In the battle of the “big cups,” it’s no secret that Stanley reigns supreme. In fact, I’m not going to lie – my Stanley Quencher cup is one of my most prized possessions and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m also not ashamed to admit that it’s a little expensive for what it is and – I admit – it can be a little clumsy. Buyers with these specific complaints have found that the Owala travel cup It’s what they look for most. Right now, the 24-ounce version of this streamlined tumbler is on sale on Amazon for just $23!
Amazon
Calm, cool and collected – the Owala is the Stanley’s quieter cousin – equally insulating but with a streamlined profile (and a lower price).
Why is this a good deal?
Not only is this one of the most affordable tumblers we’ve ever seen — especially coming from a top-selling brand like Owala — but this insulated tumbler is the lowest it’s been in over four months.
Why do I need this?
Let’s face it: no matter what cup you find, it will inevitably be compared to the Stanley. At this point, it’s just law. So when comparisons come knocking, these brands better find ways to stand out on their own and Owala has done just that with this travel cup.
While the Stanley Quencher It’s known (and loved) for its bold size and slightly chunky build – its substantial weight can sometimes be depressing. The Owala cup differs in that it tilts to the opposite side. It has a smoother, more aerodynamic design and is praised for its lightweight construction. If the Stanley Quencher is too bulky for your taste, the nimble Owala Travel Tumbler might be your choice.
Just because it’s lightweight, don’t think for a second that this cup skimps in the insulation department. Both the 24 and 40 ounce tumblers have built-in triple-layer insulation and, according to buyersthe larger cup keeps your drinks cold for over 10 hours (more on that soon).
Although only the 24-ounce Owala cup is for sale, the 40-ounce version still sells for $7 less than the same-size Stanley Quencher at full price.
What the reviewers say
More than 2,000 Amazon shoppers have given the Owala cup five-star reviews, and unsurprisingly, most of them have given multiple comparisons with Stanley with most explaining why it has quickly become the cup of choice for everyday use.
Pros
“[I] He bought three other brands of this style to find one that surpassed the traditional Stanley cup. … This, without a doubt, is the best above all,” a buyer wrote. “It lives up to its claim of keeping drinks cold… I left it alone with just ice for 24 hours, it still had ice. I left it in my car full of ice on a 70 degree day for 9 hours, it still had ice in it…best investment…perfect cup!”
Some Stanley purists were converted after purchasing this cup: “Tired of carrying my Stanley cup to work and home”, a reviewer explained. “I decided to order this one because the price is a little lower than a Stanley, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I like it much better. It appears to be of higher quality and is significantly less likely to spill or leak.”
One fan even got one for her father, who has Parkinson’s – a disease that sometimes makes it difficult to move his hands – and she said this is the only one that has not failed him. “Every cup he tasted leaked with his tremors,” the buyer said. “Not this one. He dropped it and it still doesn’t leak! … I’m a big fan of Owala in general and now I know it’s great for anyone with dexterity issues.”
“Better than Stanley,” he said another fan. “I bought this because I have small hands and a big mug like this is easier to use with the handle. I love this one because you have the option to use or not use a straw. Stanley cups are rubbish compared to the Owala brand, very better and bonuses you won’t look… [a] teenager running around with one of those Stanley ones.”
Cons
The most common complaint buyers have with this cup, however, is its limited color selection. “I wish there were more colors available” a buyer pointed out with another addition“I would love more colors one day.”
Another blow came in regards to the limited care instructions: “[My] only wish would be for the company to make them dishwasher safe,” one reviewer said.
A buyer said they wish the brand would “include the toothpick brush” in the packaging, but since this isn’t a common practice with Stanley and other popular tumbler brands, they admit it’s a scam worth ignoring. Not to mention, you can buy a two-pack of reusable straw cleaning brushes on Amazon for just $3.
Amazon
Prefer a cup with a handle but don’t want to shell out $45 for the Stanley Quencher? This one from Owala has the same volume, but will keep more money in your pocket.
If you have Amazon Prime, you will get free shipping of course. Not a member yet? No problem. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial here. (And by the way, those without Better Plus get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The revisions cited above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
