Best Travel Thermal Mug for Keeping Coffee & Tea Hot in 2022 | Comparison & Buyer’s Guide
A travel mug is not just a container holding liquid. First and foremost, it should be properly insulated, durable, and lightweight. Whether you are looking for the best travel mug for tea, iced coffee, or hot drinks, the first thing you should consider is what technology is used in the product. It should prevent leaks, keep your drinks hot for a long time, even in cold environments, and should be able to survive drops onto the floor.
Let's compare four trusted brands. Honestly, it is hard to say which of these travel mugs is the best. All of them have their advantages and are manufactured by trusted brands with a 100-year history in producing thermo-saving insulated products but differ mainly in style.
The Contigo brand is owned by Newell Company, an American worldwide producer of consumer products established as far back as 1903. Under the brand of Contigo, it makes travel mugs, water bottles, and kids bottles. Their products undergo thorough testing for quality, durability, and shock resistance.
The other manufacturer, Zojirushi, is a trustworthy Japanese brand. Founded in 1918, the company is well-known for its beverage dispensers, vacuum flasks, household and cooking appliances. Today, Zojirushi is one of the leading global producers in the field of temperature maintenance technologies. Its vacuum bottles have set the industry standard in insulation and are popular worldwide.
THERMOS® and Stanley® are another two world-famous trusted brands with a 100-year heritage. THERMOS® iconic stainless King Mug with a handle & classic military-style Stanley Twinlock Travel Mugs are good examples of leakproof & double-wall vacuum insulation technology embodied in different designs.
Best Travel Mugs Compared
Picking the right travel mug may be a stiff task. Below, we have rounded up the products that perfectly meet the core requirements: insulation, heat loss prevention, leak-proof design. The first one is the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug.
This well-insulated mug will keep your drinks cold or hot for up to six hours. Made from stainless steel, it has a SlickSteel finish inside, created by means of electro-polishing technology. As a result, the mug gets a smooth interior surface and is resistant to corrosion and stains.
The lid comes with a safety lock and fits tightly, ensuring proper heat retention. Thanks to its flip design, the lid opens easily with one hand. The mug is made with a wide mouth, so you can put full-size ice cubes there. You can drink directly from the mug, while the stopper is easily removed for cleaning. With a weight of just 9 ounces, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is compact and sleek. It is available in 8 colours, including lavender, champagne gold, emerald, cherry, and smoky blue.
Another option that we recommend is the Contigo Stainless Steel Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug. Like the Zojirushi mug, this one is insulated, stainless steel, and has a 16-ounce capacity. But it is more popular and has gained as many as 85,000 customer reviews. The mug has an awesome slim design and comes in 39 different styles to choose from. You may pick a fantastic twilight shell style, elegant white marble or restrained latte colour.
And yet, the design is not the main selling point of this product. The mug is highly efficient and will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. It uses autoseal technology to prevent leakage and spills as well as allows you to comfortably drink one-handed. With this mug, you do not need to worry about the unintended opening of the mug as it is equipped with a button lock. The product is also available in 20 and 24 ounces, with and without a handle.
Buyer’s Guide: Core Features
Now, let’s take a look at the most significant features of the best travel mug.
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Insulation. It is double-walled, vacuum-insulated mugs that retain heat best. This is because heat is transferred through conduction while a vacuum plays the role of a gap. In a vacuum, there is a small number of atoms to conduct heat, which is why a vacuum-insulated container remains hot for a longer time.
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Heat Loss Prevention. Even though your mug is well-insulated, heat can leak through the lid. For this reason, the lid size is an important factor to consider when buying your travel mug. We recommend choosing a mug with a narrower lid as it will lose heat slower. Wide-mouth mugs may be more convenient for some people but are not a good option in terms of heat retention.
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Leak-Proof Design. Nevertheless, the main function of the lid is to prevent leaks and spills. This is particularly essential for travelers who often put their mugs in a cup holder or a backpack while on the go. The most reliable mugs are the ones that seal automatically and require pressing the button to be opened. For instance, the leak-proof Contigo Travel Mug uses an autoseal technology and comes with a button lock.
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Material. The most common types of material used in travel mug production include stainless steel, plastic, glass, and ceramic. Out of these, stainless steel is the best option. It lasts longer than ceramic or glass and has better heat retention properties when compared to plastic. On top of that, stainless steel is better-suited for vacuum insulation. Some people dislike stainless steel containers because of their ability to retain unpleasant smells. To avoid this, go with a mug that features a non-stick interior coating. A good example is the
Zojirushi Mug that features a SlickSteel finish interior created with the use of electro-polishing technology.
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Convenience. For people like drivers and bikers, ease of use is of great importance. A good travel mug should be easy to operate with just one hand, including locking and unlocking the lid. The small weight is another advantage. Your travel mug should be functional yet free of unnecessary elements. For example, a vacuum-insulated mug may come without a handle as the latter only adds extra weight.
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Capacity. Typically, travel mugs have a capacity of 15 to 16 ounces, however, there are smaller and larger options as well. Which volume is right for you depends on both your preferences and how much you drink. Some people prefer wider mugs because they are more stable, while others go for slimmer options because they are more comfortable to hold.
The Most Popular Travel Mugs & Thermal Insulated Tumblers | Comparison Table
Customers' Choice
Contigo Byron Snapseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal mug, vacuum flask, leakproof tumbler, coffee mug with...
- SAFE and SEALED: The Snap Seal technology is designed for an easy, one-handed drinking experience; when you’re done sipping, simply snap the lid closed for leak-proof protection anywhere you go
- ICE COLD OR PIPING HOT: Thermalock double-wall vacuum insulation keeps temperatures locked in for hours; drinks stay hot up to 6 hours or cold up to 12 hours, on the go, in the office or outdoors
- DURABLE: High-quality travel mug, BPA-free plastic lid and vacuum insulated stainless steel body; the sweat proof design makes sure your liquids stay in the bottle, not on the outside
- EASY TO CLEAN: Dishwasher-safe lid hinges open completely for easy cleaning (one connected piece, no separate parts to take apart or misplace); hand wash vacuum flask body
- IDEAL FIT: The thermal mug provides easy and convenient one-handed drinking for both left- and right-handed users, and fits most car cup-holders: Size 8.3x8x18.5 cm; Capacity 470 ml; Weight 275 g
Best Value | Best Budget
Thermos ThermoCafé Soft Touch Travel Mug, Black, 420 ml
- Double wall insulation retains hot or cold temperatures
- Durable stainless steel interior and soft touch plastic exterior
- Slide lock lid
- Will fit most vehicle cup holders
- slide resistant foam base
- Double wall insulation retains hot or cold temperatures
- Durable stainless steel interior and soft touch plastic exterior
- Slide lock lid
- Will fit most vehicle cup holders
Most Popular
Most Discussed & Reviewed
Thermos Stainless King Travel Mug, Red, 470 ml
- Thermos vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for 7 hours or cold for 18
- Durable stainless steel interior and exterior
- Cool to the touch with hot liquids, sweat-proof with cold
- Fits most vehicle cup holders
- Single cup serve compatible
- Built-in tea hook easily holds tea bags and most loose leaf infusers
- Drinklock sealing lid
- 5 year guarantee
- LxWxH: 8.3x12x20 cm
Best Trusted
Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof Tumbler, Coffee Mug...
- 100 Percent sealed: Autoseal technology automatically seals between sips to prevent leaks and spills; lid-lock prevents the autoseal button from accidently being pushed while on-the-go
- Ice cold or piping hot: Thermalock double-wall vacuum insulation keeps temperatures locked in for hours; drinks stay hot up to 5 hours or cold up to 12 hours, on the go, in the office or outdoors
- Durable: High-quality travel mug, BPA-free plastic lid and vacuum insulated stainless steel body; the sweat proof design makes sure your liquids stay in the thermal mug, not on the outside
- Easy to clean: Dishwasher-safe lid hinges open completely for easy cleaning (one piece, no separate parts to take apart or misplace); hand wash vacuum flask body
- Ideal fit: The thermal mug provides easy and convenient one-handed drinking for both left- and right-handed users, and fits most car cup-holders: size 8 x 9 x 20.5 cm; capacity 470 ml; weight 340 g
Best Cheap
720°DGREE Travel Mug “PleasureToGo“ - 450ml - Leakproof, BPA-Free Stainless Steel Thermo Cup for Coffee & Tea to...
- ✔ BE DIFFERENT - MINIMALISTIC, ELEGANT DESIGN - The 720°DGREE "PleasureToGo" Travel Mug is your new ideal companion whether on the go, at home, in the office or outdoors. An eye-catching gem for every coffee and tea enthusiast - Of course, 100% BPA-free.
- ✔ INDULGE IN YOUR DELICIOUS BEVERAGE WHEREVER YOU ARE - LEAKAGE PROOF & FEATHER-LIGHT - Handy instead of bulky - Ideal for hot Coffe & Tea on the go or in the car. NO LIMITS - Drink comfortably from any side thanks to the 360° drinking opening. ONE HAND IS ALL YOU NEED - thanks to the practical 1-Click lid.
- ✔ KeepDGREE-TECHNOLOGY | 5h Hot / 9h Cold - Always the PERFECT TEMPERATURE throughout the day. Whether you prefer your coffee/tea steaming hot or refreshingly ice-cold - all is possible due to the unique extra copper layer in the vacuum double wall design. Effortlessly fill the mug thanks to the extra wide opening. The detachable lid makes it very easy for you to keep your new travel mug clean & hygienic.
- ✔ BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT - DURABLE + REUSABLE = SUSTAINABLE - By using our "PleasureToGo" Travel Mug you are actively contributing to reduce the mad waste production of disposable coffee cups. Together against the throwaway society. To ensure the maximum life span, wash by hand. Dimensions: Body Ø 6.4cm bottom and Ø 7cm top, height 18.5cm, total height including the lid: 21cm. Weight: 282g.
- ✔ 100% SATISFIED OR GET YOUR MONEY BACK - Your satisfaction is guaranteed! 720°DGREE stands for the outstanding CUSTOMER SUPPORT with hundreds of thousands of HAPPY customers. If you aren’t smitten with our "PleasureToGo", simply send it back within 60 days and we will issue you a full refund - no ifs & buts! Just click "Add to basket" RIGHT NOW and in a few days you can hold your new "PleasureToGo" travel mug in your hands and enjoy hot coffe or tea wherever you want.
Other Popular Travel Mugs
Bodum 11068-01 Vacuum Travel Mug, 0.35 L - Small, Black
- ELEGANT DESIGN, UNIQUE, COOL - A well thought simple and innovative design made for the modern and urban people. The Bodum Travel Mug is the true original Travel Mug
- PRACTICAL - The best companion for your daily routines, you can use it in the street, in the car or at the office, take your coffee wherever you go. Perfect for coffee lovers. With his slip-proof rubber band, it prevents some common accidents to happen
- BPA FREE - This mug complies with the FDA and LFGB food standards and does not contain BPA
- DISHWASHER SAFE – Easy to wash, you just need to put it in the washing machine and your job is done
- PLEASE NOTE: This travel mug is not leak-proof due to possible over pressure, The purpose of the product is to take a single drink on the move not to store drinks for long periods
- Make Taste, Not Waste is Bodum’s motto. Our goal is to reduce the ecological footprint in the world, our products are durable, made with the best materials. We don’t design or use any kind of disposable products, our objective is to have products that last
- PLEASE NOTE: This travel mug is not leak-proof due to possible over pressure
- Please note: Please do always keep the mug upright. This travel mug is not leak-proof due to possible over pressure
Stanley Classic Trigger Action Travel Mug 0.47L Hammertone Green – Leakproof Cup - Hot & Cold Thermos Bottle -...
- PERFECT TRAVEL MUG: The Stanley Trigger Action Coffee Travel Mug is designed to fit in most cup holders; The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your favourite drinks hot for up to 7 hours; Your drink can also stay cold for up 30 hours with ice
- DURABLE AND SAFE: This Stanley Thermos Flask is built to last with 18-8 high-quality food-grade stainless steel construction that’s rugged and rust-proof; It’s also made with BPA-free materials, keeping its contents safe to consume
- LEAK PROOF: This trigger action lid makes this thermos travel mug spill-proof and easy for one-handed use; The lid is designed with a push button, which opens the mouthpiece on top
- EASY TO CLEAN: This travel cup is designed to clean easily; Every piece of this stainless steel travel mug is dishwasher safe, top rack only
- BUILT FOR LIFE: ‘Built for life’ is a motto Stanley stood by since 1913 with their promise to provide rugged, capable gear, built to last a lifetime; If your Stanley doesn't life up its legendary reputation we'll do what it takes to make it right
Thermos ThermoCafé Translucent Desk Mug, Lagoon, 450 ml
- Double wall insulation retains hot or cold temperatures
- Durable stainless steel interior and easy to clean plastic exterior
- Twist lock lid
- Slide resistant foam base
- Double wall insulation retains hot or cold temperatures
- Durable stainless steel interior and easy to clean plastic exterior
- Twist lock lid
- Slide resistant foam base
Arvestrix Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof Tumbler, Coffee Mug for Hot and Cold...
- SAFE and SEALED: The Snap Seal technology is designed for an easy, one-handed drinking experience; when you’re done sipping, simply snap the lid closed for leak-proof protection anywhere you go
- ICE COLD OR PIPING HOT: Thermalock double-wall vacuum insulation keeps temperatures locked in for hours; drinks stay hot up to 6 hours or cold up to 12 hours, on the go, in the office or outdoors
- DURABLE: High-quality travel mug, BPA-free plastic lid and vacuum insulated stainless steel body; the sweat proof design makes sure your liquids stay in the bottle, not on the outside
- EASY TO CLEAN: Dishwasher-safe lid hinges open completely for easy cleaning (one connected piece, no separate parts to take apart or misplace); hand wash vacuum flask body
- IDEAL FIT: The thermal mug provides easy and convenient one-handed drinking for both left- and right-handed users, and fits most car cup-holders: Size 9x9x22 cm; Capacity 450 ml; Weight 390 g
Travel Mugs for Hot Drinks 360°Drinking Lid Double-Walled Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Cup, 350ml...
- 360 ° Drinking Lid Design & Detachable Lid -- Drink from any directions, humanized lid design specifically for your convenience on your trip. The lid design is easy to clean thoroughly and get rid of the bad smell, wash the body with the brush for the best results.
- Keep Hot & Cold --The travel mug with 18/8 stainless steel body features double-walled vacuum insulation for excellent temperature protection, keep your beverages hot up to 6 hours or cold up to 10 hours.
- Effortless Opening & Leakproof Design -- One-click open makes it easy to drink. The seals prevent leaks and spills, pour the drinks out at ease.
- Perfect Fit -- one-hand drinking mug is perfect for the most car cup holders and coffee machines. 350ml capacity suitable for traveling, cycling, sporting, fishing, and other activities.
- What You Get -- 1× 350ml(12 oz) travel mug, 1 × user manual, 1× cleaning brush(A free cleaning brush helps you easy to clean). Opard offers you 30-DAY money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty on all orders, If you are not satisfied with the product or have any questions, our customer service team will help you with a REFUND or RETURN.
Built Insulated Travel Mug/Vacuum Flask, Stainless Steel, 590 ml (20 oz) - Arctic Blue
- DOUBLE WALL INSULATION: This vacuum coffee flask keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, hot for up to 6, and drinkably warm for up to 12
- COMFORTABLE: The flask stays cool to touch, so you won't miss a beat whether you're sipping water in the gym, or coffee at your desk
- TRITAN LID: This coffee travel mug is topped by a sliding Tritan lid, which comes apart for easy cleaning and prevents splashes
- STRIKING FINISH: Part of a colourful range of travel mugs for hot drinks, this model features a mellow Arctic Blue finish, providing a neat balance between fashion and function
- USEFUL INFO: This thermal mug has a 590 ml (20 oz) capacity, is 100 Percent BPA free and is designed to fit any regular car cup holder
SUNTQ Reusable Coffee Cups Travel - Coffee Travel Mug with Leakproof Lid - Thermal Mug Insulated Cup - Stainless...
- Keep Liquids Perfectly Cold or Hot for Hours – SUNTQ reusable coffee cup with double walled design, vacuum sealed to make sure it keep your drinks at its ideal temperature so you can savor every sip! Keeping Cold and hot drinks for up to 6 hours makes it the perfect travel mug for takeaway.
- Unbreakable, Built to Last - Made from high-quality 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. Take your durable stainless steel travel mug with you on any adventure! You will no longer worry about breaking the wine glasses when you have a party or outdoor travel. Our refillable insulated coffee cup and its lid always ensures a pure, clean taste that won't retain or transfer flavors.
- Functional Style, Perfect Size - SUNTQ coffee mugs have been mindfully powder coated matte surface designed with leak-proof and spill-proof features. Simple screw lid keeps your beverage secure and and Splash-proof flip-lid for convenient portable travel. Open sip hole makes it easier to drink during your travel. Comfortably carry our small insulated coffee cup in your hand or simply fit our coffee mug in cup holders.
- Variety of Usage - This thermal mug is ideal for storing anything hot and cold, from juice to cocktails, to coffee, to champagne, to sodas, to beer and other beverages! Perfectly great for vacations, tailgates, fireside this fall. Suitable for families, offices, swimming pools, hot tubs, beaches, picnics or indoor outdoor activities.
- It’s Earth friendly Choice - BPA Free and BY-PRODUCT Free material, food safe and Eco-Friendly. Cutting down your waste from disposable and plastic cups. Powder coated to resist scratching and fading. Stainless steel coffee cup is a great investment, and it's even recyclable at end of life. With your satisfaction as our top priority, we promise to provide exceptional customer service.
Bodum 11068-294 Vacuum Travel Mug, 0.35 L - Small, Red
- ELEGANT DESIGN, UNIQUE, COOL - A well thought simple and innovative design made for the modern and urban people. The Bodum Travel Mug is the true original Travel Mug
- PRACTICAL - The best companion for your daily routines, you can use it in the street, in the car or at the office, take your coffee wherever you go. Perfect for coffee lovers. With his slip-proof rubber band, it prevents some common accidents to happen
- BPA FREE - This mug complies with the FDA and LFGB food standards and does not contain BPA
- DISHWASHER SAFE – Easy to wash, you just need to put it in the washing machine and your job is done
- PLEASE NOTE: This travel mug is not leak-proof due to possible over pressure, The purpose of the product is to take a single drink on the move not to store drinks for long periods
- Make Taste, Not Waste is Bodum’s motto. Our goal is to reduce the ecological footprint in the world, our products are durable, made with the best materials. We don’t design or use any kind of disposable products, our objective is to have products that last
- PLEASE NOTE: This travel mug is not leak-proof due to possible over pressure