by Whether you’re grabbing your morning beverage from a local coffee shop or making it at home, a reliable travel mug can help thwart that dreaded lukewarm zone and keep your drink at just the right temperature. They can also serve as a stylish accessory to express your personal style or broadcast that you’re an environmentally-conscious consumer.
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a new travel coffee mug, from the size and shape to the color, material, and lid design. To find the best one, it’s important to understand your needs and preferences. To assist with that, we consulted with multiple experts and reviewed top-rated travel mugs from major retailers. In this article, we’ll share our editor-tested insights to help you pick the right mug for your daily routine.
The best travel coffee mug will keep your drink piping hot or cold for hours, while avoiding leaks and spills. A vacuum-insulated stainless steel model is the most effective for retaining heat, but there are other options available depending on your preferences and budget. For example, plastic mugs are typically less expensive but don’t retain heat as well as stainless steel.
You’ll also want to think about the size and silhouette of the mug you’re considering. The shape can make it easy to hold and handle, or it may be thin enough to fit comfortably in a bag or backpack. The lid is another factor to consider, as there are many different styles that range from flip lids to thumb-sliding models to push-button designs. Lids can be hard to open when on the go, which is why some buyers choose a mug that requires only a few clicks or a single hand to use.
Lastly, you’ll need to determine how often you’ll be using your travel mug. Some people like to fill it up once and then only fill it again when they’re headed to a coffee shop or to work. Others prefer to keep it full, and in that case you’ll want a mug with an easy-to-fill lid.
We’ve rounded up the best travel mugs for hot or iced drinks, as well as those that are dishwasher safe and come in a variety of colors and styles. Our recommendations are based on the opinions of multiple experts, as well as CNET’s previous best-rated mugs and those that appear frequently on best lists at popular retailers.
Experts love this mug because it has a classic shape that looks just like an actual handled mug, and the comfortable handle is ideal for holding. They also appreciate that it’s short and wide, so it fits in cup holders. Another great feature of this mug is that it can handle up to 40 ounces, which is perfect for days when you’re extra thirsty and decide on an extra-large Trenta from Starbucks. The durable construction also holds up to accidental drops and can withstand the rough handling of a packed car or office commute.
