The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, According to Coffee Experts
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Save leisurely weekend mornings or mornings on the Cape, slowly sipping a morning cup of coffee is a luxury working people can’t afford. Bolting out the door, mid-jolt, is the norm and to keep the temperature up and taste optimal, a travel coffee mug is essential.
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Commuting and caffeinating is multitasking at its finest, and makes affordable at-home coffee an option in favor of another $6 to-go latte. Whether clutched in the hand of a subway rider, situated comfortably in a center console cupholder, or nestled in the side pocket of a cyclist’s backpack, a good travel mug is something every coffee drinker should own.
There are, without exaggeration, thousands of travel coffee mugs to choose from. The best can keep coffee hot for hours and get tossed around the bottom of a bag without leaking. And while it is possible to spend a bundle on a luxe travel mug with features like vacuum insulation, plenty of sub-$50 options will tote from home to office to home adequately.
To learn more about the best travel coffee mugs on the market, read on for expertise from coffee and tea experts, as well as in-person testing insights from the SPY team.
What the Experts Say
For this story, SPY spoke with Diane Kuyoomjian, chief marketing and social impact officer at single-serve coffeemaker company Bruvi; Mostafa Sayed, co-founder of blog Cool Coffee Talk; Cary Wong, director of coffee at Partners Coffee; and Kate Lubensky, president of sustainable kitchen brand W&P to help sort through the best travel mugs for coffee available now.
The first major factor separating the superlative from the mediocre is material. According to Kuyoomjian, stainless steel “keeps coffee hot and fresh tasting, plus it’s easy to clean,” adding that it also reduces flavor retention from cup to cup. Lubensky, for her part, prefers ceramic (or ceramic-coated stainless steel) mugs that similarly don’t imbue flavor onto the hot beverage inside. Regardless of the material, Sayed says to “look for mugs with double-walled vacuum insulation,” as that construction is by far the best for heat retention. A double-walled travel mug can keep coffee hot for hours while traveling.
Along with a sturdy, taste-free, and well-insulating material, the other big factor in choosing a travel coffee mug is the lid. Kuyoomjian says that a leak-proof lid is a “must.” Silicone gaskets, locking mechanisms, and screw-on lids (versus those that simply snap in) are things to look for if the mug is going to be tossed into a tote or backpack.
BEST OVERALL
Miir 360 Travel Tumbler
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For many of our experts, the Miir 360 is their daily go-to travel mug — which is why we deemed it our best overall option. Fun fact: The 360 in the name refers to the drinking mechanism, which allows sipping from any side once the center button is pressed. Press it again, and the seal returns. The coffee inside stays hot thanks to its double-walled, stainless steel construction, and its powder coat finish means it’s extra durable.
“My current favorite is the 360 Traveler from Miir because it has a push button, leak-proof top, as well as a sleek design,” Kuyoomjian says. It also comes in great colors.”
Price-wise, at $33, it’s one of the higher-priced options on our list, but with this product, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes.
BEST CERAMIC
W&P Ceramic Travel Mug
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This is the travel coffee mug for aesthetes drawn to distinct colors and the brand’s signature terrazzo patterns.
In a sea of steel tubes, this silicone-sheathed ceramic travel mug is a softer option that still keeps coffee hot. It is, as Lubensky says, “designed with the user in mind” — its silicone coating is very easy to grasp.
Priced at $25, this mug is on the expensive side, but it’s attractive and convenient to use.
Testing Notes: After testing this product on morning commutes for multiple weeks, SPY found that it had a slim, easy-to-carry profile and that it looked stylish in-hand, but that it wasn’t leak-proof (though to be fair, it doesn’t promise to be): “This mug is perfect for someone who doesn’t expect to carry it in a bag for long periods, but it’s great as an on-the-go option — it’s sleek and easy to grip, as well as, dare I say, chic,” says SPY’s tester.
BEST FOR SIPPING
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug
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This is the mug for long-haul travelers — it’s the rare travel coffee mug that looks like, well, a coffee mug. (Although a handle might not be as necessary on an insulated vessel, it keeps the coffee-drinking ritual consistent on the road.)
Travel blogger Kevin Mercier says his Hydro Flask “keeps my coffee piping hot for hours, even on the coldest days or during long road trips.”
At $28, this mug is also on the expensive side, but because its insulation is so effective, it’s a no-brainer.
Testing Notes: SPY tested this product on morning commutes for multiple weeks, noting that its insulation was second to none. “I’ve used it with drinks that are piping hot and also ice cold — no matter what, the mug’s exterior stays room-temp — and it’s impossible to tell what’s inside when I’m holding it. Liquid also stays hot or cold for hours, especially when using the included sipping lid,” says SPY’s tester. One caveat, though, is that since the mug has a handle, it’s slightly inconvenient to pack in a bag — it feels bulkier than other options on this list.
BEST LARGE TRAVEL MUG
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-VS83/95, 32 oz.
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Due to its larger, 32-ounce capacity, this is the travel mug for those who polish off three to four cups by lunch.
Kuyoomjian, in particular, co-signs this product. “The consensus is that stainless steel is a great option for reducing any residual flavor retention,” she explains, noting that the Zojirushi ups the ante with a nonstick coating on the interior, making it harder for odors to seep in (and easier to clean, to boot).
At nearly $40, this is one of the priciest products on SPY’s list, but due to its quality and larger capacity, it’s a worthwhile investment.
BEST COLORFUL
Kinto Day Off Tumbler
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This ultra-colorful tumbler is ideal for those who appreciate a hot cup of coffee on top of a mountain somewhere.
Wong, for one, is a fan. “The Kinto Day Off Tumbler is my go-to if I’m going to have an active day outdoors,” he says. Its twist-off cap isn’t the best for quick sips, but it does lower the risk of spilling en route. Also, grey and black travel mugs are fine, but Kinto’s eye-catching mustard, burnt orange, rose, and khaki colorways are better.
At $30, this is not exactly a budget option but it’s worth the price for its fun colorways and easy-to-carry profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Coffee Mugs
What’s a Reasonable Amount to Pay for a Travel Coffee Mug?
There are certainly cheaper and more expensive options, but the sweet spot for a solid double-walled, stainless steel or ceramic travel mug is $30 to $50.
Should I Let My Travel Mug Build Up a Nice Patina of Old Coffee?
Absolutely not. Wong says “Putting coffee into a travel mug doesn’t affect the flavor if consumed right away. If left in an insulated travel mug for too long, you will start noticing some aromatics, and the complexity of the flavor start to fade.” He notes the best way to prevent lingering flavors is to give it a good scrub often.
Should I buy a Vintage Thermos to Use as My Travel Mug?
Buy the gaudy ‘70s Thermos, but only to display as a tchotchke. There’s no reason to risk drinking 50-year-old coffee that’s seeped into the plastic.
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1. Contigo Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug
This travel mug from Contigo is high-quality and made for the modern commuter. It's got a leak proof lid as well as Thermalock vacuum insulation that'll keep drinks cold for up to 21 hours, and hot for up to 9. This means your drink will stay warm through your entire commute and most of your workday, we hope. It's got a grip-able surface so it's easy to hold in one or both hands, and it's got a slim body that's a perfect fit for most cup holders. It's also top rack dishwasher safe, but we recommend hand washing it for the longevity of the vacuum insulation.
Pros: Sleek, simple design without a lot of unnecessary details, vacuum insulation, dishwasher safe.
Cons: The design isn't as exciting as some of the other options.
Contigo Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug
2. YETI Rambler 14 oz Stainless Steel Mug
YETI is known for making excellent outdoor beverage carriers, and their durability and quality makes them excellent travel mugs. This YETI rambler is a tough coffee mug that's built for the outdoors, so it can definitely handle your 20 minute subway commute. It's got a full-loop Triple Grip handle that fits wider hands and hands with gloves on them, and it's got Duracoat color on the outside that won't scratch, peel or fade. It's got double-wall vacuum insulation as well as a no-sweat design so your fingers won't get damp on even the hottest of days. It's also dishwasher safe, to make your life as easy as possible.
Pros: Durable paint, large handle, vacuum insulation.
Cons: Its wide base might not fit in all car cup holders.
YETI Rambler 14 oz Stainless Steel Mug
3. BEAST Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Cup
With a name like BEAST, you’d expect the BEAST Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Cup to boast a pretty impressive resume. And it doesn’t disappoint. At 30 ounces, it’s the largest travel mug on our list and comes with a whole range of handy extras to make your morning commute as hassle-free as possible. In addition to the splash-proof lid, you’ll get two unbreakable steel straws as well as a free brush cleaner to give you a more relaxed drinking experience. This mug is also BPA-free, dishwasher safe and vacuum-insulated to keep your drinks at your desired temperature for ages.
Pros: Comes with straws that fit the mug, large capacity, splash-proof lid.
Cons: The mug may leak when being sipped through a straw.
BEAST Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Cup
4. Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug
If you begin to use this on your morning commute, don't mind the weird looks you might get on the train — this travel mug looks like it's from the year 2121. Brew your go-to cup of joe directly into this mug every single morning and get on your merry way with the mug's easy-sipping rim design for less mess. The lid on this thing is completely leakproof, so no matter how shaky the subway's being in the morning, your piping hot brew ain't going anywhere. When you get into work and you're craving a little more, feel free to brew another cup right at your desk, just don't forget your grinds and filter!
Pros: Great design, leakproof lid, easy-to-sip rim.
Cons: It doesn't have as large of a capacity as other mug options on this list.
Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug
5. S'well Stainless Steel Traveler
The S’well Stainless Steel Traveler is a solid choice for an everyday travel mug. It comes in 12, 16, 20 and 40-ounce option and offers a range of colorful and unique designs to choose from. It features a screw-top lid to keep your liquids secure and an ergonomic grip, which makes drinking on the go easier than with many competing mugs. Plus, the bottle is made from high-quality, durable stainless steel and boasts a triple-walled construction, which is also BPA and toxic-free. It also comes in 32 different color options, including this teakwood design.
Pros: Comes in many different size and color options, opening up top is big enough for ice cubes, won't sweat condensation on hot days.
Cons: Unique shape and smooth exterior may make it harder to hold onto.
