The 8 Best Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
The cooler market is crowded, and you might think you need to pay top dollar in order to get a high-quality product. But whether or not this is true ultimately comes down to your needs—are you planning to use the cooler for an extended camping trip or an afternoon picnic at the beach?
According to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s merchant Jesse Schulte, “size and capacity, weight, and ice retention” are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a cooler. “To determine the size of the cooler you will need, first consider your activity—the practicality of bringing along a larger, heavier cooler or a smaller, more portable one,” he says.
To find the best coolers for every situation, we put 48 models through rigorous testing (including coolers with wheels and backpack-style soft coolers). We evaluated each cooler based on its design, capacity, insulation, portability, durability, and overall value. For expert insight on shopping for a cooler, we tapped Schulte.
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It’s impressively lightweight and much more cost effective than most coolers of this size.
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Its long-term durability and ice retention may not be as good as rotomolded coolers.
Our top pick looks strikingly similar to a Yeti, and its performance was nearly identical: After 24 hours, the internal temperature of the RTIC cooler had only increased by 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also versatile—we found the 52-quart capacity to be just right for a weekend road trip, but it could also just as easily work for tailgating or entertaining.
The brand notes that this model is 30% lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same capacity, weighing just 21 pounds when empty. But this doesn’t mean it’s not durable: During testing, we noticed it didn’t leak when tipped over and there wasn’t more than a scratch after it was pushed off the table while full. This is likely due to the rubber side plugs on either side of the cooler, which we found prevented spilling and made for an effortless draining process. This lightweight design and long-term ice retention make it well suited for many on-the-go endeavors, particularly if there is a long trek involved. After six months of use, we can attest that this cooler is the best insulated cooler we've ever used.
But what’s especially impressive about this cooler is its price point: The RTIC 52-Quart Ultra-Light Cooler is more than $100 cheaper than similarly sized Yeti coolers. Given that it’s made with an injection molding process, this cooler’s long-term durability and ice retention may fall a little short of rotomolded models—though our testing suggests there may not be as big of a difference as the price would imply. Given its lightweight, sturdy, and spill-free design, we feel this cooler is a great overall pick.
Dimensions: 27.25 x 17.25 x 17 inches | Capacity: 52 quarts | Weight: 21 pounds
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Wade Review / Henry Wortock
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It’s a large, budget-friendly option for those seeking short-term use.
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It doesn’t have wheels, so you will have to lift it as opposed to dragging it, and it doesn’t have a drain plug.
This medium-capacity cooler from Coleman is one of the best deals out there given its price, quality, and durability. During our testing, about 50% of the ice remained frozen after 24 hours, and the temperature only increased by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on these results, we think that this cooler is best suited for day trips or backyard gatherings.
In our durability tests, the cooler was very sturdy and easy to sit on, and it didn’t suffer any damage after being pushed off a table while full of ice—although the lid opened, causing the contents to spill out. Even after six months of use, including time spent in heavy rain and snow, the cooler still shows no signs of wear.
Though this cooler may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, such as a drain plug or bottle opener, it does come with cup holders. We also appreciated the classic side handles and the secure, tight-fitting lid. According to the manufacturer, this cooler is tall enough to accommodate a two-liter bottle standing upright. Compared to many of the coolers on our list, this pick is relatively lightweight and easy to lift. For the average person who simply needs a cooler for occasional use over the course of a day, the Coleman Chiller is an excellent value.
Dimensions: 25.25 x 13.6 x 14.1 inches | Capacity: 48 quarts | Weight: 8.1 pounds
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