Jaclyn Turner
We expect a lot from our travel coffee mug. As we go about our day, our favorite coffee (or tea) is right by our side. Starting with our morning commute, following us to our desks, perhaps even to a coffee shop, and on with the day. A good 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. Say it louder for the people at the back!
So, it's important that your travel coffee mug has to be a lot of things. From leak-proof to shatter-proof, you'll also want it to be comfortable to hold — and it'll win high marks if it can fit in a standard car cupholder. Obviously, we want it to be insulated to keep coffee or tea hot longer, and also something that is relatively simple to clean — bonus points if it's dishwasher safe.
Whether you've got a small coffee maker or single-serve coffee machine at home, or perhaps you're using it at your fave coffee house? Either way, a travel coffee mug is a purchase you won't regret. Promise.
Quick Menu:
1. The best travel coffee mugs
3. Things to consider
4. FAQs
5. How we test
6. Where to buy
So, we've researched and reviewed the best travel coffee mugs that will make sipping your daily coffee or tea on the go more enjoyable.
The best travel coffee mugs
Sizes: 12 and 16 oz
Material: Stainless steel
+ Keeps drinks hot or cold for six hours
+ Flip lid can be opened with one hand
+ Locking mechanism prevents leaks
+ Fits in most cupholders
+ Available in seven colors
- Limited size options
- Handwash only (paint can chip/erode in dishwasher)
- Very tall
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. In fact, comparison tests (from Zojirushi) showed that drink contents retained heat better than competitors. 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 has locking cap, we feel comfortable storing this travel mug in our bags. Its slim profile also makes it a candidate for putting in a cupholder, and the locking flip lid can be opened with a single hand — ideal for when you're driving.
Size: 16, 20, and 24 oz.
Material: Stainless steel
+ Drinks stay hot up to 7 hours (or cold up to 18)
+ SnapSeal is leakproof
+ Silicone grip for easy handling
- Only the lid is dishwasher safe, the cup part is handwash only
- Too tall to fit under single-serve coffee machines
If you're the type to always lose your travel mug, 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.
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 cup holders. Just make sure the snap lid is completely shut.
Size: 12.8 oz
Material: Stainless Steel, polypropylene, and silicone
+ Top-rack dishwasher safe
+ Tons of color options
+ Non-slip silicone base and handle for added support
+ Other sizes and body styles available
+ Fits most standard cupholders
- Only keeps drinks hot for up to 3 hours / cold for up to 9 hours
- Spill-resistant, but not fully leakproof
- Screw-top lid takes two hands to open
- Multiple parts
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. 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.
Size: 18oz
Material: Stainless steel
+ Top-rack dishwasher safe
+ Tons of color options
+ Non-slip silicone base and handle for added support
+ Other sizes and body styles available
+ Fits most standard cupholders
+ Seal-Tite Tritan lid is BPA-free
- Only keeps beverages hot for up to 3 hours, and cold for up to 9 hours, which is less than others on this list
- Spill-resistant, but not fully leakproof
- The lid needs a redesign (not leakproof and dribbles)
- Some reviewers have mentioned that liquid gets caught in the lid's sliding closure
If convenience and design are a big thing for you, the Swig Life 18oz Triple Insulated Travel Mug offers both. 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 is 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.
Size: 40oz
Material: Plastic
+ Designed to still fit in cupholders
+ Available in many pleasing colors
+ Huge 40-ounce capacity
- Dishwasher safe
- Heavy
This sleekly-styled sippy cup is great for those who drink copious amounts of coffee. 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 was 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's 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.
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. The attached handle makes it easier to carry, but we wouldn't just throw it in a bag.
Size: 8, 12, and 16 oz
Material: Silicone
+ Collapses when not in use
+ Lots of color options
+ Easy to use at your favorite coffee shop
+ Dishwasher safe
+ Leakproof
- Doesn't retain temperature
- Soft body (but has a sturdy plastic ring)
- Silicone may retain the flavor of coffee
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.
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 but just be sure to unfurl it so all the grooves can be reached.
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 it's full.
Size: 4, 6, 8, 12, and 16 ounces
Material: Borosilicate glass and silicone
+ Lots of color options
+ No plastic
+ Various sizes available
+ Fits under most single-serve coffee makers
+ Odor-proof and does not alter taste of coffee
+Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Could crack, chip, or shatter if dropped
- Not leakproof
- Not insulated
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.
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 using with your best espresso maker, while slightly larger sizes are made to accommodate your favorite latte or specialty drink.
Size: 14 oz
Material: Stainless steel
+ Several color options
+ Sturdy and doesn't sweat
+ The insulated interior maintains drink temperature
+ Dishwasher safe
+ Easy to hold
- Lid doesn't seal
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 is designed 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.
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.
Size: 20, 32, 40, and 64 oz
Material: Stainless steel
+ Compatible with other HydroFlask Wide Mouth products
+ TempShield Technology keeps drinks hot for 12 hours
+ Convenient carrying strap
+ Leak Proof, FlexSip™ lid
+ Lots of color options
+ Lifetime warranty
- Stainless steel construction makes it heavy when full
- Lid has multiple components for cleaning
- Handwash only
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.
Size: 10, 12, and 14 oz
Material: Stainless steel
+ Choose and control the desired temp between 120°F - 145°F
+ Programmable and controllable with or without the app
+ Can use Apple Find My Network technology to locate it
+ Leakproof and scratchproof
+ Auto Sleep feature to optimize battery life
+ Safe to hand wash (submersible up to 1 meter in water)
- 3-hour battery life (but it is improved over earlier versions)
- Some negative reviews say it lasts for about 90 days
- Lid design could be improved
- Two AA batteries required (included with purchase)
Who wouldn't be intrigued by the ability to have the ultimate control to keep your beverage at 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 to pre-set your favorite temperature settings.
We're most impressed with the easy push to open the 360-degree lid so you can sip from anywhere, but it also stays leakproof. When on the go, the battery will last up to three hours (depending 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.
Where to buy the best travel coffee mug
Amazon travel coffee mugs
Bloomingdale's travel coffee mugs
Bodum travel coffee mugs
Cabela's travel coffee mugs
Crate & Barrel travel mugs
Dick's Sporting Goods travel coffee mugs
Fellow travel coffee mugs
Keurig travel coffee mugs
Lowe's travel coffee mugs
Macy's travel coffee mugs
Nespresso travel coffee mugs
Nordstrom travel coffee mugs
REI travel coffee mugs
Stanley PMI travel coffee mugs
Target travel coffee mugs
The Home Depot travel coffee mugs
Walmart travel coffee mugs
What to consider when buying a travel coffee mug
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.
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?
FAQs
What is the best travel mug?
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 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.
What is a good size for a travel coffee mug?
This is dependent on your specific needs. Generally speaking, if you want to replicate your at-home experience on the road, then anything that's around 10 ounces should be OK. However, if you're used to necking coffees back-to-back, you'll want something a li'l larger. Just be conscious of your caffeine consumption — if you were to fill the 40 oz cup with store-bought java, you'd be drinking eight shots of espresso (as most shops serve a double per drink). You've gotta be cautious on the road too, as coffee is a diuretic which means you'll be stopping for more comfort breaks than usual with a larger cup!
In Starbucks' "language":
Demi: 3 oz
Short: 8 oz
Tall: 12 oz
Grande: 16 oz
Venti: 20 oz
Trenta: 30 oz
How we test travel coffee mugs
We've tested Because of this, we sometimes have to rely on an array of online reviews (available on retailer sites) and round-ups from real-life customers who have bought directly from the manufacturer. We generally look for insulated tumblers with a minimum rating of 4 stars (unless we have good reason to mention it otherwise).
As well as looking at the core specifications (like size and heat retention), we'll also assess how well the product does outside its warranty period (if applicable), and less fortunate incidents (ie: issues with staining and odor), so that you know exactly what to expect.
Aesthetically, we'll evaluate whether the colors and finishes really do IRL and if any special finishes scuff (outside of normal expected wear-and-tear).
Meet our travel coffee mug reviewers:
Christina, our ecommerce editor at Real Homes, uses a travel coffee mug every morning on her commute into the office and needs her beverage to stay warm for at least 40 minutes while she's on the subway. She has the HydroFlask in Fuschia pink.
