Save leisurely weekend mornings or mornings on the Cape, slowly sipping a morning cup of coffee is a luxury working people can’t afford. Bolting out the door, mid-jolt, is the norm and to keep the temperature up and taste optimal, a travel coffee mug is essential.
Commuting and caffeinating is multitasking at its finest, and makes affordable at-home coffee an option in favor of another $6 to-go latte. Whether clutched in the hand of a subway rider, situated comfortably in a center console cupholder, or nestled in the side pocket of a cyclist’s backpack, a good travel mug is something every coffee drinker should own.
There are, without exaggeration, thousands of travel coffee mugs to choose from. The best can keep coffee hot for hours and get tossed around the bottom of a bag without leaking. And while it is possible to spend a bundle on a luxe travel mug with features like vacuum insulation, plenty of sub-$50 options will tote from home to office to home adequately.
To learn more about the best travel coffee mugs on the market, read on for expertise from coffee and tea experts, as well as in-person testing insights from the SPY team.
The Best Travel Coffee Mugs: At a Glance
What the Experts Say
For this story, SPY spoke with Diane Kuyoomjian, chief marketing and social impact officer at single-serve coffeemaker company Bruvi; Mostafa Sayed, co-founder of blog Cool Coffee Talk; Cary Wong, director of coffee at Partners Coffee; and Kate Lubensky, president of sustainable kitchen brand W&P to help sort through the best travel mugs for coffee available now.
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The first major factor separating the superlative from the mediocre is material. According to Kuyoomjian, stainless steel “keeps coffee hot and fresh tasting, plus it’s easy to clean,” adding that it also reduces flavor retention from cup to cup. Lubensky, for her part, prefers ceramic (or ceramic-coated stainless steel) mugs that similarly don’t imbue flavor onto the hot beverage inside. Regardless of the material, Sayed says to “look for mugs with double-walled vacuum insulation,” as that construction is by far the best for heat retention. A double-walled travel mug can keep coffee hot for hours while traveling.
Along with a sturdy, taste-free, and well-insulating material, the other big factor in choosing a travel coffee mug is the lid. Kuyoomjian says that a leak-proof lid is a “must.” Silicone gaskets, locking mechanisms, and screw-on lids (versus those that simply snap in) are things to look for if the mug is going to be tossed into a tote or backpack.
Miir 360 Travel Tumbler
For many of our experts, the Miir 360 is their daily go-to travel mug — which is why we deemed it our best overall option. Fun fact: The 360 in the name refers to the drinking mechanism, which allows sipping from any side once the center button is pressed. Press it again, and the seal returns. The coffee inside stays hot thanks to its double-walled, stainless steel construction, and its powder coat finish means it’s extra durable.
“My current favorite is the 360 Traveler from Miir because it has a push button, leak-proof top, as well as a sleek design,” Kuyoomjian says. It also comes in great colors.”
Price-wise, at $33, it’s one of the higher-priced options on our list, but with this product, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes.
W&P Ceramic Travel Mug
This is the travel coffee mug for aesthetes drawn to distinct colors and the brand’s signature terrazzo patterns.
In a sea of steel tubes, this silicone-sheathed ceramic travel mug is a softer option that still keeps coffee hot. It is, as Lubensky says, “designed with the user in mind” — its silicone coating is very easy to grasp.
Priced at $25, this mug is on the expensive side, but it’s attractive and convenient to use.
Testing Notes: After testing this product on morning commutes for multiple weeks, SPY found that it had a slim, easy-to-carry profile and that it looked stylish in-hand, but that it wasn’t leak-proof (though to be fair, it doesn’t promise to be): “This mug is perfect for someone who doesn’t expect to carry it in a bag for long periods, but it’s great as an on-the-go option — it’s sleek and easy to grip, as well as, dare I say, chic,” says SPY’s tester.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Reusable Mug
This is the mug for long-haul travelers — it’s the rare travel coffee mug that looks like, well, a coffee mug. (Although a handle might not be as necessary on an insulated vessel, it keeps the coffee-drinking ritual consistent on the road.)
Travel blogger Kevin Mercier says his Hydro Flask “keeps my coffee piping hot for hours, even on the coldest days or during long road trips.”
At $28, this mug is also on the expensive side, but because its insulation is so effective, it’s a no-brainer.
Testing Notes: SPY tested this product on morning commutes for multiple weeks, noting that its insulation was second to none. “I’ve used it with drinks that are piping hot and also ice cold — no matter what, the mug’s exterior stays room-temp — and it’s impossible to tell what’s inside when I’m holding it. Liquid also stays hot or cold for hours, especially when using the included sipping lid,” says SPY’s tester. One caveat, though, is that since the mug has a handle, it’s slightly inconvenient to pack in a bag — it feels bulkier than other options on this list.
Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-VS83/95, 32 oz.
Due to its larger, 32-ounce capacity, this is the travel mug for those who polish off three to four cups by lunch.
Kuyoomjian, in particular, co-signs this product. “The consensus is that stainless steel is a great option for reducing any residual flavor retention,” she explains, noting that the Zojirushi ups the ante with a nonstick coating on the interior, making it harder for odors to seep in (and easier to clean, to boot).
At nearly $40, this is one of the priciest products on SPY’s list, but due to its quality and larger capacity, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Kinto Day Off Tumbler
This ultra-colorful tumbler is ideal for those who appreciate a hot cup of coffee on top of a mountain somewhere.
Wong, for one, is a fan. “The Kinto Day Off Tumbler is my go-to if I’m going to have an active day outdoors,” he says. Its twist-off cap isn’t the best for quick sips, but it does lower the risk of spilling en route. Also, grey and black travel mugs are fine, but Kinto’s eye-catching mustard, burnt orange, rose, and khaki colorways are better.
At $30, this is not exactly a budget option but it’s worth the price for its fun colorways and easy-to-carry profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Coffee Mugs
What’s a Reasonable Amount to Pay for a Travel Coffee Mug?
There are certainly cheaper and more expensive options, but the sweet spot for a solid double-walled, stainless steel or ceramic travel mug is $30 to $50.
Should I Let My Travel Mug Build Up a Nice Patina of Old Coffee?
Absolutely not. Wong says “Putting coffee into a travel mug doesn’t affect the flavor if consumed right away. If left in an insulated travel mug for too long, you will start noticing some aromatics, and the complexity of the flavor start to fade.” He notes the best way to prevent lingering flavors is to give it a good scrub often.
Should I buy a Vintage Thermos to Use as My Travel Mug?
Buy the gaudy ‘70s Thermos, but only to display as a tchotchke. There’s no reason to risk drinking 50-year-old coffee that’s seeped into the plastic.