Those who commute to work 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 pick from the hundreds of options out there?
Some of the most important features to look for in a travel mug include double-walled insulation, as well as the ability to keep drinks hot or cold depending on your needs, says Kathryn Anderson, founder of the travel and wellness site Coffee & Mascara. Anderson also recommends looking for travel mugs with a straw, which can be removed when drinking something hot but used when drinking iced coffee or poolside cocktails at a resort — and, the reusable straws are a perfect accessory for being a more sustainable traveler.
If you’re planning on moving around with your travel mug, you’ll want leak-proof capabilities. “Look for mugs with a secure lid and a reliable sealing mechanism,” says Andrew Kuttow, blogger at RVCampGear.com. Of course, the right size for your mug depends on personal preferences and the type of journey you’re planning. “Some people prefer a larger capacity for long trips, while others might want something more compact for easy portability.”
These are just some of the features to look for in the best travel mugs, but there are others. Before you choose a travel mug for your most important drink of the day, read on to learn which ones we recommend.
Stanley tumblers are a cult favorite — and for good reason. The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate is perfect for travelers, as it's got an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to take on the go. Plus, the straw has a silicone seal to prevent spilling, which makes it easier to stay hydrated while you're touring a new city, on a road trip or traversing through the airport. Once you try a Stanley tumbler, you'll find it hard to go back to any other mug.
Yeti’s Rambler Travel Mug holds 30 ounces and comes in 15 different colors, including black, seafoam and harvest red. This mug stands out for many reasons, including its leakproof lid that uses dual-slider magnet technology to stay in place. The lid also rotates with ease, making this mug perfect for right-handed or left-handed drivers. Plus, like all other Yeti products, this travel mug prioritizes heat retention (and cold), thanks to its incredible insulation.
Kuttow says the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is one of his favorite travel mugs due to its incredible heat retention. "Whether you're sipping on hot coffee or iced tea, the Zojirushi's vacuum insulation technology does an excellent job of keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours," he says.
The mug is also ideal for drivers and car riders 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 nine different colors that range from champagne gold to lavender pink. More importantly, this mug boasts a stainless steel interior and exterior as well as vacuum insulation that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. It’s also BPA-free, and its lock-tight lid makes it easy to transport.
This 24-ounce travel mug from Haushof comes with all the bells and whistles but for a reasonable price. The product itself is made of stainless steel that is double-wall vacuum-insulated, and the flip lid with a wide mouth creates the perfect sipping port. This mug is not only affordable, but it’s BPA-free and comes in 11 different colors including black, navy blue, pink and seafoam green.
Anderson says her favorite travel mug is an Arctic Tumbler. It holds 20 ounces or 30 ounces of liquid depending on which size you prefer. This specific mug helps keep drinks hot or cold based on your needs, and it comes with its own straw you can use when you need to. Even better, it comes in 15 stylish colors that let you customize your mug's look based on your personal tastes. While not the least expensive mug on our list, Anderson said part of the reason she gave this one a try was due to its reasonable cost.
The basic travel mug from RTIC Outdoors comes in two different sizes (16 ounces and 20 ounces) and 21 different colors at an affordable price. This travel mug features a slim design with an integrated handle that works well with the majority of cup holders. It’s double-wall vacuum-insulated for maximum heat retention. A screw-on, flip-top closure helps prevent spills, and the no-sweat exterior ensures the outside of your mug is always dry.
The Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Autoseal Travel Mug has a unique look, and travel blogger Kevin Mercier says this is his go-to mug for trips since it's kept his drinks warm for up to seven hours or cold for up to 18 hours.
"One of the stand-out features of the Contigo West Loop Vacuum is its autoseal technology, which prevents leaks and spills," Mercier says. "The autoseal lid is designed to automatically seal between sips, allowing me to drink my beverage without worrying about spills or leaks."
The West Loop Vacuum also has a wide mouth, making it easy to clean the interior and it is also dishwasher safe. This affordable mug's lack of a handle also makes it appear especially sleek. You can order this mug in two different colors and three different sizes: 16 ounces, 20 ounces or 24 ounces.
The Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Autoseal Travel Mug has a unique look. It doesn’t have a handle, and its auto-sealed lid makes it appear especially stylish. This affordable mug is leakproof and spill-proof, and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for five hours and cold drinks at their ideal temperature for up to 12 hours. You can order this mug in 15 different colors and three different sizes: 16 ounces, 20 ounces or 24 ounces.
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