The Best Coolers of 2024

Whether you’re packing for a midday family picnic or a multiday 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 huge selection available today, and wish you knew how well they performed in real-life applications, then you’ve come to the right place. Miya Tsudome is our road-tripping, rock-climbing, cooler tester. Over the last 2 years, she’s packed over 12 coolers into the back of her truck, loaded them up with ice and supplies, and put them through real-world testing.

These coolers went out on overnight camping trips, on day trips to local swimming holes, and were stowed in hot cars all day. She also puts each cooler through a standard Ice retention test for solid, objective comparisons. 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.

Editor’s note: We’ve updated this guide as of August 20, 2024, in time for the last hurrahs of summer. The classics from Yeti and RTIC remain our absolute favorites, though they’re seeing some stiff competition from the newly tested Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55. This top-notch roto-molded beast of a cooler performed well during one of the hottest summers in recent memory, and has a better storage-to-weight ratio than the Yeti Tundra.

The Best Coolers of 2024

• Best Overall Cooler: YETI Tundra 45
• Best Budget Cooler: Igloo ECOCOOL
• Runner-Up Best Cooler: RTIC 45
• Best Wheeled Cooler: Orca 65 Wheeled Cooler
• Best Lightweight Cooler: RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler
• Best Small Cooler: Yeti Roadie 24

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Cooler Comparison Chart

Cooler	Price	Capacity	Weight	Materials
YETI Tundra 45	$325	37 quarts	23 lbs.	Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
Igloo ECOCOOL	$60	52 quarts	9.8 lbs.	Recycled post-consumer resin
RTIC 45-Quart	$250	45 quarts	29 lbs.	Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
ORCA 65 Quart Wheeled Cooler	$450	65 quarts	40 lbs.	Rotomolded plastic
RTIC Ultra-Light Hard Cooler	$219	52 quarts	31 lbs.	Injection-molded plastic
Yeti Roadie 24	$250	24 quarts	13 lbs.	Pressure injected polyurethane
Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55	$300	55 quarts	26 lbs.	Rotomolded kayak plastic with pressure-injected foam insulation
RovR RollR 45 Wheeled Cooler	$349	45 quarts	37 lbs.	Plastic/polyurethane foam
Xspec Pro 60 Quart Cooler	$230	60 quarts	31 lbs.	Rotomolded body and polyurethane insulation
Orca 40-Quart Cooler	$325	37 quarts	27 lbs.	Rotomolded plastic
Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler	$110	120 quarts	5.5 lbs.	Injection-molded plastic
YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler	$450	45 quarts	37 lbs.	Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
Igloo 25-Quart Picnic Cooler	$55	25 quarts	5.5 lbs.	Injection-molded plastic

How We Tested Coolers

Our expert gear testers have been reviewing coolers since 2014, 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 3 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, Calif. 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.

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. It’s recommended to pre-chill a cooler for the best ice retention, we did not prechill 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. 

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, the RTIC 45, and of course, the YETI Tundra 45 are rotomolded.

Coolers use a few different sorts of foam or petroleum-based insulation, typically double-walled. YETI employs its pressure-injected polyurethane foam, while Igloo uses 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.

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 one or two 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.

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 Orca 65 Wheeled cooler and 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, the RTIC 45, and the 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 Igloo ECOCOOL weighs in at only 9.84 pounds, making it the lightest cooler in our lineup. However, its lightness is attributed to its injection molding, thin walls, and noninsulated 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 Orca 65-quart Wheeled Cooler, however, comes with beefy all-terrain plastic tires that can’t go flat, and handle sand, gravel, and rough terrain with ease, making it the best of its class for ease of transport.

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 it 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.

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.

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.

Price & Value

The best coolers are not cheap, but if you know what you need, it’s easier to find a model that can fit your budget and your food storage needs.

Budget

In general, the less expensive cooler will be smaller and have injection-molded plastic shell with some sort of foam insulation. They have thinner walls and don’t insulate as well as more expensive models. If you’re only going to use your cooler for day trips or brief overnight, then it’s totally possible to make an inexpensive cooler work for you!

The Igloo ECOCOOL ($60) gets you 52 quarts of storage for food and ice is lightweight, and even had a little ice left at the end of our 10-day retention tests. Its handles are a bit flimsy, it isn’t bear-proof, and there is no drain plug, but if keeping your food fresh for a day or so is all you need, it will absolutely do the trick. If you need even more space without breaking the bank, check out the Coleman 316 Series Chest Cooler ($110)

Mid-tier

The RTIC 45-Quart ($250) and the Xspec Pro 60-Quart Cooler ($230) sit smack in the middle of price and performance and both are great options if you need a cooler to last a week and don’t want to shell out the mega bucks for (ahem) some big name brands. These coolers feature rotomolded plastic shells, high-quality insulation, and better features like rubber latches, air-tight gaskets, and drain plugs.

Premium

The YETI Tundra 45 ($325) is our top pick and one of the more expensive coolers on our list. The Tundra is THE cooler that set off the roto-molded cooler wars and has pushed the competition to really up their game. The Tundra 45 is IGBC-certified (bearproof), has high-quality polyurethane foam insulation, and easily held ice for over ten days.

The Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55 ($300) isn’t bearproof, but does have better storage capacity, and the massive ORCA 65 Quart Wheeled Cooler ($450) is easier to move around. All are excellent insulators, but it’s best to check the specs to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for if you’re going to pay top dollar.

Frequently Asked Questions