Lately I've seen more and more people talking about cheap Zak tumblers saying that they compete with Yeti tumblers in terms of performance and are much cheaper in price.
Looks like Target has started stocking them and selling them at a ridiculously low price compared to Yeti. They're talking less than $10 for a 30-ounce Zak tumbler, while the same Yeti tumbler can set you back around $40.
So I wanted to do some research and see which of these glasses is better. In a head-to-head race of Zak vs. Yeti Tumblers, which performs better and which offers better value for money?
I found this:
Zak glassesthey are much cheaper thanYeti-Brille, which sells for less than $10, compared to $20 to $40 for a Yeti. They perform just as well on ice retention tests and offer better value for money. However, Yeti are more durable, dishwasher safe, and come with a better warranty.
In this article, we'll take a look at the Zak vs. Yeti mugs, looking at price, performance, and different features so you can decide which one to spend your money on.
Prices: What is cheaper?
The price is why everyone is talking about Zak travel mugs.
Target recently started selling them at amazing prices, under a whopping $10.
is a rivalOzark Trail Tumblerfrom Walmart, this is one of the cheapest glasses and one of theThe Best Yeti Tumbler Alternatives Out There.
Zak has similar sizes to Yeti mugs with an 11.5 ounce wine mug, a 13 ounce low ball mug, a 20 ounce mug, a 30 ounce mug and a 13 ounce insulated mug.
At the time of writing, Target prices are under $10 for each insulated Zak cup. However, they were more expensive on Amazon.
See how cheap Zak mugs are at Target
(ÖCompare Zak mug prices on Amazon)
Yeti tumblers, on the other hand, start at around $19.99 for the smallest size and go up to around $35 for the largest sizes.
Check out the latest Yeti mug prices at Yeti.com(ÖCompare Yeti mug prices on Amazon)
Performance: Which works better
Zak may be better when it comes to pricing, offering to under-price Yeti, but what about performance?
Does Zak have ice retention similar to Yeti or is it a cheaper product that also has cheap and poor performance?
Well, it turns out that Zak insulated tumblers actually work very similarly to Yeti, maybe even outperform Yeti by a tiny margin!
You can see a video below of someone placing the Zak insulated wine glasses head to head against the Yeti insulated mug and the Zak actually performed slightly better.
While I'm not entirely convinced by this video alone, I do know that most insulated mugs perform about the same as others, with minor differences.
I wrote a whole article about itbest insulated cups for ice retentionand I found that it was often the lid that made the difference in performance, not even the jar itself.
In that article, I also looked at Ozark Trail, another cheaper brand like Zak, and it basically worked just as well as a Yeti mug.
So I can definitely see that Zak would probably function very similarly to the Yeti and hold ice for the same amount of time or keep drinks hot for a similar amount of time.
It may work a little better or a little worse, but what is clear is that Zak insulated tumblers work and do very well.
They are low-performance products, but rather high-performance products at an affordable price.
See how cheap Zak mugs are at Target
(ÖCompare Zak mug prices on Amazon)
Features: What's the difference?
What about the functions? Comparing the Zak mug to the Yeti mug, does the Yeti have more bells and whistles and better features?
Doesn't really turn out.
cup size and shape
Zak mugs are clearly inspired by the design of the Yeti mugs. This is not surprising as there are many, many brands that have done this.
While there are some obvious differences between the brands (e.g. the Zak is 20oz in size and doesn't share the same design as the Yeti), overall they look pretty similar.
If you changed the logo, most people wouldn't be able to tell which is which.
Yeti has a few larger sizes, but Zak has a wider color gamut. Yeti also focuses on earthier outdoor colors, while Zak has brighter, more fun colors.
splash-proof lid
Both the Yeti and the Zak have a "splashproof lid". That means the lid isn't 100% leak proof, so you can't put it on its side.
The Yeti lid is more premium with its MagSlider closure, which is easier to use and clean.
But the Zak cap is fine. It has a plastic slider that snaps into place and a rubber grommet like the Yeti to keep it snug.
dishwasher safe
The Yeti Tumbler is dishwasher safe.while the zak glass is not.
This means it's easier to clean and has undergone more rigorous testing, resulting in a higher build quality overall.
There aren't many dishwasher-safe glasses out there, but Yeti isn't the only one, and there are some cheaper options.See my full list of dishwasher safe glasses.
Guarantee
Yeti tumblers are backed by a 5-year limited warranty protecting you against manufacturing defects or loss of insulation in your tumbler.
Personally, I've had my Yeti mugs for 5 years and they still work great. I never had to call on the guarantee but it was nice to know it was there.
Zak, on the other hand, had only offered a 90-day return through Target. They say on their website:
This item can be returned to any Target store or to Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of in-store purchase, shipping date, or online order pickup date. See the return policy for more details.
Marke
Yeti is a well-known and respected brand in the outdoor sector. They are a lifestyle brand and THE brand in the industry.
When you own a Yeti, you know you're getting quality. It also makes it clear that you are someone who likes quality and is willing to pay for the best.
I personally love the Yeti brand and while sometimes the cheaper products work just as well, I'm happy to spend a little more because of the Yeti brand and knowing that it will be of high quality.
Zak, on the other hand, doesn't have much notoriety, if any, and while they make nice kids' tableware, I have no idea how solid and durable their insulated drinking glasses are.
durability
I have more insulating glasses and water bottles than I can count. That's what happens when you're constantly checking out the latest gear, like I do today.
I can say without a doubt that of all the mugs and vacuum flasks I own, the Yeti SENTO mugs are the most durable.
They're a bit heavier, the metal is thicker and harder to dent, and they're dishwasher safe, unlike most other brands.
If you compare a Yeti to a Zak, both are made from the same materials (stainless steel) and both look premium. There is no apparent difference in durability but I think I know from experience that Yeti products last for years while I'm not sure about Zak products.
Who is Zak?
Chances are you have seen Zak products everywhere and you may already own some, especially if you have children. In fact, they've been around since 1976.
Zak mainly makes licensed children's tableware sets. Mugs, plates, bowls and cutlery with famous characters like Elsa from Frozen or Spiderman or Hulk.
They originally sold oven mitts but grew tremendously when they signed a licensing agreement to include main characters to be printed on children's mugs and tableware.
Everything from the Little Mermaid in the 1990's to branded Frozen, Start Wars, Marvel and Micecraft in 2020. Now they are the leaders in licensed children's tableware.
Their vacuum mugs are sold under the brand name “Zak! Style” and focus less on licensing children and more on affordable and stylish mugs for adults.
That's where their new range of drinking glasses comes in. It's a clear competitor to Yeti mugs and shares a very similar design but is sold at a much cheaper price.
Who is Yeti?
You've probably heard of Yeti, too, but for completely different reasons.
Yeti makes expensive, high-end coolers and other high-end products and has basically made the insulated tumbler market what it is today.
While they didn't invent the insulated mug, they popularized it, and their quality mugs took the world by storm.
There's more in thereYeti origin story hereBut basically, they're known for making extremely expensive, high-end products that are over-engineered and built to last.
Learn more about Yeti coolers
Reasons to buy a Zak glass
Zak mugs are a great, cheaper alternative to the Yeti mug.
If you're not too concerned about the brand, the Zak mugs are excellent value for money and work just as well as the Yeti.
If you're not worried about what brand you're getting, I'd definitely suggest the Zak to the Yeti as they're a lot cheaper.
You could buy 2-3 Zak for the price of a single Yeti. So you could get one for yourself and another for your partner or friend.
For me I also have kids who tend not to handle things very well, I would be more inclined to buy them a Zak because it's cheaper so if I mess up I won't mind that much.
See how cheap Zak mugs are at Target
(ÖCompare Zak mug prices on Amazon)
Reasons to buy a Yeti Glass
If you are a fan of quality, if budget is not an issue for you and you want the best brand and buy this product once and never have to think about it again, I would recommend a Yeti.
Yes, it's more expensive than the Zak and its performance is about the same, but the quality of the Yeti is extremely high so you know you won't have any problems.
Plus, if you have problems, you have the 5-year guarantee to fix them.
For many people, $20-$35 isn't a big deal, so it makes sense to go with the most well-known brand and quality assurance. I personally love Yeti so that would be my preference for my own mug.
Check out the latest Yeti mug prices at Yeti.com(ÖCompare Yeti mug prices on Amazon)
FAQs
What tumbler keeps cold the longest? ›
The Hydro Flask 22-Ounce Insulated Tumbler Cup is our top pick because keeps beverages either hot or cold for several hours, doesn't sweat, is slip-free, and fits in most cupholders. We also love the Yeti Rambler Tumbler, which is double-insulated as well and super easy to keep clean.
Is Yeti still the best tumbler? ›The YETI Rambler lives up to its reputation as one of the best tumblers on the market. Its double-walled insulation kept ice in our cup all day in the sun without causing condensation or cold hands.
Why are Yeti tumblers so popular? ›People swear by their Yetis and with good reason. They actually keep your drinks cold, ice unmelted, and seltzer bubbly for hours. Plus, the insulation and large size make them perfect for outdoor activities. In fact, we named a Yeti the best outdoor water bottle for its durability and insulation.
What brand is better then Yeti? ›Of all the competitors on the market, Pelican is the most Yeti-esque alternative. Its industry-leading coolers boast two inches of polyurethane insulation and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket for extreme ice retention.
Is anything better than Yeti? ›#1 BISON Medium Rotomolded Cooler
It results in a cooler that's super sturdy and offers better ice retention than coolers that have seams. Yeti coolers are excellent at keeping things cold thanks to their rotomolded hard shell, but there are other rotomolded ice chests to choose from. The Bison Cooler is one of them.
- Simple Modern Classic Insulated Tumbler. ...
- Yeti Rambler. ...
- Aloufea Stainless-steel Insulated Tumbler. ...
- Ozark Trail Stainless-steel Insulated Tumbler. ...
- Contigo Autoclose Shake & Go Insulated Tumbler. ...
- Hydro Flask Tumbler. ...
- Corkcicle Triple-insulated Stemless Glass. ...
- Tervis Insulated Tumbler Cup. Best insulated tumbler cup.
Large areas of air inside your cooler will accelerate ice-melt as the ice is consumed with having to cool the air, instead of your contents. If you do need to leave space in your cooler, they are best filled with extra ice, towels, or crumpled newspaper if weight is a concern.
Do Yeti tumblers leak? ›Even with a MagSlider™ Lid, the Rambler® Tumblers are leak-resistant, not leakproof. If tipped over in a backpack, or jostled in traffic, some liquid will spill out due to pressure releasing inside the tumbler.
Why did Lowes stop selling Yeti? ›Yeti has decided to end sales to Lowe's after two years. The premium cooler and tumblers maker cited supply chain disruptions and a heightened focus on core wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels as motivating the move.
What is better than a blue Yeti? ›FIFINE USB Podcast Microphone for Recording Streaming, Condenser Computer... Razer Seiren Mini USB Condenser Microphone: for Streaming and Gaming on PC... Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting... Blue Snowball USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming,...
Why is Yeti better than brands? ›
People swear by their Yetis and with good reason. They actually keep your drinks cold, ice unmelted, and seltzer bubbly for hours. Plus, the insulation and large size make them perfect for outdoor activities. In fact, we named a Yeti the best outdoor water bottle for its durability and insulation.
What size YETI tumbler is best? ›The 20-ounce tumbler is the most versatile of the Yeti Rambler line. At 6⅞ inches tall and 3.5 inches wide at the top, it's big enough to hold a large latte from your favorite airport coffee shop on your morning flight and it will keep an afternoon pint of beer cold.
Are yetis worth the hype? ›If you want a cooler that can retain temperatures for several days on end, you'll appreciate a YETI. But their high price rightfully gives people pause — and these expensive coolers aren't intended for everyone. They're often heavy, offer a low size-to-storage ratio, and, yes, are as expensive as coolers get.
What size YETI is most popular? ›TUNDRA® 45 HARD COOLER
Our most popular size, it's great for overnight camping trips with a crew of four.
Igloo has over 500 products like Marine Ultra Cooler, making it the top competitor for Yeti in 2021 and beyond.
What is Walmart's version of a Yeti? ›Ozark Trail Tumbler Review - Walmart's Version of Yeti Tumbler 2023 - Go Green Travel Green.
Is lifetime better than Yeti? ›Their color scheme is also good enough that most people won't feel the pinch of the lack of variety. Yeti beats Lifetime again when it comes to ice retention, with their cooler being able to keep ice for longer. However, Lifetime's 5-day ice retention is still good enough for most needs.
Is RTIC better than Yeti? ›We also love RTIC's price, which is a hundred dollars less than Yeti's, a not inconsiderable amount. Still, as we said up top, Yeti ultimately wins out, thanks to its superior temperature retention, plus the brand's trademark user-friendliness and the fact that its carry handles are super comfortable.
Why is Yeti overpriced? ›Just like how Iphone and Gucci is a desirable brand, one of the top reasons Yeti coolers are so expensive is because of its name. Over the years, more and more people are willing to pay for a Yeti because it sits on top of the wide selection of high-end coolers.
What coolers are as good as Yeti but cheaper? ›- REI Co-op Cool Haul 12 Soft Cooler. ...
- OtterBox Trooper 12 Tote Cooler. ...
- Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler. ...
- Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Premium Ice Chest. ...
- Igloo BMX Family with Cool Riser Technology. ...
- Stanley Adventure Cooler.
What water bottle keeps ice the longest? ›
Best insulated water bottle for cold water: CamelBak Chute Mag. If you like ice-cold water, the CamelBak Chute Mag is basically like a portable freezer. After 24 hours, it had about 60 percent of the ice left (the most out of all the bottles tested), and the water temperature was a super-cold 33°F—just above freezing.
How long will a Yeti tumbler keep ice? ›72 Hours (3 Days)
The Yeti and Orca had some small chunks floating with many more small pieces. The Pelican still had mostly large chunks of ice with a few small pieces floating around.
A cooler or ice bucket made from nylon or Styrofoam will keep the ice cool for at least the day. A plastic container will keep ice cool overnight, as long as it is not placed in direct sunlight. Avoid metal coolers and buckets, as they hold heat and will not keep your ice from melting for a long period of time.
Why does my Blue Yeti sound awful? ›It's a sensitive mic and laptop or computer fans can end up being picked up and sound louder than they ought to. Try moving the mic further away from your machine and see if that helps. The culprit might also simply be an over-enthusiastic heating or air-con system, so be sure to rule that out too.
Why can't you wash a YETI? ›Any damage to this mechanism results in the tumbler becoming useless. It was believed that the intense heat inside a dishwasher might be enough to damage the vacuum seal. This is the main reason why Yeti strongly recommended against putting their tumblers in dishwashers.
Is it OK to put dry ice in a YETI cooler? ›A major benefit of the Tundra® and Roadie® Hard Coolers, or YETI TANK® Ice Bucket is its dry ice compatibility. When used in your YETI Hard Cooler, dry ice can keep food and drinks cold and frozen longer than regular ice.
Does the dishwasher ruin Yeti cups? ›YETI Tumblers can handle the wild. But can you put a YETI in the dishwasher, too? You bet. Legendary YETI durability doesn't stop inside your dishwasher; thanks to rugged 18/8 stainless steel construction, your YETI cup is safe and sound.
Do yetis get moldy? ›Because unfortunately, Yeti cups are prone to mold build-up, and a good old-fashioned handwashing is the best way to prevent and get rid of this. Cleaning a Yeti cup by hand is extremely easy and will take less than a couple of minutes.
Why do Yeti put a magnet in the lid? ›Removable magnet helps seal your drink to keep splashes at bay while on the go.
Is YETI made in China? ›Where Are YETI Products Manufactured? Our Tundra coolers are manufactured in the USA at facilities located in Iowa and Wisconsin as well as at a facility located in the Philippines. Our Hopper coolers and Rambler drinkware are manufactured in China.
Who has YETI sued? ›
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-based YETI has filed a lawsuit against Houston-based Igloo Products Corp., alleging the company is trying to “confuse consumers” into thinking its drinkware products are associated with YETI, the Houston Business Journal reported.
What is the most popular YETI product? ›One of Yeti's most well-known products is, without a doubt, their Rambler with Magslider Lid. Both the cup and lid are dishwasher safe, and it promises to keep drinks cold or hot until the last sip.
Is it worth buying a Blue Yeti? ›Blue Yeti microphone is one of the most popular starter mics on the market for podcasters, and not without a reason: Great price. Without a doubt, the Yeti microphone offers great sound quality and a variety of features for the price.
Is the Blue Yeti worth the money? ›The Blue Yeti is a solid solo mic, but it isn't the cheapest, and you'll eventually want to buy some additional gear for it. If you already own one, then it'll be more than good enough for recording monologue-style shows or remote conversations.
Which is better rode or blue yeti? ›Summing Up. Although they are very similar mics, the Blue Yeti is the better buy, mostly because of its lower price. Add to that the fact that the Yeti gives you four polar patterns to choose from and a higher max SPL.
How does Stanley compare to Yeti? ›Yeti Rambler Tumbler: The Major Differences. Shape and size: Though both tumblers hold 30 ounces of liquid, the Yeti Rambler is shorter and wider than the Stanley IceFlow. One similarity, though, is the size of the bases, both of which measure about 3 inches high with a cupholder-friendly 10-inch circumference.
Do Yeti's dent easily? ›The Bottle Cup Cap turns the YETI into a thermos. But at the end of the day, this bottle is still vulnerable to dents and scratches, just like any other bottle, and it will set you back $5–10 more than either of the other top-tier brands, or a whopping $35 more than generic insulated bottles.
What is the most popular Yeti color? ›The most versatile YETI cooler colors are White and Desert Tan. Those colors look good on their own, and they'll match any future YETI you decide to get, too.
What is the most popular yeti rambler? ›1. Yeti Rambler 20-Ounce Tumbler. The Yeti Rambler is easily one of Yeti's most popular products. It features double-wall construction with an 18/8 stainless steel body to ensure hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold.
Which is better brumate or yeti? ›Functionality. The functionality of both Koozies are about the same. Easy to use, both keep the drink cold, and both are designed with minimal look and feel. While the YETI is a bit slimmer, the BrüMate is a bit lighter overall.
Who is yetis target market? ›
For Yeti, however, the founders were perfect matches for their target audience: middle-aged outdoorsmen who take the outdoors seriously. Because of this, they were able to have a solid understanding of their consumer profiles. The priority for this audience is not saving money on gear but getting your money's worth.
What size YETI is the best for elk? ›Antelope: at least 55 quarts. Mule deer: 75 quarts (boned out) or possibly 105 quarts. Elk: a total of 200 quarts in different cooler combinations (boned out)
What does 45 mean on YETI? ›The Tundra 45 is one of Yeti's most popular hard coolers and this latest release is yet another example of its quality. The number in Yeti cooler names refers to the number of quarts of content it can hold, meaning the Tundra 45 holds 45 quarts of items.
Can you put hot and cold in YETI? ›Can YETI Tumblers be used for hot and cold drinks? Yes, our stainless steel tumblers are built with double wall vacuum insulation that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
What tumbler is as good as YETI but cheaper? ›TAL Double Wall Insulated Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler
What Makes It a Good Yeti Tumbler Alternative: It is going to be nearly impossible to beat the price point on this double-wall-insulated, 12-ounce wine tumbler, which also comes in pink and black as well as this perky, mint green color.
Functionality. The functionality of both Koozies are about the same. Easy to use, both keep the drink cold, and both are designed with minimal look and feel. While the YETI is a bit slimmer, the BrüMate is a bit lighter overall.
Is RTIC as good as YETI? ›We also love RTIC's price, which is a hundred dollars less than Yeti's, a not inconsiderable amount. Still, as we said up top, Yeti ultimately wins out, thanks to its superior temperature retention, plus the brand's trademark user-friendliness and the fact that its carry handles are super comfortable.
What company competes with Yeti? ›- Igloo Products Corp. Year founded: 1947. Headquarter: Katy Waller County, Texas. ...
- RTIC Coolers. Year founded: 2015. ...
- ORCA. Year founded: 2012. ...
- Coleman Company. Year founded: 1990. ...
- Pelican Products. Year founded: 1976. ...
- OtterBox. Year founded: 1998. ...
- RovR Products. Year founded: 2016. ...
- Hydro Flask. Year founded: 2009.
Longest Ice Retention Cooler: Orca 40-Quart Cooler
Out of 10 coolers tested, only four made it to 9 days outside, and only two still had ice on day 10. The Orca 40-Quart ($322) ultimately won out over the YETI. Its ice was fully melted on day 11 at 10 a.m. (meaning it stayed iced for 10 full days).
Some of the best air coolers in India across brands like Bajaj, Crompton, Symphony, Orient etc have upgraded their features in 2022 offering fantastic cooling solutions at a very reasonable price.
Which cooler has best reviews? ›
Symphony Sumo 75 XL Powerful Desert Air Cooler
The brand Symphony for years has been known for its durable and powerful electronic devices. This high-performance desert air cooler has unmatched aesthetics, a large tank capacity of 75-litre and hassle-free water filling feature that ensures long uninterrupted cooling.
We're happy to announce a favorable settlement of our lawsuits with RTIC Coolers. RTIC has agreed to stop selling all of the products subject to the lawsuits (including hard coolers, soft coolers, and drinkware), redesign all of the products in question, and pay YETI a financial settlement.
Are RTIC and Yeti owned by brothers? ›About The Owners
Entrepreneurial twin brothers, John and Jim Jacobsen, gained success in the cooler industry by selling their high-end products for less. They offer high quality coolers with all of the features customers want - at a fraction of the price you can buy in a retail outlet. How?
Both of them are smaller sizes, so the ice shelf life is lower. However, the RTIC is slightly bigger and allows five more pounds compared to the Yeti. Both coolers have an ice life of four days. Both have excellent construction, with the Yeti featuring a soft handle and comfortable carry straps.