Our Verdict
It's a Tie
The Owala maintains cold drinks longer (24 hrs vs 18 hrs), while Contigo keeps hot drinks warmer for an extra hour (7 hrs vs 6 hrs). Choose Contigo for hot beverages, Owala for extended cold insulation.
Bottom Line: Both products are excellent choices. The Owala maintains cold drinks longer (24 hrs vs 18 hrs), while Contigo keeps hot drinks warmer for an extra hour (7 hrs vs 6 hrs).
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Insulation Rating Cold Hours
25% lessInsulation Rating Hot Hours
17% moreAdvantages
Where each product wins
Contigo
- Insulation Rating Hot Hours: 17% higher (7.0 vs 6.0)
Owala
- 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 SNAPSEAL Insulated Stainless
The Contigo Contigo SNAPSEAL is ideal for busy commuters and those prioritizing hot beverages on the go. If you need your coffee or tea to stay hot for up to 7 hours and value quick, one-handed access, this is your mug. Its design fits standard car cup holders, making it perfect for daily drives. You're comfortable hand washing the mug and prioritize consistent warmth for your morning routine.
Buy Owala if...
Owala SmoothSip Slider Insulated
The Owala Owala SmoothSip Slider is perfect for individuals who prioritize extreme cold retention throughout the day, like students, office workers, or outdoor enthusiasts. If you need your iced coffee or water to stay chilled for a full 24 hours and appreciate BPA-free materials for peace of mind, this tumbler is an excellent choice. Its secure, leak-proof MagSlider lid makes it reliable for transport.
Spec Comparison
9 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $33 | $30 |
| Rating | 4.6(41.4k) | 4.6(8.8k) |
| Insulation Rating Cold Hours | 18 hrs | 24 hrs |
| Insulation Rating Hot Hours | 7 hrs | 6 hrs |
| Dishwasher Safe | No | No |
| Leak Proof | Yes | Yes |
| Capacity oz | 20 | 20 |
| Model Number | 2169260 | C07542 |
| Lid Mechanism | Flip Lock | MagSlider |
| Insulation Type | Double-Wall Vacuum | Double-Wall Vacuum |
| Bpa Free | — | Yes |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
Contigo SNAPSEAL Insulated
- Lid prevents leaks when closed.
- Retains heat for up to 7 hours.
- Keeps liquids cold for 18 hours.
- Allows one-handed beverage access.
- Mug body requires hand washing.
- Textured grip may trap debris.
Owala SmoothSip Slider
- Lid is completely leak-proof
- Maintains hot drinks for 6 hours
- Maintains cold drinks for 24 hours
- 20oz capacity
- Cup requires hand washing
- Slider spout mechanism may retain residue
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
Which travel mug is better for keeping drinks cold for the longest duration?
The Owala SmoothSip Slider is superior for cold retention, keeping liquids cold for 24 hours. The Contigo SNAPSEAL holds cold for 18 hours. This makes Owala ideal for all-day cold beverages.
Which mug is more effective at keeping coffee or tea hot?
The Contigo SNAPSEAL excels at heat retention, keeping drinks hot for up to 7 hours. The Owala SmoothSip Slider maintains hot temperatures for 6 hours. Choose Contigo for longer-lasting hot beverages.
Are either of these travel mugs safe to clean in a dishwasher?
Neither the Contigo SNAPSEAL nor the Owala SmoothSip Slider is specified as dishwasher safe for the mug body, both requiring hand washing. This is a common maintenance requirement for insulated stainless steel products.
How do the leak-proof features compare between the two mugs?
Both mugs are designed to be leak-proof. The Contigo uses a Flip Lock lid, while the Owala features a MagSlider mechanism. Both effectively prevent spills when closed, offering reliable portability.
What are the main differences in materials or capacity?
Both are 20oz double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel mugs. The Owala explicitly states it's BPA-free, a detail not specified for Contigo. Capacity is identical, offering the same beverage volume.
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