Whether you’re packing for a midday family picnic or a multi-day camping trip, finding the best cooler for your needs will make your trip that much more enjoyable. Lucky for you, we tested dozens of coolers to help you find the right pick.

　　If you’re looking for a new cooler but feel overwhelmed by the selection out there these days, and wish you knew how well they performed in real-life applications, then you’ve come to the right place. Our expert gear testers have researched and reviewed dozens of the leading coolers on the market over the years, and bring you a fresh look at a selection of eight coolers in our latest update.

　　These coolers went out on overnight camping trips, on day trips to local swimming holes, were stowed in hot cars all day, and were all subjected to an ice retention test to see how well they stacked up to one another. Features such as cooling performance, materials, durability, maintenance, and accessories are all thoroughly investigated.

　　Scroll through to see all of our recommendations. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide, along with our comparison chart for a quick look at prices and features.

　　Editors note: Updated April 3rd, 2024 for spring, our guide to the best coolers now includes the feature-laden Xspec Pro and the tiny-but-mighty Yeti Roadie 24, our favorite small cooler thanks to its superior ice retention abilities.

　　The Best Coolers of 2024 Best Overall Cooler: YETI Tundra 45 Best Budget Cooler: Igloo ECOCOOL Runner-Up Cooler: RTIC 45 Best Cooler on Wheels: RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Cooler Best Lightweight Cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler Best Small Cooler: Yeti Roadie 24 Best Overall Cooler YETI Tundra 45 Specs Capacity 37 quarts Materials Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation Dimensions 25.75 x 16.125 x 15.4 inches Weight 23 lbs.

　　Pros Rotomolded design Retained ice for the full 10 days of testing Dry goods basket included IGBC certified Cons Expensive Heavy Mary Murphy YETI has long since made a name for itself in the cooler world, and the Tundra 45 ($325) is popular for good reason. This mid-sized cooler is the perfect companion for a family weekend getaway, is a reliable road trip companion, and is definitely built to last. With superior insulation qualities and a robust design, this cooler is our top pick with the only downside being the hefty price tag.  

　　The Tundra 45 actually only has a 32.9L capacity. This size will hold 28 cans, and plenty of ice, and is designed to fit long-neck bottles. It will not fit a 750 mL wine bottle standing upright, however. A dry-goods rack keeps items you don’t want to get soggy lifted above the ice, and this cooler’s extra thick walls will retain ice for days. A rotomolded polyurethane construction, a freezer-quality gasket, burly haul handles, tie-down slots, a drain plug, and a certification of bear resistance from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee all help to explain the $325 price tag. 

　　YETI is the brand that pioneered the rotational molding or “rotomolding” technique which has become the gold standard in premium cooler construction today. This design process ensures perfectly uniform thickness, extra durability, and superior ice retention. The cooler walls are filled with polyurethane foam which is superior to the lighter-weight styrofoam used in more basic coolers, and two inches of insulation make YETI coolers the best at retaining cold air.  

　　How did this cooler measure up when put through our testing ringer, you ask? Well, the Tundra 45 retained ice for the full 10 days we tested it, to no surprise. Some ice melt occurred, of course, but plenty of cubed ice remained attesting to YETIs gold standard of ice retention. 

　　$300 at REI$300 at Amazon Best Budget Cooler Igloo ECOCOOL Specs Capacity 52 quarts Materials Recycled post-consumer resin Dimensions 24.95 x 14.58 x 15.21” Weight 9.84 lbs

　　Pros Inexpensive Ultra lightweight Made with post-consumer plastic Cons Lower quality insulation No drain plug Low durability Mary Murphy Some folks out there aren’t looking for the latest and greatest, most expensive cooler on the market. That’s why something like the Igloo ECOCOOL ($60) is the perfect budget pick for those who use a cooler for the occasional day trip, keeping groceries cold, or going on an overnight camping trip.

　　This cooler is not roto-molded like many of the others in our lineup and instead has a plastic frame injected with an insulated foam layer. The ECOCOOL is extremely lightweight at 9.84 pounds., which is over 75% lighter than many of the other coolers we tested. This also makes it a good choice for someone who might not want to throw out their back picking up a fully loaded 30-pound cooler. 

　　This cooler is not the most durable we tested, and while we used all the others as a step stool and a seat, we wouldn’t want to do the same with this one. The lid flexes considerably when weighted, making us wary of its strength. The plastic handles are also flimsy and don’t inspire confidence when lifting the cooler fully loaded. This ample cooler also doesn’t come with a drain plug. This is typical of smaller coolers, but for a 52-quart cooler with inferior insulation properties, there is going to be a lot of water to drain. 

　　Despite these setbacks, one of the biggest selling points of this cooler in our tester’s opinion is that it is made with recycled post-consumer resin, and its foam layer is made in such a way that decreases CO2 and VOC emissions. Surprisingly, it retained some ice at the end of our 10-day ice retention test. This was especially surprising because at 48 hours in it had the highest interior temperature of all the coolers at 34.6 degrees F.

　　While this might not be the best-performing cooler, nor is it as high-quality as our top pick, the ECOCOOL remains a great choice for the occasional cooler user who wants something to keep items cold for a day or two, and doesn’t want to break the bank. 

　　$60 at REI$57 at Amazon Runner-Up Best Cooler RTIC 45-Quart Specs Capacity 45 qts. Materials Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation Dimensions 27 x 16.5 x 17.5” Weight 29 lbs.

　　Pros Affordable premium cooler Rotomolded Durable materials Two drain plugs Cons Lasted 8 days compared to YETI’s 10 in ice retention test Not certified by the IGBC Heavy Mary Murphy Look familiar? The RTIC 45 ($250) is nearly identical in design to our top pick, the YETI Tundra 45, and with a lower price tag is a more affordable option. Following in YETI’s footsteps with 3 inches of insulation and a rotomolded design, it also has a tight-sealing rubber gasket lid, sturdy rope handles, no-slip feet, and thick rubber latches. Tie slots also allow you to lash it down in a truck bed or on a roof rack, and two plugs make draining water quick and easy. It is the only cooler in our lineup to feature dual drain plugs.

　　So why isn’t it our top pick? A few things keep YETI the reigning king of coolers. The YETI Tundra 45 is a whole 6 pounds lighter than the RTIC 45, which is a considerable amount of weight, especially when loaded up with ice, food, and drinks. The RTIC is also considered “bear-proof,” but only the YETI holds the actual certification from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

　　The handles on this cooler are made of a soft foam material, while the YETI has sturdy, grooved rubber grips which feel more durable and more comfortable to carry. YETI invented the rotomolded cooler, and stands behind the quality of its product with a 5-year warranty, while RTIC only has a 1-year warranty. The YETI Tundra 45 also comes with a dry basket while you have to purchase this accessory separately if you want one for your RTIC 45.

　　And when it comes down to actual ice retention, the Tundra 45 outperformed the RTIC 45 in our 10-day test, with a much higher amount of cubed ice left in its interior in that timeframe whereas the RTIC only lasted 8 days with passable ice. 

　　All that being said, money talks, and the RTIC 45 is considerably less expensive than many of the premium coolers in our lineup, thus making it a fantastic choice for those who want quality without having to break the bank. Because of its value-to-performance ratio, it earns its spot as the best runner-up.

　　$220 at RTIC Outdoors$230 at Amazon Best Cooler on Wheels RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Cooler Specs Capacity 45 quarts Materials Plastic/polyeurethane foam Dimensions 22.5” x 21” x 20.5” Weight 37 lbs.

　　Pros Big, sturdy wheels for easy transport Comes with removable dry bin Compact but still has decent capacity Cons Expensive Very heavy Ice doesn’t last as long because there is less room for ice Mary Murphy The RovR RollR 45 ($349) is nothing if not an impressive-looking specimen. With beefy, all-terrain wheels, a bear-resistant, roto-molded body, several different places to attach accessories, and a deep main compartment with a dry bin, this roller makes the most of being a medium-sized cooler. 

　　The first thing that is striking about this cooler is the almost comically large wheels. While they may look overbuilt for a medium-sized cooler, they performed impressively over rocky and sandy terrain on a desert camping trip in the Alabama Hills of California, and make transport overall a much easier affair. Getting from point A to point B lugging a heavy cooler can be the least enjoyable part of a camping trip. But the RovR couldn’t make it easier to roll your perishables to wherever you need them to be. 

　　Another noticeable feature of this cooler is that it ditches the typical rectangular shape typical of most models in favor of a taller, cubic one. This makes it convenient to pack into the trunk of a car because it takes up less space and is also easier to handle as one person. 

　　The interior is deep and spacious with a 42L capacity and has a removable dry bin that makes organizing food and drinks much easier. With the bin inserted, however, there is only enough room to fit 16 lbs of ice. The ice in this cooler lasted 6 days compared to YETI’s 10. 

　　The telescoping handle is also noticeably lacking in quality compared to the rest of the cooler. It isn’t very smooth to deploy, and feels flimsy, especially considering the $400 price tag. While the Bullseye latches work just fine, our testers preferred wider rubberized pull tabs that you can grab and pull with your whole hand, rather than just using one or two fingers.

　　It is also one of the heaviest coolers we tested, at 37 pounds. Despite these setbacks, the outer rim of the cooler has attachment points for accessories such as a prep board, cup holders, and an umbrella rod holder, making this cooler the most customizable out of any other in our lineup. If you are looking for a cooler that can really go places, the RovR is our top pick for its ease of transport. 

　　$349 at REIcheck price at amazon Best Lightweight Cooler RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler Specs Capacity 52 quarts Materials Injection-molded plastic Dimensions 27.01” x 17.28” x 16.54” Weight 31 lbs

　　Pros Lightweight Affordable Two drain plugs Good ice retention Cons Still less ice retention than the rotomolded Yeti or Orca Injection-molded therefore less durable than rotomolded models Mary Murphy Tired of dragging a fully loaded cooler that could weigh up to 50 pounds in and out of the back of your car? Enter the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler ($219) — a premium cooler that is 30% lighter than other coolers of the same capacity. 3 inches of foam insulation and an O-ring gasket for the lid keep your items cold despite the lighter weight. However, this cooler is injection-molded instead of rotomolded, and therefore its ice retention will be a bit less overall than heavier, rotomolded models. 

　　The ice retention of the ultra-light RTIC cooler ended up actually being pretty comparable to its rotomolded counterpart. This, however, could be due to the fact that it was filled with more ice because of its larger size, and the more ice a cooler can hold, the longer it will retain that ice. But with 8 solid days of ice retention, the RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler really measured up.  

　　Having a large cooler that is easy to carry around may also be very advantageous for some. This cooler additionally has many of the same features as its rotomolded counterpart, the RTIC 45, with secure rubber latches, two drain plugs, non-skid rubber feet, tie-down slots, molded in side handles, as well as marine-grade nylon rope handles on either side. It also comes in a smaller, 32-quart size, as well as 52-quart and 72-quart wheeled versions.

　　$210 at Amazoncheck price at rtic Best Small Cooler YETI Roadie 24 Specs Capacity 24 qts. Materials Pressure-injected polyurethane Dimensions 17.4 x 16.6 x 14 Weight 13 lbs., 1.6 oz.

　　Pros Great insulation Retained ice for the full 10 days of testing Comfortable handle for easy carrying Cons Pricey No drain plug Mary Murphy Small but mighty, the Yeti Roadie 24 ($250) is a great, compact cooler for your shorter outings. This cooler from Yeti lives up to its name-brand quality, and retains ice in warm summer conditions for 5 days. With an internal height of 13.4” this cooler can hold a standard wine bottle or 2-liter soda bottle upright. 

　　Its nylon carrying strap has a soft, rubber handle for comfortable carrying, though it is not long enough to sling over your shoulder. While it would be nice to be able to carry the cooler this way, the Roadie is a bit bulky anyway and it would probably be uncomfortable. If you’re looking for a more easily transportable cooler, Yeti also has a line of small, soft-sided coolers that would fit the bill. 

　　We also wish this cooler had a drain plug for releasing melted ice water, but understand that this cooler is intended more so for day outings or short trips where you won’t be emptying and refilling it much. Even so, it would be nice!

　　All in all, our lead tester, Miya Tsudome has used this cooler for over a year, and if you’re willing to shell out the bucks, it makes a great road trip or weekend trip companion. 

　　$250 at REI$250 at Amazon Best of the Rest Xspec Pro 60 Quart Cooler Specs Capacity 60 qts. Materials Rotomolded body and polyurethane insulation Dimensions 28.2 x 17.9 x 18.2 Weight 31 lbs.

　　Pros Lots of features Drain plug with tether Rotomolded design Cons Not IGBC-rated Heavy Latches not as airtight as other brands Mary Murphy The Xspec Pro 60 Quart Cooler ($230) is nothing if not impressive and is the most feature-filled cooler we tested. A heavy-duty, rotomolded construction with a reasonable price, this 31-pound cooler gives some other more expensive models a run for their money. This 60-quart cooler actually has 60 quarts of usable space, unlike other brands which end up having less capacity than they claim due to their thick, insulated walls. It faired quite well in our ice retention test as well, holding usable ice for a total of 6 days while outside in a mix of shade and direct sunlight. 

　　The Xspec is dry ice compatible for even longer periods of cold retention. It also features a drain plug with a tether for safe-keeping, heavy-duty grab handles, a molded ruler on the lid, a built-in compass, bottle opener, non-slip feet, and molded tie-down slots — making this a burly cooler for overlanders and other adventurers. And, this cooler is the only one in our lineup to have an air release knob as well, so you’ll never have to worry about your lid getting suctioned to the cooler body while you’re just trying to grab a cold one. No one likes that. 

　　While the Xspec is a worthy competitor in the world of rotomolded coolers, it’s worth mentioning that while its plastic latches are infinitely easier to open and close than the thick rubber ones you have to use two hands to pull down to secure, they don’t keep the cooler quite as airtight. With the thick rubber latches found on the Yeti Tundra 45, RTIC 45, or Orca 40, you can feel the air being suctioned out of them as you pull down the latches to essentially “engage” the rubber gasket on the inside of the lid. 

　　While many of these premium brands hold a certification from the International Grizzly Bear Committee, the Xspec does not. Although it does have stainless steel locking plates to keep the cooler secure, we don’t know if it would withstand a curious grizzly. 

　　All in all, this feature-laden, rotomolded cooler has decent ice retention and a spacious capacity for a pretty affordable price. So if you’re looking for a larger cooler that has some more bells and whistles than your average ice box, you may love the Xspec Pro 60. 

　　$230 at AmazonCheck Price at Target Orca 40-Quart Cooler Specs Capacity 37 qts. Materials Rotomolded plastic Dimensions 36” x 19” x 17” Weight 27 lbs.

　　Pros Rotomolded, durable design Top-of-its-class ice retention Exterior cargo net organized pocket Cons Expensive Not as readily available as YETI coolers Mary Murphy The Orca 40 ($325) is another robust, roto-molded, medium-sized cooler that has great insulation, a durable design, and is made in the U.S. to boot. Thick rubber latches shaped like orca whale tails give this cooler a nice design touch, and flexible side handles make carrying this 27-pounder not too cumbersome of an affair. A unique feature of this cooler is its exterior cargo net organizer pocket, which we found incredibly convenient for storing small items like wine openers, knives, and a small cutting board. 

　　The Orca is extremely similar in size, quality, and function to the YETI Tundra 45. The YETI model comes with a wire basket for storing dry goods inside, while the Orca does not. They both have the same price, and with little difference in performance, it’s hard to say which takes the cake. Both the Orca and YETI coolers did comparably in the ice retention test, holding a good amount of ice for the full 10 days.

　　If the Orca 40 was a little less expensive, we think it could provide incredible value to stand up to the popular brand name of YETI. But because you can find YETI products much more readily than Orca, and because the YETI Tundra is a hair lighter and comes with a wire basket, the Orca doesnt top our podium.

　　$325 at AmazonCheck Price at Orca Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler Specs Capacity 120 quarts Materials Injection-molded plastic Dimensions 37.9” x 19” x 17.95” Weight 20.7 lbs.

　　Pros Inexpensive Large capacity Lightweight Cons No wheels Requires two people to carry when loaded Cheap materials Mary Murphy Sometimes a standard cooler just isn’t big enough. Enter the Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler ($110). 120 quarts of space at only 20.7 pounds, this oversized ice box is great for birthday parties, barbecues, sporting events, and the like. 

　　Built-in cup holders and a lid that can double as a seat and support up to 250 pounds make this cooler more versatile than it seems. While the injection-molded design and relatively thin walls make multi-day ice retention less viable than more expensive models, the Coleman 316 is a great choice for single-day events. 

　　While we think that any cooler of this size should come with a pair of wheels for easier transport, the Coleman 316 is unfortunately wheel-less. Its plastic side handles are also not the most confidence-inspiring, and the size of the cooler when fully loaded necessitates another person to lend a helping hand. For only $6 more, you can get the slightly smaller, 100-quart Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels, which solves the wheels issue though sacrifices 20 quarts of space. 

　　This cooler did quite well in the ice retention test, lasting the full 10 days with ice. This, however, is partially due to the sheer quantity of ice we filled the cooler with. The more ice, the longer a cooler will stay cold. But we were quite pleased with its performance regardless. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, large cooler for the occasional event, it’s hard to beat the Coleman 316.

　　$110 at Amazoncheck price at coleman YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler Specs Capacity 45 qts. Materials Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation Dimensions 28.1 x 19.6 x 18.6 inches Weight 37 lbs.

　　Pros Easy to transport Cool closure system Cons Expensive Mary Murphy You were probably all expecting this — yet another YETI in our cooler review. And it was no surprise, with the YETI coolers ranking as a staff favorite and holding out for 10 full days in our ice retention test, that the wheeled Tundra finds its place here. But we can’t claim it will keep contents cold for any amount of time — or at least the brand won’t offer any claim to ice retention (all the other cooler brands we tested do).

　　The YETI Tundra Wheeled cooler ($450) has all the features you could want: a great design, formidable construction, high-quality materials, versatile volume, and more.

　　Overall, this cooler is a tried and tested favorite. If you spend much of your time outside, especially for long periods of time, it’s a fantastic cooler to consider. But at $450, these coolers cost a pretty penny. As one of our editors put it, “You get what you pay for, and with YETI you get all that with extra price.”

　　If you don’t mind the price tag, the Tundra is one of the best rolling coolers money can buy.

　　$425 at REI$425 at Amazon Igloo 25-Quart Picnic Cooler Specs Capacity 25 qts. Materials Injection-molded plastic Dimensions 13 x 20 x 13 Weight 5.5 lbs.

　　Pros Super-portable Budget-friendly Cons Short ice retention due to small size Mary Murphy This cooler has no drain plug, but the smaller yet capable 25-quart size makes that OK. This Igloo Picnic cooler ($55) is not only a decades-old classic (now out in new “retro” colors), but it’s also a great size for day-trip outings like excursions to the park, city trailhead, beaches, or your favorite lake.

　　At a park picnic, we were able to fit bottles, cans, and flasks as well as boxes, bins, and bags of snacks galore. If you aren’t packing food for snacking, it can hold 36 cans.

　　We used it for day trips and car camping and liked its size (it can fit in your passenger seat area), capacity, and convenience for a few days’ worth of food and drinks.

　　In testing, this cooler kept contents cold for 3 full days, and this was with us periodically opening it on occasion to check ice retention. (Igloo claims retention for this cooler at 1-3 days.)

　　Given all that, we give this cooler an A+ for not only living up to specs but also being a perfect, portable, budget-friendly option for shorter-length trips outdoors.

　　Check Price at IGLOO Cooler Comparison Chart

　　The YETI Tundra came on top after our Ice retention test; (photo/Miya Tsudome) How We Tested Coolers Our expert gear testers have been reviewing coolers since 2020, meticulously researching dozens of the best coolers on the market to continuously update this review. This is an extensive look at seven of the best coolers you can find today. Miya Tsudome brings over three years of gear reviewing experience combined with over a decade of being a serious outdoor enthusiast to help bring this current review to life. Having spent many months living out of her car in pursuit of rock climbing adventures all over the country, she knows that having a good cooler. During the hot summer months, can make a world of difference.

　　Each product was tested over several weeks, and taken out on different occasions for real-world applications — overnight camping trips, backyard barbecues, and day trips to the local swimming hole. The most recent lineup of coolers was tested in October in the high desert of Bishop, California. The average temperature was in the high 70s to low 80s for the majority of the month.

　　Each cooler was rated based on its performance in our ice retention test, its insulation and materials, durability, extra features, weight, ease of transport, and ease of maintenance and cleaning. The coolers that ranked the highest in specific categories were assigned an award in our top picks.

　　Also, we did not include soft coolers, backpack coolers, or electric coolers in this test.

　　The ice in the RTIC 45 (left) and YETI Tundra 45 (right) after the 10-day ice retention test; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Ice Retention Test For our ice retention test, we filled each cooler up 85% of the way with the same type of bagged, cubed ice. Each cooler stayed indoors before the test, to ensure that their starting temperatures were all about the same. Its recommended to pre-chill a cooler for the best ice retention, we did not pre-chill any of the coolers to best mimic how we would actually use them.

　　For the actual test, we stored the coolers outside in an area that was mostly shaded during the day, with a few hours of direct sun exposure and temperatures that varied from 35 degrees overnight to 100 degrees in direct sun. This was also our idea of the best imitation of how these coolers would typically be stored outdoors.

　　Variables that can affect ice retention include the ice quantity, outside environment and temp, exposure and amount of sunlight, type of ice (crushed, block, cube, dry), airspace, and more. In order to find the best of the best coolers, it was crucial for us to do a direct comparison.

　　We checked each cooler’s ice retention/melt rate once a day and recorded the time and temp for each one. We also noted the time once each cooler’s ice was fully melted. The YETI Tundra 45 and Orca 40 tied for first place, retaining ice for the full 10 days, and having the coolest interior temperature 48 hours in at 27.3 degrees F and 27.8 degrees F, respectively. The RTIC 45 and RTIC Ultra-Light came in next, retaining useable ice for 8 days with interior temperatures 48 hours in at 29.2 degrees F and 31.2 degrees F.

　　While the Igloo ECOCOOL had an interior temperature of 34.6 degrees F at the 48-hour mark, it surprisingly still had some ice left inside after 10 days. The RovR RollR 45 only lasted 6 days with useable ice, but it also had the least amount of ice inside out of all the coolers due to the useable space. In contrast, the Coleman 316 still held a large quantity of ice after 10 days. This is more so due to the amount of ice that it holds in its 120-quart interior rather than due to its insulation properties. More ice = more ice retention.

　　Ice left in the Coleman 316 after 10 days; (photo/Miya Tsudome) This test was not meant to be purely scientific, but rather to reflect the realistic use of a cooler outdoors and accurately compare cooler performance. To keep it fair, we made that all coolers were subjected to the same variables and criteria as much as possible. It is worth mentioning that this test was not performed in the height of summer, but rather during a time when overnight temperatures dipped fairly low, causing the ice to melt much slower than if this test was done in July.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Cooler Cooling Performance Insulation and Materials Coolers have a long and storied history. From a humble beginning as a wooden box with an interior tin chamber invented by Thomas Moore Jr. in 1802, to the decently insulating styrofoam boxes that came from the World War II era, to the plastic exterior coolers we know today pioneered by the Coleman company, coolers have come a long way. Historically, coolers have been made with interior and exterior shells of plastic, with hard foam in between. Many basic coolers are still made this way today, such as the Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316.

　　In 2006, two brothers named Roy and Ryan Seiders revolutionized the cooler market with their rotational molding or “rotomolding” design. This involves a heated plastic mold that is rotated continuously while powdered polyethylene is added to it to create a uniform thickness. They also pioneered the use of polyurethane instead of styrofoam as insulation, which created superior ice retention.

　　YETI was the company born from its design and is considered the gold standard in coolers today. Many companies have since adopted the rotomolding technique for their coolers. Now a majority of premium coolers, like the Orca 40, RTIC 45, and of course, the YETI Tundra 45 are rotomolded.

　　Rotomolded coolers typically have thick, rounded edges which is a product of how they are rotated to be evenly molded, as seen here on the RTIC 45; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Coolers use a few different sorts of foam or petroleum-based insulation, typically double-walled. YETI employs its pressure-injected polyurethane foam, while Igloo totes its proprietary THERMECOOL insulating foam. While rotomolded coolers offer the best ice retention and durability by far, they are also considerably more heavy and expensive. The trade-off for lighter, less expensive coolers, however, will be in their performance and durability.

　　Seals The highest-performing coolers in our lineup all have heavy-duty rubber gaskets that work to seal their lids airtight. In order to keep your cooler as consistently cold as possible, you need to be able to trap that cold air inside and keep it closed. The best coolers will implement the same materials and mechanisms as deep freezers will, with rubber gaskets that create airtight seals, and sturdy, thick latches that pull the lids tight. The Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316 are the only coolers in our lineup that do not implement this feature.

　　Other Features Another thing to consider if you want the absolute best-performing cooler you can buy, is the color you choose. When measuring the outside temperature of each cooler during our ice retention test, the lighter-colored coolers consistently had lower exterior temperatures. So although that dark grey cooler might be more your style, the white one might be the better choice.

　　The white colored top of the RovR RollR 45 will reflect sunlight, making it less likely to overheat than darker-colored coolers; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Size and Volume The sweet spot volume of all the coolers we tested was a 40- to 45-quart cooler. This medium size is the most convenient, providing enough space for 3-5 days worth of food for 1-2 people, plenty of room for a few six-packs of cold drinks for a backyard barbecue. In terms of the different sizes that each brand offers, 30- and 60-quart capacities are also popular. The largest cooler we tested was the Coleman 316. It can serve a purpose for large events or gatherings and is a good value for its size.

　　The Tundra 45 actually only has a 37-quart capacity. But this is enough for 1-3 days of food and a few drinks for two people; (photo/ Miya Tsudome) You’ll want to consider not only how much cooler space you may want for different adventures, but also consider a cooler’s dimensions. You don’t want to buy the perfect cooler only to find out that it doesn’t fit in your car when packed, or in a spot on your storage shelf. Most coolers are rectangular in shape, and can be easy to slide into car trunks and stack other things on top of.

　　Some coolers have wheels, like the RovR RollR 45 which while making transport easier, can take up more room in a trunk or on a shelf.It’s also a good idea to think about the items you’ll be keeping cool, and make sure those (maybe wine bottles or a coffee press for camping) fit the internal dimensions as well.

　　Weight Weight is also an important consideration when choosing a cooler. Rotomolded coolers with their thick, 2 inches of insulation and durable outer plastic layer will be the heaviest cooler you can buy. Coolers like the YETI Tundra 45, RTIC 45, and Orca 40 all weigh between 23 and 30 pounds alone. The RovR RollR 45 weighs a whopping 37 pounds. Granted it has wheels, which means transportation won’t be as difficult an affair.

　　The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is a great innovation from RTIC that uses injection molding to create a lighter, midsized cooler. At 31 pounds, the 52-quart model is around the same weight as its 45-quart, rotomolded counterpart, resulting in a higher capacity for less weight.

　　The RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler is a lightweight and high-performing cooler; (photo/Miya Tsudome) The Igloo ECOCOOL weighs in at only 9.84 lbs, making it the lightest cooler in our lineup. However, its lightness is attributed to its injection molding, thin walls, and non-insulated lid. Though lightweight, the ECOCOOL is not a premium cooler for the serious consumer but is a great budget pick or option for someone who has more trouble carrying heavier loads.

　　Ease of Transport Handles or Wheels? Some would say this is personal preference, but in our opinion, it all comes down to your cooler volume and what you’re hauling. So, if you are leaning toward a 20- to 40-quart cooler, you probably don’t need wheels. These coolers aren’t so wide that it’s difficult to carry them on your own, and typically come with molded indentations as well as sturdy rope handles on either side. Our testers loved the YETI Tundra 45 with its military-grade nylon rope handles and comfortable, rubber grips.

　　If you are going to invest in a cooler with a capacity of 60, 70, or 100+ quarts, definitely consider one with wheels, or at least one with a few different carry options (tow handles, grips, two-person carry, etc). This is a flaw in the Coleman 316 we tested, which at a 120-quart capacity and 37.9-inch width does not come with wheels and pretty much requires two people to carry it fully loaded.

　　The RovR RollR 45, however, comes with beefy, 9-inch, all-terrain tires that can be inflated with a bike pump, and handle sand, gravel, and rough terrain with ease, making it the best of its class for ease of transport.

　　The RovR is heavy, but its huge wheels make it easy to move over uneven terrain; (photo/Miya Tsudome) If you are frequently loading up on ice and filling that bad boy with cans, you may want something with wheels. Or maybe not, if you plan on rolling that cooler over rugged terrain. But, if you know you’ll be hauling your cooler around with family or friends, a two-handled one may work just fine.

　　Durability and Build Quality It’s also worth considering the durability and build quality of a cooler, especially when you start shelling out some more cash. A cooler can be an expensive investment, and if you are planning on using one a lot it’s nice to know that it will hold up to years of use.

　　Rotomolded Coolers Rotomolded coolers take the cake in this category again, with their continuous molding design creating a noticeably thick and robust exterior. This method creates a uniform thickness all around. These coolers have superior ice retention and can be a seat or footstool, not to mention withstand attempts at forced entry by grizzly bears.

　　Yes, you read that correctly, coolers such as the YETI Tundra 45, Orca 40, and RovR RollR 45 hold certifications from the International Grizzly Bear Committee that state that they successfully withstood attempts at entry from actual grizzly bears. Not only is this a testament to their durability, but also allows you to have peace of mind if you do any camping in areas where bears might be of concern. The RTIC 45 also claims to be bear-resistant, yet does not hold the actual certification from the IGBC.

　　YETI coolers don’t just look good, they also perform exceptionally well; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

　　Injection-Molded Coolers Injection-molded coolers create two separate shells, fused together by insulated foam. They are lighter than their rotomolded counterparts. Yet they are more likely to crack or separate, causing their durability to be called more into question over time. While you can sit on the lids of the Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316, the noticeable flex of their plastic will make you want to be more careful handling these coolers.

　　The affordable Igloo ECOCOOL won’t hold ice as long as a YETI, and its plastic components are more likely to break if mishandled, but it’s still a great budget pick; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Maintenance and Cleaning After purchasing a new cooler, it’s important to keep up with some basic cleaning and maintenance to ensure its lifespan is as long as it can be. After use, you’ll always want to leave the lid open to let the cooler air dry. This ensures no moisture gets trapped inside, causing mildew or bacterial growth. It’s a great idea to wash the interior with some warm, soapy water, and then let air dry.

　　You do not want to leave a cooler with food and water in it for days, as this will ensure bacterial growth. All of the coolers in our lineup are relatively easy to clean. The lighter coolers such as the Igloo ECOCOOL and the Coleman 316 can tip over easily when empty and the lid is open. This makes them a little more cumbersome as the lid can flop close on you while giving the scrub down.

　　Additional Features Some coolers will have additional features that make them stand out from the pack. Our testers appreciated the cargo net on the back of the Orca 40 more than they initially realized they would, often using it to store knives, utensils, and a small cutting board. The YETI Tundra 45 has a dry rack to keep some items up and away from the ice.

　　The RovR RollR 45 has the most impressive amount of features and add-ons you can purchase such as an attachment to wheel the cooler around with your bike, a deep dry goods bin that is tall enough for a bottle of wine, or a collapsible fabric bin that rests on top for easy transport of other items for your picnic.

　　Additional features make some coolers stand out from the rest. Although the Igloo ECOCOOL is a no-frills cooler, it has cup holders on the top which is a nice addition; (photo/Miya Tsudome) FAQ What is the best hard cooler? There is no single best cooler. Really, whats most important is what youll be using the cooler for and how often. If you plan on taking it out every week, a more durable cooler is probably the best pick.

　　Weve listed the best cooler (based on our feedback and testing) but also the best budget, the best wheeled cooler, and a few others for you to choose from.

　　What is the most durable cooler? The most durable cooler in our testing was a tie between the YETI and the RTIC 45-Quart.

　　What is the best cooler for the money? Out of the coolers we tested, you really cant go wrong with Igloo or Coleman coolers. Both are great quality for the price.

　　Conversely, most people wonder if YETI is worth that high price tag. The answer is yes, but its also overkill for many people — do you really need a cooler to keep ice cold for 10 days? Are you beating up a cooler enough that you need rotomolded construction? Most of us arent off the grid in rugged environments for that long or very often.

　　What is the best type of cooler to buy? If youre looking for the best cooler to keep contents cold, a hardside cooler is much better than a softside one. They are also more durable.

　　But really, the answer to this question is personal. Whats the best type of cooler for you? If you need help answering that question or narrowing down your choices, wed recommend comparing our best picks.

　　Are hard coolers better than soft coolers? Hard coolers usually offer more insulation and much more protection (both inside the cooler and on the exterior). They also offer features that soft coolers cant, like drainage plugs and wheels for easy transport. Many employ bear-resistant latches and locks so you dont have to worry about leaving them outside at camp.

　　If you need a cooler that will live in your garage or vehicle — and that you can also take to the field, beach, or camp — a hard cooler is better. But if youre concerned about carrying it longer distances or care about weight, a soft cooler might be better. The best option: Get one of each!

　　The Best Soft Coolers of 2024 We tested the best soft coolers of 2024 with styles for every budget and adventure. Top picks include Yeti, RTIC, Hydro Flask, and more!

　　The Best Backpack Coolers of 2024 We tested the best backpack coolers of 2024 with styles for every budget. Top picks include OtterBox, YETI, and more!