If you are an avid traveler or busy commuter, having your drink of preference closely available while traveling is not that easy. You need a spillproof, sturdy container, which is easy to carry and must keep your beverage piping hot or icy cold.
What you need is the best travel mug and we’ll help you pick the perfect one. Whether you are commuting to work or plan to travel the world, getting a quality travel mug will last you many a journey.
Smart Travelers Pack a Stylish and Functional Travel Mug
Smart travelers carry a stylish and functional travel mug. This fantastic beverage container can be used for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice or fresh water. Ultra-versatile, you can use a travel mug anywhere; at home watching the television, at work, on the patio deck or around the pool.
Take it with you on your boat as you cruise the deep blue sea or in your RV as you explore the open road. Carry it with you on your backpacking adventure, use it around the campfire, or at the beach.
The 8 Best Travel Mugs
- Copco 16-ounce Acadia Plastic Travel Mug
- Zojirushi Stainless-steel Travel Mug (Our Top Pick)
- Contigo West Loop 20-ounce Stainless-Steel Travel Mug
- Thermos 16-ounce Stainless-steel Travel Mug with Handle
- Tru Blu Steel Stainless Steel Coffee Mug Set of 2
- S’well Stainless Steel 12-ounce Travel Mug
- Simple Modern 15oz Journey Travel Mug
- Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug
Our Top Pick for the Best Travel Mug
Our top pick for the best travel mug is the Zojirushi Travel Mug.
The Zojirushi travel mug is the perfect beverage buddy. Whether you travel to work or love to explore new exciting destinations, the travel mug has everything you need to enjoy your favorite beverage. Smart heating and cooling technology, a leak-proof lid, an easy to grip surface, an ultra lightweight and compact design, and 12 super cool bright colors.
How to Choose the Best Travel Mug
Size
Travel mugs come in small, medium or large sizes. Small mugs come in 12, 13 or 14-ounce sizes. Medium sized mugs come in a 15 or 16-ounce size. Large mugs are available in a 20-ounce size.
The size of your travel mug is not only important for the amount of liquid that you can store in it, but also for storage purposes. So consider these two questions before you choose your travel mug:
- Is it compact or does it have a sleek, slim line design that fits easily into your tactical backpack or everyday carry backpack?
- Will the mug fit into your cup holder in your car, truck, van or RV?
Construction
Stainless-Steel
The best type of material for a travel mug is stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, sturdy, durable, highly rust-resistant, safe to use, and its polished or brushed surface is super stylish. The only real downside to stainless-steel is that it can make the mug heavy when full of liquid.
Plastic
These days, plastic travel mug manufacturers are lifting the bar on their creations, so there are some good plastic alternatives that are effective at keeping your drink hot or cold. Plastic is hard to keep clean and the surface can be damaged easily. More importantly, plastic travel mugs are not as effective as stainless steel at keeping your drinks extra hot or cold.
Double or Triple Wall Insulation
A travel mug must have double or triple wall insulation, which is highly effective at retaining hot or cold temperatures for hours. This innovative design also stops the heat or cold from being transferred to the outside of the mug, so you can hold the mug safely. For a superior level of temperature control, nothing beats a travel mug that has vacuum sealed insulation technology.
How Does Vacuum Insulation Technology Work?
By removing the air between the outer and inner layers of stainless steel, heat is blocked from transferring through the stainless steel, which greatly minimizes the temperature change of your hot or cold beverage.
Vacuum insulation technology ensures that your drink will stay hot or cold for hours but the outside of the mug will be cool-to-the-touch. The overall temperature control may also depend on a few factors. For hot drinks, you need to use boiling water to keep coffee or tea hotter for longer. For cold drinks, ice cubes will keep the liquid colder for a long period of time. You should keep the lid closed to trap the heat and cold inside.
Handles
A travel mug may or may not have a handle. While a handle makes the bottle easier to grip while you walk and drink at the same time, most travel mugs are made with a non-sweat surface which is easy to hold. The travel mug may have a soft-grip band like the Copco Acadia Travel Mug, or a special non-stick coating on the outside like the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug.
Lids
The lid should have a super strong leak-proof seal. But there are a few things that can cause the lid to leak. If you over-tighten the lid, the seal can be broken over time. Washing the bottle in very hot water or putting it into the dishwasher can cause problems with the vacuum seal. Lids that can be disassembled for quick cleaning may leak if their rubber gasket or O-ring is not inserted properly.
Color Choices
Most travel mug manufacturers give you a choice of bright colors or designs to choose from, like the Contigo Travel Mug which has 20 colors, and the Simple Modern Travel Mug has a huge range of 37 colors.
Best Travel Mug Reviews
1. Copco 16-ounce Acadia Plastic Travel Mug
If you need to grab a coffee or a fresh juice before work or the gym, the Copco 16-ounce Acadia Travel Mug is a very good choice for busy on-the-go travelers.
The sleek and compact mug is crafted from strong and durable BPA free plastic and its double-wall insulation maintains the temperature of hot or cold drinks for one or two hours. For extra safety and mess-free drinking, the lid has a special quarter-turn sealing mechanism that prevents any spills.
The textured, non-slip, protective sleeve guards again scalding but also adds a nice bright band of color. You can even use it in the car as it fits into most standard size cup holder.
If you need to reheat your hot coffee, pop the mug into the microwave. The mug is dishwasher-safe but the lid can be hard to screw back into place after cleaning in the dishwasher.
Copco offers their travel mug in six trendy colors: azure blue, blue, brown, cherry red, green, and plum.
The travel mug is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Very affordable price
- Good 16-ounce capacity
- Sturdy and durable
- BPA-free plastic construction
- Double-walled insulation keeps drinks hot or cold
- Quarter-turn lid sealing design prevents leaks and spills
- Brightly colored textured non-slip protective sleeve
- Fit standard cup holders
- Holds 16-ounces
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- 6 bright colors
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only keeps drinks hot or cold for a few hours
- The lid can be hard to screw back on after excessive use in the dishwasher
- Does not fit into small microwaves
- Not to be left in hot sunlight
- Can be wobbly when it is full of liquid
2. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug
With a sleek and stylish stainless-steel design and superior insulation technology, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug is a fantastic beverage holder for travelers who love coffee, tea, or cold drinks.
Featuring cutting-edge double wall vacuum insulated technology, the mug offers you superior heat or cold temperature retention. Hot beverages will stay piping hot at 189° Fahrenheit for 1 hour, 160° Fahrenheit for 6 hours and will continue to stay warm for hours after that. Cold drinks will stay ice cold at 46° Fahrenheit for 6 hrs and even longer if you add small ice cubes. The travel mug is safe to drink from as any parts that come in contact with your beverage are BPA-free.
Zojirushi has specially designed the flip-open spill-proof ergonomic lid to ensure that condensation falls back into the mug instead of splattering over the sides. The air vent on the mouthpiece allows your beverage to flow out smoothly, without gushing or overflowing. A safety lock also prevents the lid from opening accidentally.
Carrying and storing the travel mag in your backpack is so easy as it has an ultra-lightweight and compact design.
For quick and easy cleaning, the interior has a non-stick coating and the lid can be disassembled for thorough cleaning.
The travel mug comes in 12 bright colors and 12, 16 or 20-ounce sizes. You may find that the rubber gasket under the lid has a funny chemical smell so always wash the mug inside and out before use.
Zojirushi offers a 5-year warranty on their travel mug.
Pros
- Great quality
- Fantastic value for money
- Sturdy and strong stainless-steel
- BPA-free stainless steel interior and lid
- Good 16 oz capacity
- Double wall vacuum sealed insulation
- Superior heat and cold retention
- Ergonomic non-splatter, spill-proof tightly fitting flip-top lid
- Safety lock to prevent the lid from opening accidentally
- Air vent on the mouthpiece allows liquid to flow out smoothly, without gushing or overflowing
- Safety lock on the lid
- Non-stick coated interior
- Lid can be disassembled for easy cleaning
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- 12 fantastic colors
- Available in a 12, 16 or 20-ounce sizes
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- A little pricey
- Plastic parts in the lid can crack if you drop the mug on a hard surface
- The rubber under the lid may have a funny chemical smell
- Large ice cubes may not fit through the opening
3. Contigo West Loop 20-ounce Stainless-Steel Travel Mug
Sleek, stylish and functional, the Contigo is an excellent beverage container for travel enthusiasts.
The solid and durable stainless-steel mug features innovative double-wall vacuum-sealed insulation that effectively keeps beverages hot for 5 hours or cold for 12 hours. You can use the mug safely as any plastic parts in the lid are 100% BPA-free.
Designed for your traveling convenience, the leak-proof AUTOSEAL lid opens and closes at the press of a button and the surface is condensation-free. The mug can be used left or right handed and it fits into most cup-holders.
To keep your travel mug in great condition, the easy-to-clean lid flips open completely for thorough cleaning and it can go into the top rack of the dishwasher, but the mug itself has to be hand-washed or the paint can peel.
The travel mug is available in 3 sizes, 16, 20, and 24-ounce and 20 fabulous colors.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Sturdy and strong
- Double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel
- 100% BPA-free
- Effectively keeps beverages hot for 5 hours or cold for 12 hours
- Ideal for right- and left-hand use
- Vacuum seal eliminates condensation build-up
- Easy-to-use AUTOSEAL lid automatically seals to eliminate spills and leaks
- Flip-top lid opens completely for easy cleaning
- Dishwasher safe lid
- Fits most single-serve brewers and car cup holders
- 20 fabulous colors
- Available in 16, 20 and 24-ounce size
Cons
- Mug is not dishwasher safe
- Dishwasher use can affect the mug’s vacuum seal
- May not fit small drink holders
- Surface can scratch easily
4. Thermos 16-ounce Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Handle
The super smart and stylish Thermos Travel Mug is a great beverage holder for coffee or tea lovers.
It features innovative double wall vacuum insulation technology that eliminates any temperature changes, so you can keep your favorite drinks hot or cold for longer.
Coffee stays hot up for up to 5 hours and water or juice stays cold for up to 9 hours. Highly functional, you can easily grip the durable contoured, condensation-free stainless-steel body or hold the sturdy handle.
You can enjoy an early morning coffee or stay hydrated in your vehicle as the mug fits in most cup holders. If you are a coffee enthusiast, the mug is compatible with single-serve coffee brewing machines. For tea drinkers, the integrated tea hook accommodates stringed tea bags and most loose-leaf tea infusers.
For mess-free drinking, the 100% leak-proof Drink Lock sealing lid is easily operated by pushing the lever 45° right or left to open or close.
In order to maximize the incredible insulation technology, it is recommended to pre-chill or pre-heat the travel mug prior to use. The lid can be disassembled for easy cleaning but to maintain the special vacuum seal, it is best to hand wash the mug.
The mug is available in 6 amazing metallic colors: cranberry, electric blue, matte black, midnight blue, raspberry, and stainless steel.
Thermos offers a five-year limited warranty on their travel mug.
Pros
- High-quality
- Good price
- Great value for money
- Good 16-ounce capacity
- Very good heating performance
- Innovative vacuum insulation technology
- Hot drinks stay hot for 5 hours and cold drinks for 9 hours
- Durable double wall stainless-steel interior and exterior
- Contoured design
- Cool-to-the-touch surface
- Condensation-free
- Drink Lock sealed lid
- Sturdy handle
- Built-in tea hook holds tea bags or most loose-leaf infusers
- Fits most automobile cup holders
- Single serve compatible
- 6 amazing metallic colors
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- The lid needs to be aligned correctly before it seals properly
- Metallic paint can chip easily
- Mug is not dishwasher safe
5. Tru Blu Steel Stainless Steel Coffee Mug Set of 2
Once you unpack the Tru Blu Steel travel mugs you will fall in love with them.
These two stylish mugs will soon become your favorite beverage holders for any occasion. With a shatterproof rust and tarnish-resistant stainless-steel design and an elegantly brushed surface, these mugs are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a hot coffee, a refreshing juice, or a cocktail around the campfire, on your boat or at the beach. The mugs are great for home use, on your patio deck, by the pool, or even at the office.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable and easy to grip, and the wide, stable bottom is designed for flush placement on a counter-top or table top. You do not have to worry about spilled liquids as the spill-resistant lid features a rubber gasket with an insulating seal. The lid has a sliding open/close mechanism which is very easy to use and remove, just flick it off with your thumb.
The double walled steel insulation keeps your hot or cold liquids up to an hour or so and the cool-to-the-touch sweat and condensation-free surface is safe to hold. You do not have to worry about any nasty taste as the mug is BPA and toxin free with no imparted flavors.
The mugs are very easy to clean, and they are dishwasher safe.
As well as keeping the coffee travel mugs for your own use, they will make an excellent gift for any other coffee lovers as they come in a sophisticated gift box.
The travel mugs come in a 13.5 or 14-ounce size, and the 14-ounce mug has a wider mouth which is great for putting ice into a cold drink.
Tru Blu offers a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee on their coffee travel mug 2-pack.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very good value for money
- Very affordable price
- Exceptionally beautiful sleek and stylish modern design
- Shatterproof construction
- Premium food-grade rust and tarnish-resistant stainless-steel
- Double-wall insulation
- Elegant brushed surface
- Perfect for coffee
- Can also be used for cold drinks
- Comfortable, ergonomic and easy to grip handle
- Wide, stable bottom
- No sweat, no condensation, and cool-to-the-touch surface
- BPA-free and toxin free with imparted flavors
- Easy to remove spill-resistant lid has a rubber gasket with an insulating seal
- Easy to use slide open/close mechanism
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher-safe
- Excellent gift idea
- Comes in a sophisticated gift box
- 2 sizes
- 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee.
Cons
- Does not keep liquids hot or cold for a long time
- Will not fit in most car cup holders
6. S’well Stainless Steel 12-ounce Travel Mug
When you travel with the S’well Travel Mug, you can enjoy your coffee or favorite smoothie on-the-go anytime, anywhere.
This beautiful sleek, slimline, and stylish travel mug is a great choice for traveling. Its tough food-grade 18/8 stainless-steel surface is stain-resistant, and any plastic parts are BPA-free.
Your coffee will be piping hot and cold drinks ice cold due to the advanced triple-walled technology that keeps liquids hot up to 12 hours and cold up to 24 hours.
Featuring an intelligent design, the mug has an ergonomically contoured shape which perfectly fits in your hand as walk to work or hike along the trail. You can maintain a firm grip on the mug or store it safely in your backpack as it has a condensation-free surface.
S’well has designed a mug that is very user-friendly. Perfectly sized for easy drinking, the mug has a wide mouth and a thick rim and ice cubes fit effortless inside to make your drink ultra cold. The durable and insulated stainless-steel lid pop on with ease and it is straw-friendly.
The travel mug comes in 17 fabulous colors and designs and 12, 16 and 20-ounce sizes. To eliminate any metallic taste, rinse the mug out with vinegar and baking soda.
S’well offers a 1-year limited warranty on their travel mug.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Tough food grade 18/8 stainless steel
- BPA-free
- Triple-walled technology
- Hot liquids stay hot up to 12 hours
- Cold liquids stay cold up to 24 hours
- Condensation-free exterior
- Extra wide mouth and thick rim
- Ice cubes fit effortless inside
- Easy pop on and off lid
- Slim contoured shape
- Compact
- Ergonomic grip
- Durable and insulated pop-on stainless-steel lid is straw-friendly
- 17 fabulous colors and varied designs
- 3 sizes
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- A little pricey
- Lid creates a tight seal which can sometimes be hard take off
- Rubber ring inside the lid can come loose easily
- Can leave a slight metallic taste if not washed properly
- Pressure can build up inside if the mug is overfilled
7. Simple Modern 15oz Journey Travel Mug
Whether you drive to work, catch a train, or plan to travel overseas, the Simple Modern 15-ounce Journey Travel Mug is a great on-the-go beverage holder for any traveler.
Crafted from premium 18/8 food-grade powder-coated, rust-resistant stainless-steel construction, the mug is strong, sturdy and durable. You can use the mug safely as any plastic parts are BPA-free and the mug is FDA-approved.
The superior double-wall vacuum copper-coated insulated technology keeps hot drinks hot up to 4 hours and cold drinks up to 12 hours even with ice (specific heating and cool times vary on the sizes of the container). You can hold the mug comfortably as its textured surface is sweat and condensation-free.
The leak-proof flip lid threads internally and twists and locks into place to stop any liquid from sloshing and splashing out of the mug. You can enjoy your hot or cold drinks without a bad taste in your mouth as the lid is chemical free. The lid is dishwasher safe but the mug itself has to be hand-washed.
You can take your mug in the car as it fits into standard-sized cup holders.
Stylish as well as functional, the simple modern travel tumbler comes in a massive range of 37 different vibrant colors and designs, and as it is available at such an incredibly affordable price, you can mix and match colors to suit your outfit or mood.
Simple Modern offer a 90-day money-back guarantee on their travel mug.
Pros
- Great-quality
- Excellent value for money
- Strong and durable premium powder-coated food-grade stainless-steel
- Textured and vibrant finish
- Rust-free
- Superior double wall copper-coated vacuum insulated technology
- Keeps hot drinks hot up to 4 hours and cold drinks up to 12 hours even with ice cubes
- Sweat, condensation-free and cool-to-the-touch surface
- Easy-to-use leak-proof flip top lid
- Lid is dishwasher safe
- No bad metal taste
- FDA-approved
- BPA-free
- Fits most cup holders
- Environmentally-friendly product
- 37 vibrant colors and designs
- 90-day money-back warranty
Cons
- Mug is not dishwasher safe
- A build-up of gas can cause the lid to come off
- Color can scratch off easily
- Lid can leak if the mug is overfilled
8. Hydro Flask Travel Coffee Mug
If you are planning a camping trip or backpacking around the world, the Hydro Flask Travel Mug is destined to be your new beverage holder.
The travel mug has a premium grade, durable 18/8 food-grade stainless-steel construction which is tough enough for rough outdoor adventures.
Whether you love an early morning caffeine hit or need to hydrate with fresh icy-cold water, the super smart TempShield double wall vacuum sealed technology will guard your drink so that it stays at an optimal temperature. Cold brews will stay icy for up to 24 hours and a hot coffee or tea stays hot for up to 6 hours. Your beverage will always taste fresh as there as is no flavor transfer from the BPA and phthalate-free plastic components.
If you need to drink on-the-go, the slip-free powder-coated matte finish surface is cool-to-the-touch and never sweats. The bottle is very lightweight so it is just right for an active lifestyle. You can grab a fresh coffee from your favorite cafe on the way to work as the mug can be used with single-serve coffee brew machines. The 12 and 16-ounce mugs fit into most standard sized cup holders.
The Hydro Flask has a wide mouth which is easy to drink from and you can add extra ice cubes. As well as the leak-proof flip lid, the travel mug is compatible with Hydro’s wide range of lids.
The travel mug is available in 14 bright colors.
Hydro Flask offers a limited lifetime warranty on their travel mug.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Extra durable premium food-grade 18/8 stainless-steel
- TempShield double wall, vacuum insulated technology insulation
- Keeps hot drinks hot for up to 6 hours and cold drinks up to 24 hours even with ice
- Signature powder-coated matte finish sweat and condensation free exterior
- BPA-free and phthalate-Free
- No flavor transfer
- Wide mouth
- Leak-proof flip lid
- Can be used with single-serve coffee brewing systems
- Compatible most standard sized cup holders
- Lightweight
- Available in 12, 16, and 20-ounces
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 14 bright colors
Cons
- 20-ounce size mug only fits in large cup holders
- O-ring can cause the lid to leak
- Rubber stopper near the opening can make the mug awkward to drink
- Lid can be hard to open due to the strong vacuum
Our Top Pick for the Best Travel Mug
Our top pick for the best travel mug is the Zojirushi Travel Mug.
The Zojirushi travel mug is the perfect beverage buddy. Whether you travel to work or love to explore new exciting destinations, the travel mug has everything you need to enjoy your favorite beverage. Smart heating and cooling technology, a leak-proof lid, an easy to grip surface, an ultra lightweight and compact design, and 12 super cool bright colors.
