12 Best Hard Coolers in 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

The Igloo BMX 52 Qt Cooler is a versatile blow-molded hard cooler with excellent insulation and durability. During our cooling power tests, the interior maintained a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for three days and 10 hours. The seamless blow-molded design prevents cold air from escaping, contributing to its high cooling capacity. This makes it suitable for extended activities like weekend camping or road trips.

The cooler's insulation is about two inches thick, allowing it to withstand compression tests up to 13 kilonewtons, or approximately 3,000 pounds. The thick rubber latch is shock-absorbent, while the metal hinges provide additional strength. The cooler's lid features a stopper to prevent it from opening too wide, improving durability. Additionally, it has swing-up side handles that provide stability and reduce wobbling during transport. It's easy to maintain balance, resulting in less strain on the arm. The rubber coating on the handle ensures a non-slip grip even when hands are sweaty or wet.

Weighing just 15 pounds seven ounces, this lightweight cooler is easy to maneuver, and cleaning the bottom and exterior surfaces is a breeze. The sloped drain is also a nice feature. Although some water remains due to the slightly elevated position of the drainage hole, it doesn't require much effort to wipe clean.

The lid can be easily opened by pulling the rubber latches downwards. The top surface features a 20-inch and 52-centimeter ruler, which is convenient when using it as a fishing cooler. However, the usability rating is not the highest due to the absence of drink holders or compartments. Overall, this hard cooler received high ratings for its well-balanced performance in most categories. It is a recommended product for anyone looking to purchase a hard cooler.

Founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders, YETI focuses on developing outdoor gear, including this wheeled hard cooler that uses a rotomolded construction and features puncture-resistant, integrated wheels for added durability. In cooling performance tests, the cooler’s interior maintained a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for three days and 14 hours, earning it a high rating. The seamless design and thick insulation help to minimize cold air leakage.

The unique T-Rex rubber latch is strong and shock-absorbent, ensuring the lid stays securely closed. The puncture-proof wheels and shaft-type hinges are also impressive features. In compression tests, the cooler withstood forces up to 23 kilonewtons, or approximately 5,100 pounds. The cooler's wheels eliminate the need for lifting, making it easy to transport when heavily loaded, regardless of strength. The built-in side handles are an ideal thickness, allowing for easy maneuverability without the cooler bumping into you.

The cooler's drain plug is recessed, allowing for easy drainage by simply opening the plug and leaving it to drain. However, the drain is positioned slightly above the bottom, which can cause some water to remain. At 28 pounds, the cooler is quite heavy, making maintenance more difficult. Although rubber latches require a bit of force, you can easily open the lid by simply pulling them down. The two slots on either side for padlocks is a plus for protection against bears.

However, since it doesn’t come with compartments or bottle openers, the cooler receives only an average rating in terms of usability. In addition to high cooling performance and durability, this hard cooler can be easily carried like a wheeled suitcase. It is a recommended product for those who want to use it in places with many paved roads, such as parks and stadiums.

ROAM's rotomolded hard cooler is available in four colors: slate, green, desert tan, and white-black marble. In cooling tests, it demonstrated the best performance among products we tested. The inside kept a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for an impressive four days, five and a half hours, making it suitable for four-day camping trips or road trips with no issues keeping food and beverages cold.

The Rugged Cooler also earned high marks for its durability. In compression tests, it withstood forces up to 25 kilonewtons, or approximately 5,600 pounds, meaning it could survive being stepped on by a relatively large bear. The high-density rope handle is double-stitched to the body, and the metal hinges are thick and resistant to bending, showing that the cooler is built strong down to the smallest parts. However, the rope handle type may wobble and lack stability. The handle is not fixed, making it difficult to balance the cooler evenly.

The angled drain makes it easy to drain water, but the 34-pound weight makes it difficult to move, which may cause challenges when cleaning the bottom or exterior. On the other hand, the rubber and plastic latch requires minimal effort and can be easily opened and closed. The compartment prevents food from getting wet as ice melts, and additional features like a dual-scale ruler, pressure-release valve, and bottle opener make this cooler convenient for outdoor use.

Overall, the Rugged Cooler 45Qt offers high cooling power and durability, making it an excellent hard cooler for those who frequently participate in extended outdoor activities or prioritize both cooling power and durability.

YETI's rotomolded hard cooler is compatible with dry ice and available in eight colors. During cooling capacity tests, the interior maintained a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for four days and three hours, demonstrating high cooling performance. The seamless rotomolded construction and insulating material likely contributed to its ability to maintain a low temperature for an extended period. It can keep food and drinks cold for three to four days, which is perfect for long outdoor excursions.

In compression tests, the cooler withstood forces up to 25 kilonewtons, or approximately 5,600 pounds, indicating it could endure being stepped on by a large bear. YETI's patented T-Rex rubber latches are shock-resistant and durable, while the thick shaft hinges and high-density rope handle add to the cooler's overall strength. However, the rope handle design makes the cooler unstable during transport. The cooler bumps against the legs while walking with it, so it’s difficult to carry.

Weighing 30 pounds seven ounces, the cooler is also heavy, which may make it challenging to clean the bottom and exterior. The angled drainage hole makes draining water easy, but be cautious not to lose the drain plug, as it is not attached to a rope. The rubber lid latches are easy to open by tugging down on them, and the bottom features non-slip feet and loops for securing the cooler to a vehicle during transport. Additional features like compartments and dividers make this cooler user-friendly for outdoor use.

This cooler by Xspec is a made using rotomolding. It is dry ice compatible and available in Seafoam, Camouflage, Granite, and Sand colors. In the cooling performance test, the cooler maintained an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for three days and almost seven hours. It will keep food and beverages cool for extended periods during camping trips or road trips lasting more than three days.

In terms of durability, while not the highest-rated, the cooler has sufficient strength for extended outdoor use. In the compression test, it withstood 24.5 kilonewtons, or about 5,500 pounds of pressure, and its thick rubber latch is resistant to impacts. While the curved handles fit comfortably in the hand, the ropes make it challenging to keep it balanced. The cooler bumps against the legs when walking, making it cumbersome to carry.

Regarding upkeep, the 30-pound, 14-ounce weight makes it difficult to move and requires considerable effort when washing the bottom and exterior. However, the sloped drain and tethered drain plug are advantageous features. The rubber latches can be opened easily by pulling them down. And, the pressure-release valve is helpful when using the cooler at high altitudes. Other outdoor-friendly features include a bottle opener and padlock holes.

Pelican coolers cater to a range of users, from hunters to firefighters and the military. These hard coolers with wheels are made using injection molding and come with a lifetime warranty. They are available in 45-quart and 80-quart sizes. For this review, we chose the 45-quart model.

The cooler demonstrated relatively high cooling power among injection-molded products. It maintained an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for three days, 7.5 hours. Despite being injection-molded, the thick insulation allowed it to retain its cooling capability for an extended period without losing cold air. In our compression test, the thick insulation enabled the cooler to withstand up to 30 kilonewtons, or approximately 6,700 pounds of pressure. The overall material strength and individual component strength are impressive.

The push-button latches are made with metal and may be prone to rust, but prevent the lid from accidentally opening. The handles are thick and lack a rubber grip, making them hard to grasp and a bit slippery. Since the cooler has wheels, you won’t need to lift it, but the wheels tend to wobble. As for maintenance, the sloped floor makes it easy to drain water. However, the cooler weighs 38 pounds 13 ounces, so moving it or cleaning the bottom, exterior, and wheels is not easy.

The lid can be easily opened by pressing the latch buttons, but be careful not to pinch your fingers when closing it. It also has a built-in bottle opener that’s convenient for opening beer or soda bottles. However, there were no additional features such as compartments or drink holders to make it more user-friendly outdoors.

This is a rotomolded hard cooler that can hold up to 84 drink cans and is available in sizes of 20 and 55 quarts. For this review, we chose the 55-quart model. In the cooling performance test, the cooler maintained an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for three days, eight hours. The seamless rotomolded design combined with thick insulation allowed the cooler to stay cool for an extended period. Additionally, the handle ropes feel solid and are securely cross-stitched to prevent them from coming loose, creating a good impression.

The hinge is a thick metal shaft construction, reducing the risk of damage even if the lid is opened with significant force. In the compression test, the cooler was able to withstand 18 kilonewtons or approximately 4,000 pounds of pressure. The handles are rubber-coated to prevent slipping even when your hands are wet or sweaty. However, the rope design lacks stability, causing the cooler to wobble and the contents to shift. You’ll need a bit of muscle to carry it, as it requires both hands and puts strain on the body.

Weighing 29 pounds and five ounces, cleaning the bottom and exterior of the cooler is no easy task. On the other hand, the sloped floor allows for easy drainage by simply removing the drain plug and the inside has antimicrobial protection to prevent build-up of dirt and odors. The lid can be easily opened by pulling the rubber latch downward. The extra compartments are a nice touch, keeping food dry even as the ice melts. Other outdoor-friendly features include a padlock hole and a built-in fish ruler.

Based in Houston, Texas, RTIC Outdoors offers the Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler, an injection-molded hard cooler that can store up to 48 cans and comes in seven colors. In the cooling capacity test, the cooler maintained an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for three days and 15 hours. Its thick insulation effectively prevents the cold air from escaping.

The weight of the rope handles feels a bit light, but they are unlikely to come off since they’re attached with metal fasteners built into the body. The hinges are a slim shaft design, but there are no issues as long as they are used properly. In the compression test, the cooler withstood 17 kilonewtons, or about 3,800 pounds of pressure, indicating its high strength. On the other hand, the rope handles are cylindrical and tend to move when lifting or carrying the cooler, which puts strain on the arm and causes the cooler to bump against the leg while walking.

In terms of cleaning, the drain plug is attached to prevent it being lost. The base of the cooler slopes towards the drainage hole, but it’s positioned slightly above the bottom, causing some water to remain. The cooler’s 24 pounds and four ounces also make it difficult to clean the bottom and exterior. The rubber latches require little effort to open, and the cooler comes with a divider that conveniently doubles as an ice pack when chilled. Additionally, there is a compartment that keeps food dry even when the ice melts, which is a nice extra.

This cooler is made by ORCA, a Tennessee-based company established in 2012 whose coolers are all made in the US. This rotomolded hard cooler comes with a lifetime warranty. In the cooling performance test, the cooler maintained an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for three days, two hours and 40 minutes. It can keep items cool for a few days, making it no problem for shorter outdoor trips.

Its thick insulation gives it high durability. In the compression test, the cooler withstood 30 kilonewtons, or approximately 6,700 pounds of pressure. Its strong construction is capable of withstanding the weight of a relatively large bear. The thick rubber latch is also resistant to deterioration and impacts. The handle grips have a curved shape and are made of materials that fit comfortably in the hand, so they’re easy to hold. However, it can be difficult to carry because it swings around, as the handles are made of rope. Carrying the cooler with both hands can also put a strain on the body.

In terms of upkeep, the sloped base makes draining water easy. However, at 26 pounds, seven ounces, the cooler is difficult to maneuver when washing the bottom and exterior. Although the rubber latches require some effort, you can pull them down to easily open the lid. The cooler also has a non-slip bottom and tie-down loops, making it easy to secure in a vehicle's cargo area. However, it lacks user-friendly features such as compartments or drink holders.

Coleman, the well-established American outdoor brand, makes this Xtreme Portable Cooler. This injection-molded hard cooler is both large and lightweight. The cooler showed poor performance in the cooling capacity test, though, only being able to maintain an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below for 36 hours. For weekend camping or road trips, it is recommended to frequently purchase ice or use ice packs.

The insulation material is thin, and the construction of the body is not very strong. In the compression test, the cooler withstood only 4.2 kilonewtons, or about 945 pounds of pressure, making it susceptible to damage if a bear or other animal rummages through the cooler searching for food when camping. The hinges are plastic and screw-type, so care should be taken not to apply strong force when opening. On the other hand, the fixed handles provide stability and comfort when carrying the cooler. And although the handles don’t have a rubber grip, the textured shape fits the fingers well.

For ease of cleaning, the cooler received the highest rating. Weighing only 11 pounds, four ounces, it is easy to wash the entire cooler, and the sloped drain allows for easy water drainage. You should be able to clean it with relative ease. The cooler has a built-in drink holder, which can double as a table. However, there are no other features convenient for outdoor use such as compartments, non-slip feet, or a bottle opener.

The Ice Chest 316 Series hails from American outdoor brand Coleman, known for its wide range of camping gear. These injection-molded hard coolers are available in the two colors, Rock Grey and Twilight. During the cooling retention test, the internal temperature was maintained at forty degrees Fahrenheit for only just under two days, but we'd hoped for better performance. The cooler's limited insulation capabilities might be due to its injection-molded construction and thinner insulating material. For camping trips exceeding two days, it's advisable to replenish the ice regularly or stock up on a large quantity of ice beforehand.

In the compression test, the cooler withstood pressure only up to approximately 809 pounds. Additionally, the hinges are plastic screw types, so care should be taken not to open the lid too forcefully or drop the cooler. If a bear were to come across the cooler during a campout, there's a possibility of damage. While the lack of grip on the handles makes them slightly slippery, the handle size isn't overly large, offering a comfortable fit to the hand. And the design ensures stability, making it easier to lift and transport.

The cooler also scored highly in ease of maintenance. Though there isn't a sloped floor leading to the drainage hole, water was easily drained. Weighing in at just over eight and a half pounds, even those not confident in their strength should find the entire cooler easy to clean.

Coleman's Ice Chest 316 Series is an injection-molded hard cooler that comes with wheels and is available in sizes of 62, 65, and 100 quarts. We tested the 62-quart cooler. In the cooling capacity test, the cooler was able to maintain an internal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for only four hours and 40 minutes. The thin insulation material and the injection-molded design likely contributed to the poor insulation performance. For activities lasting more than a day, it is recommended to purchase a large amount of ice or replenish it as needed.

Additionally, in the compression test, the cooler could only withstand 3.3 kilonewtons, or about 740 pounds of pressure. The hinges are made of plastic and use a screw-type design that doesn’t appear very sturdy. The wheels are also made of plastic, which makes it difficult to absorb shock from the ground. Be careful not to drop the cooler or open the lid with too much force. The presence of wheels is an advantage as it eliminates the need to lift the cooler and reduces strain on the body. However, the handles move around and the cooler bumps against the legs, making it difficult to roll.

On the other hand, the cooler received high marks for ease of cleaning. Although there is no slope, the presence of a drainage hole allows water to easily drain on its own. And at 13 pounds, 11 ounces, the cooler is lightweight and easy to handle, making it easy to clean the bottom and exterior. The cooler has a built-in drink holder, which can serve as a table, but there are no other outdoor-friendly features like compartments, a non-slip bottom, or a bottle opener.