The best travel coffee mug in 2025

National Geographic

18-02-2025

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For millions of busy Americans, coffee is life. According to a 2022 OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans , three out of four coffee drinkers say they probably couldn't go a day without having their beloved cup of Joe. If you're in the same camp, then having a reusable travel coffee mug in your kit is basically a must.
We love coffee travel mugs because they're more cost-effective and sustainable than single-use coffee cups. Many coffee shops, including Starbucks , even offer a small discount on coffee if you bring your own mug—a perk we always appreciate while traveling.
There are tons of travel mugs out there, so we spent hours sifting through reviews and spoke with several travel experts to find the best travel coffee mugs. With its vacuum seal top and lightweight stainless-steel construction, the Yeti Rambler is a natural top choice. Of course there are tons of great options for different needs. Read on to find the travel coffee mug that's best for you.
The best coffee travel mug
There's lots to consider when shopping for the best coffee travel mug, and much of it depends on personal preference. However, experts offer a few key features to look for, among them durable construction via either stainless steel or ceramic.
Some travelers may find handles more comfortable, while others may want the packability of a streamlined silhouette. If you're road tripping or renting a car, look for a travel mug that fits standard cup holders. Read on for the details on our top picks.
Best travel coffee mug overall: Yeti Rambler 20 oz.
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Yeti Rambler 20 oz.
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: During our search, the Yeti Rambler kept popping up as a fan favorite.
'I never leave home without my Yeti mug,' says Samantha Saenz, a writer and founder of the travel blog Eat Well. Adventure Often . 'In addition to being a great vessel for cold brew or instant lattes, I love Yeti because they're reusable, durable, and decently lightweight to pack.'
Saenz is far from alone. The Rambler has 93,000 reviews on Amazon, as well as a five-star rating. Most customer reviews mention the mug's ample size, overall durability, and top-notch temperature control.
'The vacuum insulation works amazingly well—my coffee stays hot for hours, and cold drinks stay icy all day,' says one Amazon shopper , adding that the Rambler is 'worth every penny.'
Other customers praise the mug's seamless interior and unique lid design, which you can open with one hand.
Keep in mind: Reviews on the mug's 'leakproof' construction are mixed, however, many say the lid prevents major spills in most quick tip-overs. The Rambler doesn't have a handle or a straw.
Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 20 oz. | Weight: 12 oz. | Special features: Dishwasher safe, vacuum insulated
Best travel coffee mug with a handle: Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler
Photograph courtesy Hydroflask
Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler
Buy it now at Hydro Flask
Why we like it: This high-quality tumbler has double-walled vacuum technology, plus a comfortable handle. It also looks great, with multiple colors and designs, and comes in two sizes: 32 and 40 ounces.
Despite its large size, this travel coffee mug fits most standard cup holders. Customers say they were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the flexible straw and that it doesn't give off an aftertaste like some straws can.
Keep in mind: The All Around Tumbler is made for cold drinks, so it's best to stick with water, iced coffee, and cold brew coffee.
Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 32 & 40 oz. | Weight: 1.2 lbs. | Special features: Dishwasher safe, vacuum insulated
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Best heated travel coffee mug: Ember Travel Mug 2+
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Ember Travel Mug 2+
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: When it comes to 'smart' drinkware, Ember has been ahead of the curve for a while. This updated style builds upon everything customers loved about the original Ember mug, starting with the ability to control temperature remotely through an app.
Noteworthy improvements include a larger cup size, scratch-resistant exterior, extended battery life, and the option to add Apple's Find My technology, which lets you use your iPhone to locate the mug if it gets lost. Amazon customers especially like the mug's temperature readout and touch controls .
Keep in mind: Because this travel mug is a smart device, you can only handwash it. Additionally, it requires regular charging on a compatible charging pad to work. Because of its unique technology, it's also pricier than standard reusable coffee tumblers.
Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12 oz. | Weight: 1.2 lbs. | Special features: Temperature-controlled smart mug, Wi-Fi enabled, hand wash only
Best personalized travel coffee mug: Miir Flip Traveler Mug
Photograph courtesy MiiR
Miir Flip Traveler Mug
Buy it now at Miir
Why we like it: The Flip Traveler is the perfect blend of form and function. It's made with durable stainless steel and has double-walled vacuum insulation that can handle both hot and cold drinks.
But the best part is the sleek design. The Miir website allows you to choose not just the color and size, but also fun graphics and text.
Keep in mind: The Flip doesn't have a handle or a straw, but the lid is designed to be leakproof.
Product details: Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 12, 16, and 20 oz. | Weight: Starting at .62 lbs. | Special features: Hand wash recommended; lid is dishwasher safe on top rack
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Best small travel coffee mug: BruMate 15 oz. Muv
Photograph courtesy BruMate
BruMate 15 oz. Muv
Buy it now at BruMate
Why we like it: As far as small travel mugs go, the 15-ounce Muv packs a punch. Aside from its sleek look, it has a laundry list of cool features, including a unique locking lid system designed to make it easy to take the lid on and off for cleaning or refilling.
The 'MagFlip' feature helps keep the mouthpiece open while you're drinking. According to the brand, this travel mug is insulated, keeping drinks hot for over four hours or cold for more than 24 hours. We also appreciate that the cup is made to resist scratches, has a slip base, and a comfortable handle.
Keep in mind: Because this travel tumbler is shaped like a traditional coffee mug, it won't fit in a standard cup holder.
Product details: Material: Stainless steel; some parts made from recycled water bottles, according to company | Capacity: 15 oz. | Weight: 1 lb. | Special features: Unique lid locking system; dishwasher safe (top rack)
Best stainless steel travel mug: Greens Steel Beast Stainless Steel Vacuum Tumbler
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Beast 20 oz. Stainless Steel Vacuum Tumbler
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: With its hefty build, sweat-free design, and extras like stainless steel straws and a cleaning brush, this tumbler is aptly named. It's made from high-quality stainless steel (304 grade, 18/8), double walled insulation, and a copper lining, all of which help lock in the temperature of your beverage.
More than 78,000 Amazon customers give this travel coffee mug a near-perfect 4.5 star rating. 'I have purchased Stanley, Yeti, Simple Modern, and Beast tumblers throughout the past eight years,' writes one shopper . 'My first Beast was purchased two years ago and I have remained loyal since.'
Keep in mind: The Beast isn't designed with a built-in handle, but you can purchase one separately.
Product details: Material: Food-grade stainless steel (304, 18/18 | Capacity: 10, 20, 30 & 40 oz. | Weight: 12 oz. | Special features: Dishwasher safe. Set includes two stainless steel straws (one straight, one curved) and a straw cleaning brush
Best iced coffee travel mug: Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState
Photograph courtesy Stanley
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler
Buy it now at Stanley
Why we like it: This popular brand's Quencher has more than 54,000 positive reviews on Amazon—and not just for its looks. The brand says this travel coffee mug is made with double-wall insulation for hours of temperature retention plus mostly recycled stainless steel. We love that the lid rotates to three positions helping to reduce spills and leaks.
'I love that it's spill proof and so easy to carry when moving quickly and juggling other things like my luggage and duffel bag,' says Vanessa Gordon, publisher of the travel and lifestyle website, East End Taste . 'I tend to be a bit clumsy and spill my drink when traveling … this mug has been such a huge game changer.'
Customers praise this travel mug's durability and ' top notch insulation ,' among other features. 'Even in the hottest weather, my water stays refreshingly cold all day, and I've even noticed that it helps keep my beverages at the perfect temperature longer than other tumblers I've used,' says one review .
Keep in mind: The Quencher comes in a variety of sizes, but most Amazon customers say they prefer the 40-ounce because it doesn't feel too bulky or large in a standard cup holder.
Product details: Material: Made with 90% recycled BPA-free stainless steel, according to the brand | Capacity: 14, 20, 30, 40 & 60 oz. | Weight: 0.6-1.8 lbs. | Special features: Vacuum insulated, rotating lid, reusable straw, dishwasher safe, lifetime guarantee
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Best ceramic coffee travel mug: Ello Ogden Ceramic Travel Mug
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Ello Ogden 16 oz. Ceramic Travel Mug
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This is a great option for travelers rushing to catch a flight or train. With a 16-ounce capacity, it holds more than enough coffee and has a built-in silicone sleeve for insulation that also feels comfortable to grip. The lid is built with an opening operated with a sliding panel that helps prevent splashes while you're sipping on the go.
Customers report that this travel coffee mug is easy to disassemble and clean; all parts can go in the top rack of the dishwasher. Because it's made of ceramic and silicone, it's safe for the microwave.
Keep in mind: This travel mug comes in one size (16 ounces). Some reviews say this mug is not fully leak proof, noting beverages may spill if the mug is tipped over.
Product details: Material: Ceramic interior, silicone exterior/boot | Capacity: 16 oz. | Weight: 0.9 lbs. | Special features: Slider lid; BPA-free, top-rack dishwasher safe, fits standard cup holders
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Best budget coffee travel mug: Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler with Lid & Straw
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Simple Modern Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Travelers who want the aesthetics of a Stanley mug without the hefty price tag, may want to consider this Simple Modern tumbler. This style comes in lots of attractive colors, patterns, and sizes ranging from 16 to 28 ounces. Like other high-quality tumblers, it's made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel and vacuum insulation.
On Amazon, more than 25,000 reviewers rave about this travel mug's quality, giving it an average five stars. One reviewer says this one 'out-performs' all other travel coffee mugs they've tried.
Keep in mind: This style doesn't come with a handle, but you can try this version , which comes in 30- and 40-ounce sizes. It has a slightly different design for just a few dollars more, but it's one of my favorites.
Product details: Material: Premium 18/8 stainless steel | Capacity: 16-28 oz. | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Special features: Includes two straws and a straw lid, dishwasher safe, standard cup holder
How we chose the best travel coffee mugs
We know the options for travel mugs can seem overwhelming. That's why we did the work for you, sifting through countless brand reviews, style features, and product details to bring you the best of the best.
• Third-party reviews: We scoured Amazon, Reddit, and brand websites to see what customers really had to say about their favorite (and least favorite) travel mugs.
• Expert insight: We spoke with digital nomads, travel writers, lifestyle bloggers, and accessories experts about the most important features to look for—and what to skip.
• Brand notoriety: We looked at options from well-established brands as well as up-and-comers to strike a balance between popular picks and underrated favorites.
Tips for buying a travel mug for coffee
While many reusable travel mugs have similar features, we recognize that even slight differences can have a big impact on your travels. We've broken down four major factors to consider before you add any travel mug to your cart.
Material
Most travel coffee mugs are made with either stainless steel or ceramic.
'Stainless steel is usually going to be the most durable, since it can handle being dropped, without damaging the mug,' says Greg Heinemann, founder of the travel accessories brand, Heritage Gear .
'Another big plus is that stainless steel doesn't absorb flavors or odors, so it'll keep the flavor as well as the temperature [of your beverage]—and let's face it, both are equally important,' adds Sunil Gupta, a co-founder and senior travel consultant at Luxury India Tours LLC .
Ceramic travel mugs, on the other hand, are similar to standard coffee cups, making them particularly well suited to hot beverages. They tend to be wrapped in a protective outer layer like silicone to prevent breakage and lock in temperatures. Often, they're safe for the microwave, unlike stainless steel.
Be aware that not all parts of a tumbler may be made of the same material. While the base or interior may be stainless steel or ceramic, the lid, straw, and other accessories could contain plastic, silicone, or other materials. Read the product details and care instructions closely. Keep in mind that some travel coffee mugs must be handwashed, while others are only safe for the top rack of the dishwasher. In some cases, only certain parts of a tumbler can be placed in the dishwasher.
Insulation
Most travel coffee mugs promise 'premium insulation' that will keep drinks hot or cold 'for hours.' Take a closer look at the product details to see what that actually means. Does the brand share how many hours the mug can maintain temperatures? What kind of a top or lid does the tumbler have? For example, slide-lock lids and straw covers will prevent heat from escaping.
If you're eyeing a stainless-steel mug, look for one with double-walled vacuum insulation. This will keep air from getting in between the layers of the travel mug, which can cause it to lose its temperature retention quickly.
Size and shape
The size and shape of the right travel mug depends on where you're going and how long you plan to be there. If you're heading out on a short trip, then a smaller, more compact cup with a handle and a lid may be the way to go. If you're facing a long flight, you may want to opt for a larger mug that can stay hot or cold for long periods of time, yet isn't too bulky to carry.
Consider how much coffee you typically drink in a day and whether you want the versatility of having hot or cold coffee while you travel. Will you be renting a car and need a standard-sized mug that will fit in the cup holder? Do you prefer a handle or will a tumbler style work better for packing? Will the shape of the tumbler make it easy to tip over?
Features
Travel coffee mugs come with tons of extras or just basics, like a simple lid. Knowing which features are most important for your travels depends on personal preference.
If you love techy products with all the bells and whistles, then you may want to try a smart mug like our favorite heated travel mug Ember . On the other hand, if you're looking for a versatile mug that holds hot and cold beverages and can double as a water tumbler, try the Stanley Quencher or the Beast .
Either way, pay close attention to the features list when making your decision. Is it truly leak proof or simply leak resistant? Is it entirely dishwasher safe, or does that only apply to certain parts of the product?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of mug for coffee?
Most of the travel experts we spoke with agree that while it all boils down to personal preference, there are a few basics to look for.
'A mug that holds temperatures well, without being too hot or cold to hold is ideal,' says Heinemann.
Leak-proof or leak-resistant construction is also important. That way, Heinemann notes, you won't have to worry constantly about leaks while traveling.
'Size is another important factor,' he says. 'Make sure it holds enough liquid but isn't too big that you can't easily travel with it.'
'Space is precious to me since I live out of my suitcase, but if I'm honest, coffee is even more precious,' says Meg Wubbenhorst, a global traveler, petsitter, and blogger behind My Mega Travels . 'I like my coffee grande-trente-enormous.'
'To me, [sturdiness] is more important than packability,' Wubbenhorst adds. 'Those collapsible cups wouldn't work for someone on the go like me.'
What type of mugs keep coffee hot the longest?
While outcomes will vary from product to product, your best bet is to look for a high-quality stainless-steel mug with double-walled vacuum insulation and a lock-top lid. This will trap the heat in for longer, reducing the likelihood of spilling hot coffee everywhere. For this, the BruMate Muv may be a good option for most travelers.
Kaitlin Stanford is a freelance writer and editor from New York. She has covered various topics from trending news to women's health for Yahoo, Parents, and Bustle, among others.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.