We expect a lot of our travel mugs. As we go about our days, our favorite coffee (or tea) is right by our side. Starting with our morning commutes, following us to our desks, perhaps even to a coffee shop, and on with the day. In addition to letting you tote your favorite beverages on the go, a travel mug is also an eco-friendly and practical option that reduces the use of disposable cups when a traditional coffee cup isn't an option to bring along.
The best travel coffee mug has to be a lot of things. It has to be leak-proof, and it shouldn't shatter if dropped, be ergonomic and comfortable to hold, and it'll win high marks if it can fit in a standard car cupholder. Today, we want a travel coffee mug that is insulated to keep coffee or tea hot longer, and also something that is relatively simple to clean — bonus points if its dishwasher safe.
Now that sounds like a tall order to find the perfect mug for traveling. But don't worry, it's definitely out there. We researched and reviewed the best travel coffee mugs that will make sipping your daily coffee or tea on the go more enjoyable. Read on for our in-depth reviews.
But, before you can even think about going on your day with the best travel mug, be sure you have the best coffee maker so you can brew your perfect cup of coffee.
The best travel coffee mugs 2021
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The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, 16oz hits all the right notes when it comes to selecting a travel mug for daily use.
What we like about it
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is truly made for on-the-go use. It can maintain its hot or cold temperature for up to six hours thanks to the stainless steel vacuum insulation, but some reviewers say the temps have stayed overnight, or even up to 18 hours. Comparison tests (from Zojirushi) showed that drink contents retained heat better than competitors, and is truly one of the top models on the market for maintaining temps. The inside is finished with proprietary SlickSteel that resists corrosion and repels stains, making sure that the taste of your coffee or tea does not degrade. Additionally, because it is leakproof with a locking cap, we feel comfortable storing this travel mug in our bags, and aren't afraid of its contents spilling. It's slim profile also makes it a candidate for putting in a cupholder, and the locking flip lid can be opened with a single hand, which is ideal when driving when you can't take both hands off the wheel.
Things to note
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is available in 12- and 16-ounce sizes, which is not as large as other options if you like to drink copious amounts of coffee. It also has a more limited color range, including Smokey Blue, Black, Champagne, Stainless Steel, Lavender, Cherry (a hot pink), and Emerald. Some reviewers noted that with use, the paint color did eventually begin to erode or chip, which could have been the result of putting it in the dishwasher.
If you're the type to always lose your travel mug, or just don't want to spend too much, or maybe you want one for each day of the work week, we're not one to judge, but we will recommend Contigo's SNAPSEAL Byron Mug for keeping your beverage sealed and hot.
What we like about it
The good news, you can get an amazing travel mug for coffee without breaking the bank. In fact, this Contigo is one of the best-selling travel mugs on Amazon. It keeps beverages hot with its THERMALOCK vacuum-insulated walls for up to seven hours or cold for up to 18 hours, doesn't sweat, and has a nice silicone grip, as well as fits in most car cupholders.
Things to note
For under $15, we have few complaints, but if you're looking for additional security, the Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug is slightly more expensive and offers easy one-press operation with a push-button, rather than a flip lid. While the Contigo SnapSeal mug is leak proof, you must make sure the snap lid is completely shut. Therefore, for those just in case moments, we wouldn't just throw it in a bag.
If aesthetic is a priority during your commute, the Kinto Travel Tumbler should be on your radar.
What we like about it
No labels, no logos, just a sleek design that meets aesthetic needs and is fully functional, with a gorgeous, color-blocked two-tone design. It is made of double-walled stainless steel with an additional foil layer covering the inner wall that reflects heat back inside for even better heat and cold retention. We also like that while the Kinto has a wider mouth than most, it has a two-part lid with a wider part to make filling easier, then a narrower spout that is still generous and won't let ice cubes come through.
Things to note
Kinto's tumbler has multiple parts to it that require more attention when cleaning, and it is not dishwasher safe. Additionally, the screw-top design is not for everybody, as it does take two hands to operate and close the tumbler, but the screw top does ensure it stays leak-proof.
If convenience and design is a big thing for you, the Swig Life 18oz Triple Insulated Travel Mug offers both.
What We Like
Swig Life products are top-rack dishwasher safe, which is a major factor for those who just want to toss it alongside the dishes at the end of the day. Also, the sheer amount of color and pattern options are a big hit (over 40). It's also designed to fit in most standard-sized cupholders, and a silicone bottom gives a nice grip and added security.
Things to note
Though Swig Life offers tumblers that can stay cold or hot for long periods of time, the coffee mug only keeps drinks hot for three hours or cold for nine, which is much less than competitors.
The SEAL-TITE Tritan lid is BPA-free and spill resistant, but do not attempt to put this in your bag on its own, as it is not leakproof. Note, some reviewers have mentioned that liquid gets caught in the lid's sliding closure, and that the lid's opening is very small, causing dribble to come out. On the flip side, over 80 percent of its reviews are 5-stars.
If you can drink your way through 40 ounces of coffee or tea in a few hours, you'll want the massive Reduce 40 oz. Mug Tumbler.
What we like about it
It's still sleekly styled but those who drink copious amounts of coffee will love the sheer size of the Reduce. The glossy finish gives it a high-end touch, while The clear lid lets you decide between big or small sips, and for cold beverages, it also comes with a straw. Users also said that the lid sealed really well to prevent leaks. A clear champion for iced coffees on the go, with the ability to keep your drink cold for up to 36 hours, it'll also give you a full day worth of hot coffee, up to 10 hours, thanks to stainless steel vacuum insulated interior. Bonus, the lid is easier to clean than some of these other mugs, and it is dishwasher safe.
Things to note
Additionally, even though REDUCE designed this mug so it could fit in cars, it's still quite bulky (and heavier when full) and needs to be carried by hand. Luckily, the attached handle makes it easier to carry, but we wouldn't just throw it in a bag.
The Stojo On The Go Coffee Cup was created to help reduce single-use coffee cups as a packable cup that you can bring along to the coffee shop. Now, you'll want it on your person for those just in case moments at all times.
What we like about it
It collapses and it's leak-proof! Once you've finished drinking your coffee or tea, you don't have to keep lugging around a full-sized coffee cup, as it condenses to a fraction of its original size. Clean up is also easy, since its dishwasher safe, just be sure to unfurl it so all the grooves can be reached.
It's an eco-friendly pick for spontaneous trips to a coffee shop and is a typical size of the paper cups available that baristas are usually glad to refill for you.
Things to note
Because it is made of silicone, it doesn't necessarily keep your drink hot or cold for longer. The soft body also makes it easy to squeeze, you could be dealing with some coffee gushing out if you clench the cup too hard when its full. Luckily, there is a sturdy plastic ring around the center where its most commonly held.
Reviewers find the cup extremely convenient, but also note that it is common for it to retain the coffee smell.
Noted as the Original Reusable Glass Cup, JOCO's Glass Reusable Glass Cup will stop baristas in their tracks when you hand them this eye-catching vessel the next time you go to a café.
What we like:
JOCO uses odor/stain-resistant, non-porous borosilicate glass that is thermal shock resistant and personally blown by master artisans. An attached silicone sleeve will keep you from burning your fingers and make the cup comfortable to hold. The 4-ounce size is perfect for an espresso or macchiato, while slightly larger sizes are made to accommodate your favorite latte or specialty drink.
Things to note
If your definition of a travel cup involves insulation and leakproof capabilities, you'll want to look elsewhere. Here you get a beautiful cup that does not alter the taste of coffee or retain odors and is easy to clean. It's also glass, so handle it with care and avoid dropping it.
For when you're gathering around a campfire or enjoying the great outdoors, you'll love sipping coffee from this hardy YETI Rambler Mug.
What we like
Beyond having the option of almost every color under the sun, YETI is renowned for its iconic insulated drinkware that can keep your favorite beverage hot or cold for hours. Plus, this mug design with a handle (that is designed larger for large hands or wearing gloves) and gives you a more traditional drinking experience and it is dishwasher safe. The exterior Duracoat also means no scratching, peeling, or fading, so this cup will last you for years worth of camping trips.
Things to Note
The Tritan lid is sturdy and shouldn't crack, but does not completely seal the coffee, as it has a sipping lid. If that's a dealbreaker for you, you'll want to check out YETI models with a MagSafe lid.
You'll feel confident about slinging your coffee around, and it'll stay nice and hot with a Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip™ Lid.
What we like
We're won over by the convenience of being able to hold a coffee cup with a hook, like a water bottle, and not worry about spillage. That's what you get with this Hydro Flask, which you can carry by its strap, or hook onto a backpack as you go about your day. While known for its water bottles, Hydro Flask is also equally competitive when it comes to offering temperature retention for hot beverages. Thanks to its TempShield technology and stainless steel body, Hydro Flask will keep coffee hot for 12 hours. The addition of the leakproof Flex Sip Lid makes it easy to sip on your coffee and is also interchangeable with any other wide-mouth Hydro Flask bottles, or lids.
Things to Note:
Due to their stainless steel construction, Hydro Flasks can tend to be heavy when full. A few owners hinted at a need for a redesign of the lid, which is made of four components that come apart for cleaning, as they found it complicated for cleaning and putting back together.
If you love to be at the forefront of tech, you've probably heard of the Ember Smart Cup. Now, take the smart experience on the go with the Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2.
What we like
Who wouldn't be intrigued by the ability to have the ultimate control to keep your beverage the exact temperature you want for hours on end? Plus, the seamless LED touch display is easy to use to adjust the temperature or check battery life. You can also pair your travel mug with your smartphone app to easily pre-set your favorite temperature settings.
For drinking, we're most impressed with the easy push to open the 360-degree lid so you can sip from anywhere, but it also stays leak proof. The mug also has an auto-sleep feature that can detect when liquid is poured inside so it knows to turn on.
Things to Note:
When on the go, the battery will last up to three hours, which all depends on the temperature you keep your drink at. However, if you're stationary at a desk you can place it on the included charging coaster to hold your desired temperature all day.
We admit it's a bit gimmicky of an item when insulated stainless steel can maintain your drink's temperature for twice as long, but it's extremely cool (and satisfying) to be able to control your beverage's temperature to the exact digit.
How to choose the right travel coffee mug for you
QUICK LINKS TO BUY THE BEST COFFEE MUG FOR TRAVEL
We place big demands on the right travel coffee cup. Because if coffee were to spill, well that would surely ruin our day on-the-go. Things to consider:
Material: The most popular travel cups for coffee are made with stainless steel with double-walled insulation to keep drinks hot or cold. However, they require certain care and are not microwave safe. Other alternatives are silicone and glass, which can be placed in the microwave, and are usually dishwasher safe. Glass is also a popular choice as it does not affect the taste of the coffee, but it is the most fragile. Plastic has grown less popular, as it is known to absorb smells and odors, doesn't keep temperature, and will likely be hot to carry.
Leakproof/Spillproof: Depending on your level of activity, how leakproof a cup is will vary greatly. If you're just going in a car and carrying it in your hand like a normal disposable coffee cup, leakproof might not be your most important factor. However, if you're truly on the go, and want to be able to place your travel mug in a bag, leakproof will be a priority.
Size: Coffee cups vary greatly in size. The cups in our list ranged from 4 ounces to 34 ounces, but will typically be found in sizes between 12 and 20 ounces. Consider if you need your cup to fit in a cupholder, under a single-serve coffee machine
Ease of Use and Durability: When it comes to travel mugs, their ability to go in the dishwasher varies quite widely, and a lot of them are handwash only. If you're the type who hopes to just toss it in the top rack of your dishwasher, then you're going to want to look out for those specific models. Otherwise, be prepared to handwash your cup. Additionally, consider weight and comfort when holding your mug. Do you require a handle, or are you OK gripping a tumbler? If you drop it, will it break or spill.
What is the best travel coffee cup?
We think the best travel mug you can buy is the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, as it meets all the things we look for in a travel mug: insulated, leakproof, and a convenient size. If we had to choose a runner up, we like the Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Lid for its convenient carrying strap, color and size options and ability to keep beverages hot for up to 12 hours.
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