32 Best 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.

Founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders, YETI has become a top brand for coolers and other outdoor gear. The HOPPER M30 soft cooler is made of waterproof TPU. Its magnetic closure makes it a great choice for everything from watersports to camping to outdoor festivals.

It has thick insulation that uses patented technology. In our tests, we measured an ice retention rate of about 49 percent.

It can be carried with one hand using the top handles, with two handles on either side or slung over the shoulder. The shoulder strap is soft and comfortably padded. However, it doesn't fold up easily, so make sure you have a place for it in your storage area.

Having a magnetic closure instead of a zipper makes it easy to access. But the inner lining is blousy and it's hard to wipe down all the surfaces. It didn't score above average in our usability test.

On the other hand, the magnet seal is so tight it's unlikely that anything will spill out, even if it tips over in your car.

With three layers of TPU, it's tough and fully waterproof. It also has thick handles and rugged stitching. The seams connecting the handles to the bag are reinforced, so it'll hold up even if it's chock-full of beverages. The magnet is also impressively strong right out of the box.

This offering from YETI boasts rugged construction, solid waterproofing, and great cold retention. It's a fantastic soft cooler for the beach, day trips, overnight camping, and road trips.

The Icemule Pro XL 33-liter cooler is a backpack type with a roll-down closure designed to keep cold in and heat out. After 24 hours, we found 38.79 percent of the original ice remaining, which is a good result. It may have something to do with the air valve. Although this is designed to allow the cooler to float, blowing air into it also creates an extra layer of insulation.

The only carrying option is as a backpack, but it sits snugly and weight is distributed evenly. The shoulder padding is very comfortable and it should fit a variety of body types. And you'll have both hands free to carry other gear.

The inner lining is loose and the interior is deep, so it might be tricky to wipe it down thoroughly when needed. It also doesn't have extra features like a bottle opener, side pockets, or hanging loops. If it's really full, it may leak melted ice if you tip it over, so keep this in mind when moving it around.

The outer fabric is coated and the stitching is tight, so we found it seemed durable overall. But since the shoulder straps have mesh, that part seems a bit weaker. The shoulder straps and body are joined by triangular stitches. We give it a passing score in durability.

All in all, this soft cooler fits well and is easy to carry around. It's a great choice for times when you need both hands free, such as during outdoor activities.

Known for their smartphone cases, Colorado-based Otterbox brings us the Trooper 20 soft cooler in two colors. With 38.04 percent of the original ice remaining after 24 hours, we gave it a good score for cold retention. It has a thick layer of polyurethane for insulation.

The construction and materials are stiff, so it's a bit awkward to carry. Although the shoulder strap has padding, it's not very cushioning. It bangs against your body as well, so it may be uncomfortable to carry long distances when full. But the interior is smooth and easy to wipe down. Features like side pockets and loops allow you to bring small items. But you won't need to pack a bottle opener, since it has one built-in!

The lid also opens with very little force. But it locks and seals tightly, so you don't have to worry about spills. The outer fabric is tough and coated with waterproofing. The shoulder strap is thick and wide and has tight stitching attaching it to the cooler shell. However, since the locking part of the lid is plastic, it could crack over time, with rough or frequent use.

But overall, we think this cooler is well-designed, with plenty of versatility built in. It's easy to care for and use not only for casual activities but also for more demanding situations.

This cooler by RockBros is shaped like a tote bag, comes in two colors, and is made of nylon TPU. It has sponge-like insulation with a four-layer structure. We found it retained 38.64 percent of the original ice after 24 hours.

The area where the bag sits against your body is big, so it feels secure and doesn't shift around when walking. The shoulder strap's padding is quite comfy, soft, and highly cushioned. Even when packed full, it doesn't hurt to carry it on your shoulder. But the short hand strap is stiff and hard and can feel like it's biting into your palm after a while.

The waterproof zipper is straight, so it's not too hard to open, but it's stiff enough to require a bit of force. Make sure not to yank it too hard or it might break from the repeated strain. Also, you need to pull the two sides of the opening apart when getting things from the cooler's interior.

It doesn't feature any extra bells and whistles, so our usability rating was not superb. But we found that the waterproof zipper did do its job, and the cooler didn't leak melted ice even when tipped over. The TPU coating makes the whole exterior waterproof, too. It has a reinforced bottom shell that's semi-hard, and won't slide around easily.

ORCA, made in the USA and based in Tennessee, gives us the Walker 20 soft-sided cooler. It's a box type with a magnetic handle and comes in two colors. With 26 percent of the ice remaining after 24 hours, it's a decent performer for cold retention. For longer cold storage, try using a bigger ice pack or chilling the bag before packing it.

Although it's a soft cooler, the body is stiff and the shape is boxy, so it's a bit awkward to carry around. The shoulder straps aren't very padded, so if it's really heavy, it may start to cut into your shoulders.

The zipper is waterproof, which means it's thick and solid, and those with a weak grip may find it tough to manage. But we found that it does indeed seal melted ice in, and you won't see any leaks even if it's filled with water. Just be careful not to tug it open too hard. This type of zipper is very waterproof, but less flexible and prone to break if forced open.

The interior is flat and you can get to every nook and cranny easily to wipe it down thoroughly. It also boasts side pockets, exterior loops, and a shock cord. It's a versatile choice for carrying all kinds of things. The outside is coated and waterproof and the straps are sewn on with an X-stitch. Durability should not be a problem.

This is a shoulder strap model from Icemule that has a roll-down closure and folds up compactly when not in use. We measured ice retention at 17.25 percent, which isn't a stellar result. A quality ice pack and the right ratio of food and drink to ice will be essential for longer-term cooling.

Although the only carrying option is its shoulder strap, this is comfortable. It has good padding and a balanced feel against the body. Even when full, it sits well and doesn't feel like a heavy burden.

The roll-down closure is simple to operate. However, no matter how tightly we rolled it, it sometimes leaked melted ice. Be careful how you handle the cooler when moving it around. Also, the interior has loose-fitting material, making it tricky to wipe down. It doesn't have any extra features that would have bumped up its usability score.

The shoulder strap's ring is small and it doesn't have reinforced stitching. The durable coated exterior is waterproof and abrasion-resistant. The interior is also coated, and overall it feels like a quality item.

Earth Pak's Loch soft cooler is a waterproof box type. It was designed with watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding in mind. The interior and exterior are both coated with TPU for full waterproofing. The inside can be cleaned well since it's smooth and flat.

There's a mesh inside for access to your items and dumping extra water. It also has a bottle opener and hanging loops attached. The waterproof zipper is made tough and won't leak even if knocked over or dropped when full of water. It takes some force to open, though!

You can carry it three different ways: over the shoulder, with one hand, or with both hands using the side handles. Although the body is stiff, it seems to fit well against you when you move. It doesn't swing around much when walking. The shoulder strap is wide and the stitching is strong. However, neither the hand straps nor the shoulder strap have great padding. It may get uncomfortable when really full.

We don't think it would work well for longer-term cooling. In our tests, after 24 hours only 2.33 percent of the original ice remained. If you need to chill food and drinks for a long time you might have to pre-chill the cooler. We were also a little concerned that the molded interior is designed in a way that it might peel off easily.

The Day Escape soft cooler from Hydro Flask comes in two sizes, 26 or 18 liters. You can choose either a tote or backpack style. We tested the tote style. Although you have to pull the sides open to get things out, we liked that it's completely waterproof. And it can be fully cleaned inside and out.

The waterproof zipper does require some force to manipulate, but it stops leaks. Unfortunately, we didn't evaluate it highly for cold retention. After 24 hours only 12.31 percent of the original ice remained. You will probably need to use a few good-quality ice packs with this one.

The stitching is tight and the fabric is well-coated. The inner material is firmly attached and overall, it seems durable. The straps have padding, but it's on the thin side and they may get uncomfortable. In addition, the long shape may be awkward for shorter people to carry around. It also doesn't collapse for storage.

RTIC's soft-pack cooler comes with an antibacterial lining and is available in many colors. It features a box-like lid that opens fully, making it easy to grab your drinks and food. The inside is seamless, so you'll have no issues wiping down dirty areas. It doesn't have any extra features, but the waterproof zipper works well. We didn't notice any leaks when it was tipped over.

We weren't impressed with its cold retention. But it does the job with a moderate ratio of drinks to ice and a quality ice pack. We measured 12.11 percent ice remaining after 24 hours. The bag is rather hard for a soft cooler, so it tends to shift away from you when walking. Although the shoulder strap has padding, it's not much. In general, it isn't the most comfortable one to carry.

The way the bottom outer panel is attached doesn't seem incredibly secure. It feels like it might come off with repeated use or abuse. We also feel that even though the seams are X-shaped, they look weakly sewn. We aren't confident in this cooler's durability.

This unique canister-shaped cooler has a flip-up lid, and double-coated TPU fabric. It's great for watersports like fishing and paddling. The waterproof zipper is strong and wide and won't leak. The coating also performs well, making it a reliable choice for use in and around water.

Most of the ice melted after 24 hours in our test, leaving behind a paltry 2.37 percent. You'll likely need a quality ice pack and careful packing for this one to work more than a few hours.

The body is rather hard and bangs against you as you walk, and the straps don't have a lot of padding. If it's full and heavy it might hurt your hands or shoulders. The stitching of the straps also isn't very tough-looking. The zipper is pretty hard to open and takes some strength, in fact.

It does have one side pocket, and the interior is very easy to wipe down. We also like how the shoulder strap ring is large and sturdy.

This cooler got high marks during our chilling capacity test, given that it preserved an outstanding 67 percent of the ice we put inside after three days. Thanks to its thick insulation, you can bring this cooler on long fishing trips without losing the freshness of your catch.

Our testers liked the handle's nonslip grip that was easy to hold onto. Moreover, the cooler hardly sways even if the contents move around since the handle is solidly built, making it feel stable. Although it's a little large, you shouldn't find it difficult to carry.

All you have to do to open the cooler is pull down on the silicone latch. The top has a fish ruler that measures 20 inches or 52 centimeters. This is a feature that will be useful for making a comparison to previous records. However, the bottom only has a cover instead of anti-slip pads, so it might slide around a little on a slippery boat deck.

Draining water went smoothly because of the recessed drain hole. The drain plug is attached to the cooler with a metal wire, so there's no chance you'll lose it after cleaning. This cooler is highly recommended for people who want something easy to carry that's well-insulated and will keep your catch fresh for as long as possible.