Pros:
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Slim design
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Leakproof
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Stylish, simple and modern
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Inexpensive compared to other brands
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Durable
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Cupholder-friendly
Cons:
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Mediocre cold insulation in our experience
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Reports of lids breaking
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May be too narrow for large cupholders
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Lid can get gunky
Insulated coffee mugs have a reputation for being a bit expensive, especially when it comes to brands like Yeti and Stanley. However, the Simple Modern Voyager coffee tumbler proves that the best coffee tumbler doesn’t have to take a big bite out of your budget. That leaves plenty of room to try a coffee subscription!
Despite its lower price point—about half the price of its expensive competitors—the Simple Modern tumbler looks just as luxe. It’s available in a fleet of fun shades and patterns, including checkered and leopard print. It comes in three sizes: 12-, 16- and 20-ounce. We do recommend a silicone boot if you care about protecting the powder coat; it can rub off with extended use.
While it doesn’t insulate cold drinks as well as hot ones, it offers an incredibly secure flip lid that lets you take a big gulp without worry. The lid stays secure, and there is a slight slant to it, which means you won’t need to worry about drips and dribbles as you drink. Sheri also notes that the spout cover lifts and locks into place in both the open and closed positions. It takes a little force to lock them into place, meaning it’s very secure and leakproof compared to the spout mechanisms on other tumblers.
“I absolutely must have a leakproof tumbler that can withstand being dropped or knocked over. The lid design is not only highly functional, it’s also durable,” says Sheri. And this one delivers, boasting nothing more than a few shallow scuffs after big drops onto the pavement. “I love the sleek and slim design; it is indeed simple and modern. Although this may not be the best bet for the beach, this leak-free tumbler is a great value,” she says.
We’ve noticed a recurring “Simple Modern vs. Hydro Flask” debate, and we must say, the Simple Modern Voyager is a worthy rival to the Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler. If you’re looking for an affordable Hydro Flask alternative, the Voyager is definitely worth considering.
Size(s): 12, 16 and 20 oz. | Material(s): BPA Free plastic and stainless steel | Leakproof: Yes | Special Features: Slim design | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Pros:
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Gorgeous, unique colorways
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360-degree spout
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Leakproof
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Dishwasher-safe
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Ceramic-coated interior improves taste
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Nonslip bottom (no silicone boot needed)
Cons:
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Small capacity (17 ounces)
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Expensive for the small size
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Heat retention is sufficient, but on the lower side comparatively
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Some buyers report leaking issues after time
This designer coffee tumbler makes any trip feel much more bougie thanks to its beautiful aesthetic and off-the-wall pattern options. Choices like walnut wood, glossy powder blue and iridescent dragonfly add a little style to every sip. The ceramic-coated interior also combats any metallic taste. While a bit pricier and smaller than other options, it earns its spot thanks to a clever design that’s ideal for taking on the go.
But its beauty isn’t the only reason we recommend setting it under your single-serve coffee maker. When it comes to commuting, the Corkcicle is a champ. The exterior metal is smooth and slippery, but this tumbler has flat-edge design features on two sides that help with stability. While not an ultra-slim design, it’s comfortable to hold while sitting on a bus or sipping in the car.
Additionally, it has a very secure screw-on lid. To open the drinking spout, simply push on the lid and drink from any side of the cup. It requires some force to push, which may be a bit cumbersome, but it goes a long way toward making this a truly leakproof pick. Not much liquid splashes out during each sip, and the lid is smooth with no obstructions.
"The 360 lid is really nice. I love that you can drink out of it from any side, makes it really easy to use when doing other tasks. The coffee doesn’t seem to come out too quickly which is also really nice. I don’t like tumblers that never lose heat and the coffee can burn your mouth. It still holds the heat really well, but you can take the lid off and let it cool easily."
Matt Fukuda
long term tester
“The 360-degree uniquely designed lid is the standout feature of this tumbler. I love that you can drink from any side of the cup without taking your eyes off the road,” says Sheri. This is one of her favorites. Although it didn’t do as well with hot beverages as it did with cold beverages, it stood out as a top performer for cold retention. As a bonus, it didn’t leak one drop when it hit the hard pavement from a few feet up.
Size(s): 17 oz. | Material(s): Ceramic, stainless steel | Leakproof: Yes | Special Features: Grippy bottom | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Pros:
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Dozens of color and pattern options
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Larger capacity (22 ounces)
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Sliding spout
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Dishwasher-safe
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Leak-resistant
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Easy to clean
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Compatible with Swiglife reusable straws
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Nonslip base
Cons:
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Pricey for the size and features
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Doesn't retain temperature as well as others
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Some reports of quality control issues
If you’re browsing through this list of the best coffee tumblers and none offer a style that speaks to you, let me introduce you to Swiglife cups. Whether you’re looking for a solid shade or a design featuring cactuses, cow print or colorful clouds, there’s a print for you. Snagging one of these stylish options is a surefire way to bring a pop of joy to your coffee bar.
More than 54 (!!!) colors and patterns are up for grabs, each available in either 14- or 22-ounce options. The tumblers are also triple-insulated for better heat retention. While they didn’t perform as well as some of the other picks on this list (think melted ice after six hours), the sliding lid is pretty leak resistant when held upside down. It didn’t respond well to shaking, though, so this is one option you’ll want to keep in your hand or cup holder rather than in a bag.
Sheri notes that the cup feels great in the hand, and the slightly tapered design provides a nice grip toward the bottom. Overall, it feels balanced and stable as she’s holding it. Plus, it’s rather user friendly since the tab on the side of the clear plastic lid is easy to flip off or push into place.
Washing it is as simple as popping it on the top shelf of the dishwasher. It’s also easy to hand wash, since it’s big enough for a whole hand to fit inside for scrubbing. As a bonus, the lid doesn’t have a ton of crevices for gunk to get trapped in. Overall, this is our favorite flashy pick. If style matters more than substance, you’ll love the performance of this sassy and Instagram-worthy tumbler.
Size(s): 14 or 22 oz. | Material(s): Stainless steel | Leakproof: No | Special Features: More than 54 colors available | Dishwasher Safe: Yes
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What To Look for When Buying Coffee Tumblers
The best coffee tumbler depends on the person using it. While some folks want a rugged option that stays intact after drops on the trail, others look for attractive picks that perform well without breaking the bank. Each coffee thermos offers its own pros and cons, so it’s important to first consider when and how you’ll use it. Some traits to keep in mind while shopping include:
- Price: The best coffee tumblers range in price from as little as $10 to as high as $50. While pricier picks may perform better, this isn’t always the case.
- Temperature retention: This aspect is especially important for slow sippers or those who prefer taking their coffee with them on the go. It is also important for those who leave their coffee in the car while running errands, especially in very hot or cold weather.
- Size: Size dictates more than just the number of ounces each tumbler carries. It also determines how well the tumbler fits in your hand and whether it sits neatly in a car’s cup holder. Some tumblers offer tapered designs that slide easily into most standard cup holders, while others are far too large to fit at all.
- Iced vs. hot coffee: Whether you typically drink hot or iced coffee can determine a lot, including lid type and the insulation required. Additionally, those who prefer cold coffee might want to pick an option that doesn’t sweat, while hot coffee drinkers should make sure their tumbler doesn’t transfer too much heat to their hands.
- Cleaning: Choosing a coffee tumbler that is dishwasher safe is an easy way to ensure it stays clean. It’s also important to consider any nooks or crannies that can collect coffee grounds, dirt or other debris.
Additional Considerations
Coffee expert Erin Doern also offers a few additional considerations. “When choosing a tumbler, look for one with a vacuum-insulated, double-wall exterior to maintain your coffee’s temperature longer. The lid design is also important with options such as locks, wide mouths, or even straws, all of which suit personal preferences. Additionally, a good tumbler must fit in your car’s cup holder,” she says. “A spill-proof design is a great bonus. No one wants to spill coffee on their way to work, and the convenience of being able to throw [the tumbler] in a bag while traveling is always a plus!”
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How We Found the Best Coffee Tumblers
In our search for the best coffee tumbler, our expert Product Testing Team tested more than 20 tumblers from popular brands and more niche—albeit well-reviewed—shops. To give each a fair shake, we created rigid standards and subjected each travel coffee mug to the same 11 tests. Overall, we collected more than 730 data points and spent an estimated 50 hours on the test. This includes the time it took to research, source, intake and test the products.
We conducted tests in the following categories:
- Temperature Retention
- Drinking Experience
- Ergonomics/Handling
- Leakproof Capabilities
- Durability
- Specs
- Cleaning
- Lead Detection
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Temperature Retention
Our testers placed 140-degree water (the typical hottest serving/drinking temperature of hot coffee) in each tumbler, then measured the temperature after four hours to see how much it fell. They left all tumblers in the refrigerator to simulate a near-freezing day, then filled each tumbler halfway with ice and added 60-degree water (the typical temperature of cold tap water) until full. After another four hours leaving the tumblers outside in the sun (on a day when the temperature was in the mid-to-high 70s), they measured the temperature again to see how much it rose and if any ice remained.
Drinking Experience
Testers sipped liquid from the tumbler to evaluate the pleasantness and ease of the drinking experience, monitoring cup lip thickness, opening placement, flow and any other aspects that affect drinking.
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Ergonomics and Handling
Testers attempted to place the tumbler in a standard car cup holder to see if it fit. If the tumbler had a pop top, testers rapidly opened the lid five times to gauge how cumbersome it was to open and close and how tiring it was on the hand. Testers then carried each full tumbler around for five minutes to assess its weight, circumference and, ultimately, comfort.
Leakproof Capabilities
Testers shook each tumbler upside down for 15 seconds to see if and how much the cup leaked.
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Durability
Testers pushed the tumbler from a hip-height ledge onto the pavement once to see if it scratched, spilled, dented or popped open.
Specs
Testers weighed each empty tumbler and noted its fluid capacity and materials. They also looked at how well the tumblers fit into standard-sized cup holders in cars.
Cleaning
Since lids and gaskets often have nooks and crannies that cling onto grime and gunk, testers noted the ease or difficulty of cleaning each option around the top seal.
Testers also washed each tumbler in the dishwasher two to three times, noting its appearance and cleanliness afterward. Since heat affects the silicone and plastic parts, we turned off the hot water for this test. All lids sat on the top shelf during the dishwashing cycle.
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Lead Detection
Testers swabbed the inside of each tumbler and used a rapid lead test kit to check for the presence of lead.