Stanley cups continue to fly off shelves for good reason — our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab are fans of their durability, variety of color options and large, comfortable handles.
But what good is a travel mug if it leaks? As much as we love the Stanley Quencher, we'd be remiss to not acknowledge that these tumblers are not fully spill-proof, and that poses a problem for users. To help solve the spillage issue, we put two viral, supposedly leak-proof solutions to the test.
Spill-Proof Lids
The lid is the culprit when it comes to leaking, so we swapped the official Stanley lid with this replacement lid from Amazon. Each lid is designed with a flip straw, and under the straw is a small knob to help with lifting and lowering the mouthpiece. You get two lids in one pack, and the set includes new straws to connect (you'll need this straw, as the regular Stanley straw is too large to be compatible).
What we liked:
- Fully leak-proof when closed, even when turned fully upside down
- Includes lid-compatible straws
- BPA-free and made of food-grade plastic
- Dishwasher safe
- Unlike the official Stanley lid, this lid is clear on top so you can see what's inside
What we didn't like:
- Because the mouthpiece lines up with the tumbler's handle, you have to hold the cup slightly awkwardly to take a sip
- Has few color options to match Stanley colors
Silicone Stoppers
If you want to keep your Stanley looking true-to-form without replacing the lid entirely, silicone stoppers are an alternate option. Like the lids, you'll receive a set of two, great if you have multiple Stanleys or want a second set to swap out while cleaning.
Included in each set is a stopper that fits snugly around the straw to create a tight seal, a lid spill plug and a straw topper.
What we liked:
- Fully leak-proof when the straw cap is on, even when turned fully upside down
- Straw cap prevents dirt and debris from entering the straw and is compatible with other tumbler straws, not just Stanley
- Dishwasher safe
- Clear design does not detract from the color or pattern of the Stanley
- Internal stopper prevents water from leaking out from underneath the FlowState three-position slider
What we didn't like:
- Requires precision to assemble properly and create leak-proof seal
- Adds three extra pieces to your Stanley that need to be regularly removed and cleaned
How do the two hacks compare?
✔️ Assembly: The initial setup of the leak-proof lid is as simple as attaching the included straw to the inside of the lid and screwing it on to your Stanley. The multi-piece silicone stoppers are a bit tricky to correctly place to create an effective seal, but once they're in, they prevent leaking.
✔️ Price: Both the lid and silicone stopper set come with two in a pack. The silicone stoppers will run you about $7 and fit tightly on your current Stanley straw. The lids come with a compatible straw, but cost a bit more than the stoppers — $14 when not on sale.
✔️ Ease of Use: Once assembled, each spill-proof solution just requires you to "close" the straw. That said, due to the thread alignment of the replacement lid, it's awkward to drink from.
✔️ Cleaning: Both options are dishwasher safe.
The bottom line
Both options give you the completely spill-proof seal you're searching for, so it comes down to a matter of how you most often use your Stanley. If you like your straw positioned just right for easy sipping, the straw toppers are a must. They also help keep your drink as clean and debris-free as possible.
Otherwise, the leak-proof lid is a great solution if you often toss your Stanley in a bag or cupholder, as the mouthpiece folds down flat, keeping the straw securely in place. Plus, flipping the mouthpiece up and down is quick and easy — perfect for kids who might struggle to remember to replace the silicone straw cap before bringing their tumbler to recess or carrying it home in a backpack.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emily Rochotte is a freelance writer with years of experience researching and writing about all things hydration and water bottles, including Stanley. She extensively tested these spill-proof solutions on multiple Stanley cups and is happy to report that flipping her tumblers upside down over her desk multiple times resulted in no spillage.
Emily Rochotte is a freelance writer and social media manager covering lifestyle, travel and wedding content.
