The 8 best travel mugs for coffee on the go

Like most Americans, you probably demand — nah, need — your morning cup of joe to get you going. Once that cuppa is done, though, you’ll probably also want to take some more with you. A mid-afternoon macchiato or latte or a post-lunch pour-over pick-me-up is almost always a good idea.

The thing is, if you put it in any old coffee mug, it’s going to get cold (or warm if it’s cold brew coffee) by the time you want it. If you want your Americano or latte to last long enough for you to enjoy, it’s time to step up your coffee game with a legit travel mug that is insulated and won’t spill.

Whether you want your coffee while you’re on the subway or after the dreaded weekly check-in meeting, these best travel coffee mugs are the best for on the go. They’ll keep your coffee hot (or cold) and will help you not spill all over yourself. You can thank us later with a double shot (of espresso).

Best for tech lovers: Ember Travel Mug

The Ember Travel Mug is touted as “The World’s First Temperature-Controlled Mug.” Time magazine recognized it as one of “the best inventions of the year” and, as far we’re concerned, it should win a Nobel Prize. Ember’s mugs look like any other traditional travel mug, but the ace up its sleeve is a built-in dial in the base, allowing allowing coffee drinkers to fine-tune their beverage to just the right temperature (between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Bluetooth-connected Ember app even allows drinkers to name their mugs and adjust the temperature setting remotely. The embedded battery will maintain the desired temp for up to two hours or all day with the included charging coaster.

Best for modern-day Vikings: Goat Story Goat Mug

The Kickstarter-born Goat Mug from Goat Story taps a certain primal chord. Sure, it’s a mug that’s practical (you can easily bike to work and not worry about spillage), sustainable (it’s made of BPA-free polypropylene), and easy to use (remove the leather holder and use it as a stand to keep your cup level on your desk). It’s a bad-ass, Viking-inspired fashion accessory and conversation piece. Pick between colors: Brown, hemp, marsala, west, east, or jet black — plus a real or faux leather strap.

Best for no-nonsense coffee drinkers: Yeti Rambler 20-ounce Tumbler

Yes, the king of extreme coolers makes equally extreme travel coffee mugs. The Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce  Tumbler will keep your morning java piping hot from the moment you drudge out of bed all the way through the end of your day. It’s over-engineered with double-wall vacuum insulation and kitchen-grade stainless steel. These mugs are dishwasher safe and come with the Yeti MagSlider lid that uses magnets to keep your beverage on lockdown. Plus, it’s available in nine sizes, from 10 ounces to one gallon, so take that, Trentas.

Best for French press enthusiasts: Espro Travel French Press, 12 ounce

Using a French press is one of the easiest ways to brew coffee with rich flavor. If you’re into French press coffee rather than drip coffee and you’re traveling for an extended period of time, a French press travel mug is the perfect gift to yourself. The Espro P1 is your portable mobile cafe. It’s a stainless steel design and can brew your coffee in just four minutes.

Best for java-loving sophisticates: S’well Bottle Traveler

For coffee drinkers who appreciate thoughtful design in everything they own, including their lowly commuter mug, S’well has you covered. It comes in different colors and designs — from plain to patterned — and boasts a handsome, perfectly contoured exterior to fit your hand. The wide mouth means it’s versatile enough to accommodate hot beverages or a chilled cold brew with ice.

Best for daydreaming desk jockeys: Ello Campy Stainless Travel Mug

If your mind drifts toward the outdoors no matter where you are, Ello’s Campy Travel Mug promises to add a bit of campfire chic to your desktop. The stainless steel travel mug features a backcountry-inspired, blue-and-white flecked ceramic design and a soft, comfortable cork-inlaid handle. The vacuum-insulated shell promises to keep your joe hot for five hours and your cold drinks chilled for a full 24 hours. Bonus: It’s also one of the most affordable travel mugs on this list.

Best for sustainable coffee drinkers: Klean Kanteen Rise Tumbler

Made from certified 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel, the 16-ounce Klean Kanteen Rise Tumbler is a solid choice for a sustainable travel coffee mug. The Climate Lock insulation is perfect for hot or cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, water, and more. The tumbler fits in most cupholders and comes with a splash-proof flip lid. Plus, this best travel coffee mug’s earthy color and ergonomic design make it feel great in the hand.

Bonus travel mug for espresso: Outin Nano Portable Espresso Machine

While technically a portable espresso maker, the Outin Nano Portable Espresso Machine also serves as a travel coffee mug. Equipped with a coffee cup, enjoy a deliciously brewed espresso on the go with this easy 2-in-1 brewer. Whether you’re headed out camping or want a stronger cup of coffee on the go, this product goes beyond a travel mug.