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The Best Coolers

Last updated on June 30, 2023

We looked at the top 15 Coolers and dug through the reviews from 77 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Coolers.

Best Cooler

Our Review Process

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Using insulation within their walls, many of today’s coolers can keep ice, drinks and food cool even when you’re outdoors in 100-degree-plus heat. Although you’ll pay more than you would for a traditional type of cooler, you’ll get the convenience that comes with tossing drinks, food and ice into your cooler in the morning and having those items remain cool late that afternoon. In fact, some coolers can even chill items for several days.

One thing you’ll have to know before you choose a cooler is just how much capacity you’ll need. Do you plan to pack up covered dishes for family picnics, or will you simply use it to cart around beverages and maybe some sandwiches when you head to the beach? If you invest in a much larger cooler than you need, you may find it is more difficult to carry than if you’d chosen something smaller.

If you’ve ever tried to empty a larger cooler at the end of the day, you know how tough it can be. For that reason, many newer coolers come with bilge drains, allowing you to release the water from the bottom of the cooler. You may have to tip the cooler a little to get the last of the water out, but you won’t have the extreme tilt that you have with a cooler that doesn’t have a drain.

One bonus you may not think about initially is the fact that some newer coolers allow you to use them as a seat. This can come in handy whether you’re on a boat or enjoying a day at the park. If you plan to use that feature, look for a cooler sturdy enough to handle it.

Our Picks For The Top Coolers

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Igloo Polar Threaded Drain Plug Cooler, 120-Quarts

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Igloo

Polar Threaded Drain Plug Cooler, 120-Quarts

The massive size of this large hard cooler means it can pack in a ton of food or beverages. This cooler will likely need to be carried by two people, but it will be able to cater to large family outings or team sporting events with its large size.

Overall Take

Large ChestThis large hard cooler is great for large groups of people.

Pros
" This cooler is designed to have long cooling life, and overall it does a pretty good job of it. The Ultratherm layer and UV inhibitors definitely help and you can expect a properly sealed unit to keep ice frozen..."
Cons
"Well apart from some minor flaws like the fragile parts, and low-quality build, there aren’t many downsides to write about this product."
 Runner Up

RTIC Rubber Foam Insulation Cooler, 65-Quarts

RTIC

Rubber Foam Insulation Cooler, 65-Quarts

Thanks to the 3-inch insulated walls on this large hard cooler, you'll be able to keep your drinks cold all weekend. The heavy-duty T-latches and freezer-grade gasket add to the functionality of this cooler. You can purchase this unit in four different colors, including white, tan, gray and blue.

Overall Take

High-Quality ModelYou'll find this large hard cooler has a 45-quart capacity.

 We Also Like

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

Arctic Zone

Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler

This cooler is unique in that it reflects heat rather than absorb it. That means your drinks stay nice and cold, even on a hot summer day. The cooler itself is made from a durable canvas material and is able to hold as many as 30 soda cans at once.

Overall Take

Water and Stain ResistantNot only is this cooler water, stain and puncture resistant, but it also comes with a hardbody liner that keeps your drinks neat and organized.

Pros
" Lightweight, lots of features, inexpensive"
Cons
"Struggles with cooling life"
 Strong Contender

Coleman Performance Cooler, 48-Quart

Coleman

Performance Cooler, 48-Quart

This cooler is able to keep ice intact for up to three days, even if the temperatures outside reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a large 63-can capacity and can accommodate taller 2-liter soda bottles. The entire cooler is made from a durable plastic that can be cleaned with a little dish soap and water.

Overall Take

Backyard BBQ ReadyIf you're planning a backyard barbecue, you'll want to consider this large-capacity cooler for all your drinks.

Pros
" Not fancy, but gets the job done."
Cons
"Underwhelming ice life, lid won’t stay open, plain design"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the coolers available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

77

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Outdoor Gear Lab, Busted Wallet, Globo Turf, SOutdoors.

79,019

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 15 Coolers and also dug through the reviews from 77 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Coolers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Coleman Performance Cooler, 48-Quart

Our Expert Score

8.0
5 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.0
3,765 user reviews

Our Take

This cooler is able to keep ice intact for up to three days, even if the temperatures outside reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a large 63-can capacity and can accommodate taller 2-liter soda bottles. The entire cooler is made from a durable plastic that can be cleaned with a little dish soap and water.

What other experts liked

Not fancy, but gets the job done.
- BestReviews
Built tough, strong handles, great price
- The Cooler Zone
The two way handles make it easy to carry despite its size. It also comes with a friendly price tag.
- CTOP Reviews
With no latches, 2-way handles, generous interior space, and lightweight sturdy construction, the cooler is well worth it for only $25
- Simply Tailgating
This is a great icebox for beach days or picnics with the family. It’s also a versatile size that can be used for drinks at parties, thawing meat and more.
- Shed Heads

What other experts didn't like

The hinges on the lid are plastic and not as sturdy as those on other Coleman models.
- BestReviews
Underwhelming ice life, lid won’t stay open, plain design
- The Cooler Zone
The lid hinges loosen up and will eventually come off
- Simply Tailgating
Thin plastic walls, not great ice retention, hinges and handles attached weakly, no lid gasket allows heat to seep in.
- Shed Heads

What to Look For

  • Coolers come in varying sizes, even among specific brands and models. Determine upfront what you’re likely to carry in your cooler and how much room that will take. Some coolers offer 54 quarts of usable space inside, which totals more than 85 cans if you’re only using it to keep drinks cold. You’ll get between 65 and 70 quarts of space with some other models.
  • One thing to decide when you’re going for a larger-capacity cooler, though, is portability. As convenient as the space is, coolers will get much heavier when they’re loaded down. If you want a cooler that’s easier to carry around, consider one like the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler. It still provides space for up to 30 cans but keeps things lightweight with a canvas design.
  • When it comes down to it, though, you’re looking for a cooler that can keep everything you put in it chilly, even on the hottest days. For example, there are coolers are have been proven to keep food at a safe temperature for up to five days.
  • One bonus you may not think about is whether you can sit on your cooler or not.  Some models are built to withstand the weight of someone seated on them.
  • Once you’re finished using it, your cooler will need to be emptied and cleaned. Some coolers make that easier by including a bilge drain toward the bottom, similar to the drain found in the bottom of some boats. Some coolers have a channeled drain, which directs the water in the right direction, reducing the need to tilt. Others have a channeled bilge type, so you’ll need to tilt the cooler more for those final drops.

Cooler Rankings

1. Igloo Polar Threaded Drain Plug Cooler, 120-Quarts

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 12

2. RTIC Rubber Foam Insulation Cooler, 65-Quarts

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

3. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 7

4. Coleman Performance Cooler, 48-Quart

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 8

5. CleverMade Soft-Sided Collapsible Cooler Bag, 8-Gallon

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 6

6. YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 9

7. YETI Tundra 45 Cooler

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 6

8. Igloo BMX Cooler, 52-Quart

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 16

9. Lifewit Insulated & Leakproof Collapsible Cooler Bag

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 6

10. Igloo MaxCold 70 Quart Cooler

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 4

11. Polar Bear Coolers

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 10

12. AO Coolers Canvas Soft Cooler

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 9

13. Coleman Steel-Belted Portable Cooler

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 17

14. Outdoor Recreational Company of America Cooler

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 6

15. Igloo 3-Piece Camping Combo

Overall Score: 7.9
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

The technology behind how coolers are made explains their impressive insulation. It starts with the way the liquid polymer is built into the walls, which provides a thick, durable build. Inside the walls is two inches of insulation, with up to three additional inches of insulation in the lid.

Some coolers also eliminate seams, as well as attaching the lid directly to the body, thereby providing as strong a seal as possible to keep outside air from seeping in. The result is a level of cooling that holds up, no matter how hot it is outside. Brands also have their own methods of combining insulation and seam reduction for improved effectiveness.

More to explore