Best Travel Mugs
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Travel mugs are generally made of either stainless steel or plastic. On occasion, you will find one that is made of ceramic or glass. If you are looking for a mug that is insulated, you can only get that feature in a stainless-steel or plastic mug, so this is an important part of the process when it comes to choosing the best travel mug to suit your needs. The plastic one will probably be the least expensive of all, but it might not keep the drinks insulated for as long. Although most of the mugs don’t leave a lingering taste or odor, most people will say they prefer to drink their coffee from the stainless-steel mug, but this is a personal preference of each individual.
Features
Features are important to consider for the purpose you will be using the mug. For example, if you are planning a day out on the boat you will need to consider the space you will have to keep the mug. Check the cup holders and where they are located; this is something you should check in your car or truck as well. If you will be standing on the boat as opposed to sitting, a handle might be easier for holding the mug, but if you will be using the cup holders, is there an added space for the handle? If you plan to carry your mug in your briefcase, you will need one that locks so it doesn’t leak on your important documents. If you are planning a day in the garden, you will need one that will hold your ice water for hours, and you don’t want the risk of the mug falling and breaking on the concrete; and make sure it seals tight to keep the mud and dirt out. Consider the size and the shape of the mug too so you can match that with your needs. The color might be important if more than one family member owns the same mug, consider it an easy way to tell them apart.
Capacity
Think about what you will be drinking, how much you can drink, and how long you need it to last. If you are traveling you might not have access to food and drinks for miles; or if you’re like some people, you would rather only stop when necessary. If this is you, then consider a larger capacity over a smaller one. A 16-ounce mug is popular, but if you are traveling you might want to consider a 20 or 24-ounce mug. When you’re sick it’s important to stay hydrated, so consider one with a larger capacity to keep your ice water accessible and cold. The smaller 8-ounce tumbler is popular for an evening cocktail or morning juice. This is another feature that is a personal choice, just think about all the possibilities before you make a final decision. One thing you can consider is a set of mugs that consist of every capacity.
Ease of Use
Nothing could be worse than meeting with a potential client only to notice you have coffee stains on your white shirt. How embarrassing would that be? For this reason, be sure you choose a mug that’s easy to take apart and put together correctly to avoid those leaks and dribbles. You will want to consider how much effort goes into the use of the mug. For example, if you’re driving, you will want one that will only require the use of one hand to avoid distractions. If you choose one with a sip hole that is always open, you will have to use caution not to spill or drip while driving. One that has an easy straw insert can be good for those moments you’re not feeling well, and you can’t sit up to sip. This is another factor that will depend on the purpose of the mug.
Value
Having a travel mug means value in so many ways. You won’t have to pay high prices to clean your clothes when you spill your coffee and no more time wasted cleaning a mess off the floor. Your coins will stack up in your piggy bank when you stop buying your coffee out every day, and you can save money on coffee mugs because you will never put your travel mug down. Think of how much money you will save stopping for refills on long trips, and no more waste from those Styrofoam cups your kids have been using. You will discover the value in your travel mug the first time you use it and you will kick yourself for waiting so long to trade in your old cups for your new one.
Top 10 Picks
1. Bubba Envy
Bubba brands strive toward making quality drinkware, and they didn’t fail when they designed this tumbler. From the material to the features, it makes sense why we chose this one to be the first one on our list.
Read moreMaterial
This tumbler is made of stainless steel with a heavy-duty plastic transparent lid and it includes a heavy-duty straw.
Features
The best way to avoid your tumbler from falling off the table is with a rubber bottom like the one featured on this one. It comes with a heavy-duty lid that provides a sip hole, or if you prefer, simply slide in the ridged straw designed to stay put and avoid the hassle of it falling out. It will keep your ice solid for 24-hours and your drinks will stay hot for nearly as long. The cup won’t sweat with the cold drinks and you won’t burn your hand while holding hot drinks. You can’t put the cup in the microwave, but it is safe in the dishwasher. It fits perfectly in most car cup holders and it’s available in four different color choices, so you should find one to please anyone.
Capacity
This tumbler comes in a 24-ounce size with enough room to hold a lot of coffee and plenty of soda to satisfy you all day.
Ease of Use
It’s easy to hold and the lid pops off and on with ease, so it won’t spill or leak. It’s easy to clean with only two parts to the tumbler which makes taking it apart and putting it back together less of a puzzle.
Value
With all that this tumbler offers, along with the inexpensive price tag attached says a lot about its value. knowing that you won’t have a mess on your clothes will save you a dry cleaning bill and your pennies will add up when you quit buying your coffee every day.
2. RTIC Tumbler
You don’t need to spend top dollar on a tumbler that looks the same as those more expensive brands when this one does the same job. It’s the perfect size for overnight water, and your coffee will stay warm most of the day.
Read moreMaterial
This cup is made of sturdy stainless steel and features a heavy-duty plastic transparent lid.
Features
With the tapered style of this cup, it makes it easy to keep in a cup holder and it won’t tip over. The transparent lid has a sip hole and a place for an optional straw. It’s sealed airtight and won’t spill or leak. Your ice will remain frozen for 24-hours. If you can’t drink your coffee right away, don’t worry it will still be hot later in the day. The best thing is that it won’t sweat, and your hands won’t get hot or cold while holding it because the temperature stays inside the cup. It can’t be used in the microwave and it should be hand washed.
Capacity
This is a 20-ounce cup that will hold approximately four cups of coffee at one time, a small bottle of soda or a bottle of water. It’s just the right size to keep you hydrated all day.
Ease of Use
It’s easy to grip and won’t slip out of your hand. The airtight lid pops off for hand washing and once you have a full drink, push the lid back on the top and it will be sealed for all day use.
Value
This travel mug looks like some of the more expensive mugs out there, but it comes with a lower price tag. It’s easy to hold, keeps your drinks at the appropriate temperature, and fits in most cup holders like a glove. It’s easy to see where the value lies with this pick.
3. Zojirushi Mug
For over 90-years, Zojirushi has been developing vacuum insulated drinking vessels and household products. After all these years, you can only expect excellence and quality in every product they design. This mug is no exception and follows through with their plan.
Read moreMaterial
The Zojirushi mug is made of stainless steel with some plastic parts inside the lid.
Features
This mug is slim and convenient designed to keep your drinks sanitary with the sealed lid that flips open on demand. The opening is large enough for ice cubes, so your drinks will stay cold for at least 20-hours. The same is true after pouring your coffee or tea into the mug; it will remain hot for at least 10-hours. With the lock on the cap, you can assure you won’t spill anything while your hands are full. It will fit securely in your cup holder and it won’t drip when you hit a bump. It’s easy to grip, easy to open, and it comes in seven color choices.
Capacity
It is available in a 16-ounce mug or a 12-ounce mug, so you have a choice depending on how much you can drink in a day.
Ease of Use
The easy two-step lid can be opened with one hand, just unlock and push the button, it’s that easy. The drink will easily flow without a rush and when you're finished, just close the lid to lock and trip the lock button. It comes apart in a few pieces for easy cleaning and will go back together with ease.
Value
Although it has a different style, it is one of the most thought-out designs of any on our list. The clever lock and flip open lid make it an easy choice, so there is no longer worry about messy spills while you’re transporting this mug, and the easy-sip hole will keep the liquid from spilling onto your clothes. The money you will save from clean-up and dry-cleaning locks in the value of this mug.
4. Simple Modern Tumbler
This tumbler is simple when it comes to its use, but the modern style gives it the look of elegance. If you’re not sure what size is best for you, they give you options, so maybe you should choose one of each.
Read moreMaterial
This is a stainless-steel tumbler style mug with copped coated insulation. This tumbler comes with 2 different style of lids, one for a straw and one with a flip feature.
Features
This tumbler features sweat proof stainless steel that will keep your cold drinks fresh and icy for at least 16-hours and your hot coffee will still be hot several hours after pouring it into the cup. The flip lid seals on tight and allows you to drink without worry of spills or drips. The straw lid allows you to easily grip the tumbler with one hand and enjoy your beverage. The cups, no matter the size you choose, are designed to fit easily into your cup holders and will sit with ease on your desk. There are numerous color choices for this one, so if you can’t decide which one you like best, you can choose a different color for each day of the week.
Capacity
No matter how much or how little you want to drink, there is a size to choose from here. This tumbler is offered in an 10-ounce or 16-ounce wine tumbler. If those don’t satisfy your thirst, you can choose one of the larger tumblers of 20 or 24-ounces.
Ease of Use
The tumbler is easy to use, pop off the lid, fill it up, then secure the lid back into place. When it comes to washing, all you have is two pieces to clean. It’s that simple.
Value
This is another high-quality stainless-steel tumbler that is very well designed to keep your drinks hot or cold. You have your option of colors and sizes with this one and the lid is easy to pop on and off. This tumbler is full of quality and you can’t beat the value.
5. Thermos King
Since the early 1900s, Thermos has been known to develop some of the best-insulated products for our food and drinks. Many years after their birth, they designed a stainless-steel bottle that would keep food and beverages hot or cold, and you can bet this travel tumbler is made to do exactly that.
Read moreMaterial
Made of stainless steel that will keep your drinks at the right temperature and won’t sweat through to the outside of the tumbler.
Features
This tumbler is sure to keep your coffee or tea hot for up to 6-hours and your cold drinks will chill even longer. There is no need to worry about spills because the screw on top features a lid with an open and close trigger that accesses the drinking slot. It will conveniently fit under a single serve coffee maker and you can hang your tea bag from the hook under the lid for constant flavor. It’s easy to grip and will fit into most cup holders without a problem. With seven different color choices, there is bound to be one that is your favorite.
Capacity
Although it is only offered in a 16-ounce capacity, it is still large enough to keep you satisfied for most of the day.
Ease of Use
This one will require a few more steps than some of the others but that doesn’t make it any harder to use. The lid screws on and off and comes apart in five-pieces for easy cleaning. The top has an open and close trigger that might require the use of both your hands if you’re holding the tumbler, but it shouldn’t be a problem if it’s sitting on a table or in a cup holder.
Value
Overall, this one has some of the best features including the open and close trigger for drinking. Thermos has always made a quality product, and this tumbler is no different. It’s made of high-quality materials that are made to last. The value of this thermos is a hard one to beat.
6. Klean Kanteen
If you enjoy your evening cocktail by the fire or a glass of orange juice on the porch, this is a good choice for you. With the variety of colors and sizes, there is something here to suit each member of your family.
Read moreMaterial
The Klean Kanteen is made of stainless steel with a soft rubber lid.
Features
This tumbler is offered in a smaller size than some of the others and can be used as a cocktail tumbler for an evening around the campfire if you choose. The smooth lid provides a small sip hole, and unlike the others, it isn’t designed to be spill proof. It will keep your coffee hot for a couple hours and your cold drinks will remain chilled for approximately 10-hours. It is available in various colors and offers a few different sizes to please everyone’s needs.
Capacity
This one is the 8-ounce design that is perfect for cocktails or juice, but it is offered in a 16 and 20-ounce tumbler as well.
Ease of Use
The lid presses on and comes off with ease. The sip hole does leak sometimes, so it probably wouldn’t be ideal for a long road trip. It’s easy to take apart and wash by hand.
Value
Your cocktails will stay fresh for a long time and the kids won’t spill their drinks during the outdoor barbeque. Although the sip top isn’t as secure as the others, it still holds its value; and with the versatility and convenience it offers, you won’t have to waste money on disposable paper cups anymore.
7. Contigo West Loop
Think about how convenient it would be if you could fill up your tumbler and toss it in your bag, never to see it again until you get to work. You can do that with this one, it’s designed with your busy schedule and convenience in mind.
Read moreMaterial
This is a stainless-steel mug with a heavy-duty lid that’s lined with various rubber parts.
Features
This unique mug is designed so well that you can turn it upside and it won’t leak; toss it in your bag or throw it in your purse and never have a spill. The lid is secure and provides a lock button that controls the sip opening on the top. It will keep your coffee hot for more than 6-hours, and your ice water might never get warm. It is offered in several color choices and two different sizes.
Capacity
You can choose this mug in a 16-ounce or 20-ounce size, just perfect for your cold drinks and imagine how much coffee that will give you.
Ease of Use
This mug provides you with an easy screw on lid that comes apart for easy cleaning. The lock button is easy to maneuver so you can easily sip and seal it back up again.
Value
With the idea that you can toss this one in your bag without a spill makes it that much more convenient to use. Knowing that you can double up on your coffee and sip it for hours or carry your ice water with you to the gym, makes this an easy pick. This one makes life easier, and that adds value alone.
8. LifeSky Mug
No more worries of spilled coffee in your cup holders because the brilliant design on this mug keeps the lid locked and in place until you’re ready to use it.
Read moreMaterial
Made of stainless steel with a silicone lip spout.
Features
This travel mug is designed to keep your liquid inside, so your clothes will stay clean and dry. The locking lid assures that you can toss your mug in your bag or on the car seat and it won’t spill. You can use on hand to press the button and unlock the lid where you will find a sip hole with a lip spout. It also provides a second hole that is large enough for a straw. It will keep your coffee hot for at least 6-hours, and your cold drinks will stay cold even longer.
Capacity
This is only offered in a 16-ounce size, but that is the perfect size for any of your favorite beverages.
Ease of Use
The lock button is easily controlled with one hand and opens and closes easily. The lid screws on and off much like the lid on a thermos so you can easily fill it, and cleaning it is just as easy.
Value
If you’re always on the go, this one just might be your pick. You can stuff it into your bag without worry of spills when you have way too much to carry, and it will fit in most cup holders. It will keep your drinks hot or cold for several hours and the design of the lock button makes it easy to use with one hand. The features speak for themselves when you evaluate the value this travel mug holds.
9. Copco Acadia
From their first cast iron skillet to their stainless-steel tea kettles, Copco upped their game years later when they developed a thermal mug. Now, more than 40-years later they can proudly show-off their expertise when it comes to their travel mugs. Expanding on colors, creating new styles and improving their quality, years of experience have paid off.
Read moreMaterial
Unlike the others, this one is made of durable plastic with an equally durable lid.
Features
Although it’s made of plastic, it won’t stain or leave any odors behind. The lid is designed with an easy to use sip slit and the rubber grip sleeve slides on to the cup, so it will stay in your hands and not on the floor. It is safe to use in the microwave and when you’re finished, slide it in the dishwasher, so it will be ready to use the next day. It fits nicely in your cup holder but you must use caution because the sip slit is not spill proof. The cup is white, but the rubber grip sleeve is offered in nine popular colors.
Capacity
This is only offered in a 16-ounce mug, that’s about the size of a large coffee.
Ease of Use
The lid screws on and off with little effort and can be easily cleaned and filled with your favorite drink. It’s important to remove the rubber grip sleeve for cleaning and be sure it’s dried completely before sliding it back on the cup to avoid mold.
Value
This plain and simple mug is very easy to use and is the perfect size for any drink. With the rubber grip sleeve in place, you don’t have to worry about dropping it, and the best thing is that you can put the cup in the microwave. It might be simple, and the low price might make you wonder, but once you have this cup in your hands, you will see how valuable it really is.
10. Bubba Classic
This mug has everything you need and then some. It’s no surprise that Bubba would come up with a way to have more than you need to drink and a bottle opener all in one place.
Read moreMaterial
This mug is made of stainless steel, trimmed with heavy-duty plastic and lined inside with insulated foam.
Features
Keg-shaped with a comfortable handle, this one will keep your drinks hot or cold all day. The lid flips open to reveal a sip hole large enough for a straw. You will want to be prepared as everyone will be using your mug to open their drinks with the built-in bottle opener on the handle. The lid screws off for filling and cleaning, but it might not be as easy to remove as the others on the list.
Capacity
You shouldn’t be dehydrated because this will hold 52-ounces of your favorite drink.
Ease of Use
The simple flip open lid will clip on the top to stay in place and the lid will come off for filling and cleaning. You should be aware though this lid is a little more difficult to remove than others.
Value
Bubba keeps your favorite drinks the perfect temperature all day and it will hold more liquid than you will probably drink. It even comes equipped with its own bottle opener, which can be a lifesaver when you’re friends forget to bring one! Overall, this mug is full of value from its low price to its features, Bubba put it all into this mug.
Sources
- These Are the Absolute Best Travel Mugs, Travel Blog ,
- What's the Best Travel Coffee Mug?, Buying Guide ,