We've Tested Almost 100 Travel Mugs, and These Are Our Favorites
Commute with your coffee under control.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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What differentiates a travel mug from a standard coffee mug is a lid — while some are designed to resist spills, others won't leak when turned upside down. Some travel mugs boast a handle, most are made of an insulating material and many have a tapered design to fit inside a work bag, backpack pocket or car cup holders (and if they don't fit, we recommend a cup holder expander). Fortunately, there are tons of options to fit your lifestyle and favorite beverages, from stainless steel coffee thermoses or heated mugs for hot coffee to insulated tumblers to keep your cold brew perfectly chilled.
Over the last decade alone, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested almost 100 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of cleaning, sipping, holding, storing and more. In addition to Lab tests, we put travel mugs to the test in real-life scenarios: in the office, on our commutes and long car rides. We evaluated how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel mugs that performed well during Lab and on-the-go testing.
Pros
- Leak-proof lid
- Durable design
Cons
- Lid doesn't come off as intuitively as other models
Our testers found BrüMate's travel mug to be leak-proof, even if thrown into a backpack during a commute. It features a lid that locks to give you peace of mind. We found this travel mug easy to sip out of and the handle offers a comfortable grip. The bottom of the tumbler is tapered to ensure it will fit inside your car's cup holder.
In our Lab tests, this travel mug got perfect scores on both the drop and leak tests. The lid took me a bit of practice to remove from the tumbler since the pieces have to be properly aligned, but we figured it out after a couple of tries thanks to the instruction stickers.
| Capacities available | 25 and 35 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Top rack only |
Pros
- Comes in many colors
- Silicone base
Cons
- Only one size available
The Road Trip Travel Mug from RTIC is a ceramic-lined stainless steel tumbler with a large, easy-to-grip handle. Plus, it comes in over 10 different colors. Travel mugs can be pricey, but this one offers many thoughtful details while staying under $25. For long road trips, this travel mug fits inside most car cup holders and, with its silicone base, lands quietly on your countertop.
We found this tumbler easy to sip from whether we were drinking water, an iced coffee or a hot latte. One of our analysts used it on long car rides and public transportation; it never leaked and retained its temperature during her travels. RTIC also has a few other travel mugs in different sizes and styles that we love like the Essential Coffee Mug and the Essential Tumbler. Keep in mind that this model is only available in a 16-ounce size.
| Capacities available | 16 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic-lined stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes, top rack only |
Our tester didn't lose a drop of coffee on their commute with the RTIC Road Trip Travel Mug.
Zojirushi 16-Ounce Stainless Steel Mug
Pros
- Lid locks to prevent spills
- Large mouth
Cons
- Harder to clean than other models
Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It keeps hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes.
Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version. Take note that this coffee mug is a bit harder to clean than others and isn't dishwasher safe.
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| Capacities available | 12 and 16 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
Pros
- Stackable
- Many color and customization options
Cons
- MagSlider fell off in a drop test
The Yeti Rambler Stackable Cup is an easy-to-hold and durable tumbler (no dents in drop testing) that comes in four capacities — from a petite 8 ounces (perfect for espresso drinks) to large 30 ounces for those days when you need extra caffeine. All sizes come in numerous colors and you can even customize your tumbler on the brand's website by engraving your own uploaded design or monogram.
We've tested various capacities of this tumbler, but we especially love the small 8-ounce, which is a size you don't often see in travel mugs. It also accommodates the growing population of Americans who love making espresso drinks at home. And you can stack these pint-sized cups to neatly store in your cupboards.
The Yeti MagSlider lid makes it easy to open and close the drinking spout and to remove the closure for easy cleaning. Better yet? All pieces are dishwasher safe. Keep in mind that if you accidentally drop this tumbler, the MagSlider may fall off and spill your beverage (it did in a drop test), so be careful when transporting.
This line isn't the only Yeti travel mug collection we recommend. The 14-Ounce Stackable Mug and 24-Ounce Rambler Mug are great options with handles.
| Capacities available | 8, 16, 20 and 30 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Mug
Pros
- Comfortable, sleek design
- One-handed push-button drinking
Cons
- Lid can feel too hot to handle
This coffee mug from Contigo is comfortable to hold, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.
Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou is a fan of this model: "I always like how easy it is to clean the lid." This travel mug (even the lid) is completely dishwasher safe.
| Capacities available | 12 and 16 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Yes |
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Mug
Pros
- Three different capacities available
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Not entirely leak-proof
Many of our analysts love this travel-friendly mug that is easy to use and clean. The insulated mug (which keeps coffee hot for up to six hours, per the brand) comes in 6-, 12- and 24-ounce capacities and a variety of colors.
"I love this mug so much that I often use it in my house," says Papantoniou. "I like that I can wrap my hand around the cup and how the handle is sturdy but made out of a soft material that isn’t too rigid like some others we’ve tested." Keep in mind that the spout isn't completely leak-proof making this travel mug less ideal for public transportation and better in the car or even camping.
| Capacities available | 6, 12 and 24 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
Fellow Carter Bundle (3-in-1) Travel Mug
Pros
- Stylish, slim design
- Bundle comes with three different lids
Cons
- Lid seal needs extra care when cleaning
This versatile, travel mug bundle makes a statement with three different lid options: carry lid, move lid and cold lid. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. One consumer tester stated, "It's cute to carry, very sleek. I wouldn't use it at the gym, but it's good for sipping my coffee during my commute."
The bundle's carry lid is ideal for when you need to tote your coffee around, while the dome-shaped move lid is more compact and ideal for throwing into a work bag. The screw top of both the carry and move lid reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice. However, if you prefer to sip through a straw, the cold lid has you covered, but it unfortunately wasn't leak-proof in our Lab testing.
This bundle comes in many additional colors and there's also the option to buy a standalone Carter Move Mug or Carter Cold Mug, but we think this is the best value. Keep in mind that the move lid's seal can be harder to clean.
| Capacities available | 12 and 16 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Ceramic-lined stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | No |
Pros
- Sleek, angled design
- Comes in eight different colors and three sizes
Cons
- The flip lid may hit your nose while sipping
This stainless steel thermos from MiiR has a slim and sleek design ideal for fitting in cupholders and backpacks, even though it has a larger capacity. It also features a flip lid designed to prevent leaks. We also like its focus on giving back: The bottom of each travel mug is printed with a Give Code that you can enter at MiiR's website for details on the brand's corporate giving, which is funded through every purchase.
This double-wall vacuum insulated travel mug is available in eight different colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes if you prefer smaller beverages. Take note that the flip lid which is designed to reduce splatter may hit your nose while sipping.
| Capacity | 12, 16 and 20 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Top rack |
Pros
- Two ways to drink from the lid
- Straw helps prevent most leaking
Cons
- Tumbler slightly dented after drop testing
This insulated tumbler from Owala comes in a variety of fun colors and offers two ways to drink — with the included straw for cold drinks or through the lid for hot beverages. It holds a lot of liquid and is comfortable to use and hold, but its also great for cold brew. It performed relatively well in temperature retention over a 24-hour time period, and kept its ice over the course of an entire workday.
The Travel Tumbler performed well in other Lab tests as well. The straw didn't leak when the tumbler was hit on its side, unlike other tumblers with straws that leaked all over the place. Keep in mind the tumbler will leak if turned upside down, and was slightly dented after drop testing.
We also recently tested the Owala SmoothSip Slider if you're looking for a leak-resistant travel mug for your hot coffee.
| Capacity | 24 and 40 ounces |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher-safe | Hand wash cup, dishwasher-safe lid |
Other travel mugs we recommend
Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug: This leak-proof travel coffee mug includes a "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless the button is pushed, but it does requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button down while sipping.
S'well Stainless Steel Traveler: This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand and its large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes. Keep in mind that this model has a rather large spout for drinking hot coffee.
W&P Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve: The inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean ceramic, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time, but coffee doesn't stay hot as long as other models.
Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup: This collapsible silicone coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics, but isn't as sturdy as other picks on this list.
Splitflask: This insulated travel mug allows you to carry both water and coffee in one tumbler. Each side of the 30-ounce tumbler fits 15-ounces of liquid, but it is on the pricier side.
Created Nomad Flip: This sleek travel mug comes in three different sizes and the interior is ceramic coated, but it's not dishwasher-safe and requires extra care when cleaning.
Joco Glass Reusable Coffee Cup: This glass-bodied mug is microwave and dishwasher safe, but the lid does not seal shut, so it isn't great for tossing in your bag.
Smrtmugg Heated Coffee Mug: This heated travel mug aced our leak tests, but we did find the edge of the button on the lid can bump your lip while drinking.
How we test travel mugs
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we evaluated each travel mug for leakage, temperature retention, durability, ease of use and much more. We also enlisted consumer testers to put travel mugs to the test in real-life scenarios.
To determine each travel mug's durability, we use our drop-tester machine (pictured) to drop each cup from a height of three feet — twice with the cup standing upright and once on its side.
To test leakage, we fill each travel mug with its capacity of coffee. Our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.
To assess temperature retention, every mug is filled to maximum capacity with water. We then remove a specific amount of water from each tumbler, replacing it with a calculated amount of ice. The internal water temperature of each is documented over 30 hours. We then repeat the process with hot coffee for heat retention over the course of six hours.
To evaluate ease of use, we consider how each travel mug opens, closes and locks. Using either a dishwasher or dish soap and a brush, we test how easy it is to clean each model. Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability and comfort of both holding and drinking.
How to find the best travel mug for you
✔️ Usage: When selecting a travel mug, first determine what you will be using the mug for. Do you like commuting with a large cup of iced coffee that can be thrown into your backpack? Or do you like sipping on a hot latte on your drive to drop the kids off at school? When you determine what you'll use your travel mug for, you can make an educated decision on what size, material and lid type is best for you.
✔️ Capacity: Travel mugs come in a variety of sizes, but the majority are around 12 to 24 ounces. A 16-ounce capacity is a good sweet spot if you like a variety of different coffee and tea drinks. However, there are 8-ounce models for petite espresso drinks and large 30-ounce options for those who prefer bigger beverages or lots of ice.
✔️ Material: All of our top travel mugs picks are stainless steel (with a few that are ceramic-lined), but there are also some models on the market that are fully constructed out of ceramic, glass or silicone.
- Stainless steel mugs help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Its relatively durable: It might dent, but won't shatter. Stainless steel doesn't absorb flavors, but it sometimes alters the flavor of beverages unless its ceramic-lined.
- If you opt for a glass travel mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped, but its still a more delicate material compared to stainless steel options.
- Ceramic mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. You do have to be careful as this material is prone to breaking if dropped.
- Silicone is a great lightweight and durable option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve. Silicone can sometimes hold onto some flavors of coffee, tea or even dishwasher soap.
✔️ Lid: Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug, which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.
✔️ Drinking spout: Travel mugs usually offer a small spout for sipping hot beverages slowly. However, those designed for cold drinks often have straws. Some tumbler-style travel mugs on the market also include two types of lids so you can switch it up based on your beverage.
✔️ Handle: Travel mugs can either come without a handle so the mug can slip easily into a backpack pocket, a carrying strap for carrying on a long walk or a handle like you would find on a traditional mug to grip comfortably. Most travel mugs are insulated so you don't need a handle to prevent burning your hand like you would with a traditional ceramic mug. At the end of the day it's more about personal preference and how you like to carry and hold your mug.
✔️ Washability: Check to see if the mug is dishwasher safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer has tested all kinds of kitchen gear for Good Housekeeping, including gas ranges, microwaves, kitchen scales, blenders and much more. She holds a B.S. in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health from New York University, where she studied sustainability practices. She's also a trained cook. Eva has tested over 50 different travel mugs and tumblers over the last year (almost all of these on this list), including 17 Stanley cup dupes. She has also tested numerous water bottles for the Kitchen Appliances Lab and is constantly trying out new drinkware in her daily life.
Sarah Gregory is the Deputy Editor, Editorial Operations & Special Projects for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several travel mugs and led the test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear, as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte.
Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees testing of all kitchen gear, including coffee grinders, coffee makers, espresso machines and Nespresso machines. She has used almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment for her daily use.
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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