I Tried a Bunch of Stanley Cup Lookalikes so You Don’t Have To
Whether you’re a devotee of the pre-bedtime TikTok scroll or you’re just, well, a human who perceives the outside world, you’re probably familiar at this point with Stanley cups, the near-comically large water tumblers known officially as Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumblers. Since spiking in popularity a few years ago (largely thanks to social media), they’ve become ubiquitous. But here’s the thing: Stanley isn’t the only company making 40-oz. tumblers with handles and straws anymore. In fact, they’ve become a pretty standard offering from most of the big names in hydration, including many of our favorites. So how does the competition stack up to the viral original?
How I tested 40-oz. tumblers
I evaluated these tumblers according to a number of factors that can be boiled down to design and drinking experience, cold retention, and leakproof capabilities. Design and drinking experience includes: How comfortable is the tumbler to hold? Does it come in fun colorways or patterns? Does it spark enough joy sitting on my desk to make me excited to hydrate?
To test cold retention, I filled each tumbler with an equivalent amount of ice and water. After 6 hours, each model I tested had done an adequate job at keeping its contents cold. One of my major gripes with my own Stanley cup has always been how much it leaks. To test tumblers for their leakproof capabilities, I filled each one to the brim and turned them 90 degrees, and then completely upside down, noting how much water leaked out of the straw and cap.
The Top Contenders and Their Features
Owala 40 oz. Tumbler
Owala bottles are known for their cute colorways and namesake 2-in-1 lids. Like the FreeSip, it has a multifunctional lid: This one features both a straw and a small opening for sipping (which slides shut when not in use). An indented handle makes it extremely comfortable to hold. I noticed practically zero leaking when I turned it on its side, and even when flipped over, it leaked less than most of the competition.
- Price: $38
- Weight: 1.59 lb.
- Dishwasher-safe: Lid only
- Cupholder compatible: Yes
Corkcicle Cruiser Insulated Tumbler
If you’re the type who dreams about owning a glossy bright purple convertible, Corkcicle is the tumbler brand for you. The vibrant colorways are the main thing that separates them from the pack. There are also a few notable design features that, while subtle, make for an enhanced user experience: Things like a rubbery grip on the interior of the handle and a nonslip silicone bottom. Similar to the Owala, this cup also affords you the luxury of choice between a straw and a drinking spout.
Comparing the Big Names: Hydro Flask vs. YETI
As the Hydro Flask vs. YETI debate rages, our Product Testing Team tested both brands to see which is worth the splurge. As for the best coffee tumblers, two brands are almost always at the forefront of the discussion: YETI and Hydro Flask. Both brands boast an array of outdoor gear, mainly focused on drinkware like coffee thermoses and wine tumblers. One of the big differences between Hydro Flask and YETI is the price point of their products.
- Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler: Boasting a stainless steel rim and dozens of color options, this is a stylish alternative to boring tumblers. The 20-ounce Hydro Flask tumblers cost around $27.
- YETI Rambler: The YETI Rambler coffee tumbler is a colorful, attractive option for those who want to take their coffee with them in style. The 20-ounce YETIs are $35.
- YETI Rambler Straw Mug: This model has an easy-grip handle and reusable straw for easy sipping in the car for $38.
Quick Guide to Our Favorite Tumblers
- If bright colors are your priority: Owala 40 oz. Tumbler and Corkcicle Cruiser Insulated Tumbler
- For the person toting their tumbler around town: Brumate Era
- For the trendy traditionalist: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler
- The budget pick: Simple Modern Trek Tumbler
- The minimalist: S’well Tumbler XL
