Name: Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 20oz - Leak-Proof Lid, BPA-Free, Blue Corn - Perfect Reusable Cup for Coffee or Water; h...
Brand: Contigo
SKU: B09RN9Z5CT
Price: 34.09 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (41387 reviews)

Our Verdict

Contigo Byron Wins

Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 20oz - Leak-Proof Lid, BPA-Free, Blue Corn - Perfect Reusable Cup for Coffee or Water; hot and cold beverage holder - Engineered Drinkware

It boasts a leak-proof lid and better hot retention (7h vs 6h). Choose Zojirushi SM-SA60BA for superior cold insulation (24h vs 18h).

$34Buy on Amazon

Bottom Line: Contigo Byron is the better choice. It boasts a leak-proof lid and better hot retention (7h vs 6h).

Key Differences

The most significant spec differences at a glance

Insulation Rating Cold Hours

25% less

Insulation Rating Hot Hours

17% more

2.2

Mouth Diameter Inches

47% more

1.5

Advantages

Where each product wins

Contigo

Insulation Rating Hot Hours: 17% higher (7.0 vs 6.0)
Mouth Diameter Inches: 47% higher (2.2 vs 1.5)

Zojirushi

Insulation Rating Cold Hours: 25% higher (18.0 vs 24.0)

Who Should Buy Which?

Find the right product for your needs

Buy Contigo if...

Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless

The ideal buyer for the Contigo Byron is someone who values convenience for daily use, especially for hot beverages during commutes. If you need a genuinely leak-proof lid for peace of mind in a bag, appreciate one-handed drinking, and prefer a wider mouth (2.2 inches) for easier cleaning or adding standard ice cubes, this is your mug. It's perfect for busy individuals prioritizing slightly longer hot retention (7 hours) and a hassle-free, durable stainless steel design that fits most car cup holders and brewers.

Buy Zojirushi if...

Zojirushi SM-SA60BA Stainless Steel

This mug is best for individuals prioritizing extreme cold beverage retention, desiring drinks to stay chilled for up to 24 hours. If you value a non-stick interior for effortless cleaning and appreciate a stopper that disassembles for ultimate hygiene, the Zojirushi is an excellent choice. Its slightly narrower mouth (1.5 inches) requires smaller ice, but the robust insulation and five-year heat retention warranty appeal to those seeking top-tier performance and longevity.

Spec Comparison

13 specs compared

Specification	Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated Stainless	Zojirushi SM-SA60BA Stainless Steel
Price	$34	$34
Rating	4.6(41.4k)	4.6(30.6k)
Insulation Rating Cold Hours	18 hrs	24 hrs
Insulation Rating Hot Hours	7 hrs	6 hrs
Dishwasher Safe	No	No
Base Diameter Inches	2.8"	—
Bpa Free	Yes	Yes
Leak Proof	Yes	—
Capacity oz	20	20
Model Number	2169262	SM-SA60BA
Height Inches	8.5"	—
Lid Mechanism	Chug	Flip Lock
Insulation Type	Double-Wall Vacuum	Double-Wall Vacuum
Interior Coating	Electropolished	Non-Stick (Teflon)
Mouth Diameter Inches	2.2"	1.5"

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Pros & Cons

Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses

Contigo Byron Vacuum-Insulated

Pros

Leak-proof lid prevents spills.
Keeps drinks hot for 7 hours, cold for 18 hours.
Allows one-handed drinking.
Fits car cup holders and most brewers.

Cons

Not dishwasher safe; requires hand washing.
Narrow mouth opening may complicate cleaning.

Zojirushi SM-SA60BA Stainless

Pros

Maintains hot drinks for 6 hours.
Maintains cold drinks for 24 hours.
Stopper disassembles for thorough cleaning.
Non-stick interior simplifies cleaning.

Cons

Not dishwasher safe, requires hand wash.
1.5 inch mouth opening limits ice cube size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison

Which mug is better for keeping beverages hot?

The Contigo Byron is slightly better for hot drinks, maintaining heat for 7 hours, one hour longer than the Zojirushi SM-SA60BA's 6-hour rating. Both are effective for daily use.

What's the main difference in cold insulation performance?

Zojirushi SM-SA60BA offers significantly superior cold retention, keeping drinks cold for 24 hours compared to Contigo Byron's 18 hours. This makes Zojirushi ideal for all-day cold beverages.

Is either mug dishwasher safe?

No, neither the Contigo Byron nor the Zojirushi SM-SA60BA are dishwasher safe. Both require hand washing to ensure their vacuum insulation and finishes are preserved.

Which product is better for spill prevention?

The Contigo Byron explicitly features a leak-proof lid, providing a secure seal to prevent spills, which is a key advantage for active use or transport.

Which mug might be easier to clean?

The Zojirushi SM-SA60BA's non-stick interior coating and disassemblable stopper simplify cleaning. While Contigo has a slightly wider mouth (2.2 vs 1.5 inches), Zojirushi's interior eases maintenance.