Best travel mugs: Our travel team tried out 7 to-go coffee cups - these are the top brands that won't spill and will keep your drink warm (and the ones to avoid)
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If you're anything like me, an on-the-go beverage is almost as essential when travelling as a train, bus or plane ticket.
Whether coffee, tea or hot chocolate is your drink of choice, finding the perfect travel mug is a tough task - especially for longer journeys when you want to keep your beverage hot over several hours.
As a caffeine addict, I've tested out some of the best travel mugs, based on performance, practicality and style.
I've looked at how long they'll keep your drink warm, as well as if they pass the all-important spill test - no one wants to arrive on holiday, or indeed at work, with hot coffee leaking in their bag.
For commuters seeking budget-friendly options, there's something here for you.
And for airport aficionados hoping to glide seamlessly through security with an element of style, there's some premium models that will guarantee a jealous glance from your neighbour.
There are different factors that will affect your choice of travel mug, too. Perhaps you're looking for a larger mug to store soup for lunch, or maybe you want one that introduces a pop of colour into your accessory collection.
Whatever your tastes or budget, we have something that might tickle your fancy. Our kitchens and small appliance reviewer has also tested the best flasks and thermos for winter. These picks will keep your beverage warm, but might be better used at work or home.
Best travel mugs at a glance
- Best travel mug overall: Yeti Rambler
- Best on a budget: Smash Twist and Lock
- Best luxury buy: Le Creuset On The Go Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug
- Best design: Kinto To Go Tumbler
- Best stylish travel mug: Chilly's Series 2 Coffee Cup
- Best high-tech choice: Ember Travel Mug 2+
- One to avoid: Tesco Stainless Steel Travel Mug
How we test
As a caffeine addict, Erin tested out some of the best travel mugs, based on performance, practicality and style
When testing travel mugs, we give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face on a typical journey - for example, going on public transport, being inside a bag and moving around. As well as evaluating performance, we also look for style, space, size, weight and durability to get a true measure of their abilities.
Together with a group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail, we collate and compare how well each product performs.
We then collate and compare how well each product performs so you can choose the best for your travels.
You can read more about our testing methodologies across all product categories.
Why trust us
Our team of travel writers and editors has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of products. With a focus on travel equipment, such as travel mugs, we provide expertise on what travellers need on their journeys.
Our reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing. We take into consideration all budgets and lifestyles when reviewing products to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
Best travel mugs 2025
1. Best travel mug overall: Yeti Rambler
Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug
Product Specs
- MaterialKitchen-grade stainless steel
- Capacity591ml
- Dimensions89mm x 165mm
- Weight300g
What we love
- DesignWith a huge range of colours and sizes, this is a versatile travel mug perfect for all tastes and requirements
- FunctionNot only is it spill-proof, it's also cup-holder compatible, dishwasher safe and stackable with the brand's other products
Review
Reviewed by Hayley Minn
This is our favourite travel mug overall.
First things first, it keeps my coffee warm for hours - I pour it at home before I leave my flat, and it's still warm over an hour later when I get to work.
Also, it doesn't spill at all. The lid screws on very tight.
2. Best on a budget: Smash Twist and Lock
The Smash Twist and Lock is one of the most trustworthy travel mug options
Smash Twist and Lock
Product Specs
- MaterialDual wall vacuum insulated stainless steel
- Capacity350ml
- Dimensions83mm x 150mm
- Weight275g
What we love
- PriceAt just £10, this option is great value for money
- Leak-proofThe cap screws on tight, preventing leaks
What could be better
- CleaningThe lid is slightly difficult to clean
Review
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
This is one of the most trustworthy travel mug options I've tested.
Sure, it's not quite as glamorous as some of the alternatives, but given its price it's definitely the best value for money.
It has a leakproof lid and promises to keep drinks warm for up to five hours - which I've tested. As long as you keep the lid fully closed, it definitely works!
I found the only downside was with cleaning. The twist lock lid is dishwasher-safe, however I found it sometimes didn't quite clean the tiny opening as well as I would have liked.
3. Best luxury buy: Le Creuset On The Go Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug
Le Creuset products are known for their functionality and durability, and this one is no different
Le Creuset On The Go Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug
Product Specs
- MaterialFood-grade stainless steel
- Capacity350ml
- Dimensions81mm x 192mm
- Weight285g
What we love
- DurabilityWith a sturdy design and lifetime warranty, this is a great option to invest in
- Leak-proofThe double threaded opening prevents spills and leaks
What could be better
- LidThe black tab on the lid is stiff to open and close
Review
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
Le Creuset products are known for their functionality and durability, and this one is no different.
Four hours after I made my morning coffee, it was still piping hot - so this is a great option if you're heading on a long journey, for instance, or need to keep your drink hot all day.
In terms of appearance, it has all the fabulous colours Le Creuset is known for - and with a 350ml capacity, it's great for a takeaway tea or coffee.
The only downside is the lid - while its strong seal means it doesn't leak, it is also hard to open and is rather stiff.
4. Best design: Kinto To Go Tumbler
Kinto To Go Tumbler
Product Specs
- Material18-8 Stainless steel, Copolyester, Silicone
- Capacity360ml
- Dimensions87mm x 130mm
- Weight235g
What we love
- DesignSleek Japanese-inspired design
- FunctionLeak-proof as well as stylish
What could be better
- PriceThe most expensive item on this list
Review
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
Kinto, a Japanese lifestyle brand, deserves far more praise than it gets.
Kinto's not messing around - this travel mug, which comes in various sizes and colours including options with a straw built in for summer beverages, is super easy to hold.
It's easy to drink from and doesn't leak, too.
The only negative? The price.
At €46 (£40), it's the most expensive one I tried - but if you take your drinks to go on the regular, it might be worth the investment.
5. Best stylish travel mug: Chilly's Series 2 Coffee Cup
When I tested Tesco's Stainless Steel Travel Mug, even though it was the cheapest of all the ones I tried, I found my drink got cold pretty fast
Series 2 Coffee Cup
Product Specs
- MaterialHigh-grade 100% stainless steel, BPA free lid, rubber base
- Capacity340ml
- Dimensions144mm x 77.5mm
- Weight257g
What we love
- DesignSleek, lots of great colours
- FunctionThe award- winning design features double-walled insulation to keep drinks hot or cold
What could be better
- PriceThis is on the pricier end of the scale
Review
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
I've used this Chilly's mug for more than two years. It's a well-deserving addition to my kitchen - and is going nowhere anytime soon.
The design, like much of Chilly's collection, is super sleek and aesthetic. I love the Blush colour, but the others are just as nice to look at.
'Stylish' is not the only word to describe this travel mug, though. At 340ml it's got space for my morning coffee and is not too big to hold. It keeps drinks warm for hours - a definite bonus if you're filling it up before a long flight.
The only downside is the cost - it's one of the most expensive on the list. If you care about looking stylish, though, it's well worth a purchase.
6. Best high-tech choice: Ember Travel Mug 2+
Ember Travel Mug 2+
Product Specs
- MaterialStainless steel with an FDA food-grade ceramic-reinforced coating
- Capacity355ml
- Dimensions80mm x 200mm
- Weight470g
What we love
- Temperature controlKeeps drinks warm for three hours
- DesignSleek design feels sturdy
What could be better
- PriceThis is by far the most expensive item we've reviewed
Review
Reviewed by Erin Deborah Waks
The Ember Travel Mug 2+ is one of the most high-tech gadgets I've ever tried. It has functions I didn't even realise a travel mug needed.
The gadget keeps your drinks hot, that's for sure - but it does more than that. Paired with an app, the smart heated travel mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature and keeps it there for up to 3 hours. You can control the temperature through your phone if you want, too.
What's more, you can link it to your Apple device and, though the Find My network, can locate your mug even if it goes missing - potentially a game changer if you leave it behind somewhere.
It's certainly a cool gadget, perfect for tech-lovers, but it's also rather heavy compared to other travel mugs, which I found inconvenient on public transport. There's the added fact you need to charge it, too - although the mug still hold drinks when not charged.
But the biggest downside is the price tag - this is not a simple travel mug on a budget.
What to avoid
There are so many great options out there to choose from, it's worth doing some research before you buy.
Unfortunately, some brands and products don't quite hit the mark.
When I tested Tesco's Stainless Steel Travel Mug, even though it was the cheapest of all the ones I tried, I found my drink got cold quite fast, my coffee had a strange plasticky taste and the mug itself got pretty warm to the touch.
I also didn't like the glass mugs with silicone lids that are popular online, as I found the silicone taste ruined my coffee and they weren't leak-proof.
Our verdict
Overall, we recommend the Yeti Rambler - for its excellent combination of style and performance. Other stand-out buys include options by Smash, Kinto and Chilly's. Avoid the Tesco option unless you're on a very tight budget.
FAQs
How do I choose the right travel mug?
Choosing the right travel mug depends entirely on your personal priorities.
If you need one that withstands lots of travel - for example if you commute to work often or travel overseas a lot - it's worth going for a sturdy option that doesn't leak. If you're looking for a budget buy, Smash's option is great - but if you're willing to spend a little more, the Yeti or Kinto travel cups are fabulous.
Is it better to drink from ceramic or stainless steel?
This depends entirely on your personal preference. Ceramic is often preferred for taste, while stainless steel is often better for durability and keeping drinks hot.
