We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Coleman Classic Series Insulated Portable Wheeled Cooler, Leak-Resistant Outdoor Hard Cooler Keeps Ice up to 5 Days, 100-Quart

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,255
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
7282 reviews

Capacity
Perfect for large gatherings, fitting lunches for 21 students and 8 adults along with 6 gallon bags of ice.
Ice Retention
Extra-long ice retention ensures your items stay cool for extended periods.
Durability
Super sturdy construction allows it to double as a bench seat when necessary.
Portability
The wheels and pull handle make it easy to move the cooler wherever needed.
Additional Features
The cooler top fits snugly to the body and is connected by hinges, ensuring secure closure.

The Coleman 316 Series Insulated Portable Cooler is a robust and versatile choice for outdoor activities like tailgating, camping, and beach trips. With a substantial 100-quart capacity, it can hold up to 80 cans and 50 lbs. of ice, making it ideal for large gatherings. The TempLock FX Insulation ensures multi-day ice retention, keeping your items cool for extended periods, which is a significant advantage for longer trips.

The heavy-duty wheels and easy-tow handle enhance portability, allowing you to move the cooler effortlessly even when fully loaded. Constructed with 15% less plastic, it has an eco-conscious design, and the leak-proof tethered drain plug adds to its durability by preventing unwanted spills. The sturdy Have-A-Seat Lid can support up to 250 lbs., providing additional seating when needed. The four cup holders on the lid can accommodate up to 30oz tumblers, adding convenience.

Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the stain-resistant liner and easy-to-clean lid. However, at 20.37 pounds, the cooler is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for some users, especially when maneuvering it over long distances or rough terrain. Despite this, the Coleman 316 Series offers a great balance of capacity, ice retention, and durability, making it a reliable choice for various outdoor adventures.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,255
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
7282 reviews

Capacity
Perfect for large gatherings, fitting lunches for 21 students and 8 adults along with 6 gallon bags of ice.
Ice Retention
Extra-long ice retention ensures your items stay cool for extended periods.
Durability
Super sturdy construction allows it to double as a bench seat when necessary.
Portability
The wheels and pull handle make it easy to move the cooler wherever needed.
Additional Features
The cooler top fits snugly to the body and is connected by hinges, ensuring secure closure.
#2

Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
11091 reviews

Capacity
This cooler exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, insulation, and capacity.
Ice Retention
Even after hours under the hot sun, our beverages stayed refreshingly cold.
Durability
This cooler exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, insulation, and capacity.
Portability
It's not too heavy, making it easy to transport to the beach, park, or anywhere we need to go.
Insulation
This cooler exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, insulation, and capacity.
Additional Features
The stain- and odor-resistant liner ensures that spills won't leave a permanent mark or smell.

The Igloo Polar 120 Qt. Cooler is a solid option for outdoor enthusiasts, especially for camping trips. It boasts an impressive capacity of 113 liters, meaning it can hold up to 188 cans, making it great for large gatherings. One of its standout features is the Ultratherm insulation, which keeps ice for up to 5 days even at temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it reliable for extended trips where maintaining cold temperatures is crucial.

The cooler is also designed for convenience with reinforced swing-up handles and dual snap-fit latches that secure the lid tightly. The threaded drain plug allows for easy drainage, which is a big help when cleaning out the cooler. Weighing in at 19.9 pounds, it's relatively easy to transport given its size, although it might be a bit cumbersome for one person to handle alone. The white plastic material is durable but may show dirt and stains more easily, requiring regular cleaning.

While the insulation is robust, the plastic construction may not be as rugged as some high-end coolers, which might deter those seeking the most durable option. Additionally, its larger size could be unwieldy in tighter spaces or for those with limited storage. It's best suited for users planning long outdoor trips who need a reliable cooler with a large capacity and excellent ice retention.

Rating
9.8
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
11091 reviews

Capacity
This cooler exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, insulation, and capacity.
Ice Retention
Even after hours under the hot sun, our beverages stayed refreshingly cold.
Durability
This cooler exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, insulation, and capacity.
Portability
It's not too heavy, making it easy to transport to the beach, park, or anywhere we need to go.
Insulation
This cooler exceeded all expectations in terms of durability, insulation, and capacity.
Additional Features
The stain- and odor-resistant liner ensures that spills won't leave a permanent mark or smell.
#3

Igloo Premium Trailmate Wheeled Coolers 70 QT, Insulated Portable Cooler with Heavy Duty Wheels, 112 Can Capacity, Leak-Proof Rolling Cooler

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
632 reviews

Capacity
It has great ice retention and holds a lot of drinks - we put 96 cans in there, and they stayed cold all weekend.
Ice Retention
It has great ice retention and holds a lot of drinks - we put 96 cans in there, and they stayed cold all weekend.
Durability
This cooler is extremely durable and can traverse any terrain with ease.
Portability
The telescopic handle makes it extremely easy to drag over grass, curbs, and rocks.
Additional Features
The charcuterie board attachment, rod holders, and dry storage are fantastic additions.

The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler in Olive is a robust option for those who enjoy camping and outdoor activities. With a capacity of 70 quarts, it provides ample space for storing food and drinks, making it suitable for longer outings or larger groups.

One of its standout features is the oversized 10-inch wheels, designed to tackle various terrains like sand with ease, ensuring superior traction and ground clearance. This makes it highly portable despite its weight of 34.7 pounds. The glide handle further enhances portability by allowing users to pull the cooler with 50% less effort, thanks to its telescoping and locking mechanism.

This cooler also boasts a butler tray for serving drinks and snacks conveniently, along with a dry storage box to keep essentials like phones and keys safe from water damage. Additional storage pockets provide extra room for items such as sunglasses and sunscreen. The Igloo Trailmate Journey 70 Qt Cooler offers excellent features for outdoor enthusiasts, with an emphasis on portability and convenience.

Rating
9.7
Capacity
Ice Retention
Durability

Most important from
632 reviews

Capacity
It has great ice retention and holds a lot of drinks - we put 96 cans in there, and they stayed cold all weekend.
Ice Retention
It has great ice retention and holds a lot of drinks - we put 96 cans in there, and they stayed cold all weekend.
Durability
This cooler is extremely durable and can traverse any terrain with ease.
Portability
The telescopic handle makes it extremely easy to drag over grass, curbs, and rocks.
Additional Features
The charcuterie board attachment, rod holders, and dry storage are fantastic additions.

Buying Guide for the Best Outdoor Coolers

Choosing the right outdoor cooler can make a significant difference in your outdoor adventures, whether you're camping, tailgating, or just enjoying a day at the beach. The right cooler will keep your food and drinks cold for extended periods, be easy to transport, and durable enough to withstand the elements. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an outdoor cooler and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler, usually measured in quarts or liters. This spec is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Small coolers (up to 20 quarts) are great for day trips or personal use, medium coolers (20-50 quarts) are suitable for small groups or weekend trips, and large coolers (50+ quarts) are ideal for extended trips or larger groups. Consider how many people you need to cater to and the duration of your trips when choosing the capacity.
Ice RetentionIce retention indicates how long a cooler can keep ice frozen, which directly affects how long your items stay cold. This is crucial for longer trips where access to ice may be limited. Basic coolers may retain ice for a day or two, while high-performance coolers can keep ice for up to a week or more. If you plan on longer outings or need to keep items cold for extended periods, opt for a cooler with higher ice retention capabilities.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh outdoor conditions. This is important because a durable cooler will last longer and protect your contents better. Coolers made from rotomolded plastic are generally the most durable, while those made from thinner plastic or fabric are less so. If you expect your cooler to endure a lot of wear and tear, choose one with a robust construction.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to transport the cooler. This includes the weight of the cooler when empty, the presence of wheels, and the design of the handles. Lightweight coolers or those with wheels are easier to move, especially when fully loaded. If you need to carry your cooler over long distances or rough terrain, look for one with sturdy wheels and comfortable handles.
InsulationInsulation quality affects how well the cooler maintains its internal temperature. This is important for keeping your items cold for as long as possible. Coolers with thicker walls and lids generally have better insulation. If you need to keep items cold for extended periods, choose a cooler with high-quality insulation.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a cooler. These may include built-in bottle openers, cup holders, dry storage compartments, and drain plugs. While not essential, these features can make your outdoor experience more enjoyable. Consider which additional features would be beneficial for your specific needs and choose a cooler that offers them.

FAQ