The 9 Best Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

When it comes to hosting cookouts and keeping drinks and perishable foods cold on the go, a great cooler can save the day. While many offer similar basic functions, you'd be surprised by how far modern coolers have come. Our best overall pick even held up against a grizzly bear, per the manufacturer.

We tested nearly 50 popular coolers to figure out which ones not only live up to their promise to chill beverages but are also easy to maneuver, clean, and drain — extra points if they look nice and are durable.

Read on for the best coolers of 2024 that PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.5/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  4.5/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Backed by a five-year warranty

• Incredibly durable; was shoved off a counter during our tests and held up against a grizzly bear during Yeti’s tests

• 58-liter capacity can hold 39 12-ounce cans with room to spare

• It keeps everything inside cool for 24 to 48 hours

After trying dozens of models, the Yeti 65 Tundra was an all-around favorite. This spacious cooler has a generous 58-liter capacity. It can hold up to 39 cans with room to spare for plenty of ice. While it weighs 29 pounds when empty, the rope handles make it easy enough for two people to carry.

What makes this Yeti cooler the best? Its heavy-duty plastic uses a rotomolding technique to ensure dependable durability while allowing it to be hollow — just like a high-grade whitewater kayak. It didn’t have any issues when shoved off a table during our testing, and the Yeti team also boasts the triumph this cooler had over a grizzly bear (so your goods won’t get stolen by a hungry bear if you go camping). The 65 Tundra closes securely, thanks to the T-shaped latches. Although the lid doesn't have built-in cup holders, this makes it all the more comfortable to sit on. You could even use the large surface as a small table for picnicking or playing cards.

After 24 hours, only about half the ice had melted, and the internal temperature increased just 0.2 degrees. Needless to say, our drinks were still cold. We think this is a great choice for camping, boating trips, or hosting barbecues. The price is really steep for a cooler, but it's backed by a five-year warranty and might be worth the investment. Plus, talk to any Yeti owner, and they'll assure you: If you're looking for a high-quality cooler, it doesn't get better than this.

How it’s held up:

This Yeti cooler just keeps getting better. It keeps ice intact better than any other cooler we’ve used (seriously, it will save you a fortune on ice). The materials are top-notch and show no signs of wear even after six months of testing at home. It’s definitely heavy, but that’s not a dealbreaker, and we think it’s great for tailgating, camping, boating, or any day spent in the great outdoors. 

Dimensions: 30.5 x 17.5 x 16 inches | Weight: 29 pounds | Capacity: 58 liters | Material: Polyethylene, polyurethane foam

Best Budget

Coleman Chiller Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  4/5

• Insulation

  2/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Portability

  3/5

• Great mid-size cooler that’s easy to carry around thanks to light weight and side handles

• Only half the ice had melted after 24 hours (which is decent for a cooler with basic functions)

• At least $100 less than every other top-rated cooler on our list

On a budget? You can't go wrong with the Coleman Chiller. This classic cooler is a perfect mid-size option for tailgate parties and family get-togethers. While it doesn't have many bells and whistles, it certainly gets the job done. After filling it up and letting it sit for 24 hours, roughly half the ice had melted, and the temperature only went up 1.8 degrees.

One thing to note is that this Coleman cooler doesn't have latches. However, the lid shuts tightly and seems to have a good seal. The side handles make it easy for one or two people to carry, and despite the lightweight design, it works well as a seat, too.

How it’s held up:

Despite its low price, this cooler has shown a competitive performance against our pricier options over six months of home testing. We accidentally left it outside in the snow and rain and it didn’t fade or have any wear. We’ve used it to bring groceries home and store extra water bottles in our garage. It’s very versatile and the quality has definitely held up.

Dimensions: 26 x 14.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Capacity: 45.5 liters | Material: Polyethylene

Best for the Beach

Pelican 20 Quart Elite Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  3/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  3/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Can hold 26 12-ounce cans (more than advertised)

• Cooled down within minutes of adding ice

• Easy for one person to carry thanks to sturdy handles

You'll be glad to have the Pelican Elite on hand next time you head to the beach. Resembling an oversized, heavy-duty lunchbox, it has a 19-liter capacity. While it's on the smaller side for a cooler, it can hold 26 cans, or ten or so with ice, (enough to get a family through a day in the sun) and is easy for one person to carry. The latch closes without a fuss, and you can release it one-handed with the press of a button.

There's also a hidden bottle opener and four shallow can holders on the lid. This durable icebox cooled down within a couple minutes of being filled with ice. The Pelican Elite doesn't have a drain plug, but the small size makes emptying and cleaning it a breeze. It left our durability test with only minor scuffs and no significant damage. It's certainly not the most affordable option, but considering the lifetime warranty, we think it’s worth the price.

How it’s held up:

After testing in the lab, we kept assessing this cooler for a month at home. It quickly became a part of our tester’s weekly routine for storing various meal-prepped food on their commute to work — including an hour drive and 48-hour shift. This cooler has proven its toughness, and falls closely behind the Yeti in terms of keeping ice frozen. The interior is somewhat oddly shaped though, which can create a challenge for stacking items.

Dimensions: 19 x 18.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 19.5 pounds | Capacity: 19 liters | Material: Polyurethane, stainless steel

Best for Large Gatherings

Orca 140-Quart Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  3/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  1/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Backed by a lifetime guarantee

• Can fit nearly 200 cans and keeps drinks cold for multiple days

• Thermoplastic exterior had zero scratches after being pushed off a table

• Still weighs 64 pounds even when empty, and it doesn't have wheels, which makes portability a challenge

• Expensive for some budgets

If you’re hosting a large gathering, fire up your grill and fill up the Orca 140 Quart Cooler. Boasting a generous 132.5-liter capacity, it can hold nearly 200 cans at once. Not only that, but after filling it up and waiting 24 hours, only about a quarter of the ice had melted, and the internal temp rose less than a degree.

This oversized cooler weighs 64 pounds when empty and gets quite a bit heavier when filled with drinks and ice. Since it doesn't have wheels, you'll want to recruit a buddy before lifting or moving it. All that said, the thermoplastic exterior is certainly durable, sustaining exactly zero scratches when we pushed it off a ledge. And although Orca coolers are undoubtedly expensive, the brand backs them with a lifetime guarantee.

How it’s held up:

We tested this cooler for six months at home, and found its capacity to be continually impressive. When we entertained, it kept any and all drinks cold, including tall wine bottles. The seal stays tight and the drinks stay cool for a long time. However, we do have to call attention to its 64 pound weight. This cooler works perfectly when set in one place, but don’t try to move it unless you’re ready for a big challenge. 

Dimensions: 39.5 x 23 x 21.5 inches | Weight: 64 pounds | Capacity: 132.5 liters | Material: Thermoplastic

Best for Camping

Ozark Trail High Performance Rolling Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  4/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  3/5

• Heavy-duty rotomolded exterior only sustained minor scuffs after durability tests

• Durable wheels that aid portability

• Effective design that can hold several cases of beer and latches that close securely

This rugged rotomolded option from Ozark Trail is ideal for camping. The durable design latches securely and has a tight seal. And while it took a little while to cool down, it does a good job maintaining a chilled temperature.

With a 42.5-liter capacity, it can easily hold a couple cases of beer or roughly 48 cans of your drink of choice. There are four cup holders and a handy fish ruler on the lid, which is great for long days on the lake. Best of all, the large, durable wheels make it easy to transport, even when full. It might be a little hard for a child or shorter adult to pull, but it rolled pretty effortlessly over paved paths and grassy areas.

How it’s held up:

We tested this cooler for six months outside the lab to see its day-to-day performance, and it didn’t let us down. The seal is tight and doesn’t leak at all. We like the added feature of attached bottle openers, which came in handy on multiple occasions. Everything stays cool for hours inside, and it’s easy to roll around on various terrain — a bonus for those who like to camp and need a portable option. It is a little heavy to lift, but given its overall performance, we’ll forgive that. The handle and wheels are still in great condition after six months, and this has become frequently used for road trips and outdoor events in our household.

Dimensions: 26.5 x 19.5 x 18.5 inches | Weight: 28 pounds | Capacity: 42.5 liters | Material: Thermoplastic

Best for Tailgates

Lifetime High-Performance Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  4/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  2/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Cools effectively for upwards of 48 hours

• Large enough to comfortably sit on it; doubles as a seat for tailgates and events

• Highly durable when pushed off a counter; no scratches

• Huge capacity, fit 26 more 12-ounce cans than manufacturer claimed would fit

For tailgates and outdoor sporting events, you need a cooler that’s spacious, can double as a seat, and stays cool for a long time (especially when you’re outside all day). The Lifetime 65-quart High Performance Cooler satisfies all of those needs with a durable design that’s built to last. 

It easily opens and closes, but still locks in the temperature — which only dropped by 0.8 degrees during the 24-hour period that we tested it (and 75 percent of the ice was still frozen). Our only major gripe is that it’s difficult to move — the rope handles aren’t the most sturdy to grip and with the heavy weight and lack of wheels, this cooler is tricky to move without two people.

On the plus side, the large lid creates a nice bench seat and this cooler holds 26 more cans than the manufacturer advertised. Plus, the hard material kept this cooler from opening or scratching when it was pushed off a table during testing. None of the ice water even spilled or leaked after impact. 

How it’s held up:

We reported insights after one, three, and six months, and found this cooler to perform consistently with our initial lab assessment. The large cooler is great for all-day events, and so well-insulated it can stay cool for an entire weekend without needing to add more ice. It has held up to all sorts of weathering and is most commonly thrown in our car for weekend trips. It’s easy to clean and drains completely, so it’s ready to go the next time you need to use it.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 18.1 x 28.4 | Weight: 25.5 pounds | Capacity: 61.5 liters | Material: Polyethylene construction and stainless steel bottle opener

Best for Day Trips

The Get Out Cooler Bag

Our Ratings

• Design

  5/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Portability

  5/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Retro-inspired design that’s durable enough to be pushed off a counter and still look amazing

• Insulated backpack is big enough for 12 cans and tall enough for wine bottles

• Drinks remained chilled inside the cooler after 24 hours

For hikes, intimate picnics, outdoor concerts, and other day trips, we recommend The Get Out Cooler Bag. This backpack-style cooler has a retro Boy Scouts appeal, but that's not the only thing our team liked about it. Compact and lightweight yet surprisingly roomy, there's enough space to fit 12 cans, and it's even tall enough for wine bottles. The straps are also comfy and conveniently adjustable. There's an exterior pocket, but it's too flat to fit anything more than a paper map — we couldn't even jam a smartphone in.

After 24 hours, about two-thirds of the ice had melted, but our cans were still plenty cold. And the sturdy soft-sided exterior didn't scratch or scuff when we dropped it. The Cooler Bag is priced pretty steep for its size, but we think it's a decent value. It would also make a great gift for a recreationist.

Dimensions: 17 x 16 x 10 inches | Capacity: 15 liters | Material: Thermoplastic, polyurethane foam, nylon

Best Soft-Sided

Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.5/5

• Insulation

  3/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  5/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Spacious enough for a 24-pack

• Sturdy, water-repellent exterior that sustained no damage when we shoved it off a table

• Locks in the cold for upwards of 24 hours with layered insulation and a magnetic seal

The Yeti Hopper M30 is the best soft-sided cooler we tried. This cooler has a 27.5-liter capacity, which we thought was the perfect size for a 24-pack. It's got a super-sturdy textile exterior with a water-repellent coating that showed no signs of damage when we shoved it off a table. 

Thanks to the magnetic seal, it didn't leak at all when knocked over either. While soft-sided coolers often don't work as well as their hard-sided counterparts, the Hopper M30 is another story. It chilled our drinks with ease, and a substantial amount of ice was left after 24 hours. The price might be hard to justify for a cooler of this size, but if you have the budget for it or find it on sale, we say go for it.

How it’s held up:

Even when we continued using this cooler for three months at home, it remained durable, versatile, and easy to use and maintain. It hasn’t had any wear or tear, and is easy to carry even when full. We like using this cooler to transport frozen groceries home from the store and store snacks during kids’ sporting events. It’s easy to wipe down and dries quickly, making this a functional, portable, and long-lasting cooler. 

Dimensions: 25 x 17.5 x 12 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Capacity: 27.5 liters | Material: Water-repellent textile, rubber foam

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  People / Dera Burreson

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  People / Henry Wortock

Best with Wheels

XSpec Towable Rotomolded Cooler

Our Ratings

• Design

  5/5

• Insulation

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Portability

  5/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Heavy-duty wheels and an extendable tow handle make this deep ice chest easy to transport

• Has a fish ruler, bottle opener, and leak-proof drain plug

• Sturdy and durable against impacts; passed our durability test

• Even with the wheels, it's somewhat hard to move when packed full

• Doesn't have any cup holders

Large coolers are heavy when empty, let alone filled with ice and drinks. But thanks to its large, heavy-duty wheels and extendable tow handle, this 35-pounder is surprisingly easy to move around. (Just bear in mind packing it full to the brim might make it a bit harder to pull.) It's incredibly sturdy, too, passing our drop test with flying colors.

The Xspec Ice Chest has an extra-deep capacity that fits up to 40 cans, while a leak-proof drain plug makes emptying it a breeze. After 24 hours, most of the ice was still intact, and the temperature only went up 2 degrees. Although the lid doesn't have any cup holders, it has a fish ruler and a built-in bottle opener — and it makes a nice seat in a pinch. All things considered, we think the price is reasonable.

How it’s held up:

The portability of this cooler has proven useful over the three months we tested it at home. We primarily used this cooler for tailgates and outdoor parties because it’s the perfect size to store enough drinks for a whole party while still being easy to move around. And in most cases, the ice lasted longer than the drinks (around four to five days in our experience). The latches and wheels are sturdy, and the chamber is spacious enough to hold 40 cans. While it’s a little heavy when full, the wheels make maneuvering this cooler a breeze.

Dimensions: 22 x 21 x 18 inches | Weight: 35 pounds | Capacity: 42.5 liters | Material: Polypropylene

How We Tested Coolers

Our editors selected 48 coolers to try first-hand in the lab, testing the design, insulation, durability, portability, capacity, and overall value. To assess the design, we did a thorough examination of each cooler, opening and closing the lids, measuring the interiors and exteriors, and considering the appearance. 

To determine the capacity in a real-life scenario, we filled each cooler with 12-ounce drink cans to see how many cans each model could fit. Then we swapped out a few cans for ice and lifted and carried the coolers around to gauge portability and how heaviness. For good measure, we even shoved the coolers off of tables to test durability.

To measure the cooler’s cooling abilities, we took the temperature right when we added ice and again two hours later and 24 hours later. We also measured the amount of ice at each check-in. We checked for leaks during this time (due to melting ice). We then drained and cleaned each cooler. For specialized models, we had a few sub-tests, too, such as maneuverability for wheeled coolers (moving and turning them around the lab), carrying coolers with straps to assess comfort, and sitting on large coolers to see if they can double as a seat for tailgates and such. Weighing all of these characteristics, we determined the best coolers of 2024. After identifying our favorites, we tested the coolers at home for six months to see how they held up in real-life scenarios, and we have updated this piece with those findings.

Things to Consider When Buying a Cooler

Size

One of the most important things to consider when buying a cooler is the size, including the overall dimensions and capacity. Mid-size coolers measure roughly 25 x 15 x 14 inches on average, with capacities ranging from 30 to 50 liters (which comes out to about 35 to 55 cans, plus ice). Holding 200 or more cans, larger models like the Orca 140 Quart Cooler are great for big gatherings and events. And smaller options, like our beach day pick — the Pelican 20 Quart Elite Cooler — are ideal for intimate picnics, boating, hiking, and day trips.

Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided

Most coolers are hard-sided, as rigid construction is generally thought to do a better job of keeping things cool. Additionally, extra-large chests need to have hard exteriors in order for two people to carry them. This type of icebox is typically made of plastic and often rotomolded for increased durability and better temperature retention. Our best tailgating cooler and best overall pick —  Lifetime 65 Quart High Performance Cooler and Yeti 65 Tundra Cooler — have hard-sided designs. Having said that, some soft-sided coolers do just as good a job chilling drinks and preventing ice from melting. A textile exterior can also hold up better in terms of scratch resistance.

Portability

Lastly, you'll want to consider portability. Large coolers can be nearly 70 pounds when empty, so you can imagine how heavy they are when filled with drinks and ice. Wheels and an extendable handle can make an icebox easier to move around. But if yours isn't wheelable, you'll definitely want to recruit a friend to help you lift and carry it. Backpack-style models like our pick, The Get Out Cooler Bag, and soft-sided designs, like the Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler, often have padded straps to make them more comfortable to carry.

When to Buy

Lastly, you'll want to consider portability. Large coolers can be nearly 70 pounds when empty, so you can imagine how heavy they are when filled with drinks and ice. Wheels and an extendable handle can make a cooler easier to move around. But if yours isn't wheelable, you'll definitely want to recruit a friend to help you lift and carry it. Backpack-style models like our pick, The Get Out Cooler Bag, and soft-sided designs, like the Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler, often have padded straps to make them more comfortable to carry.

Coolers are most often used during the spring and summer. If you're hoping to get a newer model in a specific color, you might want to shop around in the late winter or early spring. However, if you're hoping to buy one on sale, start your search in the fall or early winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do coolers keep food and drinks cold?

  It depends on the size and insulation, but when filled with ice, most coolers will keep food and drinks cold for at least a day, sometimes longer. The models we selected for this roundup still had a substantial amount of unmelted ice after 24 hours and kept our drinks cold the entire time.

• How much ice should you add to a cooler?

  A good rule of thumb is a two-to-one (2:1) ratio of ice to drinks. This means you'll want to add twice as much ice as cans and bottles. Since ice cubes take up more space than larger slabs of solid ice, you can maximize space with freezer blocks or pre-frozen food.

• When should you replace a cooler?

  Most coolers last anywhere from five to 10 years. Investing in a high-quality model might be a wise idea, as many are backed by warranties ranging from five years to lifetime guarantees.

  Generally speaking, if it closes securely and doesn't have any cracks or holes, the insulation should continue to work. However, if there's substantial damage, a lingering odor, or your cooler simply doesn't work as well as it used to, then it's time to get a new one.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in lifestyle, travel, and recreation. Madison Yauger is a staff senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. For this story, they compiled insights from our in-house tests and researched product specs to create trusted recommendations for the best coolers of 2024.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and have a network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval, because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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