Stanley Vs. Yeti Review: Real Results After Testing Both

Both cost $45 and nearly look the same, but there are a few key differences that make each one stand out.

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 or Yeti Rambler 42-ounce Straw Mug 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.

YETI Rambler Tumbler 

YETI was founded in 2006 when two brothers and outdoor enthusiasts wanted to improve their experience with using specific gear in the outdoors. Their first product was a hard-side cooler, one of the top products that the brand is still praised for today.

Their popular Rambler Tumbler saw traction when it was first released in 2014. I’ve used various YETI products over the years, but recently tested the Rambler specifically to see how it would compare to the Stanley Adventure Quencher. Here is a snapshot of the pros and cons for now, and soon we’ll get into the nitty gritty.

Stanley Adventure Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

The Stanley brand is known for its food and beverage containers and has been around since 1913. And not too many know this, but the Stanley Adventure Quencher tumbler-turned-internet-sensation isn’t anything new. In fact, it was first released in 2016. The design has been improved since its original release.

The Stanley Adventure Quencher saw a sudden resurgence during the pandemic, thanks to social media. I fell for the hype in 2022 and have owned the Stanley tumbler for two years now.

Stanley vs. YETI

Both are heavy duty and will certainly keep drinks cold or warm. They even cost the same—either tumbler will cost you $45. However, a few key nuances set the Stanley Adventure Quencher and the YETI Rambler Tumbler apart.

I’ve put them to the test, so let’s break down the differences between each tumbler below.

Design

Which cup is leakproof?

Neither cup is completely leakproof, and neither of them state they are. Stanley’s Adventure Quencher lid contains three parts—the straw, lid, and tab. You can rotate the tab to reveal the mouth spout or straw hole, or you can remove the straw to close the lid entirely.

However, even when entirely closed, water will spill out from the sides if the Stanley Adventure Quencher is knocked over or tossed around. This means you always want to keep the bottle upright during transport, and you don’t want to put in a bag. For this reason, I prefer to use my Stanley only as a stationary item, either at home or the workplace.

To compare, the YETI’s Rambler lid is leak-resistant and comes in two parts: the lid and a straw. The straw opening compactly surrounds the straw, so water barely comes out unless tipped over. I could bring the Rambler with me in the car without worrying about liquid splashing about (so long as we’re driving on a smooth surface).

To test for leakage, I filled up both water bottles just below the rim. When laid directly on their sides with the straw opening near the handle, both water bottles saw spillage. However, the Stanley bottle leaked substantially more than the YETI bottle. In the timespan of 30 seconds, the Stanley had a little less than a quarter of the original amount of water remaining, while the YETI had more than half left.

What sizes do they come in?

The most obvious difference is the capacity of each. The largest Stanley tumbler features a 64-ounce capacity, while the YETI Rambler accommodates 42 ounces. Both brands have other cups in various sizing, but if we’re specifically talking about cups with a built-in handle, the Stanley comes in a comparable 30-ounce while the YETI also features a 25-ounce and 35-ounce. Both feel heavy when full.

When we look at the handles of each, there’s a stark difference. Stanley’s handle is wide and chunky, which makes it ideal for easy grip and transport. It’s heavy duty, but I find it a bit overbearing to hold when I’m taking a sip. Note that it has a visible screw if you look under the top of it.

Meanwhile, YETI’s handle is slim and sleek. While it might not appear as heavy duty as Stanley’s, my hand feels more natural when gripping the bottle to take a sip.

Which has more color options?

The Stanley wins in this category, boasting an endless amount of colors, including more than 30 core hues. Additionally, you’ll see a new single color or an entire line of colors drop as often as every couple of weeks to every couple of months. The brand also releases seasonal prints and designs that appeal to a collector’s crowd.

YETI does not compare with its five-color core collection and seven additional seasonal colors, but if you’re getting a YETI, it’s more of a one-and-done deal.

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Insulation

Which keeps drinks cold the longest?

Both cups are made with insulating stainless steel, which helps keep drinks cold for hours. Stanley claims that the Adventure Quencher can keep your drinks cold for up to 11 hours. I can attest to this. I live in a warmer climate, and I’ve taken my Stanley bottle on an early morning hike and came back home at night with cold water.

YETI has no specific hour claims in relation to keeping water cold. However, for this review, I filled up both cups with water and added 12 ice cubes at noon on a Monday. Three hours later, the ice shrunk significantly in both cups, though the YETI had more ice cubes than the Stanley. By the time 24 hours passed, the ice was completely gone in both cups.

By the same time the next day, the ice cubes in both cups were all gone. However, I took chillingly cold sips from each bottle—just a tad warmer than ice cold—even after 24 hours. There wasn’t a noticeable difference temperature-wise between the two.

Cleaning

Which is easier to clean?

Both claim to be dishwasher safe, and I’ve thrown both bottles in the dishwasher several times without issue. It’s important to remember that just as with any drinkware, you’ll want to thoroughly wash your cup regularly to prevent mold and bacteria.

One thing to note, though: you’ll want to separate the tab from the Stanley lid when washing it. This is a bit cumbersome and takes a few minutes, but all parts are dishwasher safe.

Safety

When Stanley came under fire recently about possibly containing lead in their drinkware, they publicly stated that you can “rest assured that no lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer nor the contents of the product.”

On YETI’s manufacturing FAQ page, the brand states that they frequently test with a third-party accredited lab, and that “when YETI Rambler Drinkware is tested, lead is not detected.”

Final Thoughts

We hate to say it, but it comes down to personal preference. With only a slight difference in temperature retention during testing, we don’t feel one cup reigns superior in all situations. If you’re looking for a reputable tumbler to keep your drink’s temperature steady, the Stanley Quencher and Yeti Rambler are both great choices. 

If you’re looking for the largest option with a straw and handle, turn to the Stanley. Maxing out at a 64-ounce capacity, it holds more liquid than the biggest Yeti. If you tend to lean towards pastels, we also recommend the Stanley, which has released lots of lovely muted colors.

In the end, you can’t go wrong with either option. We’ll continue reaching for both, and we suspect with quality products coming from each brand, we’ll be keeping our eye out for new tumbler innovations from both Yeti and Stanley.

Bonus: The Best Stanley Cup Accessories

Silicone Sleeve Base

If you tend to slam your Stanley down, this silicone sleeve will protect your tabletops and counters from the steel base. It also protects your cup from chipping or denting. The snug sleeve takes some maneuvering to slip on, but once it’s in place, it doesn’t budge. While it comes in various colors, we grabbed on-trend terrazzo. We’ve found this sleeve to be incredibly durable (it doesn’t rip or discolor with regular use). You can also swap it between the 30- and 40-ounce Stanley cups, and it can also fit on other kitchen tools like glass spray bottles.  

Straw Cover Cap Set

If you are a germaphobe or have very curious pets, you need straw covers for your Stanley to protect it. If not, you still need straw covers because they’re cute. This set of five BPA-free silicone covers is designed explicitly for Stanley’s 30- and 40-ounce tumblers, but if your bottle loyalties lie elsewhere, they also fit Owala straws.

Stanley Cup Snack Bowl

You’ve probably seen this viral snack bowl, which turns the 40-ounce Stanley Quencher into a grazing platter for stay-in-bed days, movie nights, and late-night study sessions. Snacking and hydrating in tandem has never been easier! We’ve found that the tray is also great for road trips with kids. The plastic is built to last and cleans easily with hot, soapy water, though we don’t recommend the dishwasher as the plastic can warp. 

Water Bottle Pouch

A bag for a cup might seem ridiculous, but hear us out. This pouch is great when you don’t have pockets or a full-size bag isn’t necessary, like on a trip to the gym. You can adjust the bag to attach to any Stanley Quencher (or Yeti Rambler or most any other water bottle) with a velcro strap. It’s surprisingly packed with storage space and features two zippered compartments and a front pocket. We fit so much in this little bag, including a big phone, keys, headphones, money, and more. You can pop it in the washing machine to clean if it gets stained or needs a refresh (just hang it up to dry). It’s also conveniently versatile—switch it to an armband while running to store your valuables.