Stanley or Simple Modern? If you’re torn between the viral giant and the quiet contender, I was too. Until I wasn’t.
I lean toward Stanley. It’s the tumbler I reach for most days, the one that’s logged the most hours in my cup holder. But don’t mistake that for blind loyalty. Because when I first tried the Simple Modern tumbler, I expected “good enough”, and instead got “impressively great”.
I’ll break down what sets these two brands apart, from design and insulation to everyday usability, and explain why, despite its quieter presence, Simple Modern gave Stanley a serious run for its money.
For this comparison, I’ll be focusing on two favorites: the Stanley IceFlow with its flip straw lid and the Simple Modern Trek tumbler. Both brands have plenty of other models, but these two stood out to me as the most noteworthy.
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Stanley vs Simple Modern: Comparison Table
Stanley IceFlow | Simple Modern Trek | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Recommended size | 30 oz | 30 oz |
Price | $35 | $30 |
Dishwasher safe? | YES | YES |
Fits cup holders? | YES | YES |
Leakproof? | YES | NO |
Can be used with hot liquids? | Depends on the lid | YES |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
My Score | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
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Insulation
At first glance, you might assume Stanley would dominate in insulation. After all, it’s a well-known workhorse with a solid, fully sealed lid. Yet the Simple Modern Trek tumbler quietly upends expectations. Not only does it keep up – it actually outperformed Stanley in my tests and ranks as one of the best insulated tumblers in my collection.
I started with a room-temperature test, filling both tumblers with water at 32.4°F (0.2°C). After 24 hours, Stanley’s water had warmed to 65.7°F (18.7°C), while Simple Modern’s measured around 59°F (15°C). That first result caught me off guard. Simple Modern has a straw opening, which should, in theory, let heat escape or cold seep in, but the numbers didn’t lie.
The second revelation came during the heat retention test. I poured hot water at 188.6°F (87°C) into the Simple Modern tumbler and 12 hours later, it still registered 132.8°F (56°C) – well above the threshold I consider “too lukewarm”.
Stanley performed admirably too, starting at a slightly higher 203.9°F (95.5°C) and cooling to 120°F (49°C) after 12 hours. Impressive, but not enough to surpass Simple Modern.
Lid & Leakproofness
This is where Stanley clearly takes the lead. I own three different lids for my Stanley tumblers, but I mostly use the flip straw version. The straw folds neatly into the lid and can be raised with a simple thumb tab. It’s comfortable to use and hygienic, since your fingers never touch the tip of the spout.
Simple Modern, by contrast, takes a much more basic approach. Its lid is little more than a cover with a hole for a straw – a straw that sits exposed, collecting germs over time. It might sound minor, but when you’re commuting by bus, train, or tram, the environment isn’t exactly pristine. In those situations, Stanley’s design feels far superior.
The Simple Modern straw also shows its weaknesses after some use. The edges can become sharp, making drinking less comfortable, and the lid itself is far from leakproof (splashproof at best). Compared to Stanley’s thoughtful, sealed design, the differences become hard to ignore.
Portability
For portability, Stanley has held the edge for me, but only when paired with the flip straw lid. That lid comes with a bucket-like handle, wide enough for four fingers, which lets me carry the tumbler almost like a miniature bucket. Many people admire Stanley’s iconic side handles, but in my experience, this bucket-style grip is far more practical.
Picture this: a full 30-ounce Stanley weighs 3.12 pounds. Now imagine a tram breaking down mid-commute, forcing you to walk home while holding a tumbler in a rigid 90-degree position because it’s not leakproof (it actually happened to me). Your hand and arm would quickly ache. With the bucket handle, I simply grabbed it and walked home comfortably.
The Simple Modern tumbler, by comparison, only offers a side handle. I use the 40-ounce version, which, when full, weighs over four pounds. Even though the handle is ergonomically shaped, it can’t match the ease of Stanley’s bucket-style grip for extended carrying.
Cup holder compatibility is another point where portability matters. Here, both tumblers perform well: their tapered bottoms, under three inches in diameter, slide neatly into standard cup holders.
Ease of Cleaning
Both tumblers are dishwasher safe, yet I usually skip the machine. High heat can wear on the exterior over time, even if the brand assures you it’s fine. Instead, I stick to the simple, low-tech method: warm water, dish soap, and a brush or even just a sponge, since both tumblers have wide openings that make reaching the bottom easy.
Straws are a different story. To clean them properly, a dedicated straw brush like this one is essential. Without one, you risk leaving gunk behind in those narrow passages.
Durability
Stanley gives an immediate sense of solid, reassuring build quality – a confidence you don’t quite get with Simple Modern. The Simple Modern construction feels more basic, especially the lid, which isn’t as reinforced.
In practice, this hasn’t caused any issues. Tumblers are mostly used in cars or on desks, not on rugged hikes, so dents and scratches haven’t been a concern. Both are crafted from 18/8 stainless steel, the gold standard for durability, ensuring they can handle everyday use without complaint.
Versatility
For me, Stanley has proven far more versatile, and I find myself bringing it along to a wider range of situations than Simple Modern. Its combination of portability, leakproof design, durability, lid functionality, and insulation makes it reliable in places where other tumblers often fall short.
I’ve used it at the beach, in classes, at work, during travel, on walks in the park, in the car, and even on short hikes, anywhere I need a dependable bottle without worrying about spills or temperature loss.
Simple Modern, on the other hand, shines in more stationary settings. Its lack of a fully leakproof lid makes it less suited for active use, but it works well on a desk, in a gym locker, or on short trips where it won’t be jostled around.
Both tumblers gain extra versatility from their ability to handle hot and cold liquids, and the impressive heat retention is particularly valuable when you want to enjoy tea or coffee over several hours.
A quick note: the standard Stanley IceFlow isn’t ideal for very hot drinks. It can handle warm beverages without issue, but near-boiling liquids introduce a risk of leaks or pressure buildup. If you want to enjoy hot drinks safely, Stanley offers the FlowState lid as a separate purchase. It manages high temperatures more reliably, though it’s important to note that it isn’t fully leakproof.
Pricing
After all the areas where Stanley shines, Simple Modern does have its second advantage: affordability. I paid $35 for the 40-ounce version, but over time I’ve come to think the smaller 30-ounce size makes more sense. It’s easier to carry, more versatile, and still offers plenty of capacity, plus it costs around $30, making it an attractive budget-friendly option.
Stanley remains a premium choice, and its price reflects that. Even so, the 30-ounce model at $35 delivers excellent value: just $1.16 per ounce of capacity, which is impressive for a Stanley product.
Another point worth noting is that both brands back their tumblers with lifetime warranties against manufacturer defects.
Verdict: Stanley Wins
Simple Modern is a solid tumbler that I genuinely like, but it falls short in a few key areas for me, particularly leakproofness and portability. Its insulation, however, is excellent, so if keeping beverages hot or cold is your main concern, the $30 investment is worthwhile.
But Stanley comes close in insulation performance while offering a broader set of features. For me, it clearly takes the lead, especially if you’re considering the IceFlow model.
Stanley IceFlow | Simple Modern Trek |
|---|---|
| |
My Score: 4.6/5 | My Score: 4.2/5 |
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
