The Best Electric Coolers of 2024

The Worx 20V Electric & Battery Powered Cooler ($499) is an intriguing option for van lifers, car campers, or anyone just spending the day at the beach. This portable electric refrigerator/freezer uses the same 20V batteries as Worx power tools. In a nutshell, having a universal power source that is also swappable across a wide range of power tools and garden equipment brings familiarity and convenience to consumers.

Unlike some portable refrigerators on this list, the Worx powered cooler only has a single compartment. That 24-quart space will fit about 32 12-ounce canned beverages. Having dual temperature zones would make it easier to carry chilled and frozen food simultaneously, but that would reduce the carrying capacity even more.

According to Worx, two fully-charged batteries will power the cooler for about 10 hours on average. The actual runtime depends on the unit’s temperature settings, ranging from -4 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Naturally, the ambient air temperature outside and the temperature of food and drinks inside also affect how long the batteries will last.

This cooler has a few unique features, including a built-in bottle opener and an interior light that makes beverage selection much easier in the dark.

The cooler has two 20V battery packs, fully compatible with Worx’s power tools and lawn care equipment. A separate battery charger is included, although the power cells will charge in the cooler when plugged into a 120V wall outlet or a 12V port in your vehicle. Additionally, the unit has a bright, easy-to-read LCD screen that displays the current temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It also shows whether it is in “eco” or “max” cooling mode and the current charge levels for the battery packs.

For about half the price of our top pick, you get about 1/2 the capacity and an overall less efficient cooling system. But if you’re on the move, balancing the power supply duties between the alternator in your vehicle and the included batteries, you’ll definitely be upping your road-tripping game without spending an arm and a leg.

Overland and motoring editor Bryon Dorr has used a variety of 12V fridges in his overland travels. His current setup from National Luna is his best yet.

The 50L National Luna Legacy Dual Control ($1,295) offers great looks, compact size for its capacity, trusted durability (over 30 years in business), and impressive efficiency. Dorr’s favorite part of this fridge/freezer is the three included organizer baskets. They make finding that food at the bottom of the fridge super easy and loading the fridge before and after a trip a breeze.

The dimpled aluminum skin of the National Luna looks, feels, and is premium. The onboard proprietary compressor is not only super-efficient and quick to cool down the fridge/freezer but also comes with an 8-year warranty.

This dual-control cooler can also automatically switch between AC and DC power. That means it works just as well in your vehicle as it does plugged-in on your patio for your next BBQ.

If you’re searching for an affordable dual-zone cooler with some convenient extra features, check out the BougeRV CRD45 Dual Zone ($500). This cooler has two completely separate compartments that can be independently set anywhere from -4 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, this means you can bring ice cream on your camping trip!

The CRD45 also cools down very quickly. During our testing, it cooled from an initial ambient temperature of 79 degrees to our set temperature of 36 degrees in under 30 minutes. From there, it retains its cold well as long as the lids are not left open.

The CRD series is available in three sizes: 35 liters, 45 liters, and 55 liters. Each model comes with sturdy roller wheels, a padded and retractable carry handle, and removable doors that can be adjusted to open from either direction — a feature we loved when accessing the cooler in the back of our pickup truck. The CRD also includes some thoughtful extras like interior LED lights, an integrated bottle opener, and a stowable cutting board.

We tested this cooler with the optional 173Wh detachable battery ($200) that allows operation without an external power source. We recommend getting the cooler to its set temperature point before operating it with just the battery, as the cooler operates best and the battery lasts longer in a lower power mode. We regularly got an “F1” voltage protection error code while using the battery if we were in the high power mode.

The only minor issues we experienced with the CRD45 on a five-week summer road trip were the above-mentioned battery quirk and the power cord frequently coming loose from the in-line AC/DC adapter during transport. Both had easy fixes, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this cooler as a nice, affordable setup.

The ARB Zero Portable Fridge Freezer ($1,568) is a real beast of a cooler. It comes in around the same capacity, weight, and size as the Dometic but with a heftier price tag. For those who pack a variety of food, the extra versatility is worth the expense.

First, this cooler is over half a foot taller than the Dometic Dual Zone, which gives you deeper storage for things like tall wine bottles. Second, you get three baskets in the ARB as compared to two with the Dometic.

While you may worry about the single-lid design of the ARB, the freezer portion has its own lid inside to keep your food insulated when you open the fridge section.

Suppose you want to forgo the fridge/freezer combo and only use one temperature zone. In that case, the separate baskets and compartments can be removed to increase space, allowing for one larger space with a total capacity of 69 liters.

This is still slightly smaller than Dometic’s storage abilities, but the versatility of the product may be an important consideration. If you need to store large products, such as your Thanksgiving turkey, this ARB Zero will be able to handle it.

We also love the unit’s integrated handles, touchscreen, embedded cup holders, and seriously sturdy frame. The steel casing has robust corner molding to keep the electric cooler and your treats inside from getting damaged on a bumpy ride. Finally, anti-condensation technology prevents food from getting wet in the portable fridge.

As an add-on accessory, the ARB Zero Freezer Fridge Power Pack is the perfect way to keep your cooler going when you do not have access to another source of power. The Power Pack connects to the electric cooler and integrates seamlessly. And it can extend your cooler’s run time by a lot.

If you’re looking to make an investment in a sturdy electric cooler that will survive many wild adventures, the ARB Zero Portable Fridge Freezer may be the one for you.

Read Review: Power Your Off-Road Picnics: ARB ZERO Fridge Freezer Power Pack Review

The big brother of the 55, Dometic’s CFX3 75 Dual Zone Powered Cooler ($1,400) is a powerhouse. This electric cooler is quite a bit larger, heavier, and more expensive than the relatively tame Dometic CFX3 55IM, but its extra capabilities make it a fan favorite for more serious adventures.

As the name suggests, the Dometic CFX3 75 Dual Zone has two storage compartments so you can cool and freeze simultaneously. Either compartment can be set to any temperature, allowing you to configure the cooler to your particular needs. This electric cooler has a 75-liter capacity, which can fit 113 soda cans.

This is a high-performance travel cooler that brings comfort — dare we say, luxury — to car camping. Considering its bulky size, however, keep in mind it will probably live in your trunk, so it might not be the most practical option for accessing snacks on a road trip.

If you’re looking for a cooler that can last, Dometic coolers have a reliable three-stage dynamic battery protection system that will protect your food for the length of your adventure.

Editor’s note: The CFX3 75 has been replaced by the upgraded CFX5 line. We haven’t had a chance to test the 75-liter model yet but if it’s anything like the 55, we expect great things. The CFX3 is still available for a little while longer, on sale at REI.

If you’re looking for a smaller and highly energy-efficient unit, the Engel MT35 Platinum Electric Cooler ($1,150) might be the one for you. This compact cooler is well-regarded for its low power draw, which consumes about 40% less energy than a traditional compressor, according to the company.

Another great feature of all Engel power systems is the auto-switching system between AC or DC power sources. The cooler can sense the difference on its own, which saves you the need to manually adjust the power input.

The unit is surprisingly heavy compared to other electric coolers of similar capacities. This is mainly due to its durable stainless steel construction. It does not have wheels, so its hefty frame could be a problem for some people.

Another potential downside is this cooler has thin metal handles that protrude far from its sides. These handles make the cooler uncomfortable to carry and more difficult to pack efficiently into a tight space.

One final potential disadvantage is the temperature range the Engel MT35 Platinum can achieve. The minimum temperature is the highest on this list by multiple degrees, so if you’re looking for a sub-zero freezer, look elsewhere. Still, for people concerned with their energy consumption, this efficient electric cooler is a great choice.

While any of these devices could be powered by a sustainable source like a solar panel and battery bank, none is more eco-friendly than the GoSun Chill Electric Cooler ($749). This is the perfect product for people looking for modern luxury but who still want to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.

This electric cooler can be charged by your car’s battery, an AC adapter, or another power source. It can also plug into the electric cooler’s PowerBank, which can save a dead phone battery in a pinch.

On an 80-degree day, the PowerBank is powerful enough to maintain the internal temperature of the electric cooler at 40 degrees F for 10 hours or 10 degrees F for 6 hours.

Finally, you can get a package deal on the GoSun Chill Electric Cooler and either the Solar Table (literally a table that’s a solar panel) or the Flexible Solar Panels. With these accessories, as long as there is some sunshine, you can keep your food and drinks cold from anywhere without worrying about draining your car battery.

Other great aspects of this electric cooler are its stylish, fun design and the helpful wheels and telescopic handle. For folks who like what GoSun has to offer but want a dual-zone option, check out the GoSun Chillest “Solar” Cooler with 45 L of storage between two fridge or freezer areas.

The Anker Everfrost Powered Cooler 40 ($849) stands out for its wide range of features that make it one of the most user-friendly designs that we tested. It features a removable basket to load, unload, and transfer food and drinks without having to haul the whole cooler around, a built-in camp table, roller wheels, and a bottle opener.

As you’d expect from an electronics brand like Anker, it also includes several impressive technical features like a removable battery that can power the cooler without being plugged on, a couple of charging ports for your electronic devices, and four different charging methods (wall charger, car charger, USB-C input, and an optional solar charger). The cooler can also be operated with a smartphone app.

Performance-wise, the Everfrost holds it own against other more expensive competitors. It has a temperature range of -4 to 68 degrees F, it can cool itself within 30 minutes, and it can provide cooling (at 39 degrees F) that lasts up to 36 hours on a single charge.

It should be noted that Anker recently recalled a small batch of their cooler batteries that were manufactured in December 2022 and then sold between May 2023 and September 2023, but our understanding is that currently sold products are not impacted by this.

The Everfrost Powered Cooler comes in three sizes: 30 liters, 40 liters, and a 50-liter model that has dual-zones that can be used as a separate fridge and freezer.

To learn more, read our in-depth review of the Anker Everfrost Powered Cooler 40.

At its relatively affordable price point, the Whynter Portable Refrigerator ($522) is a high-performing cooler with a lot going for it. The temperature range of the unit is very impressive, tying with the much more expensive ARB Zero for the lowest minimum temperature on this list. Not only is it the lowest we have seen, but it’s also just about the lowest possible temperature for an electric cooler.

The single-zone Whynter electric cooler functions as a refrigerator or freezer. However, it has a secondary “Fast Freeze” mode that jacks up the power and lowers the temperature as fast as possible. With a temperature control deviation of only 1.6 degrees F, it has one of the best control ratings of all the coolers we reviewed.

Other great features include its durable construction, removable storage baskets, and convenient drain plug for easy cleaning. While the handles don’t look as comfortable as many other electric coolers, you could purchase the accessory Transit Bag, which offers better handles and pockets for additional storage. The portable refrigerator also comes in a camouflage design for hunters and others who spend time in the woods.

If you like the idea of a dual-zone electric cooler but not the price points of the Dometic or ARB options, you’re going to love what the ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator ($849) has to offer. ICECO is a popular brand with overwhelmingly positive reviews on all of its electric coolers.

This spacious cooler has two zones, both capable of reaching any temperature in the cooler’s range. The ICECO also supports two cooling modes, MAX and ECO, for fast freezing when you need it and energy efficiency when you don’t.

We particularly like the sturdy construction of ICECO’s coolers. The metal shell has thick walls, good seals, and steel fasteners to provide quality insulation.

The compressor comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can feel confident this electric cooler will be a good investment. Finally, the electric cooler comes with wired baskets for organizing your food and an interior LED light so you can always find what you are looking for, even in the dark.

There are a couple of small potential disadvantages to this cooler to be aware of before committing to it. Namely, the handles do not look as wide and comfortable as some of the others on this list. At such a hefty weight, if you plan to carry the cooler for any distance, this could be a hindrance.

More importantly, with a minimum temperature of zero degrees F, this electric cooler does not offer the sub-zero temperatures many of our other recommendations achieve. Still, at this price point, we had to give a shoutout to the rugged and capable ICECO Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator.