When I get my paycheck at the end of each month, the first thing I do is trade it in for eye-watering overpriced coffee. Yes, unfortunately, nothing gives me a spring in my step more than overspending on caffeine. IYKYK. And those who get it, get it — coffee does taste different depending on the coffee mug you drink it from. A bit like Diet Coke —which is elite in a glass bottle, don't @ me.
Honestly, when people talk about unlocking core memories in their brain, coffee does just that for me... (cue daydream about my time spent living in France, perched on a bistro chair, sipping on a hot café au lait from a delicate ceramic coffee cup, wondering “why does coffee taste so much better from this mug?”). Somehow, guzzling a latte from a paper takeaway cup on my way into the office doesn’t have quite the same effect. Enter the best coffee cups to enjoy your brew the perfect way.
Quick Menu:
1. Tall coffee mugs
2. Unique coffee mugs
3. Cute coffee mugs
Yep, I recently embarked on a mission to fix up my coffee game and stop overspending in coffee shops. My first stop was tracking down the best small coffee maker for my small apartment, and then, of course, it was time to think about mugs. Yes, mugs. One isn't enough when coffee is a relaxing and on-the-move must-have.
Whether you switch up your single-use cafe cup for an environmentally friendly insulated model or swap out the cheesy “But first, coffee” cup for a trusted tech-first brand, you won’t regret investing in some fabulous coffee mugs. You can't have the best coffee without the best coffee mug, IMO.
These are the best coffee mugs for everything from chilling to commuting
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Tall coffee mugs
These are great for drinking your coffee inside and out, doubling as travel coffee mugs and tall mugs to hold even more caffeine.
Size (oz): 30oz
Made from: Stainless Steel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Colors: 36
There is nothing about this Yeti Rambler that I'm not obsessed with and that is the end of that. It's THE vacuum-insulated tumbler that gets you through the day. Keeping hot coffee hot and iced coffee cold, it's a double threat. The magnetic lid will keep your drink on lock and the material even has a coating that doesn't peel or fade over time. Plus, it's sweat-proof for when you're running late into the office, coffee in hand (where are my shameless corporate coffee girlies at?) Oh, and the winning colorway for me is without a doubt Bimini Pink and any Drag Race UK fans out there will understand exactly the bon boulash why!
Size (oz): 16oz
Made from: Stainless Steel
Dishwasher Safe: No
Colors: Taupe Grey, 8 available
With over 95,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, there's no denying that Contigo is slaying the game when it comes to their travel coffee mugs. Due to its clever auto-seal technology, this coffee mug is the perfect travel companion, engineered to be leak and spill-proof. Oh, and I love the fact that the lid pops up at the click of a button. It gives me the same feeling that snapping my flip phone open used to give me at age thirteen... All in all, this is a reliable and trusted brand with some mermaid-esque colorways that make it perfect for the summer.
Size (oz): 12oz
Made from: Ceramic
Dishwasher Safe: No
Colors: 1
Purchasing this Starbucks Traveler Icon Tumbler is me refusing to go cold turkey on coffee shops and staying very much on brand. This is the same size as a Tall cup at Starbucks and will put you in main character mode like nothing else. Made from ceramic with a vented, plastic lid, you'll never have to sadly watch as your Starbucks siren tumbles into the trash again. Pop your own drink in it or head to your local Starbs in sustainable style. Psssst — if you use your own cup at Starbucks, you can collect points and get a few cents off your drink. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!
Unique coffee mugs
These designs are all unique, to serve guests a cup of Joe in style.
Size (oz): 14oz
Made from: Stainless Steel, Ceramic
Dishwasher Safe: No
Colors: 3
The smart home has just got that little bit smarter, thanks to Ember revolutionizing coffee drinking. The price tag may seem initially alarming but hear me out. Not only does this smart, app-controlled heated coffee mug keep your drink at THE perfect temperature (it can be adjusted up or down to suit exactly your tastes), but it also looks insanely cool and makes you feel like you're living in the future. What else? It comes with a charging coaster and turns off automatically when it senses that it isn't being used.
Size (oz): 14oz
Made from: Ceramic
Dishwasher Safe: No
Colors: 3
There's nothing that says I love you quite like a big mug of coffee with a cute little quote or your bestie's name on it. However, sometimes the craftsmanship of personalized mugs can feel like an afterthought, giving them the charm of the cheap printed t-shirts you wear to your friend's bachelorette party... So, when searching for the best personalized coffee mug I prioritised finding something handmade to really add that personal touch. This 5-star mug from Etsy is adorable and comes in 5 beautiful colors, handmade from clay with love.
Size (in): L4.2 x W3.3
Made from: Glass
Dishwasher safe: Yes
Colors: 1
When the viral Tiktok whipped ice coffee trend was doing the rounds, I bought a glass mug to truly bask in the moment and I have never looked back. Pouring frothy oat milk into my coffee and staring into the mug like a child at an aquarium is now a past-time I romanticize (I really need to get a life). Anyway, if you're looking for a glass coffee mug expert's seal of approval, then you've got to add this adorable H&M model to your basket. With the delicate shape of a teacup, this glass coffee mug is one to sip from on a Sunday afternoon. Aaaaaaah.
Cute coffee mugs
Last but not least, the cute coffee mugs. Not that the rest aren't, but these are coffee mugs you'll want to showcase on your kitchen countertops.
Size (in): L4.75 x W3.25
Made from: Stoneware
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Colors: 1
My entire apartment is kitted out in Anthropologie décor so it's no surprise that I've fallen head over heels in love with this stunning ice-cream colored coffee mug set. Handmade from glazed stoneware (which has also been hand-painted in lilac and yellow), each one varies slightly, giving them that special, one-of-a-kind feel. Microwave and dishwasher safe, I genuinely can't point out a flaw in these beauties. Oh, and the Elton collection also has dinner plates, bowls, and side plates. These are an online exclusive so I recommend acting fast if you want to secure your own set for dreamy coffee mornings with friends.
Size (in): L6.63 x W4.5 x H3.63
Made from: Ceramic
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Colors: 1
Are you looking for a big, fat mug that looks as delicious as your coffee tastes? If you answered yes, then look no further because Urban Outfitters has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this sensational pink, cream, and lime green frosted mug and coaster duo. As UO has put it, ever so aptly, on their website "This mug makes mornings a piece of cake!" The design is so gorgeous I can't believe it's actually dishwasher (and microwave) safe! Coffee and cake are an iconic pair that will never go out of fashion... so neither will this mug, for that matter.
Size (oz): 12oz
Made from: Stainless Steel
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Colors: 13
THILY is a mug that has got the tech to back it up with triple insulation technology and a copper coating to keep your drink hot for three hours, cold for nine, and the exterior sweat-proof. I'm adding a couple of these to my basket for the summer season because they're screaming "festivals" if you ask me. The fact it comes in a ton of beautiful colorways (lavender, teal, black swirl, blue ripple) and is equipped with a little stainless steel metal spoon — CUTE! But I'd act fast if I were you, colors keep selling out.
FAQs
Why is your coffee mug so important?
I know I'm not alone when I say that how something is presented completely transforms how it tastes. I'll fight to the death that sandwiches cut into triangles are a crime against humanity (I said what I said) and I refuse to drink prosecco unless from a fancy flute (sorry, I'm a bougie queen)... So, naturally, the same goes for coffee mugs. The psychological effects that the aesthetic of your coffee mug has on your drinking experience should not be underestimated. It sounds intense, but it's true (and deep down, you know it!!)
"A good mug keeps your coffee hot, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience with every sip," coffee expert, Kelsey Waddell, from Roasty Coffee explains. "Additionally, it preserves the aromatic compounds, allowing you to indulge in the enticing coffee aroma. Consistent temperature throughout your coffee-drinking session helps maintain a well-balanced flavor profile, and a mug that retains heat longer allows you to savor the flavors and enjoy your coffee at a leisurely pace. It's all about maximizing the taste and fully appreciating your coffee!"
What's the best material for a coffee mug?
The best material for a good coffee mug isn't a one size fits all situation. Firstly, it's important to consider in what capacity you'll be drinking your coffee. Is it easy like a Sunday morning solo sip while staring out the window and pondering life? Or, is it a chaotic caffeine hit to accompany a busy commute? Or, perhaps, it's a camping coffee in the wild. This will help you decipher what's best.
For indoor sipping, Waddell favors materials like ceramic and porcelain, pointing out that "you're opting for non-reactive materials that won't introduce any unwanted flavors or alter the taste of your coffee. These materials ensure that your coffee's original flavor profile remains unaltered and pure." Heather Calatrello from Shed Light Coffee also highlights doubled-walled glass as a great option: "The glass won't transfer heat to the exterior of the mug, so it is never too hot to hold, and it won't impart any flavor onto your coffee."
However, when you're on the move or in the great outdoors, you should also prioritize the functionality of your mug, meaning an insulated stainless steel model with a leak-proof cap will be your safest bet.
How we chose these coffee mugs
These coffee mugs were hand selected based on their reviews from real shoppers, and because they are super popular. When checking searches for coffee mugs, these were among the most searched for out there.