If you're an avid coffee lover, you’ve likely juggled with the idea of getting yourself a travel coffee mug at some point or another. The catch here is that even though making this purchase might sound like the easiest thing in the world, there are quite a few pointers that are well-worth considering before making an investment. Those who buy without thinking ahead may not end up with the best travel coffee mug for their needs and regret it in the long-term.

If you travel in a car, you need to find out whether the product you’re interested in has a friendly design for your car’s cupholder size and style. If you're often lacing up your favorite walking shoes to get from place to place, the best travel coffee mug for you will likely include an anti-slip sleeve that prevents drops and unnecessary spills or burns. Many people have personal preferences when it comes to lid styles and closures, as well.

Keeping size, style, shape, and accessories in mind, we have made a list of the top 10 best travel coffee mugs on the market, all of which give you lots of flexibility to carry your drinks from one place to another while preserving the temperature you want.

How does a coffee mug that is solid, leakproof, and will keep your coffee hot for nearly seven hours sound? If you're pumped to hear this and want to check out what we're talking about, take a look at the Contigo Stainless Steel West Loop AUTOSEAL Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug (model 2034154).

Pretty to look at, this coffee mug is vacuum-insulated, meaning it has two layers of stainless steel, where the middle layer is void of any air. This creates an empty channel, as a result of which no heat conduction takes place. Thus, your drinks will stay just as you want them to for seven hours – hot or cold!

This technology is also why you won’t feel any heat while holding the mug. The manufacturer, Contigo, has named this technology the Thermalock system. They have applied this tech to their travel mug in all 18 available colors, so you get plenty of variety to choose from.

We’d like to warn you that if you have small hands, you may face difficulty in holding the wide design of this travel coffee mug. The only other point that we’re apprehensive about is the plastic construction of the lid.

Still, you’ll be surprised seeing the lid design. It screws on securely, and there is a small hole with AUTOSEAL technology that keeps the device sealed shut unless you press and hold the lid’s backside button. Securing your coffee further is easy with the second, topside lock, which prevents the spout button from being pressed at all to avoid any accidents during transit. This mug is easy to clean with a dishwasher-friendly lid; you only have to hand wash the mug.

Key Features
  • Leakproof and spill-proof AUTOSEAL technology
  • Vacuum-insulated stainless steel mug
  • Drinks stay hot up to 5 hours and cold up to 12 hours
Specifications
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 5
  • Hours Cold: 12
  • Brand: Contigo
Pros
  • Excellent autolock and antispill lid
  • Effective insulation
  • High-quality
Cons
  • Wide design
  • Plastic lid

Whether you are taking a morning jog around the block or like to work out from home, the CamelBak Forge Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug could be your perfect hydration partner. It works just as efficiently as a travel buddy when you go to the office, as it has been specially designed to be portable and easy to carry, fitted with a convenient carry loop.

This technology gives you the added ability to carry your CamelBak hands-free, as it can be hooked to a carabiner or attached to your backpack. This travel coffee mug is made from impact-resistant stainless steel. Even if you accidentally drop the mug, you don’t have to worry about any dents or breakage.

The best part about this option is the ease of use and convenience it offers. You can lock the spout open if you don’t want to keep pushing the button to get a regular flow of water; otherwise, the self-sealing cap will keep your beverage secure inside the mug.

Another added bonus is that this product is easy to clean. The design is simple, with components that do not require any extra tools for thorough cleaning. Keep in mind that while the cap is dishwasher-friendly, the rest of the body isn’t. Available in a 16-ounce size, there is a range of colors for you to choose from.

Even though its heat retention may not be the best in the market, you can still get around four to six hours of keeping your drinks at the optimal temperature with the CamelBak Forge Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug.

Key Features
  • One-handed self-sealing lever and leakproof lid
  • Vacuum insulation and stainless steel construction
  • Lock-open button and arms flip up
  • Impact cap keeps your drinks protected
Specifications
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 6
  • Hours Cold: 4+
  • Brand: CamelBak
Pros
  • Has a carry loop
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
  • Plastic parts
  • Lid quality needs improvement

The Acadia Double Wall Insulated Travel Mug with Non-slip Sleeve (model 2510-9966) by Copco is one of the most versatile and handy travel coffee mug designs that you will find on the market. It’s an eco-friendly model made out of highly durable and BPA-free plastic that is completely safe for daily use. With its double-wall insulation, you can keep your drink warm or cold for hours.

Completing the design of this travel mug is the textured look on the exterior, which acts as an anti-slip sleeve. This gives you a better grip and prevents any accidental slips. Aside from that great commuting feature, the Copco Acadia Double Wall Insulated Travel Mug also has a little mechanism that is quite effective: it’s a quarter-turn lid that’ll keep your drinks secure. This technology adds to the safety level, making it easier to carry and drink from your mug whether you’re driving or walking.

We like how this coffee mug has a very trendy and contemporary look, which makes it instantly stand out from its peers. While the main body of the piece remains white across the designs, you do get the option to select from different colors for the anti-slip sleeve detail, offering you aesthetics just how you like them.

The Acadia Double Wall Insulated Travel Mug with Non-slip Sleeve can easily store up to 16 ounces of coffee, which is more than enough to get you going for the day. It’s easy to clean and microwave friendly, which is another huge advantage. You can also pop it in the dishwasher if you don’t want to hand wash it. Like we said, you'll love this choice!

Key Features
  • Double walled insulation keeps drinks hot or cold
  • Durable, BPA-free plastic construction
  • Quarter-turn lid sealing design
  • Textured, non-slip sleeve
  • Microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Specifications
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Material: Plastic
  • Hours Hot: 2
  • Hours Cold: 2
  • Brand: Copco
Pros
  • Value for money
  • Effective for hot and cold beverages
Cons
  • Sip hole doesn't have cover

The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug (model SM-KHE48AG) will blow your mind with its flip-top lid and tall design. The mouth of this product is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes, which is a rare find! There are a variety of color options, along with several noteworthy features like a locking mechanism that will prevent any leakage or spills.

The manufacturer, Zojirushi, claims that the locking mechanism is designed in a manner to prevent any condensation droplets from flying at you whenever you open it, which is nice when dealing with a hot beverage. On the other hand, the lid is made out of several parts that include a removable sipping piece, two rubber stoppers, a metal spring, and a plastic hinge, and each one of these components has to be taken apart before you can clean it. This will make cleaning more time-consuming, which is a deal-breaker for some.

That being said, we really like the excellent heat retention that this travel coffee mug provides. It’s made out of 18/8 stainless steel, whereas the lid and other parts are made from BPA-free plastic. Overall, this mug is lightweight and compact. It’s also vacuum-insulated, which means there is a gap between the two layers of stainless steel that cannot conduct heat. You can expect your beverages to stay hot or cold for around six hours, give or take.

Along with a pocket-friendly price and multiple sizes to choose from, we feel that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug could be a great addition for all coffee lovers. Not only is it 100 percent leakproof, but it's also of a high quality that will withstand years of use.

Key Features
  • Stainless-steel vacuum insulation
  • 18/8 stainless steel interior
  • Made of BPA-free plastic
  • Wide mouth with a compact design
  • 5-year warranty
Specifications
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 6
  • Hours Cold: 6
  • Brand: Zojirushi
Pros
  • Easy to hold and fit
  • Higher heat retention
  • Efficient locking mechanism
  • Stylish
Cons
  • Time-consuming cleaning process
  • Plastic parts

The Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug is, as its name suggests, a vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel mug that has excellent effectiveness when it comes to heat retention. It’s also 100 percent leakproof and spill-proof, but what genuinely stands out is its classic look.

This travel coffee mug has a simplistic design that is quite eye-catching. With its vintage aesthetic, you’ll be embracing your love for retro-chic pieces. In the meantime, the modern thermal properties add to the overall efficiency. This mug is also dishwasher-safe and can easily keep your cold drinks cold for up to 10 hours and hot drinks hot for around five.

We have to warn you, though, that the wear and tear of this product is going to show after some time of use. For example, the paint starts to chip, which can give this mug a dated look, and the handle is made out of plastic, so the overall durability and longevity might not be similar to that of the stainless-steel part.

While there surely is a scope of improvement, the Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug delivers where it needs to – heat retention. It works increasingly well to keep your beverage hot without the exterior of the mug getting hot at all. The lid is also quite tight and effective when it comes to preventing any accidental spills.

Cleaning the mug is also easy because of its uncomplicated and minimal design. Provided you place it in the top rack of the dishwasher, there won’t be any problems.

Key Features
  • Vacuum-insulated stainless steel travel mug
  • Keeps drinks cold up to 10 hours and hot for 5 hours
  • Convenient handle with Ello Evercork inlay
  • Patented sealing slider won't leak
  • BPA-free parts
Specifications
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 5
  • Hours Cold: 10
  • Brand: Ello
Pros
  • Good to look at
  • 100 percent leakproof
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Paint can chip off
  • Larger size

There are so many things that we like about the RTIC Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Tumbler. Firstly, as its name states, it is double-walled and has an 18/8 stainless steel construction. This combination helps to keep your beverages hot or cold, depending on how you want them. You can expect hot beverages like coffee or tea to stay hot for around six hours, while ice can easily be frozen for an entire day!

Next, this tumbler has a narrow and tall design that gives it a tapered look. If you select the 20-ounce tumbler, it also has an easy-to-grip bottom that affords it the perfect fit in every type of cup holder. This travel coffee mug has a clear acrylic lid that lets you deftly see exactly how much of you drink you have left, as well.

The RTIC Tumbler comes in an attractive teal color that can easily be dressed up for the office or dressed down for a fun day at the beach. It is a nice accent to many favored aesthetics and makes itself unique – easy to see and keep track of.

Still, all these positive traits don’t mean that there are no drawbacks. One design flaw that we found with the RTIC Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Tumbler is the absence of a 100 percent splash-proof lid. There are some on offer, but you have to buy them independently. The lid that you get with the mug does not provide full protection. This tumbler is also not dishwasher friendly; you'll have to hand wash it if you want it to last.

Key Features
  • Double wall vacuum insulation
  • Holds ice for up to 24 hours
  • 18/8 strong stainless steel construction
  • Narrow and tall with easy to grip base
Specifications
  • Capacity: 30 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 6
  • Hours Cold: 24
  • Brand: RTIC
Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Portable
  • Excellent for cold or iced beverages
Cons
  • Lid isn't 100 percent leakproof
  • Not dishwasher-safe

If you want your travel mug to last for a long, long time, we’d highly recommend the Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug. For indoor use or outdoor adventures, this one here is practical, functional, extremely durable, and reliable.

Manufacturer Stanley is a brand that has a loyal fan base of multiple generations, providing all sorts of products, like tools and storage solutions. Coming from a reputed lineage, this mug surely won’t disappoint.

It has a retro vibe that makes it one of those classic designs that can be passed from one generation to another. However, you might find yourself disappointed if you're looking for more color variety, as there really isn’t much on offer.

The main focus here is on the robustness that this mug can offer. Made out of 18/8 stainless steel with a BPA-free, plastic screw-on lid, you’re promised durability. These stats make this mug a great option for hiking or camping.

The mug has a vacuum-insulation that will keep the outer surface cool to the touch, no matter how hot your beverage might be. As the lid is 100 percent leakproof, you don’t have to worry about any spillage. It also has a trigger mechanism that gives you the flexibility to drink with one hand—and yes, it’s both practical and effective.

You can expect your hot drinks to last for nine hours, while eight hours is the estimated time for cold drinks. Lastly, you won’t face any difficulty in cleaning the Stanley Classic One Hand Vacuum Mug. The whole body, along with the lid, is dishwasher safe.

Key Features
  • 18/8 stainless steel
  • Double walled vacuum insulation
  • One hand push button lid
  • Car cup compatible
  • BPA-free and dishwasher-friendly
Specifications
  • Capacity: 12, 16, 20 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 9
  • Hours Cold: 8
  • Brand: Stanley
Pros
  • Zero leaks
  • Flawless one-hand operation
  • Great quality product
Cons
  • Non-attachable
  • No color options available

YETI is a brand that has created quite a name for itself when it comes to products that are created for outdoor use. In fact, there are few competing brands that can supply you with products that will easily retain their quality, functionality, and looks, even after tough treatment.

The YETI Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid, along with its double-wall vacuum insulation, will keep your drinks warm or cold for extended periods of time. This product has excellent durability, able to withstand rough use thanks to its high-quality construction. The temperature of hot drinks can be regulated for around eight hours, whereas for cold drinks, the average time is about four hours.

Not only is the overall design of this tumbler straightforward, but it is also quite effective. It features a clear lid that can help you see how much of your drink is left, and it is also fully dishwasher-safe, adding to your convenience. Still, as it’s not 100 percent leakproof, you need to be careful while handling your drink in this unit.

We’d also like to mention the No Sweat tech that YETI has used in their creation of this tumbler; due to its presence, you don’t have to worry about any condensation, so your hands remain dry.

With an extremely sturdy, BPA-free plastic build, you know that this travel coffee mug is made to last. A Dracut coating ensures that the YETI Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid doesn’t crack, peel, or fade, keeping it as good as new for years to come.

Key Features
  • Dracut coating to prevent any peeling or fading
  • Double-wall insulated tumblers with an 18/8 stainless steel body
  • MagSlider Lid keeps your drink on lock
  • BPA-free and dishwasher safe
  • No Sweat design keeps condensation in check
Specifications
  • Capacity: 20 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 8
  • Hours Cold: 4
  • Brand: Yeti
Pros
  • Effective insulation
  • Great color variety
  • Very sturdy
Cons
  • Prone to spilling

The Ello Cole Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle with Slider Lid is functional, versatile, and offers great value for the money. It’s the kind of a travel coffee mug that is not only aesthetically pleasing to look at, but also has a useful lid that'll keep your drink where it’s supposed to be – inside!

This bottle has an unconventional design that prioritizes function over form. It has an understated, white body with a colorful lid and a cork base that instantly makes it stand out from the pack. You should keep in mind that a white body isn’t extremely durable when it comes to staining, and it can chip with use. Aside from that, this product is of just the right size to be taken to every kind of place.

Even while it is design-forward, this mug is vacuum-insulated and made out of high-quality stainless steel that gives it durability and effectiveness. You will be pleased to know that it'll keep your drinks cold for around 10 hours and hot for five hours. The lid minimizes potential leaks to the point of total prevention and is dishwasher-safe on the top rack. The cork bottom isn’t only nice to look at, it’s also anti-skid, which gives superior balance to the mug.

We didn’t like that there is no secondary lid lock, which would've truly made it leakproof; however, if you’re able to overlook this, along with the fact that the white base can be hard to maintain, you should certainly try the Ello Cole Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle with Slider Lid.

Key Features
  • Vacuum insulated stainless steel travel mug
  • Patented sealing slider won't leak
  • Contains no BPA
  • Car cup friendly design
Specifications
  • Capacity: 16 ounces
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Hours Hot: 5
  • Hours Cold: 10
  • Brand: Ello
Pros
  • Classy design
  • Sleek and portable
  • Non-skid bottom
Cons
  • Secondary lid lock is absent
  • Paint is prone to chipping

If you worry about the environment and are strict about using only recyclable products, you might want to take a look at this coffee travel mug option. The KeepCup Brew Cork Tempered Glass Mug was essentially created to reduce and replace the use of disposable cups, and it is therefore both reusable and recyclable.

It has a gorgeous design that looks trendy and feels good to hold. Made out of tempered, soda-lime glass, you’re afforded a good grip because of the natural cork that hugs the glass base. While glass is usually associated with fragility, this travel coffee mug can easily withstand temperatures up to 212° Fahrenheit. Still, that doesn’t mean that it’s unbreakable; in fact, compared to the other options mentioned on this list, it has lower durability.

The press-fit plastic lid is BPA-free and has splash-free plug, which is made for the sipper hole so you can carry your coffee fearlessly while walking. You get three lid color options at the moment: black, grey, and brown. For sizes, you also have three options, ranging from eight ounces to 16 ounces.

Packing together style and innovation, this coffee mug doesn’t necessarily have the best heat insulation. It would be better to consume your beverage immediately with this product, instead of leaving it sitting for hours, as the temperature will stay stable for about an hour or so at the maximum.

Keeping this aside, we still think that the KeepCup Brew Cork Tempered Glass Mug deserves a mention because of the favor it does for our environment.

Key Features
  • Tempered glass and natural cork band
  • Reusable and recyclable
  • Drafted vessel for easy pour
  • Press-fit, splash-proof lid
Specifications
  • Capacity: 6. 8. 12, 16 ounces
  • Material: Tempered glass
  • Hours Hot: 1
  • Hours Cold: 1
  • Brand: KeepCup
Pros
  • Better for immediate consumption
  • Looks great
  • Recyclable
Cons
  • Lower heat retention
  • Glass material means lower durability

To figure out the right travel coffee mug for your needs, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions, some of which can be seen below. At the end of your research, select the model that you think would be best attuned to your lifestyle and budget.

How Is the Heat Retention of the Coffee Mug?

Of course, you need a mug that keeps your coffee hot, and it can also be nice to have a product that can double for keeping other cold beverages cold. Regardless of your preference, beverage temperatures should stay roughly the same, even when hours have passed.

Depending on the kind of insulation any given option has, the overall performance will differ. Generally, having heat retention for around five to eight hours is good enough for most people’s needs.

Does Your Coffee Mug Have a Leakproof Lid?

If you’re always on the go, it would be wise for you to invest in a travel coffee mug that has a secure lid. It’s even better if you can get a secondary lid lock to increase the overall protection that will keep your beverage safe, even when it’s jostled, tipped upside down, or shaken. This is great for all sorts of commuters.

Is the Coffee Mug Easy to Hold and Drink From?

Do not buy a travel coffee mug that is too heavy or too big for you. Ultimately, you’ll be left with a useless product which will be a complementary waste of your time and money. Consider what will be easiest to carry around when you are in transit.

When talking about the ease of drinking from the mug, you need to consider how much you are maneuvering your mouth while you take a sip; if it feels awkward, it’s not the one for you.

Is the Travel Coffee Mug Easy to Clean?

The other, more obvious pointers when searching for the best coffee mug include quality, value for money, and the compatibility of the product with your lifestyle. It’s often equally important that you find out whether or not it'll be easy to clean.

For your health and safety, you’ll need to regularly wash your travel coffee mug to prevent any bacteria or mold growth in the mug or the lid. Look for options that are dishwasher-safe and microwave friendly, both of which add to your convenience and can be a huge help for your busy schedule.

It’s worth noting that there are a few mug designs that have really complicated lid systems or have too many parts; our best advice would be to look for other options and only go for these ones if you feel that they are worth the hassle.

ResourcesThe Spruce Eats, Epicurious, Business Insider, Home Grounds

Share this Buyers Guide