For those of us who like our morning coffee on the go, a travel mug is a must-have item. These very handy mugs can save you time and money spent on buying individual drinks, plus help cut down on paper cups and other wasteful materials.
Whether you need a drink for a hiking trip or a coffee for your morning commute, a great travel mug keeps drinks at an appropriate temperature no matter the environment. Our review team determined their options for the best travel mugs after extensive research and testing, and have listed them below for your convenience.
In this article:
- 5 Best Travel Mugs
- #1 Best For Storing Hot Drinks: Fellow Carter
- #2 Best For Cold Drinks: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
- #3 Best Design: YETI Rambler
- #4 Best For Commuting: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
- #5 Best Two-In-One: CamelBak Travel Mug And Cup
- Travel Mugs Buyers Guide
- Our Review Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best Travel Mugs
- Fellow Carter
- Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
- YETI Rambler
- Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
- CamelBak Travel Mug And Cup
#1 Best For Storing Hot Drinks: Fellow Carter
The Fellow® Carter was the best stainless steel travel mug for hot drinks that we tested. Its heat retention was very strong thanks to its double-wall vacuum insulation, and we also really admired its matte finish for easy handling.
Key Features
- Snap-in splash guard
- Ceramic interior coating
- Heat-lock double-wall vacuum
- Drinkable thin lip
Our Experience
At the end of the heat test, the Fellow Carter kept our coffee at nearly the same temperature it went in at. We were also impressed by its ability to maintain most of its ice after the cold test.
The Carter’s lid was able to seal tightly to prevent any spills. Our review team liked how well the Carter fit in both of our testing vehicles’ cup holders. An additional feature we liked was the snap-in splash guard, which prevented hot coffee from splashing out of the mug.
| Overall Rating | 5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 5 out of 5 |
| Lid | 5 out of 5 |
| Fit | 5 out of 5 |
| Added Features | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Based on over 2,000 Amazon reviews, the Fellow Carter has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 80 percent of these are 5-star ratings, while less than 2 percent are 1 star.
Similar to what we found in our tests, many customers who leave positive reviews speak highly of the Carter’s temperature retention for hot beverages. They also commend its spill-proof design. The few negative reviews claim their Carter mugs scratch and dent easily.
What Is It Good For?
The Fellow Carter is an insulated mug ideal for coffee drinkers who bring their brew to work or anyone who needs to keep their drink warm for hours at a time.
#2 Best For Cold Drinks: Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
Out of our testing, the Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth Bottle was the best at keeping drinks cold. Its professional-grade stainless steel body utilizes TempShield® insulation technology that prevents heat from escaping.
Key Features
- TempShield insulation
- BPA-free and Phthalate-free
- Color Last™ powder coat
- Top rack dishwasher safe
Our Experience
At the end of the cold test, the Hydro Flask had nearly all of its ice still intact and didn’t perspire any excess water away. The same cannot be said for its heat retention, however, as coffee stayed only lukewarm after a few hours.
The Hydro Flask’s twist-lock wide mouth lid didn’t leak, but can be accidentally removed if overtwisted. This bottle fit snugly in both of our testing vehicles’ cup holders. We found the Hydro Flask’s Flex Strap to be very durable and make for easy carrying.
| Overall Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Lid | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Fit | 5 out of 5 |
| Added Features | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle currently has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. This is from over 6,000 reviews, 85 percent of which are 5-star ratings.
Many positive reviews highlight the easily removable twist-lock lid, especially for those with small children. Many customers also appreciate how easy the Hydro Flask is to clean. Dissatisfied customers claim the lids to their bottles leak frequently.
What Is It Good For?
We recommend the Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle for those who prefer iced coffee on their road trips or want a cold bottle of water.
#3 Best Design: YETI Rambler
Because the base of the YETI® Rambler® is tapered, it fits comfortably in most cup holders. The Rambler’s 360-degree welded handle allows for ambidextrous carrying options. And thanks to its stainless steel body, the Ramble is puncture- and rust-resistant.
Key Features
- Stronghold™ lid
- Five-year warranty
- Dishwasher safe
Our Experience
While the Rambler was able to prevent ice from melting, it kept our coffee warm but on the edge of getting cold. We thought the locking Stronghold lid was a fantastic feature, and leaking was nearly impossible thanks to its magnetic gasket.
The Rambler fit into our testing vehicles’ cup holders, but we could see issues with this product being stored anywhere else due to its handle. Still, the handle made holding the mug much easier.
| Overall Rating | 4.3 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 4 out of 5 |
| Lid | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Fit | 4 out of 5 |
| Added Features | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
On Amazon, the YETI Rambler has a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 5,500 ratings. Less than three percent of all reviews are 1 star reviews.
The Rambler’s practical handle and ergonomic design are what wow those who leave positive reviews. Unfortunately, some customers have trouble sipping from the Rambler’s sliding lid access.
What Is It Good For?
If you’re taking your morning coffee on shorter trips or simply enjoy a mug that feels similar to your favorite one at home, the YETI Rambler is a good choice.
#4 Best For Commuting: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
For a lightweight travel option, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug won’t weigh you down. Its slim design makes it very easy to store. Getting even a drop of liquid to spill from this mug is nearly impossible thanks to the locking mechanism on its lid.
Key Features
- Compact design
- Two-piece locking plastic lid
- Available in a wide array of colors
Our Experience
The Zojirushi’s vacuum-sealed design kept our coffee very hot during testing and also prevented ice from melting, too. Although its slim design makes it ideal for bags, this mug didn’t fit very well in either of our vehicles’ cup holders without rattling.
Thanks to its locking flip-top lid, the Zojirushi was completely spill-proof. One of the only downsides we found was that it must be hand-washed.
| Overall Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 5 out of 5 |
| Lid | 5 out of 5 |
| Fit | 4 out of 5 |
| Added Features | 4 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. This is from over 21,000 reviews, 90 percent of which are 4-star ratings and higher.
Customers who like the Zojirushi speak highly of its heat retention for hot drinks, plus its straightforward flip lid that prevents spills. The only consistent complaints concern this mug’s outer paint job, saying it peels after extensive use and that this is a hand wash-only product.
What Is It Good For?
Whether you’re storing this bottle in your backpack’s drink pocket or at the bottom of your tote bag, the Zojirushi won’t leak and will keep your drink fresh.
#5 Best Two-In-One: CamelBak Travel Mug And Cup
If you’re traveling with your partner or a friend, the CamelBak Travel Mug and Cup is the perfect option for sharing a drink. The bottom of the CamelBak detaches into a 12.0-ounce reusable travel cup that even comes with its own rubber lid.
Key Features
- Roll-and-fold lid for cup
- Non-slip silicone base
- Sweat-proof insulation
- Lifetime warranty
Our Experience
The CamelBak kept ice cold but struggled to keep drinks warm for more than a couple of hours, frustrating the coffee lovers on our team. Its twist-on lid kept a secure seal, but the rubber lid was difficult to store.
Because of its size, the CamelBak had trouble fitting in our vehicles’ cup holders. Considering it has an extra cup and lid for sharing, this product earned plenty of points for its extra features.
| Overall Rating | 4.4 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 4 out of 5 |
| Lid | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Fit | 4 out of 5 |
| Added Features | 5 out of 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers on Amazon give the CamelBak an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Remarkably, this product currently has no 1-star reviews.
Those who like the CamelBak say it’s worth owning for the additional travel cup, which is great for having both coffee and water nearby at all times. Customers who don’t like this travel mug complain that it is awkwardly heavy.
What Is It Good For?
The CamelBak Travel Mug and Cup is well-suited for those traveling with company and who want the option to share a cold beverage.
Travel Mugs Buyers Guide
Before you make a purchase, consider what you need from a travel mug that best suits your lifestyle.
What Is A Travel Mug?
A travel mug is a reusable mug that insulates drinks and is designed for on-the-go use. They are generally made with double-wall stainless steel or plastic for improved durability and temperature control.
Our Review Standards
The travel mugs in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.
Our product testing team ordered the five travel mugs that best met these standards. A team member tested each product, taking note of each travel mug’s temperature resilience, durability, fit, and any additional features. Each travel mug was given a rating out of 5 stars based on these criteria.
Temperature
One of the primary functions of a travel mug is to keep its contents at an appropriate temperature. This means hot drinks should stay warm while cold beverages should stay cold. Travel mugs that could double as a coffee mug and a water bottle earned more points in our review.
Lid
Since a travel mug is made for on-the-go use, an insulated leak-proof lid is essential. Travel mugs that had sealed lids with few drips scored more points.
Fit
Travel mugs should be able to fit snugly in a car’s cup holder or even in the side pocket of a backpack. This way, users don’t have to carry them around by hand when traveling. Mugs that were able to comfortably fit into these spaces scored more points.
Added Features
Each travel mug has its own special features that make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. This could be anything from an adjustable lid to an ergonomic handle. Travel mugs that had useful additional features were awarded more points.
Travel Mugs Testing Process
Each travel mug was put through a rigorous testing process. It is important to note that each product tested was a 16.0-ounce mug, but other sizes are available depending on the retailer. Our review team first measured how well each travel mug fit into the cup holder of our testing vehicles, a 2014 Honda Civic and a 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Next, we filled each mug with hot coffee and let it sit for four hours. The temperature of each drink was measured at the end of testing. We then performed a similar test with cold water and ice, letting each mug sit untouched for eight hours and then determining how much ice remained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a travel mug and a tumbler?
A travel mug is a piece of drinkware that is usually made from metal, includes a screw-on lid, and may or may not have a handle. They are best suited for hot drinks but can handle cold ones if need be.
Can I microwave my travel mug to reheat my drink?
Do not, under any circumstances, microwave your travel mug. These mugs are made of metal and plastic and have the potential to start a fire when microwaved. If your travel mug works properly, your drink should stay warm for hours.
How do travel mugs retain heat for so long?
Because of their double-wall design and insulated lids, travel mugs retain heat for much longer than reusable coffee cups and travel tumblers. These features create an air-tight enclosure that keeps heat from escaping.
Can I use my travel mug to make coffee?
Unfortunately for coffee makers, travel mugs are not designed to double as french presses. Most stainless steel tumblers and mugs are meant to store coffee but not for brewing.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
