The best coasters to protect your tabletop

Pros: Absorbs water and keeps table dry, heat protection, made in US, thin, durable, doesn't slide easily

Cons: Sticks to your glass when wet, hard to clean

The Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Felt Coasters are made in the US of Merino wool, which has great moisture-wicking properties. This was evident in our water test, where it absorbed the water we put on it without allowing it to touch the table. 

The wool doesn't slide around and is pliant and durable. If you shop at Graf Lantz, there are dozens of color schemes to pick from, so you're sure to find something that matches your decor.

What we liked least about the Bierfilzl felt coasters is that they stick to your glass when wet. During our testing, the coaster would stick and then fall onto the floor as we took a sip. We also didn't like how hard it is to clean since the wool absorbs any stains.

Pros: Offers superior water protection, monogramming option, beveled lip aids in easy drink placement, doesn't stick to glass, stays in place, easy to clean

Cons: Failed our drop test suggesting poor durability

Aside from one major flaw, the Pottery Barn Marble Coasters are virtually ideal for protecting your tables. They have a beveled edge that keeps condensation from flowing off. It also makes it easy to place your drink on the coaster. 

The marble lends a heft that keeps the coaster from sticking to your glass when you pick it up. On the bottom of the coaster are four grippy foam feet that keep it from sliding and keep the coaster from coming in direct contact with the table for an added layer of protection from heat. 

The smooth surface of the coaster is easy to clean with a damp cloth and doesn't hold onto stains. The major flaw is the Pottery Barn Marble Coasters are not durable. They were the only coasters to break when dropped from 4 feet onto wood. The coaster shattered into several pieces. This may not be a deal-breaker if your floors are mostly carpeted.

Pros: Affordable, made from upcycled vinyl records, durable, easy to clean, low-profile design, great for music lovers

Cons: Sticks to the glass, the nonporous surface makes it easy for water to roll off, doesn't offer heat protection

Old records are gathering dust in thrift stores and attics around the world. The folks at Vinylux decided to repurpose these vinyl discs for hip, functional decor. The Upcycled Record Coasters are made from old records cut to coaster size and laminated, so condensation can't sneak through the hole in the middle and damage your table. Each set is different, featuring a random assortment of six records.

The Upcycled coasters are the thinnest we tested, protecting your glass from tipping if you accidentally place it on the edge. However, this coaster isn't ideal for hot beverages since vinyl is notoriously heat sensitive. The flat, nonporous design also doesn't keep water from rolling off the coaster, including when it sticks to the glass as you pick it up.

On the plus side, the coasters are easy to clean. A damp towel wipes clean any residue without leaving stains. The vinyl is also incredibly durable, exhibiting no damage after our drop test. 

Pros: Durable, low profile, stays put, doesn't stick to your glass, made of recycled material

Cons: Few design options, hand wash only

Think of the squishy material of many beach sandals, and you'll understand why recycling them into drink coasters is a great idea. Cocowhoa's recycled cork coasters are absorbent and spongy, offering great protection between your glass and table. 

Senior home editor Lisa Sabatini owns these coasters and calls them amazing. They absorb condensation without sticking to your glass. The low profile means you can set your beverage down with ease, but it still offers a layer of insulation for hot drinks. 

They're light yet durable, though you do have to handwash them. They come in two colors, blue and orange, with a terrazzo-style design that's especially nice for patios and outdoor spaces.

Pros: Fun, 17 different lyric set options, hold condensation well, good heat protection, durable, low-profile design, doesn't slide easily

Cons: Hard to clean, sticks to the glass when wet

The Bright Beam Goods Greatest Hits Mistaken Lyrics Coasters are ideal for coffee tables because they're instant conversation starters. Each package features six cork coasters with mistaken lyrics from great songs ranging from "Hey Ya" ("Shake it like a polar bear ninja") to "Hotel California" ("On a dark desert highway cool whip in my hair"). 

There are 16 other mistaken lyric set options on the Bright Beam Goods website, including inappropriate, '90s themed, and animal-based lyrics.

Best of all, the Mistaken Lyrics coasters work pretty well. The cork doesn't absorb the water but is abrasive enough to keep it from simply rolling off. It stays in place on your table, and it's easy to place your beverage on it by feel alone. Even if you miss, it's low-profile enough that your drink won't tip. The coaster also passed our durability test with flying colors.

We didn't like that it stuck to the bottom of a glass when wet. This would cause condensation to roll on to the table, and the coaster fell on the floor once it was released. The coaster also stains easily, and there isn't a simple way to clean it.

Other coasters we recommend 

Line+Arc The Original Degrē Coasters: Beautiful and functional, these silicone coasters from Line+Arc are dishwasher safe and durable. The hexagonal design is sleek and modern-looking, but it can make it difficult to set down a glass because they're not totally level. 

Uncommon Goods Cozy Scented Warming Coaster: This coaster is great because you can pop it in the microwave to keep your beverages warm. It also has cloves, cinnamon, and other aromatics for a soothing experience. It didn't make our list because condensation leaked through the coaster, and if you don't place your mug on it just right, it could tip over.

Coasters we don't recommend

Gentlemen's Hardware Workman's Coaster Set: During the testing period, we used the Gentlemen's Hardware Workman's Coaster Set more for its secondary uses than as a coaster, including as a bottle and box opener. Unfortunately, as a coaster, it left a bit to be desired. It's made of metal, which doesn't absorb any condensation. The bottle opener leaves a significant hole in the coaster where water can seep through.

I tested all of the coasters in this guide. In addition to using the coasters casually to get a feel for how they work in daily use, there are many objective tests I put each one through. The most important factors to consider when picking a coaster are water protection, ease of use, and durability. 

Here are the main attributes we looked for and how we tested them:

Water protection: First, I placed a 16-ounce glass of ice water on each coaster with a paper towel underneath to see if condensation would somehow make its way through. Unfortunately, it was the dry, cold season where I tested, and condensation was hard to come by. I created fake condensation by distributing a teaspoon of water around each glass using a dropper. Then I let the water sit for about an hour and assessed how moist the paper towel was underneath. I also noted if the coaster stuck to the glass when I lifted it up, which could lead to water rolling off the coaster onto a table.

Ease of use: I used each coaster for a few days with different glasses and beverages. I paid close attention to what made them easier or harder to use, including how easy it was to place a glass on the coaster without looking. I also evaluated how easy each coaster was to clean and if it slid easily.

Durability: I enlisted my child to drop each of the coasters from eye level (about 4 feet) onto hardwood flooring. The only coaster that broke was the Pottery Barn Marble Coaster.

What type of coasters are best?

It depends on what you want out of a coaster. If you want to protect your table from water and heat, we recommend looking for a coaster with a lip around it or a porous surface that will keep water from rolling off. Feet on the corners or good insulation will also add protection against heat.

How do I choose a coaster?

Start with what you want your coaster to do. If you're concerned about protecting your tables from water and heat, look for a coaster with a lip around it to keep condensation contained. Absorbent materials that facilitate evaporation are also helpful.

Do slate coasters absorb water?

Yes, the porous surface of slate will help absorb minor amounts of condensation, protecting your table.

What are drink coasters made of?

Just about everything. In our guide, we feature coasters made of felt wool, cork, marble, plastic, and metal. Sandstone is another popular material that we hope to test out in the future.