travel travel coffee mug

17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

Commute with your coffee under control.

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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).

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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

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.

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.

How we test

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.

How to choose the best travel mug

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.  

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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.

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The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, Whether You Walk, Ride, or Drive

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

We take our recommendation for the best travel coffee mugs very seriously. The working world (ours anyway) runs on caffeine, and for many coffee drinkers, that need has to be satisfied on the go. So a good travel coffee mug—one that’s easy to hold, doesn't leak, and keeps hot coffee hot and iced coffee cold—is a must.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Brumate Nav

Yeti Rambler 10-Ounce Tumbler with Magslide Lid

To find the best travel mugs available right now, we tested more than 20 popular and top-rated options in a variety of shapes and sizes. Below, you’ll find our top picks for commuters of all kinds, followed by the details of how we tested and what we looked for. To learn the pros and cons of all the other mugs we tested, keep reading.

The best travel coffee mug to toss in your bag: Zojirushi

Of all the travel mugs we tested, there are only a few we’d feel comfortable tossing into a bag with our laptop or favorite book, and of them all, this one was the absolute best at keeping our coffee hot. After five hours the hot coffee we poured in was almost too hot to drink.

That excellent heat retention is due to the Zojirushi’s vacuum-insulated, double-walled stainless steel. Though it sounds like a beast, this travel mug is actually relatively lightweight and has a super-slim design that fits perfectly in your hand or bag. It also looks really nice, which is a definite plus for a mug you'll be carting around everywhere.

And you never have to worry about coffee spilling inside your bag or briefcase because the spout cap has a pretty serious sliding lock on the top that, when engaged, makes it impossible to open or spill. Shake, rattle, roll this thing—it's not going to leak any hot drinks on you or whatever else you’re carrying. The lid also comes apart for easy hand washing.

The Zojirushi travel tumbler isn’t dishwasher-safe, which is true of many vacuum-insulated vessels. This was the slimmest travel mug we tested (the opening of all three sizes is just 1⅝ inch) so if you want to clean it with friction, you’ll need a soft bottle bottle brush . That kind of cleaning shouldn’t be necessary often since the inside has a non-stick coating. We weren’t able to find any kind of documentation on what that coating actually is but it probably is nothing to worry about as the issues with nonstick cookware are around exposing it to direct, high heat or scratching it with metal utensils, neither of which are likely in a coffee cup. The super-slim design also means this mug may rattle around in a car cup holder, and the 20-ounce size is too tall to fit under our Nespresso VertuoPlus spout (you’d likely run into the same issue with other single-serve coffee makers ). Finally, sipping from the Zojirushi is slightly more awkward to drink from than many of the other mugs we tried, but it’s a small price to pay for such incredible heat retention and the peace of mind that comes with having a truly leak-free travel mug to use for hot drinks on the go.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes, very Sizes available: 12 ounces , 16 ounces , 20 ounces Warranty: 5 years

This price represents the 12-ounce size. Click through for more options.

The best dishwasher safe travel coffee mug to toss in your bag: Brumate

If you want a spill-proof, leak-proof travel mug that you can also stick in the dishwasher at the end of the day, we recommend the Brumate Nav. This tapered, tumbler-style mug is just as secure as the Zojirushi, though the “BevLock” lid uses a slider to lock a flip-top spout cover into place. And even when it’s not locked, this mug won’t leak; the lock just provides an extra layer of security in case the flip-top were to catch on something strong.

We accidentally turned our testing up to eleven one morning when we dropped this mug—full of piping hot coffee—while trying to shuffle small kids out the door. The lid was closed, but not locked, and we didn’t lose a single drop or burn any toddlers.

The insulated stainless steel body retains heat well (though not as well as the Zojirushi) and we appreciate that the BPA-free clear plastic lid allows us to look inside the cup.

The Brumate doesn’t retain heat nearly as well as the Zojirushi, but if you consume your coffee within an hour or two, it’s more than sufficient. The product description says it will keep hot drinks hot for three hours, but we only experience that kind of heat retention if the mug is full, and stays that way, for the entire three hours. We’d also love to see this mug in a 16-ounce size.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces , 22 ounces , and 32 ounces   Warranty: Limited lifetime

This price represents the 22-ounce size. Click through for more options.

The best travel coffee mug for the car: Yeti Rambler with Magslide Lid

If you like to take your coffee in the car, you might not need a truly leak-proof mug. But you still need something to prevent sloshing and splashing when you inevitably encounter a pothole or other rough road. And, of course, a travel mug for the car must be able to keep your coffee hot even on brutally-cold mornings.

Yeti’s tumbler-style Rambler mug meets all of our requirements for a car-friendly coffee mug, and then some. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your drink hot for hours, the slim base fits comfortably in a car cup holder, and the Magslide spout cover is really easy to open with one hand while driving (it’s easiest if you slide it open while it’s still in the cup holder).

This mug is also incredibly easy to clean as all three parts are dishwasher safe. The little magnetic slider stays securely put until you pop it off from the underside of the lid.

Aside from the fact that it’s not leak-proof, there’s not much we don’t love about this mug. But some coffee drinkers may find the size options limiting. The 10-ounce is perfect for an 8-ounce pour-over, a small latte, or a couple shots of espresso, but the next size up is 20-ounces and that may feel too big if you just want to commute with a cup of coffee. We’d love to see this mug offered in a 14-ounce or 16-ounce size, too.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 10 ounces , 20 ounces , 30 ounces Warranty: 5 years

This price represents the 10-ounce size. Click through for more options.

How we tested travel coffee mugs

For weeks we conducted unofficial testing, adding these mugs to our regular coffee-vessel rotation. When it came time for the official testing, we filled all of the mugs with piping hot water and let them sit on our desks for five hours. We then sipped from each to determine if they had retained heat. Next, we put the containers through a stress test, shaking them and tipping them up and down to see if anything leaked. Finally, we took some brisk walks to mimic the frantic conditions of a morning commute, coffee mug in hand. We did not preheat the mugs by filling them with hot water first—we figured the typical user would not do this and we wanted to see how well each mug retained heat without this step.

The Zojirushi is the only insulated vessel we’ve tested that (just barely) fits into the ridiculously slim side pocket of a standard Fjallraven Kanken backpack.

What we looked for

Obviously, a travel mug needs to be spill-proof, but mugs that will travel in a bag also need to be completely leak proof. To test the seal on each mug, we filled them with hot coffee, closed the lids according to the manufacturer’s directions, and shook them vigorously while turned upside down.

One of the most important considerations was temperature retention, so we looked at how well the mug kept coffee hot over the course of a few hours. We lined up the mugs and tasted them side by side after five hours to see which one was the hottest.

If a mug was marketed as leak-proof, we looked at how hard or easy it was to engage its leak-free function. Mugs that are too hard to seal are more likely to malfunction when you’re running out the door in a hurry.

We didn't want a travel coffee mug that was too heavy or unwieldy, as this would make it more difficult to carry around while commuting. We also considered how much you had to maneuver your mouth while drinking.

If a mug wasn’t listed as dishwasher safe, we looked at how easy it was to get all parts—including the nooks and crannies of the lid—thoroughly clean with hand washing .

Yes, these mugs are utilitarian vessels meant for keeping hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold, but let’s not pretend looks don’t matter. These are accessories as much as they are tools.

Personal preference dictates what size coffee cup you’ll need, and if you make yourself an 8-ounce latte every morning, a 20-ounce travel mug is going to be too big. So we looked for mugs that offered a range of sizes—including mugs big enough for those who do like to chug 24 ounces of coffee on the way to work.

For car commuters, a base that’s too wide is a deal breaker. So we looked at whether or not these mugs were slim enough to fit into standard car cup holders.

Other travel coffee mugs we tested

We love this bigger Yeti Rambler mug for most of the reasons we loved our top pick for the car, and it even has a handle and a more leak-resistant (though not leak-proof) lid. But the smallest size is 20-ounces and it’s just big enough that it’s not guaranteed to fit in every car cup holder. Plus, unless you’re planning to hit the road with an entire French press-worth of coffee, a 20- or 30-ounce capacity is overkill for your morning commute.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Some Leakproof: No Sizes available: 20 ounces , 30 ounces

Yeti Rambler Travel Mug with Stronghold Lid

Yeti's most mug-shaped Rambler mug has the best size selection of all of the Rambler mugs and the two smaller sizes (10 ounces and 14 ounces) are stackable. But because it's mug-shaped, it won't fit in a car cup holder. And because it has the Magslider lid, it's not leak proof, either. While this one is generally good for camping, the handle is pretty basic and not very comfortable to hold—especially if the 24-ounce size is full of hot coffee.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: No Leakproof: No Sizes available: 10 ounces, 14 ounces, 24 ounces

Yeti Rambler 24-Ounce Mug

With the addition of the Hotshot lid, Yeti’s versatile, durable insulated Rambler water bottle becomes a (mostly) leak-proof travel mug for coffee, tea, and other hot or cold drinks. The Hotshot lid, when twisted to the open position, allows you to drink from any spot along the rim. We say it’s “mostly” leak-proof though, because if it’s not closed tightly enough, it is possible to shake some drops out of this mug when turned upside down—and we don’t love that it allows for that kind of user error. You can also buy the Hotshot cap separately , which is a great way to get even more out of a Yeti Rambler bottle you already own. Well, as long as you make sure to close it really well.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Most Leakproof: Mostly Sizes available: 12 ounces , 18 ounces

Yeti Rambler with Hotshot Cap

Brumate haș a series of leak-proof coffee mugs with handles called Toddy and these mugs have nearly all the same features we love about the Nav. But the reasonably-sized option ( 16 ounces ) is too wide to fit into any cupholder. The two larger sizes ( 22 ounces and 32 ounces ) have tapered bottoms and actually do fit into many cup holders, but most coffee drinkers will find they're otherwise just too big, in general.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Some sizes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 6 ounces , 22 ounces , 32 ounces

Brumate Toddy

Klean Kanteen is best known for its lightweight stainless steel reusable water bottles (and for tripping up our spell check every damn time) but the brand also makes a very nice double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel tumbler. In fact, it’s so nice it’s almost perfect. This mug has excellent heat retention, and the powder-coated body is durable, dishwasher safe, and covered by Klean Kanteen’s lifetime warranty. The tumbler’s wide mouth (wide for Klean Kanteen, anyway) is big enough to fit most ice cubes, and the bottle itself is slender enough to fit most cup holders. Unfortunately, you need to use two hands to open the leak-proof lid, which isn’t always conducive to drinking hot coffee while on the go.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces , 16 ounces , 20 ounces

Klean Kanteen Wide Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

Klean Kanteen

We’re generally big fans of Oxo gear but the Oxo Good Grips travel mug we previously tested always leaked a little when tipped upside down. In 2023, we tested a newer model, which has what the brand calls a leak-proof “SimplyClean” lid. The mug comes in an array of pretty colors, all of the parts are dishwasher safe, and we found the lid to be truly leak free when properly assembled. However, the engineering required to get such a good seal is… a lot. Disassembling the lid for cleaning and reassembling it are each three-step processes—and the steps are so unintuitive that instructions, arrows, and numbers are actually embossed in various spots all over the three separate lid components (four if you count the removable gasket). After a few tries, it’s pretty easy to get used to how it all goes together, but coming from a brand that makes such user-friendly products, this leak-proof lid is more complicated than it needs to be. It’s also a little too easy to accidentally remove the entire lid when trying to open the spout.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces , 20 ounces

OXO Good Grips Travel Coffee Mug With Leakproof SimplyClean Lid

We like that the short Hydro Flask coffee mug feels like a traditional mug, and this is the only “travel” mug we tested that comes in a 6-ounce size. Like all of Hydro Flask’s insulated products, this mug has great temperature retention and it’s also very durable thanks to solid construction. But because it doesn’t have a leak-proof lid or fit into a car cup holder, it’s definitely more of a “coffee on the front porch” mug or “hot toddy around the campfire” mug than an actual commuting mug. Another drawback? Unlike the brand’s powder-coated water bottles, Hydro Flask mugs are not powder-coated and therefore are not dishwasher safe .

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder : No  Leakproof: No Sizes available: 6 ounces , 12 ounces , 24 ounces

Hydro Flask Mug

This 16-ounce stainless steel vacuum-insulated travel mug from Thermos is good, and most people would probably be content using it, but there's also nothing remarkable about it. It didn't keep our coffee hot nearly as long as the Zojirushi and though it has a leak-proof lid, it doesn't lock like the Brumate does. It’s also only available in one size (16 ounces). That said, the underside of the lid does have a built-in hook for tea bags and loose-leaf tea infusers, so if you're a tea drinker who likes to take your hot tea on the go, you’ll like that feature.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder : Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces

Thermos Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler

When we first tested the Fellow Carter mug, we tried the Move model —a gorgeous ceramic-lined thermal mug that does a great job of keeping hot drinks hot. Unfortunately, the twist-off lid required the use of both hands, which kept the Fellow Carter from taking a top spot. When we retested travel mugs in 2023, we were thrilled to find that Fellow had recently released a new model of the Carter mug with a slide-lock lid (the lid can also be purchased separately if you already own a Carter mug). The smooth sliding mechanism makes it easy to open and close the angled lid with one hand, and though it doesn’t actually lock like the Zojirushi does, it is leak-proof when closed. But the angle of the new lid means our testers’ noses got smashed up against it every time we took a drink, and because of a lip around the inside of the body, it’s hard to get every last drop of coffee out of this mug. Additionally, the ceramic-coated stainless steel interior is supposed to keep this mug from holding onto smells, but we found that after just one use, it was nearly impossible to get the coffee smell out the lid —so this isn’t a tumbler we’d want to use interchangeably as a coffee cup and a water cup.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces, 16 ounces

Fellow Carter Slide Travel Coffee Mug

We wanted to love this beautiful powder-coated stainless steel tumbler from Kinto, a Japanese housewares brand. And for the most part, we did. The carry handle on the smartly-constructed top can be removed, revealing a thin circular opening that ensures controlled sipping. Liquid doesn’t pour out too quickly (no scalded tongue or ice cubes in the face) and when tightly sealed, it doesn’t leak. You can also remove the entire top of the mug, which makes pouring easy and makes the travel mug easy to clean. However, it’s impossible to open this mug one-handed. That, combined with its high price tag, kept it out of our top picks.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 17 ounces

Kinto Day Off Stainless Steel Tumbler

The MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler got a lot of oohs and aahs during the unboxing phase of our test. It's sleek, bright, and incredibly comfortable to hold. And when you buy a mug, the brand gifts a portion of revenue to a charity project that's trackable via a code on the bottom of the mug. Hot drinks stay piping hot in this mug, thanks to what the brand calls “Thermo 3D Double Wall Vacuum Insulation Technology.” The locking flip lid is super-secure, too. Unfortunately, the way it’s designed makes it impossible to get the lid completely out of the way when drinking, which resulted in little spots of coffee on our testers’ noses with every single sip.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces

MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler

S’well’s water bottles have a cult-like following so we were excited to try the brand’s sleek and simple vacuum-insulated travel tumbler. ​​It did a good job keeping our coffee warm for a couple hours, but it wasn’t noticeably better than most of the other mugs we tried. The stainless-steel and BPA-free plastic lid is actually leak-proof thanks to an airtight flip-top spout cover. However, it flips easily enough we’d be worried about it catching on something in a bag and opening up by accident. Also, as with the Miir above, our testers’ noses got pressed into the piece that flips back while drinking—especially as we got toward the bottom of our hot and cold drinks. This design flaw is less annoying on this mug than it is on the Miir, but it’s annoying nonetheless.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 oz

Sip by Swell Stainless Steel Travel Mug

We can't help but love this vintage-inspired Stanley travel tumbler—but definitely not for coffee. It does a good job of keeping hot drinks hot, but after weeks of testing, we will only ever use it for ice water because following every single sip, a significant amount of whatever liquid is inside accumulates on the top of the supposedly leak-proof trigger-activated spout cover. When that liquid is coffee, you risk leaving little coffee stains everywhere you go. The slim design is really nice to hold and this tumbler fits in every cup holder we tried, but it’s kind of annoying to have to hold down the trigger the entire time you’re drinking.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 16 ounces , 20 ounces

Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug

Ace Hardware

This vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel mug from Ello looks like the kind of old-school speckled enamelware you'd find in your grandparents' house (that’s a good thing). More importantly, it holds heat well and doesn’t leak, though we wouldn’t want to toss it into a bag with any electronics or white clothes. It’s slender enough to fit in some (but not all) car cup holders—and unlike most of the insulated travel tumblers we tested, it has a handle. Technically, this mug is dishwasher safe, but the brand recommends hand-washing, and we’d want to do that anyway since the inside of the handle is lined with cork. There’s also no way to clean with friction under the sliding spout cover. Still, for less than $20, this mug is a good budget pick, especially if you want a cute, leak-proof insulated mug with a handle. But price is often indicative of quality, and while we have yet to encounter any problems, customer reviews indicate issues with long-term durability, and upon closer inspection, we realized we could probably snap off the handle with very little effort. (Intentional damage would not be covered by Ello’s limited lifetime warranty , but accidental breakage might be.) If you want something that will hold up to everyday use, consider investing in something that’s more solidly constructed.

Dishwasher safe: Yes (top rack only, hand wash recommended) Fits in car cup holder: Maybe Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 18 ounces

Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

Like the Ello Campy (above), the Ello Cole is a budget-friendly, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel tumbler with a leak-proof sliding spout cover. It holds heat well and all of the parts are top-rack dishwasher safe, though hand-washing the body is recommended. The Cole also has a cork accent, though on this mug, it’s a “built-in coaster,” which seems rather pointless since a well-insulated mug shouldn’t sweat. While we enjoyed testing this mug, we also worry about long-term durability after reading customer reviews—and the fact that there’s no way to deep clean under the slider lid is concerning, too.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces

Ello Cole Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

The West Loop mug with Contigo’s leak-proof Autoseal lid is very leak-proof, thanks to a lock switch on the top. But even after unlocking the sip lid, you still have to push pretty hard on the autoseal button on the side of the lid to open it enough to get a good swig. In theory, it’s a good system, but when you just want to take a drink of coffee, it’s pretty annoying, especially because the button isn’t very responsive; it often feels like you’re not pushing it hard enough. We also had a really hard time getting the coffee smell out of the lid, even after just one use.

Dishwasher safe: Lid only, top rack Fits in car cup holder: Most Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces , 20 ounces , 24 ounces

Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

The Contigo Autoseal Transit Mug has some nice features that set it apart from the West Loop. There’s a permanently-affixed non-slip silicone textured sleeve and a silicone pad on the bottom, too. But it has Contigo’s Autoseal lid, and though the Transit mug’s push-button mechanism is slightly different from the lid on West Loop (and locks and unlocks by twisting the lid), it’s equally annoying to have to hold down a button as you drink.

Dishwasher safe: Lid only, top rack Fits in car cup holder: Most Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 16 ounces

Contigo Autoseal Transit Stainless Steel Travel Mug

Our testers were divided on this collapsible silicone travel “mug.” It’s really more of a coffee cup to travel with than an actual travel mug, as it’s not insulated and the flip-top lid is more leak-resistant than leak-proof. But if you want something that takes up very little space when not in use, this is a decent option. Simply push down the cup from the top and it becomes about the size of a can of tuna. It also comes in lots of pretty colors and all of the parts are super easy to clean in the dishwasher. On the other hand, keeping track of all those parts (especially the support ring) can be kind of annoying.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 12 ounces , 16 ounces , 24 ounces

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup With Straw

The takeaway

If you want a travel mug that will keep your coffee piping hot (or your cold brew cold) for hours, the Zojirushi stainless steel mug has the best heat retention capabilities of any mug we tested. It’s also completely leak-proof so you can toss it in your bag without worry. The Brumate Nav , while not as great at retaining heat as the Zojirushi, has an equally-secure lid and the added benefit of being dishwasher-safe. For car commuters, we recommend the tumbler-style Yeti Rambler with the Magslide lid . Though not leak-proof, this dishwasher-safe, vacuum-insulated mug is pretty great at preventing spills while also keeping your morning coffee easily accessible—even while you keep your eyes on the road.

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• 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.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 12 Very Best Travel Mugs

Cut back on waste and enjoy a better cup of coffee..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best for cappuccinos
• Best for iced coffee
• Best for commuting
• Best with handle
• Best with replaceable lid
• Best customizable
• Best glass for brewing tea

When I walk into any coffee shop, I see at least a handful of people asking for their morning brew to be poured into their own reusable vessel instead of something disposable. And trust me: Baristas are more than happy to oblige. Every single one of the pros I talked to for this story said that not only are ceramic, glass, and stainless-steel options better for the environment, but they actually make your coffee tastier than paper or plastic. They’re also more convenient — I make my coffee and tea at home the vast majority of the time, but now, I pour it into one of the few reusable mugs I tested for this story whenever I want to take it with me on the go. Not only does that save money, but it keeps my drink hot or cold for longer. And I can sip some, throw it in my bag , and save the rest for later.

All the travel mugs on this list have temperature retention for at least a few hours, with the exception of three, which I’ve noted and explained. While all of them work well, if you’re going to invest in this long-term good habit, you want to find the one that best fits your coffee habits and, of course, aesthetic preference. Read on to help determine which reusable cup, mug, or tumbler is best for you. And if you’re in need of a water bottle , I’ve got you covered there, too.

Update on July 26, 2024: Added an image of the KeepCup in use; updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

Eight or 12 ounces is on the smaller side; both are good for standard cappuccinos or cortados or if you don’t consume all that much coffee or tea. Twenty ounces is pretty big, useful if you’ll be toting your drink around all day without the chance for refills. And then, of course, 16 ounces is somewhere in between.

The type of lid on your travel mug can make a fairly big difference in how you experience drinking. Some have bigger openings, some smaller. Some snap shut; others twist open and close. This can come down to personal preference — meaning the literal mouthfeel of each one. But it’s also important to consider when and how you’ll be using your travel mug, whether that’s commuting by train or car, sitting at a desk, or running errands around your neighborhood.

How to clean

Some travel mugs on this list are dishwasher safe; others need to be cleaned by hand. Take note if that’s an important factor for you.

Best travel mug overall

Volume: 12 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

The MiiR Travel Tumbler is my personal favorite travel mug. I own the smallest size (12 ounces) and love the compact build and sleek shape. I find the grip itself to be secure, too, and slim enough to fit in one hand. The whole lid screws on tight; I’ve never experienced any leaking. It’s especially easy and comfortable to sip from, thanks to the small piece on the lid that flips up and reveals a hole that allows a stream steady enough to get a good mouthful but not so wide open that it spills when I tilt the mug back. This is even the case with iced coffee; the cubes never obstruct the opening or cause uneven flow (though if you mainly drink it this way, one of the larger sizes might be a better choice).

The temperature retention is fantastic, too; I’ve had coffee stay hot — not just warm, but piping — for six hours. Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco, explains that this is thanks to the double-walled interior, which also means it’s never too hot or too cold to hold on the outside. “It’s stainless steel, so it washes really easily,” Morrison says, “and doesn’t hold on to any flavors.” Will Pratt, founder and owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine, agrees that its material makes it a breeze to clean — and that if you have one, you can even just throw it in the dishwasher. “Coffee has sticky oils that leave residue, and there’s nothing worse than a mug that holds that flavor over time,” he says. The final bonus, as mentioned by Morisson, is that it fits into cup holders in both cars and bikes, which “is not always the case.”

Michael Philips, director of content and copy at Blue Bottle , recommends Miir’s standard tumbler . Like the travel model above, the body is made from the same material, slightly tapered towards the bottom, so it still feels good in the hand and fits in cup holders, Philips says. The clear lid “gives you a chance to see what you’re drinking,” he says, and “does a great job stopping sloshes from getting out and onto your hands.”

Best travel mug for cappuccinos

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash only

KeepCup was also mentioned by many of our experts, and in my own testing, I liked it, too. The lid here functions pretty much the same as the MiiR, which means you can sip from the hole or take the whole thing off. Both make for comfortable sipping. But I will note: while there’s a small silicone tag that fits into the sip hole to seal it, it isn’t perfectly leak-proof, meaning this isn’t a mug I would casually throw in my bag. But it’s very nice for taking on walks or bringing coffee-shop brew home.

I was initially nervous the glass would be delicate, but it’s thick and feels sturdy, with a wide cork ring around the perimeter so I can grip without my fingers getting too hot. The glass body also means that there’s not as much heat retention going on as some of the others. (And for Ryan Fisher, director of coffee and roasting at GoodBoyBob Coffee in Santa Monica, California, that’s actually a benefit instead of a problem: The glass gets his coffee to the exact temperature he likes quickly.)

KeepCup was also praised by coffee pros who say its size and shape works well on their side of the counter, too. The small glass vessels were designed by two former baristas in Melbourne, Australia, making it easier for people like Joanna Lareau, coffee manager at Stumptown , and Samya Said, former barista training manager at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea , to do their jobs. Both Lareau and Said say that having a wide mouth and inner slope allows baristas to pour amazing coffee art. Lareau also notes that the small size fits cortados and cappuccinos well. “Some reusable cups are so big they don’t fit into the espresso machine,” she says.

Best travel mug for iced coffee

Volume: 8, 12, and 16 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid | How to clean: Hand-wash only

Fellow is generally a favorite brand among industry folks (I’m a big fan of their electric kettle in particular). As with all their products, the travel mug has a streamlined look. Even though you can’t throw it in the dishwasher, Morrison says the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean. And it retains hot and cold temperatures with the best of them. But the coolest feature of all? “There’s a small guard insert at the top,” Morrison says, “so if you’re drinking iced coffee, the cubes don’t fall back onto your face when you get towards the bottom.”

Best travel mug for commuting

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

The Zojirushi, which was also a top pick for reusable water bottles , comes with a lot of the same perks as many others on this list — namely fantastic temperature control and a slim, sleek, and lightweight body. We’ve been recommending it since 2016 in large part because the water bottle keeps drinks at the same temperature as they were when you initially filled it. “One time, I made coffee early one winter morning and brought it to work in my Zojirushi. When I got to the office after walking through freezing temperatures and snow, the coffee was too hot,” wrote Laura Perciasepe in her review of this Japanese mug . “I put an ice cube in it like a philistine.”

But according to tea consultant Sara Shacket , its most impressive quality is that it’s completely airtight. “It really doesn’t leak,” she says. “I’ve used it during many commutes on the subway, thrown in my bag, and was never worried. Same if I was hiking on a trip. It could be upside-down and it wouldn’t leak.” Cookbook author and recipe developer Carla Lalli Music , who owns multiple Zojirushi models, echoes this sentiment, saying, “It has the most bustproof cap in the biz.” Ilana Glazer likes her so much, she brings it onstage, in large part because it’s “so sleek in its design and so quick to open and close.”

Best travel mug with a handle

Volume: 10 to 24 ounces | Lid type: Slide lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

If you prefer a mug with a handle, I recommend this Yeti option. Steven Sadoff, founder of New York City’s Ground Support , has many travel mugs (including the MiiR and the Fellow above), but he finds the handle on this one particularly convenient when he’s driving because even though it doesn’t fit in a cup holder, he can easily grab it and sip with control. “It makes for a pretty comfortable drinking experience,” he says, “especially as you get close to the end of your coffee.” The same applies when he meets friends for a coffee outside because “you can gesticulate wildly without spilling.” Aside from the handle, he appreciates that the mug seals incredibly tightly, keeps liquid hot for hours, and is dishwasher safe. Rhiannon Giddens is another fan , saying that Yeti bottles keep liquid “hot or cold for a millennia.”

Best less expensive travel mug with a handle

Volume: 8 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Slide lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

MiiR also makes a sweet travel mug that mimics an actual handled mug, and it also came recommended by multiple experts. Em Orendorff, former manager at Intelligentsia Coffee , likes it because “it’s shaped just like the mugs we use in the café (short and wide with a great handle), so it’s a breeze for baristas to make your drink in it as well as easy to clean and to drink out of.” Caleb Chauncey, former barista at East Pole Coffee Co. in Atlanta, likes that its insulated interior keeps drinks warm or cold for long periods of time, and it keeps a consistent temperature on the outside too. “It won’t burn your hand if you have a hot beverage inside, and it won’t sweat when you have a cold one,” he says. To me, it seems like the perfect camping companion. It’s also worth noting that it comes in the largest range of sizes of any of the mugs we’ve listed.

Best travel mug with a replaceable lid

Volume: 12 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid or sip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Hydro Flask is another go-to for water (in fact, I named it our best-overall bottle). Here, the Flex Sip lid makes it especially easy to use on the go, keeping your coffee contained as you drink. Plus you can dangle the mug with one finger from the looped handle. If you already own a Hydro Flask, you can buy the lid separately and just replace your old one. The company says it’s dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended — though my boyfriend and I have been putting our own Hydro Flasks in the dishwasher for months now, and there hasn’t been any damage.

Best no-leak travel mug

Volume: 12 and 17 ounces | Lid type: Screw top double lid | How to clean: Handwash recommended

This tumbler has an extra-secure double-lid system to prevent leaks. You take both lids off to fill the bottle, then twist in the first one that has a few holes around the perimeter to sip from, and then add the fully closed screw top over that. Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa loves this feature, he says, because there are no small flip-up or sliding parts that can open by accident. Once, he had to stuff it into his backpack while traveling and thought he was going to open it to find coffee stains on his clothes , but everything inside stayed clean and dry. Plus, “the actual lid where you drink from and makes contact with your lips never touches the exterior of your bag, or wherever you’re stashing it,” Rellosa says. Julia Shaw, director of marketing at NYC’s Devoción Coffee , is another fan. She says the bottle keeps liquid hot or cold for a long time and has an “elegant” aesthetic appeal.

Best travel mug with open hole lid

Volume: 8.5 and 12 ounces | Lid type: Sip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Kinto’s To-Go Tumbler has a very small but always-open sip hole, which means it’s best suited for when you’re sitting at a desk or on a walk holding the tumbler in your hand. This means your drink will stay hot for about an hour and cold for several hours, but it’s not going to retain its temperature all day long. That said, it’s still a favorite of a couple of our experts. For ​​ Haley Boyd , a designer and sustainability enthusiast, this is mostly because of the aesthetic. “It’s an attractive, simple shape in a solid color without a huge logo, which is surprisingly hard to find,” she says. But for Noah McKeown, general manager at Go Get Em Tiger in Los Angeles, who uses his nearly every day, it’s more than just looks. “I like the small-hole sip lid,” he says. “I think the flow-out of it is really nice. It never spills, but you still get a lot of the coffee aromatics out of it.”

Best customizable travel mug

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Button lid or straw lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Not only does this ceramic-lined mug hit the mark on functionality, but it allows you to customize way beyond size. You choose between a lid with a button-release or a built-in straw and then pick from a bunch of pretty, muted tones, either making it monochrome or designing it so that the body, lid, and button are all different colors.

It’s super effective, too. I tested a button-release version: While you unscrew the lid fully to fill the vessel, you press down on a circle flush with the top that opens another much smaller hole to sip from. This releases a slow and steady stream of liquid when you tip the mug back. Even when I was walking around with it, I never had to readjust how I was holding or maneuvering it, and no amount of turning it upside down or jostling led to any leaking. And the temperature retention (for both hot and cold drinks) is great — my coffee stays hot for about four hours, and last summer, I could hear ice clinking around after that same amount of time when I was out and about on a hot day.

Best glass travel mug for brewing tea

Volume: 7 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Often, tea-brewing tumblers have a metal insert that’s filled with tea leaves and steeped in water. That means that once the appropriate amount of time has passed, you either have to remove the strainer — which can be impractical, if you’re on the go — or just leave the leaves inside, which can cause your drink to turn bitter. But not with this tumbler. Daniela Titiun, tea sommelier and author of Tea Cachai , tried many models before landing on the Oneisall, which she says has “the smartest system.” It functions by dividing the vessel in half with a filter. One side houses the leaves; the other, the water. This allows you to turn the bottle upside down to infuse and then right side up when you’re ready to unscrew and sip. (There’s a helpful video on the product page.) While the glass means this mug is non-insulating, the double walls help retain heat for about an hour, and at only seven ounces, it should be easy to finish by then. Plus, as Titiun notes, you can easily re-brew for a second time with the same leaves.

Best stainless-steel travel mug for brewing tea

Volume: 16 ounces | Lid type: Sip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

Like the model above, this travel mug brews tea without an infuser sitting in your water — but instead of the flip method, it has a more traditional tea press that you push down once the steep time is over (similar to a French press ). The grip is comfortable, so I often take it with me on late-afternoon walks, and the twist-off lid is extremely tight. It hasn’t ever spilled, even when jostled in my tote bag . There are small sip holes around the perimeter of the top of the infuser so you can drink from any angle, all while the flow of liquid is slow and controlled. Finally, because of the stainless-steel insulation, it stays at temperature for hours; when I brew it before I go upstairs for the evening, it’s still hot when I drink from it before bed.

Some more travel vessels we’ve written about

Our experts

• ​​ Haley Boyd , designer and sustainability enthusiast • Caleb Chauncey, former barista at East Pole Coffee Co. • Ryan Fisher, director of coffee and roasting at GoodBoyBob Coffee • Joanna Lareau, coffee manager at Stumptown • Noah McKeown, general manager at Go Get Em Tiger • Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee • Carla Lalli Music , cookbook author and recipe developer • Em Orendorff, former manager at Intelligentsia Coffee • Will Pratt, founder and owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters • Jeremy Rellosa , Strategist writer • Steven Sadoff, founder of New York City’s Ground Support • Samya Said, former barista training manager at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea • Sara Shacket , tea consultant • Julia Shaw, director of marketing at Devoción Coffee • Daniela Titiun, tea sommelier and writer of Tea Cachai

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The Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Road Trips, Park Strolls, and Your Morning Commute

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If you’re a Coffee Person, or frankly, if you’re a Hot Beverage Person™ of any kind, we probably don’t need to explain to you the importance of a great travel coffee mug. Because while we all might dream of a world in which we get to sip each and every cup of joe from our favorite handmade ceramic mug while curled up on the couch (with a cat purring on our laps and a roaring fire going, perhaps), the reality is, whether we’re commuting, dropping kids off at school, or headed on a road trip, most of us need to satisfy our caffeine cravings on the go.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Kinto Vacuum Insulated Travel Tumbler

Amazon (12-Ounce)

Yeti Rambler 8-Ounce Stackable Cup

Hitch Water Bottle

Free People

Bespoke Post

Hitch (Preorder)

There are lots of different kinds of travel coffee mugs, and the best travel mug for you will depend on a few things: Are you transporting a tumbler via subway, or taking it on a daylong road trip? Do you need a mug that’ll keep your beverage hot for hours on end? Are you sick of carrying around a coffee tumbler and a water bottle, and curious about an option that could serve as both? (If you didn’t know this was a possibility, get excited.) Read on for our list of expert-tested and editor-recommended travel coffee mugs that’ll cover all of these bases and more.

The best travel coffee mug for tossing in your bag: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

Pros: Leakproof, slim, and retains heat well Cons: Not dishwasher safe

This is an insulated travel mug that really delivers on keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. So, if you’re the type who wants to enjoy a cup of coffee at your office desk that’s just as hot as when it came from the coffee maker, or you take an hour to reach the bottom of a single cup of tea, the Zojirushi stainless steel mug will work for you. And if you need a travel mug that you can toss in your bag alongside your laptop without the risk of catastrophic spillage, this stainless steel vacuum insulated number is the one.

Japanese brand Zojirushi’s rice cookers consistently win the product tests conducted by our sister publication Epicurious. The brand’s stainless steel travel mug meets those same high standards: It was a top pick in the Epicurious travel mug review thanks to its excellent heat retention, slim, lightweight design, and a sliding lock mechanism on the leak-proof lid that ensures your bag and its contents will be safe from any spillage, no matter how much the mug gets jostled around. With 12-, 16-, and 20-ounce sizes and a rainbow of colors to choose from, we’re confident there’s a Zojirushi mug for all you train commuters and gym bag carriers, whether you prefer a flashy candy apple red or an understated matte black. And if you’re the lunch-packing type, Zojirushi also makes some of our favorite vacuum insulated thermoses for all of your soup and stew needs.

While this mug is not dishwasher safe (that’s true with most vacuum insulated tumblers), a nonstick coating makes the interior easy to clean, and the flip-top lid comes apart for easy hand washing. Because of its narrow opening, you might want to pick up a soft bottle brush to help give your bottle a deep clean every once in a while.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces Warranty: 5 years

Another great leak-proof travel coffee mug: Kinto Travel Tumbler

Pros: Leakproof, durable, and heat-retentive Cons: Screw-top cap, not dishwasher safe

This vacuum-insulated travel tumbler from Kinto has garnered a loyal fanbase here at Bon Appétit for a few reasons. Associate social media manager Olivia Quintana and senior cooking editor Emma Laperruque both love the screw-top design: While it’s not quite as easy-access as a flip lid, “It means when I'm not using it it's super sealed and never ever leaks,” says Olivia. Emma stashes a full tumbler in her bag alongside her laptop, noting that she’s used it for years without once running into a spillage situation. “It also insulates wildly (I can forget my tea for hours and it's still hot).” That’s because like the other mugs on this list, the Kinto features double-wall vacuum insulation that’s great at maintaining temperatures both hot and cold.

The Kinto has also proven very durable. Emma notes that she’s “had it for a long time, and the color coating has not chipped or scratched at all—and I am not precious with it.” Speaking of that color coating, this mug comes in ten matte colorways that range from a jewel-toned turquoise to earthy ash green, and the sleek design makes it a great choice for any minimalist aesthetes out there. Laperruque likes the smaller, 12-ounce size because it’s easy to slip in her bag without weighing her down, but Kinto also makes a 17-ounce version for people who need a bit more of a caffeine boost in the morning.

This mug is not dishwasher-safe, but it completely disassembles (even down to the silicone gaskets) for easy handwashing.

Dishwasher safe: No Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Yes Sizes available: 12 ounces, 17 ounces Warranty: 30 days for manufacturing defects

The best travel coffee mug for car rides: Yeti Rambler

Pros: Easy to open and close with one hand, stackable, heat retentive Cons: Not spill-proof

Yeti is another perpetual staff favorite brand. The cooler giant’s travel coffee tumblers are the go-to pick for multiple staffers, specifically when they’re looking to take their beverage on the road. (The Yeti Rambler was the top-scoring mug for road trips in the Epicurious tests as well.) That’s because Yeti’s Rambler mugs are equipped with “MagSlider” lids that are easy to open and close with one finger while your other hand stays on the wheel. “They have the best sip lids in the game,” says commerce editor Carina Finn, “and even though I'm a certified Straw Person, I actually love drinking from these.”

While the Yeti Rambler comes in a handled mug shape , both Carina and Bon Appétit production manager Matt Carson are partial to the tumbler style, which comes in 8-, 16-, 20-, and 30-ounce sizes, all of which fit in a standard car cup holder. “I like the 8-ounce size for hot coffee, and the adorably chunky 16-ounce for iced coffee season,” says Carina, while Matt typically opts for the 20-ounce size. Another excellent feature? “They're stackable,” says Carina. “So they take up less space in my cabinet (which means I can snap up any of the brand's limited edition colors I get way too excited about).”

As with the other tumblers on this list, the vacuum insulated construction of these guys keeps drinks at a consistent temperature for hours on end, whether you’re into hot or cold beverages. “I once left it in my car all weekend full of water and ice cubes, and there was still solid ice in there on Sunday afternoon,” says Matt. Unlike the Zojirushi and the Kinto, this tumbler is dishwasher safe.

Dishwasher safe: Yes Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: No Sizes available: 8 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 30 ounces Warranty: 5 years

Yeti Rambler 16-Ounce Stackable Cup

Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Stackable Cup

The travel coffee mug that is also a water bottle: Hitch Bottle and Cup Kit

Pros: Combines the functions of a water bottle and coffee mug Cons: It’s bulky when the pieces stack

Senior service editor Kelsey Youngman needed to tick a lot of boxes when picking a travel coffee cup. She wanted something that “was pleasant to sip from, kept my coffee hot, was dishwasher-safe, and was also somehow a water bottle because I kept forgetting to drink water alongside my morning brew.” If you have been clogging your backpack or purse with separate coffee cups and water bottles and Kelsey’s plight strikes a chord with you, the Hitch Bottle and Cup Kit is the answer to your problems. “It’s a nifty insulated water bottle with a just-right sized 12-ounce coffee cup nestled inside (the coffee cup slips in between the insulated layers of the bottle when it’s not in use),” explains Kelsey. If you're having a hard time visualizing what exactly that all entails (as I admittedly did), the product page on the Hitch website has a handy video to help with that.

If you want to use the coffee cup and water bottle separately, each comes with its own lid so they’re fully functional whether they’re screwed together or not. And if you want carry your water and coffee in one hand, the coffee cup snaps right onto the top of the water bottle for easy transportation. And before you ask: Yes, it’s all BPA-free and dishwasher safe (though hand wash is recommended for the outer shell, which detaches from the bottle’s double-wall insulated stainless steel interior).

Two final selling points: Both components of the Hitch bottle are mostly leakproof (not as fully leakproof as the Zojirushi or the Kinto), and will fit in most standard-sized cup holders. So yes, this truly is the travel coffee mug that does it all. “I’ve never been more hydrated and caffeinated all at once,” says Kelsey.

Dishwasher safe: Yes (hand wash recommended for the outer shell) Fits in car cup holder: Yes Leakproof: Mostly Sizes available: 1 size (18 ounce water bottle and 12 ounce coffee mug) Warranty: 30 days for manufacturing defects

How we chose the best travel coffee mugs

We leaned on the rigorous product testing conducted by our sister brand Epicurious (for more info on the rest of the travel mugs they tested including the Contigo West Loop, the Fellow Carter Slide Mug, and more from brands like Miir, Hydro Flask, and Klean Kanteen, head right this way ). But we also gathered recommendations directly from our staff, whose expertise and real life experience using the products over a long period of time were crucial in informing our mug picks.

What about those big Stanley Cups?

Chances are you’ve seen these massive handled tumblers around, whether on social media or perched on your officemate’s desk. At 40 ounces in capacity and available in over 20 hues (with limited-edition color releases that invariably sell out in days if not hours), the Stanley Cup —or the Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler, as it’s formally called—has gained a loyal and lasting following over the past couple of years. And while it’s known as a water bottle (you’ll find it all over #WaterTok ), you may not have realized it can be used for hot beverages too. The vacuum-insulated stainless steel is extremely effective at keeping drinks hot—when I went to test how well the insulation on mine worked, I found a full cup of boiling water still be scalding five hours later—and when the straw is removed the cap can be rotated to reveal a spout opening for sipping.

The thing is, 40 ounces is a comically large amount of coffee for anyone to be drinking, let alone carrying around, and it’s probably more herbal tea than anyone could plausibly desire in a sitting. But if you require superhuman amounts of caffeine to get you through the day, or if the idea of having a hot beverage that’ll last you an entire six-hour road trip entices you, maybe the Stanley is your perfect match. It does effectively keep cold drinks cold, so you could use it for a whole morning’s worth of cold brew.

It’s worth noting that the Quencher does come in some more manageable sizes, the smaller of which do not have handles and while perhaps less trendy, would probably be better suited for your coffee needs.

Stanley Quencher 40-Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

Stanley Quencher 14-Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

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

• Coffee & Tea

I Tested 15 Travel Mugs to Find the Best Ones for Coffee and Tea

My top picks from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto are hot, hot, hot.

Serious Eats / Irvin Lin

The Winners, at a Glance

What we learned, the criteria: what to look for in a travel mug, our favorite travel mugs, the competition.

• Why We're the Experts

Straight to the Point

Our favorite travel mug is from Zojirushi . It keeps coffee and hot beverages warm for a remarkably long time and has a locking flip lid. For coffee and tea enthusiasts, the Fellow Carter Move Mug has a thinner-edged lip that offers a better drinking experience. 

After working at a coffee shop right out of college, I stopped drinking caffeine. It was the inevitable result of having way too much of it (post-college, I did not understand moderation) and coming home with my hair, skin, and clothes smelling of it chronically. But years later, after getting married to a coffee enthusiast (some would say snob), I came back to my love of coffee.

Though I now work from home and can savor my coffee slowly out of a mug, my husband often needs to bring his second cup of coffee on the go. Coupled with the extensive camping and road-tripping we do, travel mugs of all sorts have started to accumulate in our kitchen cabinets.

This is all to say: A review of travel mugs is right up my alley. I set out to test 15 of them to see which ones retained heat and cold best, were comfortable and easy to use, didn’t leak, and offered the best drinking experience. 

The Best Overall Travel Mug

Zojirushi sm-sc48hm stainless steel vacuum insulated mug.

This travel mug is deceptively lightweight, yet still holds 16 fluid ounces of coffee or tea. It retains heat for a remarkably long time (longer than any other mug I tested). The lid not only opens up with a simple click of a button but also locks shut with a side switch, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally opening. 

The Best Travel Mug for Coffee and Tea Enthusiasts

Fellow carter move mug.

The Fellow Carter Move Mug is designed with coffee enthusiasts in mind. Its heat and cold retention was second only to the Zojirushi and the inner chamber of the mug is ceramic-lined for a neutral flavor. The thin lip of the mug made drinking coffee out of it a pleasure.

Another Good Travel Mug

Kinto day off tumbler.

The Kinto Day Off Tumber is another excellent option for coffee and tea lovers. The top has a looped handle that makes it easy to carry around and the inner lid has a built-in splash guard. It also retains heat and cold for an exceptionally long time.

Note: If a temperature-controlled travel mug is what you're interested in (where you can set and hold the temperature for a prolonged period of time), then the Ember is the one to get. We tested temperature control mugs separately .

• Heat Retention Test One (without Lid): I filled each travel mug with 212°F boiling water, then left the lid off. I inserted a ChefAlarm 's probe (our favorite probe thermometer ) and set the alarm to 140°F to see how long it took for the temperature to drop. 
• Heat Retention Test Two (with Lid): I filled each travel mug with 212°F boiling water, and then placed the lid on. I took temperature readings each hour to see how long it took for it to drop to 140°F.
• Cold Retention with Lid: I filled each travel mug with 36°F cold water, and then put the lid back on. I placed the mugs in an oven with the light on, monitoring the temperature of the oven to keep it within 80 to 85°F, to simulate a warm day. I took temperature readings each hour to see how long it took for the water to reach 60°F.
• Leak Test: I filled each travel mug with water and placed the lid back on. I vigorously shook the travel mug upside down to see how much it would leak.
• Drinking Test: I filled each mug with 12 ounces of freshly brewed coffee , carrying it around the apartment and outside on walks and drinking from it to see how the user experience was.
• Cleaning Test: After each test, I thoroughly cleaned the mugs and lids.

Screw Tops Didn’t Leak Like Pop Tops

The travel mugs I tested had two types of lids. One style screwed onto the mug’s body and the other popped on and had a rubber gasket that held the lid in place. The latter were easier to put on, as all you needed to do was push the lid onto the body. However, these mugs all leaked...some worse than others. 

Conversely, most of the screw-on lids I tested did not leak much, if at all as long as they were put on properly. The bottom line: Get a travel mug with a screw-on lid and double-check that the lid is properly aligned and seated to avoid leakage.

Drink Buttons Were Annoying

Some lids, like the Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel and Stanley Classic Trigger , require pressing a button to drink from the mug. In theory, this seems like a great idea, as it only requires one hand and could prevent leakage. However, continually pressing a button for extended periods causes hand fatigue, especially if you have mobility or strength issues. This was especially noticeable with the Stanley mug, which had a stronger spring that required more pressure and strength to press.

Lid Design and Drinking Experience

Some lids (like the Camelbak , Yeti Rambler Tumbler , and Yeti Rambler Mug ) featured thick plastic lids with drink holes set slightly back from the edge. Drinking from them felt bulky and cumbersome. Other lids, like the Simple Modern Kona Collection , had a latch right near the opening, hitting my bottom lip as I sipped. My favorite travel mugs had thinner lid edges (like the Zojirushi and Fellow ) or rounder-edged lids (like the Kinto ), which felt more natural and pleasant to drink from. Both the Fellow and the Kinto also allowed you to drink from the mug in any direction.

Heat and Cold Retention

The travel mugs that had the best heat retention also, unsurprisingly, kept liquids cold longer as well. The Zojirushi blew every other mug away on both accounts, taking over 14 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and nearly 20 hours for 38°F water to warm up to 60°F. The second-best mug in these tests, the Fellow , took a respectable 10 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and 6 hours to go from 38°F to 60°F. The Kinto mug also took 10 hours to drop down to 140°F and 13 hours to get to 60°F. With these three mugs, you could carry around your coffee or tea and it'll stay hot or cold nearly all day.

On the flip side, some of the worse performing mugs, like the Hydro Flask and Corkcicle , dropped temperature alarmingly fast, from 212°F boiling to 140°F in just three hours and 38°F to 60°F in about eight hours. Most folks drink their coffee and tea within a few hours of brewing it, but if you prefer your coffee piping hot or you have a long commute, it’s nice to have a mug that'll go the distance.

Look for a travel mug that has a double-walled, vacuum-sealed body for the best heat and cold retention. Select a travel mug that has a screw-on lid. Pop-on lids are more convenient but leaked. Pick a travel mug that has a rounded or thinner lip for the most pleasant drinking experience.

And, finally, get a travel mug that's suitable for your lifestyle. If you are constantly on the road, look for a mug that's lightweight, easily opens up with just one hand, and fits in your car's cup holder. If you're a long-distance commuter on public transit, find a mug that retains heat exceptionally well and can be safely tossed into a bag.

What we liked : The Zojirushi retained heat and cold for a remarkably long time, longer than any mug I tested. The 212°F boiling water took a little over 14 hours to cool down to 140°F, while cold 36°F water took over 20 hours to warm up to 60°F. The flip-top was easy to use, with a simple button that popped it open. There’s a secondary latch that locks the lid, too.

The mug has a thin plastic lip and the lid comes apart into two pieces, which makes it easier to clean. The inside features a nonstick coating, preventing stains. Best of all, this slim travel mug is incredibly lightweight.

What we didn’t like: The heat retention of the mug is one of its best features. But it also means freshly brewed coffee takes a while to cool down to a drinkable temperature. If you plan on drinking the coffee from the travel mug immediately, make sure to let the coffee cool before pouring it in. Otherwise, you might scald your tongue with each sip. 

Also, the opening of this travel mug is narrower than other models. This made it more challenging to clean. (You’ll want a bottle brush for the task.) 

• Material: Stainless steel with nonstick coating and BPA-free plastic
• Dimensions: 2.625 inches diameter; 8.5 inches tall
• Dishwasher-safe: No
• Stated capacity: 16 fluid ounces
• Fits in a car’s cup holder: Yes
• Weight: 7 ounces

What we liked : The Fellow Carter Move Mug is great if you prioritize the coffee or tea-drinking experience. The interior chamber of the travel mug is ceramic lined, to help prevent any metallic taste that a cheaper stainless steel model might impart to your coffee or tea. The thin metal edge of the mug feels great on your lips and allows you to drink in whatever direction you pick the mug up from.

The mug features a removable “splash guard” insert that looks a bit like a sink drain. This prevents hot liquid from splashing outwards. The double-walled, vacuum-sealed body retained heat, taking over 10 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and 16 hours to rise from 36°F to 60°F.

What we didn’t like: The mug's lid requires you to unscrew it and you need two hands to do so. This also means you have a lid that you need to carry (or put down) when you're drinking. That said, Fellow does sell an optional slide lid (which I did not test).

• Material: Stainless steel with ceramic interior coating
• Dimensions: 3 inches diameter; 7.25 inches tall
• Weight: 12.5 ounces

What we liked : The Kinto is a well-constructed, lightweight mug that retained heat and cold for fairly long, taking nearly 10 hours to cool 212°F boiling water down to 140°F and 13 hours for 36°F water to warm up to 60°F. The mug itself features a two-part top, one that screws onto the body and acts as a splash shield, and one that's a sealing lid with a looped handle.

The first splash shield offers a tapered lip and allows you to drink from all sides of the mug. Like the Fellow, this makes it a pleasure to drink from. The handle on top of the sealing lid is nice for carrying, too. 

What we didn’t like: Because the Kinto mug has two parts to the lid that screws onto the body, there is twice the chance of user error where you can misalign the threads and not properly screw on the lid. Like the Fellow, the Kinto lid screws on, which means it requires two hands to remove it. Unlike the Fellow, though, the lid does have a handle, so it's easier to wrap your fingers around it and hold on to it, allowing you to drink with one hand.

• Material: 18-8 Stainless steel powder coated, with polypropylene and silicone
• Dimensions: 2.75 inches diameter; 9 inches tall
• Stated capacity: 16.9 fluid ounces
• Weight: 10.5 ounces
• Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug : Contigo makes reasonably priced travel mugs and this one does a good job retaining heat and cold. But the shape of the lid and its small opening meant coffee pooled on top of the lid between sips, which caused dribbling and spilling.
• Hydro Flask All-Around Stainless Steel Tumbler with Lid : The Hydro Flask travel mug lost heat the quickest of all the mugs I tested, and the pop-on lid leaked.
• Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Tumbler : This Yeti Rambler had a pop-on lid that leaked and didn’t retain heat or cold very well.
• MiiR Flip Traveler: This solidly constructed, lightweight mug was easy to use and retained heat and cold better than most of the mugs I tested. Unfortunately, it leaked a bit, no matter how much I tightened or screwed on the lid.
• Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug: Unlike the Yeti tumbler we tested, this Yeti mug had a screw-on lid that didn’t leak. It also retained heat and cold for a respectable amount of time. But the thick plastic lid made drinking out of the mug less pleasant than our winners.
• Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug : This Contigo mug did a decent job with retaining heat and cold, but having to hold down a button to drink was tedious.
• Simple Modern Travel Coffee Mug : This mug lost heat and cold relatively quickly.
• Corkcicle Commuter Cup : Unfortunately, this mug lost heat extremely quickly (in just over three hours).
• W&P Porter Insulated Tumbler : I loved the feel of this tumbler and its colorful design. But the insulated tumbler lost heat relatively quickly and leaked terribly when turned upside down.
• CamelBak Horizon Tumbler : The Camelbak tumbler did a poor job of retaining heat and cold. It also had a snap-on lid that leaked.
• Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug : The rugged and durable mug felt like what your grandfather probably drank from as he backcountry hiked his way across the Rocky Mountains. It’s built to last a lifetime (and is backed with a lifetime warranty as well). And it did a good job retaining heat and cold. But it's slightly annoying to drink from since you have to push a button to sip. And when you did, the coffee flowed out very slowly.
• Simple Modern Insulated Thermo s: This travel mug did a great job retaining heat and cold. But the small lid had a flip-top with a locking latch that protruded fairly high, bumping into my bottom lip.

How do you clean coffee or tea stains off of a stainless steel travel mug?

Sprinkle some baking soda (about one to two teaspoons) into the mug and add water to form a paste. Gently scrub with a damp cloth, soft sponge, or bottle brush. The mildly abrasive baking soda should remove the stains.

How do you maximize the heat and cold retention of a travel mug?

For hot beverages, warm up the inside of the travel mug by pouring hot water (it can from the tap) into the mug, letting it sit for a couple of minutes, and empty the mug. Then, add your coffee or hot beverage. For cold drinks, cool the inside by pouring in water and adding a few ice cubes, swirling the cubes around, then drain it and add the cold beverage.

What size travel mug is best?

For most folks, a 12- or 16-ounce travel mug is sufficient. If you're a hardcore coffee drinker or you travel a longer distance for work, a larger 20-ounce mug might be a better fit.

How do you clean a travel mug lid?

If your travel mug's lid disassembles, take it apart. Then soak the lid in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and thoroughly rinse.

What is the best travel mug?

After testing, the Zojirushi travel mug came out on top, with a convenient flip-top and excellent insulation. But if you prioritize the coffee-drinking experience, the Fellow Carter Move Mug and Kinto Day-Off Tumbler are also excellent.

What travel mug won't leak?

All of our favorite travel mugs (from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto) are leak-proof. The Zojirushi features a flip-cap that locks, while the other two have screw-on lids that prevent accidental spills.

Why We're the Experts

• Irvin Lin is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist.
• He wrote the cookbook Marbled, Swirled, and Layered , which was picked by the New York Times as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016.
• He runs a blog called Eat the Love , where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010. Eat the Love was nominated twice for best food blog by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) in 2016 and 2022.
• He has served as a judge for the 2021 IACP Cookbook Awards and served on the executive committee for the 2022 IACP Cookbook Awards. He currently serves on the 2024 Book Awards Committee for the James Beard Foundation.
• He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items including stand mixers and indoor herb gardens .
• For this review, Irvin tested 15 travel mugs, evaluating their insulation, usability, and more to find the best ones.

More Serious Eats Recipes

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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

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The Best Travel Mugs for Hot or Cold Sips on the Go

Easier on your wallet and the environment

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

How We Tested Travel Mugs

• What to Look For

Types of Travel Mugs

About our testers, why trust the spruce eats.

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Whether you drink coffee, iced tea , or water, a travel mug is a handy accessory that keeps you caffeinated or hydrated on the go. Owning a travel mug can also save money (no more need to stop at a coffee shop) and cut down on paper and plastic waste. Some people have a few different travel mugs for various occasions, like an extra-durable one for hiking and a cupholder-friendly option for driving to work. No matter where you're headed, we have a travel mug for you below, all of which we've tested ourselves and can recommend firsthand.

To help you make an informed buying decision, we tested more than a dozen of the most popular travel mugs on the market today. Every travel mug was tested for a minimum of one week, and some of them have been used by our staff members for several years. To review the travel mugs, our writers evaluated key areas, including size, design, insulation, and value, and then provided additional insights about what we liked and disliked about each mug.

We Observed:

• How easy the mugs were to clean: We made notes about how rigorous the cleaning process was for each travel mug. Some mugs were dishwasher-safe or only had a couple of parts to clean; others had multiple parts or lids so small that they were difficult to clean by hand.
• How durable the mugs were: Our testers gauged the durability of each mug by traveling with them and putting them in bags if they were leakproof. Some testers have owned mugs on this list for numerous years and, as a result, gave long-term durability insights.
• If any liquids leaked from the mugs: If a mug was labeled as leakproof, our testers shook it upside down over the sink to see if the claims were accurate.
• Design: Our testers rated each travel mug's design on a one-to-five scale. Factors that led to higher design scores included functionality, durability, and a stylish aesthetic.
• Insulation: After using a thermometer and stopwatch to measure drink temperature, we graded each mug on its degree of insulation.
• Value: Finally, we compared the performance of every travel mug to its retail price. Items that lived up to or outperformed their price received higher value-for-money ratings.

Best Overall

Contigo west loop vacuum insulated travel mug.

Effective autolock and anti-spill lid

Can be locked and unlocked with one hand

Keeps drinks hot/cold for hours

A little wide for smaller hands

Plastic lid seems prone to breakage

If you’re looking for a solid, leak-proof travel mug that will keep your coffee hot for up to seven hours, look no further. The Contigo mug is my number one pick for many reasons, the first of which is the “Autoseal” lid. Unlike other travel mugs that have a sliding lid, which is prone to leaks, the Contigo lid has a push button that opens the vacuum seal when you’re ready to drink and closes again when you release the button. (This means you can also use it with one hand.) I was able to carry it around in a bag all day without any leakage. Just keep in mind that this means the lid isn’t interchangeable with any of your other travel mugs.

In addition to hot drinks like coffee or tea , this vacuum-insulated stainless steel mug will keep drinks cold for up to 18 hours depending on whether you buy the 12- or 20-ounce version. You can also choose between seven different colors, so everyone in the family can keep their mug straight.

One of the few drawbacks is that the mug is fairly difficult to clean. If you’re washing the Contigo by hand, be prepared for a bit of an inconvenience as it comes with very specific washing instructions. The lid is dishwasher-safe, but the bottle itself is hand wash only.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 10, 16, 20, or 24 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 9 inches (20-ounce model)

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas 

The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas

Stanley Classic Travel Mug

Highly durable

Great for commuters

Lid is hard to clean

Faint plastic smell first few uses

Stanley is a century-old name known for its array of durable mugs, thermoses, and more. In fact, the company patented all-steel vacuum flasks in 1913. That top-grade technology is bottled into the sleek and simple design of the Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug today. You can purchase the item in three sizes—12, 16, and 20 ounces—as well as five different colors.

We tested the 16-ounce model firsthand and confirmed that it lives up to the brand's claims about temperature retention. Hot coffee stayed warm and drinkable for seven hours, cold coffee lasted 10 hours without ice, and ice water remained refreshing for more than 30 hours. With that in mind, temperature retention varies slightly depending on the size of the mug you buy.

We were pleasantly surprised that the trigger-action lid is completely leakproof. No water escaped even after we shook it upside down over the sink. It's rare to find a mug with a lid as convenient as this one that is also safe to throw in a bag or backpack. It's excellent for hiking, and because it fits in cupholders, it's viable for commuters, too.

We've also used this mug frequently over four years and it shows no signs of slowing down. The item is backed by Stanley's lifetime guarantee. The company claims the bottle can withstand everything from a 4,000-foot drop to a windchill of -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The best part? This lifelong companion is affordably priced, making it one of the top value-for-money options on the market.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12, 16, or 20 ounces | Dimensions: 2.9 x 8.9 inches (16-ounce model)

Best for Hot or Cold

Zojirushi stainless steel mug.

Easy-to-hold design

Fits in most cupholders

Excellent heat retention

Locking mechanism prevents leaks

Hand wash only, many pieces to clean

While most of the mugs on our list work well for hot or cold beverages, they are generally better at one or the other—but that’s not the case with this mug from Zojirushi. It retains drink temperature for at least six hours, no matter if you take your coffee hot or iced. Our experience with the mug was even better than the company advertises: Coffee was warm enough to drink nearly 12 hours after brewing.

Available in 12 and 16 ounces, the Zojirushi mug also wins points for design and easy drinking. The flip-top cap not only stops the mug from leaking, it also keeps the drinking spout protected and clean. The cap includes a lock to keep it from coming undone in your bag, as well.

Cleaning this model is a bit harder than some of the others (a specially designed bottle-cleaning brush is recommended). Several different pieces need to be cleaned thoroughly to avoid staining and mildew buildup. The plastic sipping piece and rubber gasket on the lid can be popped out easily and cleaned separately, though.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12 or 16 ounces | Dimensions: 2.625 x 2.875 x 9.125 inches (16-ounce model)

Best High-Tech

Ember travel mug 2.

Touchscreen display 

Battery lasts up to three hours

360-degree leak-proof lid

Only 12-ounce capacity

Just like many other travel mugs, the sleek Ember Travel Mug² will keep your drink hot throughout your morning commute, but it stands out by using smart technology and a high-tech design. This second iteration of the Ember Travel Mug is lighter and more streamlined than its predecessor, mainly because instead of a manual dial, it features a touch-sensitive control panel.

The mug is "smart" because you can use the panel to control and set its temperature or link the mug to the Ember app via your smartphone. The app essentially serves as a temperature gauge for the mug, notifying you when the set temperature has been reached. This is a nice feature because it eliminates the possibility of burning your mouth.

The Ember Travel Mug²'s best design feature is the lid: It only needs a push to open, is leak-proof, and lets you sip from any side of the mug. Furthermore, the mug's design is ergonomic. It's wider at the top than the bottom and is coated with a matte finish, making it easy to grip and comfortable to hold. We wish it held more—12 ounces isn't a lot for many coffee drinkers—and we don't love the high price point, but you are getting a high-tech product so the cost makes sense.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dimensions: 3.14 x 7.9 inches

The Spruce Eats / Russell Kilgore

The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

The Spruce Eats / Cheyenne Elwell

Best Budget

Copco acadia travel mug.

Safe in both microwave and dishwasher

Colorful grip

Fits in cupholders

Can stack inside each other

Prone to staining

Hole in lid can't be closed

This 16-ounce travel mug works for both hot coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew , and it comes at a budget price. It's designed with a double-wall construction to keep drinks at their temperature longer than a non-insulated cup; however, it’s not made for all-day temperature regulation like some stainless steel mugs. We found hot coffee to be lukewarm just two hours after brewing. The good news is that the mug is microwave-safe, so you can easily reheat drinks should they cool off.

Another advantage of this mug is how easy it is to clean. It's dishwasher-safe, and the lid opening is large enough to clean the inside by hand should you choose to do so. The lid doesn't have a cover, however, so you can’t toss the mug in your bag. Another downside is that the interior is prone to staining. We have owned the mug for nearly four years and it still works like new, but the coffee stains set in after roughly a year.

The cup portion is white, but you can choose from a variety of colored bands, so you always know which one is yours. The bands also serve as coffee collars to protect your hands from scorching temperatures while adding extra grip. There's nothing fancy to this mug, but it's dependable.

Material: BPA-free plastic | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 3.66 x 6.78 inches

Best With Straw

Bubba envy insulated tumbler.

No sweating

Lid seals tightly

Fits in car cupholders

Keeps drinks cold or hot

Can't close hole on lid

Hand wash only

Prefer iced coffee ? Then a travel mug that has a straw might suit your palette more. This model fits in most cup holders and can keep your drink cold for up to 12 hours. You can use the removable plastic straw with the Tritan lid or not, depending on your preference. The one design flaw, however, is that there is no way to completely seal the lid since the hole doesn't include a cover or flap.

The cup is made of stainless steel, so it will repel stains and odors, meaning your lemonade won't taste like yesterday's coffee. The mug even has a lifetime guarantee, so you know it will last. If you’re looking for a durable travel mug that’s designed to hold both hot and cold beverages, the 24-ounce Bubba Envy Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler is a solid option at a price you can afford. While the mug is large and doesn't have a handle, it's surprisingly easy to hold because of indents that circle the cup.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 18, 24, or 32 ounces | Dimensions: 3.62 x 3.93 x 10.54 inches (24-ounce model)

The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan

 The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan

Best Handled

Thermos stainless king travel mug.

Comfortable to hold

Doesn’t fit in all car cup holders

Thanks to the vacuum insulation of most travel mugs, a handle is no longer really a necessity to keep your hand dry from condensation or to prevent it from getting burned, but if you prefer to drink from a handled mug, this version from Thermos is the right pick for you.

Available in five different colors, this 16-ounce mug will keep beverages hot for up to five hours or cold for up to nine hours thanks to the double-wall stainless steel construction. The lid has a “DrinkLock” seal, which opens when you press the lever to the left or right. During testing, there were no spills and coffee stayed hot for longer (even on chilly days). The one drawback (if you even consider it one) is that this mug must be washed by hand.

Tea drinkers will also want to consider this mug since it has a built-in tea hook that accommodates most tea infusers and makes it easy to remove them from the mug. It comes with a five-year limited warranty in case there is an issue.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 16 ounces | Dimensions: 3.3 x 4.9 x 7.8 inches

The Spruce Eats / Rebekah Joan

Best Design

S'well traveler mug.

Multiple sizes and many colors

Great temperature retention

Price varies, can be expensive

Lid isn't ideal for commuting

The S’well Stainless Steel Traveler Mug is inarguably one of the best-designed travel mugs on the market today. Thanks to S’well’s high-end, triple-wall technology, you can rest assured that your drinks will maintain their ideal temperature for hours on end. It performed exceedingly well when we tested it. Coffee stayed hot for 12 hours and, after adding refrigerated coffee without ice, it was still cold 30 hours later.

This mug topped others in the design category because it is cupholder-friendly and available in 17 different color options as well as three sizes: 12, 16, and 20 ounces. The Traveler is completely leakproof and can be trusted in your bag or backpack. Just keep in mind that the lid can't be unscrewed with one hand, so you'll need both hands free if sipping on the go. Also, it's not dishwasher-safe, so to clean it, you can either put a drop of dish soap in and rinse with hot water or use a long bottle brush.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12, 16, or 20 ounces | Dimensions: 3.3 x 9.3 inches

Best for Easy Cleaning

Yeti rambler 20 oz tumbler.

Dishwasher safe

Magnetic lid slides easily

Multiple color options

Not leakproof

The Yeti Rambler comes in three sizes: 10, 20, and 30 ounces. Some travel mugs are too small for a hand to fit inside or have multiple parts to clean. That's not the case with the Rambler. We appreciate that we can reach every nook and cranny of the mug with a sponge. The Rambler is also dishwasher safe when you're not in the mood to wash it by hand.

We've used the mug for more than two years and it's still going strong. We take it in the car a lot because it fits in cupholders and can be sipped with one hand. There's a toggle on the lid, which Yeti calls a Magslider, that's effortless to open with your thumb. One of the only downsides is that the lid isn't leakproof, so we don't throw it in our hiking backpack or messenger bag.

Like most Yeti products, the Rambler effectively keeps drinks hot for around 10 hours or cold for close to 20. It's also sold in more than 10 colors from neutrals to vibrant hues, so you can find one that suits your style.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 10, 20, or 30 ounces | Dimensions: 3.5 x 6.6 inches

 The Spruce Eats / Suzie Dundas

Best Large Capacity

Bubba classic insulated desk mug.

Budget price

Lightweight despite size

Too big for cupholders

Lid has a hole you can't close

This 52-ounce mug is what you'll want to take to the pool, beach, or camping since it holds enough water for several hours. It’s also great for office workers who don’t want to keep running to the water cooler to refill smaller bottles. Of course, the drawback with a mug of this size is that it won’t fit in your cupholder, so this pick is better for non-drive time.

For those who intend to drink hot beverages out of this mug, it doesn't quite have the heat retention that the brand claims. When filled more than halfway full with hot coffee, it was lukewarm less than three hours later. The mug did perform better when tested with cold drinks, however. With refrigerated coffee poured into the mug without ice (as the amount of ice may vary for customers), the coffee was still cold 12 hours later. Another testing observation to note is that the lid opening seemed a little wide, and it was easy to spill when drinking.

As an added bonus, the Bubba 52-Ounce Desk Mug is incredibly durable and can handle being dropped or tossed around in the trunk of your car. The wide, comfort-grip handle feels very sturdy, too.

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 34 or 52 ounces | Dimensions: 7 x 10 inches

Final Verdict

We highly recommend the Contigo Autoseal West Loop because its sleek, durable, and easy to sip on the go thanks to its button-activated lid. As an alternative, the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug is similar in price and quality, and it performed well in our testing process. You can't go wrong with either one.

Other Options We Tested

• Yeti Rambler Mug : Yeti makes a number of reliable travel mugs—not to mention the brand's beloved coolers—but the Rambler mug has too many shortcomings for us to recommend it, starting with its poor insulative properties. The hot coffee we brewed lost temperature rapidly in the mug and, because it's made with stainless steel, it couldn't be reheated in the microwave. Additionally, the lid is not leakproof, which is a feature that's easy to find in a number of other travel mugs out there.
• Ello Campy Travel Mug : The Ello Campy Mug is a stylish, large-capacity option that many customers may enjoy, especially those into the outdoors. While it doesn't have any major defects, it didn't quite make the cut for this list. We found that the paint can chip easily and that it's tricky to clean. On top of that, it's too large to fit in many car cupholders.

What to Look for in a Travel Mug

It doesn’t matter if you’re drinking coffee , tea, or water—every sip from your travel mug should be smooth and easy. That’s why it’s important to figure out the lid style that best suits you. Some of the top options include flip lids, thumb-sliding lids, push-button lids, twist lids, and straw lids. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Customers who prioritize durability or preventing spills, for instance, should choose a more secure style, like a twist lid. Others who want to seamlessly drink from their mug while on the move may prefer a lid that can be opened with one hand. Luckily, lid style does not affect price, so every option should be on the table when you start looking for a travel mug. Many brands also sell lids individually so that users can have multiple options at their disposal.

Temperature Retention

All too often we take a sip of coffee and find it’s gone lukewarm. A reliable travel mug can thwart that dreaded, flavorless middle zone and keep your coffee at the ideal temperature for hours, no matter if it’s hot or iced. Vacuum-insulated mugs, which are typically made from stainless steel, offer the best performance when it comes to temperature retention, while plastic and silicone are the least effective materials. When buying, think about the type of coffee you drink most often (hot or iced) as some mugs are better designed for one or the other.

The length of time that a mug keeps drinks hot or cold is often listed in its product details, but keep in mind that this figure is often based on the item being preheated or precooled before use. We also asked Graham Nearn of the Stanley brand what temperature range the company defines as "hot" and "cold." He told us that when Stanley says a drink stays hot for a certain amount of time, the liquid must be between 140 to 203 degrees; for a drink to be considered cold, it has to fall between 39 and 50 degrees.

Travel coffee mugs come in a variety of sizes. The average capacity is around 16 ounces, though the range extends far on either side of that. Some are no bigger than a regular at-home coffee mug or as small as your best flask ; others are large enough to keep you caffeinated the entire day. Brands often manufacture the same mug in multiple sizes, so if a specific one catches your eye, you can likely find it in a size you love. Customers interested in larger mugs should see if it is microwave-safe or able to retain heat well; otherwise, they may be sipping a lot of cold coffee. Finally, for those who plan on taking their mug in the car, check out customer reviews or product details to ascertain if a mug can fit in your cupholders.

While most travel mugs are made from stainless steel, options are far from limited when it comes to material. Other possibilities include plastic, glass, silicone, ceramic, and bamboo. This choice naturally affects a mug’s aesthetic, as well as larger factors like price, durability, how the item is cleaned, how long it retains heat, and whether condensation appears on the outside. What factors are most important to you? If you want a budget-priced mug that can go in the microwave, plastic is likely the best material for you. If durability and heat retention are higher priorities, you may want to stick with the stainless steel route. Also keep in mind the downsides that certain materials have. Plastic mugs, for instance, can stain and retain coffee odors, while some stainless steel mugs may unfavorably alter the flavor of your coffee.

If you sift through a list of travel mugs, you will likely come across the phrase "18/8 stainless steel." This denotes a type of stainless steel made from 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel.  Graham Nearn  of the Stanley brand says 18/8 stainless steel is often used for drinkware because it's "food-grade, durable, and resistant to corrosion."

Leak-Proof vs. Spill-Proof

Whether walking to class, embarking on a long hike, or heading out for the daily commute, it’s easier to transport a mug if it can be kept inside a bag; that’s where leak-proof travel mugs come in handy. They prevent even the slightest drop from escaping into your bag, no matter what. Make sure to read customer reviews beforehand, however, as some items advertised as leak-proof may not actually be up to the task. There is also a difference between leak-proof and spill-proof. Mugs labeled as spill-proof only prevent major spills from occurring; they are not safe to store in bags since they can still leak.

Taking a travel mug’s design into consideration involves two different paths. First, you can think about the item’s shape or silhouette. Do you want a mug with a handle? Or one thin enough to slide into a bag or backpack? Second, design also involves the many colors and patterns found on the outside of a mug. There is an array of options, from fun and playful to chic and striking, that can convey your personality with every sip.

Not only are most travel mugs affordable, but they also help customers save money by cutting down on daily trips to the coffee shop. The only type likely to break the bank are electric travel mugs. Other than that, budget picks are widely available both in-store and online. Some mugs cost as little as a bag of coffee beans. Size does generally impact price, however, as larger mugs tend to cost more than smaller ones, even if they are the same model. Expect plastic mugs to be the cheapest option, while glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are all slightly more expensive. 

When picturing a travel coffee mug, most envision a tall, tapered item similar to a reusable water bottle, but there are actually many options designed to look exactly like the mugs we use every day at home. Items in this category provide the feel and comfort of a regular coffee mug but with added heat retention and the luxury to take your joe on the go. Because they are smaller in capacity than most travel mugs (usually around 12 ounces), they are also slightly more affordable. Unfortunately, coffee-mug-style travel mugs aren’t leak-proof and don’t fit in cupholders because of their handles.

Portable Coffee Maker

Truly defining on-the-go coffee, there is a category for travel mugs that additionally function as portable brewing devices. They allow users to make coffee and drink it all from the same bottle. This is certainly a less common variety, but it’s still worth consideration, especially for frequent travelers and campers. The majority of portable coffee makers work like French presses. Aptly named “travel presses,” they immerse coffee grounds in water and then push them to the bottom of the mug via a built-in plunger. The second most common type of portable coffee maker utilizes a pour-over brewing method instead.

Well known for their smooth exterior, tumblers are the most popular subcategory of travel mugs. They never have a handle and the body usually tapers to a narrow base, both of which make them cupholder friendly. Tumblers can be used for both hot and cold beverages, but they are especially popular for iced coffee. Many have straw lids for easy sipping. Customers may be familiar with tumblers in other types of drinkware, as they are also used for cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, and general home use.

What is a vacuum-insulated mug?

The phrase “vacuum-insulated” pops up all over the place when searching for travel mugs. It’s also commonly used with another phrase: "double-walled." Both labels denote that a travel mug is built with two different layers, an inner wall and outer wall, and that the space between the layers is partially evacuated of air, creating a vacuum. This design allows drinks to retain their temperature for a longer period of time because they are less exposed to the outside air.

Can I make my travel mug retain temperature longer?

We all want the most out of our products, and this one small tip goes a long way: preheat or pre-cool your travel mug before use. Taking a few extra minutes to let hot or cold water sit in your mug will prime the material for better temperature retention. You can pour hot water from the tap or even boil it for an added boost of heat, all while your coffee is brewing.

How do I clean my travel mug?

Before cleaning, consult the product details or instruction guide to see if the item is dishwasher-safe. This is a common benefit of glass and plastic travel mugs but not stainless steel. If your mug isn’t dishwasher-safe, don’t worry. Cleaning is still quite easy. A simple daily cleaning only requires scrubbing with dish soap and a sponge or gentle brush. Avoid using steel wool brushes and harsh household cleaners on stainless steel mugs. For a more thorough job, allow a solution of vinegar and baking soda to soak inside the mug for several minutes, then rinse and clean with dish soap before using.

Can I add milk to my coffee if it’s in a travel mug?

Most brands advise against putting milk or creamer in thermoses unless it's for a brief amount of time. Bacteria can develop when dairy products are stored at warm temperatures, especially if the travel mug isn't properly cleaned. Graham Nearn of the Stanley brand echoed this thought, telling us: "We don’t recommend putting milk or dairy products in Stanley vacuum bottles or food jars for extended periods of time, as bacteria growth can occur at certain temperatures."

• Cheyenne Elwell is a freelance writer specializing in food and coffee. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Insider, MSN, and her coffee blog BakedBrewedBeautiful.com.
• Suzie Dundas is a freelance writer and editor based in Lake Tahoe, California. Along with The Spruce Eats, her writing has appeared in Forbes, Fodor's, SkyLife Magazine, and Outdoor Sports Guide.
• Rebekah Joan is a writer and blogger located in Northwestern Pennsylvania. She has written for The Spruce Eats since 2019.
• Derek Rose has been The Spruce Eats' coffee and tea expert since 2019. His other work has appeared in Forbes, SPY, and Angi.

This piece was written by  Derek Rose , the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He has owned or tested a number of the items on this list, including the Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug , the Copco Insulated Travel Mug , the S'Well Traveler Mug , and the Bubba 52-Ounce Insulated Desk Mug .

Graham Nearn , the Senior Vice President of Product Creation & Design for PMI Worldwide, was interviewed for this piece. He oversees the Stanley brand, which has manufactured vacuum flasks and more since 1913.

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The 16 Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold on the Move

Good travel mugs are leakproof, durable and stylish. The best ones go even further.

By Hayley Helms and Jack Seemer

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Travel mugs deserve due diligence. You might be tempted to grab whatever mug you see on sale, only to realize later that it leaks or has terrible thermal properties.

Good travel mugs are simple to use, leakproof, durable and stylish. The best ones also fit easily in a cupholder (with some exceptions) and keep your coffee hot or cold for hours on end. These picks do all that and more.

Every product is independently selected. Learn more about our testing methods.

Best Overall Travel Mug

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid Travel Mug

• Fits in standard cupholder
• Dishwasher-safe
• Large variety of color options
• Lifetime warranty
• No extra bells or whistles
• $25 at Amazon $35 (29% off)

Hydro Flask’s double-wall, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel water bottles are known to keep beverages cold or hot all day long, and the same goes for its coffee mugs.

The Wide Mouth Mug keeps cold drinks chilled for a whopping 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. The variety of colors and sizes Hydro Flask offers is wide, the flexible carry handle is comfortable to grip and makes it easy to strap to any pack and the lifetime warranty is sweet.

Best Upgrade Travel Mug

YETI Rambler 20 Ounce Tumbler

• Sturdy design
• Dishwashe-safe
• $35 at Amazon

Yeti is pretty firmly ensconced as the cooler king . No big surprise then that the company makes some pretty damn good mugs, as well.

This double-wall vacuum-insulated option keeps your beverage as hot or cold as you like while also looking good and standing up to the elements. The no-muss Magslider lid makes it even more travel friendly.

Best Budget Travel Mug

RTIC Travel Coffee Mug

• Top-tier insulation
• Comes in multiple sizes
• Hand-wash only
• $23 at Amazon

Rtic makes top-of-the-line coolers , so it’s understandable the brand also crushes the hot beverage game — with style to spare.

Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps each sip toasty, and the 16-ounce capacity ensures there will be plenty such sips.

Brand to Watch

SMMT Outdoor Serpa Tumbler

• Easy to clean
• Doesn't fit cupholders
• $42 at SMMT Outdoor

Created by former Nike execs and located in Park City, Utah, SMMT Outdoor specializes in elevating outdoor gear, and its Serpa Tumbler is no exception.

The leak-proof lid separates into two components — the durable plastic sipping lid and a magnetic base, which doubles as a coaster when sipping lid-free.

The Serpa can hold 16 ounces, and it is shorter and stouter than other insulated mugs. It doesn’t fit in car cupholders (which is a shame) but it’s chic design and ability to keep drinks at their optimal temperatures will probably inspire you to have it in-hand, anyway.

Best Large Travel Mug

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

• Large handle makes carrying easy
• Compatible with all cup holders
• Heavy when full
• $45 at Amazon

Thanks to TikTok, Stanley’s humble Quencher has gone from standard issue to red-hot over the last couple years. If you’re seeing one in practically everyone’s hand, it’s not just the effect of social media: the bottle is that good.

The 40-ounce capacity with cup holder compatibility is spill-proof, easy to drink out of thanks to its reusable straw and easy to grip thanks to its extra-large handle. It’s easy to clean since it’s dishwasher safe, and it comes in a variety of colors.

And, yes, it keeps your drinks at just the temp you want — four hours for warm drinks, and 11 hours for cold beverages.

Innovative Lid Design

Miir 360 Traveler

• Sleek and sophisticated design
• Pricey per ounce
• Only available in smaller sizes
• $28 at Miir

If you’re constantly on-the-go, sometimes it can be a pain to take the time to sip out of one tiny little opening in your travel mug lid. You want options! And Miir offers them with its 360 Traveler.

The unique pop-up design of the lid allows for sipping anywhere around the rim — no thinking required. It’s spill proof, sleek and easy to use.

The lid can be a little annoying to clean, but that’s not anything new in the world of insulated mugs and bottles.

Most Versatile Design

CamelBak MultiBev Water Bottle & Travel Cup

• Easy to share beverages
• Can also store dry goods
• Too tall for daily use
• $40 at Amazon $52 (23% off)

If you’re looking for a travel mug that can do more — and are willing to shell out for it — CamelBak’s Red Dot Design Award-winning innovation is your play.

The insulated 22-ounce bottle features a removable, lidded 16-once cup you can use to reduce waste at a coffee shop, stash snacks and even use to share some of your precious rocket fuel with a friend, if you’re feeling generous.

Best Travel Mug for Long Journeys

Ember Travel Mug 2

• Keeps drinks at a specific temperature for three hours
• Not for cold drinks
• Requires setup
• $120 at Amazon

If you’re the type to let your coffee or tea go cold, just to microwave it and let it go cold again, then the Ember 2 should be on your radar.

Yes, other insulated mugs and bottles can keep your favorite drink semi-hot for up to six hours. But Ember’s keeps your coffee, tea or other hot beverage at the same exact temperature for three hours.

Classic Travel Mug

Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Mug

• Comfortable handle
• White lid stains easily
• $18 at Amazon

If you love to get outdoors, this backcountry-inspired travel mug looks just like the ceramic mugs that used to be everyone’s go-to for camping.

The sliding leak-proof lid keeps things hot and secure for up to five hours. We recommend pairing this mug with some easy-to-make camp coffee like Kuju’s pour-over grounds or Alpine Start’s instant coffee.

Best Travel Tumbler

CamelBak Horizon 10 Ounce Rocks Tumbler

• Fits easily in your hand or pack
• Non-slip silicone base
• Won't hold a standard 12-ounce can of beer
• $16 at Amazon $19 (16% off)

Camelbak’s small-but-mighty 10 ounce tumbler is perfect for keeping drinks — alcoholic or not — chilled and ready for sipping at a moment’s notice.

The double-walled insulated stainless steel is powder-coated for a sweat-free finish: use this for your afternoon cocktail this weekend, and you won’t get those annoying drops rolling off every time you raise your glass to take a refreshing sip.

CamelBak’s non-slip silicone pad on the base keeps things upright and steady, and its tumbler-style lid slides open into three different positions, so you can find the flow that works for you.

Best Travel Mug for Bike Rides

Velo Canteen

• Fits standard bottle cages
• Only holds 13.5 ounces
• $45 at Velo

For the cyclist that enjoys a quality brew but doesn’t want to pour it into plastic — or simply refined riders that want a beautiful, functional bottle to complement their kit — it doesn’t get much better than Velo’s Stainless Steel Canteen.

It fits in a standard cage, works on and off the bike and double-walled stainless steel keeps warm drinks warm for hours on end.

Best Snap-Lid Design

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug

• Comes in two-dozen colorways
• Multiple sizes available
• Cold retention is short
• $26 at Amazon

Offered in two-dozen attractive hues, Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.

Best Travel Mug for Iced Coffee

Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide 16 oz Travel Mug

• Some of the best thermal retention on the market
• Appearance is pretty plain
• $33 at Amazon

This vacuum-insulated bottle gives you loads of liquid refreshment options. But simply using the included leak-proof Café Cap and carrying handle, you can tote hot coffee for an impressive 14 hours — or iced coffee for a mind-blowing 47.

An Aesthetically Pleasing Design

Swell Teakwood Traveler

• Triple-layer vacuum insulation
• Comes in three sizes
• Not real wood
• $40.00 at swell.com

The 16-ounce version of this distinctive-looking option will keep your coffee steaming for a a generous 12 hours thanks to stainless steel and triple-walled insulation.

If the wood finish isn’t your style, there are several other colors and patterns to peruse.

An Old-School Design

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug

• Lid can open with one hand
• Classic stylng
• May be too old-school for some
• $25 at Dick's Sporting Goods

Stanley’s been at it for more than a century, with consistent quality you can trust.

This mug combines timeless good looks with reliable 18/8 Stainless Steel and double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure hours of toasty joe.

It’s easy to drink while driving, too, thanks to the push-button lid you can trigger with your thumb.

Best Travel Mug for Tea

Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Tumbler

• Has thousands of positive reviews
• Built-in tea hook
• Not the most durable design
• $22 at Amazon $28 (21% off)

This fan-favorite has over 8,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average. The vacuum insulation will keep coffee or tea hot for up to five hours, while the built-in tea hook handily suspends tea bags and most loose leaf infusers.

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7 Best Travel Mugs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We brewed and sipped many cups of coffee to find the best travel mugs for your needs.

Related To:

Our Top Travel Mug Picks

Best overall: yeti rambler 20-ounce travel mug, best budget: contigo vacuum insulated 24-ounce travel mug, best for heavy travel: hydroflask 20-ounce coffee flex-sip wide-mouth bottle, best mug with handle: swig life 18-ounce tumbler with handle, best compact: simple modern kona 16-ounce coffee mug thermos, best for camping: yeti rambler 14-ounce mug, honorable mention: zojirushi insulated 20-ounce mug.

Tested by Layla Khoury-Hanold

Having a go-to travel mug you love in your kitchen cupboard is the wardrobe equivalent of a goes-with-everything jacket. It’s dependable, durable and functional, and it expresses your personal style and lifestyle needs. Toting coffee or tea from home can save you money, whether you’re hustling on your morning commute, out for a morning hike or handling school drop-off. When you do stop for a cuppa, whether it’s at your neighborhood coffee shop or at the airport, a reusable travel mug can also help cut down on plastic and paper cup waste.

Most of us shop for travel mugs online, but we found there’s a lot to be said for being able to hold the mug in your hands and take a sip from it. These are a few things to look for when shopping for travel coffee mugs online while browsing product images, descriptions and manufacturer claims. We broke down a list of our favorite mugs we tested and what to look for the next time you invest in a new travel mug.

Photo by: Layla Khoury-Hanold

Layla Khoury-Hanold

How We Tested

We purchased 10 top-rated travel coffee mugs according to various online sites, reviews and bestseller rankings. We tested travel coffee mugs across a range of price points in a variety of sizes, from 14 ounces to 24 ounces. We also tested models with and without handles and different styles of lids, including thumb-sliding lids, push-button lids and twist lids.

First, we assessed the design and construction of the travel coffee mug. We noted what materials the body and lid were made of and whether the mug felt durable. To assess the mug’s measurements, we noted how many ounces of liquid the mug held and whether it easily fit in a kitchen cabinet. To evaluate the design, we tested to see if the mug fit in a standard-size cup holder and noted whether the lid locked or closed while not in use.

We observed if the mug came with a manual or paperwork to explain how to use the mug. We also noted if there were any assembly instructions or recommended steps prior to first use, such as washing and drying. We also reviewed the care and use instructions to determine if the mug was dishwasher safe and assessed how easy it might be to clean.

We also recorded any special claims, including leak-proof or spill-proof design, how many hours it promised to keep beverages hot for, no-sweat design, shatter-resistant or dent/drop-resistant construction, non-slip silicone base and comfort grip handles. We also noted whether the mug came with a warranty and, if so, how long it lasts and what is covered.

We conducted the food test in two parts, first a boiling water test and then a taste test.

For the boiling water test, we added 12 ounces (the equivalent of two standard cups of brewed coffee) of boiling water to the travel mug and noted the temperature using an instant-read thermometer and recorded the temperature to a tenth of a degree. We then added the lid to the mug and checked the water temperature after 30 minutes, 1 hour, 3 hours, and 6 hours, with the lid on. (Depending on the design of the mug, some mugs required removing the lids to take the water temperature.) If a mug came with a claim to keep water hot for a longer period, such as 9 hours or 12 hours, we tested that too. We also noted each time whether the base of the cup was too hot or cold to handle — all of the mugs were easy to hold throughout the whole test.

For the taste test, we brewed coffee and added the coffee to the travel mug. When the liquid was cool enough, we took a sip through the lid. We noted any strange, metallic or plastic tastes. We waited 30 minutes and tasted the coffee again by sipping it through the lid. Again, we noted any strange or unpleasant flavors.

Here we noted whether any of the parts (mug body or lid parts) were dishwasher-safe. Most of the travel mugs we tested had dishwasher-safe lids, but many of the painted bodies required hand washing. A couple of the most durable models were completely dishwasher-safe. We also noted how easy the mugs were to wash and dry by hand, observing how easily the coffee washed away from the interior of the mug body as well as how easy it was to reach the bottom of the mug. Most manufacturers recommend hand washing parts in warm, soapy water, rinsing and drying thoroughly and then storing the lid and body separately.

This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. We stand by our list of top travel coffee mug picks.

• Durable, no-sweat, shatterproof construction
• Double-wall vacuum insulation for hot and cold beverages
• 6-hour heat retention
• Magnetized slider-lid prevents spills
• Wider mug may be challenging to hold one-handed for those with smaller hands

The YETI Rambler won top marks for its durable 18/8 stainless steel body construction, 6-hour heat retention and ease of cleaning. The manufacturer boasts its shatter-resistant construction and double-wall vacuum insulation and backs it all up with a five-year warranty. It comes in a variety of colors, finished with their proprietary DuraCoat color that also promises a no-sweat design. Both the lid and the body are dishwasher-safe, no matter the color finish. This mug is a little wider than most, making it easy to wash up by hand. Those with smaller hands may find it challenging to drink from the mug one-handed for a prolonged period.

• Material Stainless steel
• Lid style Slide-lock
• Dishwasher-safe Yes

• Great value
• Rubberized grip for one-handed drinking
• Snap-close seal prevents spills
• Tall height doesn’t fit in standard cupboard or Keurig
• Hand-wash only for mug body (unless unpainted model)
• Only keeps liquids hot for 3 hours

This mug packs a lot of value for the cost. It was the least expensive mug we tested but is made from durable stainless steel and BPA-free plastic and has a capacity of 24 ounces or the equivalent of four cups of coffee. We liked the addition of a rubberized grip on the exterior of the mug, making it easy to drink one-handed. It also comes with an easy on-off lid and snap-close seal to prevent spills. Though it claimed to keep liquids hot for 9 hours, we found that it only kept boiling water hot for 3 hours. Because of its height, it doesn’t easily fit in a kitchen cabinet or when using a standard Keurig coffee maker. Only the lid and unpainted body are dishwasher-safe. Painted body models are handwash only, and the narrow opening means you’ll need a long-handled brush to properly reach the bottom of the mug. This model comes with a limited lifetime guarantee.

• Material Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic
• Lid style Snap-close
• Dishwasher-safe Yes; lid and unpainted body only

• Kept liquids hot for 6 hours
• Flex-strap handle attaches to lid
• Easy to disassemble and reassemble lid parts
• Higher price tag
• Doesn’t fit standing up in standard cupboard or Keurig

This durable travel mug is made from 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel and a BPA- and toxin-free plastic twist-open lid and strap. In testing, it kept liquids hot for 6 hours, a boon for long-haul flights or to take you from school drop-off to pick-up. The manufacturer claims that this model keeps liquids hot for 12 hours, though we noted during testing that by the 12-hour mark the temperature was merely warm. We liked the addition of the flex-strap handle attached to the lid, which makes it easy to transport and comfortable to carry (you could even clip it into a carabiner on a backpack). It comes in a variety of colors, backed by the manufacturer’s color-last coating; you can also customize the design by choosing the color for the cap, strap and bottle. This model is dishwasher-safe, though handwashing is recommended. We liked how easy it was to disassemble and reassemble the numbered lid parts and the rubber gasket slots right in. Because of the design and narrow opening, you’ll need a long-handled brush or sponge to properly reach and clean the interior. Because of its height, it doesn’t fit standing up in a kitchen cupboard or in a standard Keurig coffee maker. Overall, this mug was one of the most expensive models we tested, but its performance matches the price tag and buyers can rest easy knowing it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

• Material Stainless steel and BPA- and toxin-free plastic
• Lid style Twist-open

• Double-walled, vacuum sealed and copper-plated insulation
• Non-slip, scratch-free silicone base
• Spill-proof slide-lock lid
• Comes in more than 40 colors and patterns

We loved that this travel coffee mug had a more traditional mug-like shape and comfortable handle, which is ideal if you like to feel like you’re drinking out of a real mug. It’s made from 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel, has a sturdy slide-lock plastic lid to prevent spills and a non-slip silicone base that’s also scratch- and noise-free when you put it on a countertop. It boasts triple-insulated technology that includes a double-walled, vacuum sealed and copper-plated insulated mug. It lived up to its promise of keeping liquids hot for 3 hours; even after 6 hours it still registered a warm temperature. Note that you’ll need to wait a minute before putting the lid on the mug, or the lid will pop up likely because of the extra-hot temperature. The mug and lid are dishwasher safe on the top rack but are easy to wash and dry by hand, too. If you need a mug that goes from commute to desk, or a good work-from-home coffee mug that’ll keep your beverage hot all morning, this is your best bet. We like the assortment of more than 40 unique colors and patterns, making this a great gift-giving option, too.

• Sleek, contemporary and compact design
• Excellent leak-proof protection
• Keeps liquids hot for 6 hours
• Angled sipping spout for ease of drinking
• Hand-wash only
• Slim opening makes it hard to clean
• Rubber gasket challenging to put back on lid after washing

This mug delivers quality construction, heat-resistant performance and a sleek, contemporary design in one compact mug. It’s made from 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel and feels sturdy yet lightweight. Its double-wall insulation promises to keep drinks at their optimal temperature and prevent condensation. After 6 hours, we noted that the liquid temperature was still very hot. We liked the angled sipping spout, which allows the user to easily control the beverage flow. It has excellent leak-proof protection with a user-friendly twist-on lid and a lockable, push-button cover that snaps closed. Note that the push button is located right under the sip opening, which may be cumbersome if you wear lipstick. This model is hand-wash only; because of the slim opening, it’s challenging to get to the bottom of the mug with a regular sponge. The rubber gasket under the lid easily removes but can be challenging to get back in (make sure you have it right-side up). This model also comes in a variety of colors and designs. It comes with a lifetime warranty. If you’re into doing good while you shop, this company also gives back more than 10% of its profit.

• Dishwasher-safe No

• Versatile design; can double as serving vessel
• Spill-proof, magnetized slider-lock lid
• Wide mouth doesn't keep beverages hot for as long

This heavy-duty mug is made from durable, professional-grade 18/8 stainless steel and has a sturdy, proprietary magnet-sliding lid that is smooth to open and close yet spill-proof. The style and design remind us of a classic camping-style mug; in addition to using the mug to sip your morning coffee, it could easily double as a serving vessel for camp fare like baked beans and chili or for ice cream sundaes and cocktails at home. The mug keeps liquids hot for 3 hours with the lid on; because of the wide mouth, it doesn’t retain heat as well as other mugs. The mug and lid are dishwasher safe though the wide opening makes the mug easy to wash and dry by hand. Take extra care when washing the slider-style lid by hand to ensure removal of stains and any buildup, which is particularly important if you take milk products or sweeteners with your coffee or tea. As with other YETI models, this mug is made with a no-sweat design, DuraCoat color and shatter-resistant construction and comes with a 5-year warranty.

• Kept liquids hottest the longest during testing
• Safety lock on lid prevents spills
• Streamlined design

Although this mug wasn’t one of our top picks, if you need to keep your beverage hot for a long period of time, this is your mug. During testing, it kept boiling water the hottest the longest; after 6 hours, the water was still very hot, registering nearly 145 degrees F. The heat retention performance is backed by a 5-year warranty.

• Lid style Flip-open

What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Mug

• Size: Think about how much you need your travel mug to hold; 12 ounces is the equivalent of two standard cups of brewed coffee or tea. The average travel mug size is 16 ounces. Consider how much storage space you have and check listed measurements against the space between shelves in your kitchen cupboard. We found large mugs didn’t always fit in our cabinets. Finally, double-check product descriptions to see if the mug will fit in a standard-size cup holder or backpack pocket.
• Material: Mugs made from 18/8 professional-grade stainless steel tend to be the most durable. Some models have rubberized grips on the body and non-slip silicone finishes on the bottom which can be helpful for rushed mornings. Lids are typically made of plastic; latches or button closures can be made from plastic or metal.
• Exterior Finish: Some of the models we tested had both lids and mugs that were dishwasher-safe, but some manufacturers noted that only unpainted models are dishwasher-safe. Look for manufacturer claims touting a durable, long-lasting coat or condensation-free finish.
• Lid Style: These can include flip lids, thumb-sliding lids, push-button lids and twist lids. If you need something leak-proof, opt for a twist lid. If you need to be able to operate and drink from your mug one-handed, a flip lid or push-button lid is a good bet. Note that mugs with slider-style lids can be tricky to clean, particularly if you take your beverage with milk products or sweeteners.
• Leak-Proof vs. Spill-Proof: If you plan to stash your mug in a bag, look for leak-proof claims and observe the construction. Does it have a twist-lid and/or latch closure or button closure? Do you need to press a button to take a sip? Spill-proof (or splash-resistant) means that it’ll keep liquid from sloshing out but isn’t up to the task of preventing leaks when mugs are stowed in a bag.
• Cleaning: In addition to noting whether your favorite mug is dishwasher-safe, you’ll want to note whether the lid parts come apart for thorough cleaning, including rubber gaskets and models with special sealing features. Lids can get moldy and smelly if not cleaned thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to maximize performance and durability.

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The 9 Best Travel Coffee Mugs That Will Keep Your Coffee Safe and Perfectly Hot When You’re on the Move

For taking your caffeine on the go, a travel coffee mug is a better alternative to paper or Styrofoam cups—not only will it reduce your environmental impact, it can also prevent your coffee from losing its heat (or chill) while safeguarding against leaks and spills while you’re on the move.

Many insulated tumblers or mugs made from durable stainless steel will ensure that your coffee are as perfectly hot or cold as your first sip, even hours after it has been first poured—and to protect the contents of your mug (and your bag), consider one that is leakproof, or at the least spill-proof. Beyond that, you’ll also want to consider a coffee mug in a style and size that suits your preferences. Fortunately, there are many travel-friendly mugs to choose from, but to help you whittle down your choices, you’ll find nine of the best options below, including picks we use ourselves.

• 01 what to look for
• 02 best travel coffee mugs

Best travel coffee mugs, at a glance

• Best leakproof: Zojirushi, Stainless Mug SM-KHE36/48 , $28
• Best value: Oxo, Good Grips Travel Coffee Mug , $30
• Best versatile: Fellow, Carter 3-in-1 Sip System , $49
• Best handled: Hydro Flask, Mug , $28
• Best small capacity: Yeti, Stackable Cup , $20
• Best splurge: Ember, Travel Mug 2 , $200
• Best customizable: Frank Green, Ceramic Reusable Cup , $36
• Best with a straw: Brümate, Era ,$40
• Best for coffee and tea drinkers: Firebelly, Stop-Infusion Travel Mug , $40

What to look for in a travel coffee mug

Temperature retention.

When shopping for a travel coffee mug, look for options with double- or triple-wall vacuum insulation. Vacuum insulation helps keep drinks hot or cold for extended periods , making it ideal for those who want to savor their cup, or maintain its temperature while traveling to prevent hot coffee from going cold—or iced coffee from becoming tepid—before drinking it.

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Stainless steel construction

As you shop, you’ll also want to consider the material—and when it comes to travel coffee mugs, stainless steel is a popular option. Many people love stainless steel because, unlike glass or ceramic, it’s sturdy and can withstand a lot of abuse, and it holds temperature better than plastic and silicone.

Travel coffee mugs can have a variety of openings, including flip-cap lids, slider lids, twist-off lids, and lids with straws—and for the most part, selecting your ideal option will come down to your preference. If, for example, you want to prevent coffee from splashing out if knocked over, you might want to opt for a travel mug with a twist-off lid. If you want to drink from your mug on the move, you may prefer an option with a lid that you can open and close with one hand, like a flip-top lid, a slider lid, or a lid with straw. Many brands also sell lids separately, so you can opt to have a variety of options at your disposal.

Size and style

Travel coffee mugs also come in a wide range of sizes and styles. Their capacities range from eight ounces to well over 30 ounces, and many feature helpful designs, such as handles. If you plan to use your mug in the car, just be sure it fits in your vehicle’s cup holder. The manufacturer will usually indicate whether a mug is designed to fit in a cup holder, and customer reviews can offer additional insights as well.

Leakproof versus spill-proof

Finally, consider whether you want a leakproof or spill-proof travel coffee mug. A leakproof mug prevents any amount of liquid from spilling out. Spill-proof mugs only safeguard against any major splashes, but if knocked on its side or upside down, some liquid is likely to leak out.

Shop the best travel coffee mugs

Capacity: 12 ounces (also available in 16 ounces) | Available colors: 8

With the Zojirushi Stainless Mug, you won’t have to worry about spills—it’s as “leakproof” as they come. It has a leakproof lid with a locking mechanism, which keeps the lid from accidentally opening. As secure as it is, it’s easy to drink from—the lid pops open with a push, and its small opening keeps your brew from splashing out of the mug and on your face. The mug also helps drinks retain their temperature for up to six hours, thanks to its double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel construction, and more conveniently, it fits into most cup holders.

• Leakproof, push-button, flip-top lid
• Locking mechanism prevents lid from opening accidentally
• Keeps coffee hot (or cold) for up to six hours
• Fits most car cup holders
• Hand wash only

Capacity: 16 ounces (also available in 20 ounces) | Available colors: 5

If you want a budget-friendly travel mug, this option from Oxo offers many of the same qualities as its pricier counterparts at less cost. Made from double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel, it promises to keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours—something Well+Good contributor Lesley Chen can attest. “Coffee stays piping hot for as long as you want it to,” Chen previously wrote. What’s more, it has a leakproof, twist-off lid, and its slender profile makes it cup holder compatible. It’s also one of the easiest picks on the list to clean, and you can place the entire mug in the dishwasher.

Read more about the Oxo Good Grips Travel Coffee Mug here.

• Keeps coffee hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 24 hours
• Leakproof lid prevents accidental spills
• Dishwasher safe
• Only 16 and 20-ounce capacity

Originally $57, now $49

Capacity: 16 ounces | Available colors: 3

What I love most about the Fellow Carter 3-in-1 Sip System is its versatility. The kit includes three interchangeable lids. It comes with a twist lid and a slider lid (both leakproof), along with a straw lid. I particularly like the slider lid, which is easy to open and close with one hand, and true to its promise, it doesn’t leak, even when full and bouncing around in my backpack. It’s made from double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel for optimal temperature retention to keep coffee hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24, while the ceramic-coated interior keeps your coffee’s flavor “free of odors, oil, and ‘old penny’ tasting notes,” per Fellow. I can attest that it does an excellent job retaining heat—my morning brew was still hot after sitting in the mug for over six hours. One tradeoff is that it only comes in one size and only three colors, but this is a small price for its versatility.

• Comes with three interchangeable lids
• Fits in most car cup holders
• Only 16-ounce capacity

Capacity: 12 ounces (also available in 6 and 24 ounces) | Available colors: 8

If you want something that has the look and feel of your at-home coffee mug, consider the Hydro Flask Mug. It closely resembles an everyday mug—handle and all—but is made from double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel for heat retention and durability. It also comes replete with a lid to keep its contents safe while on the move. The press-in lid fits snugly into the mug, while the sliding lever seamlessly glides open and closed. The opening is small enough to prevent splash-back, but not so small that I have to suck instead of sip the coffee from the mug, making fora pleasant drinking experience overall. Its lid is not leakproof—however, this offset by a wide base that is tougher to tip, making it more likely to remain in an upright position in the event you accidentally bump it, and it doesn’t hurt that the rounded handle also offers a comfortable grip on the mug. Unlike regular ceramic mugs, it holds heat plenty well, too—my coffee was perfectly hot, even hours after it had been poured.

• Comfortable handle
• Spill-proof lid
• Multiple sizes and many colors
• Not leakproof
• Body is hand wash only

Capacity: 8 ounces (also available in 16, 20, and 30 ounces) | Available colors: 7, plus 2 limited-edition colors

If you travel light, opt for Yeti’s Rambler Stackable Cup. At eight ounces, the double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel cup is one of the smallest options on the list. Well+Good food writer Maki Yazawa loves it for a quick caffeine hit. “After searching far and wide for the ultimate travel coffee cup, I’ve landed on my favorite, YETI’s Rambler 8-Ounce Stackable Cup,” she says. “The eight-ounce size fits in just about any car cup holder, and as per YETI’s description, it’s truly built for the at-home (or far from home) barista in mind. It fits underneath most espresso machines, is spill-proof (ideal for bumpy car rides), and, most importantly, stays hot (or cold) until the very last drop. Of course, if you need a little extra juice to get you going in the morning, the Rambler comes in larger sizes, and in a variety of colors to best suit your personality. My cup of tea (pun intended) at the moment is their limited-edition King Crab Orange and Agave Teal colorways. Chef’s kiss.”

Capacity: 12 ounces | Available colors: 2

The Ember Travel Mug 2 is expensive, but its unique design makes it wonderful to use. The Travel Mug 2 has a built-in heat source to regulate the temperature of your brew, much like Ember’s mug warmer . It pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses a companion app, where you can control the temperature of your drink, and once you’ve made your selection, it will keep your coffee at your chosen temperature for up to three hours. When your phone isn’t within reach, you can also toggle between preset temperatures using the buttons on the mug itself. What’s more, the mug has an integrated screen to display the temperature and the amount of battery charge remaining, which greatly adds to its convenience factor. The push-button lid is leakproof and features a 360-degree sipping port that lets you drink from any and all sides of the mug, as well as a tapered base to fit snugly into standard car cup holders—all factors that make it ideal for travel. Its long-lasting battery life of up to three hours is a bonus, too. With that said, there’s no denying that $200 is a lot to spend on a mug, but it could be money well spent if you’re a coffee lover who wants a smart gadget.

• Controls coffee temperature using an app
• Keeps coffee at ideal temperature for up to three hours
• Leakproof lid

Capacity: 12 ounces (also available in 8, 10, and 16 ounces) | Available colors: 23

If you want a travel mug that you can customize to your precise liking, consider the Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Cup. In addition to offering four sizes, the Ceramic Reusable Cup lets you customize each part of the mug, including the base, the lid, and the button of the lid, in the color of your choice. It also comes with a push-button lid that is spill-proof, but you can swap it out for a straw lid (sold separately). Frank Green boasts that its stainless steel mugs are triple-walled to provide optimal temperature retention and have a ceramic-coated lining that is meant to preserve the true flavor of your brew, making this pick as fun as it is functional.

• Multiple sizes with option to customize the color of each part of the mug
• Triple-wall vacuum insulation to keep coffee hot or cold for hours

Capacity: 30 ounces (also available in 40 ounces) | Available colors: 11

If you like your coffee iced, the Brümate Era will fit the bill. It features a lid with an integrated straw and locking mechanism to make it fully leakproof, so whether you tip the mug on its side or upside down, it won’t spill a drop so long as it’s locked. The Era, made of durable stainless steel with double-walled vacuum insulation, is also capable of keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and it can hold up to 30 ounces—or more, if you opt for the larger 40-ounce mug. Despite its large size, this mug still fits in most cup holders, and it’s easy to schlep around, thanks to its hefty handle—and unlike many of the other picks, it’s dishwasher safe.

• Leakproof straw lid
• Keeps coffee cold for over 24 hours
• Only 30- and 40-ounce capacity

Capacity: 16 ounces | Available colors: 6

Whether you want to drink coffee or tea, the Firebelly Stop-Infusion Travel Mug has you covered. It comes with an infuser to brew your own loose leaf teas, but you have the option to use it without the infuser as a standard coffee mug. What’s more, it has a leakproof lid, and thanks to its double-wall stainless steel interior, it can keep drinks hot or cold for hours so you can enjoy your brew for longer. Well+Good contributor Gina Vaynshetyn can attest to this: “I’ve made myself tea in the mug in the morning, and have absentmindedly sipped on it for hours—from home at my desk and in the car during a day trip,” she previously wrote. “It’s truly the only way I’ve discovered to conveniently brew tea that stays hot no matter where you take it.”

Read the full review of the Firebelly Stop-Infusion Travel Mug here.

• Features a removable tea infuser
• Keeps drinks hot or cold for up to six hours

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The Best Leak-Proof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot (and Cold) Drinks on the Go

Whether you're embarking on your morning commute or headed on an East Coast road trip , you should have one of the best travel mugs in hand. Finding one you like means you can skip the routine stop at the coffee shop (or at least say no to the disposable cup), cut back on single-use plastics, and keep your drinks at an ideal temperature (with some, for hours and hours at a time). Ahead, we've rounded up Condé Nast Traveler editors' personal favorites—from brands like Hydro Flask, Yeti, Corksicle, Stanley, and more. With insulated, leak-proof, and easy-to-carry options in the mix, there's a mug in here ready for a spot in your cup holder or tote bag .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

The 20-ounce version of Hydro Flask’s All Around Tumbler has been my go-to lately, both at home and on the commute to work. It keeps coffee warm for a few hours, so if I’m sipping slowly I don’t have to bother with reheating it, and does its job in keeping iced coffee cool, too. It has the type of lid that you can push back and forth to open or close, and the opening is wide enough to easily fit a reusable straw. I don’t drive, but the mug's size seems very cupholder-friendly, too! — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Stanley Classic Trigger Action travel mug

Stanley makes the best classic mugs (the company has been around since 1913 after all). The brand is known for its iconic insulated steel thermoses, which promise hours-long insulation for hot drinks and durability for wherever you’re taking your beverage— hiking , camping , thrown in the back of your car on a road trip , you name it. The original green color has a delightfully retro vibe as well. — Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Stojo collapsible travel cup, 16-ounce

The main reason I adore my collapsible Stojo cup is its clever design that makes it incredibly easy to carry around. I’m not kidding when I say that when folded down, my 16-ounce cup turns into a disc that fits into my jacket pocket. It’s also light enough to drop into a travel backpack or a sling bag when you go hiking. I use mine for everything from coffees and smoothies, and when dry, for snacks and berries. Don’t expect an insulated mug with this one: It keeps a beverage warm (or cool) for long enough for you to drink it, but isn’t a double-walled metal cup. However, it has helped me cut down on a ton of waste when traveling, and might I add is cute-looking, too. — Arati Menon, global digital director

Read a full review of the Stojo cup.

Stanley Aerolight Transit bottle

The AeroLight Transit bottle has become my new favorite mug to use on my morning commute to work. My tea is still piping hot even after my hour-long train ride. I keep it in my tote bag—along with my laptop and phone—and it never leaks. I've flipped this one completely upside down and nothing spills out, making it a reliable option to travel with. It's one-third lighter than Stanley's typical stainless steel, so it doesn't feel heavy in my bag either. I also appreciate how slim the bottle is—it's so easy to carry around. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Yeti Rambler stackable mug

When I'm traveling, the most essential ritual I preserve is my morning coffee. While I love nearly all of the Yeti drinkware options, this mug is perfect for coffee—both for its manageable 10-ounce size, as well as the side handle, which makes this especially easy when I'm on a road trip or a train. (This mug has come with me on camping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Delaware Water Gap, on a road trip through the Appalachian Highlands, and a long drive between D.C. and New York City .) A fair word of warning though: The airtight lid and insulation work almost too well—coffee stays hot a long time, so I recommend you get it close to your ideal temperature before pouring it in. —Corina Quinn, former city guides director

Snow Peak Milk bottle

This is one of those gifts I have become deeply attached to—it was given to me about a year ago, when I was getting really into camping and the chic outdoor brand Snow Peak, and it’s since become a staple in my house. It has a beautifully minimalist design, is small enough to feel really portable (as in, it’s not a pain to have to tote home once it’s empty), and it never leaks. It’s no bargain, but given how much I use and love it, I think the math sort of works out in the end. — M.S .

Zojirushi stainless steel mug

“This mug is my favorite one ever because the lid has a lock feature that makes it completely leak-free. I can throw this in a travel tote and not worry about coffee dribbling all over. Plus the stainless steel interior keeps coffee extra hot for hours, but it doesn't burn your hands. In addition to my commute on the subway, I've taken this little wonder on train rides to upstate New York , and I've never spilled a drop.” —Jessica Puckett, senior editor, transportation and travel news

Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Another option from Hydro Flask worth noting is the 20-ounce bottle with a Flex Slip lid. It's large enough that I can bring plenty of iced coffee with me on the go, but it's still cupholder-friendly—very important for road trips. The double-wall vaccum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12. The carry-handle makes it easy to hold on long walks and the leak-proof lid is easy to open and close. I love the color options, especially this new purple shade. —M.K.

Martina Thornhill Okay cup

It’s not hyperbole to state that I’ve tried the lion’s share of travel mugs on the market. I drink a ton of coffee and I travel and drive a lot. I hate the way metal mugs make coffee taste—it’s so much better out of a ceramic mug. The Okay Cup from Portland, Oregon –based ceramicist Marina Thornhill is gorgeous, doesn’t leak, and doesn’t make your coffee taste like mud. It’s pricey, but a better long-term deal than always dumping the coffee you put in another mug and don’t actually drink. It’s constantly selling out, so put your name on the pre-order list—it’s worth the wait. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor

Kinto travel tumbler

If you’re a tea drinker like me or like your travel mugs to keep your hot drinks piping hot, be warned: this insulated mug gets me every time, keeping my teas at steaming, roof-of-mouth-burning temperatures for what feels like an impossibly long time. (And that’s a good thing in my book.) I prefer the matte exterior over the stainless steel for its added grip. I use it to commute with my tea (it doesn’t leak!) and on extra-long winter walks because I know it’ll stay warm the entire time. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor

Yeti Rambler lowball

This mug is a thing in my house. My partner received one as a Christmas gift , only to find it missing every morning—truth be told, after I stole it once to use for hot coffee on my morning subway commute, I couldn’t go back to any other thermos. I personally love that this mug doesn’t have a handle, because it’s so insulated it never burns my hands, yet the coffee inside stays piping hot, and its shape is nice and easy to hold. When I’m done enjoying my hot drink on the go, it takes the least space possible in my bag , where it usually clangs around for the rest of the day until I make my way home (or back to wherever I’m staying). —M.S.

Corkcicle classic tumbler

This Corkcicle tumbler keeps my coffee hot on my subway commute, and is secure enough to sneak a couple of sips while standing on a crowded, moving train. There’s also something joyful about pouring my freshly brewed coffee into a pink vessel—how could I not be cheerful toting this cute mug around the office? Most often this mug has been my subway companion, though I have used it for road trips and early morning flights that require a caffeine boost before boarding. —Katie Henwood, former senior SEO manager

Miir Climate+ Tumbler

Lately when I want a compact option that won't take up much space in my backpack or tote after it's empty, I've been reaching for this sleek stainless steel tumbler from Miir. It's shatter proof, so I don't worry about dropping it or getting any dents. For an extra charge, you can even personalize it, making it a great gift for any traveler in your life. —M.K.

Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug

This Hydro Flask mug checks all the boxes: It's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, has a leak-proof lid, carrying handle, and no-sweat matte finish, and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can use it as a thermos, a water bottle , or a coffee cup. Hydro Flask also has matching slings that let you carry your travel tumbler hands-free, helpful when biking, hiking, or just dashing through the airport. — Kristi Kellogg, contributor

OtterBox Elevation wine tumbler

Technically this is a wine tumbler, but more often, I use it for iced coffee. It keeps my caffeine cold, fits the extra-large ice cube I put into the bottom, and doesn’t leave rings on tables when I set it down. Plus, like all things OtterBox, it’s sturdy—I don’t have to worry about dinging or denting it when I inevitably drop or knock it over. Its smaller size means it’s also carry-on and backpack friendly. —M.F.

Hay Sowden travel cup

I don’t think there’s a chicer travel mug than this colorful one from Hay, which comes in pink, green, or gray, all with contrasting, two-toned lids. It puts all other thermoses to shame when it comes to design—but it’s also totally functional, with an insulated stainless steel exterior that keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for an impressive 24 hours. —M.C.

W&P Porter mug

This mug hits all the right marks: The silicone sleeve makes it easy to grip and quiet when placed down on a surface; the mouthpiece on the lid is easy to slide open and close; and it’s safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave. Plus, it just looks nicer than the rest of my logo-clad travel mugs. Most often I use it to sip coffee on my morning commute, but I have also brought it on longer train rides to D.C. and on flights as a vessel for oatmeal. —M.F.

Simple Modern travel coffee mug

One of my favorite reusable water bottles is from Simple Modern, so I had high hopes for its travel mug and it certainly did not disappoint. This stainless steel mug keeps my hot beverages hot for four hours and my iced coffee cold for up to 16 hours, so it's great for day trips and using at the office. It's dishwasher safe and the handle makes sipping on the go easy. The under $20 price tag is nice, too. —M.K.

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The Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold

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Best Overall Hydro Flask Coffee Mug With Flex Sip Lid (16 Ounce) Read more

A Good Wide-Mouth Bottle Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Mug (16 Ounce) Read more

A Great Mug Hydro Flask Coffee Mug (12 Ounce) Read more

Camp Classic Ello Campy Travel Mug (16 Ounce) Read more

One way to quickly ruin a morning is to take a sip from your mug expecting hot coffee or tea only to be met with freezing-cold liquid. Or, on the flip side, desperately wanting ice cold water only to find it warm. For those moments, you need an insulated travel mug. There are tons of stainless steel mugs, bottles, and tumblers on the market. These are our favorites.

We tested each bottle with both cold water and hot coffee, sitting outside in indirect sunlight and inside in the AC. During testing, none of the bottles has failed to roughly match up to their claims of how long they'd keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot. It's rare to run across an insulated bottle that's a total failure at doing that these days, but it's also rare to find one that truly stands out. Rather, I've noticed the features that tend to make or break a bottle are leak-proofing, exterior coating, and the cap. While all these bottles can keep cold drinks at temperature, you may prefer getting a dedicated insulated water bottle if that's all you need.

Be sure to check out our guides to the Best Coffee Subscriptions , Best Coffee Grinders , Best Espresso Machines , Best Portable Coffee Makers , Best AeroPress Coffee Makers , and How to Make Better Coffee at Home .

Updated June 2024: We made the Hydro Flask mug a top pick and added Owala’s SmoothSip and W&P’s Porter to the honorable mentions. We've also moved all bottles that use lead soldering to the avoid section and updated prices and links throughout.

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A Note on Lead Soldering

Since we first started testing water bottles and coffee tumblers, it's come to light that some brands use lead soldering to seal their insulated bottles. The lead is on the bottom of the bottles encased in stainless steel. While it's unlikely it would become exposed, we think it's an unnecessary risk given that enough of our favorite brands use other methods to seal their bottles. We've noted which brands have confirmed they use lead in our “avoid” section below and will keep this guide updated as we hear from the others.

Best Overall

Hydro Flask’s powder coating is one of the toughest I have come across on a beverage container. Whenever I can foresee some serious abuse happening to a coffee mug on a trip, I take a Hydro Flask. I’ve yet to dent or scratch one through routine carelessness over the past four years. Without a cupholder in my car, my Hydro Flask lived on the floorboards, rolling and crashing around with every maneuver, and it still held up. The pebbled texture is grippy, so you're less likely to fumble it if your hands get wet or greasy.

A Good Wide-Mouth Bottle

Narrow openings are fine for water, in my opinion, but for hot beverages, I like having a wider gap so I can take a big gulp. I'm less likely to burn my mouth on hot drinks when I can let them cool off through a bigger opening, too. The TKWide’s Cafe Cap is more like drinking from a regular to-go coffee cup, rather than a water bottle.

All the colors have matte powder-coated finishes, which are more scratch-resistant than the brand’s smooth powder-coated finishes. That said, I haven’t found them to be as tough as Hydro Flask’s powder coating, and the uncoated stainless-steel ring on the bottom of the mug is pretty easy to scuff up.

A Great Mug

If you're commuting or hiking, you want a bottle that's not going to leak on you. But if you're camping and mostly stationary, drinking coffee around a fire or at the lake, a nice mug with a handle is a great option. Hydro Flask's is affordable, with its signature tough powder-coating that's nearly impossible to scratch.

The lid has a slider so you can open it to sip and then close it to keep it hot even longer and to avoid any woodsy bugs from accidentally landing inside. It's not leak-proof, but it's not going to drip on you as you sip either. If you prefer to go sans-lid, it has a thin stainless steel rim that's comfortable to drink from. The brand also has great colors across all its options.

Camp Classic

This camp cup is awfully charming, harkening back to the classic blue, enameled camp cups that ooze 20th-century Americana. Like all the tumblers on this list, it’s vacuum-insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold ones cold. Its screw-on plastic lid, with a sliding lever for sipping, is leak-proof enough. If you leave it upside down for more than a few seconds or shake it, it’ll drip, but I couldn’t get it to leak by knocking it onto its side. The handle is plastic to avoid conducting heat from hot contents, and the inner part of the handle is lined in cork. The Campy isn’t enameled—it’s just painted to look like it—but it pulls off the effect well.

For Coffee Purists

Instead of a tiny sippy hole, the Carter’s screw-on cap reveals a wide tumbler that lets you breathe in your coffee’s aromas as you drink. The opening is 69 millimeters wide, so you can use most manual coffee brewers, such as an AeroPress or Hario pour-over , directly on it. That’s too wide for many cars’ cup holders, but it’s plenty stable, and you won’t have to worry about tipping it over on a desk. My average-size hands had no issues, but some buyers with smaller hands might find it difficult or uncomfortable to hold.

The interior is ceramic-coated, so you don’t get any metallic flavors, and the thin metal lip is curved like a cabernet glass. Its textured matte exterior coating is tough and held up as well as the mighty Hydro Flask’s coating. It's been completely spill-proof too. You should have no concerns throwing it into your laptop bag completely full.

A Classy Paper Cup Replacement

The Brew Cork is greater than the sum of its parts. This double-walled, insulated mug is meant to replicate and replace paper coffee shop cups. It’s fun to drink out of. Many other tumblers’ lid openings are blocky or mash your nose, but the KeepCup is ergonomically on point. It’s not the best for road trips, nor the best for keeping a ton of coffee hot for hours, but I highly recommend the LongPlay if all you want is a reusable cup to cut down on single-use waste and keep your drink warm long enough for you to actually drink it. That said, the lid is a bit dribbly. While the interior and lip are glass—no metallic off-tastes here—the exterior shell below the rubber grip is plastic.

Tumblers and travel mugs are generally designed for you to pour your chosen beverage into, but what if you just want to put a can in there? These kinds of insulated drink holders are particularly useful when I'm out and about, drinking a canned soda or beer, and want it to stay cool in the summer heat.

Hydro Flask shines here too. Not only can you put the can directly into the drink holder, but you can also pour it into the Hydro Flask and drink directly out of it, if you wish. Just remove the collar, and now you've got a handsome, stainless steel rim to sip from. The collar fits over the bottom of the can to stabilize it too, so you won't lose it. This is the 12-fluid-ounce version that fits a standard beer, soda, juice, or wine can. There's also a 16-fluid-ounce Tallboy Cooler Cup for $28 if you're feeling particularly thirsty.

Honorable Mentions

We've run through many travel mugs, and not all of them are winners. These are a few we like, just not as much as the ones above.

• KeepCup Thermal for $32 : This is the answer to those who like the paper-cup-imitating feel. It shares the Brew Cork's slightly dribbly lid, although it loses some of the novelty of that one's glass construction.
• Oxo Good Grips Thermal Mug for $30 : We reviewed this bottle in 2022 and liked its solid build and dishwasher-friendliness, but since it's older it now fluctuates in and out of stock.
• Owala SmoothSip for $25 : We love Owala water bottles and enjoyed the SmoothSip nearly as much. It kept coffee warm all afternoon and, despite the lid having an open spout for easy drinking, coffee didn't slosh out while I walked around. Don't throw it in a bag, but it should be fine in the car. The simple lid makes it easy to clean too.
• W&P Porter Insulated Bottle for $35 : W&P has become a WIRED favorite, thanks to its many eco-friendly reusable products . We loved its insulated bottle too, which has a ceramic coating if you dislike drinking directly from steel. It also has a silicone sleeve for more grip and softness. The two terrazzo colors are particularly pretty, with a speckled, textured sleeve. It's also dishwasher safe and usually dips below $35 on Amazon.
• REI Co-op Camp Mug for $23 : There are getting to be an awful lot of insulated camp mugs in this basic style on the market, and REI's stainless steel cup is a perfectly fine option that doesn't particularly stand out. The exterior coating was tough enough to show no scratches, even after knocking it over a few times outside.
• Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler for $35 : If you like drinking both cold and hot drinks from a straw, Hydro Flask makes a great tumbler akin to the Stanley shape without the lead . It comes with the same bomb-proof powder coating of other Hydro Flasks that resists scratches and chips very well.
• GSI Outdoors Glacier 15-Fluid-Ounce Camp Cup for $20 : It's not too easy to find at retailers, and when you do, they tend to be available in just a few colors and go in and out of stock. This cup is awfully simple with an incredibly basic lid, but it's more than a little endearing, particularly in the "blue speckle" color that imitates classic enameled camp cups.
• Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug for $29 : The lid locks to avoid accidental spillage, and I once accidentally left hot tea in it for 18 hours and found it still hot when I opened it again. It’s also small enough to fit in my jacket pocket on chilly morning walks. It’s not my preferred mug for daily use, simply because the lid has three separate parts—a mouthpiece, a gasket, and a lid—that are deeply ridged and hard to clean.
• Purist Mover for $48 : The Purist has a thin layer of glass over the interior of the Mover, which removes the possibility of taste transfer from previous drinks. We didn’t experience leaks from the Element top, but a high number of customers have reported their Purist lids leaking over time.
• S'well Traveler Tumbler for $30 : S’well boasts that its tumblers are triple-walled, but we didn't find it kept beverages hotter than its double-walled competitors. What sets the brand apart is its designs, from plain colors to elaborate patterns like blue marble and wood.

Avoid These Travel Mugs

We’ve tested a great many tumblers, and not all are winners. These aren't anywhere near as good as our picks above.

• Greens Steel Beast 20-Ounce Insulated Tumbler for $21 : The Beast tumbler has over 70,000 positive reviews on Amazon, but we found the rubber seal around the lid easily comes out of place. That meant it leaked like a sieve.
• Toaks Titanium Double Wall 450ML Cup for $40: More often than not, we champion Toaks gear as an affordable source of titanium camp cookware. But this mug is $12 more than the Hydro Flask mug we recommend above, and its finishing is rougher.
• GSI Outdoors MicroLite 500 Flip for $30 : The actual bottle isn't bad, but the lid is overly complex to clean and gimmicky. Under the button-activated, flip-up lid there's a contoured bowl that you drink from, as if somebody cut the top half off a plastic cup. It didn't do anything that just drinking from an open bottle couldn't do, and it tended to collect stray water droplets after I was done drinking. There's a twist-off lid version that does away with the gimmicky cap, but the carry strap is narrow and not as robust as we'd have liked.

The following mugs aren't bad options—some are past favorites— but these brands have confirmed the use of lead soldering to seal their insulated mugs. Enough brands use other sealing methods that it feels unnecessary. We haven't heard from every brand on this list, but we'll keep it updated as we do.

• Miir Climate+ for $25 : We liked that the Climate+ resembles a cup more than a bottle and it has a tough powder-coated finish. The lid is also made from recycled plastic and the insulation uses 25 percent less steel than traditional insulated mugs. We also liked Miir's Flip Traveler for $28 and Camp Cup for $28 . Both were leak-free and tough.
• Stanley Classic Vacuum Pint for $26 : Stanley has been around forever and we liked the pebbled exterier reminiscent of classic flasks. There's also a few extra ounces to accommodate foam (or splashing hot coffee).
• Contigo Luxe Autoseal for $36 : Contigo's bottle has a lock to prevent leaks, which worked remarkably well. Despite some reviews saying the lid got too hot, we found it barely got lukewarm even while holding scorching, molten coffee.
• Yeti Rambler Stackable Cup for $30 : Yeti has a durable powder coating, so it's among the toughest options. We also liked this model is stackable, so you can keep a few in your pantry without taking up much room.
• OtterBox Elevation for $30 : The Elevation has a copper lining that the company says helps better maintain your beverage’s perfect temperature, although we saw no noticeable difference.

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These Are the Best Travel Coffee Mugs to Enjoy Your Cup of Joe on the Go

If you want to take your fresh home-brewed coffee on the road, you’ll need an excellent travel coffee mug.

Taylor Tobin is a freelance lifestyle journalist based in Austin, Texas. Her work primarily focuses on food and beverage recipes and recommendations.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Takeaway

How to pick the right travel coffee mug, common questions.

• Why Take Our Word For It?

All Recipes / Kristin Kempa

I’ll admit that I’m a huge sucker for takeout coffee. Visiting a hip indie cafe with artisanal roasts and spending $7 on premium cold brew counts among my guiltiest pleasures (and regularly wreaks havoc on my budget). But I’ve recently been trying to convince myself to be more financially practical, which motivated me to get serious about brewing coffee at home . With my collection of coffeemakers at the ready, I can now whip up a drip coffee, iced coffee , or latte in the comfort of my kitchen. But, because I need to travel with my morning java pretty frequently, a reliable arsenal of reusable to-go cups is a must-have. 

Travel coffee mugs come in countless sizes, designs, colors, and materials, and wading through the dizzying number of options can be overwhelming. Luckily, you can benefit from my long journey of testing, researching, and discussing travel mugs.

My Top Pick

Yeti rambler travel mug.

Why It’s Great: Made of sturdy stainless steel; leak-resistant; vacuum-insulated; dishwasher-safe

Grain of Salt: On the expensive side

I currently live in Austin, Texas, where YETI—one of our most prominent hometown brands—is practically a way of life. But even if I wasn’t geographically submerged in YETI culture, I’d still be a devoted fan of my YETI Rambler Travel Mug. The double-walled vacuum insulation keeps hot beverages' temperature consistent long after they go in the mug. If you’re like me and are accustomed to lower-quality travel cups that cool coffee at a rapid speed, be careful not to burn your tongue! 

The Stronghold lid arguably sets the YETI Rambler apart from its competitors more than anything else. This twist-on lid uses double magnets to stay firmly in place and keep your drink from spilling everywhere, which accident-prone folks (like me) will appreciate. YETI offers the Rambler Travel Mug in a variety of colors and patterns, and you can even get your mug customized or monogrammed. This resilient, dishwasher-safe mug provides everything that a discerning coffee lover wants in a travel cup. 

The Details: 4.8 x 7.4 inches; 20 ounces; 5-year warranty; magnetized Stronghold lid; dishwasher-safe

Best Budget

Contigo ssa100b01 camping hydration thermal bottle, 20oz.

Why It’s Great: Insulated; easy to carry; fits in a cup holder; leakproof; limited lifetime warranty

Grain of Salt: Not dishwasher safe

Quality travel mugs can get pricey, but Contigo–a reputable brand that specializes in mugs and water bottles–offers a 20-ounce insulated stainless steel mug that’s around $20. The Byron Travel Mug uses double-walled stainless steel to keep drinks hot for up to six hours and cold for up to 12, and the exterior coating allows you to get a strong grip. The narrow shape can tuck into a cup holder with ease, and the leakproof lid will keep the contents fully contained. 

I like to keep a less-expensive travel mug in my car for en-route caffeination purposes. The Contigo Byron feels like an excellent candidate since it’s less than half the price of the YETI Rambler, yet comes with many of the same perks in terms of insulation and leak resistance. The Byron’s sleek silhouette and intuitive design make it look and feel like a far more spendy mug, and because it can be ordered in numerous colors, it’s easy to find a Contigo Byron that suits anyone’s aesthetic preferences.

The Details: 3.2 x 8.5 inches; 20 ounces; limited lifetime warranty; SnapSeal lid; handwash only

Best With Handle

Brümate 16-ounce toddy.

Why It’s Great: Strong insulation; 100% leakproof lid; limited lifetime warranty; reasonably priced; dishwasher-safe

Grain of Salt: Handle can make it difficult to store in small spaces.

Some minimalists will tell you that a handle on a travel mug brings unnecessary bulk, but others, like Colby Cox, coffee roaster for Atlas Coffee Club in Austin, Texas, differ. “At home, I love a nice chunky handle on the side of my mug that I can slip my fingers through and palm the rest of the hefty mug,” he says. “But on a flight, road trip, or backpacking? That handle can and does get in the way of its ability to stow neatly for me.” Personally, I love a grippy handle, so I was glad to find a fantastic handled model in the BrüMate Toddy. 

BrüMate makes coolers, water bottles, and travel cups for cocktails and beers, so it stands to reason that they take temperature control very seriously. The Toddy features insulation so powerful that even carbonated beverages can maintain their fizz and coldness. The smooth exterior coating feels comfortable in the hand, and there’s no condensation to worry about. Add to all that, the handle can work for both left-handed and right-handed drinkers, the mug is dishwasher-safe, and the specially-designed lid is 100% leakproof.

The Details: 4.5 x 5.5 inches; 16 ounces; limited lifetime warranty; BevLock lid; dishwasher-safe

Best For Camping

Hydro flask 12-ounce travel mug.

Why It’s Great: Well-insulated and damage-resistant; smooth texture on exterior; limited lifetime warranty

Grain of Salt: Not machine-washable; handle could make it harder to store in small spaces

Camping mugs need to be compact and resilient, and the HydroFlask Mug delivers on both fronts. The 12-ounce model is lightweight, and the stainless-steel construction means that it can slide around in a camper or knock around in a rucksack with no fear of damage. The handle gives it that old-school camp mug flair, and the impressive insulation that HydroFlask is famous for will keep drinks hot or cold for up to six hours.

The handle and the smooth coating make this mug texturally appealing and stop the exterior from feeling hot or cold to the touch, which adds a kid-friendly flair. The lid presses into the mug’s opening smoothly and protects against leaks. Whether you’re using the HydroFlask Mug for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or an adult beverage, this cup is ideally designed for sipping and toasting by the campfire.

The Details: 3.53 x 4.55 inches; 12 ounces; limited lifetime warranty; press-in lid; hand-wash only

Best With Carrying Strap

Lars nysøm 13-ounce coffee mug to-go with strap.

Why It’s Great: Attractive design; vacuum-insulated; smooth exterior; fits in cup holders

Grain of Salt: Not machine washable; no warranty

If you love Scandinavian minimalism, the Lars Nysøm Coffee Mug will be the travel cup of your dreams. Clean lines, Instagrammable colors, and an attached wrist strap for easy carrying—this model has it all. The mug is vacuum-insulated with double walls, which gives it the ability to lock in hot temperatures for up to four hours and cold temperatures for up to eight. 

Shapewise, this mug fits into standard cup holders and nestles nicely into the palm. The wrist strap might seem like an unnecessary addition to some, but, because I’ve been on an early-morning hike and cursed the fact that I couldn’t enjoy my coffee while also keeping my hands free, I recognize the advantages. The Lars Nysøm Coffee Mug also benefits from a leakproof lid so your drink won’t go splashing everywhere as the mug swings on its strap, and the smaller 13-ounce model is an appealing lightweight option for active adventures.

The Details: 3.5 x 5.86 inches; 13 ounces; flip-top lid; 30-day return policy; hand-wash only

Best Design

Zojirushi stainless steel mug.

Why It’s Great: Vacuum insulated; leakproof top; sophisticated design

Grain of Salt: Pricey; the mug’s height can make it prone to tipping over

Sleek and svelte, the Zojirushi 16-Ounce Mug doesn’t rely on fancy bells and whistles, and it’s that focus on pared-down function that makes it so elegant. This Japanese-designed travel cup features both stainless steel and vacuum insulation, so no air will get the chance to mess with your beverage’s temperature. The flip top features a sealing clasp to erase any possibility of spillage, even if the mug falls from a decent height. 

Cupholders, bags, small office drawers, and cabinets—the Zojirushi Mug can fit just about anywhere. The lid includes several pieces and can therefore be a bit fiddly to clean, but users insist that a full-scale cleaning only needs to happen once every few uses—the mug can be easily and effectively rinsed in between. 

The Details: 2.9 x 9.1 inches; 16 ounces; flip-top lid; 5-year warranty; hand-wash only

Best Collapsible

Stojo collapsible coffee cup.

Why It’s Great: Lightweight and collapsible; comes in appealing colors; includes a straw; microwave safe

Grain of Salt: No warranty; silicone doesn’t insulate as strongly as stainless steel; includes several small pieces that could get lost

As someone who spent many years living in a tiny studio apartment with hardly any cabinet space, I know firsthand the value of items that can collapse into small packages and slip into a small nook or fully-loaded drawer. The Stojo Travel Cup, a silicone mug that squishes down flat when it’s not in use, is an ideal choice for coffee drinkers with limited kitchen real estate or space in their bag.

Not only is the Stojo Travel Cup dishwasher safe, but it’s also microwaveable. When it’s collapsed, it has only a 2-inch diameter, so feel free to stow it in your glove compartment, your office desk drawer, or even your pocket. The silicone feels pleasant in the hand and effectively locks in heat and cold. The Stojo Travel Cup also comes with a temperature-resistant sleeve and a reusable straw for cold brew drinkers.

The Details: 4 x 6 inches; 16 ounces; slide lid; 30-day return policy; dishwasher safe

Best For Cold Drinks

Fellow carter cold tumbler.

Why It’s Great: Beautiful aesthetics; ceramic coating keeps metallic flavor out of the drinks; strong insulation; straw included

Grain of Salt: Not dishwasher safe; short warranty

Iced Coffee Squad, rejoice: Fellow designed its Carter Cold Tumbler with you in mind. These chic stainless-steel travel mugs are streamlined for maximum chill and efficiency. The three parts (the mug itself, the lid, and the straw) fit together in a smooth line, yet the mug nestles comfortably in the palm, The slightly rounded base settles well in a cup holder, and the fairly narrow straw promotes slow and easy sipping. 

The insulation will keep drinks cold for more than 18 hours, while the ceramic coating over the stainless core prevents any metallic flavor notes from getting into your coffee. Spills are halted in place by the tightly-locked lid, and that narrow straw comes in handy again by stopping liquid from rushing out of the cup if it tips over. Plus, the color range feels very modern and stylish; the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler is as much a fashion accessory as it is a practical tool for on-the-go drinking. 

The Details: 3.25 x 11.13 inches; 16 ounces; twist-on lid; 30-day limited warranty; hand wash only

For the best combination of powerful insulation, durability, and versatility, the YETI Rambler Travel Mug is our top choice (and is worth its slightly-higher price tag). For a more budget-friendly alternative, snap up the Contigo Byron Travel Mug , which delivers double-walled stainless steel and impressive leak resistance. 

When determining the size of your ideal travel coffee mug, it’s important to consider your general coffee-drinking habits, along with your preferences for take-out coffee. Do you always order a Venti when you head to Starbucks? Or are you more of a single-espresso-shot person? Larger mugs (16 ounces and up) can be beneficial for those who like to caffeinate in a big way (or those who like to nurse the same beverage throughout the day), but they’re also more difficult to transport and store than smaller models. 

“I usually trend toward drinkware that can handle at least the biggest coffee drink I usually buy,” says Cox. “If you only ever drink 16 oz lattes, then it’s a little over-the-top to get a 30 oz mug. But a 16 oz mug will happily handle my weekend bad-boy iced latte just as readily as [it will] an 8 oz cappuccino… with some extra head space. This can look a little goofy if you’re bringing a pint glass to the counter for a double espresso, but that decision is between you and your self-confidence.” When in doubt, err on the side of a larger cup.

A travel mug’s overall ability to maintain beverage temperature rests in large part in the effectiveness of its lid. Lids also stop unfortunate coffee spills, which is an invaluable quality when you need every sip of morning java you can get. That’s why lids with powerful lock structures warrant higher prices; they’re an investment in your long-term coffee-drinking experience. For instance, the YETI Rambler Travel Mug’s lid uses magnets to seal onto the mug, so there’s no need to worry about slippage. On the other hand, less-expensive mugs and lighter-weight mugs often come with lids that seal decently well but may include more pieces or lack a fail-safe latching mechanism. 

If you plan to use your travel mug in more stationary situations (like at your office), you may not require ultimate sealability. But those planning to take their mugs on long road trips, on hikes or bike rides, or camping should prioritize the lid’s fit and its leakproof capabilities.

While just rinsing your travel mug with water after each use can be an acceptable shortcut (temporarily, at least), you’ll eventually need to give your trusty coffee cup a good cleanout . If you value efficiency and don’t want to deal with hand-scrubbing, then you’ll want to prioritize a dishwasher-safe model. Just be aware that many dishwasher-friendly mugs still have some restrictions; specifically, they often recommend that you wash the mug (or at least the lid) on the top rack.

Mugs that are hand-wash only aren’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but, because they do require an extra time investment (and may require special tools like straw brushes), make sure that you’re willing to put in that effort if you choose one of these models. 

Finally, keep in mind that mug lids may include rubber gaskets, which, according to Cox, are responsible for the water-tightness. “These gaskets should be removed and cleaned regularly, a habit most people neglect,” he says. “Most of the time, it’s just one gasket; but in some models, there may be several specialized gaskets that have to go in the right place, and there’s a definite right-side-up and upside down. Neglecting to clean these gaskets on a regular basis can lead to the development of mold and other colonies of mean nasties with serious health implications.”

What’s the difference between “leakproof” and “spill-proof”?

Mug manufacturers have a vested interest in emphasizing their product’s ability to stop spills in their tracks, but their specific choice of words can carry different meanings. If a mug advertises itself as “leakproof,” that “means that the mug is meant to be assembled in such a way that liquids physically cannot permeate the barrier created by the combination of container and lid,” says Cox. “Fill it up and flip it upside down; if zero (and I mean zero) liquid runs, it’s leak-proof, plain and simple.”

A more mild version of “leakproof” is “leak-resistant,” in which the lid will protect against most leaks but can’t guarantee a 100 percent prevention rate. And “spill-proof” means that, should you knock your travel mug over or drop it on the ground, the lid won’t pop off and cause the liquid to spill everywhere, but smaller leaks from jostling are still possible.

Are all travel coffee mugs vacuum-insulated?

The short answer to this question is “no.” For a mug to be vacuum-insulated, it must have double walls with a layer of air-free empty space in between, which instigates the vacuum seal and prevents air from entering or heat/cold from exiting. The result is premium temperature control for your beverage.

For many, it’s worth picking up a vacuum-insulated travel mug, which tend to be more expensive than their non-vacuum-insulated counterparts. “Yes, it’s worth the hype,” says Cox. “While they certainly cost more than their non-insulated counterparts, but frankly, the extra cost is nominal, especially when one considers the lifespan of those vessels. Seriously, go ask your dad or your dad’s dad about his Stanley cup. The technology is not new, but it has certainly improved in terms of temperature stability, market availability, and processing efficiency.”

Can travel mug materials absorb flavors and odors?

Certain materials are more prone to picking up errant tastes and smells than others. Silicone, for instance, is a softer material that’s more prone to absorption.To minimize your risk as much as possible, focus on a stainless-steel mug, as this material is famously impervious to flavors and odors. However, stainless steel can sometimes impart its own metallic taste to drinks. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, consider a stainless-steel mug with a ceramic coating, like the Fellow Carter Cold Tumbler.

Why Take Our Word For It? 

Taylor Tobin is a freelance lifestyle journalist who focuses on food & beverage recipes and recommendations. She’s a self-confessed coffee fiend whose recent journeys into the world of home coffee brewing have left her with a cabinetful of travel mugs and a lot of opinions on the subject. Her work has also been featured in Southern Living, HuffPost, Business Insider, Eater, Simply Recipes, Wine Enthusiast, Thrillist, and Apartment Therapy.

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Product Hub July 24, 2024

Editor’s Picks: Indispensable Coffee & Travel Mugs

They’re essential for commuting, traveling and running errands on the weekends.

By  Phineas Hogan

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The end-user market for coffee and travel mugs presents a prime opportunity for sales. According to market research firm Drive Research, nearly 75% of Americans drink coffee at least once a day. Meanwhile, as people continue to return to commuting, they’re going to need vessels for their beverages of choice. The branded coffee and travel mugs shown here are perfect for cafés, staff and convention-goers.

Lungsal (asi/68190)

End-users can keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold with this 20-oz. vacuum-sealed tumbler (OA-2). The insulated stainless-steel body maintains beverage temperature for two to three hours. Can be purchased in five colors.

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Ball Pro/Diversified Quality Kitchenware (asi/38120)

The 24-oz. ORCA traveler (FORTRA24-LE) will keep caffeine flowing all day. A sturdy handle and recessed bottom make it easy to use and store. Can be purchased in six colors.

NC Custom (asi/44900)

This soft-touch, double-walled stainless-steel tumbler (DRK240-E) keeps drinks hot or cold for up to eight hours. Makes a nice “welcome back to the office” gift.

VisionUSA (asi/80060)

The 30-oz. SplitFlask (SSSPLITFLASK30) has a patented dual-chamber technology so users can enjoy a hot beverage and keep water chilled at the same time.

Koozie Group (asi/40480)

This reusable to-go cup (16GRPNGO) features double-wall insulation and a drink-thru lid with matching diamond-patterned rubber grip. Think coffeehouses and company events.

Gold Bond (asi/57653)

Users won’t need to stop for midday refills with this 40-oz. tumbler (MAMMOTH). Keeps drinks cold for up to 36 hours and hot for up to 2.5 hours. Features an easy-to-hold handle, slide-lock lid and straw. Can be purchased in four colors.

Custom Printing II LTD (asi/47971)

Promote any organization with this classic ceramic mug (CM2000W ESP). It’s an eco-friendly alternative to single-use foam and plastic cups for hot or cold beverages.

PCNA (asi/66887)

The 32-oz. Camelbak Thrive mug (1627-81) combines 100% leak-proof technology with high-performance vacuum insulation – it keeps drinks cold for 21 hours and hot for 10. Features a nonslip design and ergonomic handle.

Product Hub Find the latest in quality products, must-know trends and fresh ideas for upcoming end-buyer campaigns.

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Massive attack on French rail network brings travel chaos ahead of Olympic opening ceremony

PARIS — Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday, part of France ’s high-speed rail network was paralyzed by a “massive attack” that disrupted service for hundreds of thousands of passengers, officials said.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said the country’s intelligence services and law enforcement agencies had been mobilized to track down suspects as he warned in a post on X that “the consequences for the rail network are massive and serious.”

France’s national rail network SNFC said in a news release that a series of “coordinated” arson attacks had damaged a number of its facilities and services, while another “malicious act was foiled” on the LGV Sud-Est line connecting Paris and Lyon.

Calling the incident a “massive attack,” it said in an update that at least 250,000 passengers would be impacted Friday, with 800,000 expected to be affected over the weekend. A sweeping number of services had to be canceled, it said, warning passengers affected to postpone their travel plans and “not to go to the station.”

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told reporters Friday afternoon that there are no threats against the opening ceremony, adding that the attack on rail services has had no direct impact on the Olympics other than inconveniencing people arriving or leaving by train. Darmanin described the sabotage as coordinated attacks against the French people rather than against the Olympic Games.

An unprecedented security operation has been put in place for the opening ceremony, including about 45,000 police officers across Paris and 10,000 military personnel in the Île-de-France region, the latter of which is the biggest deployment in the country since World War II and the biggest ever in peacetime. 

On the River Seine, SWAT officers will travel on boats with the athletes, navy divers will inspect the hulls of vessels for explosives and sonar will be used to detect underwater intruders, with nets at locations on the river that act as entry barriers. The banks and bridges of the river are on lockdown and buildings and basements along the ceremony route have been searched.

For live coverage please click here

SNCF Chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou told reporters that fiber optic cables in at least three locations had been set on fire. The cables were connected to signal boxes and other rail infrastructure, he said.

Preliminary information from French law enforcement and intelligence organizations indicates that anarchists or extreme leftist groups are likely responsible for the coordinated sabotage attack on the French high-speed rail network, two senior law enforcement and intelligence officials in the U.S. briefed on the matter said.

The officials stressed the investigation is ongoing and the initial assessment is preliminary.

The attacks appeared to have been coordinated with the intention of causing massive disruption to the country’s rail network, he added.

Paris’ public prosecutor’s office said in a news release that an investigation had been opened involving charges including damage to property likely to harm the fundamental interest of the nation, which can carry a sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 225,000 euros, or around $244,200.

French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete also took to X, where he said “coordinated malicious acts” targeted several lines and would “seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend.”

In comments aired by the French broadcaster BFMTV, Vergriete later said the disruptions appeared to unfold simultaneously and appeared intentional. It was unclear who might be responsible.

One passenger, Maëliss Davy, 23, said she had planned to travel from Paris to Nantes, a city in the Upper Brittany region of western France, for a friend's birthday Saturday, but was surprised to receive a message on the SNCF app saying her train had been delayed due to an "act of vandalism."

Her train was later canceled altogether, she said, speaking with NBC News over X. “Fortunately I’ve managed to book a train tomorrow morning at a station on the outskirts of Paris,” Davy said. However, she added the train station, Gare Montparnasse, was full of confused, tired “and quite impatient” passengers whose travel plans had also been affected. 

In Lille, passengers were scrambling to make it to Paris in time for the opening ceremony, Reuters reported.

Tomomi Guillochon, from London, received the same message as Davy and attempted to rebook a train.

"We tried to rebook but now it’s delayed for another hour and twenty minutes," Guillochon told the outlet.

There was widespread confusion at Gare Montparnasse, with a busy crowd of passengers appearing calm, but eager for updates and answers about their delayed journeys.

Meanwhile, at Gare du Nord, trains appeared to be back up and running normally at the travel hub by early Friday afternoon. SNFC trains were seen coming and going through the station, with arrival and departures listed as “on time" on travel monitors.

The Olympic opening ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m. local time  here in the French capital.

SNCF said all tickets would be exchangeable and refundable and that passengers would be informed of updates via text.

Elsewhere, the Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport in eastern France was briefly evacuated because of a bomb scare. Police said that flights resumed shortly afterward.

Separately, Eurostar said in a statement on its website that all high speed trains between Paris and the northwestern city of Lille were being diverted from the high seed line to the slower, classic line.

It said it had mobilized teams stations, call centers, and onboard trains to assist passengers and provide them with updates.

The arrests come amid a recent uptick in terrorism and violent incidents outside of any Olympic games related concerns.

A 40-year-old Russian man was indicted Tuesday by investigators who believed he intended to “organize events likely to cause destabilization during the Olympic Games,” the Paris prosecutor’s office told NBC News.

Authorities were also probing electronic devices of an 18-year-old after he was arrested as part of separate investigation involving a terrorist organization French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in an interview with BFMTV on Tuesday.

A man was also arrested last week on terrorism charges after he was accused of attacking a taxi driver in the Loire region, which came a day after a police officer was wounded in a knife attack in Paris.

Nancy Ing reported from Paris and Chantal Da Silva from London

Nancy Ing is a Paris-based producer.

Chantal Da Silva reports on world news for NBC News Digital and is based in London.

Jean-Nicholas Fievet is a London-based senior desk editor for NBC News.

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Watch Buyers Are on the Road Again

Swiss brands from Omega to Bulgari are expanding their travel retail offerings to match the resurgence in tourism.

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By Victoria Gomelsky

The Swiss watchmaker Breitling is planning to open a store in Paris, on the Champs-Élysées, in 2025, but with millions of visitors expected to descend on the City of Light over the next six weeks for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the brand decided it couldn’t wait.

“We are hosting a pop-up next door to where our permanent store will be,” Georges Kern, Breitling’s chief executive, wrote in an email. “Paris is the place to be this summer.”

While there is no doubt that the French capital is the belle of the international ball this season, many luxury watchmakers in the city have tempered expectations about watch sales during the Games.

“We have a network in Paris with 25 points of sale, including three boutiques,” Carlos Rosillo, co-founder of the French watch brand Bell & Ross, said on a recent video call from its headquarters in Paris. “But frankly speaking, we are a challenger. We cannot compete.”

Raynald Aeschlimann, the president and chief executive of Omega, the Games’ official timekeeper since 1932, struck a similarly pragmatic note. “Those millions of people are coming to Paris for the sport,” he wrote in an email. “Omega’s primary focus will always be on the timekeeping, not on marketing.”

Beyond the Games, the outlook for travel retail in general, however, is a different story.

Many watch brands — particularly large ones with global distribution such as Bulgari and Hublot, both owned by the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton — are expanding their retail footprints at airports, on cruise ships and in other tourist-magnet destinations to match the growth in travel, especially among rich consumers .

“We are just now relocating our boutique in Zurich Airport, Switzerland, tripling the size so that it’s consistent with the downtown Bahnhofstrasse boutique,” Jean-Christophe Babin, chief executive of Bulgari, said during a video call last month. “Some airports like Zurich have a high-profile clientele. If you have the right staff, the right assortment, the right experience and the right size, you can create a strong business.”

Marco Passoni, senior executive vice president at 2.0 & Partners, an agency in London that helps brands develop travel retail strategies, said travel retail was on an upward trajectory.

“Immediately following the pandemic, we saw incredible amounts of revenge shopping, and since then the market has continued to rebound, keeping pace with, and in places outstripping, the speed of travel recovery,” Mr. Passoni wrote in an email.

Indeed, the market research firm Euromonitor recently projected that global duty-free sales would total $146 billion by 2027, with sales for 2024 expected to reach $113.5 billion, well ahead of 2019 levels of $98.6 billion.

But then traveler numbers are also expected to exceed 2019 figures. In September 2023, Airports Council International, an airport advocacy group in Montreal, said that the passenger volume worldwide was expected to hit 9.4 billion in 2024 , surpassing the 9.2 billion passengers who traveled in 2019.

One inescapable fact about travel retail is that it is highly dependent on flight availability. “We can drive traffic to our stores in Los Angeles, in Beijing, anywhere,” Mr. Babin of Bulgari said. “But we cannot drive traffic in an airport where you have no aircraft.”

Yet that metric, too, is showing promise. Global air traffic was expected to reach a new peak of 40.1 million flights in 2024, up from 16.9 million in 2020, according to Statista.

Seeing ‘Downtown’

While having a network of airport boutiques is key to capturing airline passengers, Mr. Babin said Bulgari lately has focused on what he called “downtown travel retail” opportunities, such as La Samaritaine, the 19th-century department store owned by LVMH in Paris’s First Arrondissement. After a lengthy closure and renovation, it reopened in 2021 with a number of restaurants, a five-star hotel, and a spa.

“Samaritaine is designed to be a travel retail destination,” he said. “It doesn’t prevent French residents of Paris from buying there. But obviously, being French residents, they will pay the French VAT.” (He referred to the 20 percent tax added to most goods and services; tourists may have VAT payments refunded.)

“In general,” Mr. Babin continued, “the downtown has been on the rise, because it’s easier to create a true luxury experience downtown than in an airport, where often people are in a hurry.”

Omega, too, has concentrated new store openings in areas where travelers like to shop. “In the heart of Hong Kong, where shopping is considered very prestigious, we opened two new boutiques, in the K11 Musea and Queen’s Road Central,” Mr. Aeschlimann wrote. “Furthermore, we are focusing on having a great presence near tourist attraction areas like Champs-Élysées or Faubourg St.-Honoré in Paris and SoHo New York,” the Manhattan neighborhood where Omega opened a new boutique last month.

China and Travel

If this were 2019, such a retail opening spree would almost certainly have been designed to attract Chinese tourists, who spent a collective $255 billion on international travel that year (compared with $196.5 billion in 2023 ), according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

But after three years of Covid isolation and a downturn in the Chinese economy, travelers from the mainland have favored destinations closer to home , according to luxury experts.

“Not surprisingly, Chinese now go a lot to Asia,” Mr. Babin said. “The cost differential versus going to Europe or the U.S. is huge. And then when you land in Tokyo or Seoul, you realize that the hotel night is a fraction of what you would pay in L.A., New York, Paris or Rome.”

The shift has marked a radical departure from how Chinese travelers used to behave on trips abroad.

“Luxury brands and travel retail brands alike once relied on these high-spending shoppers to deliver incredible results,” Mr. Passoni of 2.0 & Partners wrote. “But the pandemic put a stop to that, and the truth is that it has not recovered and probably never will. The Chinese government is determined to keep more luxury spend within the country and luxury brands and those in the travel retail market must get used to this new normal.

“There is no doubt that Chinese shoppers retain great spending power,” he continued. “The sales at the duty-free shopping haven of Hainan underline this, but that is where much Chinese traveling spend will go in the future. We are seeing some recovery in markets such as Hong Kong and Japan in the luxury sector, but not at the levels that it once was.”

Caryl Capeci, senior vice president of fine jewelry and watches at Starboard Cruise Services, a cruise retailer in Miami, said in a phone interview that she has noticed a similar trend.

“The market dynamics have changed since 2019,” Ms. Capeci said. “In 2019, the cruise market in China was very strong in all categories but particularly for fine jewelry and watches. There were lines and lines of people waiting to buy things.”

Although Starboard’s Chinese business has not caught up to 2019 levels, she pointed to Royal Caribbean’s return to China in April, with a ship called the Spectrum of the Seas, as a sign that the market was rebounding. Its home port is Shanghai, and it offers four- and seven-night cruises to ports in Japan such as Nagasaki and Osaka.

“One thing that’s interesting is retail prices have held,” Ms. Capeci said. “It’s just the number of actual Chinese guests that are purchasing has been adjusted.”

Cruise Growth

Globally speaking, however, the cruise business has already bested its prepandemic performance. In 2023, 31.7 million passengers sailed on cruise ships, representing a 7 percent increase over 2019 totals, according to a “ State of the Cruise Industry Report ” published in May by the Cruise Lines International Association. According to that report, that figure is projected to grow to 39.7 million by 2027.

“Business at sea represents a very big potential growth for Hublot,” Ricardo Guadalupe, the brand’s chief executive (who is leaving the role Sept. 1 to become honorary president), wrote in an email. “The cruise business is especially a focus for the Americas where we see high luxury brands arriving.”

Midrange brands are coming as well. In May, Emmanuel Bütler, U.S. brand president of Norqain, a Swiss brand that recently expanded into cruise retail, spent five days aboard a new Carnival ship, the Carnival Firenze, as it sailed from the Los Angeles area to Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Mr. Bütler said his goal was to better understand the retail experience aboard ship, where duty-free stores open only once a vessel has reached international waters, at least 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.

“If you think about the cruise business, it’s all about the experience,” Mr. Bütler said. “It’s all about, ‘This is the most special week of the year,’ and they want to have a little memory.”

That, he said, helped explain why one of Norqain’s most popular offers at sea involves an element of personalization: Each of its watches has a removable plate on the left side of its case that can be engraved with the buyer’s choice of wording or dates.

And yet, for all its promise, the prospect of selling watches to travelers seeking to mark a special occasion or simply to satisfy a whim does not entice all brands. Some in the industry, such as Guido Terreni, chief executive of the boutique Swiss watchmaker Parmigiani, said they are reluctant to invest in the category after the Covid lockdown period underscored the precariousness of travel retail.

“It’s the wrong mentality to capitalize on tourists,” Mr. Terreni said on a video call last month from his office in the Swiss village of Fleurier. “Travel retail must be seen as a cherry on the cake. If you want to build a brand, you have to do it locally.”

Our Coverage of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

Go inside the games with the new york times and the athletic..

The Olympics You Remember Are Back: Family, friends and fans were missing from two straight Covid Games. In Paris, one athlete said, competitors will have the kind of experience they dream about .

The World’s Costume Party: When the athletes march in — or float in, as they will in Paris — you can enjoy the illusion  that it’s a small world after all.

What Do Olympians Eat for Breakfast?: Six Paris-bound athletes share how pancakes, Pop-Tarts and mid-game Skittles  power their training.

The Seine Is His Stage: To open the Games, the theater director Thomas Jolly has masterminded a spectacular waterborne  ceremony depicting 12 scenes from French history.

A City Is Redrawn for the Olympics: The Games will usher visitors through France’s history, with events at the Grand Palais and Versailles. But, as host, Paris is also becoming a new city .

How Fast Is That Going?: We measured the speeds of eight objects to make our own Olympic game. Can you guess  how fast the discus flies? An arrow? The badminton birdie?

Get ready for assigned seats: Southwest Airlines ushers in big changes

It's the end of an era at Southwest Airlines.

After more than 50 years , the airline is getting rid of its open seating policy.

In a press release Thursday, the Dallas-based airline acknowledged "preferences have evolved with more customers taking longer flights where a seat assignment is preferred." The airline hopes moving to assigned seats and revamping its boarding process will broaden Southwest's appeal to both new and existing customers, four out of five who prefer assigned seats, according to the airline, which did not give an exact date for the switch. More details are expected in late September.

Assigned seating is just one is one several major operational changes in store. Southwest also plans to introduce premium seating options on all flights and introduce red-eye flights.

"While specific cabin layout details are still in design, Southwest expects roughly one-third of seats across the fleet to offer extended legroom, in line with that offered by industry peers on narrowbody aircraft," the airline said.

Southwest already unveiled a cabin refresh earlier this year and is in the middle of upgrading its fleet with changes announced in 2022, including in-seat USB charging and stronger Wi-Fi .

Booking for the airline's new red-eye flights opened Thursday. The first overnight flights will land next Valentine's Day, in five initial nonstop markets:

• Las Vegas to Baltimore
• Las Vegas to Orlando
• Los Angeles to Baltimore
• Los Angeles to Nashville
• Phoenix to Baltimore

The airline plans to eventually roll out red-eye flights to other markets and offer 24-hour operational capabilities.

The sweeping changes aim to add value for both customers and investors.

"Our goal is to restore industry-leading margins and historical levels of shareholder returns through our comprehensive plan to deliver transformational commercial initiatives, improved operational efficiency, and capital allocation discipline," Southwest's President, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Bob Jordan said in a separate press release, announcing second quarter earnings . Operating revenues were up 4.5% year-over-year and hit an all-time quarterly high of $7.4 billion.

The airline's earnings have been under pressure in recent quarters, partly because of delays in plane deliveries from Boeing, which have impacted revenue and worsened cost pressures. Southwest is also facing pricing pressure as industry-wide overcapacity has dampened domestic airfares.

Contributing: Reuters