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10 Best Coolers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler, Sandstone Pink

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
4622 reviews

Capacity
Its size perfectly suits a small group outing, comfortably holding enough for three people throughout the day.
Insulation
It keeps ice frozen and drinks cold for up to 48 hours, even under direct sunlight.
Portability
Carry handles, both rope and built-in, provide convenient and sturdy options for transport.
Durability
The cooler’s build quality is exceptional, reflecting the premium standards expected from YETI products.
Additional Features
The included dry goods basket is a valuable addition for organizing items and keeping them dry.

The YETI Tundra 45 cooler is a strong choice for anyone needing a rugged and reliable cooler for outdoor adventures like camping, fishing, or picnics. It holds about 26 cans with ice, offering a practical size that’s neither too small nor overly bulky. One of its standout features is excellent insulation—up to 3 inches of thick foam keeps ice frozen longer than many alternatives. This means your food and drinks stay cold for extended periods, which is great for trips lasting several days.

The cooler is built tough with rotomolded construction, making it virtually indestructible and bear-resistant. This durability makes it suitable for rough environments, but it also makes the cooler relatively heavy at 23 pounds empty, which may affect portability for some users. The heavy-duty rubber latches are a smart addition, preventing common issues like broken latches.

You also get a dry goods basket included, helping keep items organized and separate from ice. While it’s not the lightest option, the Tundra 45’s combination of capacity, insulation, and durability makes it ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable cooler that can take a beating and keep contents cold for a long time.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
4622 reviews

Capacity
Its size perfectly suits a small group outing, comfortably holding enough for three people throughout the day.
Insulation
It keeps ice frozen and drinks cold for up to 48 hours, even under direct sunlight.
Portability
Carry handles, both rope and built-in, provide convenient and sturdy options for transport.
Durability
The cooler’s build quality is exceptional, reflecting the premium standards expected from YETI products.
Additional Features
The included dry goods basket is a valuable addition for organizing items and keeping them dry.
#2

YETI Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler, White

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ice Retention Time
Portability

Most important from
446 reviews

Capacity
The cooler’s size is perfect—not too bulky yet spacious enough for outdoor adventures.
Ice Retention Time
Exceptional at keeping food and drinks ice cold for hours even in hot weather conditions.
Portability
Its smooth, quiet wheels and effortless telescoping handle make it incredibly easy to maneuver.
Durability
The cooler is surprisingly lightweight while maintaining impressive sturdiness.

The YETI Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable cooling on the go, especially for activities like tailgating, road trips, and outdoor sports. It offers a moderate capacity of about 1078 cubic inches, which is enough to hold a good amount of food and drinks without being too bulky for smaller vehicle trunks. The cooler is designed with strong, puncture-resistant never-flat wheels and a retractable periscope handle, making it easy to move around even when fully loaded.

Durability is a key strength here, thanks to its tough polyethylene body and non-slip feet that keep it stable on boats or in cars. YETI products are known for excellent insulation, so you can expect your ice to last through a weekend outdoors. The cooler’s design includes convenient LipGrip handles which help with carrying when wheels aren’t an option. Cleaning should be straightforward thanks to its simple materials and design.

The cooler is a bit heavy at nearly 15 kilograms empty, which might be a drawback if you need to carry it long distances without rolling it. Its white color may also show dirt more visibly than darker options. The Roadie 32 is well-suited for those who value portability and durability in a mid-sized cooler and want a product that can handle rugged outdoor conditions without much fuss.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ice Retention Time
Portability

Most important from
446 reviews

Capacity
The cooler’s size is perfect—not too bulky yet spacious enough for outdoor adventures.
Ice Retention Time
Exceptional at keeping food and drinks ice cold for hours even in hot weather conditions.
Portability
Its smooth, quiet wheels and effortless telescoping handle make it incredibly easy to maneuver.
Durability
The cooler is surprisingly lightweight while maintaining impressive sturdiness.
#3

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler, Wild Vine Red

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ice Retention Time
Portability

Most important from
2515 reviews

Capacity
Although it’s smaller in size, it fits a good amount of items for day trips without feeling cramped.
Ice Retention Time
This soft cooler keeps food and drinks ice cold with an airtight seal zipper that prevents spills effectively.
Portability
Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to carry with a comfortable shoulder strap, ideal for solo adventures.
Durability
Its tough construction withstands scrapes and drops, proving it’s built to handle rough outdoor use.
Ease of Cleaning
The zipper can be stiff initially but using the provided lubricant makes it much easier to operate.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a high-quality portable soft cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable ice retention and durability. It holds about 16 cans plus ice, which suits solo trips or short outings well, though it’s smaller compared to larger coolers. Its ColdCell insulation, made from closed-cell foam, does a great job keeping ice frozen longer than typical soft coolers, so your drinks and food stay cold for hours. The cooler is made with tough DryHide fabric that is waterproof and resistant to punctures and UV rays, making it sturdy enough for rough conditions like hiking or fishing. The leakproof HydroLok zipper adds peace of mind that no spills will ruin your gear.

In terms of portability, it weighs just under 6.5 pounds and has a compact size that’s easy to carry, ideal for personal use but less so if you need to pack for a group. Cleaning is straightforward since the materials are designed to resist stains and odors, but as a soft cooler, it takes a bit more care to dry properly inside after use. The 5.6-liter capacity can feel limited if you want to store more items or ice for longer trips. This cooler excels in durability and ice retention for its size, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged, easy-to-carry cooler for day trips or personal adventures.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ice Retention Time
Portability

Most important from
2515 reviews

Capacity
Although it’s smaller in size, it fits a good amount of items for day trips without feeling cramped.
Ice Retention Time
This soft cooler keeps food and drinks ice cold with an airtight seal zipper that prevents spills effectively.
Portability
Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to carry with a comfortable shoulder strap, ideal for solo adventures.
Durability
Its tough construction withstands scrapes and drops, proving it’s built to handle rough outdoor use.
Ease of Cleaning
The zipper can be stiff initially but using the provided lubricant makes it much easier to operate.

Buying Guide for the Best Coolers

When choosing a cooler, you want to make sure you're buying one that will keep your food and drinks cold for as long as you need, whether it's for a picnic, camping trip, or backyard BBQ. It's important to look at how much space you need, how easy the cooler is to transport, and how long it will keep your things cold. Think about what activities you use the cooler for most, and that will help point you to the best fit.
CapacityCapacity refers to how much the cooler can hold, usually measured in quarts or liters. This is important because it determines if you'll have enough space for your food and drinks. Small coolers under 20 quarts are best for solo use or short trips, medium ones between 20-50 quarts suit families or a small group for a day out, and large coolers over 50 quarts are ideal for bigger groups or longer stays. Choose your cooler size based on the number of people and length of time you'll spend without access to other refrigeration.
Ice Retention TimeIce retention time is how long the cooler can keep ice or cold packs frozen before they melt. This matters if you want to keep food safe or drinks cold over multiple days, especially for camping or travel. Short-retention coolers (less than 24 hours) are fine for day trips, mid-range (2-3 days) suit weekend getaways, and high-performance coolers (4 days or more) are best for longer adventures. Pick your ice retention based on how long you'll be away from home or a freezer.
PortabilityPortability includes features that make it easy to move the cooler, like handles, wheels, and weight. If you'll be carrying your cooler solo for short distances, a lightweight model with a shoulder strap works. For heavier, larger coolers, wheels and sturdy handles are essential, especially if you'll move it over rough terrain. If you mainly stay in one place, portability isn't as big a concern.
DurabilityDurability reflects how well the cooler stands up to wear and tear, weather, drops, and being loaded or sat on. Basic models work for light use or gentle environments, while premium rugged coolers with thick walls and strong latches withstand tough conditions, abuse, and long-term outdoor use. Consider how rough you'll be with your cooler and pick a level of durability that matches.
Insulation TypeInsulation type is what keeps the cold in, and can range from basic foam (adequate for day trips), to thick injected foam or pressure-injected walls (better for long ice retention). Higher-end coolers often have superior insulation, but can be heavier. If keeping things cold for extra-long is important for your usage, opt for better insulation; for quick set-and-go, basic insulation is enough.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning means how simple it is to wipe down and remove spills, stains, or odors from the cooler. Some coolers have smooth interiors and drain plugs for easy cleaning, while others may have corners or textures that trap messes. If you expect lots of use or messy situations, prioritize a cooler that's quick and convenient to clean.

FAQ