7 Best Travel Mugs For Coffee For Those On The Go

We tested and reviewed different travel mugs to determine the best travel mugs for coffee.

unidentified person holding a coffee mug - best travel mugs for coffee
Travel mugs will keep the coffee’s perfect temperature no matter how long ago it was made

A reliable travel mug is a must-have for coffee lovers. No matter how long ago you made your coffee, travel mugs will keep its perfect temperature.

Since there are so many travel mugs available on the market, we evaluated the best of the best to help you determine which are worth buying. If you’re traveling overseas, you might be wondering, can I bring coffee beans on a plane?

What To Look For In Travel Mug For Coffee

a woman sitting while holding her travel mug
A travel coffee mug must be simple to drink from

Lid Style

There’s nothing more annoying than a travel mug that spills everywhere whenever you try to drink it. It is essential to determine which lid style is the right for you.

There are lids you can open with the push or a button, or slide open with your thumb, as well as flip lids, twist lids, and lids with a built-in straw. There are pros and cons to each lid option.

If you need something durable or require spill prevention, you should opt for something like a secure twist lid; if you want to drink from your mug as you’re on the go, choose a lid you can open with a single hand.

Fortunately, lid style doesn’t determine the travel mug’s price, so you should consider all options as you shop. Many brands now sell individual lids so that customers can choose various options.

Temperature Retention

A good travel mug can help you keep your coffee at the perfect temperature for several hours, hot or cold. When it comes to temperature retention, vacuum-insulated mugs (often made of stainless steel) perform best, while plastic or silicone are not as effective.

You need to consider what kind of coffee you usually drink when buying a travel mug – some mugs are more suited to certain drinks than others. So, how long can a mug keep a drink warm or cold?

You should find it listed in the product details; however, note that it is usually based the temperature the drink was in the first place.

Size

Travel mugs for coffee come in different sizes – the average volume is about 16 oz., but you can find much bigger. Some are as small as an ordinary coffee mug at home, while others have a days worth of coffee in one container.

If one particular mug draws you in, chances are you’ll be able to find it in a size that you prefer since brands usually manufacture the same mug in different sizes. 

Those who prefer big mugs, should ensure it’s microwave safe or if it retains heat well. Otherwise, you’ll still end up with cold coffee.

Lastly, for those who want to keep their mug inside the car, you can read the product information and reviews to see if it can fit in your car.

Material Used

Even though most travel mugs are typically stainless steel, there are many options for material, including plastic, bamboo, ceramic, glass, and silicone.

These options naturally affect a mug’s appearance and the durability, price tag, how it is cleaned, and the length of time it can retain heat for.

So, you need to ask yourself which of these factors you value the most. If you want an affordable mug that is microwave-safe, plastic is probably the right call. If you prioritize durability and temperature retention, you should try a stainless steel mug.

Remember, some of these materials have downsides. For example, plastic mugs easily stain or retain odors but stainless steel mugs can impact the drink’s flavor.

Leak-proof Vs. Spill-proof

No one wants a mug that cannot be stored in a bag, whether you’re on your way to a meeting, going on a long trip, or driving to work; which is where leak-proof mugs are a life saver. No matter what happens, they keep your coffee from leaking all over your bag and destroying it.

However, reviews from other customers about the product beforehand, as some “leak-proof” travel mugs are sub-par. Also, spill-proof mugs can only prevent big spills; so you shouldn’t store them in your bag because some coffee might escape.

Design

There are two approaches to considering the design of a travel mug. First, inspect the shape. Do you want a handle on your mug? Or perhaps one small enough to fit in a small bag.

Second, the design includes the mug’s color or any patterns or artwork so you can express your interests and style.

Price

Most travel mugs are affordable, but they can also help you save time and money by reducing your trips to a coffee shop. Although, electric travel mugs are pretty pricey. On the other hand, budget picks are easy to find.

Larger mugs are usually the most expensive, even if there are smaller versions of the model. Also, plastic mugs are the most affordable option than stainless steel, ceramic, or glass.

How To Pick The Best Travel Mug For Coffee

a woman gently pouring down coffee
Make sure your travel mug is insulated for its temperature to stay perfectly the same as before

When picking the best travel mug for coffee, you’ll want to consider a few things:

Insulation

If you want your drink to stay hot or cold for an extended period, make sure it’s insulated, whether glass, plastic, or stainless steel.

Lid

Some lids are more leak-proof and spill-proof than others, so you can just toss them in your bag and go. 

Easy To Clean

Check to see if your travel mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure that you clean it properly with a sponge; otherwise, you may need a bottle brush.

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee Overall

If you’re looking for a sturdy, leak-proof travel mug that will keep your coffee hot for up to seven hours, the Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vaccum Insulated Travel Mug is our top pick for several reasons – one is its “Autoseal” lid.

Unlike other travel mugs with a sliding lid that can leak, the Contigo lid includes a push button that opens the vacuum seal when you’re ready to drink and shuts when you release it.

You can carry it inside your bag all day without worrying about any leaks. However, keep in mind that the lid will not fit on your other travel mugs.

In addition, this vacuum-insulated stainless steel mug can also keep your drinks cold for up to 18 hours, depending on whether you get the 12 oz. or 20 oz. version of it.

Pros

  • Effective auto-lock and anti-spill lid
  • It can be locked and unlocked with one hand
  • Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours

Cons

  • A little wide for smaller hands
  • The plastic lid seems prone to breakage

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon

Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug
$25.86
  • Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug
  • 20 oz
  • Chard
  • Auto seal technology
  • Drinks stay hot up to 7 hours or cold up to 18
  • One Handed drinking with the push of a button
  • Top rack dishwasher safe lid; hand wash only stainless steel body
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03/07/2024 11:10 am GMT

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee For Large Capacity

Since the Bubba Classic Insulated Desk Mug holds enough water for several hours, you’ll want to take this 52 oz. mug to the pool, beach, or camping.

It’s also ideal for office employees who don’t want to run back and forth to the water cooler to refill smaller bottles. Of course, a mug this large will not fit in your cupholder, so this option is best for non-drive time.

The Bubba 52 oz. Desk Mug is highly durable and can withstand being dropped or tossed around in the trunk of your car. The wide, comfort-grip handle also feels very sturdy as well.  It’s a good coffee mug for wrapping up as a present to a friend too.

Pros

  • No sweating
  • Budget-friendly price
  • Lightweight despite size

Cons

  • Too big for cupholders
  • The lid has a hole that you can’t close

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon.

Insulated Desk Mug
$15.99
  • Black, 52-oz. -1953391
  • BPA-free large capacity coffee mug
  • Dual-walled polyurethane with foam insulation
  • Keeps cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot for hours
  • Tough and durable construction featuring ergonomically designed handle with soft touch grip
  • Iconic patented keg shape
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03/07/2024 11:10 am GMT

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee For Design

The S’well Stainless Steel Travel Mug is undoubtedly one of the best-designed travel mugs available on the market. Thanks to its high-end, triple-wall technology, you can rest assured that your hot or cold drinks will keep their temperature for hours. 

In addition, this travel mug topped others in the design category because it fits in a cupholder and comes in 17 different colors and three sizes (12 oz., 16 oz., and 20 oz.) It is also wholly leak-proof. 

However, the lid cannot be unscrewed using one hand, so if you’re sipping on the go, you’ll need both hands free. Also, it is not dishwasher-safe; to clean it, you can either put a drop of dishwashing liquid in and rinse with hot water or use a long bottle brush.

Pros

  • Multiple sizes and many colors
  • Great temperature retention
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Price varies, can be expensive
  • The lid is not ideal for commuting

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler Mug
$34.33
  • 16 Fl Oz
  • Azurite
  • Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug
  • Keeps Coffee, Tea and Drinks Cold for 24 Hours and Hot for 12
  • BPA-Free Water Bottle
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03/07/2024 11:14 am GMT

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee For Durability

YETI Rambler 14 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Mug
$29.99
  • The full-loop Triple Grip Handle is comfortable for wider hands, so you can fit your mitts fully around your morning joe
  • Duracoat color means no scratching, peeling, or fading here
  • Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot until the last sip
  • No sweat design say adios to damp or frostbit fingers. And of course dishwasher safe
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03/07/2024 09:05 pm GMT

The YETI Rambler 14 .oz Stainless Steel Insulated Mug will not break if dropped.

The Rambler, made by Yeti, a Texas-based outdoor products manufacturer, is designed to travel long distances – on boats, camping trips, and other treks – but it also works well at home or in the office, thanks to its large, convenient handle.

Although highly durable, it’s not the best for temperature retention. However, there are still many advantages to this thermos. It is available in different vibrant colors, and its lid prevents most leaks and spills. 

Remember that the lid has an opening for convenient drinking, but it does not fully close, so it’s neither leak-proof nor spill-proof. Its big handle makes it easy to pick up, even with larger hands.

Just take note that the mug’s large size will not fit into many car cupholders.

Pros

  • Can withstand drops
  • Modern design and vibrant color options
  • Easy to clean 
  • Large handle

Cons

  • Poor temperature retention
  • The lid cannot fully close
  • It does not fit in many car cupholders

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon.

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee For High-Tech

Like any other coffee mug, the Ember Travel Mug 2 can maintain a toasty temperature on your drive to work. This second version of the Ember Travel mug is more streamlined and not as heavy as the original model, mainly because it has a touch-sensitive control panel rather than a manual dial.

This is considered a “smart” mug because you can set your ideal temperature, or you can also link the mug to the Ember app on your phone.

The best design feature of Ember Travel Mug 2 is the lid. You just slightly push it open. It is leak-proof. In addition, the design of this mug is ergonomic.

It has a matte texture and is widest at the top, which makes it easy to hold for long periods.

Pros

  • Touchscreen display
  • Battery lasts up to three hours
  • 360-degree leak-proof lid

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Only 12 oz. capacity

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon.

Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug 2
$149.96
  • 12 oz
  • Black
  • 3-hr Battery Life - App Controlled Heated Coffee Travel Mug
  • Choose the exact temperature you prefer (between 120°F - 145°F)
  • Hand wash only
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03/07/2024 11:15 am GMT

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee For Temperature Retention

Although most of the travel mugs on this list work well for hot or cold drinks, they are generally better at one or the other – but that’s not the case with this Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug.

It retains your drink’s temperature for at least six hours, whether hot or cold. The Zojirushi mug comes in 12, and 16-ounce sizes, have an excellent design, and is easy to sip.

Aside from keeping the mug from leaking, the flip-top cap also keeps the drinking spout protected and clean. It also comes with a lock to prevent it from unraveling inside your bag.

Pros

  • Easy-to-hold design
  • It fits in most cupholders
  • Excellent temperature retention
  • The locking mechanism prevents leaks

Cons

  • Plastic parts feel fragile
  • Hand wash only

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/07/2024 03:50 pm GMT

The Best Travel Mug For Coffee For Those On A Budget

The Copco Acadia Travel Mug is suitable for hot coffee and iced drinks and is reasonably priced. It has a double-wall structure that keeps drinks’ temperature longer compared to cups that aren’t insulated.

However, unlike other stainless steel mugs, it does not retain the temperature all day.

Fortunately, this mug is microwave-safe. You can reheat your drink when they cool down. Another good thing about Copco Acadia Travel Mug is it’s easy to clean – it’s dishwasher-safe. The lid opens wide enough to clean the mug with your hands and closes securely when you’re done.

There’s a small hole in the lid for drinking; however, the opening isn’t covered, so you still need to handle this cup with care.

The cup is white, but you can choose a colored sleeve to fit your tastes. These bands also function as coffee collars, providing more grip while protecting you from burning your hands.

Pros

  • Safe in both microwave and dishwasher
  • Colorful grip
  • It fits in most cupholders
  • Can stack inside each other

Cons

  • It can’t be put inside your bags
  • Prone to staining
  • The hole in the lid cannot be closed

You can also check some of the customer reviews of this product on Amazon.

Copco 2510-9966 Acadia Double Wall Insulated Travel Mug With Non-Slip Sleeve
$9.99
  • Durable, BPA-free plastic construction; double walled insulation keeps drinks hot or cold
  • Quarter-turn lid sealing design helps prevent leaks and spills
  • Textured, non-slip sleeve; will fit standard cup holders
  • Holds 16-ounces
  • Microwave and dishwasher safe
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03/07/2024 11:15 am GMT

Testing Criteria

We tested and reviewed different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, lid style, size, the material used, resistance to leakage, design, and price to determine the best travel mug for coffee.

Why You Can Trust Me

I research everything about coffee, from coffee beans to coffee makers, and read customer reviews to get some insights.

I have owned or tested a number of the items on this list, including the Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, and the Copco Acadia Travel Mug. 

You might also be interested in our guide on Can I bring a coffee mug in my carry-on?

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.