Stanley vs Yeti: The Quencher Goes Head-to-Head Against the Rambler

Today, a sturdy, dependable tumbler is basically an essential accessory. After all, hydration is for hot girls, right? If you’re wondering if you should get a Stanley H2.0 FlowState 40-ounce Tumbler ($45) or Yeti Rambler 42-ounce Straw Mug ($45) and really want to know what the main differences are, I’ve got you covered. After testing both brands’ most popular tumbler models, I’ve gained a good understanding on important differences that may make you want one over the other.

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Here’s a breakdown on the key features of each tumbler (yes, they’re very similar).

• Holds 40 oz
• Double-wall vacuum insulation
• Fits in car cupholders
• Dishwasher safe
• Adjustable lid positions
• Stainless steel
• Customizable
• Price: $45

• Holds 42 oz
• Double-wall vacuum insulation
• Fits in car cupholders
• Dishwasher safe
• Straw stopper
• Stainless steel
• Customizable
• Price: $45

• Value: 18/20
• Aesthetic: 20/20
• Insulation: 20/20
• Handle Comfort: 20/20
• Functionality: 18/20

Total: 96/100

I won’t lie, I have multiple Stanley tumblers and only one Yeti. Maybe it’s because I can’t help but hop on a good TikTok trend, or maybe it’s the beautiful color options. Who knows? One thing I do know, is the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumblers are damn good at keeping me hydrated. A comfortable handle is a key seller for me because it makes it easier to pick up and put down repeatedly, hence, more water intake (in my experience). It’s thick and comfy to wrap your hand around—or slip your hand through if you’re a cup-grabber. That allows me to always have a sturdy grip on it, even when I’m clutching it with half a dozen other things in one hand and my baby in the other.

Another perk? The topper on the lid can twist three ways, so you can enjoy your drink with a straw or without a straw—if you’re sipping a warm beverage—and you can seal the opening completely, so it’s less prone to spills as you go about your day.

As far as cold and ice longevity goes, the Stanley comes out on top here. I don’t fill my cup to the top with ice, I’m a few ice cubes or just cold-water kind of girl, and the Stanley keeps my water the coldest for the longest amount of time. I put ice cubes in each, along with the same temp bottled water, and sat them out for six hours. When the time was up, there was more non-melted ice in my Stanley than the Yeti. It’s also important to note that if I had been drinking and refilling the water, the ice would likely melt faster, too.

• Value: 19/20
• Aesthetic: 19/20
• Insulation: 19/20
• Handle Comfort: 18/20
• Functionality: 19/20

Total: 94/100

My husband has taken this cup from my possession as it’s his new favorite, though the handle isn’t my favorite of the two. It has a thinner shape, so it’s not as easy for me to grab but may be better for someone with larger hands or who prefers a wider grip. My favorite thing about the Yeti is the lid. It’s much simpler than the Stanley, and believe it or not, if I tip both upside down, less water spills out of the Yeti straw than the Stanley’s. Instead of screwing the lid onto the Yeti, you just push it down, and it’s completely snug; no twisting needed.

The straw sits loosely within the lid, unlike the Stanley (which has silicone teeth that keep the straw firmly in place, allowing you to adjust the height of the straw to your liking). This makes it easier to stir your drink, but don’t let that loose straw hole fool you—the straw isn’t going anywhere, thanks to a stopper on the bottom that prevents it from falling out, should the tumbler, well, tumble.

Icy drinks still stay cold in the Yeti, but just not as cold for as long as the Stanley, in my experience. The Yeti holds two more ounces of liquid and has a wider middle section, but it’s about an inch shorter than the Stanley, so you technically get a little more bang for your buck. This is also great because I can fit my Yeti in my cup cabinet with the straw, and I can’t with the Stanley because it’s too tall. The same goes for the top rack of the dishwasher. My Yeti fits while the Stanley is too tall.

If your goal is a cup that does not spill or leak at all, neither of these are right for you. The exposed straws make that basically an impossible feat, and if you’re not using the straw on the Stanley and have the lid in the closed position, liquid still does leak out of the side of the twist top.

And in terms of the Which-Keeps-Drinks-Colder-Longer Test, there wasn’t enough of a difference to me to choose one tumbler over the other. If it is to you, go with the Stanley. They both hold up in the dishwasher well after many washes, but I will say that the exposed metal on the bottom of the Yeti has helped avoid any paint chips from setting down, sliding and falling, unlike the Stanley’s fully painted cup that can chip or scratch if it’s dropped.

Personally, I love the feel of my Stanley in terms of holding and carrying it, which gives it my vote for best overall (in addition to the other great qualities outlined). However, the Yeti is a phenomenal tumbler that would take the cake if it weren’t for the handle and wider shape of the midsection. There really isn’t a wrong decision here.

So, Stanley vs. Yeti, which team are you on?