These are the Best Travel Mugs For a Caffeinated Commute

Man, never did we ever think that we’d miss the office this much. But low and behold, we’re itching to get back into our building just to feel something again.

As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to progress and restrictions begin to let up, many of us are finally getting back into the office to experience our workplaces again for the first time in what feels like years. Waking up two minutes before you clock in just to roll over to your desk while still in your PJs isn’t cutting it anymore, so we’re damn excited. With that being said, we’re anticipating the once dreaded commute more than we ever have. And you know damn well what goes hand in hand with your early morning commutes — a piping hot cup of joe. Meaning, it’s finally time to break out that insulated travel mug again.

Putting the obvious environmental benefits to one side, investing in a travel mug has a slew of other benefits. These specially designed beverage holders are far superior to your average coffee cup in that they can maintain a drink’s temperature, whether it’s hot or cold, allowing you to enjoy your tea or coffee at your leisure. Preparing delicious coffee and tea at home delivers significant financial benefits, too. We don’t need to tell you how expensive a daily Starbucks habit is, and not to mention, waiting in line right now while coronavirus is still out rampant? No thanks. Making your own beverage every day allows you to enjoy your drink exactly how you like it, saves you plenty of money and lessens the risk for germ exposure all at the same time.

A reusable travel mug is the way to go on your 2021 commute, there’s no saying otherwise. Check out the top 12 choices available online now and find the right one for you. Just make sure you stay safe on your renewed daily commute.
   1. Contigo Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug
BEST OVERALL

This travel mug from Contigo has over 85,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star rating. It’s one of the most highly-rated travel coffee mugs we’ve seen, and we can see why. It’s got a leak proof lid as well as Thermalock vacuum insulation that’ll keep drinks cold for up to 21 hours, and hot for up to 9. This means your drink will stay warm through your entire commute and most of your workday, we hope. It’s got a grip-able surface so it’s easy to hold in one or both hands, and it’s got a slim body that’s a perfect fit for most cup holders. It’s also top rack dishwasher safe, but we recommend hand washing it for the longevity of the vacuum insulation.

Buy: Contigo Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug $14.72
   2. YETI Rambler 14 oz Stainless Steel Mug
MOST DURABLE

YETI is known for making excellent outdoor beverage carriers, and their durability and quality makes them excellent travel mugs. This YETI rambler is a tough coffee mug that’s built for the outdoors, so it can definitely handle your 20 minute subway commute. It’s got a full-loop Triple Grip handle that fits wider hands and hands with gloves on them, and it’s got Duracoat color on the outside that won’t scratch, peel or fade. It’s got double-wall vacuum insulation as well as a no-sweat design so your fingers won’t get damp on even the hottest of days. It’s also dishwasher safe, to make your life as easy as possible.

Buy: YETI Rambler 14 oz. Stainless Steel Mug $27.41
   3. BEAST Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Cup
BEST STRAW OPTION

With a name like BEAST, you’d expect the BEAST Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Cup to boast a pretty impressive resume. And it doesn’t disappoint. At 30 ounces, it’s the largest travel mug on our list and comes with a whole range of handy extras to make your morning commute as hassle-free as possible. In addition to the splash-proof lid, you’ll get two unbreakable steel straws as well as a free brush cleaner to give you a more relaxed drinking experience. This mug is also BPA-free, dishwasher safe and vacuum-insulated to keep your drinks at your desired temperature for ages.

Buy: BEAST Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Cup $25.00
   4. Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug
MOST FUTURISTIC

If you begin to use this on your morning commute, don’t mind the weird looks you might get on the train — this travel mug looks like it’s from the year 2121. Brew your go-to cup of joe directly into this mug every single morning and get on your merry way with the mug’s easy-sipping rim design for less mess. The lid on this thing is completely leakproof, so no matter how shaky the subway’s being in the morning, your piping hot brew ain’t going anywhere. When you get into work and you’re craving a little more, feel free to brew another cup right at your desk, just don’t forget your grinds and filter!

Buy: Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug $35.00
   5. S’well Stainless Steel Traveler
MOST ATTRACTIVE

The S’well Stainless Steel Traveler is a solid choice for an everyday travel mug. It comes in 12, 16, 20 and 40-ounce option and offers a range of colorful and unique designs to choose from. It features a screw-top lid to keep your liquids secure and an ergonomic grip, which makes drinking on the go easier than with many competing mugs. Plus, the bottle is made from high-quality, durable stainless steel and boasts a triple-walled construction, which is also BPA and toxic-free.

Buy: S'well Stainless Steel Traveler $34.27
   6. Thermos Stainless King 16 Ounce Travel Mug
BEST FOR TRADITIONALISTS

The Thermos Stainless King Travel Mug is available in a range of attractive metallic colors. It features a useful handle for control whilst drinking and vacuum insulation technology to keep hot drinks hot for up to five hours and cold drinks cold for up to nine hours. Inside, you’ll find a handy built-in tea hook. The mug has a stainless steel interior and exterior for a durable build, and the shape of the 16-ounce mug means it fits into most car cup holders without a problem.

Buy: Thermos Stainless King 16 Ounce Travel Mug $25.69
   7. YETI Rambler Tumbler
BEST FOR COMMUTERS

The YETI Rambler Tumbler features an advanced MagSlider Lid, which utilizes magnets to keep your beverages from escaping and makes the opening and closing process especially easy. The tumbler features a 20-ounce design, which is ideal for an early morning pick-me-up on the way to work, while the tumbler’s slim design allows the cup to fit average-sized cup holders. The Rambler is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, and the stainless steel construction of the exterior is covered in a durable coat of color. This mug is really built to last. 

Buy: YETI Rambler Tumbler $29.98
   8. Handmade Sunset To-Go Cup
MOST UNIQUE SHAPE

While it might not be the sturdiest of shapes for your daily commute, it definitely is the coolest. This work of art from uncommon goods places the sunset of your dreams right onto your daily cup of brew in the shape of, well, an egg. An egg sunset. Beautiful. While it is quite random overall, it is a gorgeous way to get your daily caffeine intake. Our only suggestion: be careful when you get to work and place this on your desk, this isn’t something you want to knock over.


Buy: Handmade Sunset To-Go Cup $32.00

   9. Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug
BEST CERAMIC

If you prefer to sip from something that’s not metallic, ceramic is a great choice for its heat conduction abilities and pleasing look. This beautiful mug from Ello Jane can hold 18 ounces of your favorite morning pick-me-up liquid, and the ceramic material won’t leach into your drink or smell. The slider lid is friction-fit so you get a good seal, and the mug has a silicone boot that acts as a built-in coozy for keeping everything warm. The mug is splash-resistant, dishwasher and microwave-safe and all parts are BPA free.

Buy: Ello Jane Ceramic Travel Mug $14.99
   10. Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
QUALITY PICK

With over 7,400 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug has plenty of fans. It comes in either a 12 or 16-ounce capacity and has a stainless steel, vacuum-insulated wall to help maintain the temperature of your beverage. The design of the mug makes it ideal for most average-sized cup holders. You’ll also find that it features a two-step opening lid, which helps prevent condensation, as well as an air vent and mouthpiece for comfortable drinking. In addition, the mug is available in a range of attractive colors, allowing you to choose the one which best fits your personality.

Buy: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug $25.99
   11. Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug
MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED

From the makers of arguably the most amazing at-home coffee mug on the market comes an option you can take on the road. Meet the Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug, your favorite to-go coffee mug with the ability to keep your drink at a consistent temperature ranging from 120 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Each insulated mug holds 12 ounces of liquid, which is around the same size as a tall coffee from Starbucks. The desired temperature is always listed on the exterior of the mug, so you know how hot your beverage is before you even take a sip. Each mug has a two-hour battery life from a single charge, but charging this thing has never been so easy. When you get to work, simply place it on top of the included battery charging coaster for all-day use and to ensure it’ll be ready to go tomorrow.

Buy: Ember Temperature Control Travel Mug $179.95
   12. Bubba Brands 34 Oz. Travel Mug
LARGE CAPACITY

If one cup of coffee in the AM (or two or three) is not enough to get you started, you need this jumbo size travel mug from Bubba Brands. It’s got a whopping 34 ounce capacity and still has a skinny base that can fit into car cup holders, as well as a handle that makes carrying all that liquid a little easier. It’s excellent for hot and cold beverages, and has dual-wall foam insulation for temperature regulation without sweating. The handle is ergonomically-designed and the mug has a durable and tough construction. The flip top lid makes quick sips easy a well.

Buy: Bubba Brands Travel Mug $11.20
  
The Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers of 2021
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