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The Best Tea Infuser Travel Mug (And Why Real Tea Lovers Need One)

By Mindy Fox

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I can hear my better half, Steve, now: “Do you really need a dedicated travel tea mug? Can’t you brew a cup of tea and then use any ol’ travel mug to take it on the go?”

Yeah, babe, you could. (And he probably knows what’s coming next.) But I like to have the right tool for the job, and there is good reason to be particular when it comes to a travel tea mug.

Sure, I could place loose tea leaves in a single-use paper steeper or basket steeper and use my favorite travel coffee mug for the job , but travel tea mugs are made with built-in tea steepers (ones that allow you to tightly close the lid while your tea steeps), which means no waste and a hotter finished brew. Plus, coffee mugs tend to take on coffee flavor over time. A dedicated travel tea mug helps keeps a serious tea drinker’s tea tasting pure and clean.

In my quest for the best travel mug to take my cuppa on the road, I sought out a leak-proof model that ranked high in the heat retention department . I also wanted a mug that was easy to grip and to drink from. And because it’s nice to have stylish gear, one that looked good, too. Here are my winning picks and how I tested:

The Very Best Tea Infuser Travel Mug: The Tea Spot Everest Tea Tumbler

The Everest’s double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel insulation kept 22 ounces of tea hot and fresh tasting, and its screw down BPA-free top was terrifically leak-proof. I fell hard for its rugged adventure-meets-urban-chic look, and had a hard time deciding which of its four stylish colors I liked best.

The Everest also won my vote for smart design and functionality with an innovative screw-top and sipping mechanism that stay connected to the mug while you drink (which means when you remove the part of the lid that allows you to drink your tea, it won’t go tumbling down a cliff, through a subway grate, or down between that impossibly narrow space between the seat of your car and your cup-holding console).

The stainless steel steeper basket on this model provided ample room for water and tea leaves to mingle as my tea steeped, and its small holes kept fine leaves from passing into my tea, making a clean and full-tasting brew. The easy to grip exterior is much like that of the popular Hydro Flask water bottle so, if you’re a Hydro Flask fan , you’ll likely love The Tea Spot Everest, too.

The Everest fit well in a tote bag and was also comfortable to carry on the outside of a backpack, using a carabiner clip . And, like all of the travel tea mugs I tested, it can be used for iced tea as well as plain or infused fruit (aka spa) water.

Everest Tea Tumbler

The Next Best (aka Runner Up) Travel Tea Infuser Mug: The Tea Spot Voyager Tea Tumbler

The Voyager, also by The Tea Spot, won my runner-up vote. At 16-ounces, it’s a smaller mug than the Everest but that’s where most of the differences end. This mug kept my tea hot and fresh for 6 hours, and is fitted with the same type of high quality stainless steel steeper basket as the Everest. Its smartly designed leak-proof lid has a comfortable, easy to drink from sip-cup style and doesn’t require removing to use—simply press down on a pop top to drink, then press it again to lock the top into spill-free mode. With its sleek metallic, glossy finish and no loop handle (for carabiner or finger hold), this model is stylistically more ‘urban’ than ‘adventure’, but also, according to highly-rated reviews for both products, a bit more vulnerable to scratches than the Everest. It’s easy to grip and carries well in a tote bag or pocket of a backpack or gym bag.

The Tea Spot Voyager Tumbler

Other Brands I Tried:

Zojirushi travel mug with tea filter shocked me and my editor when this mug didn’t win over my other contenders. Though this darling brand of the product review world took the gold in our best travel coffee mug test and kept my tea even hotter than its competitors at 6 hours, it is designed with a problematic steeping mechanism. To use this mug, you place loose tea leaves inside and add hot water. A filter fitted at the top of the mug blocks the leaves from flowing out while you drink your tea, but, as any true tea drinker knows, for however long you travel with your tea, the tea continues steeping. So, whether we’re talking a few minutes post-ideal steep time or several hours, you’ll be drinking an over-steeped brew (not tasty!). (One reviewer on Amazon noted that tea leaves can be put into the strainer basket, steeped with the mug turned upside down, and then removed. But the basket is so small that, though this works with some tea leaf types, it allows neither ample space for leaves to mingle with water while steeping, nor enough room for large loose tea leaf varieties to steep.) The top, which is made up of multiple and functionally unclear parts (a pain to both wash and keep track of), must be entirely removed to drink the tea, which makes it awkward if not impossible to safely drink from on the go. Used as a canteen-style tea-steeping vessel (to pour tea from as soon as it’s steeped) or to keep tea that’s brewed in a bag or independently from and then transferred to the mug incredibly hot for over 6 hours, this is a great product, but as an on-the-go tea mug, it doesn’t cut the mustard.

The four remaining models I tested, the Uendure Glass Infuser Travel Mug , the Lotus Glass Tea Tumbler , the Pure Zen Tea Tumbler , and the Sacred Lotus Love Sacred Glass Tea Infuser Tumbler were constructed of glass and sell in the $25 to $28 range. None of them (even with easy-to-grip insulating neoprene sleeves complete with nifty loops for carrying) had heat retention capability that came anywhere close to that of my winning contenders, and, though they were sexy looking, they were too fragile for true on-the-go usage. (A note that came with one of the models warned that the glass “may break if you drop it, knock it, or bang it with a metal spoon”.) Their open top lids made for challenging drinking on the go. So, while these might be stylish for drinking at a desk (though you’ll have to watch your keyboard if the mug gets knocked over), they’re too fragile and not practical for real on the go use.

How I Tested

I brewed loose black tea in seven leading travel tea mugs. After brewing the tea, I removed the tea basket and took the temperature of each mug’s tea using a digital thermometer . I closed the lids tightly, then measured the temperature of each tea again after 1 hour, 4 hours, and 6 hours, recording the change in temperature at each interval.

In the breaks between temperature takes, I rolled my tightly closed filled travel tea mugs on the floor; turned them upside down, and gave them all a good shaking around to test for leaks. I took a look at how many parts came with each model and how easy they were to clean. I also considered sipping mechanism design, steeper basket quality (did the basket allow ample room for proper steeping), overall durability, and style.

The Takeaway:

The company Tea Spot makes the best tea infuser travel mugs—models that brew a great cup of tea and are easy to take on the go. Buy the Everest Tumbler for slightly larger capacity and a more rugged, outdoor-adventure-ready design. Buy the Voyager for a smaller travel tea mug that's perfect for urban commuters.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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The 12 Very Best Travel Mugs

Cut back on waste and enjoy a better cup of coffee..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best for cappuccinos
• Best for iced coffee
• Best for commuting
• Best with handle
• Best with replaceable lid
• Best customizable
• Best glass for brewing tea

When I walk into any coffee shop, I see at least a handful of people asking for their morning brew to be poured into their own reusable vessel instead of something disposable. And trust me: Baristas are more than happy to oblige. Every single one of the pros I talked to for this story said that not only are ceramic, glass, and stainless-steel options better for the environment, but they actually make your coffee tastier than paper or plastic. They’re also more convenient — I make my coffee and tea at home the vast majority of the time, but now, I pour it into one of the few reusable mugs I tested for this story whenever I want to take it with me on the go. Not only does that save money, but it keeps my drink hot or cold for longer. And I can sip some, throw it in my bag , and save the rest for later.

All the travel mugs on this list have temperature retention for at least a few hours, with the exception of three, which I’ve noted and explained. While all of them work well, if you’re going to invest in this long-term good habit, you want to find the one that best fits your coffee habits and, of course, aesthetic preference. Read on to help determine which reusable cup, mug, or tumbler is best for you. And if you’re in need of a water bottle , I’ve got you covered there, too.

What we’re looking for

Most of these travel mugs come in various sizes, and obviously that’s an important feature to pay attention to when buying. Eight or 12 ounces is on the smaller side; both are good for standard cappuccinos or cortados or if you don’t consume all that much coffee or tea. Twenty ounces is pretty big, useful if you’ll be toting your drink around all day without the chance for refills. And then, of course, 16 ounces is somewhere in between.

The type of lid on your travel mug can make a fairly big difference in how you experience drinking. Some have bigger openings, some smaller. Some snap shut; others twist open and close. This can come down to personal preference — meaning the literal mouthfeel of each one. But it’s also important to consider when and how you’ll be using your travel mug, whether that’s commuting by train or car, sitting at a desk, or running errands around your neighborhood.

How to clean

Some travel mugs on this list are dishwasher safe; others need to be cleaned by hand. Take note if that’s an important factor for you.

Best travel mug overall

Volume: 12 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

The MiiR Travel Tumbler is my personal favorite travel mug. I own the smallest size (12 ounces) and love the compact build and sleek shape. I find the grip itself to be secure, too, and slim enough to fit in one hand. The whole lid screws on tight; I’ve never experienced any leaking. It’s especially easy and comfortable to sip from, thanks to the small piece on the lid that flips up and reveals a hole that allows a stream steady enough to get a good mouthful but not so wide open that it spills when I tilt the mug back. This is even the case with iced coffee; the cubes never obstruct the opening or cause uneven flow (though if you mainly drink it this way, one of the larger sizes might be a better choice).

The temperature retention is fantastic, too; I’ve had coffee stay hot — not just warm, but piping — for six hours. Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco, explains that this is thanks to the double-walled interior, which also means it’s never too hot or too cold to hold on the outside. “It’s stainless steel, so it washes really easily,” Morrison says, “and doesn’t hold on to any flavors.” Will Pratt, founder and owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters in Portland, Maine, agrees that its material makes it a breeze to clean — and that if you have one, you can even just throw it in the dishwasher. “Coffee has sticky oils that leave residue, and there’s nothing worse than a mug that holds that flavor over time,” he says. The final bonus, as mentioned by Morisson, is that it fits into cup holders in both cars and bikes, which “is not always the case.”

Michael Philips, director of content and copy at Blue Bottle , recommends Miir’s standard tumbler . Like the travel model above, the body is made from the same material, slightly tapered towards the bottom, so it still feels good in the hand and fits in cup holders, Philips says. The clear lid “gives you a chance to see what you’re drinking,” he says, and “does a great job stopping sloshes from getting out and onto your hands.”

Best travel mug for cappuccinos

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash only

KeepCup was also mentioned by many of our experts, and in my own testing, I liked it, too. The lid here functions pretty much the same as the MiiR, which means you can sip from the hole or take the whole thing off. Both make for comfortable sipping. But I will note: while there’s a small silicone tag that fits into the sip hole to seal it, it isn’t perfectly leak-proof, meaning this isn’t a mug I would casually throw in my bag. But it’s very nice for taking on walks or bringing coffee-shop brew home.

I was initially nervous the glass would be delicate, but it’s thick and feels sturdy, with a wide cork ring around the perimeter so I can grip without my fingers getting too hot. The glass body also means that there’s not as much heat retention going on as some of the others. (And for Ryan Fisher, director of coffee and roasting at GoodBoyBob Coffee in Santa Monica, California, that’s actually a benefit instead of a problem: The glass gets his coffee to the exact temperature he likes quickly.)

KeepCup was also praised by coffee pros who say its size and shape works well on their side of the counter, too. The small glass vessels were designed by two former baristas in Melbourne, Australia, making it easier for people like Joanna Lareau, coffee manager at Stumptown , and Samya Said, former barista training manager at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea , to do their jobs. Both Lareau and Said say that having a wide mouth and inner slope allows baristas to pour amazing coffee art. Lareau also notes that the small size fits cortados and cappuccinos well. “Some reusable cups are so big they don’t fit into the espresso machine,” she says.

Best travel mug for iced coffee

Volume: 8, 12, and 16 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid | How to clean: Hand-wash only

Fellow is generally a favorite brand among industry folks (I’m a big fan of their electric kettle in particular). As with all their products, the travel mug has a streamlined look. Even though you can’t throw it in the dishwasher, Morrison says the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean. And it retains hot and cold temperatures with the best of them. But the coolest feature of all? “There’s a small guard insert at the top,” Morrison says, “so if you’re drinking iced coffee, the cubes don’t fall back onto your face when you get towards the bottom.”

Best travel mug for commuting

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Flip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

The Zojirushi, which was also a top pick for reusable water bottles , comes with a lot of the same perks as many others on this list — namely fantastic temperature control and a slim, sleek, and lightweight body. We’ve been recommending it since 2016 in large part because the water bottle keeps drinks at the same temperature as they were when you initially filled it. “One time, I made coffee early one winter morning and brought it to work in my Zojirushi. When I got to the office after walking through freezing temperatures and snow, the coffee was too hot,” wrote Laura Perciasepe in her review of this Japanese mug . “I put an ice cube in it like a philistine.”

But according to tea consultant Sara Shacket , its most impressive quality is that it’s completely airtight. “It really doesn’t leak,” she says. “I’ve used it during many commutes on the subway, thrown in my bag, and was never worried. Same if I was hiking on a trip. It could be upside-down and it wouldn’t leak.” Cookbook author and recipe developer Carla Lalli Music , who owns multiple Zojirushi models, echoes this sentiment, saying, “It has the most bustproof cap in the biz.” Ilana Glazer likes her so much, she brings it onstage, in large part because it’s “so sleek in its design and so quick to open and close.”

Best travel mug with a handle

Volume: 10 to 24 ounces | Lid type: Slide lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Steven Sadoff, founder of New York City’s Ground Support , has many travel mugs (including the MiiR and the Fellow above), but he turns to his Yeti when he wants a handle. He says he finds this feature particularly convenient when he’s driving because even though it doesn’t fit in a cup holder, he can easily grab it and sip with control. “It makes for a pretty comfortable drinking experience,” he says, “especially as you get close to the end of your coffee.” The same applies when he meets friends for a coffee outside because “you can gesticulate wildly without spilling.” Aside from the handle, he appreciates that the mug seals incredibly tightly, keeps liquid hot for hours, and is dishwasher safe. Rhiannon Giddens is another fan , saying that Yeti bottles keep liquid “hot or cold for a millennia.”

Best less expensive travel mug with a handle

Volume: 8 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Slide lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

Recommended by multiple experts, MiiR also makes a sweet travel mug that mimics an actual handled mug. Em Orendorff, former manager at Intelligentsia Coffee , likes it because “it’s shaped just like the mugs we use in the café (short and wide with a great handle), so it’s a breeze for baristas to make your drink in it as well as easy to clean and to drink out of.” Caleb Chauncey, former barista at East Pole Coffee Co. in Atlanta, likes that its insulated interior keeps drinks warm or cold for long periods of time, and it keeps a consistent temperature on the outside too. “It won’t burn your hand if you have a hot beverage inside, and it won’t sweat when you have a cold one,” he says. To me, it seems like the perfect camping companion. It’s also worth noting that it comes in the largest range of sizes of any of the mugs we’ve listed.

Best travel mug with a replaceable lid

Volume: 12 to 20 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid or sip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Hydro Flask is another go-to for water (in fact, it was named our best-overall bottle because so many people — including myself — sing its praises). The materials and build that keep liquid cold also keep liquid hot, as Strategist editor and avid coffee drinker Maxine Builder can attest to. She particularly likes the model with a Flex Sip lid. “It’s a lot easier to manipulate on the go and actually keeps the hot coffee in there,” she says. The other advantage of this lid is the addition of a hook, which means I can carry it with one finger while I walk my dog in the morning.” Best of all, if you already own a Hydro Flask, you can buy the new lid separately and just replace your old one. The company says it’s dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended — though both my boyfriend and I have been putting our own Hydro Flasks in the dishwasher for months now with no damage.

Best no-leak travel mug

Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa loves his Kinto Travel Tumbler because of its double-lid system, which prevents leaks. You take both off to fill the bottle, then twist in the first one that has a few holes around the perimeter to sip from, and then add the fully closed screw top over that. It stays extra-secure, Rellosa says, because there are no small flip-up or sliding parts that can open by accident. Once, he had to stuff it into his backpack while traveling and thought he was going to open it to find coffee stains on his clothes , but everything inside stayed clean and dry. Plus, “the actual lid where you drink from and makes contact with your lips never touches the exterior of your bag, or wherever you’re stashing it,” Rellosa says. Julia Shaw, director of marketing at NYC’s Devoción Coffee , is another fan. She says the bottle keeps liquid hot or cold for a long time and has an “elegant” aesthetic appeal.

Best travel mug with open hole lid

Volume: 12 ounces | Lid type: Sip lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Kinto’s To-Go Tumbler has a very small but always-open sip hole, which means it’s best suited for when you’re sitting at a desk or on a walk holding the tumbler in your hand. This means your drink will stay hot for about an hour and cold for several hours, but it’s not going to retain its temperature all day long. That said, it’s still a favorite of a couple of our experts. For ​​ Haley Boyd , a designer and sustainability enthusiast, this is mostly because of the aesthetic. “It’s an attractive, simple shape in a solid color without a huge logo, which is surprisingly hard to find,” she says. But for Noah McKeown, general manager at Go Get Em Tiger in Los Angeles, who uses his nearly every day, it’s more than just looks. “I like the small-hole sip lid,” he says. “I think the flow-out of it is really nice. It never spills, but you still get a lot of the coffee aromatics out of it.”

Best customizable travel mug

Volume: 12 and 16 ounces | Lid type: Button lid or straw lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Not only does this ceramic-lined mug hit the mark on functionality, but it allows you to customize way beyond size. You choose between a lid with a button-release or a built-in straw and then pick from a bunch of pretty, muted tones, either making it monochrome or designing it so that the body, lid, and button are all different colors.

It’s super effective, too. I tested a button-release version: While you unscrew the lid fully to fill the vessel, you press down on a circle flush with the top that opens another much smaller hole to sip from. This releases a slow and steady stream of liquid when you tip the mug back. Even when I was walking around with it, I never had to readjust how I was holding or maneuvering it, and no amount of turning it upside down or jostling led to any leaking. And the temperature retention (for both hot and cold drinks) is great — my coffee stays hot for about four hours, and last summer, I could hear ice clinking around after that same amount of time when I was out and about on a hot day.

Best glass travel mug for brewing tea

Volume: 7 ounces | Lid type: Twist-off lid | How to clean: Dishwasher safe

Daniela Titiun, tea sommelier and author of Tea Cachai , tried many different glass tea mugs before landing on one she calls “the smartest system” for its game-changing tea-brewing mechanism. Normally, she explains, tumblers have a metal insert that’s filled with tea leaves and steeped in water. That means that once the appropriate amount of time has passed, you either have to remove the strainer — which can be impractical, if you’re on the go — or just leave the leaves inside, which can cause your drink to get bitter. The Oneisall, however, functions by dividing the vessel in half with a filter. One side houses the leaves; the other, the water. This allows you to turn the bottle upside down to infuse and then right side up when you’re ready to unscrew and sip. (There’s a helpful video on the product page.) While the glass means this mug is non-insulating, the double walls help retain heat for about an hour, and at only seven ounces, it should be easy to finish by then. Plus, as Titiun notes, you can easily re-brew for a second time with the same leaves.

Best stainless-steel travel mug for brewing tea

Volume: 16 ounces | Lid type: Sip lid | How to clean: Hand-wash recommended

Like the model above, this travel mug (which was gifted to me by the brand) brews tea without an infuser sitting in your water — but instead of the flip method, it has a more traditional tea press that you push down once the steep time is over (similar to a French press ). The grip is comfortable, so I often take it with me on late-afternoon walks, and the twist-off lid is extremely tight. It hasn’t ever spilled, even when jostled in my tote bag . There are small sip holes around the perimeter of the top of the infuser so you can drink from any angle, all while the flow of liquid is slow and controlled. Finally, because of the stainless-steel insulation, it stays at temperature for hours; when I brew it before I go upstairs for the evening, it’s still hot when I drink from it before bed.

Some more travel vessels we’ve written about

Our experts

• ​​ Haley Boyd , designer and sustainability enthusiast •  Maxine Builder , Strategist editor • Caleb Chauncey, former barista at East Pole Coffee Co. • Ryan Fisher, director of coffee and roasting at GoodBoyBob Coffee • Joanna Lareau, coffee manager at Stumptown • Noah McKeown, general manager at Go Get Em Tiger • Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee • Carla Lalli Music , cookbook author and recipe developer • Em Orendorff, former manager at Intelligentsia Coffee • Michael Phillips, director of content and copy at Blue Bottle • Will Pratt, founder and owner of Tandem Coffee Roasters • Jeremy Rellosa , Strategist writer • Steven Sadoff, founder of New York City’s Ground Support • Samya Said, former barista training manager at Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea • Sara Shacket , tea consultant • Julia Shaw, director of marketing at Devoción Coffee • Daniela Titiun, tea sommelier and writer of Tea Cachai

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Today’s Top Clicked

The Best Leak-Proof Travel Mugs for Taking Hot (and Cold) Drinks on the Go

By Kristi Kellogg and Meaghan Kenny

Whether you're embarking on your morning commute or headed on an East Coast road trip , you should have one of the best travel mugs in hand. Finding one you like means you can skip the routine stop at the coffee shop (or at least say no to the disposable cup), cut back on single-use plastics, and keep your drinks at an ideal temperature (with some, for hours and hours at a time). Ahead, we've rounded up Condé Nast Traveler editors' personal favorites—from brands like Hydro Flask, Yeti, Corksicle, Stanley, and more. With insulated, leak-proof, and easy-to-carry options in the mix, there's a mug in here ready for a spot in your cup holder or tote bag .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler

The 20-ounce version of Hydro Flask’s All Around Tumbler has been my go-to lately, both at home and on the commute to work. It keeps coffee warm for a few hours, so if I’m sipping slowly I don’t have to bother with reheating it, and does its job in keeping iced coffee cool, too. It has the type of lid that you can push back and forth to open or close, and the opening is wide enough to easily fit a reusable straw. I don’t drive, but the mug's size seems very cupholder-friendly, too! — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Stanley Classic Trigger Action travel mug

Stanley makes the best classic mugs (the company has been around since 1913 after all). The brand is known for its iconic insulated steel thermoses, which promise hours-long insulation for hot drinks and durability for wherever you’re taking your beverage— hiking , camping , thrown in the back of your car on a road trip , you name it. The original green color has a delightfully retro vibe as well. — Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Stojo collapsible travel cup, 16-ounce

The main reason I adore my collapsible Stojo cup is its clever design that makes it incredibly easy to carry around. I’m not kidding when I say that when folded down, my 16-ounce cup turns into a disc that fits into my jacket pocket. It’s also light enough to drop into a travel backpack or a sling bag when you go hiking. I use mine for everything from coffees and smoothies, and when dry, for snacks and berries. Don’t expect an insulated mug with this one: It keeps a beverage warm (or cool) for long enough for you to drink it, but isn’t a double-walled metal cup. However, it has helped me cut down on a ton of waste when traveling, and might I add is cute-looking, too. — Arati Menon, global digital director

Read a full review of the Stojo cup.

Stanley Aerolight Transit bottle

The AeroLight Transit bottle has become my new favorite mug to use on my morning commute to work. My tea is still piping hot even after my hour-long train ride. I keep it in my tote bag—along with my laptop and phone—and it never leaks. I've flipped this one completely upside down and nothing spills out, making it a reliable option to travel with. It's one-third lighter than Stanley's typical stainless steel, so it doesn't feel heavy in my bag either. I also appreciate how slim the bottle is—it's so easy to carry around. — Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor

Matt Ortile

Kaitlin Menza

Kelsey Glennon

Lauren Burvill

Yeti Rambler stackable mug

When I'm traveling, the most essential ritual I preserve is my morning coffee. While I love nearly all of the Yeti drinkware options, this mug is perfect for coffee—both for its manageable 10-ounce size, as well as the side handle, which makes this especially easy when I'm on a road trip or a train. (This mug has come with me on camping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Delaware Water Gap, on a road trip through the Appalachian Highlands, and a long drive between D.C. and New York City .) A fair word of warning though: The airtight lid and insulation work almost too well—coffee stays hot a long time, so I recommend you get it close to your ideal temperature before pouring it in. —Corina Quinn, former city guides director

Snow Peak Milk bottle

This is one of those gifts I have become deeply attached to—it was given to me about a year ago, when I was getting really into camping and the chic outdoor brand Snow Peak, and it’s since become a staple in my house. It has a beautifully minimalist design, is small enough to feel really portable (as in, it’s not a pain to have to tote home once it’s empty), and it never leaks. It’s no bargain, but given how much I use and love it, I think the math sort of works out in the end. — M.S .

Zojirushi stainless steel mug

“This mug is my favorite one ever because the lid has a lock feature that makes it completely leak-free. I can throw this in a travel tote and not worry about coffee dribbling all over. Plus the stainless steel interior keeps coffee extra hot for hours, but it doesn't burn your hands. In addition to my commute on the subway, I've taken this little wonder on train rides to upstate New York , and I've never spilled a drop.” —Jessica Puckett, senior editor, transportation and travel news

Hydro Flask 20 oz Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Another option from Hydro Flask worth noting is the 20-ounce bottle with a Flex Slip lid. It's large enough that I can bring plenty of iced coffee with me on the go, but it's still cupholder-friendly—very important for road trips. The double-wall vaccum insulation keeps cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12. The carry-handle makes it easy to hold on long walks and the leak-proof lid is easy to open and close. I love the color options, especially this new purple shade. —M.K.

Martina Thornhill Okay cup

It’s not hyperbole to state that I’ve tried the lion’s share of travel mugs on the market. I drink a ton of coffee and I travel and drive a lot. I hate the way metal mugs make coffee taste—it’s so much better out of a ceramic mug. The Okay Cup from Portland, Oregon –based ceramicist Marina Thornhill is gorgeous, doesn’t leak, and doesn’t make your coffee taste like mud. It’s pricey, but a better long-term deal than always dumping the coffee you put in another mug and don’t actually drink. It’s constantly selling out, so put your name on the pre-order list—it’s worth the wait. —Rebecca Misner, senior features editor

Kinto travel tumbler

If you’re a tea drinker like me or like your travel mugs to keep your hot drinks piping hot, be warned: this insulated mug gets me every time, keeping my teas at steaming, roof-of-mouth-burning temperatures for what feels like an impossibly long time. (And that’s a good thing in my book.) I prefer the matte exterior over the stainless steel for its added grip. I use it to commute with my tea (it doesn’t leak!) and on extra-long winter walks because I know it’ll stay warm the entire time. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor

Yeti Rambler lowball

This mug is a thing in my house. My partner received one as a Christmas gift , only to find it missing every morning—truth be told, after I stole it once to use for hot coffee on my morning subway commute, I couldn’t go back to any other thermos. I personally love that this mug doesn’t have a handle, because it’s so insulated it never burns my hands, yet the coffee inside stays piping hot, and its shape is nice and easy to hold. When I’m done enjoying my hot drink on the go, it takes the least space possible in my bag , where it usually clangs around for the rest of the day until I make my way home (or back to wherever I’m staying). —M.S.

Corkcicle classic tumbler

This Corkcicle tumbler keeps my coffee hot on my subway commute, and is secure enough to sneak a couple of sips while standing on a crowded, moving train. There’s also something joyful about pouring my freshly brewed coffee into a pink vessel—how could I not be cheerful toting this cute mug around the office? Most often this mug has been my subway companion, though I have used it for road trips and early morning flights that require a caffeine boost before boarding. —Katie Henwood, former senior SEO manager

Miir Climate+ Tumbler

Lately when I want a compact option that won't take up much space in my backpack or tote after it's empty, I've been reaching for this sleek stainless steel tumbler from Miir. It's shatter proof, so I don't worry about dropping it or getting any dents. For an extra charge, you can even personalize it, making it a great gift for any traveler in your life. —M.K.

Hydro Flask stainless steel travel mug

This Hydro Flask mug checks all the boxes: It's BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, has a leak-proof lid, carrying handle, and no-sweat matte finish, and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can use it as a thermos, a water bottle , or a coffee cup. Hydro Flask also has matching slings that let you carry your travel tumbler hands-free, helpful when biking, hiking, or just dashing through the airport. — Kristi Kellogg, contributor

OtterBox Elevation wine tumbler

Technically this is a wine tumbler, but more often, I use it for iced coffee. It keeps my caffeine cold, fits the extra-large ice cube I put into the bottom, and doesn’t leave rings on tables when I set it down. Plus, like all things OtterBox, it’s sturdy—I don’t have to worry about dinging or denting it when I inevitably drop or knock it over. Its smaller size means it’s also carry-on and backpack friendly. —M.F.

Hay Sowden travel cup

I don’t think there’s a chicer travel mug than this colorful one from Hay, which comes in pink, green, or gray, all with contrasting, two-toned lids. It puts all other thermoses to shame when it comes to design—but it’s also totally functional, with an insulated stainless steel exterior that keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for an impressive 24 hours. —M.C.

W&P Porter mug

This mug hits all the right marks: The silicone sleeve makes it easy to grip and quiet when placed down on a surface; the mouthpiece on the lid is easy to slide open and close; and it’s safe to put in the dishwasher and microwave. Plus, it just looks nicer than the rest of my logo-clad travel mugs. Most often I use it to sip coffee on my morning commute, but I have also brought it on longer train rides to D.C. and on flights as a vessel for oatmeal. —M.F.

Simple Modern travel coffee mug

One of my favorite reusable water bottles is from Simple Modern, so I had high hopes for its travel mug and it certainly did not disappoint. This stainless steel mug keeps my hot beverages hot for four hours and my iced coffee cold for up to 16 hours, so it's great for day trips and using at the office. It's dishwasher safe and the handle makes sipping on the go easy. The under $20 price tag is nice, too. —M.K.

• Coffee & Tea

I Tested 15 Travel Mugs to Find the Best Ones for Coffee and Tea

My top picks from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto are hot, hot, hot.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Serious Eats / Irvin Lin

The Winners, at a Glance

What we learned, the criteria: what to look for in a travel mug, our favorite travel mugs, the competition.

• Why We're the Experts

Straight to the Point

Our favorite travel mug is from Zojirushi . It keeps coffee and hot beverages warm for a remarkably long time and has a locking flip lid. For coffee and tea enthusiasts, the Fellow Carter Move Mug has a thinner-edged lip that offers a better drinking experience. 

After working at a coffee shop right out of college, I stopped drinking caffeine. It was the inevitable result of having way too much of it (post-college, I did not understand moderation) and coming home with my hair, skin, and clothes smelling of it chronically. But years later, after getting married to a coffee enthusiast (some would say snob), I came back to my love of coffee.

Though I now work from home and can savor my coffee slowly out of a mug, my husband often needs to bring his second cup of coffee on the go. Coupled with the extensive camping and road-tripping we do, travel mugs of all sorts have started to accumulate in our kitchen cabinets.

This is all to say: A review of travel mugs is right up my alley. I set out to test 15 of them to see which ones retained heat and cold best, were comfortable and easy to use, didn’t leak, and offered the best drinking experience. 

The Best Overall Travel Mug

Zojirushi sm-sc48hm stainless steel vacuum insulated mug.

This travel mug is deceptively lightweight, yet still holds 16 fluid ounces of coffee or tea. It retains heat for a remarkably long time (longer than any other mug I tested). The lid not only opens up with a simple click of a button but also locks shut with a side switch, so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally opening. 

The Best Travel Mug for Coffee and Tea Enthusiasts

Fellow carter move mug.

Courtesy of Fellow

The Fellow Carter Move Mug is designed with coffee enthusiasts in mind. Its heat and cold retention was second only to the Zojirushi and the inner chamber of the mug is ceramic-lined for a neutral flavor. The thin lip of the mug made drinking coffee out of it a pleasure.

Another Good Travel Mug

Kinto day off tumbler.

The Kinto Day Off Tumber is another excellent option for coffee and tea lovers. The top has a looped handle that makes it easy to carry around and the inner lid has a built-in splash guard. It also retains heat and cold for an exceptionally long time.

Note: If a temperature-controlled travel mug is what you're interested in (where you can set and hold the temperature for a prolonged period of time), then the Ember is the one to get. We tested temperature control mugs separately .

• Heat Retention Test One (without Lid): I filled each travel mug with 212°F boiling water, then left the lid off. I inserted a ChefAlarm 's probe (our favorite probe thermometer ) and set the alarm to 140°F to see how long it took for the temperature to drop. 
• Heat Retention Test Two (with Lid): I filled each travel mug with 212°F boiling water, and then placed the lid on. I took temperature readings each hour to see how long it took for it to drop to 140°F.
• Cold Retention with Lid: I filled each travel mug with 36°F cold water, and then put the lid back on. I placed the mugs in an oven with the light on, monitoring the temperature of the oven to keep it within 80 to 85°F, to simulate a warm day. I took temperature readings each hour to see how long it took for the water to reach 60°F.
• Leak Test: I filled each travel mug with water and placed the lid back on. I vigorously shook the travel mug upside down to see how much it would leak.
• Drinking Test: I filled each mug with 12 ounces of freshly brewed coffee , carrying it around the apartment and outside on walks and drinking from it to see how the user experience was.
• Cleaning Test: After each test, I thoroughly cleaned the mugs and lids.

Screw Tops Didn’t Leak Like Pop Tops

The travel mugs I tested had two types of lids. One style screwed onto the mug’s body and the other popped on and had a rubber gasket that held the lid in place. The latter were easier to put on, as all you needed to do was push the lid onto the body. However, these mugs all leaked...some worse than others. 

Conversely, most of the screw-on lids I tested did not leak much, if at all as long as they were put on properly. The bottom line: Get a travel mug with a screw-on lid and double-check that the lid is properly aligned and seated to avoid leakage.

Drink Buttons Were Annoying

Some lids, like the Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel and Stanley Classic Trigger , require pressing a button to drink from the mug. In theory, this seems like a great idea, as it only requires one hand and could prevent leakage. However, continually pressing a button for extended periods causes hand fatigue, especially if you have mobility or strength issues. This was especially noticeable with the Stanley mug, which had a stronger spring that required more pressure and strength to press.

Lid Design and Drinking Experience

Some lids (like the Camelbak , Yeti Rambler Tumbler , and Yeti Rambler Mug ) featured thick plastic lids with drink holes set slightly back from the edge. Drinking from them felt bulky and cumbersome. Other lids, like the Simple Modern Kona Collection , had a latch right near the opening, hitting my bottom lip as I sipped. My favorite travel mugs had thinner lid edges (like the Zojirushi and Fellow ) or rounder-edged lids (like the Kinto ), which felt more natural and pleasant to drink from. Both the Fellow and the Kinto also allowed you to drink from the mug in any direction.

Heat and Cold Retention

The travel mugs that had the best heat retention also, unsurprisingly, kept liquids cold longer as well. The Zojirushi blew every other mug away on both accounts, taking over 14 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and nearly 20 hours for 38°F water to warm up to 60°F. The second-best mug in these tests, the Fellow , took a respectable 10 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and 6 hours to go from 38°F to 60°F. The Kinto mug also took 10 hours to drop down to 140°F and 13 hours to get to 60°F. With these three mugs, you could carry around your coffee or tea and it'll stay hot or cold nearly all day.

On the flip side, some of the worse performing mugs, like the Hydro Flask and Corkcicle , dropped temperature alarmingly fast, from 212°F boiling to 140°F in just three hours and 38°F to 60°F in about eight hours. Most folks drink their coffee and tea within a few hours of brewing it, but if you prefer your coffee piping hot or you have a long commute, it’s nice to have a mug that'll go the distance.

Look for a travel mug that has a double-walled, vacuum-sealed body for the best heat and cold retention. Select a travel mug that has a screw-on lid. Pop-on lids are more convenient but leaked. Pick a travel mug that has a rounded or thinner lip for the most pleasant drinking experience.

And, finally, get a travel mug that's suitable for your lifestyle. If you are constantly on the road, look for a mug that's lightweight, easily opens up with just one hand, and fits in your car's cup holder. If you're a long-distance commuter on public transit, find a mug that retains heat exceptionally well and can be safely tossed into a bag.

What we liked : The Zojirushi retained heat and cold for a remarkably long time, longer than any mug I tested. The 212°F boiling water took a little over 14 hours to cool down to 140°F, while cold 36°F water took over 20 hours to warm up to 60°F. The flip-top was easy to use, with a simple button that popped it open. There’s a secondary latch that locks the lid, too.

The mug has a thin plastic lip and the lid comes apart into two pieces, which makes it easier to clean. The inside features a nonstick coating, preventing stains. Best of all, this slim travel mug is incredibly lightweight.

What we didn’t like: The heat retention of the mug is one of its best features. But it also means freshly brewed coffee takes a while to cool down to a drinkable temperature. If you plan on drinking the coffee from the travel mug immediately, make sure to let the coffee cool before pouring it in. Otherwise, you might scald your tongue with each sip. 

Also, the opening of this travel mug is narrower than other models. This made it more challenging to clean. (You’ll want a bottle brush for the task.) 

• Material: Stainless steel with nonstick coating and BPA-free plastic
• Dimensions: 2.625 inches diameter; 8.5 inches tall
• Dishwasher-safe: No
• Stated capacity: 16 fluid ounces
• Fits in a car’s cup holder: Yes
• Weight: 7 ounces

What we liked : The Fellow Carter Move Mug is great if you prioritize the coffee or tea-drinking experience. The interior chamber of the travel mug is ceramic lined, to help prevent any metallic taste that a cheaper stainless steel model might impart to your coffee or tea. The thin metal edge of the mug feels great on your lips and allows you to drink in whatever direction you pick the mug up from.

The mug features a removable “splash guard” insert that looks a bit like a sink drain. This prevents hot liquid from splashing outwards. The double-walled, vacuum-sealed body retained heat, taking over 10 hours to drop from 212°F to 140°F and 16 hours to rise from 36°F to 60°F.

What we didn’t like: The mug's lid requires you to unscrew it and you need two hands to do so. This also means you have a lid that you need to carry (or put down) when you're drinking. That said, Fellow does sell an optional slide lid (which I did not test).

• Material: Stainless steel with ceramic interior coating
• Dimensions: 3 inches diameter; 7.25 inches tall
• Weight: 12.5 ounces

What we liked : The Kinto is a well-constructed, lightweight mug that retained heat and cold for fairly long, taking nearly 10 hours to cool 212°F boiling water down to 140°F and 13 hours for 36°F water to warm up to 60°F. The mug itself features a two-part top, one that screws onto the body and acts as a splash shield, and one that's a sealing lid with a looped handle.

The first splash shield offers a tapered lip and allows you to drink from all sides of the mug. Like the Fellow, this makes it a pleasure to drink from. The handle on top of the sealing lid is nice for carrying, too. 

What we didn’t like: Because the Kinto mug has two parts to the lid that screws onto the body, there is twice the chance of user error where you can misalign the threads and not properly screw on the lid. Like the Fellow, the Kinto lid screws on, which means it requires two hands to remove it. Unlike the Fellow, though, the lid does have a handle, so it's easier to wrap your fingers around it and hold on to it, allowing you to drink with one hand.

• Material: 18-8 Stainless steel powder coated, with polypropylene and silicone
• Dimensions: 2.75 inches diameter; 9 inches tall
• Stated capacity: 16.9 fluid ounces
• Weight: 10.5 ounces
• Contigo Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug : Contigo makes reasonably priced travel mugs and this one does a good job retaining heat and cold. But the shape of the lid and its small opening meant coffee pooled on top of the lid between sips, which caused dribbling and spilling.
• Hydro Flask All-Around Stainless Steel Tumbler with Lid : The Hydro Flask travel mug lost heat the quickest of all the mugs I tested, and the pop-on lid leaked.
• Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Tumbler : This Yeti Rambler had a pop-on lid that leaked and didn’t retain heat or cold very well.
• MiiR Flip Traveler: This solidly constructed, lightweight mug was easy to use and retained heat and cold better than most of the mugs I tested. Unfortunately, it leaked a bit, no matter how much I tightened or screwed on the lid.
• Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug: Unlike the Yeti tumbler we tested, this Yeti mug had a screw-on lid that didn’t leak. It also retained heat and cold for a respectable amount of time. But the thick plastic lid made drinking out of the mug less pleasant than our winners.
• Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug : This Contigo mug did a decent job with retaining heat and cold, but having to hold down a button to drink was tedious.
• Simple Modern Travel Coffee Mug : This mug lost heat and cold relatively quickly.
• Corkcicle Commuter Cup : Unfortunately, this mug lost heat extremely quickly (in just over three hours).
• W&P Porter Insulated Tumbler : I loved the feel of this tumbler and its colorful design. But the insulated tumbler lost heat relatively quickly and leaked terribly when turned upside down.
• CamelBak Horizon Tumbler : The Camelbak tumbler did a poor job of retaining heat and cold. It also had a snap-on lid that leaked.
• Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug : The rugged and durable mug felt like what your grandfather probably drank from as he backcountry hiked his way across the Rocky Mountains. It’s built to last a lifetime (and is backed with a lifetime warranty as well). And it did a good job retaining heat and cold. But it's slightly annoying to drink from since you have to push a button to sip. And when you did, the coffee flowed out very slowly.
• Simple Modern Insulated Thermo s: This travel mug did a great job retaining heat and cold. But the small lid had a flip-top with a locking latch that protruded fairly high, bumping into my bottom lip.

How do you clean coffee or tea stains off of a stainless steel travel mug?

Sprinkle some baking soda (about one to two teaspoons) into the mug and add water to form a paste. Gently scrub with a damp cloth, soft sponge, or bottle brush. The mildly abrasive baking soda should remove the stains.

How do you maximize the heat and cold retention of a travel mug?

For hot beverages, warm up the inside of the travel mug by pouring hot water (it can from the tap) into the mug, letting it sit for a couple of minutes, and empty the mug. Then, add your coffee or hot beverage. For cold drinks, cool the inside by pouring in water and adding a few ice cubes, swirling the cubes around, then drain it and add the cold beverage.

What size travel mug is best?

For most folks, a 12- or 16-ounce travel mug is sufficient. If you're a hardcore coffee drinker or you travel a longer distance for work, a larger 20-ounce mug might be a better fit.

How do you clean a travel mug lid?

If your travel mug's lid disassembles, take it apart. Then soak the lid in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and thoroughly rinse.

What is the best travel mug?

After testing, the Zojirushi travel mug came out on top, with a convenient flip-top and excellent insulation. But if you prioritize the coffee-drinking experience, the Fellow Carter Move Mug and Kinto Day-Off Tumbler are also excellent.

What travel mug won't leak?

All of our favorite travel mugs (from Zojirushi, Fellow, and Kinto) are leak-proof. The Zojirushi features a flip-cap that locks, while the other two have screw-on lids that prevent accidental spills.

Why We're the Experts

• Irvin Lin is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist.
• He wrote the cookbook Marbled, Swirled, and Layered , which was picked by the New York Times as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016.
• He runs a blog called Eat the Love , where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010. Eat the Love was nominated twice for best food blog by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) in 2016 and 2022.
• He has served as a judge for the 2021 IACP Cookbook Awards and served on the executive committee for the 2022 IACP Cookbook Awards. He currently serves on the 2024 Book Awards Committee for the James Beard Foundation.
• He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items including stand mixers and indoor herb gardens .
• For this review, Irvin tested 15 travel mugs, evaluating their insulation, usability, and more to find the best ones.

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The Best Travel Mugs to Keep Drinks Hot or Cold

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Best Overall Hydro Flask Coffee Mug With Flex Sip Lid (16 Ounce) Read more

A Good Wide-Mouth Bottle Klean Kanteen TKWide Insulated Mug (16 Ounce) Read more

A Classy Paper Cup Replacement KeepCup Brew Cork (12 Ounce) Read more

An Eco-Friendly Option Miir Climate+ Read more

Staying hydrated can be a battle, especially if you're toting around a bottle of lukewarm water, coffee, or tea. Whether you drink cold drinks or hot ones, a vacuum-insulated beverage holder can keep it at your preferred temperature so that every sip is a joy. There are tons of vacuum-insulated bottles, mugs, and tumblers on the market these days. Most of them are perfectly capable at keeping beverages colder or warmer than room temperature for much longer than a non-insulated bottle, too.

I tested each bottle with both ice water and cold water, sat outside on a patio in indirect sunlight, and then with hot coffee left indoors, where the ambient temperature was 70 degrees. During testing so far, none of the bottles failed to roughly match up to their claims of how long they'd keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot. It's rare to run across an insulated bottle that's a total failure at doing that these days, but it's also rare to find one that truly stands out. Rather, I've noticed the features that tend to make or break a bottle are their leak-proofing, exterior coating, and cap. Here are the best travel mugs that impressed us, and some of the rest.

Note that my colleague, Medea Giordano, wrote a piece about the use of lead soldering in the construction of some reusable bottles. Be sure to check out our guides to the Best Reusable Water Bottles , Best Coffee Subscriptions , Best Coffee Grinders , Best Espresso Machines , Best Portable Coffee Makers , Best AeroPress Coffee Makers , and How to Make Better Coffee at Home and Joe Ray's rave on how he learned to love pour-over coffee .

Updated March 2024: We've added the Yeti Rambler Vacuum Bottle With Chug Cap, Stanley IceFlow Straw Tumbler, REI Co-op Camp Mug, and GSI Outdoors MicroLite 500 Flip. We've also added information about the use of lead in some bottles' manufacturing, as well as updated pricing and availability throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best Overall

Hydro Flask’s powder coating is one of the toughest I have come across on a beverage container. Whenever I can foresee some serious abuse happening to a coffee mug on a trip, I take a Hydro Flask. I’ve yet to dent or scratch one through routine carelessness over the past four years. Without a cupholder in my car, my Hydro Flask lived on the floorboards, rolling and crashing around with every maneuver, and it still held up. The pebbled texture is grippy, so you're less likely to fumble it if your hands get wet or greasy.

A Good Wide-Mouth Bottle

Narrow openings are fine for water, in my opinion, but for hot beverages, I like having a wider gap so I can take a big gulp. I'm less likely to burn my mouth on hot drinks when I can let them cool off through a bigger opening, too. The TKWide’s Cafe Cap is more like drinking from a regular to-go coffee cup, rather than a water bottle.

All the colors have matte powder-coated finishes, which are more scratch-resistant than the brand’s smooth powder-coated finishes. That said, I haven’t found them to be as tough as Hydro Flask’s powder coating, and the uncoated stainless-steel ring on the bottom of the mug is pretty easy to scuff up.

A Classy Paper Cup Replacement

The Brew Cork is greater than the sum of its parts. This double-walled, insulated mug is meant to replicate and replace paper coffee shop cups. It’s fun to drink out of. Many other tumblers’ lid openings are blocky or mash your nose, but the KeepCup is ergonomically on point. It’s not the best for road trips, nor the best for keeping a ton of coffee hot for hours, but I highly recommend the LongPlay if all you want is a reusable cup to cut down on single-use waste and keep your drink warm long enough for you to actually drink it. That said, the lid is a bit dribbly. While the interior and lip are glass—no metallic off-tastes here—the exterior shell below the rubber grip is plastic.

An Eco-Friendly Option

It doesn't fit a typical car’s cup holder, but if you like an insulated mug that resembles a cup more than a bottle or beer glass, the Climate+ is for you. It has the solid build quality and tough powder-coated finish we’ve come to expect from Miir, in a package that has less of an impact on the environment. Miir says that the Climate+ uses no new plastic (the lid is 100 percent recycled and recyclable), and its insulation uses 25 percent less stainless steel than traditional insulated mugs. It’s also completely BPA-free.

Scott Gilbertson

Boone Ashworth

Gabrielle Caplan

Louryn Strampe

Camp Classic

This camp cup is awfully charming, harkening back to the classic blue, enameled camp cups that ooze 20th-century Americana. Like all the tumblers on this list, it’s vacuum-insulated to keep hot drinks hot and cold ones cold. Its screw-on plastic lid, with a sliding lever for sipping, is leak-proof enough. If you leave it upside down for more than a few seconds or shake it, it’ll drip, but I couldn’t get it to leak by knocking it onto its side. The handle is plastic to avoid conducting heat from hot contents, and the inner part of the handle is lined in cork. The Campy isn’t enameled—it’s just painted to look like it—but it pulls off the effect well.

For Coffee Purists

Instead of a tiny sippy hole, the Carter’s screw-on cap reveals a wide tumbler that lets you breathe in your coffee’s aromas as you drink. The opening is 69 millimeters wide, so you can use most manual coffee brewers, such as an AeroPress or Hario pour-over, directly on it. That’s too wide for many cars’ cup holders, but it’s plenty stable, and you won’t have to worry about tipping it over on a desk. My average-size hands had no issues, but some buyers with smaller hands might find it difficult or uncomfortable to hold.

The interior is ceramic-coated, so you don’t get any metallic flavors, and the thin metal lip is curved like a cabernet glass. Its textured matte exterior coating is tough and held up as well as the mighty Hydro Flask’s coating. It's been completely leak-proof too. You should have no concerns throwing it into your laptop bag completely full.

For Camping

When traveling, I want to pack light. Snow Peak’s gorgeous insulated titanium camp mug is less than 4 inches tall, weighs only 4.2 ounces, and has foldaway handles to make it even smaller. Its 450-ml capacity equates to slightly more than 15 fluid ounces. As someone who finds washing mugs to be an interminable hassle, this is the easiest one to travel with—just refill, rinse, and carabiner it to the outside of your bag. I've carried mine up glaciated mountains and down desert trails for six years now, and although the lettering has worn away, the mug itself works as well as it did when new. You can also buy a Snow Peak lid for $14 separately, which is splash-proof and kept my coffee warmer for longer.

Tumblers and travel mugs are generally designed for you to pour your chosen beverage into, but what if you just want to put a can in there? These kinds of insulated drink holders are particularly useful when I'm out and about, drinking a canned soda or beer, and want it to stay cool in the summer heat.

Not only can you put the can directly into the drink holder, but you can also pour it into the Hydro Flask and drink directly out of it, if you wish. Just remove the collar, and now you've got a handsome, stainless steel rim to sip from. The collar fits over the bottom of the can to stabilize it too, so you won't lose it. This is the 12-fluid-ounce version that fits a standard beer, soda, juice, or wine can. There's also a 16-fluid-ounce Tallboy Cooler Cup for $28 if you're feeling particularly thirsty.

Honorable Mentions

We've run through many travel mugs, and not all of them are winners. These are a few we like, just not as much as the ones above.

Miir Flip Traveler for $28 : The Miir has a tough powder coating with a flip-top lid that is absolutely leak-proof. I couldn’t get one drop of liquid to escape, no matter what I did to this tumbler. It’s narrow enough to fit any cup holder or backpack bottle holder, and it feels tough enough to survive years of abuse. Personally, I also find it quite aesthetically attractive, with its sharp lines and angular cap, compared to its competition. Miir has stated that some of its bottles use lead, and its website states : “MiiR drinkware is frequently tested at a 3rd party accredited lab by COE Resolution CM/RES(2013)9. When MiiR drinkware is tested, lead is not detected. The limit of detection is < 0.002 mg/kg (ppm).” Representatives at Miir declined to clarify if the Flip Traveler is one of its bottles that use lead.

Yeti Rambler Bottle With Chug Cap for $50 : The star of this bottle is what Yeti calls the chug cap, a threaded spout that's between a wide-mouth opening and a more typical sipping hole in size. I enjoyed it quite a lot. When gulping water, it flowed more smoothly and quickly than a sipping hole, but it didn't spill over my face, as a wide-mouth opening can sometimes do when in a hurry. A cap with a plastic handle screws on over it to close up the bottle. The handle is wide and robust. I'd use a carabiner to clip it to a backpack often and never worried about it breaking (36 fluid ounces of water is heavy). If you're a frequent sipper like me, you'll appreciate that it only takes a half turn of the cap to expose the chug cap. Yeti cautions that the chug cap (which can be unscrewed and removed) is unsuitable for hot beverages. Just to make sure I didn't burn my mouth on that initial, exploratory sip of hot coffee, I'd take it off when drinking something hot, which negated some of the bottle's convenience. Like most Yeti bottles, the exterior coating was durable and didn't scratch or dent during testing—we've often got a code to customize it for free on the WIRED coupons site. Yeti uses lead in its manufacturing .

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler for $30 : Rather than a long straw, the IceFlow has a stubby, flip-open straw about an inch long that's built into the cap. It was easy to manipulate with my thumb to flip it out, which I appreciated when I was hot and sweaty after a workout and didn't want to fumble with a hard-to-use cap. Its small diameter meant that I couldn't gulp water, though, only sip a steady trickle. The carry handle was big enough to use while wearing puffy gloves this past winter, and it flips down and out of the way when you don't need it. Both are a very nice touch that outshine most other bottles' handles. Like Stanley's other bottles, its exterior coating is tough enough that I noticed no scratches or wear. Stanley uses lead in its manufacturing process .

Contigo Luxe Autoseal for $36 : What makes the Contigo “automatic” is a button on the side of the lid that opens the sipping hole. There’s a lock to prevent the button from opening the hole, too. With or without the lock activated, the Contigo never leaked a single drop. Some buyers have complained that the metal lid gets too hot, but I filled up the Luxe Autoseal with scorching, molten coffee, and the lid barely even got lukewarm. Contigo is also among the manufacturers that uses a lead solder bead in its construction. When reached for comment, a company representative said, “The bead is covered and insulated by multiple layers—it never comes in contact with users or liquids in the bottle—and cannot be accessed unless the bottle is fully deconstructed. No traces of lead are found on or in the bottle that would be exposed to the consumer or the beverages in the bottle.”

KeepCup Thermal for $26 : This is the answer to those who like the KeepCup LongPlay's ergonomic shape and paper-cup-imitating feel but long for a cup that can keep their coffee warmer for longer. The Thermal is, like most of the vessels in this guide, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that insulates against heat loss or, in the case of cold beverages, heat gain. It shares the Brew Cork's slightly dribbly lid, although it loses some of the novelty of the Brew Cork's glass.

REI Co-op Camp Mug for $23 : There are getting to be an awful lot of insulated camp mugs in this basic style on the market, and REI's own is a perfectly fine option that doesn't particularly stand out. REI didn't attempt any gimmicks with its lid, which is a durable piece of thick plastic with an open hole for sipping and a smaller hole for airflow (so that sipping is smooth). You can't just toss it in a backpack or on the floor of your car without it leaking, but for a camp mug, that's fine. They're better suited for use in camp, a motorhome, or on a desk anyway, in my opinion. The exterior coating was tough enough to show no scratches, even after knocking it over a few times outside, and the REI graphics were tasteful and attractive, in my opinion.

Miir Camp Cup for $28: Miir's insulated coffee mug doesn't leak, it insulates hot and cold drinks just fine, and the coating is as tough as any Miir. But it's up against tough competition, and for the same money the Hydro Flask Mug is a bit nicer. The Miir lacks the Hydro Flask's stainless steel rim, and the transparent plastic lid feels a little cheap. The sliding opening on the lid felt like just an extra step to operate each time I wanted a sip.

Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler for $35 : The rounded handle is comfortable to hold, which is important in an 18.4-ounce mug loaded with up to 32 fluid ounces of drink. Like most Hydro Flask products, it comes with the same bomb-proof powder coating (in optional soft, pastel colors) that resists scratches and chips very well, plus the addition of a straw poking through its lid. There's also a 40-fluid-ounce version for $40 .

GSI Outdoors Glacier 15-Fluid-Ounce Camp Cup for $20 : It's not too easy to find at retailers, and when you do, they tend to be available in just a few colors and go in and out of stock. This cup is awfully simple, particularly the incredibly basic lid, but it's more than a little endearing. There's a brushed stainless steel version and, my favorite, a "blue speckle" that imitates the classic enameled blue camp cups of past generations, although both of these colors are plain steel. Other colors come in a more durable-seeming pebbled coating.

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug for $29 : The stainless-steel interior is BPA-free and has a wide-mouth opening. The lid locks to avoid accidental spillage, and I once accidentally left hot tea in it for 18 hours and found it still hot when I opened it again. It’s also small enough to fit in my jacket pocket on chilly morning walks. It’s not my preferred mug for daily use, simply because the lid has three separate parts—a mouthpiece, a gasket, and a lid—that are deeply ridged and hard to clean.

Rambler Stackable Cup for $30 : This insulated cup holds 16 fluid ounces, which is the capacity of a typical tall drinking glass. The best aspect of this is that you can stack several of them, so you can keep a bunch in your pantry without taking up much room. It comes with Yeti's durable powder coating, too, making them among the toughest options out there.

Hydro Flask Mug for $28: The Hydro Flask Mug merges a durable powder-coated, vacuum-insulated construction with the traditional, handle-sporting shape of a diner or camp mug. Hydro Flask does it better than most. The stainless steel rim makes it nicer to sip from than competitors' mugs, and it comes with Hydro Flask's usual drip-proof lid and bomber-tough powder coating that is nearly impossible to scratch. But it is more at home on a desk than at a campsite or in a car's cup holder, which it can't fit into.

GSI Outdoors MicroLite 500 Flip for $30 : Under the button-activated, flip-up lid there's a contoured bowl that you drink from, as if somebody cut the top half off a plastic cup. It felt gimmicky and unnecessary. It didn't do anything that just drinking from an open bottle couldn't do, and it tended to collect stray water droplets after I was done drinking. The overly complex cap was harder to hand wash than most caps, although the dishwasher could clean the cap without issue. What saves the MicroLite 500 is the stainless steel rim, which felt nice to drink from when the cap was removed, plus the array of available colors in durable, non-scratch coatings. Minus the cap, the bottle was fairly nice, if not particularly a standout among the competition. There's a MicroLite 500 With Twist Lid for $30 that does away with the gimmicky cap and has a simpler lid, although the carry strap is narrow and not as robust as I'd have liked.

Owala FreeSip for $28 : Product reviewer Medea Giordano loved the FreeSip ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) for its dual drink spouts: one open hole, plus a built-in straw. If you've got mobility or pain issues that make tilting your head a hassle, this mug is a solid performer. It's easy to grip too, with its flattened sides, which can come in handy for those with reduced hand dexterity.

OtterBox Elevation for $30 : At 8.5 inches tall, the Elevation 20 looks a lot bigger than it is. It has a copper lining that the company says helps better maintain your beverage’s perfect temperature, although I saw no noticeable difference in the Elevation's temperature-holding abilities. The clear press-on lid has a locking mechanism that you can switch it out for a straw lid or a French press lid if you’re in a hurry. It comes in a variety of stunning hues. OfferBox uses lead in its construction. When reached for comment, a company representative said, “ The seal is not open or accessible to the end user, and at no time, under intended use, could it come into contact with the end user. The OtterBox Elevation tumbler meets all applicable US regulatory requirements.”

Purist Mover for $48 : Ever empty a stainless-steel bottle of one beverage and fill it up with a different one, only to notice that the taste of the first drink lingers? The Purist has applied a thin layer of glass over the interior of the Mover, which keeps this taste transfer from happening. You can down a mug full of coffee and then fill it with herbal tea without risking a coffee aftertaste. I didn’t experience leaks from the Element top, but a high number of customers have reported their Purist lids leaking over time. I’ll keep using the Purist and update this page with information on how it performs.

S'well Traveler Tumbler for $30 : S’well boasts that its tumblers are triple-walled, but I'm not convinced that has much real-world benefit over a normal double-walled tumbler. It didn't keep beverages remarkably colder or hotter than its competitors, for example. What really sets the S’well apart are its designs. There are 12 finishes, from plain colors and bare stainless steel to elaborate patterns, such as blue marble and faux wood, and a slide-open lid so you don’t have to pop it off every time you want a swig of coffee.

Stanley Classic Vacuum Pint for $26 : Stanley’s vacuum pint includes a press-on lid with a deeply pebbled exterior that’s reminiscent of classic flasks. Although it’s billed as a 16-ounce pint, Stanley has added a few extra ounces to accommodate foam (or splashing hot coffee), and the lid comes with a slide-in metal bottle opener if you like to go immediately from work to happy hour. Stanley uses lead in its manufacturing process .

Avoid These Travel Mugs

We’ve tested a great many tumblers, and not all are winners. These aren't anywhere near as good as our picks above.

Greens Steel Beast 20-Ounce Insulated Tumbler for $18 : Greens Steel’s Beast tumbler has more than 67,000 positive reviews on Amazon and is, at least for me, one of the top hits when I search Amazon for an insulated tumbler. But the rubber seal around the lid is thin and easily comes out of place. I was ready to write the Beast off when it was leaking like a sieve, but after I adjusted the seal, it was reasonably leak-proof. Sometimes it dribbles, sometimes it doesn’t, depending on whether the seal stays put when you’re attaching the lid. The exterior color coating is not as durable as the Klean, Hydro Flask, Yeti, or Fellow. It did come with a regular metal straw, a thick metal milkshake straw, and a cleaner brush.

Snow Peak Kanpai 500-ml Bottle for $98 : Unlike most of Snow Peak’s line of camping and backpacking gear, the Kanpai is stainless steel, not titanium, and it’s not made in Japan. It’s a double-walled, insulated stainless-steel tumbler with a glossy finish, and it comes with three lids, for some unnecessary reason. There’s a white screw-on lid that needs to be removed every time you want a drink, and a black version of the same lid. The third lid—one with a sipping hole that can be closed with a sliding latch—leaks if the Kanpai tips over. It took damage in a mere 3-foot drop when it was empty, landing on its rim, which flattened. A steel bottle, especially one with no liquid in it, should be able to survive that without battle scars.

Toaks Titanium Double Wall 450ML Cup for $40: More often than not, I champion Toaks gear as an affordable source of titanium camp cookware compared to Snow Peak and Evernew and MSR, which tend to be more expensive. But this mug is only $10 less than the Snow Peak mug we recommend above, and its finishing is rougher.

Medea Giordano

Adrienne So

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The Best Tea Infuser Travel Mug (And Why Real Tea Lovers Need One) - Epicurious

by Mindy Fox for   Epicurious  

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

I can hear my better half, Steve, now: “Do you really need a dedicated travel tea mug? Can’t you brew a cup of tea and then use any ol’ travel mug to take it on the go?”

Yeah, babe, you could. (And he probably knows what’s coming next.) But I like to have the right tool for the job, and there is good reason to be particular when it comes to a travel tea mug.

Sure, I could place loose tea leaves in a single-use paper steeper or basket steeper and use my   favorite travel coffee mug for the job, but travel tea mugs are made with built-in tea steepers (ones that allow you to tightly close the lid while your tea steeps), which means no waste and a hotter finished brew. Plus, coffee mugs tend to take on coffee flavor over time. A dedicated travel tea mug helps keeps a   serious tea drinker’s tea   tasting pure and clean.

In my quest for the best travel mug to take my cuppa on the road, I sought out a leak-proof model that ranked high in the   heat retention department. I also wanted a mug that was easy to grip and to drink from. And because it’s nice to have stylish gear, one that looked good, too. Here are my winning picks and how I tested: 

The Very Best Tea Infuser Travel Mug: The Tea Spot Everest Tea Tumbler

The Everest’s double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel insulation kept 22 ounces of tea hot and fresh tasting, and its screw down BPA-free top was terrifically leak-proof. I fell hard for its rugged adventure-meets-urban-chic look, and had a hard time deciding which of its four stylish colors I liked best.

The Everest also won my vote for smart design and functionality with an innovative screw-top and sipping mechanism that stay connected to the mug while you drink (which means when you remove the part of the lid that allows you to drink your tea, it won’t go tumbling down a cliff, through a subway grate, or down between that impossibly narrow space between the seat of your car and your cup-holding console).

The stainless steel steeper basket on this model provided ample room for water and tea leaves to mingle as my tea steeped, and its small holes kept fine leaves from passing into my tea, making a clean and full-tasting brew. The easy to grip exterior is much like that of the popular   Hydro Flask   water bottle so, if you’re a   Hydro Flask fan, you’ll likely love The Tea Spot Everest, too.

The Everest fit well in a tote bag and was also comfortable to carry on the outside of a backpack, using a   carabiner clip. And, like all of the travel tea mugs I tested, it can be used for iced tea as well as plain or infused fruit (aka spa) water. 

The Next Best (aka Runner Up) Travel Tea Infuser Mug: The Tea Spot Voyager Tea Tumbler

The Voyager, also by The Tea Spot, won my runner-up vote. At 16-ounces, it’s a smaller mug than the Everest but that’s where most of the differences end. This mug kept my tea hot and fresh for 6 hours, and is fitted with the same type of high quality stainless steel steeper basket as the Everest. Its smartly designed leak-proof lid has a comfortable, easy to drink from sip-cup style and doesn’t require removing to use—simply press down on a pop top to drink, then press it again to lock the top into spill-free mode. With its sleek metallic, glossy finish and no loop handle (for carabiner or finger hold), this model is stylistically more ‘urban’ than ‘adventure’, but also, according to highly-rated reviews for both products, a bit more vulnerable to scratches than the Everest. It’s easy to grip and carries well in a tote bag or pocket of a backpack or gym bag. 

How I Tested

I brewed loose black tea in seven leading travel tea mugs. After brewing the tea, I removed the tea basket and took the temperature of each mug’s tea using a   digital thermometer. I closed the lids tightly, then measured the temperature of each tea again after 1 hour, 4 hours, and 6 hours, recording the change in temperature at each interval.

In the breaks between temperature takes, I rolled my tightly closed filled travel tea mugs on the floor; turned them upside down, and gave them all a good shaking around to test for leaks. I took a look at how many parts came with each model and how easy they were to clean. I also considered sipping mechanism design, steeper basket quality (did the basket allow ample room for proper steeping), overall durability, and style.

The Takeaway:

The company Tea Spot makes the best tea infuser travel mugs—models that brew a great cup of tea and are easy to take on the go. Buy the  Everest Tumbler  for slightly larger capacity and a more rugged, outdoor-adventure-ready design. Buy the Voyager for a smaller travel tea mug that's perfect for urban commuters.

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Best travel coffee mugs in 2024 — tested and rated

We’ve tested a range of models to find the best travel coffee mugs

Best overall

Best budget and durable

Best with handle

Best heavy duty

Best color selection

Best smart travel mug

Best for heat retention

Best for sustainability

Most secure

Best mug design

Best ceramic

Whether you want to ensure your coffee stays warm throughout the morning, or your iced tea remains cool in warm conditions, you'll need one of the best travel mugs. 

And while it might seem simple enough, the task of choosing out of tons available, can be tricky. You'll need to find the right travel coffee mug to suit your needs and lifestyle. Consider what material you'd prefer? Durable materials range from steel, aluminum and plastic, to even ceramic. Other things to think about include how heavy it is to carry, heat retention, and overall style. 

Finally, how much are you willing to spend? The best coffee travel mugs range from $15 to $35, though there are more advanced types with their own battery that cost $185.

To help you decide, we’ve found a great selection of the best travel mugs to suit any lifestyle and budget right now.

1. MiiR Flip Traveler

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 2.75 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 10.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 9

The MiiR Flip Traveler is one of the best travel coffee mugs we’ve tested, offering a compact cup that will keep your liquids hot or cold for hours. Coming in 9 different colors, the double wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel body holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid. Although there are 12 and 20 fluid ounce capacities available too. The cup itself is very light, coming in it at 10.2 ounces.

The unique lid on top flips out when you need to drink and is secure when you need it locked in. But right after you drink, a small amount of liquid can gather on the lid, leaking to tiny droplets getting in places they shouldn’t. Also, if you don’t lock the lid firmly in place, it can spill. There’s nothing worse than having hot tea on your electronics because you didn’t make sure the lid was completely down.

It was one of the best we tested at keeping liquids consistently hot. Our testing started at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, only to drop to 178 after two hours, 154 after five hours, and 126 after 10 hours. Other cups paled in comparison, with the MiiR outclassing them in the category that is, literally and figuratively, the hottest.

Washing the cup is super simple and the lid doesn’t need to be taken apart to be put in the dishwasher. The whole cup is fairly durable and comfortable to hold. Overall, MiiR offers a fantastic travel mug with few downsides, keeping everything cool and on the inside. Give it a try if you are looking for a mug that offers everything you’d need. 

2. Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug

Best budget and best durable

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: ‎2.9 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 8 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 18

Stanley is a brand built for rugged adventures and their Trigger Action Travel Mug is no exception. The strong, durable exterior claims that it has survived a bullet so it should be able to handle whatever you can throw at it. Made of stainless steel, the double-wall vacuum insulation creates a sturdy mug that weighs 12.8 ounces and holds 16 ounces, making it one of the heaviest we reviewed. A 20 ounce capacity is available too, which will no doubt weigh even more — we tested the 16 ounce capacity. 

The lid is also built to last, having a unique trigger system that lets you take a sip by just pressing the button. Though the lid is useful, it does tend to leave a bit of water in the mouthpiece if you close it too quickly. But other than the occasional dribble, it won’t leak even when turned upside down and severely shaken. The whole cup is dishwasher safe, but you might want to think twice about taking apart the lid. It's a bit difficult to reassemble, especially when you haven’t rebuilt it before. 

It kept the heat in fairly well, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to 176 at two hours, 152 at five, and 125 hours at 10. But when it does have a hot liquid in it, the heat only breaks through a bit allowing you to hold even scolding beverages without a problem. 

While the MSRP is $25, it can often be found for $17.50, so you are getting one of the best travel coffee mugs out there for a great price. Even if you aren’t the adventurous type and just need something to shove in your cup holder that won’t tip over, then Stanley is your guy.

3. Hydro Flask Coffee with Flex Sip Lid

Capacity: 20 fluid ounces | Dimensions: ‎2.9 x 9.3 inches | Weight: 13.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 14

Hydro Flask is one of the most popular brands for travel mugs and cups for a very good reason. Available in multiple sizes, from 12 to 40 ounces, and in 11 colors, this travel mug features double-wall vacuum insulation to keep your drinks at the right temperature for hours. The stainless steel bottle is durable, with paint that won’t chip from use.

What really makes this mug different from the competition is its unique lid. The top handle is great for taking it on the go, but when you unscrew it you see the real magic. To take a sip, just turn the lid counterclockwise to open the seal. When you want to take the whole lid apart to clean, just unscrew it in the opposite direction, revealing the intricate mechanism beneath. Keep in mind that getting it put back together can be a bit of a hassle or might take practice. 

The cup is incredibly durable and lightweight, coming in at 11.6 ounces for the 20 ounce capacity. Though it lacks a rubber bottom, the cup is still comfortable to hold and stable. It's also great at keeping your drinks hot, falling from 202 degrees Fahrenheit to 172 after two hours, 145 after five, and 116 after 10. It's definitely one of the more unique-looking cups we’ve tested, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Expert engineering and craftsmanship put it at the top of our list. This is why it’s one of the best travel coffee mugs. 

4. THERMOS Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.3 x 7.6 inches | Weight: 15.7 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 8

Thermos is a brand that has become synonymous with quality travel mugs, and the Stainless King is truly a wonderful option. Made of stainless steel, this vacuum-insulated cup is dishwasher safe and should fit in most cup holders. The handle on the side makes holding the cup easy and the outside stays cool even when hot liquids are inside. It is available in four different colors and holds 16 fluid ounces of liquid.

The lid is expertly crafted and won’t leak no matter how many times it's turned over or shaken. But it does have to be completely closed to work, just a little bit of an opening and the cup will spill out whatever is inside. 

To open the lid, just turn the nozzle counter-clockwise revealing the “open” label on the lid. When it's closed, the lid creates a vacuum seal that keeps everything nice and hot. There’s even a small hook on the bottom of the lid to hold your tea bag and make sure it doesn’t fall in. The lid doesn’t even need to be taken apart to clean.

The Thermos excels at keeping beverages hot, outperforming everything else we tested. Starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, it only dropped to 181 at two hours, 159 at five, and 131 at 10 hours, which we found was still too hot to drink. It earns a spot on our list as one of the best travel coffee mugs for this reason alone. 

It is one of the heaviest cups we tested, coming in at a whopping 15.6 ounces. The only heavier mug was the Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug. 

5. Yeti Rambler

Capacity: 20 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounches | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 34

Available in 10, 20 or 30 ounces (we tested the 20 oz capacity), the Yeti Rambler is unique in its design, offering a much stouter mug with enough room for your liquid inside. Cupholder-friendly and dishwasher safe, this double-wall vacuum-insulated mug is great for taking your cold or hot drinks on the go. Plus it’s available in a whopping 34 colors, so you can find whatever tone you want. 

Because of its more round shape, it's better than some we’ve reviewed at not getting knocked over, though it doesn’t have a rubber bottom for grip. But even the mightiest wind should allow the Yeti to stay upright. 

The lid is simple but effective when kept upright. You can slide it up to take a sip and then slide it back down to seal it. The slide requires a bit of pressure for it to get opened, so it shouldn’t just flop open and spill what's inside. But you shouldn’t just place this cup in your bag because it is possible for it to spill. The lid does not screw on and only has a rubber circle keeping it in place. With enough shaking or momentum, the lid will pop off and won’t have an airtight seal when turned upside down. 

It's also a bit dangerous to drink while hot. We found that while testing the outer ring on the lid retains heat a bit too well and was too hot to touch. The cup itself retains heat well enough, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit and going to 166 after two hours, 136 after five, and 108 after ten. 

But if you aren’t going on any backpack adventures and just want a drink to keep warm, then the Yeti is a great option. 

6. Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug

Capacity: 12 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 38.4 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: No | Colors available: 2

Having an electronic travel mug that costs $185 might seem a bit extra, but the Ember makes it seem absolutely reasonable. The mug has an internal battery and can keep a drink at the same consistent temperature for three hours on a single charge. All you have to do is tap the center to reveal icons and set it to your desired temperature. 

It's packed full of smart features, which is why it’s one of the best travel coffee mugs, like Bluetooth that connects it to your phone to set the temperature and light that tells you when the cup needs charging. It also has an app, which is simple to use and works flawlessly, showing the battery level and temperature of the beverage (but it does need to be reconnected after every use). To charge it, all you have to do is place the cup on the included stand and it should be ready to go in just a few hours. We set the temperature to 136 degrees Fahrenheit after starting at 199, it managed to stay the same for the whole 10-hour period. 

The lid is also a marvel of engineering- all you have to do is press down whenever you want to drink to create a small circle of liquid to flow through. Even when shaken, the liquid didn’t escape and stayed inside the remarkable metal cylinder. Some liquid might stay around the lid after you take a sip, so keep that in mind. 

It’s also very durable and has a rubber-coated bottom to keep it from spilling over. It might be a great travel mug, but other options can do what it does without the hefty price tag. There’s no need to over-engineer a cup that’s worked fine before. It’s fairly lightweight,  coming in at 12 ounces and holding 12 fluid ounces. Being hand wash only is a drawback to boot as well.

7. Teabloom

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 2.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 15.2 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 5

The Teabloom tumbler allows you to make teas on the go with everything inside the bottle. Unlike a lot of other travel mugs, this long but elegant bottle comes with a metal diffuser with its own handle that you can throw your favorite tea blend or coffee right inside. Holding 16 fluid ounces, it's made of stainless steel and brushed with a metallic exterior that stood up to the wear and tear of everyday use and weighs 15.2 ounces.

The tumbler is very thin and can be a bit wobbly. It doesn’t have a rubber grip and it's tall but the thin facade can cause it to get knocked down with just a little bit of force. But it will fit in almost every cup holder snugly, without any worry of it flying out. 

The lid is a simple screw-on top with a rubber ring that easily stops it from leaking even when shaken upside down. We found that even with the lid not screwed on completely all the way, the cup did not spill any water.

It also retained heat very well. When you put it in high-temperature beverages you can feel the heat on the side but it is definitely not too hot to touch. Out of all the travel mugs we tested without its own battery, the Teabloom held heat the longest, starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, and falling to 179 at two hours, 154 at five hours, and 126 at ten hours. It's by far one of the best travel coffee mugs to store hot liquid in, the fact it can make tea, coffee, or infused fruit water is just a plus. 

8. bioGo 16 oz Reusable Coffee Cups

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.6 x 7 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Material: Rice husk | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 8

The bioGo Reusable Coffee Cup is simplistic but offers everything you’d need in a travel mug. Available in eight colors, it's made of recycled rice husks making them better for the environment. They also fit in cup holders and have a padded bottom to stop the cup from falling over.

It's also remarkably light; the model we tested weighs 6.2 ounces while still holding 16 fluid ounces. Although a 13 ounce capacity is also available. That light nature does make it feel a bit flimsy, but it held up to being knocked around just as well as other stainless steel mugs we tested. The cup is dishwasher safe and won’t break apart after multiple uses. 

The screw-on lid is simple but effective. The hole on top has a plastic stopper that can be flipped in or out, which effectively keeps liquids inside. No matter how shaken or flipped upside down, the cup did not leak. The lid closer did not move once it was locked in place, but when the piece came out of the hole it did flop around. 

Though it's a very pretty and stylish cup, it didn’t retain heat as well as a lot of the other mugs we tested. Starting at 202 degrees, it dropped quickly to 118 by two hours, 90 by five, and room temperature by 10. The whole cup became extremely warm on the outside, starting out at 125 degrees making it too hot to touch. If you need a mug that's safe for the environment and that you don’t need to hold hot beverages for long periods, then give this bioGo a shot. The environmentally friendly aspects make it one of the best travel coffee mugs.   

9. Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug

Capacity: 16 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 3.56 x 7.75 inches | Weight: 6.9 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: No | Colors available: 13

The Contigo West Loop Travel Mug has a gorgeous and unique shape that is durable enough to last. Made of stainless steel and its own patented Thermalock insulation, drinks stay hot or cold for hours inside. The shape makes it stand out from other travel mugs out there while still being slim enough to fit in most car cup holders. It holds 16 ounces of fluid and weighs 6.9 ounces. A 20 ounce capacity is also available, but we tested the smaller model. 

The lid opens with a button press on the side, allowing any liquid to flow without issue. Even when shaken and held upside down, nothing escaped. To make sure nothing escapes, there’s a fantastic locking feature where all you have to do is press down on a button on top to make sure the lid can’t open. So when you place the mug in your bag, the button won’t accidentally get pressed and spill everywhere.

The odd shape does have it wobble a bit when tapped and it lacks rubber grips on the bottom, so it can fall. But it is still quite durable so even a tumble shouldn’t crack the exterior. The whole cup is dishwasher safe and the locking lid does not require disassembly to clean. 

When filled with hot liquid, we found that the plastic lid coated in rubber got very hot and couldn’t be touched at max heat. But it did hold heat tolerably, starting at 204 degrees Fahrenheit and failing to 166 at two hours, 137 at five, and 111 at 10. Other travel mugs insulated a bit more consistently, but the Contigo still earned a recommendation, which is why it makes the list as one of the best travel coffee mugs. 

10. Ello Campy Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

Capacity: 18 fluid ounces | Dimensions: 4.4 x 6.9 inches | Weight: 5.3 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 9

The Ello Campy Travel Mug is a simple, yet truly effective, liquid container. Its sleek metallic exterior hides a vacuum-insulated interior that keeps beverages cold or hot hours after use. That hard body makes it incredibly durable, though the plastic lid may not be able to handle the most aggressive of use. 

The handle is coated in cork inside, helping you keep your grip and not burn yourself when going for a drink. The large handle makes it impossible for it to fit firmly in most car cup holders, especially any that are very deep. But it does make the cup look aesthetically pleasing and simple to use if you’d rather grasp a handle. 

The screw-on lid is a bit more than just a simple piece of plastic, using a unique flipping mechanism to look the cup in place. Hot liquids made the lid too hot to touch and drink. It's also just a simple push button that can easily be knocked open without you noticing. This cup can’t be placed in a bag because it will spill everywhere. But it won’t leak when turned upside down as long as the lid is positioned correctly. 

The whole cup is fairly good at keeping liquids hot, starting at 203 degrees Fahrenheit it fell to 171 at two hours, 142 at five, and 113 at 10. That puts it alongside a lot of the other cups we tested with vacuum insulation. Overall, it's great as long as you don’t try to drink scolding hot beverages. The model tested holds 18 ounces and weighs 5.3 ounces, but a smaller 11 ounce design is also available. 

11. Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug

Capacity: 18 fluid ounces | Dimensions: ‎3.5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 24.7 ounces | Material: Ceramic | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Colors available: 5

The Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug is elegant with a timeless look, capturing the vibe of a cozy summer cottage somewhere in the wilderness. With a thick rubber bottom, the mug stays firmly planted when placed down and won't jiggle too much unless you try to knock it over. Being made of ceramic, we imagine that it's not as durable as other steel options (though we didn’t intentionally try to break it). 

The handle on the side makes it comfortable to hold, though it is a fairly wide mug that won’t fit in most cup car holders. You can fill it with 18 fluid ounces of liquid and clean it in the dishwasher. 

The top lid is a thin piece of plastic that you can shift up and down to take a drink. The lid is most certainly not leakproof and does not offer an airtight seal. If you just flip it over, the liquid will come gushing out, potentially with the lid as well. The lid is not screwed on and has no rubber gasket and is only held in place by a thin rubber bit around the lid.

It’s also not very good at retaining heat. It started at 199 degrees Fahrenheit and went down to 115 in just two hours. Like the Tupkee Glass Tumbler, the cup reached room temperature in just five hours. It's a much better indoor mug than a travel one, offering a unique option that just isn’t as stable as others on this list. The mug is also quite heavy, coming in at 22 ounces.

How we test

We put these travel mugs through rigorous testing for durability, heat retention, and comfort. First, we gave a score to every mug based on holding capacity, comfort to hold, stability, ease of opening, ease of cleaning, weight, and quality. 

Then we performed a test to see if it could hold liquid while turned upside down, without spilling a drop. We filled each cup to its maximum amount and held it upside down for five seconds. Then we noted which cups leaked and spilled onto the countertop. Most mugs managed to stay tight-lipped, while others leaked their insides everywhere. After a quick wipe-down of each mug, we moved on to the next step.

Then we tested each mug's ability to retain heat. We filled each cup at the same time with boiling water and checked its temperature with a digital instant-read thermometer at two, five, and 10 hours. To check the inside temperature, we opened the top and placed a thermometer with a rod inside just long enough to get the recording without leaking much heat. Then, we closed the lid as quickly as possible before moving onto the next one.

How to choose the best travel mug

Material A travel mug can be made of stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, or glass. If you need a more durable mug, you should find one made of a tougher material like steel or plastic. These tougher mugs are also much better at retaining heat, with some having a vacuum insulation that keeps heat from escaping.  

Durability Steel and plastic mugs are incredibly durable, able to withstand rigorous outdoor activity or time spent knocking around in a backpack. Mugs with rubber bottoms are also better at staying upright and not just falling over. If you are looking for a mug you can take on the road, it needs to be both durable and practical to use. 

Size Most travel mugs are between 12 and 20 ounces, with 16 and 18 being the sweet spot. Most are slim enough to fit inside your average car coffee cup holder, while being snug enough to not just bounce around inside. If you are looking for a good sized mug, then aim for one that's around eight to ten inches in height. 

How easy is to clean Ideally, you should wash or rinse out your travel mugs straight after use, to prevent any grimy build-up inside. If you want to remove odors, one tip is to add  ½ cup of vinegar before adding 1tbsp baking soda into the travel mug. Allow it to soak in the solution overnight, and then rinse it with warm water. Make sure you rinse it well so that there are no traces of the solution/vinegar. This should have removed lingering smells. 

How do you keep your beverage hot or cold? Whether you want to maximize the heat or chill factor of your drink, there are a few tips. For hot beverages, it's recommended to pour hot water into the mug, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then empty the mug, before adding your hot drink, and this should retain the temperature. The same applies for cold drinks, but you use ice cubes in the cold water instead.  

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Steven Asarch is a writer and editor who lives on Twitch and YouTube. After graduating from Baruch College, he wrote for IBT Media,  Newsweek and Insider. In 2021, he executive produced the docu-series "Onision in Real Life" on Discovery +. As someone always looking to have the best smelling apartment possible, he's made it his mission to find the best air purifiers out there. His home has since become an air purifier haven, having stored and tested ten models for over three months. You could say he now knows everything there is to know about air purifiers, and what separates the good from the best.

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• Coffee & Tea

These Infusers Steep Brew-Tea-Ful Cups of Tea

We tested out all kinds of different options to find the best

The Spruce Eats / Derek Rose

Every cup of tea starts with a simple decision between tea bags and loose leaf . Many people choose tea bags because they are quick, convenient, and easy to find in the grocery store, but the right tea infuser makes preparing a cup of loose leaf just as easy as bagged tea—and even more delicious. Infusers are typically made of mesh stainless steel, but there are many unique options, including ones on this list, that can add a personal touch to every sip.

How We Tested Tea Infusers

Other options we tested.

• What to Look for

Useful Tea Accessories

Why trust the spruce eats, best overall, finum stainless steel mesh brewing basket.

Extra-fine mesh keeps leaves in

Reasonably priced

Strong flavor

Large capacity

Plastic could be thicker

Tea leaves love space to roam around. The more room, the better the flavor. That's why basket-shaped infusers are so popular and effective, perhaps none more so than the Finum Brewing Basket. It's large enough for tea leaves to diffuse flavor into every nook and cranny of your mug, and the micro-fine mesh traps the smallest tea particles. The mesh is even fine enough to brew coffee.

After testing it ourselves, the infuser surpassed all expectations. It was one of the easiest to use and the best at retaining tea leaves. All we had to do was scoop tea into the basket, place the basket into a mug, pour hot water, and wait. The Brewing Basket is also dishwasher safe for simple post-tea cleaning. The item is available in multiple sizes and colors, and the lid functions as a drip tray for added convenience. While it leans toward the more expensive end for an infuser, we think it's reasonably priced and an excellent value for money considering the quality.

Material: Plastic and stainless steel mesh | Dimensions: 2.05 x 2.4 x 2.95 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Tea Forte Kati Steeping Cup And Infuser

Beautiful design

Quality materials

Fits in most cupholders

Microwavable

Gets hot to touch

If you’re in the market for a teacup with an infuser, consider the Tea Forte Kati Steeping Cup. It's a favorite among tea lovers thanks to its beautiful design, quality construction, and great results.

The thick, double-walled ceramic keeps tea hot longer than many standard mugs. Just be careful when grabbing it immediately after steeping; the mug was too hot to touch for a couple of minutes after we steeped rooibos tea in 212-degree water. When steeping sencha green tea at 170 degrees Fahrenheit, the exterior stayed cool. The 12-ounce mug and matching lid are dishwasher- and microwave-safe, so it's easy to clean and reheat if needed. You can choose from a dozen designs, including the cherry blossom model we tested, to fit your aesthetic or that of a gift recipient.

hMaterial: Ceramic mug and stainless steel infuser | Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.75 inches | Dishwasher safe: Yes (mug and lid only)

Best Teapot

Adagio teas iced ingenuitea.

Easy to use

Multiple sizes available

Makes hot or iced tea

Handle stays cool to the touch

Lid doesn't close automatically

Tea stains plastic

May leak after dispensing

Most tea infusers are designed to make one serving at a time, but is one cup ever really enough? Avid tea drinkers are better off with a product like the Adagio Teas ingenuiTEA Teapot. Available in 16 or 28 ounces, it has the same capacity as many traditional teapots, but it's easier and faster to use.

We tried out the 16-ounce model and were impressed by the seamless bottom-dispensing valve. To use, place the ingenuiTEA on your mug after steeping, gently press it down, and the tea will smoothly and automatically begin pouring. The mesh stainless steel at the bottom keeps leaves from ending up in the cup. Once finished, the item is dishwasher safe. We found it easy to clean by hand, too, for those who don't have a dishwasher or want to move on to the next round of tea right away. Just be careful, though, because the lid doesn't close automatically.

Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 3.5 x 6 inches (16-ounce model) | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Basket

Vahdam classic tea infuser.

Plenty of space for tea leaves

Thumb grips stay cool

Lid may not properly close

With its extensive collection of teas and teaware, Vahdam is a go-to brand for many tea drinkers. One affordable accessory from the company we recommend is its Classic Tea Infuser. The basket-style infuser is large enough for a single serving of tea or a full teapot's worth, and we confirmed that it's dependable for keeping leaves out of your drink.

Despite the item's durability and quality stainless steel, we encountered a design flaw during the testing process: the lid, which also functions as a drip tray, doesn't perfectly fit onto the basket. This has no effect on the steeping process—the infuser still brews delicious tea, especially when you follow steps to enhance your tea-tasting experience —but it's a curious and frustrating shortcoming. Aside from that, we gave the item a sparkling review. It's easy to use, the two little wings on either side of the basket stay cool to the touch, and it's dishwasher safe, so cleaning is simple too.

Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 3 x 3.9 inches| Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Travel Mug

Firebelly tea stop-infusion travel mug.

Firebelly Tea

Lets tea leaves steep openly

Solid, durable materials

Sleek aesthetic and multiple colorways

Must remove lid before drinking

What makes Firebelly Tea's Stop-Infusion Travel Mug so unique is that it allows users to brew delicious tea without an infuser. Instead, tea leaves steep openly inside the mug, which is much better for diffusion, and a tea press is inserted to stop the infusion process. It works more like a French press than a traditional infuser bottle, and the difference shines through in the flavor, whether you're making hot tea or iced.

We found that every tea we brewed with this mug was strong and evenly diffused. The steel-and-plastic tea press, or plunger, is also extremely effective at tamping down loose tea leaves and ensuring sediment doesn't end up in any sips. The top of the tea press has a 360-degree vent that lets you drink from any side; it's a unique design that might take a moment to get used to, but sipping is smooth and drip-free. The lid needs to be removed before drinking, though, so you'll need two free hands to open it.

Another standout detail is the quality of the materials. We found the stainless steel hefty and durable, making the mug a trustworthy travel companion. The lid is leakproof too, so you can toss it in a bag when on the go. There are six color options, ranging from neutral tones to more vibrant options. Note that hand-washing is recommended; the tea press is easy to rinse by hand, but the mug itself requires a bottle brush to reach all nooks and crannies.

Material: Stainless steel and Tritan | Dimensions: 3 x 8.5 inches | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best With Handle

Oxo brew twisting tea ball infuser.

Unique opening mechanism

Slim and stylish

Easy to clean

Small amount of sediment

Infusers with handles offer a couple of advantages over conventional tea balls: they are easier to control when steeping and less likely to make a mess. We love the OXO Brew Twisting Tea Ball Infuser because it takes these advantages and adds a few unique touches of its own. Most notable is the twisting handle that opens and closes the infuser ball. It's a smooth and simple mechanism that sets the item apart from other handled infusers. Very small traces of tea leaves, more like fannings and tea dust, escaped from the basket during the testing process, but that's quite normal. Overall, the infuser did an excellent job retaining tea leaves. We also appreciate the item's sleek and elegant design, accented by the black handle.

Many tea infusers can be purchased at a cheaper price, but the OXO model is affordable nonetheless. Plus, it's made from sturdy stainless steel and non-slip plastic. OXO backs all of its products with a lifetime guarantee.

Material: Stainless steel and plastic | Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 7 inches | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best With Drip Stand

Adhoc tea drop tea infuser.

No mess and easy to clean

Drip stand makes it presentable on countertop

Very small particles may get into tea

If you're looking for an infuser that avoids drips, spills, and messes, the AdHoc Tea Drop Tea Infuser is the place to start. After steeping, you can place the wand-style infuser into a plastic drip stand that collects any residual tea droplets. Both parts are dishwasher safe, and we found them easy to rinse and wash by hand for those who prefer that method. The drip stand is functional and stylish enough that you can leave the infuser on your countertop for quick access.

As far as its performance, the Tea Drop does not have the absolute finest infuser basket. Some small particles ended up in the mug after we tested multiple tea varieties but not to the extent that it marred the flavor or drinking experience. We were impressed by how large the infuser basket is, which is a benefit because it gives tea leaves space to diffuse evenly throughout the mug or teapot.

Make sure you don't fill your mug to the brim, though, as the infuser will cause the water level to rise when you dunk it in for steeping. In fact, the best way to brew is by placing the infuser in an empty mug and pouring hot water directly over it . The long, flexible handle then lets you stir the infuser until the tea reaches your desired strength.

Material: Stainless steel and plastic | Dimensions: 8.46 x 2.2 inches without stand; 8.89 x 2.75 with stand | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Budget

Norpro 2-inch mesh tea infuser ball.

Good leaf retention for tea ball

Value for money

Chain stays cool to touch

Design not for everyone

Only one infuser

This tea ball has a dreamy nighttime-themed teapot charmed attached to it, making it a great way to wind down, perhaps with a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea . The charm has a functional purpose too, as it lets users remove the tea ball easily and without burning their fingers.

The Norpro Tea Ball Infuser is reasonably priced, so it's a low-stress investment in your tea setup. It's worth noting that you can find packs of tea balls at around the same price or even cheaper than this one tea ball. However, this one has the quality that makes it worth buying over tea ball packs. It fared well in our tests, retaining all large leaves and limiting the sediment that appeared in our cups of tea. That's rare for a budget-priced tea ball, as they tend to be less reliable than infuser baskets. The item is also dishwasher safe and rinses easily once your tea is finished.

Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: Tea ball is 2 inches in diameter | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

With its affordable price and unbeatable performance, the Finum Brewing Basket is the first place to look for a quality tea infuser, as basket-shaped infusers are widely preferred by tea experts and this is one of the best out there. We also love the convenient and adorable House Again Extra Fine Mesh Tea Infusers , especially if you're looking for a set instead of a single infuser.

We started by researching the top tea infusers based on customer reviews, third-party articles, and insight from our testing team. From there, we purchased and tested a total of 10 tea infusers. Seven of those infusers were deemed good enough to recommend based on their performance and value for money. We later received another tea infuser for testing purposes and felt it was worthy of a recommendation, too. That's how we put together the list of tea infusers above.

We Observed

• If any tea leaves slipped through the infuser: One of the most important parts of our testing process was seeing how well each infuser contained tea leaves. Infusers that allowed an excess of leaves or particles to fall through were not recommended in this article. Many other infusers that we tested successfully kept in leaves, leading to tasty, grit-free cups of tea. We used at least two types of tea—one with smaller leaves and one with larger leaves—in our testing trials.
• If the infuser became hot to touch: Tea leaves need to steep in hot water, of course, but that can become a problem if your infuser gets unbearably hot to touch. We made sure that wouldn't be an issue for any of the infusers we recommended. Each infuser was placed in 212-degree water for several minutes and then removed from the mug by hand (or immediately let go of) to see if it was safe to handle.
• How well the tea leaves diffused: Tea infuser size is correlated with flavor, as larger infusers tend to allow tea leaves to diffuse more thoroughly. As a result, we measured every tea infuser that we tested. We also used the same types of tea when testing the diffusers so that we could fairly gauge differences in flavor.
• Design: We rated the overall design of these tea infusers on a one to five scale, with five being the best. Some aspects we considered were: the size of the infuser; how easily it opened and closed; how easily it could be placed in and taken out of a mug; the fineness of the mesh; and its aesthetic. Ease of use and reliability were prioritized over the way the infuser looked, but all of these details affected its design score.
• Durability: We tested every infuser for at least 21 days, which allowed us to see how they held up over multiple uses. Before rating durability, we assessed the strength of all parts and materials, including any mesh, handles, clasps, or chains. We also tested four mugs with built-in infusers and graded them on how portable they were.
• Value: Infusers are generally a low-cost tea accessory, but they still come in a range of prices. After using each one, we compared its performance to the retail price and rated its value for money. This section also helped us clarify whether we would purchase the infuser ourselves or recommend it to a friend.

About Our Testers

• Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
• Derek Rose has been the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats since 2019. He tested all of the tea infusers on this list in his home over three weeks. This allowed him to compare each infuser's performance side by side, as well as get a better sense of what it would be like to use each one as an everyday tea accessory.
• Fu Store Stainless Steel Tea Balls : A former version of this roundup named these infusers as the best budget pick. While they may be suitable for tea with large leaves, they couldn't contain either type of tea that we tested them with. Most of the leaves ended up in our mug before steeping was finished. On top of that, the stainless steel clasp was difficult to close; it felt strained, almost rusty right out of the box. A final criticism is that the stainless steel chain fell into the mug almost immediately upon our first use, and it was difficult to take the infuser out given the temperature of the tea. Overall, these only seem worthwhile if you know the tea you'll be drinking has large enough leaves to stay inside.
• Genuine Fred Manatea Tea Infuser : The Genuine Fred Manatea Infuser fell just short of being included on our list, mainly because its performance was inconsistent depending on the type of tea used. A green tea that we brewed had a lot of leaves slip through the filter and into the mug. The tea was drinkable and overall enjoyable, but the last few sips had too much sediment for our liking. Another minor shortcoming of the Manatea infuser is that its two silicone pieces are somewhat inconvenient to attach. While we can't fully recommend this infuser, some customers may enjoy its novelty aspect and could consider it as a gift idea. It just can't be counted on with every type of loose-leaf tea.
• Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug with Tea Leaf Filter : This Zojirushi mug with a built-in infuser was previously included on our list as the best travel option. After testing it, however, we found it harder to use and clean than expected. For instance, the lid needs to be completely removed to take a sip, which makes the mug inconvenient while driving or walking. And the lid opening is too small to fit a hand inside, so a bottle brush is needed to properly clean the mug, as it isn't dishwasher safe. We felt it was easier to brew tea separately and pour it into a different travel mug than to use the Zojirushi mug for a morning commute.

What to Look for When Buying a Tea Infuser

The more space that tea leaves have to roam around inside the cup or pot while steeping, the better. This means large infusers are superior to small ones, as they disperse the flavors more evenly throughout the water. If possible, look for an infuser with a basket shape that fills up your entire mug. Does this mean tea balls are too small be effective? Nope! Even small tea balls produce a better result than most tea bags , since bagged tea is all too often filled with low-quality dust, fannings, and broken leaves. Those looking for a teapot with a built-in infuser can follow the same rule of thumb: a larger infuser likely means more flavor. Of course, the best way to brew tea would be for the leaves to swirl around freely and then be strained after steeping, but that is a messier and more time-consuming process than using an infuser.

When searching for tea infusers you will quickly see that they come in a number of different styles. Each one has its own pros and cons. This topic is covered in greater detail below, but here is a quick breakdown. Tea balls are the most common style. They are usually crafted from mesh stainless steel and attached to either a chain or handle for easier usage. Another popular style is the filter basket, a larger option that can be made for either a single cup or a full teapot. Other styles include: tea sticks, portable infusers, novelty infusers, and more.

Ease of Use

One reason tea drinkers may hesitate to switch to infusers is that tea bags are so convenient. No one wants to spend extra time brewing and cleaning up afterward, especially if they drink several cups a day. However, there are actually many tea infusers that are extremely easy to use and dishwasher safe. To get a sense of an item’s ease of use, see how it opens, closes, and seals shut. As a quick tip, infusers with silicone parts are often more rigorous to put together than simple tea balls and filter baskets.

Leaf Retenion

Along with the actual size of a tea infuser, it’s also worth paying attention to the size of an infuser’s holes. Some loose leaf teas are fine enough to slip through larger holes, clogging up each sip and rendering the infuser entirely useless. For those who prefer a specific kind of tea, think about whether the pieces are on the larger side or finer side and it will be easier to select the right infuser for you. Oolong, black, and green teas tend to contain larger leaves, while red and herbal teas often have smaller bits. As far as infusers go, tea balls generally have smaller mesh holes, while infuser eggs and silicone infusers have larger ones.

Types of Tea Infusers

Tea balls are the most common type of infuser, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they brew the most flavorful tea. Many are very small and may not diffuse as thoroughly as a basket infuser, for instance, so keep that in mind when searching. Tea balls are usually made from mesh stainless steel and open in half via a clasp. They are often attached to chains or handles (the latter are sometimes called “tea pincers”) to make them easier to use. Infuser eggs, an ovular and slightly larger alternative, can also be sorted into this category.

Infuser Basket

Whether they are meant for a single cup or a full teapot, infuser baskets are a simple and efficient brewing method. Look for ones that take up as much space as possible, as this will allow the tea to diffuse evenly throughout the water. Most have handles or arms that help them rest on top of your mug, while others fully submerge into the water. Another small difference to pay attention to is if it has a lid that also functions as a drip tray, as this is an especially handy feature. Expect infuser baskets to be more expensive than tea balls but still extremely affordable.

Portable Infuser

Many travel mugs today come with infusers for delicious tea on the go. The infusers themselves are typically basket style, but they are specially designed for the mug’s dimensions. The brewing process, which can be done for both hot and iced tea, is no different than standard models: simply fill the infuser, pour the water, and steep for the tea’s ideal length of time.

Compact and elegant, tea sticks are an excellent option for those interested in a sleeker aesthetic. They are not always the easiest to fill, since they are so slim, but are just as affordable as other types of infusers. The slim design can also make them less powerful than large infusers, so be sure to stir the stick around in your mug for a more thorough diffusion.

Maintenance

Perhaps the best part about buying an infuser, aside from getting tasty tea, is how easy they are to use and clean. Now, the exact instructions depend on the type of infuser, but the basic steps are this: first, fill the infuser with 1 teaspoon of tea for every 6 to 8 ounces of water; second, put the infuser into your cup or teapot (some require the water to be poured before the infuser is in place, some after); finally, let the tea steep for the recommended time and then remove the infuser before drinking. That’s it. Quick, easy, delicious. The recommended water temperature and steep time are based on the type of tea you use, not the infuser. Lighter varieties, like green tea and white tea, are best brewed with lower temperatures and less time, while black, herbal, and rooibos require hotter water and more steeping time.

Once finished with your tea, dump the leftover leaves into the trash or compost (unless you plan on reusing them) and rinse the infuser with water. If smaller tea bits cling to the infuser, remove them with an appropriate brush and some dish soap. Many tea infusers are dishwasher safe, which makes the process even easier, so check for this before purchasing. Don't worry if your infuser stains over time. This is completely normal. However, there are several ways to remove stains and slow down the staining process for those who are interested, from cleaning with vinegar, alcohol, or baking soda and even holding stainless steel infusers over gas flames to burn off residue. 

Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle

The Spruce Eats / Fred Hardy

Any kettle gets the job done when making tea, but the Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle comes with added benefits. It has five temperature settings, four of which suit different tea varieties while the other is designed for coffee. The gooseneck spout makes pouring smoother and more precise–something that comes in handy when using a small tea infuser. It's pricier than most stovetop kettles but typical for an electric one. We found that water boils in four to five minutes.

Contigo West Loop Insulated Travel Mug

The Spruce Eats / Tamara Staples

It's nice to have a travel mug to take your tea on the go, whether you're commuting or running errands. One of the best travel mugs we've tested is the Contigo West Loop . We confirmed that it's leakproof and keeps drinks warm for over seven hours. It's also available in various sizes and colors, so you can personalize it to fit your preferences.

Are infusers different from strainers?

Yes, tea infusers and tea strainers are different tools with different purposes. Tea infusers are a brewing device that is used from start to finish while making a cup of tea. Strainers, on the other hand, come into play after tea is finished brewing. Their sole purpose is to separate tea leaves from the tea, typically accomplished by pouring a teapot over the strainer and into either a mug or another teapot. Many brands and websites use the terms interchangeably even though infusers and strainers are different.

How much tea do I use when brewing?

This question pops up often with tea infusers, especially when people switch over from tea bags. While specific measurements vary depending on the type of tea used, the general rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of loose tea for every 6 to 8 ounces of water. Adding more tea will lead to a stronger flavor, as will steeping for a longer amount of time. Too much of an extreme for either will lead to an overly bitter cup of tea, however, so keep that in mind when brewing.

According to Shunan Teng , the founder and CEO of Tea Drunk, one tip for making better tea at home is to use hotter water for high-quality tea and lower-temperature water for subpar tea. "Hotter temperatures bring out the flavors in better tea," she says, "and lower temperatures dilute the flaws in lower-quality tea. With bad tea, the bitterness and astringency would come out with higher temperatures."

Can an infuser be used for other drinks?

For the most part, no. A tea infuser isn't much help for making a drink besides tea or iced tea. In a pinch, some infusers can be used as a cocktail strainer , but it would probably be messier and more difficult than convenient. Tea infusers don't work very well for brewing coffee either. Though basket-shaped infusers may look like pour-over coffee makers , the mesh is often too large to retain coffee grounds and the rate at which water would flow through the infuser would lead to some bad-tasting joe. If you purchase an infuser, it will likely just be used to make tea.

How many times can a tea infuser be reused?

Tea infusers can be used an unlimited number of times, which makes loose-leaf tea more sustainable than paper tea bags. General wear and tear can shorten the lifespan of a tea infuser, especially if it's on the cheaper side, but there's no set number of steeps you can get out of it. An infuser should work anytime unless damaged.

This piece was written by  Derek Rose , the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. For this piece, he tested every tea infuser on the list firsthand and wrote reviews about what he liked and disliked about each one. He also researched the differences between tea varietals and methods for brewing loose-leaf tea. Derek received an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a BA in Communications from Marist College.

Shunan Teng is the founder and CEO of Tea Drunk and an avid tea educator. Tea Drunk was founded in 2013 and has a brick-and-mortar tea house in New York City. Its teaware and Chinese teas can be purchased online.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer. She's an expert on all things home, including kitchen appliances, grills, and other cooking gadgets.

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Our Favorite Mugs

By Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a writer covering all things bedding. She has also reported on towels, rugs, and chicken coops (with help from her 20 backyard pets).

Mugs live in our cupboards year-round. But as the weather turns crisp and chilly, and hot chocolate and cozy drinks beckon, they become essential staples.

From classic diner styles to beautiful glass vessels to handmade stoneware cups, these are the mugs that elevate our morning cuppa into an experience.

If you prefer matching mugs and plates, you can peruse the mugs in our guide to the best dinnerware sets . We also have more practical guides to the best heated mugs , travel mugs , and tumblers .

Everyday favorites

Kinto Unitea Cup - 15 oz

A delicate glass mug, buying options.

In seventh grade I decided my entire personality would be based on drinking tea out of oversize, clear glass mugs. (I must’ve seen this in a movie or something.) For weeks I begged my mom to drive me around hunting for one, and then we finally found some at Pier 1 Imports. Thirty years later I still love a big glass mug, but now it’s one of these delicate beauties from the Japanese brand Kinto. They’re thin, stunning, simple, and affordable enough to replace if they break (trust me, glass mugs break often). They’re also available in a 12-ounce and 17-ounce size, and Kinto’s shipping was lightning-quick. One version even comes with a matching glass strainer , for a true tea-lover nirvana.

IKEA Dinera Mug - 10 oz

A modern diner mug.

Everything about IKEA’s Dinera mug works for us—the Scandinavian take on a diner mug (more on those below), the bargain price, and the muted color choices. We even have them in our Wirecutter kitchen. Michael Hession, Wirecutter’s head of photography and video, also loves them. “I am very picky about my mugs,” he said. After lengthy searches for the perfect mug, he found the Dinera while browsing at IKEA. “It has beautiful proportions, looks modern without making a fuss about it, [and] it’s the perfect size for me, at 10 ounces.” And since they’re so inexpensive, if you break one, it’s not a big deal.

Heath Ceramics Stack Mug

A refined stoneware mug.

The Heath Ceramics Stack Mug is part of Heath Ceramics’ classic Rim Line , which we recommend in our dinnerware guide . The 8-ounce Stack Mug isn’t huge, but we think it holds just the right amount of liquid, keeping your coffee warm until the last sip. Made by a small team in Sausalito, California, this handcrafted stoneware has an unglazed rim and base, which adds to its earthy yet refined look. One tester in our dinnerware testing panel said, “Each piece feels like an object of art.” Nearly all of our testers gushed over the colors and both the matte and shiny glazes of the Rim Line. Of the various Heath pieces that we’ve in the Wirecutter test kitchen since 2019, none of them have chipped or broken. Heath also offers a one-year warranty on its dinnerware if you find any defects.

Classic diner mugs

Highwave Cafe Classic Mug

A classic diner mug.

First made by the company Victor to survive rough seas on U.S. Navy ships during World War II, the original classic diner mugs are pretty indestructible. Diner mugs have evolved over time, from new companies and with new designs. Yet the basics we love are the same—a weighty mug that holds 8 to 12 ounces of liquid and is made with thick ceramic (originally porcelain) to help insulate drinks. If you like the feel of a heavy, sturdy diner mug, we love the stoneware Highwave Classic Cafe Mug. It weighs a little over 19 ounces when empty and holds 10 ounces of liquid, and it’s a slightly updated version of the diner classic. My Highwave has survived several drops onto my kitchen floor, with just a loud, ringing thud. It’s the last mug in my cabinet I’m worried about breaking. I tend to nurse my hot drinks all day, long after they’ve gone cold, and this one keeps liquids hot for a surprisingly long time.

Bubby’s Pie for Breakfast Doodle Mug

What’s more fun than a diner mug from a pie shop? Bubby’s in New York City offers three designs from doodles sketched by owner Ron Silver, but the Pie for Breakfast mug is our favorite. We also can’t get enough of the bowl-shaped coffee mug from Junior’s in New York (even though it doesn’t have the classic diner-mug shape). This one is making us crave the diner’s famous cheesecake and a cup of joe.

Vintage Victor Diner Mug

A vintage diner mug.

“I’m a fan of the super-heavy vintage diner mugs you can find on eBay,” said senior staff writer Tim Heffernan. (Members of our home team here at Wirecutter are also fans.) Victor , Shenango , Ventura , and Rego are the most common makers. And if you prefer vintage mugs, it’s not too hard to find sets, mostly in brown or off-white. “My Venturas weigh 19.5 ounces empty and 26.5 when as full as you’d ever dare,” Tim said. Why does he love them? “Because on cold mornings, if you fill them with boiling water for a few minutes before dumping it and adding your beverage, they absorb the heat and keep the beverage—and your hands—warm for a good hour,” he said. “Also you can drop them onto hard tile and they won’t break.”

Collectible mugs to give as gifts (or to keep for yourself)

Emma Bridgewater Flowers Snowdrop 1/2 Pint Mug

A mug for every occasion.

In the midst of the pandemic, when supervising editor Daniela Gorny and I both discovered The Great Pottery Throw Down on HBO Max, we fell in love with Emma Bridgewater’s pottery . Many of the mugs (and bowls, plates, jugs, and other assorted lovely things) are limited-edition models, so you have to get them when you can. The half-pint mug is great for morning coffee, but the company also has larger cocoa mugs . My daughter also has a small personalized mug , perfectly sized for kids, and it has become her favorite for hot chocolate. The pottery is easy to mix and match for a casual, English-cottage-style collection in your cupboards.

Vietri Maccarello Mug

A large, hand-painted mug.

May be out of stock

Vietri was founded in the 1980s by an American family inspired by a trip to Italy. The company is woman-owned, the pieces are still made by Italian artisans, and they’re absolutely delightful. “I treated myself to the Maccarello Mug ,” said editor Gabriella Gershenson. “It’s big and beautiful. The painted mackerel pattern is soothing to look at, and the glaze has a nice, slick finish.” (Supervising editor Daniela Gorny also owns this one.) The generous, 14-ounce mug is big and cozy enough to cradle between both hands. “My only complaint is that the fish are painted on just one side, so I have to angle the mug in a certain direction to enjoy them,” Gabriella added.

Le Creuset Mug

A forever classic.

Le Creuset may be known for its enamel-coated cast-iron Dutch ovens (and I love mine deeply). Yet the surprise star of my Le Creuset life is this stoneware mug . Even after years of use, the ones I own still don’t have a scratch on them. (I also have a set of the company’s ramekins , made from the same stoneware, which someone gave me in 2007; they have been an indestructible presence ever since, retaining heat perfectly when melting butter or warming up pancake syrup.) These mugs come in more than a dozen colors, and at a hefty 14 ounces, they are large yet really nice to hold. I can see myself collecting the full rainbow over time or giving one as a bright, happy gift to friends, my daughter’s teachers, or even in a gift swap here at work.

Taylor & Ng Elephants - Blue Daytime Animates Mug

A whimsical doodle.

“When I was a little kid, I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house, and I never understood why my grandma would laugh when I requested to drink from these mugs,” said home/decor staff writer Dorie Chevlen. “Years later I took a closer look and finally got it.” She said her grandmother bought the mugs when she started a job as a sex educator. “No small feat for a mother of three kids in the 1960s!” Dorie said. She and her sister bought a set identical to their grandmother’s when they moved into an apartment together in New York. The mugs are still made by the same company. “Just like her, we delight in offering cups of coffee to guests in these slyly sexual vessels, awaiting their delighted—or horrified—responses.”

Franca Finca Mug - Tatas Pattern

A cheeky mug.

At first glance, these matte-finish mugs by Jazmin de la Guardia and Sierra Yip-Bannicq appear to have a simple abstract design. But keep looking, and suddenly it’s clear—tatas everywhere. The cups are handcrafted and hand painted at design studio and ceramics store Franca in Brooklyn, New York. The white porcelain mugs have a matte exterior finish and glossy interior. Franca also makes a similar penis mug if you want to mix-and-match the cheeky designs.

District of Clothing Cup of Ambition

A motivational mug.

This Cup of Ambition vessel—inspired by icon and national treasure Dolly Parton’s song “9 to 5”—is the cup I reach for when I’m tackling a giant to-do list, when I’m on a tough deadline, or when I just need a reminder that I’ve got this. District of Clothing —founded by Dionna Dorsey, the creator of the Trust Black Women T-shirt —also makes several other mugs with empowering messages to choose from.

Handmade, one-of-a-kind mugs

Mt. Washington Pottery Facet Carved Mug

A sculptural mug.

The Column Carved Mug from Mt. Washington Pottery is a favorite with supervising editor Daniela Gorny. “I got a pair of these as a housewarming gift, and they’ve become some of my favorite mugs,” she said. The size and shape of the handle works with how she drinks coffee. “I usually just grab the mug like a cup instead of from the handle, and the small loop is perfect for a couple of fingers to wedge through.” Even though these mugs are dishwasher-safe, Daniela hand-washes them. And that’s probably a good rule of thumb for most handmade mugs, if you want them to last for years and years. You can usually check the site to see if there are any mugs for sale; the shop also sells its mugs through various stockists and at local craft fairs, if you’re in the Los Angeles area.

Gray Lane Ceramics In Nature Mugs

An earthy and modern mug.

Canadian potter Erin Seeley’s tree mugs are the favorite handmade mugs in my house right now. I bought a pair of them in fall 2021, during one of her very popular shop updates. Her online shop usually appears “closed,” which just means you have to wait until the next update to buy anything; she suggests following on Instagram or signing up for email updates. The mugs are understated and earthy, they hold a generous, 16-ounce cup of coffee, and they fit in perfectly in our woodsy farmhouse. Shipping is not cheap, but if you’re starting a collection and want something modern and special that works for everyday use, set your alarm for her next update.

Sublime Pottery Mugs

A unique glazed mug.

I recently bought a stein-sized mug from Sublime Pottery (mine holds 27 ounces, but each mug is slightly different), and I cannot stop looking at it. The color and details in the glossy, rainbow-hued surface are so pretty that I can’t decide whether to drink tea from it or display it on a shelf. The company releases new items every few weeks, and they sell out fast—so fast, in fact, that the website has an entire page of instructions for how to navigate restocks. These mugs are a splurge, especially for the larger sizes, but the glazes are too gorgeous to pass up.

This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.

Mentioned above

• We tested 50 dinnerware sets in a wide range of designs and prices. We found 11 favorites to suit any lifestyle and budget. The Best Dinnerware Sets  
• If you rarely get to enjoy your coffee or tea before it gets cold, we can relate. Here are a few great ways to make sure every sip is a warm one. The 3 Mug Warmers We Love for Keeping Our Coffee (and Tea) Hot  
• After testing travel mugs for over 10 years, we’re still confident that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the best mug to keep drinks hot for hours. The Best Travel Mug  
• The affordable, leak-resistant Simple Modern Classic Tumbler keeps drinks cold (or warm) for hours, and it comes with both a straw lid and a flip-top lid. The Best Tumbler  
• Our top pick Dutch oven has remained the same since 2015 for its ability to braise, sear, and bake as well as more expensive pots. The Best Dutch Oven  

Further reading

Wirecutter’s Best Picks for Coffee and Tea Lovers

by Wirecutter Staff

Give your caffeine routine a jolt with these Wirecutter-recommended electric kettles, coffee makers, tea steepers, mug warmers, and more.

The Best Coffee Makers

We think the easiest way to make good coffee is with the Bonavita Enthusiast 8-Cup Coffee Brewer . We also have picks for a budget option, an espresso machine, and more.

Why the OXO 9-Cup Has Been Our Favorite Coffee Maker Since 2016

by Nick Guy

The OXO Brew coffee maker delivers coffee that tastes like the result of an intricate, precise process. Yet it actually requires only the push of a button.

I Love Coffee, but I Gave It Up for MudWtr. Don’t Make My Mistake.

by Ben Keough

Wirecutter’s resident coffee nerd grudgingly set it aside for a week to try MudWtr, a mix of tea, cacao, spices, and powdered mushrooms. Here’s what he found.

17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

Commute with your coffee under control.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

For many of us, coffee is a constant companion — and that means you'll want a trusty travel mug as you head out the door. Whether you prefer a piping hot cup from your drip coffee maker or single-serve coffeemaker , a refill at Starbucks or a dose of joe from your cold brew coffee maker , your travel coffee mug should handle it all without leaking. Fortunately, there's tons of options out there, including stainless steel coffee thermoses to keep your beverages cool and ones with straws for easy sipping.

Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested 45 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of use and more. In our most recent tests, we called in samples of the latest travel mugs and used them both in the office and on our commutes to see how well they held up. We noted how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel coffee mugs based on picks that performed well during testing or come from brands that we trust.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Coffee Mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce stainless steel mug.

Best Value Travel Coffee Mug

Juro stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler.

Best No-Spill Travel Coffee Mug

Stanley classic trigger action travel mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug for Espresso Drinks

Avana sedona stainless steel thermal tumbler.

Easiest to Clean Leak-Resistant Travel Coffee Mug

Oxo good grips 16-oz travel coffee mug with leakproof simplyclean lid.

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Carrying Strap

Hydro flask flex sip lid coffee flask.

Best Self-Heating Travel Coffee Mug

Smrtmugg heated coffee mug.

Best Wide-Mouthed Travel Coffee Mug

S'well stainless steel traveler.

Best Locking-Lid Travel Coffee Mug

Contigo luxe autoseal vacuum-insulated mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Handle

Yeti rambler mug with lid.

Read on for more information on our testing process as well as for tips on what to look for when shopping for a travel coffee mug. For more ideas on what to fill your cup with, check out these coffee recipes to make at home .

Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It will keep hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes for that extra chill.

Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version.

This stainless steel mug is a great affordable option, especially considering its large 20-ounce size. What's more, it claims to retain the temperature of your coffee for up to six hours. Online reviewers like that it fits easily into car holders and won't sweat when filled with ice. The tumbler includes two lids: The featured slider lid as well as a flip-style lid , so you can choose which you prefer for the beverage you're drinking. It also comes with a reusable straw and a straw cleaner, though we found the straw was short and inconvenient to use.

Stanley has been in the thermal carafe game since 1913. This travel coffee mug delivers the company's insulated design and also includes a push-button "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless pushed. We liked that it means the spout stays closed when you're not hands-on . Our pros did note that it requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button while sipping. This mug is available in several colors (even camo!) and in a 20-ounce size.

This 10-ounce travel mug from Avana is perfectly sized for espresso-based drinks, but it's also available in 20-ounce and 30-ounce versions. Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes that the simple two-piece design is easy to clean because the lid is just one solid piece, unlike many other lids. This is particularly helpful if you like coffee drinks with foam, like latte beverages , that can gunk up lids over time. The contoured mouthpiece makes sipping easy, but it doesn't seal closed, so watch out for leaks. The double-walled insulated construction keeps drinks hot or cold and helps prevent condensation from collecting on the outside.

We love when kitchen gear comes apart for a thorough cleaning, but would rather skip the guesswork that can follow when it's time to reassemble. The OXO travel coffee mug with SimplyClean lid solves this pain point: The four-piece lid is color-coded, numbered and etched with assembly instructions . It's easy to take apart and clean by hand (or in the dishwasher), and simple to put back together for your next cup. Never mind, it's also comfortable to hold. The mug comes in four other colors as well as a 20-ounce size.

Hydro Flask has a huge following when it comes to water bottles — in fact, we named the brand our best stainless steel water bottle — and we're fans of its coffee mugs (called coffee flasks), too . GH Lab tests found that its stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body kept drinks hot and cold for hours, and it was quite leakproof. Hydro Flask also offers a separate wide-mouth lid , which can be handy for cold beverages. (The included lid twists to open and close.) But, be careful drinking hot beverages with a wide mouth as it can spill easily. It's available in a range of colors as well as 16- and 20-ounce sizes , and the little handle helps make it easier to transport.

This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour battery life — kept coffee hot (above the target temp of 135˚F) for the full four hours of our Lab tests . Once you get the hang of the controls at the bottom of the mug, the clear digital readout is helpful in setting the temperature and turning off the mug. This travel mug also aced our leak tests. Our tester noted that while the push-button lid is easy to use, the edge of the button can bump your lip while drinking.

This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, our pros appreciate that i ts large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes , which makes it a great choice for frequent iced coffee drinkers. We have also found other S'well products to be good at maintaining temperatures. It seals shut and is leakproof; plus, it will keep your drinks cold (or hot!) all day. The S'well comes in a ton of color options as well as 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes.

This coffee mug from Contigo is super comfortable in your hands, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go . It's also completely dishwasher-safe, even the lid. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.

This popular Yeti mug looks just like a traditional coffee mug, but it's designed to keep your drinks hot or cold and comes with a lid to prevent unnecessary spills. The sturdy and comfortable handle is large enough for even wide hands. It's available in a dozen different colors as well as sizes from 10- to 30 ounces. Another bonus is that when you buy from the Yeti site, you can customize your product with a short text, a monogram or a logo. Our tester found that the lid slides open easily but noted that it's not leakproof. The brand has also introduced the Rambler Stronghold lid , which screws on (rather than presses in), which we're actively testing in the Lab.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

This little cylinder makes a statement, with testers loving how compact it was. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. The screw top reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice . It comes in seven additional colors as well as a smaller, 12-ounce size.

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Papantoniou likes that the inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean porcelain, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time that can negatively impart flavors . She also noted that it keeps coffee "nice and hot right off the bat." It includes a simple shape and a silicone sleeve for a comfortable non-slip grip. It comes in several colors and a couple of terrazzo prints . It's also available in a 16-ounce size.

Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Starbucks fans will appreciate that they can purchase this mug online rather than solely in the stores. The ceramic mug is easy to use — the lid just pops into place and is surrounded by a rubber seal to help keep it (and the coffee) in place — and easy to clean . "It keeps coffee warm like a standard ceramic mug would, and the lid helps to keep things a little warmer for longer," our tester says. "I like that it's not scalding hot like in a metal mug, so I can enjoy my coffee without burning my mouth." The 12-oz size is perfect for refills of Starbucks tall drinks.

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Stojo's collapsible coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics. The brand impressed our pros with its other collapsible offerings — the Collapsible Bowl won a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award . Similarly, this travel cup is well designed: The cup includes a heat sleeve that provides a structured grip for the squishy silicone cup, and the 16-ounce size includes a straw (which is great for iced coffee or if you prefer to bring your own cup to fountain machines). The collapsed cup is just two inches in size. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, with 8-ounce , 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes.

MiiR Flip Traveler

With a 4.8-rating on Amazon, this stainless steel thermos comes in a slim design and an easy-to-open lid. Though we have not tested this pick in the Lab, we like its focus on giving back: T he bottom of each travel mug is printed with a "Give Code" that you can enter at Mirr's website for details on the brand's corporate giving , which is funded through every purchase. The Flip Traveler is available in several colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes .

JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

This glass bodied Joco mug has a colorful silicone lid and a matching thermal sleeve. It's microwave (and dishwasher!) safe, which makes it a great option if you like to reheat your coffee throughout the day. Since the glass is clear, it's easy to see how much coffee you have left — and hit your preferred shade when you add your creamer. Take note that the lid does not seal shut, so while it might be handy for car commuting, this isn't one that's great for tossing in your bag.

Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker

For iced coffee fiends, this mug is for you. Get your cuppa in flash: Simply store the inner core of the mug in the freezer, then slip the frozen cup into the protective plastic sleeve and pour in hot coffee. Our tester found that the travel mug will chill your coffee rapidly without watering it down with ice cubes. (The brand actually uses the same concept for its ice cream maker .) Slide in the lid with the provided straw, and you're ready for undiluted iced coffee — though you can add ice if you prefer. One caveat is that the freezable core holds only 11 ounces, which some might find too small.

How we test travel coffee mugs

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test travel coffee mugs, they use thermocouples to track the temperature of the liquid inside the mug over time. Many of the mugs on this list were tested at home over months (even over commutes) to assess their durability, ease of use and temperature retention.

Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability, cleanability and comfort of both holding and drinking. They test whether the mug is easy to open and close, and they drop each mug to assess its durability. To test for leaking, our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.

How to find the best travel coffee mug for you

✔️ Material : Many travel coffee mugs are stainless steel, though our list also includes porcelain, glass and silicone options. Double-walled construction is common with stainless steel mugs, and that can help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Other materials may not be insulated. If you opt for a glass mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped. Porcelain mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. Silicone is a great lightweight option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve.

✔️ Lid : Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug , which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.

✔️ Washability : Check to see if the mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Sarah Wharton is the Senior Editor and Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several of the newest additions to this list as well as led the recent test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte .

Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all testing of kitchen gear, including products like coffee grinders , coffee makers , espresso machines and Nespresso machines . She has tested almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment in her daily travel mug use. She is also the lead judge in the Good Housekeeping Institute's forthcoming Coffee Awards .

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

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The Best Travel Coffee Mugs, According to Our Tests

We tested more than 25 top-rated picks to find the best spill-proof, stylish, and durable mugs.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

How We Tested Travel Coffee Mugs

Our favorite travel coffee mug, factors to consider, other travel coffee mugs we tested, our expertise.

Food & Wine / Will Dickey

There’s nothing like sipping a freshly brewed coffee from your favorite espresso machine or cold brew coffee maker first thing in the morning — if you have the luxury to savor that cup before your day gets busy. For those of us with little to no time to spare, a travel coffee mug is essential. You may not be able to drink your coffee while relaxing in your favorite local coffee shop, but you will have super-hot or ice-cold coffee to fuel your day.

The problem is finding the best travel coffee mug that keeps the flavor of your go-to coffee intact without any metallic aftertaste. Paper and plastic cups don’t come close to the efficiency, sustainability, and temperature control a durable travel coffee mug offers. We tested more than 25 travel coffee mugs, paying close attention to insulation, design, and size. We also spoke to some die-hard coffee drinkers to get their expert opinions on the best travel coffee mugs, from ceramic mugs to stainless steel tumblers. Read on to discover our editor-tested and approved picks.

Best Overall

Yeti rambler 20 oz tumbler.

At 20 ounces, it’s large enough to hold enough coffee or other beverages to last all day long, with tough insulation to keep the temperature just right.

Be careful: the MagSlider lid isn’t leakproof.

Durability, size, and next-level insulation characterize the Yeti Rambler Tumbler. It can handle all environments, from your office to your car, pool chair, or camping tent. Made from kitchen-grade, rust-resistant stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, your beverage will remain at the exact temperature you desire (whether hot or cold) for hours. 

The Rambler can take a tumble with its hardy construction, and the exterior won’t chip or fade from years of use. However, during an upside-down leak test, we noted that the mug dripped a bit, so they wouldn’t leave it loose in a bag. The magnet on the MagSlider Lid adds an extra layer of protection to keep heat or cold from escaping. 

During testing, we also noted the Rambler’s long-lasting cool insulation, staying under 40°F for about 10 hours. It won’t sweat either, and if you spend a decent amount of time in the car, you can rest easy knowing it fits in most cup holders. Once you’re done for the day, you can throw it in the dishwasher to be ready for tomorrow.

Volume: 20 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Will Dickey

Ello Campy Travel Mug

This mug is a great size, features a stylish design, offers stellar hot and cold insulation, and is truly leakproof — all for under $20.

While the lid is dishwasher-safe, the body should be hand-washed. 

Some of the coolest travel tumblers around, Ello products have great heat retention to keep things piping hot for hours. We especially love the Campy Stainless Steel Mug, which is great for traveling because it didn't leak a single drop during testing. It also performed very well for cold insulation, with under-40° temperatures that lasted for more than 10 hours. 

Pair those marks with the mug’s stylish design and comfortable cork handle, and you’ve got a perfect formula for an all-around great mug. Hikes, commutes, working from home or at the office, picnics — we can't envision a scenario where this mug wouldn't be useful. And under $20, it can't be beaten for value.

Volume: 18 ounces  | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe, body is not

Food & Wine / Fran Sales

Best Leakproof

Contigo autoseal west loop vacuum.

This mug kept drinks insulated for nearly two days, outperforming competing options. 

You might want to pass if you're only looking for a travel mug that's good for cold beverages.

Contigo's leak-proof mug is ideal for anyone who takes their beverages on the go, especially hot drinks. It fits in cup holders, it keeps drinks insulated for hours, and it's easy to use with just one hand if you're driving or holding something in the other. 

We loved this mug’s Autoseal feature, where the snap seal top pops open with the click of a button. It can even help you avoid spilling your drink. Functionally, it’s comfortable to hold, with a center groove that lends itself nicely to wrapping your hand around. The downside is there’s no handle or a texture to boost grip, though the color coating on the outside provides a light layer of non-slip.

Volume: 20 ounces | Lid type: Pop-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: Lid is dishwasher-safe, body is not

Food & Wine / Bailey Fink

Best Wide Travel Mug

Fellow carter everywhere mug.

This mug feels high-end and offers incredible insulation abilities, keeping drinks hot for hours.  

Since it doesn't fit in a cup holder, this is not a good option if you like to sip while you drive. 

For a reliable and secure travel mug with exceptional insulation abilities, we recommend the Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug. During our tests, we noted that the lid screwed on and off easily, creating a tight seal when shut — meaning no liquid was spilled when the mug was placed upside-down, on its side, or even shaken. 

Insulation-wise, this mug performed very well with both cold and hot liquids. For cold drinks, the ice didn't melt at all the following day. For hot drinks, the temperature dropped very slowly. Plus, the ceramic interior helped their drinks taste better and ensured the mug didn’t absorb residual odors after washing. Our only qualm was the overall size of this mug, as its wide base does not fit in standard car cupholders. If you're looking for a slimmer model, we highly recommend the Fellow Carter Move Mug , which comes in three sizes: 8, 12, and 16 ounces. We've tested the 12-ounce option and love it so much that bring it with us whenever we travel.

Volume: 16 ounces | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Food & Wine / Bridget Degnan

Best Splurge

Kinto day off tumbler.

It provides excellent hot and cold insulation, is leakproof, and seals incredibly well, thanks to its twist-on cap.

This mug is not dishwasher-safe.

This high-end travel mug looks as good as it functions. It aced our usability and leakproof tests: It has a screw-on cap that ensures every drop of liquid stays in the mug (although we noted that you need to make sure you screw on both pieces very well or else they will leak). The kinto's slim body is comfortable to hold. We enjoyed drinking from the circular opening of the mug, which allowed us to sip from any angle, though we noted that the flow was a bit fast.

The cap keeps the mouth area covered, so no need to worry about it coming into contact with germs as it rolls around inside your bag. Plus, it's versatile enough to use for either coffee or water, as it keeps both hot and cold drinks at your desired temperature for long periods. While this tumbler is on the pricier side, if you want an aesthetically pleasing travel mug that works, we say this one is worth it. The compact size, exceptional insulation, and smart, leakproof lid design make this an all-around standout.

Volume: 17 ounces  | Lid type: Twist-on, twist-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Best for Car Travel

Bubba envy insulated tumbler.

This is the ideal iced or hot drink container for the car. 

This mug is not leakproof.

If you’re looking for a reliable, extra-large travel mug, the Bubba Straw Envy Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler might be your best bet. The removable straw is nice for iced coffee, and the size is ideal for a car cup holder. The mug is spill-proof in that if you knock it over, the lid won't pop off — but the liquid will come out of the mug. While it's comfortable to hold, the lack of leak protection will certainly make a mess even if it's tipped, let alone knocked over or turned upside down. It should remain upright in your hand or a cup holder only. 

Despite that, this mug has incredible insulation and keeps liquid cold for nearly two days. The hot water remained hot for more than three hours and even kept warm until the following day, at 22 hours. We found the insulation abilities of this mug to be surprisingly unmatched, performing better than mugs twice or three times the price. We even poured an iced coffee to drive down to the beach one morning, and on the drive home, the remaining coffee was still ice-cold. Case in point: This is the ideal iced or hot drink container for the car.

Volume: 24 ounces | Lid type: Pop-off lid | Dishwasher-safe: No

Food & Wine / Megan Soll

Best Insulated

Hydro flask wide mouth flex sip lid bottle.

We gave this tumbler a perfect score across all four categories, including size, design, insulation, and value.

It’s difficult to open this mug with one hand. 

Another great name in insulated and no-sweating drinkware tech, the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler earned a perfect score. This large mug can carry hot or cold coffee or tea in any environment for extended periods — and looks good in the process. Made from stainless steel, it’s comfortable to hold, while the wide mouth facilitates easy access to add liquids and ice. On the go, the handle and exterior texture make it simple to grip. 

The lid can be sealed completely by twisting to prevent leakage, and it even has a red color marking inside to easily indicate if it’s fully closed. During testing, we noted that the lid’s super-tight seal never leaked, despite placing the mug upside-down and on its side. Given its sleek design and high performance, we recommend this mug for any type of liquid, hot or cold.

We tested 27 popular, top-rated travel coffee mugs via an initial 4-week testing period and through long-term testing to collect further insights from editors after months of continued use.

• For 4 weeks, we provided feedback on each travel coffee mug’s sealing capabilities, cold insulation performance, hot insulation performance, and ease of cleaning. In addition to its general design observations, we also paid close attention to insulation, size, and value.
• In our long-term testing, we paid attention to each mug's durability and ability to withstand daily bumps, scratches, and dishwashing cycles. We also observed any changes in each travel coffee mug's design, observing how well the thermos kept our coffee hot or cold or any changes in the effectiveness of the leak-proof or spill-proof seal over time.
• Overall, we evaluated each mug based on how often we reached for it in our daily lives and if we'd recommend it over others we've tested.

Thanks to its durability, size, and next-level insulation, the Yeti Rambler earned the top spot on our list of best travel coffee mugs. During testing, we found the Yeti to work great in virtually any environment, keeping our beverage at the exact desired temperature for up to 10 hours.

Travel coffee mugs are usually made of either metal or ceramic, with tight-fitting lids, and some can be vacuum insulated. Your choice of material should take into account how you intend to use the mug, how long you need your coffee to stay hot, and how you drink out of it.

Choosing the right size of travel mug is about more than just how much coffee you want it to contain. If you need it to fit in your car’s cup holder, for example, or slide easily into a bag or backpack for a train commute. In general, you want a travel mug that will be easy to transport and contain enough volume of coffee to keep you satiated.

Lids are either designed as “drink-thru” or have to be removed to access the contents. Drink-thru lids are easier to navigate on the go but are not as good at keeping heat from dissipating. If you need a mug just to get hot coffee from one place to another without needing to drink it en route, a sealed lid with no drink-thru access will work best for retaining heat. If you do need to sip on the go, look for a lid with an easy slide or flip access that still protects from spills, rather than one that has a permanent opening.

Leak-Proof vs. Spill-Proof

Leak-proof travel mugs are designed to not allow any liquid to release when properly closed and sealed. These are ideal for mugs that you might need to toss into a bag or backpack during your commute. Spill-proof mugs are designed to mitigate a mess when accidentally knocked over during use. Some companies may use the language interchangeably, but in general, Leak-Proof will usually be slightly more secure than just spill-proof.

Care and Cleaning

Many travel mugs are not dishwasher safe, especially some that are vacuum insulated. Be sure to check the packaging to determine the best way to care for them. Regardless, travel mugs should be at least rinsed out after each use, even between cups, to keep them fresh, and preferably fully cleaned once a day to prevent mold and mildew. Remember that even if your mug is dishwasher safe, the dishwasher won’t remove tough stains and strong odors. For that, you’ll want to use baking soda and water and give it more of a scrub.

Frequently Asked Questions

“This is a vessel with two layers (or walls), one inside and one outside,” says Jessica Easto, author of Craft Coffee: A Manual . “In between is a layer of space, which even air has been sucked out of (that's what a vacuum is). Heat moves very slowly through the air, and it moves even more slowly through this "vacuumed" space because there are very few molecules in that space. Since heat transfer happens so slowly, your coffee stays hotter for longer.”

This will depend on your travel mug, says Easto. “A vacuum-insulated travel mug can keep coffee hot for several hours. Different brands promise different times.” If you need your coffee just to get you through your commute, you may not need the top-of-the-line mugs, but if you want that coffee hot all day, investing in a good vacuum-insulated mug or bottle will be the way to go.

Up to a point, says Easto. “The best performers of any material will be vacuum insulated.” Having said that, ceramic is a good material for retaining heat, and lids help to prevent fast cooling, so if you only need your coffee to stay hot for a short amount of time, they work fine.

Use a stiff brush or rough-sided sponge to remove the oils left behind by coffee (and any dairy or oat milk you've added). Baking soda and vinegar are the best bet for neutralizing aromas; soap is often difficult to thoroughly rinse out, and you can get lingering unwanted aromas and flavors. Put a half cup of vinegar and a teaspoon of regular dish soap in the travel mug, fill the rest with hot water, let it soak for a few hours, and then rinse it out thoroughly.

For the lid and rubber gasket (if needed), take the gasket off, and wash it with regular dishwashing liquid on a soft sponge. You can use the same sponge to clean the lid. Finally, rinse the mug and let it air dry.

Strong Contenders

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug ($29 at Amazon)

Although the Zojirushi performed well in our leak tests and kept both hot and cold beverages at the right temperature, we didn't love the overall design of this travel coffee mug. Since this mug is narrow yet tall, we found it difficult to hand wash and dry.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler ($35 at Amazon)

We liked the vacuum insulation of the S'well Stainless Steel Traveler and noted that it formed a perfectly airtight seal to keep our beverages cold for up to 30 hours. However, we wish this travel coffee mug had a grippy exterior, a looped handle, or another more travel-friendly design feature, as it was slippery to grab and go.

THERMOS Travel Coffee Mug with Snap Flip Lid ($30 at Amazon)

We noted that this mug does not leak at all, even when knocked around on the countertop. Though it fits in standard car cupholders, the bulky handle of this thermos makes it awkward to easily grab and sip while driving, so we would have preferred not to have a handle at all.

MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler with Locking Flip Lid ($34 at Amazon)

We liked the overall design, insulation, and size of the MiiR Insulated Travel Tumbler. However, we found a design flaw with the locking flip lid, as we found it difficult to take a sip without splashing coffee especially while commuting.

RTIC Outdoors Travel Mug ($35 at RTIC)

This travel mug performed well in our leak and insulation tests, but we didn't love the somewhat bulky handle and we found it difficult to quickly unscrew the lid for cleaning or refilling.

What Didn’t Make the List

In our tests, a few travel coffee mugs did not meet our expectations in terms of design, performance, and insulation. Some models like the Klean Kanteen Wide Recycled Insulated Mug leaked and spilled during our tests. We were disappointed by the performance of the Ember Stainless Steel Temperature Control Travel Mug and found that the smart controls took some time to get used to, and even then were ultimately awkward to use.

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is an acclaimed food writer with nearly a decade of experience. She has written for Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, and more. For this piece, she used editor-tested insights and her research on top-rated travel coffee mugs.

Related Articles

12 Tips You Need To Brew The Perfect Cup Of Tea From Shop Owners

Is your cup of tea just, well, not your cup of tea? Although preparing tea can sound simple, there are a few brewing tips and tricks you need to know in order to steep the perfect cup. Tea can be delicate and a little finicky at times, so a typical brewing process follows a few important, basic steps to ensure each cup you brew will be at its very best.

As a former barista, I've worked with plenty of different teas. Although I've brewed many cups before, I'm no tea sommelier, so I wanted to ask for advice from someone who knows all the ins and outs of tea brewing. I spoke with Jeannie Liu, founder and owner of Seattle tea shop Miro Tea , to see what advice she's been brewing up. Having been a Seattle staple for over 15 years, Miro Tea never brews a bad cup, so you can trust Liu's advice when it comes to tea-making. Here's everything you need to know to brew the best cup of tea you'll ever drink. 

Opt for loose leaf teas over tea bags

A common dilemma of the store-bought brewer is whether to choose loose leaf teas or tea bags. For one, bags are generally a little more accessible and often cheaper than loose leaf. There are some benefits to using tea bags, something Liu can agree with: "If someone is just starting out their tea journey, and perhaps they are intimidated by the procedures of tea brewing, choosing [high-quality] pre-portioned tea bags may be a good starting point to develop the habit of drinking tea," she says.

But overall, loose leaf is the real way to go. "More often than not, it's often difficult to find high-grade and exceptional tasting teas in tea bags," says Liu. "From my experience with people, if they aren't enjoying the product, then they're less likely to continue drinking it. So for those reasons, I really recommend going straight to loose leaf tea so they can imprint how good tea is prepared and how it is supposed to taste from the beginning." If you're someone who has felt that tea just hasn't cut it for you in the past or you're ready to jump straight to experiencing the best flavor, you should dive right into a jar of loose leaf tea. Focus on starting with just one blend you truly love, and it'll be worth the extra cost upfront.

The difference between black, green, and white teas

In order to pick the perfect tea blend to brew, you'll need to understand the basics of black, green, and white teas. The main factors you'll want to keep in mind are flavor and caffeine level. In terms of caffeine, black tea usually has the most caffeine out of all teas, while green tea is often mildly caffeinated. White tea usually contains very little caffeine. This can vary depending on the type of tea you purchase.

White tea tends to be the gentlest of the teas, ideal for someone who enjoys sweeter and more delicate flavors. On the other end of the scale, black teas tend to be very strong and flavorful, sometimes ranging towards slightly more bitter or powerful. Green teas are right in the middle, and they're probably also the first thing you think of when you think of a cup of tea.

If you're still trying to figure out your favorite kind of tea, you can pick your ideal tea blend by starting with a type of tea that appeals to you or just by selecting a flavor you find interesting. Understanding the differences between white, green, and black tea can help you learn about tea flavor profiles (and keep an eye on your caffeine intake).

Use filtered water when possible

This can be a slightly debated subject when it comes to brewing tea because not everyone will need to filter their water for the perfect cup. Ideally, though, you'd use bottled or filtered water for each cup of tea you brew. There are so many different factors that can affect the way your cup of tea tastes; this means that, depending on how the tap water in your area is, your cup of tea might taste completely different based on your location.

Especially if you're in an area that has tap water that isn't completely neutral-tasting, you should opt to filter your water (maybe even twice) or purchase bottled water to use for your tea instead. It sounds like a lot of extra work, I know — but it's worth it for the perfect cup of tea. Tea isn't powerful in the same way coffee is, for example — it can't change the entire flavor profile of a cup of non-neutral water. If your tap water tastes even slightly off, you can guarantee that your tea will, too.

Try swapping out the tap water in your teapot for bottled or filtered water. You might notice a significant difference in the quality of your tea. If you're following all the right steps when it comes to brewing but still aren't enjoying your cup of tea, it could be the water itself that's to blame.

Don't steep your tea for too long

There's plenty of advice out there on tea-steeping that says if you want your tea stronger, brew it longer. That's true — you may notice that many tea blends come with instructions that have varied brewing times. Generally, these are the recommended lengths of time for a very light brew to a much stronger cup.

When you go over these times in hopes of making your drink even stronger, however, is where things can start to go sour — literally. Over-brewing your tea is the fastest way to make it bitter, which will not only destroy the original delicate flavor of the tea but will also mix badly with any additions you choose to make to your cup. If you've been desperately covering up the taste of your tea with spoonfuls of honey or wondering why people choose to drink tea when it's naturally bitter, well, that's not the true flavor of the tea you're tasting.

"Tea gets bitter because of over-extraction of its tannins, catechins, and caffeine," says Liu. For the uninitiated, tannin is a compound that is fairly bitter; catechin is an antioxidant compound; and caffeine (let's face it, you're probably familiar) is a stimulant. When released, these compounds can all taste rather bitter. That's four separate compounds and biomolecules affecting the flavor of your brew!

Heat your water to the right temperature

Have you been ... microwaving the water you're using for tea? Besides being a cardinal sin of tea brewing, doing this will genuinely affect the flavor of your cup. Teapots aren't just for the aesthetics — they're so you can perfect your brewing temperature and get the most flavor out of your tea.

If your water is too cold, your tea leaves won't be prompted to release flavor into your cup of water. Usually, this is the biggest issue if you are on team microwave; just because your water is steaming doesn't mean it's hot enough for tea. But overheating your tea isn't the way to go, either. Remember those tannins, catechins, and caffeine hiding in your cup of tea? Liu says that hot water temperatures can also cause these compounds to over-extract, making your tea bitter even when you've followed the recommended brew times.

The temperature at which you'll want to brew your tea can range nearly 100 degrees, depending on what type of tea you're working with. To ensure you're fully equipped to brew your tea properly, you'll need to read the instructions on the blend you're working with. For best results, I always recommend opting for a tea kettle with a built-in thermometer. You can also use a handheld thermometer to get the exact temperature of your water.

Choose the right size tea cup

At the risk of sounding like a tea snob, you'll want to find a nice cup before you pour. The main reason for this is so you can enjoy your tea without it being too hot or cooling off too quickly. This is true whether you're brewing your tea in a teapot first or steeping your tea in your cup.

Generally speaking, tea is best enjoyed in a teacup (shocker, I know). There are a few widely accepted reasons for this: The size of the cup allows your tea to cool to the perfect drinking temperature. Small teacups allow you to sip slowly and savor the flavor without risking your tea getting cold, and generally, where there are teacups there is also a teapot keeping the majority of the tea warm so you can pour small amounts of tea out at a time.

Depending on the kind of tea you're drinking, the cup you'll want to choose may vary slightly. Chinese tea ceremonies typically use very small teacups. Teatime in England will mostly see you using a standard teacup. Japanese teacups have no handles and can vary in volume based on the type of tea being brewed. Turkish tea is drunk in small glasses so you can admire the tea's pretty color. If you really want to go all out, match the kind of teacup you use to where your tea blend comes from.

Source the best brews from your local stores

So, you're finally ready to start brewing. Well, almost — unless you've managed to inherit a well-stocked cabinet full of quality teas, you'll still need to get your hands on a good tea blend . As with pretty much any drink, you can do everything right when it comes to brewing and still wind up with a bland cup of tea — if you're using a low-quality tea, that is.

Liu's best tip for sourcing quality teas is to head to your local tea shop. After all, what better way to go about finding your favorite blend than by talking to your own local tea expert? "They should be your guide in your personal tea journey and education," says Liu. "Because that's ultimately what it becomes once you decide to choose tea as your beverage of choice. There is so much to explore and learn about, you will need trusted, knowledgeable people at hand to help offer suggestions, answer questions, and help you develop your palate and tea preferences."

It's true — despite learning the basics of brewing, you may not have a good sense of your flavor preferences when it comes to quality teas. Speaking to an expert about the best type of tea for you is key. They'll be able to take into account your flavor preferences, desired caffeine level, brewing expertise, and so much more to help you find your perfect match.

White tea recommendation: Silver Needle

"White teas are a great option for people looking for a lighter tea," says Liu. "Silver Needles, similar to our Silver Needle Feng Qing, are full leaf buds that brew gently and release its flavor slowly, yielding a sweet nutty tea with wildflower honey notes." If you're just starting out brewing, want to completely avoid caffeine, or prefer lighter flavor profiles, Silver Needle is the way to go. The tin of loose leaf Silver Needle in my cabinet and I can very much attest to Liu's recommendation. It's a delicate flavor that's delicious on its own when properly brewed.

As for black and green teas, as a barista, I'll be honest: The tea drink I saw ordered most frequently was a London Fog (Earl Grey brewed in steamed milk with vanilla syrup). But most tea specialists would agree that this isn't a "real" tea; it's a tea latte. If you want to taste the true flavors of a specialty coffee blend, you're probably not going to add it to a milkshake. So, even if you're hoping to stick to a more classic green or black tea flavor, opting for a high-quality loose leaf blend will always give you the best results (and will make the tea delicious on its own).

Black tea recommendation: Darjeeling

I blame my years as a barista for the reason why I have an affinity for Earl Grey tea. But when you're considering the most highly-regarded black tea, I would say Darjeeling wins out over most other teas (although any definitive tea blend statement is always primed to start a hot debate).

For an introduction to black teas, it's pleasant because it's not quite as strong-tasting as other black teas while still providing a full-tasting flavor. It's lightly sweet and a little bit fruity, making it a more complex option for luxury black teas. A good-quality Darjeeling will usually be a little bit pricey, but certainly worth it. As with any high-quality tea, opting for loose leaf will be your best bet when it comes to Darjeeling. This way, you can control the exact amount you're putting in your cup (we're rationing here, people) and can dry the leaves out again for a second use whenever possible.

Should you be adding condiments to your tea?

The real question many tea lovers still struggle with is: Can you add condiments to your tea ? If you've been a long-time fan of milk with tea, sugar, lemon, or honey, maybe you're not ready to give that up just yet. But will tea connoisseurs scoff at you for adding tea condiments?

If you're working with low-quality teas, I always say: Go for it. At the end of the day, low-quality bagged tea is probably going to taste better with a few extra flavors — no offense. Also, if you're wondering whether or not it's okay to be a tea lover with an affinity for, say, tea lattes, that's an entirely different drink. Just be aware that it changes the drink fundamentally a little bit, and tea sommeliers probably wouldn't agree that you're drinking strictly tea.

The rest of the answer depends on the tea culture and type of tea you're drinking. In England, for example, you might find that people frequently add sugar and milk to their tea — it's not a crime to add condiments to your tea there. In India, it's probably more common to drink tea with milk than it is to drink it without. But if you're in China, you certainly wouldn't be adding anything to your tea — it's meant to be drunk on its own. So, depending on where you are (or where your tea came from) the answer might change.

Drink high-quality teas on their own

There's still one more thing to note about adding condiments to high-quality versus low-quality tea. If your tea is expensive, from a trusted local shop, or from a renowned brand, you should probably try it on its own first. Chances are, its creators didn't plan on you mixing a bunch of other flavors into the tea blend. Some teas can be extremely delicate, while others may have certain flavor notes that are covered up by condiments. Drinking tea plain is like getting to know a family recipe before putting your own spin on it; you want to be familiar with the flavor, what you like, and what (if anything) you want to add to it before diving right in with a spoonful of honey, milk, and lemon.

I always recommend trying tea on its own before opting for any outside additions; it's the best way to experience the tea's true flavor and learn more about your own palette preferences. Plus, how are you ever going to figure out whether you brewed your tea properly if you're too busy covering up its natural flavor?

Use different brewing methods for new flavors

There are plenty of popular brewing methods floating around out there that I wanted to get Liu's advice on. One unique brewing method that's been trending lately is the ice-brewing method, something Liu enjoys herself. "Brewing Japanese green teas in melting ice is always amazing, particularly for high-grade shaded greens like Gyokuros," she says. "But you can definitely try it with a nice kukicha or sencha. Simply add ice on top of the leaves in a container or pitcher and let the ice melt completely. Ideally, it should take at least 30 minutes for everything to melt and to brew the tea thoroughly." Often, ice-brewed teas will have a different flavor profile; they may be a little more mild, and the ice can also help remove bitterness.

That's not the only method Liu highlighted for me: "Another method is the decoction method," she added. "It's basically creating a concentration of tea by boiling it. This works particularly well for large-leaf white teas." Instead of carefully timing the steeping of your tea, you would boil hardier leaves (or other parts of the plant) in water. This is why Liu points out that large-leaf teas are ideal for this type of brewing method. 

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Exciting Russian Winter Activities

No comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Entertainment , Travel

More and more travelers from across the globe pack their bags and head to the world’s largest country for the winter holidays. Why might you ask? To get a piece of Russia’s one-of-a-kind overwhelming winter spirit!

There’s more to do in winter Russia than just eating pierogi and going shapka-ushanka shopping, so book Russian rail tickets ahead of time and use this handy list of entertaining Russian winter activities to make your trip even more unforgettable!

Ice-Skating on the Red Square

It’s no surprise that Moscow ‘s famous Red Square is on the top of the must-do list. What you probably didn’t know is that during the holiday season this central beauty is also home to the annual open-air ice-rink. Traditionally it is available from the end of November until the end of February and you can go skating from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It costs around 10 USD for 1-hour of skating, plus skates are available for rent.

Swish away to the beat of retro Soviet songs and holiday melodies in the surroundings of the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the illuminated GUM department store, the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and, of course, the attributes of the Winter Market.

Going Vodka Tasting

A great and fun way to deal with Russia’s chilly winter weather is to go Vodka tasting. No matter which city you choose for your winter getaway to Russia, many places will offer special menus or even tours to taste different types of this Russian national spirit drink.

In St. Petersburg , for instance, the popular Russian Vodka Room No. 1, as well as the Vodka Museum, offer to try high-quality vodka produced in different regions of the country. Certainly, you’ll be treated to traditional Russian snacks too. Bottoms up!

Traditional Troika Ride

A ride on the traditional Russian Troika sleigh with three horses is definitely a winter experience to remember! Enjoy the views of the Russian countryside as you dash as quick as the wind on an adorned three-horse carriage past the snowy landscape.

Such an activity is available in many places across Russia, such as in Central Moscow Hippodrome, St. Petersburg’s Pavlovskiy Park or several places on the outskirts of Ekaterinburg . The duration of the ride is from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your preferences.

Ice-Fishing on Lake Baikal

Those dreaming to see the world’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal, may be in for a surprise as this body of water freezes entirely during winter, making it an even more unusual place to visit. The phenomenally beautiful lake becomes covered with a meter-thick sheet of crystal clear ice and it is even possible to see through it underwater.

Depending on the temperature many enthusiasts even use the lake top as a freeway and ride on it on 4×4 jeeps, snowmobiles, and cars! For a more relaxed pastime, going sledding or winter ice-fishing are other popular winter leisure option on Baikal. The best way to travel to Siberia is doubtlessly on trains, so getting Russian train tickets ahead of time is advisable.

Chill Out in a Russian Banya

Visiting a traditional Russian banya bathhouse is both an interesting experience and a way to sit back and relax. Not only will you unwind and feel entertained, but you will surely get a better insight into Russian culture. The banya ritual goes centuries back and includes staying in a hot dry steam room with wooden benches and flapping one another with besoms made of natural birch tree branches and leaves.

After the procedure, the braver ones topple over a bucket of cold water on themselves or even dive into a pool of cool water (or into a nearby pile of snow)! This isn’t obligatory, of course, but is one bit of a comical sight to watch. There are many banyas in all towns across Russia so you can surely visit one during your trip.

Have a Russian Tea Party

Russian tea drinking traditions have long become a popular image of the country with the samovar kettle as the table’s centerpiece, sweets and ring-shaped cracknels. During your journey, you may take a break from sightseeing in a cafe and have some classic tea.

In Moscow, for instance, try going to Cafe Pushkin or the Lucien Restaurant for a pleasant experience. If you’re traveling to Kazan , try going to the Museum of Chak-Chak where you can taste the traditional Tatar sweets and have tea from a samovar too.

The best way to travel in Russia in winter is without a doubt on trains, which depart without delay even on very snowy winter days. To make the travel planning process easier, book your rail tickets on Russian train tickets and enjoy your jolly stay in Russia.

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