Best leak-proof travel mugs for hot and cold beverages

Say no to spills

The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Proposal
Tania Leslau11 March 2024
ES Best

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for hot deals, best buys and expert reviews

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Attempting to sip on a leaky cup of coffee is a humbling experience. Drippage and staining are inevitable - not ideal on the hectic morning commute.

Carrying reusable cups and mugs should be a simple solution, and reduces waste as you enjoy your morning brew. Some coffee shops even offer discounts for doing so. But, let’s face it, many of these vessels simply do not work as well as they should.

We’re not quite sure what the paper-plastic Pret coffee cups have that sustainable travel-friendly options don’t, but the latter are rarely trustworthy, especially when wearing white.  

Thankfully, the new boom of water bottles (credit to Stanley) which has been zealously pioneered by TikTokkers has brought about a renewed interest in portable travel mugs. This means more colours, more designs and crucially, less leakage.

Brands including Nespresso, Chilly’s and Thermos have produced travel mugs for caffeine-fuelled days that don’t run the risk of ruining your outfit. Whether taking one with you on a long car journey or braving the bustling tube, you can rest easy knowing your cuppa isn’t ending up on you or the poor person next to you. 

Given that Brits drink approximately 100 million cups of coffee per day, the potential for spillage is high. Ensure every single drop of Joe stays firmly inside its container by investing in one of the best leak-proof travel mugs below.

Shop now

Stanley AeroLight Transit Leak-Proof Travel Mug, 350ml

John Lewis

From TikTok sensation Stanley, the AeroLight Transit Leak-Proof Travel Mug will ensure no dripping takes place as you serenely sip. The handy item, which comes in a variety of colours, keeps your drinks hot for up to four hours, cold for up to six hours and chilled for up to 20 hours when ice is added. Does it really work? Yes - the seemingly endless rave reviews speak for themselves. 

Buy now£31.99, John Lewis

Joseph Joseph Sipp Coral Travel Mug with Hygienic Lid, 340ml

Joseph Joseph

An affordable pick for coffee and tea lovers, Joseph Joseph’s Sipp travel mug offers a smart, leakproof design that’s set to become your closest companion. A hygienic flip-top cap covers the cup when not in use, while a non-slip grip provides an element of safety. Say goodbye to single-use cups and hello to your new, dry travel mug.

Buy now£15, John Lewis

Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, 470 ml

Amazon

Sealed and leakproof, Contigo’s attractive travel mug is a must-have. Available in a slew of tempting tones, the piece comes complete with auto-seal technology which secures between sips to prevent leaks and spillage. What’s more, a lid-lock prevents the auto seal button from accidentally being pushed while on the go - so no more mid-commute leaks. It keeps hot drinks warm for up to five hours and cold drinks cool for twenty. Once you’re done, pop it in the dishwasher ready for the next day.

Buy now£24.63, Amazon

Chilly’s Original Coffee Cup, 340ml

Chilly’s

Pick your favourite colour and let the Chilly’s coffee cup do the rest of the work for you. The piece features double-walled insulation to keep hot drinks piping for hours and is made from durable, high-grade stainless steel that preserves the flavour. Pour your hot or cold thirst quencher inside and head out with ease. Note, the cup is not suitable for the dishwasher.

Buy now£24, Amazon

Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Travel Mug, 350ml

Discover your inner barista with Royal Doulton’s porcelain travel mug. Shaped like a tall glass, it can hold a generous 350ml capacity and comes with a black lid to make it easy to stay hydrated whilst on the go. Safe for dishwasher cleaning and microwave use.

Buy now£29.99, Royal Doulton

SANTECO Travel Coffee Mug 350ml/500ml

Amazon

Available in two generous sizes, SANTECO’s mint green travel mug will make a great gift for those with a fast-paced lifestyle. The brand guarantees no sweating, leaking or spilling thanks to the double silicone gaskets that are applied on both the lid side and the flip clip. Made from 100 per cent eco-friendly stainless steel, the attractive sipper will keep hot drinks warm for up to six hours and colder tipples chilled for twelve. Pop in your bag and be on your merry way.

Buy now£19.99, Amazon

Nespresso TOUCH Travel Mug, 345 ml

If your Nespresso machine is one of your most treasured possessions, you might want to get a snazzy travel mug to match. The sleek urban design will keep your 345ml of coffee warm without transferring heat to your hands. Measures a total of 16cm high and is dishwasher-friendly.

Buy now£26.77, Amazon

Dycietx Travel Mug, 380ml

Amazon

Flood your senses with the taste of silky coffee as you wander to work while armed with the Dycietx Travel Mug. The inexpensive mug adopts a double-walled vacuum stainless steel insulation design to keep drinks hot, plus a super safe leak-proof screw lid with a premium silicone sealing ring, which tightly secures your drink. Use it time and time again thanks to the non-slip base which prevents wear and tear. Dycietx is offering 380ml for under £10. Sounds like a bargain to us.

Buy now£8.99, Amazon

Thermos 101834 Stainless King Travel Mug, 470ml

Amazon

The Thermos 101834 Stainless King Travel Mug is a bit of a beast. Stay hydrated with a whopping 470ml liquid capacity for hydration wherever you go. The handle provides users with an easy grip, while a durable stainless steel interior and exterior, featuring a Drinklock sealing lid, keeps spillages firmly at bay.

Buy now£30, Amazon

MORE ABOUT