Best Insulated Travel Mugs and Cups
The Stanley Cup is certainly having its moment, but there is an argument to be made for a range of travel mugs and cups. If you want to keep hot drinks hot, cold drinks cold, or just have something eco-friendly and convenient (and big) to carry your drinks with you, try this.
The Best Travel Mugs
First, let’s look at some travel mugs that keep hot drinks hot.
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The Nextmug Temperature Controlled Mug ($99.94) is a high-tech variation on the standard travel mug in that it’s self-heating. Unlike the other cars on the list, it’s not necessarily meant to be carried as it doesn’t have a lid, but it makes an ideal companion for the office or, depending on your confidence in your driving abilities, in the car.
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If you’re more traditional, get the OG: A two-pack of travel insulated tumblers is just $20.98 . If you regularly forget to wash your mugs and cups, having a spare on hand is golden. Otherwise, designate one for the office, one for home, commuting, or whatever.
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Amazon ratings and reviews can be hard to trust, but when something has over 12,000 positive reviews, it’s a good sign. The Aloufea 12-Ounce Insulated Coffee Mug ($10.45) is a standard-size mug with a tight-fitting lid, and reviewers praise it for actually keeping drinks warm.
Best Travel Cups
These cups are suitable for both hot and cold drinks, so you can’t go wrong with one.
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First of all, we have to give credit to Stanley, the almost too viral travel tumbler brand you see everywhere. Why do you see them everywhere? Because they work. The Classic Quencher comes with a lid and straw, keeps drinks warm, and is available in sizes from 14 to 64 ounces, so you can drink as much as you want. Plus, it will make you look fashionable if you’re into that kind of thing.
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Lifehacker managing editor Megan Walbert recommends the Contigo West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug ($20.54), but she’s not alone: Reviewers rave about its auto-closing lid, which closes when you don’t press the button to keep it open. its ergonomic design, and the fact that it “never” spills.
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I’m a yeti girl. I like the Rambler ($35) because it’s easy to hold, keeps drinks at the temperature I want, and comes in a variety of colors and designs. It’s not big or obtrusive (and it doesn’t have a straw), but it gets the job done and is very easy to clean because the mouth is wide enough to stick your hand through and there are no tricky crevices inside.
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Stanley culture (and travel culture more broadly) has its main roots in Utah , where aesthetics-obsessed momfluencers rule and locals enjoy drinking flavored Diet Coke on a regular basis. Apparently I asked a friend from Utah what travel cup they choose when leaving the house. The answer is, of course, Stanley, but second place goes to Ovala. The FreeSip (27.99) gives you the option of using a built-in straw or drinking straight from the spout, and the double-insulated walls keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. (Thanks, Ammon!)