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 freshwater. 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 Acadia Travel Mug
- Zojirushi Travel Mug (Our Top Pick)
- Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug
- Thermos King Travel Mug
- AVITO Coffee Mugs
- S’well Travel Mug
- Simple Modern Voyager Travel Mug Tumbler
- SUNWILL Travel Tumbler
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 24 super cool bright colors.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Travel Mug
Size
Travel mugs come in small, medium, or large sizes. Small mugs come in 12, 13, or 14-ounces sizes. Medium-sized mugs come in a 15 or 16-ounces size. Large mugs are available in a 20-ounces 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 2 questions before you choose your travel mug:
- Is it compact or does it have a sleek, slimline 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 some good plastic alternatives 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. 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 that 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 Travel Mug.
Lids
The lid should have a super-strong leak-proof seal. However, 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 Autoseal Travel Mug which has 20 colors, and the Simple Modern Voyager Travel Mug Tumbler has a huge range of 21 colors.
8 Best Travel Mugs – Reviews
1. Copco Acadia Travel Mug
If you need to grab a coffee or a fresh juice before work or the gym, the Copco 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 1 or 2 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 against scalding but also add a nice bright band of color. You can even use it in the car as it fits into most standard-size cup holders.
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 its travel mug in 6 trendy colors: azure blue, blue, brown, green, lilac, and plum.
The travel mug is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Very affordable price
- Good 16-ounces 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
- Six bright colors
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only keeps drinks hot or cold for a few hours
- 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 Travel Mug
With a sleek and stylish stainless steel design and superior insulation technology, the Zojirushi 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°F for 1 hour, 160°F for 6 hours and will continue to stay warm for hours after that.
Cold drinks will stay ice cold at 46°F for 6 hours 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 21 bright colors and 12, 16, or 20-ounces 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 its travel mug.
Pros
- Great quality
- Fantastic value for money
- Sturdy and strong stainless steel
- BPA-free stainless steel interior and lid
- Good 16-ounces 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
- 24 fantastic colors
- Available in a 12, 16, or 20-ounces sizes
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- A little pricey
- Plastic parts in the lid can crack if you drop the mug on a hard surface
- Rubber under the lid may have a funny chemical smell
- Large ice cubes may not fit through the opening
3. Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug
Sleek, stylish, and functional, the Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug 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 a range of sizes and a variety of 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
- Variety of fabulous colors
- Available in a range of sizes
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 King Travel Mug
The super smart and stylish Thermos King 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.
To maximize the incredible insulation technology, it is recommended to pre-chill or pre-heat the travel mug before 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 5-year limited warranty on its travel mug.
Pros
- High quality
- Good price
- Great value for money
- Good 16-ounces 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
- Six amazing metallic colors
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Lid needs to be aligned correctly before it seals properly
- Metallic paint can chip easily
- Mug is not dishwasher safe
5. AVITO Coffee Mugs
Once you unpack the AVITO Coffee Mugs you will fall in love with them.
These 2 sleek and stylish mugs are made from durable shatter-resistant and rustproof stainless steel with a beautiful smooth brushed silver finish which makes the mugs perfect for travel or any occasion. You can enjoy a hot coffee, a refreshing iced coffee, or a beer 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.
Double-walled steel insulation keeps your liquids hot or cold up to an hour or more and the cool-to-the-touch/condensation-free surface is safe to hold. You do not have to worry about any nasty taste as the stainless steel mug is BPA-free with no imparted flavors.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable and easy to grip, and the wide bottom is designed for flush placement on a tabletop. You do not have to worry about spilled liquids as the splashproof food-grade, BPA-free silicone lid fits snugly onto the mugs. The lid has a sliding open/close mechanism which is very easy to use.
Although the mugs are not dishwasher-safe, they are very easy to clean.
The travel coffee mugs will also make an excellent gift for any other coffee lover as they come in an elegant box.
As well as the silver color, these travel mugs come in 6 attractive colors: black, gray, light blue, light pink, light purple, and mint.
The AVITO coffee mug 2-pack is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Sleek and stylish design
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor use
- Shatterproof construction
- Food-grade rustproof stainless steel
- Double-wall insulation
- Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours
- Beautifully brushed surface
- Perfect for coffee
- Can also be used for beer
- Comfortable, ergonomic, and easy to grip handle
- Wide bottom allows for stable placement on a table
- Cool-to-the-touch/condensation-free surface
- BPA-free with no imparted flavors
- Easy to remove spill-resistant lid creates a snug insulating seal
- Easy to use slide open/close mechanism
- Easy to clean
- Excellent gift idea
- Comes in an elegant gift box
- Seven attractive colors
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Does not keep liquids hot or cold for a very long time
- Will not fit in most car cup holders
6. S’well 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 and stylish travel mug is a great choice for traveling. Its tough food-grade stainless steel surface is stain-resistant, and any plastic parts are BPA and BPS-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 11 hours and cold up to 26 hours.
Featuring an intelligent design, the mug has an ergonomically contoured shape that perfectly fits in your hand as you 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 thick rim and a wide mouth that allows ice cubes to fit effortlessly inside to make your drink ultra cold. The durable and insulated stainless steel lid pop on lid goes on with ease.
The travel mug comes in 29 fabulous colors and designs and other sizes. To eliminate any metallic taste, rinse the mug out with vinegar and baking soda.
S’well offers a 1-year limited warranty on its 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 11 hours
- Cold liquids stay cold up to 26 hours
- Condensation-free exterior
- Thick rim
- Extra wide mouth
- Ice cubes fit effortless inside
- Easy pop on and off lid
- Slim contoured shape
- Compact
- Durable and insulated pop-on stainless steel lid
- 29 fabulous colors and varied designs
- Four sizes
- One-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 Voyager Travel Mug Tumbler
Whether you drive to work, catch a train, or plan to travel overseas, the Simple Modern Voyager Travel Mug Tumbler 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.
Made with superior double-wall vacuum copper-coated insulated technology, the mug keeps hot drinks hot for 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.
Stylish as well as functional, the simple modern travel tumbler comes in a massive range of 21 vibrant colors and designs. As it is available at such an incredibly affordable price, you can mix and match colors to suit your outfit or mood.
You can take your mug in the car as it fits into standard-sized cup holders.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- 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 or cold for hours
- Sweat, condensation-free and cool-to-the-touch surface
- Comfortable to hold
- Easy-to-use leak-proof flip top lid
- Lid is dishwasher safe
- No bad metal taste
- BPA-free
- Fits most cup holders
- Environmentally-friendly product
- 21 vibrant colors and designs
Cons
- Mug is not dishwasher safe
- Build-up of gas can cause the lid to come off
- Cool and hot hours are not listed
- Lid can leak if the mug is overfilled
8. SUNWILL Travel Tumbler
If you are planning a camping trip or backpacking around the world, the SUNWILL Travel Tumbler is destined to be your new beverage holder.
The travel mug has a durable 18/8 304 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, super-smart Temperature Shield double-wall vacuum sealed technology will guard your drink so that it stays at an optimal temperature.
Cold brews 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 is no flavor transfer from the BPA-free plastic components.
If you need to drink on the go, the sweat-free powder-coated surface stays cool-to-the-touch and is easy to grip, and the 20-ounce tumbler fits into most standard-sized vehicle cup holders. SUNWILL recommends that you handwash the tumbler and even though the lid can go into the dishwasher, it is best to handwash it too.
This tumbler has a wide mouth that is easy to drink from and you can add ice cubes. Its splashproof/leakproof sliding lid has a silica gel o-ring that ensures an airtight fit, and there is a hole for a straw.
The travel tumbler is available in a 20-ounces size and a larger 30-ounces size, and 22 fun colors.
SUNWILL offers a money-back guarantee on the travel tumbler.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Durable 304 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
- Powder-coated matte finish sweat-free easy-to-grip exterior
- Stays cool-to-the-touch
- BPA-free plastic parts
- Wide mouth is easy to drink from and fits ice cubes
- Splashproof, leakproof sliding lid
- Straw friendly
- Fits most standard-sized cup holders
- Available in a 20-ounce cup, a 20-ounce two-pack, and larger 30-ounce size
- 22 fun colors
- Money-back gaurantee
Cons
- Larger 30-ounce tumber may not fit some cup holders
- Tumbler is not dishwasher safe
- Lid can be hard to open due to the strong vacuum
- Not ideal for carbonated drinks
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 24 super cool bright colors.
Check the price on Amazon
