15 Best Coolers WIRED Tested for Every Budget, Any Situation (2025)

Yeti Tundra HaulDurable. Multi-day ice melt time. Wheeled and handled.Heavy.82 cans or 64 pounds of ice (55 quarts)37 pounds18.63" D x 28.25" W x 19.5" H5 (plus more limited-edition)RotomoldedWheels, handle, drain plug, tie-down slots, replaceable parts. Bear-resistant (and bear-proof with the right locks)5 yearsTBDTBDRTIC Ultra-Tough CoolerTrue-to-size capacity. Padded handles.Heavy.60 cans (45 quarts)30 pounds18.19" D x 26.35" W x 15.75" H6RotomoldedHandles, latches, drain plug, bottle opener5 yearsTBDTBDIgloo Wheelie CoolerInexpensive. Wheeled and handled.Handle can break. No drain plug.53 cans (38 quarts)9 pounds22.75" L x 12.88" W x 15.88" H2Injection moldedWheels, handle1 year16 hours24 hoursYeti Roadie 32Locking handle. Long-lasting ice. Portable.Awkward size.50 cans or 36 pounds of ice (32 quarts)25 pounds16.1" D x 21.3" W x 18.3" H4 (plus more limited-edition)RotomoldedWheels, handle, drain plug5 yearsTBDTBDPelican Elite 20QTSmall footprint. Built-in cup holders. Long ice retention.Heavy. Bulky lid.15 cans or 19 pounds of ice (20 quarts)13 pounds12" L x 6.7" W x 14.1" H5Injection moldedCup holders, handle, latches, feetLimited lifetimeTBDTBDBote Kula 5Fits where others can't. Tie-down points.Heavy. Can be awkward to maneuver.5 gallons13 pounds16.75″ W × 14.25″ H6RotomoldedWheels, handle, drain plug, tie-downs, bottle opener, magnetic lid compatible with accessories2 yearsTBDTBDIgloo MaxCold Evergreen Top Grip Backpack CoolerComfortable straps. Waterproof interior. Extra pockets.Heavy when full. Water bottle pockets could be bigger.24 cans1.3 pounds12.01" L x 9.06" W x 16.93" H1N/AExterior pockets, bottle holder pockets, chest clip1 year14 hours18 hoursNinja FrostVault Wheeled CoolerDrawer for dry storage. Locking lid. Wheeled and handled.Irksome drain plug. Short handle.30, 45, or 60 quarts.30 pounds28.58" L x 17.36" W x 18.89" H4 (plus more limited-edition)Injection moldedDry drawer, locking handle, wheels, drain plug5 years70 hours75 hoursOyster Tempo CoolerUses low (or no!) ice. Lightweight. Recyclable.Pricey.36 cans (23 liters)12 pounds20.1" W x 11.8" D x 12.6" H1N/ACarrying strap, handle, replaceable partsLimited lifetime warrantyTBDTBDIgloo Party Bar CoolerLooks great. Massive capacity. Easy to clean and wheel around.Below average ice retention.125 quarts/158 cans34 pounds39.1" L x 21.8" W x 26.9" H4InjectionDividers, removable base, bottle opener and catch bin, locking wheels, side handles.1 year12 hours14 hoursEngle MT17 Fridge-FreezerWorks well. Durable. Helpful customer service.Overkill for most people.16 quarts39 pounds21.2" L x 12" W x 14.2" H1N/AElectricity! Quiet. Efficient. Can be a fridge or freezer.3 yearsTBDTBDDometic Recon CoolersStackable and packable. Top can be opened from either side (or taken off).Soft-sided coolers arrived wrinkled. Piecing the handles of the soft-sided coolers back together requires patience.Medium softside: 17L. Large softside: 21L. Medium hardside: 41L. Large hardside: 69LMedium softside: 13 lbs. Large softside: 13 lbs. Medium hardside: 25 lbs. Large hardside: 33 lbs.Medium softside:15" D x 13" H x 12" W Large softside: 15" D x 16" H x 12" W Medium hardside: 17" D x 18" H x 22" W Large hardside: 16" D x 18" H x 33" W2 (hard-sided); 2 (soft-sided)Injection-moldedSoft-sided: magnetic break-apart handles, Moll-E loops, carry straps. Hard-sided: Drain plug, nonskid top, divider/cutting board.2 yearsSoft-sided: 64 hours. Hard-sided: 88 hoursSoft-sided: 76 hours. Hard-sided: 94 hoursDometic CFX5 55IM Electric CoolerEfficient and powered. Built-in ice maker. Companion app.App isn't the best. Ice maker takes up valuable real estate.55 liters44.5 pounds17.91" D x 18.90" H x 28.35" W1N/ABuilt-in ice maker. Bluetooth app. AC or DC power (or external batteries). Internal ice maker. Battery protection system. Removable lid. Built-in bottle opener. Removable, included dividers. Built-in light.5 years85 hours (unpowered)90 hours (unpowered)Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Boombox CoolerSo cute. Built-in speakers.Opening could be easier. Sound quality isn't great. Some connection issues.14 quarts5 pounds14.57" L x 10.91" W x 13.9" H5Injection-moldedBuilt-in speakers! Can sync up with other KoolSync coolers. Tent-top opening can swivel to either side.90 days (electronic components). One year (cooler components).32 hours36 hoursIgloo Retro Picnic Basket CoolerEasy to carry. Absolutely adorable.No drain plug.25 quarts5.5 pounds19.79" L x 12.88" W x 13.12" H5Injection-moldedClasping handles.1 year36 hours45 hours