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. If you’re wondering if you should get a Stanley H2.0 Tumbler or Yeti Rambler 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.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 vs YETI Rambler Tumbler

Detailed Comparison

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. It’s no surprise that Stanley has consistently been the best-selling brand in Amazon’s Home & Kitchen category (Check the Amazon Best Sellers List).

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.