely leak-proof and its BevLock technology works to prevent spills. Although expensive, the BrüMate Toddy XL is so well made that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Get this mug for yourself or as a gift for the coffee lover in your life.
$17.99 on Amazon
What do you get the coffee lover who has it all? Some fancy coffee grinders? A Nespresso for home? How about the Ello Magnet 18 Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug? This mug is affordable for gifting, but includes features like 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.
$39.99 on Amazon
The Hydro Flask brand is known for its stellar insulation and prowess at keeping drinks hot or cold, but the company offers more than just water bottles. The Hydro Flask tumbler keeps 22 ounces of coffee or tea hot, but also fits in your car’s cup holder. (It also comes in 16 ounces and 32 ounces.) The mug is made of stainless steel and is BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The slim, sleek design also makes this tumbler easy to hold when you’re on the go.
$17.99 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 that is double wall vacuum insulated and the flip top with a wide mouth creates the perfect port for drinking. Not only is this mug affordable, but it’s BPA-free and comes in four different colors: black, navy blue, pink, and seafoam green.
From $16.99 at RTIC Outdoors
The RTIC Outdoors Basic Travel Mug comes in two different sizes (16 ounces and 20 ounces) and 16 different colors at an affordable price. This travel mug features a slim design with an integrated handle that works well with most dog carriers. It is double wall vacuum insulated for maximum heat retention. A screw and flip closure helps prevent spills, and the sweat-free exterior ensures the outside of the cup is always dry.
$27 $19.82 on Amazon
If you’re looking for a gift for your favorite outdoorsman, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug might be a good choice. Among the color options, you’ll find a camouflage design, called Country DNA. The mug comes in two sizes: 16-ounce and 20-ounce, and features a push-button lid and a leak-proof drink port. This travel mug is perfect for anyone who frequently goes to the field or to a job site with their drink in tow. The mug is also dishwasher safe, so you can have it ready for your favorite beverage when needed.
$29.99 on Amazon
If you’re specifically looking at mugs with straw-compatible lids, check out the Contigo Luxe Stainless Steel Tumbler with Spill-Proof Lid and Straw. This 24-ounce vacuum-insulated travel mug features a fully sealed lid and straw to prevent messes and spills, and the whole package is dishwasher safe. All parts are BPA free. Please note that this mug is not designed for hot drinks, only cold drinks and cannot be carbonated, meaty or perishable.
$72 at REI
The Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal Vacuum Flask doesn’t come cheap, but it comes with upgraded features that mean a lot to regular coffee drinkers. This mug uses QuadVac insulation that can help keep up to 44 ounces of liquid at the ideal temperature (hot or cold) for days. In fact, hot drinks can stay hot for up to 40 hours, cold drinks can stay cold for up to 35 hours, and ice can stay up to six days. A steel-lined cap helps achieve zero plastic contact, its rubber grip makes it easy to carry, and it’s also dishwasher safe. The Stanley Master Unbreakable Thermal Vacuum Flask also comes with a lifetime warranty.
$24.99 $22.99 on Amazon
Nothing says heat retention like the Thermos brand. The Thermos Stainless King Vacuum Insulated Travel Tumbler uses vacuum insulation technology for maximum temperature retention and is made from durable stainless steel inside and out. A built-in tea hook can even hold your tea bag in place, and this 16-ounce mug easily fits into most car-sized cup holders.
$24.99 on Amazon
Available in 10 colors and four different size options: 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, and 30 ounces, this lightweight option from CamelBak offers double-wall vacuum insulation. Not only will it keep your hot drinks hot, but it will also keep your cooler drinks cold. The mug is dishwasher safe, so it’s easy to clean after every trip.
$18.99 at RTIC Outdoors
If you’re looking for a travel mug designed for the outdoors, RTIC Outdoors’ Get Out and Go Series 20-Ounce Tumbler might be a good fit. This mug was designed for hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who need their hot or cold beverage to stay that way. Not only is this travel container affordable, it includes features like double-wall vacuum insulation, an easy-to-grip base, and a splash-proof lid with a convenient drinking port.
$15 on Amazon
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 great for travelers, even in the car. With the capacity to hold 12 ounces of liquid, the Stojo is made of silicone material that can handle both hot and cold beverages. It’s also dishwasher-safe, leak-proof, and BPA-free.
From $20.99 at Target
The Contigo West Loop Autoseal Stainless Steel Travel Mug from Target has a unique look. It has no handle and its self-sealing lid makes it look particularly stylish. This affordable mug is waterproof and spill-proof, and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for five hours and drinks cold at their 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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