etsy coffee travel mugs

• South Africa
• Turkmenistan
• South Korea
• Philippines
• Timor Leste
• Afghanistan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Northern Ireland
• Isle Of Man
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Antigua And Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin & Sint Maarten
• Trinidad And Tobago
• Turks And Caicos
• US Virgin Islands
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• El Salvador
• United States
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Accessories
• Bags & Backpacks
• Horseback Riding
• Photography
• Maintenance
• Airport Hotels
• Bed & Breakfast
• Budget Hotels
• Business Hotels
• Family Friendly Hotels
• Gay Friendly Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Pet Friendly Hotels
• Pool Hotels
• Romantic Hotels

13 Best Coffee Mugs on Etsy

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best Coffee Mugs on…

If you ask a coffee aficionado, you can never have too many coffee mugs! And that’s great because you’ll have a hard time choosing one amongst the sea of gorgeous handcrafted coffee mugs created by Etsy sellers. The best-kept secret about mugs is that they make for a fantastic present, whether it’s the opposite person or yourself. The best coffee mugs on Etsy are much the same and range from custom pet ones to personalized travel ones. What’s more, these lovingly handmade and beautiful mugs range across types and budgets, making for the perfect gift for your coffee-loving spouse, best friend, colleague – or you. If you’re fortunate enough to begin your day with a quiet moment and coffee, then you need a mug befitting that moment. To that end, here are the 13 best coffee mugs on Etsy.

Yevgenia Eco-friendly Double Wall Glass Travel Mug

The Yevgenia Eco-friendly Double Wall Glass Travel Mug is one of the best coffee mugs on Etsy. It’s a glass coffee mug, meaning you can enjoy the hues of your brew, whether rich black coffee tones or swirls of steamed milk. What’s more, this one-of-a-kind cappuccino carryall boasts a double-walled construction that keeps your drink hot without burning your hands. However, the pleasing hand-painted mushroom motif is the most delightful feature of all. It’s inspired by the artist’s love of the woods in the summertime and seems to set the scene for you to enjoy your brew, no matter where you are.

• Features a pleasing hand-painted motif.
• Double-wall build.
• The brown lid doesn’t sit as properly as the white one.

TheFavorsShop Customized Espresso Cup

Do you know someone who loves drinking espresso and would get a kick out of an Etsy custom personalized coffee travel mug? Pun unintended, of course! This TheFavorsShop Customized Espresso Cup makes for a thoughtful gift for someone you love and someone who loves coffee. What makes it so great is that you can choose the color of the vinyl, which ranges from mustard to forest green. If that wasn’t enough, the entire cup comes in four style designs; a custom cup, a custom cup and a plain plate, a custom cup and plate set, and a custom plate only. The best bit is that the size is just right, making this the perfect gift.

• Comes in many vinyl colors.
• Features many style options.
• It might be slightly large for some since it’s an espresso cup.

MetropiaMaps NEW YORK CITY Mug

Are you missing your trip to New York City? Perhaps this MetropiaMaps NEW YORK CITY Mug is a great reminder – besides being amazing for you to drink your coffee in! It’s one of the best coffee mugs on Etsy Mugs and is a classic tourist trinket. What’s more, these extra large coffee mugs are illustrated with the transit maps of the metro in each area. But, this cup, nonetheless, makes for a great addition to your cup cabinet even if you haven’t visited the city or the locales mentioned on the map. Aside from being made from ceramic, the cup offers a choice of the main color, orange or blue, and comes in two giant sizes, 11 and 15 oz. Drink away!

• Comes in two main colors.
• Has two size options.
• Made from durable ceramic.
• Since the base color is white, it could get dirty easily.

LauraLynnPottery Personalized Handmade Mug

Are you looking for a special, handcrafted Etsy custom personalized coffee travel mug? Then get the LauraLynnPottery Personalized Handmade Mug . This gorgeous handcrafted mug in clay stoneware and glaze allows you to choose everything from pottery to the glaze color. What’s more, you have four glaze color options: turquoise, red, blue, and white. Moreover, the clay can be brown or white, depending on your sensibilities. Finally, add a name (up to 15 characters) for the ultimate personalized experience as you sip on your much-needed cup of coffee every day.

• Available in many glaze colors.
• Mug can be personalized.
• Clay options.
• Could get a little too hot to hold.

StephLiddleCeramics Illustrated Ceramic Travel Cup

The StephLiddleCeramics Illustrated Ceramic Travel Cup is one of the best coffee mugs on Etsy. When you’re on the go, a travel mug can keep your brew of choice at just the right temperature, especially when it’s hot coffee. And that’s why we love this mug for StephLiddleCeramics. This handmade and individually illustrated tiny mug comes in many variants and options, and no two of them are the same. Whether it’s the cup or even the lid, every choice you make is different. Moreover, you have seven color options for the silicone lid color, after which all you need to do is wait and watch what combination of lid and mug arrives in the mail. What fun!

• Excellent capacity of 14 oz.
• Silicone lid color can be customized.
• The combination of the lid and the mus is a surprise.
• Not everyone will love the idea of being surprised with a mug color.

ODYSEA Personalised Gift Mountains Custom Coffee Mug

Do you or someone you know love the outdoors? Then this ODYSEA Personalised Gift Mountains Custom Coffee Mug is perfect for you guys. This Etsy custom personalized coffee travel mug makes for a great gift; and a fantastic addition to your cup collection. This mug comes in eight personalization options, including black and silver rims, black and red handle ones, a glass option, a plain white one, and even two XL-sized ones. Furthermore, you can add text of your choice, whether a name, a couple’s initials or even a special message. Don’t want any text on your fantastic mug. You have that choice too!

• Features eight personalization options.
• Text can be added too.
• Excellent design.
• People with larger hands might find the handle a tad too small.

JehnCeramics Handmade Coffee Lover Mug

There’s nothing like a classic coffee mug, and the JehnCeramics Handmade Coffee Lover Mug is one of the classiest coffee mugs on Etsy. This mug comes with a rather unique square handle, and there’s something about a square handle that gets us every time! What’s more, the neutral hues, handcrafted construction, and timeless color scheme will go well with your kitchen decor, no matter how much you update it. That’s why they’ll make for a great housewarming gift for newlyweds and new homeowners alike. Since this mug comes as a set of two all the way from Poland, order yours right away!

• Neutral hues complement any kitchen decor.
• The square handle sets it apart.
• The capacity of 10 oz.
• Some might find the square handle slightly small.

Gicchi Personalized Zodiac Sign Mug

Do you have a bestie who’s always up for a coffee date anytime and anywhere? Then this Etsy custom personalized coffee travel mug is for them! This Gicchi Personalized Zodiac Sign Mug is perfect for gifting your bestie and celebrating those special coffee-filled moments in your lives. You can not only personalize the cup with their zodiac sign but even add a name (up to 12 characters) that could appear on the mug. Since it can hold 11 oz. of liquid, it’s just the right size for an avid coffee drinker. How about getting one for yourself so you can enjoy a cuppa together?

• Can be personalized with your best friend’s star sign.
• You can even add a name to customize the cup.
• Can hold 11 oz. of liquid.
• The zodiac sign is a fun version of the zodiac and not the actual sign for those who’re particular.

TaraKothari Daisy Impression Handmade Ceramic Tumbler

Not all mugs have to be about style; some could also be meaningful to you, like this TaraKothari Daisy Impression Handmade Ceramic Tumbler . It’s one of the best coffee mugs on Etsy for more reasons than one. Since a daisy stands for new beginnings, it’s only fitting that your morning coffee mug features this hopeful bloom. It makes for a wonderful reminder of the brand new day ahead of you. What’s more, the design is made by pressing a real flower into kaolin clay. And that’s what makes each design so naturally unique. The best bit? You have the choice of seven colors in combinations of white and brown.

• Unique speckled design.
• Choice of seven colors.
• Large 14 oz. capacity.

HadleyClay Graphic Pet Portrait Mug

The HadleyClay Graphic Pet Portrait Mug is the best Etsy custom personalized coffee travel mug for our pet-loving public. If your four-legged friends are an important part of your ‘morning cup of Joe’ session, then why not make them a part of your routine? This mug with its portrait on it is the ultimate place of honor. All you need to do is pick your pet’s most favorite and photogenic picture and add their name. What’s more, you can have either one or two pets and select between 14 and 18 oz. mugs. After all the choices, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind coffee mug that features your faithful companion.

• Choose between two sizes of mugs.
• You can add pictures of one or two pets.
• Non-toxic and food-safe.

MerveCelebiArt Unique Turkish Coffee Cup and Saucer Set

Do you and your partner have a morning coffee routine together? Then you need coffee mugs on Etsy that befit your lovely little morning routine. Behold the MerveCelebiArt Unique Turkish Coffee Cup and Saucer Set , which is just the right size for petite pours. If your morning coffee is bite-sized, but you love the comfort of a cup and a saucer, then this handmade porcelain coffee cup and saucer set are just right for the two of you. Whether you drink Turkish coffee or a shot of espresso, this minimalist set is just what you need. This is an unglazed cup and saucer set with natural clay finish for those who love natural hues.

• The set is food and dishwasher-safe. 
• Natural finish.
• Comes as a set of two.
• Has a small capacity and no size options.

LifetimeCreations Engraved Personalized Stainless Steel Tumbler

If you’re looking for a large-sized Etsy custom personalized coffee travel mug, then look no further than this LifetimeCreations Engraved Personalized Stainless Steel Tumbler. This personalized travel mug can hold a whopping 20 oz. of liquid and features your name, or that of your beloved, engraved on the stainless steel surface. What’s more, you can choose from five amazing fonts and tumbler color options of black or white, both of which look fabulous.

• Can only be hand-washed.

EverydayEarthe Tall White Speckled Ceramic Tumbler

Large capacity? Check. Microwave and dishwasher-safe? Check. That’s all you really need to know about the EverydayEarthe Tall White Speckled Ceramic Tumbler , one of the best coffee mugs on Etsy. This tall tumbler holds your brew in style, whether you have iced coffee or a hot latte. Thanks to the speckled white color and the mix of raw and glazed finishes, it blends seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen items. Meanwhile, the porcelain slip dots add texture and an interesting layer to the tumbler. The best bit? Since they’re all handcrafted, the slight variation in each piece’s size and appearance makes it unique.

• Microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• Great capacity.

How To Choose The Best Coffee Mugs on Etsy

One of the first factors before choosing Etsy coffee mugs is how you’re going to use them. For instance, a coffee mug is typically a large coffee cup along with a handle. But these terms aren’t strictly defined either. So, before you buy coffee mugs, think about how you plan to use them by asking yourself a few questions. These include how much coffee you drink and where you plan to use the mug, at home or during traveling. When you’re using it on the go, you’ll need a large mug with a lid, or it’ll spill everywhere. Also, here are the best travel cups for coffee .

Additionally, consider if you mix other ingredients into your coffee, which means you’ll need a tall mug to prevent spillage. What’s more, the amount of coffee you drink also affects your decision. Typically, a single serving is considered 6-8 oz.

Meanwhile, check out the best travel coffee mugs .

The next important consideration is the size. For example, the standard coffee cup holds around 8-12 oz. of liquid, while the larger ones may hold 24-36 oz. In fact, you’ll find extra-large mugs that can hold an entire pot of coffee, almost 64 oz.

Usually, coffee mugs are made from ceramic or stainless steel. Ceramic coffee mugs are made from clay and hardened in a kiln. Typically, ceramic mugs are more durable as compared to fine China mugs and are perfect to be used for at-home coffee mugs. Stainless steel, however, isn’t porous and helps keep coffee hot for a longer period. The best bit is that neither option affects the taste of your coffee.

That said, avoid paper, foam, and plastic cups which, despite being disposable, aren’t preferred as they could taste change the taste of your coffee.

Finally, consider the design of the coffee mug, such as whether it has a handle or how comfortable it is to hold. Usually, coffee mugs don’t have edges and the ones that don’t come with lids. These depend entirely on your personal preferences.

What size coffee mug is best?

Usually, a coffee mug with a capacity of 8-10 oz. is a good size for your favorite cup of coffee. However, if you’re a more serious caffeine drinker, think about getting an 11 or 15-oz. cup.

Are stainless steel mugs good for coffee?

While stainless steel is extremely durable, poorly and cheaply made stainless steel mugs could impart flavors into your coffee. So you need to ensure that the stainless steel mug you’re buying is of good quality.

What color mug makes the coffee taste better?

Does the color change our perception of the taste of coffee? Yes! For instance, one can get more sweetness out of their coffee while drinking from a red or blue mug.

Author:  Danny Riley

As a blogger reviewer, I have had the pleasure of staying in some of the most luxurious hotels around the world, experiencing first-hand the amenities, services, and overall guest experience. Through my reviews, I aim to provide readers with an honest and unbiased assessment of each hotel, covering everything from the quality of the accommodations to the level of customer service. From boutique hotels to large resorts, my reviews offer a comprehensive look at each property, giving readers the information they need to make informed decisions when planning their next vacation. But my reviews go beyond just the basics - I also delve into the unique features and experiences that make each hotel stand out from the rest. From rooftop bars with stunning views to spa treatments that indulge the senses, I highlight the special touches that set a hotel apart and make it a truly unforgettable experience. So whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time vacationer, my reviews offer valuable insights into some of the best hotels around the world. Join me on my journey as I explore the world of hospitality, one hotel at a time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Luxe Digital

Conscious, elevated living.

• Men's style
• Women's style
• Buying guides
• Stricking superlatives
• Publishing principles
• In the press

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Receive our finest finds, exclusive deals, and luxury news to stay in the know.

Travel Mugs For Stylish, Secure Sipping On-The-Go

Caffeinated and chic.

by Editorial Team Updated on June 6, 2024

At Luxe Digital, we test and recommend products that we think you will love. If you buy something, we might earn a commission . This supports our team at no extra cost for you.

We all love those moments when we can sit and enjoy our morning coffee in peace. However, we’re busy people. We live life on the go. Whether you’re traveling for work or play, your coffee’s going to need to come with you . 

The best coffee mugs for traveling have all of the feel-good benefits of the mugs you have at home…with all of the benefits of being able to safely and securely bring them wherever you want . With these travel tumblers and mugs, you’ll also enjoy eco-conscious benefits.

Whether you’re brewing your coffee at home or toting a reusable cup to your favorite coffee shop, you need to have the best travel mug for your specific lifestyle. 

With features like auto locks, triple insulation, and gorgeous, aesthetically-pleasing facades, the world is your oyster when you’re looking for the best travel mugs to keep coffee hot (or ice cold!). 

We’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the best travel coffee mugs, so you know precisely what to look for. From chic reusable coffee cups to sturdy stainless steel coffee mugs, you’ll find them all right here .

The best travel coffee mugs

Zojirushi: overall best coffee travel mug.

If you’re looking for industry-approved insulation , look no further. Zojirushi makes the same coffee urns that are used in coffee shops worldwide – so you know that the brand’s personal insulated mugs are going to keep your drinks hot or cool for hours on end. And, just as importantly, these mugs can do it while looking sleek and chic.

A powder-coated exterior, an easy-clean nonstick interior, an ultralight body: Nothing about this mug gets in the way of your everyday coffee experience. It’s all there to enhance. The BPA-free plastic lid on this best travel mug to keep coffee hot has a 2-step release process to avoid accidental spills, gushing, or overflowing.

Best of all, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug simply ensures that your coffee will be the precise temperature you want , even hours later.

Best for : Coffee aficionados who like their drinks piping hot or icy-cool — with no in-between.

S’Well: Best high-end thermal mug

If you’re anything like us, your coffee mug is one of your favorite daily accessories. If you’re spending a lot of time using it, you might as well enjoy the process, right?

Turn to S’Well for a bottle that works well and looks good doing it. With triple-layered construction that keeps beverages cold for 24 hours (and hot for 12), your drinks will always be just the way you like them. Each Traveler Mug by S’Well has unique patterns, prints, textures, and colors. You’re sure to find one to perfectly complement your own personal aesthetic .

The seal on these mugs are impeccable, the opening of the mug is wide enough for ice cubes and comfortable sipping, and they’re perfectly sized for most cup holders. They’re also far and away the best travel mug for iced coffee.

Ultimately, when you’re looking for a gorgeous traveler mug to fit into your lifestyle, the S’Well Traveler is the way to go.

Best for : Drinking perfectly-heated-or-iced coffee on the go—in style. 

MiiR: Best value stainless steel coffee mug

Travel mugs already have the potential to save you a lot of time and money, as you can use them to bring drinks from home instead of stopping at your favorite coffee shop (or stopping for coffee anyway, but having your favorite mug to use instead of a single-use cup). When it comes to value, though, this MiiR Insulated Tumbler really steps up to the task.

This dishwasher-safe, double-wall-insulated mug will give you perfectly-heated (or cooled) beverages without condensation . The hard shell powder coating won’t deteriorate over time. It’ll always look good and feel good to hold while you’re enjoying your morning (or afternoon) coffee.

The lid of the MiiR Insulated Tumbler flips open so you can easily drink your beverage — but locks so you don’t have to worry at all about leaks . With three gorgeous color choices and a low price point, it’s safe to say that this tumbler is definitely worth it.

Best for : Those who appreciate the reliability of a mug that can truly go the distance. 

Contigo Transit: Best reusable coffee cup for your car

When you’re enjoying your morning commute, you need to be alert. This stainless steel mug can provide you the java you need to drive safely and even get your thoughts in order before you park at work, ready to start your day.

This coffee mug does its job as well as you do : it’s sized to fit in most standard car cup holders, it keeps your beverage at the temperature you want it, and it won’t leak or spill if it suddenly tips over, should you need to brake quickly.

Its non-slip grip sleeve makes it easy to sip your coffee with one hand , and it’s got the same non-slip material on its base. This coffee mug won’t be going anywhere unless you want it to!

For a frustration-free car coffee experience, the Contigo Stainless Steel Mug is the right pick.

Best for : A tried-and-true co-pilot for your next road trip. 

Trudeau: Best insulated coffee mug for work

When you’re enjoying your coffee in-office, you need a professional-looking travel coffee mug that’s up to keeping you alert through meetings, deadlines, conferences, and more.

The leak-proof lid of this coffee mug swivels and even pops off so you can have a regular mug drinking experience — without the risk of getting coffee stains all over your tech and your documents. The durable, hand-washable faux-leather accents are a nice touch, as well.

What’s more, the no-frills, industrial vibe of the Trudeau Board Room Mug can literally tell others (and remind yourself) that you mean business. 

Best for : A veritable savior for your morning commute (even if that’s just from the kitchen to your living room!

bubba: Best coffee travel mug with straw

The thing about travel coffee mugs is that they almost universally come in sip-friendly models. One of life’s great joys, however, is enjoying an iced coffee through a straw . If you’re missing out on that experience when you use reusable travel mugs, don’t worry. 

Enter: The bubba insulated coffee mug. Its easy-clean lid can be used with or without an included plastic straw , which is dishwasher-safe — so you can clean it easily, as well.

With a sleek double-walled body that fits in most cupholders and a sweat-free exterior formulation, this bubba Vacuum-Insulated Mug will be pleasant to use for years to come . (Since it comes with a lifetime guarantee, you’ll be able to use it for that long, too.)

Best for : Those who enjoy sipping through a straw, but want a sustainable way to do so.

YETI: Best coffee mug with handle

Many coffee travel mugs don’t actually look like mugs, when you think about it. For the very thing which defines a mug — an eminently grippable, practical handle to make drinking your coffee kinesthetically pleasing — is often absent from sleek, modern travel cups.

This YETI Rambler Mug is here to change that.

With an impeccably-engineered shape , feel, and insulation system, this travel mug has a low, wide body and a large handle for easy grabbing and pleasant sipping. Even if you’re wearing gloves, this mug will easily fit around your mitts!

The no-sweat dura coat cover ensures that the color of your choice will remain bright and cheery forever. You’ll see no peeling, fading, or scratching with the YETI Rambler . Its ability to keep drinks hot or cold all day long is just as hard-working as its frame : Until the last sip, your beverages will be precisely as you need them, every single time.

Best for : A travel tumbler that can handle literally anything before you. 

Contigo Autoseal: Best stainless steel travel tumbler

Raise your hand if you’ve ever accidentally knocked your travel mug over to your great chagrin. (Our hands are raised.) This can ruin your day before it even begins. Finding a travel mug that would never, ever do that would be a game-changer.

Introducing: the Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug .

With Contigo’s Autoseal technology, you can be sure that will never happen. (You can also simply toss this travel mug into your bag and be perfectly confident your belongings are safe. It’s that good at what it does.)

Just the push of a button and you can enjoy one-handed drinking of perfectly-heated (or cooled) drinks. The lid opens completely so you can clean it thoroughly — and locks, so you don’t have to worry about a thing .

Absolute peace of mind in a travel coffee mug. That’s what we like to see. 

Best for : Those who seek reliability and safety with their coffee mug. No leaks, here.

Swig: Most trendy travel coffee mug

When you’re using your coffee mug, you’re walking out and about. You’re at work. You’re strolling through your office. You want that mug to be reflective of who you are …and your personal style.

And, sometimes, you might just want to have a little fun with your accessories. That’s where the Swig Triple Insulated Mug comes in. With countless gorgeous, fun, and trendy designs , this handled mug is one you’ll want to reach for in the morning.

A silicone base keeps this mug completely scratch-free, slip-free, and noise-free . It looks good, and keeps your coffee hot for up to nine hours. When it comes to a coffee mug, what more could you want?

Best for : A gorgeous coffee truly worth of your #ButFirstCoffee ‘grams. 

Mora Ceramics: Best ceramic travel mug

If you’d rather steer clear of a mug with an industrial, workaday feel , perhaps it’s time to hit pause.

Named for the Latin word meaning ‘pause’, this ceramic mug by Mora Ceramics is a constant reminder to slow down, take stock, and rest as you go throughout your day. 

With an organic, natural feel, the glazed ceramic of this mug is something you’ll enjoy cupping in your hands as you begin your day. However, this mug isn’t all about looks. It incorporates a splash-resistant lid, a double-walled ceramic body with paladin clay, and a base that will slip smoothly into any standard cup holder.

Instead of rushing through your day, take a moment to pause. With the Mora Ceramics Travel Mug , invite calm into your productivity. Your future self will thank you.

Best for : Moments of caffeinated chill among the chaos of busy days.

JOCO: Best glass coffee travel mug

An artisan glass travel coffee mug. Does such a thing exist? 

As it turns out — yes. The artists behind the JOCO Glass Travel Tumbler precisely formulate these mugs with wide-mouth, comfort-sip designs, steady flow function, and gorgeous clarity . If you want to drink your beverage instead of wearing it, you’ll enjoy the anti-splash ergonomic experience of the lid.

JOCO has made sure that nose-to-lid collisions are minimal with the intuitive shape of the lid; the thermal silicone sleeve keeps your drink hot and the mug touchable ; and — as this mug is 100% plastic-free — it is odor-resistant, oven- and microwave-safe, and very easy to clean.

If you’re looking to eliminate plastic from your life and you like the thought of incorporating a beautiful work of art into your coffee experience, the JOCO Glass Travel Tumbler is the one for you.

Best for : The fans of coffee in a glass who enjoy one-of-a-kind artisan pieces.

Thermos: Best tumbler for coffee

A sleek, fluted style . Unique functional features. And a company name that has literally come to define travel coffee mugs.

Thermos’ Sipp line has been completely re-engineered and redesigned to give you maximum temperature retention. With vacuum insulation and a durable stainless-steel interior and exterior, this thermos is made to be at your side to endure whatever life throws at you .

Thoughtfully crafted with a one-hand push-button drinking operation, a built-in tea hook for tea bags or infusers , and a minimalist, streamlined body that can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher: The Thermos Travel Tumbler brings sophistication to the table encased in a slim, smooth profile.

Best for : Anyone who prefers the simple classiness of pure functionality.

Juro: Best budget travel coffee mug

BPA-free, large-capacity, a matte black facade that blends in with any outfit or environment: This travel coffee mug is everything you need out of a basic coffee mug…and it’s available for an extremely economical price.

The Juro Stainless Steel Tumbler keeps cooler drinks cold for a full day, and hot drinks piping hot for six hours. The unique feature of this mug is its lid. When you’re enjoying your coffee, all you need to do is slide the moving part of the lid back and forth. There are no rotating parts to break or line up. There’s a tight clip seal on the lid when you need it to stay put.

Zero worries, reliable insulation, and a lightweight design that holds a lot of coffee . That’s pretty much the dream! This insulated travel coffee mug also comes with a lifetime warranty. All in all, the Juro Stainless Steel Tumbler offers incredible value for a bargain price.

Best for : Those who’d rather keep their coffee and their pocketbook safe from spills. 

Buyers guide: Finding the best travel coffee mug for your life

Your life, your daily rituals, the specific needs you have as you move throughout your day: They’re all as delightfully unique as you are . Therefore, the coffee mug that you use to help bring you comfort and energy needs to be special, too . Luckily, there are many different types of mugs, features, and accessories that you can choose from.

We’re here to help make yours an informed choice with this helpful guide. When you’re looking for your ideal travel coffee mug , keep the following features in mind.

• The insulation : One of the primary reasons you purchase a travel coffee mug is to keep your drink at an optimal temperature. Make sure that your coffee mug can handle both warm and cool beverages, and that it has enough insulation to keep your drink hot — and your hands safe. 

• The lid : Your travel coffee mug can’t spill — that’s a must. When you’re considering your purchase, keep the anti-spilling tech in mind. Some coffee mugs have locking features on their lids. Others might slide open with the twist of your hand. 
• The washability : You’ll be drinking from your mug daily, so you’ll need a way to make sure that your cup is freshly clean and safe quite often. If you prefer using a dishwasher, check to make sure that your travel mug is dishwasher safe. If not, just examine it to see if it’s easy-clean or if you’ll need to purchase a special bottle brush to sanitise it.
• Sip vs. straw : Think about the way that you like to enjoy your coffee. Would you rather a sipping lid, or would you prefer at least the option of a straw? Remember, you can use your travel coffee mug for hot or cold beverages — and sipping iced coffee through a straw can be simply divine. However, if that’s not a feature you would use, a straw could be just another thing that you have to regularly clean.

• Hot vs. cold: If you do plan on using your travel coffee mug for both hot and cool drinks, make sure you purchase one that is engineered for both —there are some that are better for hot drinks, and others that are better for cool ones (that reduce condensation on the exterior surface, for example). 
• Size: Lastly, pick a coffee mug that has a volume you can work with. The very point of having a travel coffee mug is so you don’t have to refill it too often. Think about your consumption needs and pick one that’s large enough to give you a satisfying amount of your favorite beverage — without it being too bulky for you to comfortably carry it around. 

Frequently asked questions about the best travel coffee mugs

The best travel coffee mugs are the ones that you use the most! Think about your daily life and what you need — a handled coffee mug, one with a straw, or one with an airlock lid. The one with features best suiting your life will be the best travel coffee mug for you. (We like the Zojirushi Insulated Mug , however, for just how good it is at regulating temperature!)

The Zojirushi Insulated Mug keeps coffee hot the longest. Zojirushi is used industry-wide for coffeeshop thermal needs, so, if you’re looking for professional-level insulation, that mug is the way to go!

The best thermal mug is the S’well Stainless Steel Traveler . It keeps hot drinks hot and cool drinks chilled for long periods of time…and it has the different color options to ensure that you enjoy your mug as an accessory, too.

Stainless steel coffee mugs are safe when you can be sure that the company is using the right type of stainless steel. If you see that a mug uses food-grade, performance-grade, or medical-grade stainless steel, you can be sure that they’ll be safe to use.

About the author

Editorial Team

Luxe Digital is an independent media brand, and premier online destination inspiring millions of people like you to live their richest lives—beyond bling. Our award-winning editorial team is a global team of content creators and editors. We are journalists, strategists, analysts, creatives, travelers, and luxury insiders—all with high standards and even higher values.

Learn more about Editorial Team

The 15 Most Popular Luxury Brands Online

Luxe Digital Titans—Personal luxury goods edition.

Dubai’s Private Members’ Clubs Are Rising—Just Like The City’s Skyline

Standing Tall: Oakywood Adjustable Desk Doesn’t Sit Still

Koio Capri Review: Minimalist Sneakers Beyond Sustainability

The 7 Best Sneakers For Men: Master The Casual Look

Best Italian Car Brands: Power, Passion And Perfection

Randolph Sunglasses Review: From Fighter Jets to Fashion-Forward

Mejuri Jewelry Review: Stylish, Stackable, Sustainable

Hot Off The Grill: Three Cuts Steakhouse Dubai Review

Sun, Sand, and Splendor: The Most Exclusive Private Members’ Clubs In Miami

Proudly inspiring millions of readers like you .

Your Conscious,

Elevated Life

Starts Here.

• Striking superlatives

Best travel coffee mugs in 2024 — tested and rated

We’ve tested a range of models to find the best travel coffee mugs

Best overall

Best budget and durable

Best with handle

Best heavy duty

Best color selection

Best smart travel mug

Best for heat retention

Best for sustainability

Most secure

Best mug design

Best ceramic

How we test

How to choose.

If you're on a morning commute, traveling or camping, you'll need one of the best travel mugs. These are essential for keeping your coffee warm, or your iced tea cool in warm conditions. 

And while choosing a travel mug might seem easy to do, it can be tricky to know which one is suitable for your lifestyle. First, you'll need to consider what material you'd prefer? Durable materials range from steel, aluminum and plastic, to even ceramic. Also, if you'll be on the move, you'll need to know heavy it is to carry, heat retention, and overall style. 

Finally, what's your budget? The best coffee travel mugs range from as little as $15 to $35. Or if you want to splurge, you could invest in more advanced types with their own battery, costing around $185.

Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work and found a great selection of the best travel mugs to suit any lifestyle, need and budget.

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the best travel coffee mugs you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.

The MiiR Flip Traveler is equipped with a double wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel body that holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid. It comes with a secure lid on top that flips out when you need to drink and locked in. It's lightweight and you can choose from nine, vibrant colors. Read more below

Stanley is known for their rugged design and durability, and this travel mug is a great choice for the outdoors. Made from stainless steel, it holds 16 ounces. What's more, the lid has a unique trigger system that lets you sip by just pressing the button, making it leak-proof.

Read more below

If you're always on the move, and need a mug with a handle, this Hydro Flask is well-designed.  With a capacity of 20 ounces, this is incredibly durable yet lightweight to carry around. It also comes with a Flex Sip Lid that turns counterclockwise to open the seal.

The THERMOS Stainless King is a heavy duty mug, and holds heat incredibly well. It holds up to 16 ounces, and comes with a sturdy handle at the side, and vacuum-sealed, nozzle counter-clockwise lid. Bear in mind that it is heavy, but will keep your beverages hot.

The Yeti Rambler has a unique, stout design that offers enough room for your liquid inside. This can hold a 20 oz capacity, with a slide-up lid. Great for taking your cold or hot drinks on the go. Best of all, it's available in a whopping 34 colors, to suit your style. 

If you're after a smart mug to keep your drinks at a steady temperature, the Ember mug is a great option. It comes with an internal battery, and packed with handy features. Simply tap the center to reveal icons and set it to your preferred temperature.  

1. MiiR Flip Traveler

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 2.75 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 10.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 9

The MiiR Flip Traveler is one of the best travel coffee mugs we’ve tested, offering a compact cup that will keep your liquids hot or cold for hours. Coming in 9 different colors, the double wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel body holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid. Although there are 12 and 20 fluid ounce capacities available too. The cup itself is very light, coming in it at 10.2 ounces.

The unique lid on top flips out when you need to drink and is secure when you need it locked in. But right after you drink, a small amount of liquid can gather on the lid, leaking to tiny droplets getting in places they shouldn’t. Also, if you don’t lock the lid firmly in place, it can spill. There’s nothing worse than having hot tea on your electronics because you didn’t make sure the lid was completely down.

It was one of the best we tested at keeping liquids consistently hot. Our testing started at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, only to drop to 178 after two hours, 154 after five hours, and 126 after 10 hours. Other cups paled in comparison, with the MiiR outclassing them in the category that is, literally and figuratively, the hottest.

Washing the cup is super simple and the lid doesn’t need to be taken apart to be put in the dishwasher. The whole cup is fairly durable and comfortable to hold. Overall, MiiR offers a fantastic travel mug with few downsides, keeping everything cool and on the inside. Give it a try if you are looking for a mug that offers everything you’d need. 

2. Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

Best budget and best durable

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: ‎2.9 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 18

Stanley is a brand built for rugged adventures and their Trigger Action Travel Mug is no exception. The strong, durable exterior claims that it has survived a bullet so it should be able to handle whatever you can throw at it. Made of stainless steel, the double-wall vacuum insulation creates a sturdy mug that weighs 12.8 ounces and holds 16 ounces, making it one of the heaviest we reviewed. A 20 ounce capacity is available too, which will no doubt weigh even more — we tested the 16 ounce capacity. 

The lid is also built to last, having a unique trigger system that lets you take a sip by just pressing the button. Though the lid is useful, it does tend to leave a bit of water in the mouthpiece if you close it too quickly. But other than the occasional dribble, it won’t leak even when turned upside down and severely shaken. The whole cup is dishwasher safe, but you might want to think twice about taking apart the lid. It's a bit difficult to reassemble, especially when you haven’t rebuilt it before. 

It kept the heat in fairly well, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to 176 at two hours, 152 at five, and 125 hours at 10. But when it does have a hot liquid in it, the heat only breaks through a bit allowing you to hold even scolding beverages without a problem. 

While the MSRP is $25, it can often be found for $17.50, so you are getting one of the best travel coffee mugs out there for a great price. Even if you aren’t the adventurous type and just need something to shove in your cup holder that won’t tip over, then Stanley is your guy.

3. Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Capacity: 20 fluid ounces | Dimensions: ‎2.9 x 9.3 inches | Weight: 13.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 14

Hydro Flask is one of the most popular brands for travel mugs and cups for a very good reason. Available in multiple sizes, from 12 to 40 ounces, and in 11 colors, this travel mug features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your drinks at the right temperature for hours. The stainless steel bottle is durable, with paint that won’t chip from use.

What really makes this mug different from the competition is its unique lid. The top handle is great for taking it on the go, but when you unscrew it you see the real magic. To take a sip, just turn the lid counterclockwise to open the seal. When you want to take the whole lid apart to clean, just unscrew it in the opposite direction, revealing the intricate mechanism beneath. Keep in mind that getting it put back together can be a bit of a hassle or might take practice. 

The cup is incredibly durable and lightweight, coming in at 11.6 ounces for the 20 ounce capacity. Though it lacks a rubber bottom, the cup is still comfortable to hold and stable. It's also great at keeping your drinks hot, falling from 202 degrees Fahrenheit to 172 after two hours, 145 after five, and 116 after 10. It's definitely one of the more unique-looking cups we’ve tested, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Expert engineering and craftsmanship put it at the top of our list. This is why it’s one of the best travel coffee mugs. 

4. THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.3 x 7.6 inches | Weight: 15.7 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 8

Thermos is a brand that has become synonymous with quality travel mugs, and the Stainless King is truly a wonderful option. Made of stainless steel, this vacuum-insulated cup is dishwasher safe and should fit in most cup holders. The handle on the side makes holding the cup easy and the outside stays cool even when hot liquids are inside. It is available in four different colors and holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid.

The lid is expertly crafted and won’t leak no matter how many times it's turned over or shaken. But it does have to be completely closed to work, just a little bit of an opening and the cup will spill out whatever is inside. 

To open the lid, just turn the nozzle counter-clockwise revealing the “open” label on the lid. When it's closed, the lid creates a vacuum seal that keeps everything nice and hot. There’s even a small hook on the bottom of the lid to hold your tea bag and make sure it doesn’t fall in. The lid doesn’t even need to be taken apart to clean.

The Thermos excels at keeping beverages hot, outperforming everything else we tested. Starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, it only dropped to 181 at two hours, 159 at five, and 131 at 10 hours, which we found was still too hot to drink. It earns a spot on our list as one of the best travel coffee mugs for this reason alone. 

It is one of the heaviest cups we tested, coming in at a whopping 15.6 ounces. The only heavier mug was the Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug. 

5. Yeti Rambler

Capacity: 20 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounches | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 34

Available in 10, 20 or 30 ounces (we tested the 20 oz capacity), the Yeti Rambler is unique in its design, offering a much stouter mug with enough room for your liquid inside. Cupholder-friendly and dishwasher safe, this double-wall vacuum-insulated mug is great for taking your cold or hot drinks on the go. Plus it’s available in a whopping 34 colors, so you can find whatever tone you want. 

Because of its more round shape, it's better than some we’ve reviewed at not getting knocked over, though it doesn’t have a rubber bottom for grip. But even the mightiest wind should allow the Yeti to stay upright. 

The lid is simple but effective when kept upright. You can slide it up to take a sip and then slide it back down to seal it. The slide requires a bit of pressure for it to get opened, so it shouldn’t just flop open and spill what's inside. But you shouldn’t just place this cup in your bag because it is possible for it to spill. The lid does not screw on and only has a rubber circle keeping it in place. With enough shaking or momentum, the lid will pop off and won’t have an airtight seal when turned upside down. 

It's also a bit dangerous to drink while hot. We found that while testing the outer ring on the lid retains heat a bit too well and was too hot to touch. The cup itself retains heat well enough, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit and going to 166 after two hours, 136 after five, and 108 after ten. 

But if you aren’t going on any backpack adventures and just want a drink to keep warm, then the Yeti is a great option. 

6. Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug

Capacity: 12 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 38.4 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: No | Colors available: 2

Having an electronic travel mug that costs $185 might seem a bit extra, but the Ember makes it seem absolutely reasonable. The mug has an internal battery and can keep a drink at the same consistent temperature for three hours on a single charge. All you have to do is tap the center to reveal icons and set it to your desired temperature. 

It's packed full of smart features, which is why it’s one of the best travel coffee mugs, like Bluetooth that connects it to your phone to set the temperature and light that tells you when the cup needs charging. It also has an app, which is simple to use and works flawlessly, showing the battery level and temperature of the beverage (but it does need to be reconnected after every use). To charge it, all you have to do is place the cup on the included stand and it should be ready to go in just a few hours. We set the temperature to 136 degrees Fahrenheit after starting at 199, it managed to stay the same for the whole 10-hour period. 

The lid is also a marvel of engineering- all you have to do is press down whenever you want to drink to create a small circle of liquid to flow through. Even when shaken, the liquid didn’t escape and stayed inside the remarkable metal cylinder. Some liquid might stay around the lid after you take a sip, so keep that in mind. 

It’s also very durable and has a rubber-coated bottom to keep it from spilling over. It might be a great travel mug, but other options can do what it does without the hefty price tag. There’s no need to over-engineer a cup that’s worked fine before. It’s fairly lightweight,  coming in at 12 ounces and holding 12 fluid ounces. Being hand wash only is a drawback to boot as well.

7. Teabloom

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 2.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 15.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 5

The Teabloom tumbler allows you to make teas on the go with everything inside the bottle. Unlike a lot of other travel mugs, this long but elegant bottle comes with a metal diffuser with its own handle that you can throw your favorite tea blend or coffee right inside. Holding 16 fluid ounces, it's made of stainless steel and brushed with a metallic exterior that stood up to the wear and tear of everyday use and weighs 15.2 ounces.

The tumbler is very thin and can be a bit wobbly. It doesn’t have a rubber grip and it's tall but the thin facade can cause it to get knocked down with just a little bit of force. But it will fit in almost every cup holder snugly, without any worry of it flying out. 

The lid is a simple screw-on top with a rubber ring that easily stops it from leaking even when shaken upside down. We found that even with the lid not screwed on completely all the way, the cup did not spill any water.

It also retained heat very well. When you put it in high-temperature beverages you can feel the heat on the side but it is definitely not too hot to touch. Out of all the travel mugs we tested without its own battery, the Teabloom held heat the longest, starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, and falling to 179 at two hours, 154 at five hours, and 126 at ten hours. It's by far one of the best travel coffee mugs to store hot liquid in, the fact it can make tea, coffee, or infused fruit water is just a plus. 

8. bioGo 16 oz Reusable Coffee Cups

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.6 x 7 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Material: Rice husk | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 8

The bioGo Reusable Coffee Cup is simplistic but offers everything you’d need in a travel mug. Available in eight colors, it's made of recycled rice husks making them better for the environment. They also fit in cup holders and have a padded bottom to stop the cup from falling over.

It's also remarkably light; the model we tested weighs 6.2 ounces while still holding 16 fluid ounces. Although a 13 ounce capacity is also available. That light nature does make it feel a bit flimsy, but it held up to being knocked around just as well as other stainless steel mugs we tested. The cup is dishwasher safe and won’t break apart after multiple uses. 

The screw-on lid is simple but effective. The hole on top has a plastic stopper that can be flipped in or out, which effectively keeps liquids inside. No matter how shaken or flipped upside down, the cup did not leak. The lid closer did not move once it was locked in place, but when the piece came out of the hole it did flop around. 

Though it's a very pretty and stylish cup, it didn’t retain heat as well as a lot of the other mugs we tested. Starting at 202 degrees, it dropped quickly to 118 by two hours, 90 by five, and room temperature by 10. The whole cup became extremely warm on the outside, starting out at 125 degrees making it too hot to touch. If you need a mug that's safe for the environment and that you don’t need to hold hot beverages for long periods, then give this bioGo a shot. The environmentally friendly aspects make it one of the best travel coffee mugs.   

9. Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.56 x 7.75 inches | Weight: 6.9 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: No | Colors available: 13

The Contigo West Loop Travel Mug has a gorgeous and unique shape that is durable enough to last. Made of stainless steel and its own patented Thermalock insulation, drinks stay hot or cold for hours inside. The shape makes it stand out from other travel mugs out there while still being slim enough to fit in most car cup holders. It holds 16 ounces of fluid and weighs 6.9 ounces. A 20 ounce capacity is also available, but we tested the smaller model. 

The lid opens with a button press on the side, allowing any liquid to flow without issue. Even when shaken and held upside down, nothing escaped. To make sure nothing escapes, there’s a fantastic locking feature where all you have to do is press down on a button on top to make sure the lid can’t open. So when you place the mug in your bag, the button won’t accidentally get pressed and spill everywhere.

The odd shape does have it wobble a bit when tapped and it lacks rubber grips on the bottom, so it can fall. But it is still quite durable so even a tumble shouldn’t crack the exterior. The whole cup is dishwasher safe and the locking lid does not require disassembly to clean. 

When filled with hot liquid, we found that the plastic lid coated in rubber got very hot and couldn’t be touched at max heat. But it did hold heat tolerably, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit and failing to 166 at two hours, 137 at five, and 111 at 10. Other travel mugs insulated a bit more consistently, but the Contigo still earned a recommendation, which is why it makes the list as one of the best travel coffee mugs. 

10. Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

Capacity: 18 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 4.4 x 6.9 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 9

The Ello Campy Travel Mug is a simple, yet truly effective, liquid container. Its sleek metallic exterior hides a vacuum-insulated interior that keeps beverages cold or hot hours after use. That hard body makes it incredibly durable, though the plastic lid may not be able to handle the most aggressive of use. 

The handle is coated in cork inside, helping you keep your grip and not burn yourself when going for a drink. The large handle makes it impossible for it to fit firmly in most car cup holders, especially any that are very deep. But it does make the cup look aesthetically pleasing and simple to use if you’d rather grasp a handle. 

The screw-on lid is a bit more than just a simple piece of plastic, using a unique flipping mechanism to look the cup in place. Hot liquids made the lid too hot to touch and drink. It's also just a simple push button that can easily be knocked open without you noticing. This cup can’t be placed in a bag because it will spill everywhere. But it won’t leak when turned upside down as long as the lid is positioned correctly. 

The whole cup is fairly good at keeping liquids hot, starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit it fell to 171 at two hours, 142 at five, and 113 at 10. That puts it alongside a lot of the other cups we tested with vacuum insulation. Overall, it's great as long as you don’t try to drink scolding hot beverages. The model tested holds 18 ounces and weighs 5.3 ounces, but a smaller 11 ounce design is also available. 

11. Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

Capacity: 18 fluid ounces | Dimensions: ‎3.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 24.7 ounces | Material: Ceramic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 5

The Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug is elegant with a timeless look, capturing the vibe of a cozy summer cottage somewhere in the wilderness. With a thick rubber bottom, the mug stays firmly planted when placed down and won't jiggle too much unless you try to knock it over. Being made of ceramic, we imagine that it's not as durable as other steel options (though we didn’t intentionally try to break it). 

The handle on the side makes it comfortable to hold, though it is a fairly wide mug that won’t fit in most cup car holders. You can fill it with 18 fluid ounces of liquid and clean it in the dishwasher. 

The top lid is a thin piece of plastic that you can shift up and down to take a drink. The lid is most certainly not leakproof and does not offer an airtight seal. If you just flip it over, the liquid will come gushing out, potentially with the lid as well. The lid is not screwed on and has no rubber gasket and is only held in place by a thin rubber bit around the lid.

It’s also not very good at retaining heat. It started at 199 degrees Fahrenheit and went down to 115 in just two hours. Like the Tupkee Glass Tumbler, the cup reached room temperature in just five hours. It's a much better indoor mug than a travel one, offering a unique option that just isn’t as stable as others on this list. The mug is also quite heavy, coming in at 22 ounces.

We put these travel mugs through rigorous testing for durability, heat retention, and comfort. First, we gave a score to every mug based on holding capacity, comfort to hold, stability, ease of opening, ease of cleaning, weight, and quality. 

Then we performed a test to see if it could hold liquid while turned upside down, without spilling a drop. We filled each cup to its maximum amount and held it upside down for five seconds. Then we noted which cups leaked and spilled onto the countertop. Most mugs managed to stay tight-lipped, while others leaked their insides everywhere. After a quick wipe-down of each mug, we moved on to the next step.

Then we tested each mug's ability to retain heat. We filled each cup at the same time with boiling water and checked its temperature with a digital instant-read thermometer at two, five, and 10 hours. To check the inside temperature, we opened the top and placed a thermometer with a rod inside just long enough to get the recording without leaking much heat. Then, we closed the lid as quickly as possible before moving onto the next one.

Material A travel mug can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, or glass. If you need a more durable mug, you should find one made of a tougher material like steel or plastic. These tougher mugs are also much better at retaining heat, with some having a vacuum insulation that keeps heat from escaping.  

Durability Steel and plastic mugs are incredibly durable, able to withstand rigorous outdoor activity or time spent knocking around in a backpack. Mugs with rubber bottoms are also better at staying upright and not just falling over. If you are looking for a mug you can take on the road, it needs to be both durable and practical to use. 

Size Most travel mugs are between 12 and 20 ounces, with 16 and 18 being the sweet spot. Most are slim enough to fit inside your average car coffee cup holder, while being snug enough to not just bounce around inside. If you are looking for a good sized mug, then aim for one that's around eight to ten inches in height. 

How easy is to clean Ideally, you should wash or rinse out your travel mugs straight after use, to prevent any grimy build-up inside. If you want to remove odors, one tip is to add  ½ cup of vinegar before adding 1tbsp baking soda into the travel mug. Allow it to soak in the solution overnight, and then rinse it with warm water. Make sure you rinse it well so that there are no traces of the solution/vinegar. This should have removed lingering smells. 

How do you keep your beverage hot or cold? Whether you want to maximize the heat or chill factor of your drink, there are a few tips. For hot beverages, it's recommended to pour hot water into the mug, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then empty the mug, before adding your hot drink, and this should retain the temperature. The same applies for cold drinks, but you use ice cubes in the cold water instead.  

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Steven Asarch is a writer and editor who lives on Twitch and YouTube. After graduating from Baruch College, he wrote for IBT Media,  Newsweek and Insider. In 2021, he executive produced the docu-series "Onision in Real Life" on Discovery +. As someone always looking to have the best smelling apartment possible, he's made it his mission to find the best air purifiers out there. His home has since become an air purifier haven, having stored and tested ten models for over three months. You could say he now knows everything there is to know about air purifiers, and what separates the good from the best.

Is this the world's smartest coffee maker? I tried the Terra Kaffe TK-02

Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine review

Missing ESPN on DirecTV? 5 ways to get it live now

Most Popular

• 2 31 Labor Day deals you can still get at Best Buy — shop TVs, laptops, appliances and more
• 3 This action-adventure movie just crashed Netflix's top 10 — and viewers rate it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
• 4 Quick! Don't miss these 5 best Labor Day bedding sales still live today
• 5 ElevenLabs just launched a new AI-powered SFX library — this is a big deal

17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

Commute with your coffee under control.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We updated this article in February 2023 to ensure the information reflected current prices, features and more. Our top picks, based on testing notes from the Good Housekeeping Institute , remain the same.

For many of us, coffee is a constant companion — and that means you'll want a trusty travel mug as you head out the door. Whether you prefer a piping hot cup from your drip coffee maker or single-serve coffeemaker , a refill at Starbucks or a dose of joe from your cold brew coffee maker , your travel coffee mug should handle it all without leaking. Fortunately, there's tons of options out there, including stainless steel coffee thermoses to keep your beverages cool and ones with straws for easy sipping.

Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested 45 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of use and more. In our most recent tests, we called in samples of the latest travel mugs and used them both in the office and on our commutes to see how well they held up. We noted how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel coffee mugs based on picks that performed well during testing or come from brands that we trust.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Coffee Mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce stainless steel mug.

Best Value Travel Coffee Mug

Juro stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler.

Best No-Spill Travel Coffee Mug

Stanley classic trigger action travel mug.

Read on for more information on our testing process as well as for tips on what to look for when shopping for a travel coffee mug. For more ideas on what to fill your cup with, check out these coffee recipes to make at home .

Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It will keep hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes for that extra chill.

Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version.

This stainless steel mug is a great affordable option, especially considering its large 20-ounce size. What's more, it claims to retain the temperature of your coffee for up to six hours. Online reviewers like that it fits easily into car holders and won't sweat when filled with ice. The tumbler includes two lids: The featured slider lid as well as a flip-style lid , so you can choose which you prefer for the beverage you're drinking. It also comes with a reusable straw and a straw cleaner, though we found the straw was short and inconvenient to use.

Stanley has been in the thermal carafe game since 1913. This travel coffee mug delivers the company's insulated design and also includes a push-button "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless pushed. We liked that it means the spout stays closed when you're not hands-on . Our pros did note that it requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button while sipping. This mug is available in several colors (even camo!) and in a 20-ounce size.

Avana Sedona Stainless Steel Thermal Tumbler

This 10-ounce travel mug from Avana is perfectly sized for espresso-based drinks, but it's also available in 20-ounce and 30-ounce versions. Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes that the simple two-piece design is easy to clean because the lid is just one solid piece, unlike many other lids. This is particularly helpful if you like coffee drinks with foam, like latte beverages , that can gunk up lids over time. The contoured mouthpiece makes sipping easy, but it doesn't seal closed, so watch out for leaks. The double-walled insulated construction keeps drinks hot or cold and helps prevent condensation from collecting on the outside.

OXO Good Grips 16-oz Travel Coffee Mug with Leakproof SimplyClean Lid

We love when kitchen gear comes apart for a thorough cleaning, but would rather skip the guesswork that can follow when it's time to reassemble. The OXO travel coffee mug with SimplyClean lid solves this pain point: The four-piece lid is color-coded, numbered and etched with assembly instructions . It's easy to take apart and clean by hand (or in the dishwasher), and simple to put back together for your next cup. Never mind, it's also comfortable to hold. The mug comes in four other colors as well as a 20-ounce size.

Hydro Flask Flex Sip Lid Coffee Flask

Hydro Flask has a huge following when it comes to water bottles — in fact, we named the brand our best stainless steel water bottle — and we're fans of its coffee mugs (called coffee flasks), too . GH Lab tests found that its stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body kept drinks hot and cold for hours, and it was quite leakproof. Hydro Flask also offers a separate wide-mouth lid , which can be handy for cold beverages. (The included lid twists to open and close.) But, be careful drinking hot beverages with a wide mouth as it can spill easily. It's available in a range of colors as well as 16- and 20-ounce sizes , and the little handle helps make it easier to transport.

SMRTMUGG Heated Coffee Mug

This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour battery life — kept coffee hot (above the target temp of 135˚F) for the full four hours of our Lab tests . Once you get the hang of the controls at the bottom of the mug, the clear digital readout is helpful in setting the temperature and turning off the mug. This travel mug also aced our leak tests. Our tester noted that while the push-button lid is easy to use, the edge of the button can bump your lip while drinking.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler

This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, our pros appreciate that i ts large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes , which makes it a great choice for frequent iced coffee drinkers. We have also found other S'well products to be good at maintaining temperatures. It seals shut and is leakproof; plus, it will keep your drinks cold (or hot!) all day. The S'well comes in a ton of color options as well as 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes.

Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Mug

This coffee mug from Contigo is super comfortable in your hands, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go . It's also completely dishwasher-safe, even the lid. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.

YETI Rambler Mug with Lid

This popular Yeti mug looks just like a traditional coffee mug, but it's designed to keep your drinks hot or cold and comes with a lid to prevent unnecessary spills. The sturdy and comfortable handle is large enough for even wide hands. It's available in a dozen different colors as well as sizes from 10- to 30 ounces. Another bonus is that when you buy from the Yeti site, you can customize your product with a short text, a monogram or a logo. Our tester found that the lid slides open easily but noted that it's not leakproof. The brand has also introduced the Rambler Stronghold lid , which screws on (rather than presses in), which we're actively testing in the Lab.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

This little cylinder makes a statement, with testers loving how compact it was. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. The screw top reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice . It comes in seven additional colors as well as a smaller, 12-ounce size.

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Papantoniou likes that the inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean porcelain, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time that can negatively impart flavors . She also noted that it keeps coffee "nice and hot right off the bat." It includes a simple shape and a silicone sleeve for a comfortable non-slip grip. It comes in several colors and a couple of terrazzo prints . It's also available in a 16-ounce size.

Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Starbucks fans will appreciate that they can purchase this mug online rather than solely in the stores. The ceramic mug is easy to use — the lid just pops into place and is surrounded by a rubber seal to help keep it (and the coffee) in place — and easy to clean . "It keeps coffee warm like a standard ceramic mug would, and the lid helps to keep things a little warmer for longer," our tester says. "I like that it's not scalding hot like in a metal mug, so I can enjoy my coffee without burning my mouth." The 12-oz size is perfect for refills of Starbucks tall drinks.

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Stojo's collapsible coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics. The brand impressed our pros with its other collapsible offerings — the Collapsible Bowl won a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award . Similarly, this travel cup is well designed: The cup includes a heat sleeve that provides a structured grip for the squishy silicone cup, and the 16-ounce size includes a straw (which is great for iced coffee or if you prefer to bring your own cup to fountain machines). The collapsed cup is just two inches in size. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, with 8-ounce , 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes.

MiiR Flip Traveler

With a 4.8-rating on Amazon, this stainless steel thermos comes in a slim design and an easy-to-open lid. Though we have not tested this pick in the Lab, we like its focus on giving back: T he bottom of each travel mug is printed with a "Give Code" that you can enter at Mirr's website for details on the brand's corporate giving , which is funded through every purchase. The Flip Traveler is available in several colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes .

JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

This glass bodied Joco mug has a colorful silicone lid and a matching thermal sleeve. It's microwave (and dishwasher!) safe, which makes it a great option if you like to reheat your coffee throughout the day. Since the glass is clear, it's easy to see how much coffee you have left — and hit your preferred shade when you add your creamer. Take note that the lid does not seal shut, so while it might be handy for car commuting, this isn't one that's great for tossing in your bag.

Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker

For iced coffee fiends, this mug is for you. Get your cuppa in flash: Simply store the inner core of the mug in the freezer, then slip the frozen cup into the protective plastic sleeve and pour in hot coffee. Our tester found that the travel mug will chill your coffee rapidly without watering it down with ice cubes. (The brand actually uses the same concept for its ice cream maker .) Slide in the lid with the provided straw, and you're ready for undiluted iced coffee — though you can add ice if you prefer. One caveat is that the freezable core holds only 11 ounces, which some might find too small.

How we test travel coffee mugs

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test travel coffee mugs, they use thermocouples to track the temperature of the liquid inside the mug over time. Many of the mugs on this list were tested at home over months (even over commutes) to assess their durability, ease of use and temperature retention.

Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability, cleanability and comfort of both holding and drinking. They test whether the mug is easy to open and close, and they drop each mug to assess its durability. To test for leaking, our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.

How to find the best travel coffee mug for you

✔️ Material : Many travel coffee mugs are stainless steel, though our list also includes porcelain, glass and silicone options. Double-walled construction is common with stainless steel mugs, and that can help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Other materials may not be insulated. If you opt for a glass mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped. Porcelain mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. Silicone is a great lightweight option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve.

✔️ Lid : Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug , which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.

✔️ Washability : Check to see if the mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Sarah Wharton is the Senior Editor and Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several of the newest additions to this list as well as led the recent test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte .

Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all testing of kitchen gear, including products like coffee grinders , coffee makers , espresso machines and Nespresso machines . She has tested almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment in her daily travel mug use. She is also the lead judge in the Good Housekeeping Institute's forthcoming Coffee Awards .

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

Around the Kitchen

The Best All-Purpose Cleaners

The Best Air Fryers

How to Recycle Reusable Water Bottles

11 Kitchen Design Mistakes Pros Always Avoid

The Best Electric Knives

The Best Blenders

The Best Blender–Food Processor Combos

The Best Vacuum Sealers

The Best Nespresso Machines

The Best Coffee and Espresso Makers

The Best Food Dehydrators

The Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• What to Buy

The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, According to Our Tests

We tested more than 25 top-rated picks to find the best spill-proof, stylish, and durable mugs.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

How We Tested Travel Coffee Mugs

Our favorite travel coffee mug, factors to consider, other travel coffee mugs we tested, our expertise.

Food & Wine / Will Dickey

There’s nothing like sipping a freshly brewed coffee from your favorite espresso machine or cold brew coffee maker first thing in the morning — if you have the luxury to savor that cup before your day gets busy. For those of us with little to no time to spare, a travel coffee mug is essential. You may not be able to drink your coffee while relaxing in your favorite local coffee shop, but you will have super-hot or ice-cold coffee to fuel your day.

The problem is finding the best travel coffee mug that keeps the flavor of your go-to coffee intact without any metallic aftertaste. Paper and plastic cups don’t come close to the efficiency, sustainability, and temperature control a durable travel coffee mug offers. We tested more than 25 travel coffee mugs, paying close attention to insulation, design, and size. We also spoke to some die-hard coffee drinkers to get their expert opinions on the best travel coffee mugs, from ceramic mugs to stainless steel tumblers. Read on to discover our editor-tested and approved picks.

Best Overall

Yeti rambler 20 oz tumbler.

At 20 ounces, it’s large enough to hold enough coffee or other beverages to last all day long, with tough insulation to keep the temperature just right.

Be careful: the MagSlider lid isn’t leakproof.

Durability, size, and next-level insulation characterize the Yeti Rambler Tumbler. It can handle all environments, from your office to your car, pool chair, or camping tent. Made from kitchen-grade, rust-resistant stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, your beverage will remain at the exact temperature you desire (whether hot or cold) for hours. 

The Rambler can take a tumble with its hardy construction, and the exterior won’t chip or fade from years of use. However, during an upside-down leak test, we noted that the mug dripped a bit, so they wouldn’t leave it loose in a bag. The magnet on the MagSlider Lid adds an extra layer of protection to keep heat or cold from escaping. 

During testing, we also noted the Rambler’s long-lasting cool insulation, staying under 40°F for about 10 hours. It won’t sweat either, and if you spend a decent amount of time in the car, you can rest easy knowing it fits in most cup holders. (We've also weighed in on the Stanley vs. Yeti debate , if you're curious!) Once you’re done for the day, you can throw it in the dishwasher to be ready for tomorrow.

Volume: 20 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Will Dickey

Ello Campy Travel Mug

This mug is a great size, features a stylish design, offers stellar hot and cold insulation, and is truly leakproof — all for under $20.

While the lid is dishwasher-safe, the body should be hand-washed. 

Some of the coolest travel tumblers around, Ello products have great heat retention to keep things piping hot for hours. We especially love the Campy Stainless Steel Mug, which is great for traveling because it didn't leak a single drop during testing. It also performed very well for cold insulation, with under-40° temperatures that lasted for more than 10 hours. 

Pair those marks with the mug’s stylish design and comfortable cork handle, and you’ve got a perfect formula for an all-around great mug. Hikes, commutes, working from home or at the office, picnics — we can't envision a scenario where this mug wouldn't be useful. And under $20, it can't be beaten for value.

Volume: 18 ounces  | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe, body is not

Food & Wine / Fran Sales

Best Leakproof

Contigo autoseal west loop vacuum.

This mug kept drinks insulated for nearly two days, outperforming competing options. 

You might want to pass if you're only looking for a travel mug that's good for cold beverages.

Contigo's leak-proof mug is ideal for anyone who takes their beverages on the go, especially hot drinks. It fits in cup holders, it keeps drinks insulated for hours, and it's easy to use with just one hand if you're driving or holding something in the other. 

We loved this mug’s Autoseal feature, where the snap seal top pops open with the click of a button. It can even help you avoid spilling your drink. Functionally, it’s comfortable to hold, with a center groove that lends itself nicely to wrapping your hand around. The downside is there’s no handle or a texture to boost grip, though the color coating on the outside provides a light layer of non-slip.

Volume: 20 ounces | Lid type: Pop-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe, body is not

Food & Wine / Bailey Fink

Best Wide Travel Mug

Fellow carter everywhere mug.

This mug feels high-end and offers incredible insulation abilities, keeping drinks hot for hours.  

Since it doesn't fit in a cup holder, this is not a good option if you like to sip while you drive. 

For a reliable and secure travel mug with exceptional insulation abilities, we recommend the Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug. During our tests, we noted that the lid screwed on and off easily, creating a tight seal when shut — meaning no liquid was spilled when the mug was placed upside-down, on its side, or even shaken. 

Insulation-wise, this mug performed very well with both cold and hot liquids. For cold drinks, the ice didn't melt at all the following day. For hot drinks, the temperature dropped very slowly. Plus, the ceramic interior helped their drinks taste better and ensured the mug didn’t absorb residual odors after washing. Our only qualm was the overall size of this mug, as its wide base does not fit in standard car cupholders. If you're looking for a slimmer model, we highly recommend the Fellow Carter Move Mug , which comes in three sizes: 8, 12, and 16 ounces. We've tested the 12-ounce option and love it so much that bring it with us whenever we travel.

Volume: 16 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Food & Wine / Bridget Degnan

Best Splurge

Kinto day off tumbler.

It provides excellent hot and cold insulation, is leakproof, and seals incredibly well, thanks to its twist-on cap.

This mug is not dishwasher-safe.

This high-end travel mug looks as good as it functions. It aced our usability and leakproof tests: It has a screw-on cap that ensures every drop of liquid stays in the mug (although we noted that you need to make sure you screw on both pieces very well or else they will leak). The kinto's slim body is comfortable to hold. We enjoyed drinking from the circular opening of the mug, which allowed us to sip from any angle, though we noted that the flow was a bit fast.

The cap keeps the mouth area covered, so no need to worry about it coming into contact with germs as it rolls around inside your bag. Plus, it's versatile enough to use for either coffee or water, as it keeps both hot and cold drinks at your desired temperature for long periods. While this tumbler is on the pricier side, if you want an aesthetically pleasing travel mug that works, we say this one is worth it. The compact size, exceptional insulation, and smart, leakproof lid design make this an all-around standout.

Volume: 17 ounces  | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Best for Car Travel

Bubba envy insulated tumbler.

This is the ideal iced or hot drink container for the car. 

This mug is not leakproof.

If you’re looking for a reliable, extra-large travel mug, the Bubba Straw Envy Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler might be your best bet. The removable straw is nice for iced coffee, and the size is ideal for a car cup holder. The mug is spill-proof in that if you knock it over, the lid won't pop off — but the liquid will come out of the mug. While it's comfortable to hold, the lack of leak protection will certainly make a mess even if it's tipped, let alone knocked over or turned upside down. It should remain upright in your hand or a cup holder only. 

Despite that, this mug has incredible insulation and keeps liquid cold for nearly two days. The hot water remained hot for more than three hours and even kept warm until the following day, at 22 hours. We found the insulation abilities of this mug to be surprisingly unmatched, performing better than mugs twice or three times the price. We even poured an iced coffee to drive down to the beach one morning, and on the drive home, the remaining coffee was still ice-cold. Case in point: This is the ideal iced or hot drink container for the car.

Volume: 24 ounces | Lid type: Pop-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Food & Wine / Megan Soll

Best Insulated

Hydro flask wide mouth flex sip lid bottle.

We gave this tumbler a perfect score across all four categories, including size, design, insulation, and value.

It’s difficult to open this mug with one hand. 

Another great name in insulated and no-sweating drinkware tech, the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler earned a perfect score. This large mug can carry hot or cold coffee or tea in any environment for extended periods — and looks good in the process. Made from stainless steel, it’s comfortable to hold, while the wide mouth facilitates easy access to add liquids and ice. On the go, the handle and exterior texture make it simple to grip. 

The lid can be sealed completely by twisting to prevent leakage, and it even has a red color marking inside to easily indicate if it’s fully closed. During testing, we noted that the lid’s super-tight seal never leaked, despite placing the mug upside-down and on its side. Given its sleek design and high performance, we recommend this mug for any type of liquid, hot or cold.

We tested 27 popular, top-rated travel coffee mugs via an initial 4-week testing period and through long-term testing to collect further insights from editors after months of continued use.

• For 4 weeks, we provided feedback on each travel coffee mug’s sealing capabilities, cold insulation performance, hot insulation performance, and ease of cleaning. In addition to its general design observations, we also paid close attention to insulation, size, and value.
• In our long-term testing, we paid attention to each mug's durability and ability to withstand daily bumps, scratches, and dishwashing cycles. We also observed any changes in each travel coffee mug's design, observing how well the thermos kept our coffee hot or cold or any changes in the effectiveness of the leak-proof or spill-proof seal over time.
• Overall, we evaluated each mug based on how often we reached for it in our daily lives and if we'd recommend it over others we've tested.

Thanks to its durability, size, and next-level insulation, the Yeti Rambler earned the top spot on our list of best travel coffee mugs. During testing, we found the Yeti to work great in virtually any environment, keeping our beverage at the exact desired temperature for up to 10 hours.

Travel coffee mugs are usually made of either metal or ceramic, with tight-fitting lids, and some can be vacuum insulated. Your choice of material should take into account how you intend to use the mug, how long you need your coffee to stay hot, and how you drink out of it.

Choosing the right size of travel mug is about more than just how much coffee you want it to contain. If you need it to fit in your car’s cup holder, for example, or slide easily into a bag or backpack for a train commute. In general, you want a travel mug that will be easy to transport and contain enough volume of coffee to keep you satiated.

Lids are either designed as “drink-thru” or have to be removed to access the contents. Drink-thru lids are easier to navigate on the go but are not as good at keeping heat from dissipating. If you need a mug just to get hot coffee from one place to another without needing to drink it en route, a sealed lid with no drink-thru access will work best for retaining heat. If you do need to sip on the go, look for a lid with an easy slide or flip access that still protects from spills, rather than one that has a permanent opening.

Leak-Proof vs. Spill-Proof

Leak-proof travel mugs are designed to not allow any liquid to release when properly closed and sealed. These are ideal for mugs that you might need to toss into a bag or backpack during your commute. Spill-proof mugs are designed to mitigate a mess when accidentally knocked over during use. Some companies may use the language interchangeably, but in general, Leak-Proof will usually be slightly more secure than just spill-proof.

Care and Cleaning

Many travel mugs are not dishwasher safe, especially some that are vacuum insulated. Be sure to check the packaging to determine the best way to care for them. Regardless, travel mugs should be at least rinsed out after each use, even between cups, to keep them fresh, and preferably fully cleaned once a day to prevent mold and mildew. Remember that even if your mug is dishwasher safe, the dishwasher won’t remove tough stains and strong odors. For that, you’ll want to use baking soda and water and give it more of a scrub.

Frequently Asked Questions

“This is a vessel with two layers (or walls), one inside and one outside,” says Jessica Easto, author of Craft Coffee: A Manual . “In between is a layer of space, which even air has been sucked out of (that's what a vacuum is). Heat moves very slowly through the air, and it moves even more slowly through this "vacuumed" space because there are very few molecules in that space. Since heat transfer happens so slowly, your coffee stays hotter for longer.”

This will depend on your travel mug, says Easto. “A vacuum-insulated travel mug can keep coffee hot for several hours. Different brands promise different times.” If you need your coffee just to get you through your commute, you may not need the top-of-the-line mugs, but if you want that coffee hot all day, investing in a good vacuum-insulated mug or bottle will be the way to go.

Up to a point, says Easto. “The best performers of any material will be vacuum insulated.” Having said that, ceramic is a good material for retaining heat, and lids help to prevent fast cooling, so if you only need your coffee to stay hot for a short amount of time, they work fine.

Use a stiff brush or rough-sided sponge to remove the oils left behind by coffee (and any dairy or oat milk you've added). Baking soda and vinegar are the best bet for neutralizing aromas; soap is often difficult to thoroughly rinse out, and you can get lingering unwanted aromas and flavors. Put a half cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of regular dish soap in the travel mug, fill the rest with hot water, let it soak for a few hours, and then rinse it out thoroughly.

For the lid and rubber gasket (if needed), take the gasket off, and wash it with regular dishwashing liquid on a soft sponge. You can use the same sponge to clean the lid. Finally, rinse the mug and let it air dry.

Strong Contenders

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug ($29 at Amazon)

Although the Zojirushi performed well in our leak tests and kept both hot and cold beverages at the right temperature, we didn't love the overall design of this travel coffee mug. Since this mug is narrow yet tall, we found it difficult to hand wash and dry.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler ($35 at Amazon)

We liked the vacuum insulation of the S'well Stainless Steel Traveler and noted that it formed a perfectly airtight seal to keep our beverages cold for up to 30 hours. However, we wish this travel coffee mug had a grippy exterior, a looped handle, or another more travel-friendly design feature, as it was slippery to grab and go.

THERMOS Travel Coffee Mug with Snap Flip Lid ($30 at Amazon)

We noted that this mug does not leak at all, even when knocked around on the countertop. Though it fits in standard car cupholders, the bulky handle of this thermos makes it awkward to easily grab and sip while driving, so we would have preferred not to have a handle at all.

MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler with Locking Flip Lid ($34 at Amazon)

We liked the overall design, insulation, and size of the MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler. However, we found a design flaw with the locking flip lid, as we found it difficult to take a sip without splashing coffee especially while commuting.

RTIC Outdoors Travel Mug ($35 at RTIC)

This travel mug performed well in our leak and insulation tests, but we didn't love the somewhat bulky handle and we found it difficult to quickly unscrew the lid for cleaning or refilling.

What Didn’t Make the List

In our tests, a few travel coffee mugs did not meet our expectations in terms of design, performance, and insulation. Some models like the Klean Kanteen Wide Recycled Insulated Mug leaked and spilled during our tests. We were disappointed by the performance of the Ember Stainless Steel Temperature Control Travel Mug and found that the smart controls took some time to get used to, and even then were ultimately awkward to use.

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is an acclaimed food writer with nearly a decade of experience. She has written for Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, and more. For this piece, she used editor-tested insights and her research on top-rated travel coffee mugs.

Related Articles