A couple walks on the beach carrying a cooler

27 Best Coolers of 2021

In this day and age, it may seem like a daunting task to choose the best cooler. Do I need one with wheels? How big does it need to be? Are soft coolers better than hard ones? All of these questions depend on your specific needs, and lucky for you, there are enough coolers under the sun that finding the perfect one should be no problem. 

There are backpack coolers, roto-molded coolers for additional insulation, and coolers that can keep your food warm and cold. A cooler is one of the most essential parts of any summer BBQ or camping trip, no matter what you select. The only issue is where to start; well, we’ve broken the best coolers of 2021 into many categories.

Best Coolers Overall

When selecting the best coolers overall, you’re looking at a variety of things. Ice retention, weight, capacity, features, and ultimate price are all compared to decide which cooler provides the best bang for your buck.

DEWALT TSTAK Rolling Cooler (DWST17824)

Price:$129.99
Exterior Dimensions:24.8 in. x 20.5 in. x 17 in.
Capacity:30 Quarts
Weight:14.49 lbs
Material:Plastic

Although a little pricier than other basic coolers, this DEWALT TSTAK Rolling Cooler is the best cooler on the market for your money. It provides a decent-sized option that isn’t going to break your back hauling it around. The most significant shining moment for the TSTAK Cooler is its ice retention. Three days of ice retention is more than enough to compete with other models on the market and to give you the service you need for your party or trip.

Milwaukee Jobsite Cooler (48-22-8250)

Price:$49.97
Exterior Dimensions:15 in. x 13.8 in. x 11.1 in.
Capacity:21.65 Quarts
Weight:2.5 lbs
Material:Fabric

The Milwaukee Jobsite Cooler is one of the lightest coolers on the market for its size. Price is one the lowest on the market as well. It will stand the test of time with its 1680D ballistic material base and metal zippers for a soft cooler. Where the Milwaukee cooler really excels is essentially doubling as a toolbox. A tape measure clip, tech pocket, and five outside pockets provide an unmatched level of flexibility so you can carry everything you need in one place.

Klein Tools Ice Cooler Box (55650)

Price:$99.00
Exterior Dimensions:25.9 in. x 17.6 in. x 13.6 in.
Capacity:48 Quarts
Weight:16.5 lbs
Material:Plastic

This cooler from Klein Tools comes loaded with features. A built-in stainless steel bottle opener cuts out all those moments searching for the handheld one around the campsite. The side mounts that hold the Klein LED Work Light or Wireless Speaker are a nice touch that adds convenience. On top of all of its features, it is one of the lightest coolers of its size. It’s a little more expensive, but the Ice Cooler Box makes up for it in other areas.

Best Coolers with Wheels

The main area of focus when buying a cooler with wheels is how durable the wheels are. If the wheels leave you stranded somewhere it was money wasted. You will also have to take into account the typical terrain you’ll be pulling the cooler on and how long the distance will be to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the wheels.

DEWALT TSTAK Rolling Cooler (DWST17824)

Price:$129.99
Exterior Dimensions:24.8 in. x 20.5 in. x 17 in.
Capacity:30 Quarts
Weight:14.49 lbs
Material:Plastic

The DEWALT TSTAK cooler features a volume of 30 quarts, so there is plenty of storage space. The 7-inch all terrain, solid wheels make it easy to navigate rockier conditions along with a telescoping handle. Commercial grade foamed PU insulation guarantees ice retention for three days. Other features include a rust-protected metal bottle opener and two can holders integrated into the lid top. 

YETI Tundra Haul (10060010000)

Price:$399.99
Exterior Dimensions:19.5 in. x 18.625 in. x 13.625 in.
Capacity:55 Quarts
Weight:37 lbs
Material:Plastic

The Neverflat wheels on this Yeti cooler are built to be durable and traverse the toughest terrain. It’s one of the largest wheeled models on the market. A capacity of 55 quarts and a weight of 37 pounds makes it easy to transport large quantities of food or beverages. With Permafrost insulation and rotomolded construction, your items will stay cold for days.

Igloo Profile Rolling Cooler 30qt (00050344)

Price:$31.99
Exterior Dimensions:24 in. x 18.25 in. x 17.875 in.
Capacity:30 Quarts
Weight:15 lbs
Material:Plastic

If you don’t have a large budget to spend on a cooler, the Igloo Profile Rolling Cooler is the one for you. The featured wheels are sleek in design and will not get hung up on surrounding items while being moved. The vertical design of the cooler improves cooling performance, keeping your beverages cold longer. A telescoping handle makes it easy to pull at many heights, and fear hangers on the handle are great for hanging bags. The lid features a media slot that securely holds your phone or other electronics.

Best Affordable Coolers

Not everyone has an endless budget when shopping, so these options are excellent without sacrificing quality. When looking for the best affordable cooler, look for an option that best fits your needs without breaking your wallet.

Cool-It Six Pack Can Cooler (AN5100D)

Price:$17.97
Exterior Dimensions:10.5 in. x 11.5 in. x 3.25 in.
Capacity:6 cans
Weight:3.85 lbs
Material:Plastic

If you need something light and portable, the Cool-It Six Pack Can Cooler fits the bill. It doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles, but it makes up for it in quality. The entire cooler is placed in the freezer for 4 to 6 hours and keeps six 12-ounce cans cold for up to 6 hours. Another great feature is it floats, so if it goes overboard on the boat, you don’t have to worry about losing your drinks.

Igloo Playmate Elite Cooler (00032645)

Price:$32.99
Exterior Dimensions:20.875 in. x 16.125 in. x 15.625 in.
Capacity:16 Quarts
Weight:10.1 lbs
Material:Plastic

The Igloo Playmate is a classic affordable cooler that has been around for years. It’s the cooler that adheres to the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The push-button lid design conveniently slides open and is easy to operate one-handed. A molded-in carry handle is comfortable and durable for transport. The plastic exterior is durable enough to withstand dent, chips, or rust. 

Klein Tools Tough Box Cooler (55600K)

Price:$55.95
Exterior Dimensions:16.75 in. x 13.5 in. x 12.5 in.
Capacity:17 Quarts
Weight:6.75 lbs
Material:Plastic

Klein Tools put about as many features as they could in a 17-quart cooler with this one. The lid features an interior compartment used to store utensils, napkins, or smaller condiments. The lid stays open at either 90- or 180-degrees and is recessed so 1-liter bottles can stand upright in the cooler. The Tough Box keeps items cool for up to 30 hours, making it one of the best on the market for its size.

Best Soft Coolers

When selecting the best soft cooler, try to focus on durability. Many soft coolers are made of just fabric and don’t contain any plastic, so you need something to hold up to your needs. If you plan on using it as a lunch bag, and you’ll be bringing it to and from work, consider the conditions of where you work. 

Milwaukee Jobsite Cooler (48-22-8250)

Price:$49.97
Exterior Dimensions:15 in. x 13.8 in. x 11.1 in.
Capacity:21.65 Quarts
Weight:2.5 lbs
Material:Fabric

This Milwaukee cooler is specifically designed with durability in mind to withstand harsh construction site conditions. Double insulation and a food-grade leak-proof liner ensure your food stays cold for 24 hours without leaking ice. It features three pockets inside so food isn’t bouncing around inside. Five additional pockets outside are great for holding smaller hand tools, such as pliers, squares, and tape measures that you need to transport with you to the jobsite.

YETI Hopper M30 (18025180000)

Price:$299.99
Exterior Dimensions:25 in. x 17.5 in. x 12 in.
Capacity:30.5 Quarts
Weight:7 lbs
Material:Fabric

The YETI Hopper M30 is built for long-lasting life while still being user-friendly. A wide mouth makes it easy to load and unload items into the cooler. A strip of ultra-strong magnets creates a leak-resistant seal and keeps food cold longer. Two quick-release buckles create additional security in case the cooler gets tossed around. The outside features a HitchPoint Grid to easily attach accessories, such as a bottle opener.

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Insulated Soft Cooler (18010130014)

Price:$199.99
Exterior Dimensions:11.5 in. x 10.5 in. x 8 in.
Capacity:1.875 Quarts
Weight:2.8 lbs
Material:Fabric

The YETI Hopper Flip 8 is excellent if you don’t have a ton of items to haul around. Its lightweight design is perfect for keeping your lunch cold or need a few drinks for a long car ride. The Hopper’s high-density fabric is waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures, and UV rays, so it’s durable enough to handle any jobsite. COLDCELL insulation provides superior cooling abilities compared to other soft coolers.

Best Hard Coolers

Hard coolers are for those looking for something more durable and with a little more size than most soft coolers. When choosing the best hard cooler, look for ice retention, build quality, and lock mechanisms. These are three areas you don’t want to skimp on.

DEWALT 25 Quart Roto-Molded Cooler (DXC25QT)

Price:$159.99
Exterior Dimensions:23 in. x 15.55 in. x 15.04 in.
Capacity:25 Quarts
Weight:19.4 lbs
Material:Plastic

The DEWALT Roto-Molded Cooler is designed to be virtually indestructible, so it can handle tough conditions during transport. Reinforced pressure-injected insulation keeps ice cold for days, so your food will stay cold during longer trips. Easy-open cam latches keep the cold in and are ultra-durable for longer life. The cooler also features a built-in bottle opener, cup holders, and non-skid feet.

Klein Tools Ice Cooler Box (55650)

Price:$99.00
Exterior Dimensions:25.9 in. x 17.6 in. x 13.6 in.
Capacity:48 Quarts
Weight:16.5 lbs
Material:Plastic

The Klein Tools Ice Cooler Box does it all. It keeps 72 cans or 40 bottles cold for up to 30 hours and can also be used as a chair with a seating capacity of 300 pounds. Side-mounts are capable of holding the separately sold Klein LED Work Light or Wireless Speaker. The nylon rope with textured rubber grip handles provides additional comfort and durability when carrying the cooler.

Best Backpack Coolers

Comfort is the name of the game when selecting the best backpack cooler for yourself. You’ll be carrying this cooler on your back, and the last thing you want is shoulder pain, especially if you have to wear it for a prolonged time. 

Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler (SOFT-CBKPK-LGRY)

Price:$249.95
Exterior Dimensions:21.7 in. x 12.1 in. x 7.1 in.
Capacity:19.4 Quarts
Weight:9.3 lbs
Material:Plastic and Fabric

This backpack cooler is the epitome of versatility. The Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler has dual insulated storage compartments on the top and bottom. The bottom, a dedicated cooler compartment, holds up to 6 cans. The lightly insulated top can double as another cooler compartment or dry storage. Ergonomic padded shoulder straps and a rubberized carry handle provide comfort for all-day journeys.

YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Charcoal (18050125000)

Price:$299.99
Exterior Dimensions:19.125 in. x 13.75 in. x 8.5 in.
Capacity:25 Quarts
Weight:5.3 lbs
Material:Fabric and Rubber Foam

The Hopper BackFlip 24 turns the Hopper Flip into a hiker’s best friend. Taller and wider than the Flip, the BackFlip is designed to distribute weight evenly. With the design, combined with the ergonomic shoulder straps, will make any journey more comfortable. A removable chest strap and waist belt adds stability and comfort. Additionally, this cooler can hold 20 cans for hours.

Pelican Light Gray Dayventure Sling Cooler (SOFT-CSLING-LGRY)

Price:$149.95
Exterior Dimensions:18.3 in. x 7.5 in. x 7.5 in.
Capacity:9 Quarts
Weight:7.9 lbs
Material:Fabric

The Pelican Dayventure Sling Cooler features a padded shoulder strap so it can be carried slung over your shoulder. The lightweight design makes it easier to carry for longer trips. The cooler is able to hold up to 12 cans or 8.5 total liters and features a side pocket for additional dry storage. A compression-molded base makes it easy to stand on its end. Puncture-resistant material provides longer life in harsh conditions.

Best Coolers for Camping

A cooler is an essential item during summer camping. When choosing the best cooler for camping, look for one that has good latches to keep out any wildlife that might come calling for your food in the night. Secondly, select one that can be used as a comfortable seat, so you don’t have to pack chairs and a cooler.

YETI Tundra 105 Cooler (YT105W)

Price:$479.99
Exterior Dimensions:30.5 in. x 20 in. x 19.5 in.
Capacity:85 Quarts
Weight:36 lbs
Material:Plastic

Certified bear-resistant, the YETI Tundra 105 Cooler is guaranteed to keep Yogi from claiming your food in the middle of the night. It is built with a more vertical design, so the cooler has a smaller footprint and takes up less valuable space on the boat or truck. Permafrost insulation keeps food or beverages cold for days. The Tundra is perfect for sitting while watching the fire or checking your fishing reel with a rounded flat top.

Igloo IMX Cooler (00049858)

Price:$226.99
Exterior Dimensions:32 in. x 21 in. x 19 in.
Capacity:70 Quarts
Weight:33 lbs
Material:Plastic

The Igloo IMX Cooler features an injection-molded design, so it’s super durable. Weighing 40 percent less than coolers with similar performance makes it easy to transport without sacrificing capacity or quality. It features a bottle opener, cup holders, a lockable lid, and a fish ruler on the lid. At 32 inches wide, there is plenty of space to sit while roasting marshmallows comfortably. 

Best Small Coolers

Not everyone needs a cooler to hold items for an entire party. If you’re looking for a more personal cooling option, focus on size and portability when choosing the best small cooler. 

DEWALT 10QT Roto-Molded Cooler (DXC10QT)

Price:$99.99
Exterior Dimensions:17.7 in. x 12 in. x 12 in.
Capacity:10 Quarts
Weight:11 lbs
Material:Plastic

The DEWALT 10 Quart Roto-Molded Cooler provides the same level of durability as the 25-quart model but makes it small enough to transport from job to job easily. The easy-open cam latches, along with the gasket, create unmatched ice retention that will keep food and drinks cold for days. It also features a built-in bottle opener, non-skid feet, and cup holders for added convenience.

Milwaukee PACKOUT 16QT Cooler (48-22-8460)

Price:$99.97
Exterior Dimensions:16.3 in. x 12.9 in. x 9.8 in.
Capacity:16 Quarts
Weight:6.2 lbs
Material:Plastic

The Milwaukee PACKOUT Cooler can hold ice for over 30 hours and is IP65 rated, meaning it can stand up to the harshest working and natural environments. Impact resistant-polymers create maximum durability. An integrated storage tray makes it easy to hold condiments, utensils, or napkins away from the ice in the cooler. This cooler is also part of Milwaukee’s Modular Storage System, so you can stack it with the rest of your tool loadout.

Orca 20 Qt Cooler (ORCSF/SF020)

Price:$189.99
Exterior Dimensions:19 in. x 15 in. x 13.75 in.
Capacity:20 Quarts
Weight:17 lbs
Material:Plastic

The roto-molded construction of the Orca 20 Quart Cooler creates a durable solution. Integrated insulation and a lid gasket create maximum ice retention and keep food fresh for up to 10 days. The exterior features a cargo net attachment for added storage of any accessories or dry goods. A single flex-grip stainless steel handle creates additional durability and comfort during transport.

Best Large Coolers

Sometimes you need to go big or go home. These coolers are specifically built for holding large quantities of food or beverages, making them good candidates for parties or camping trips. Emphasize capacity and ice retention when choosing the best large cooler.

YETI Tundra 125 Cooler (YT125W)

Price:$549.99
Exterior Dimensions:40 in. x 20 in. x 19.5 in.
Capacity:113 Quarts
Weight:45 lbs
Material:Plastic

The YETI Tundra 125 is perfect for hunting or fishing expeditions or big family vacations. Insulated with 2 to 3 inches of pressure-injected polyurethane in the walls and lids, it’ll keep your ice frozen longer. It’s big enough to hold up to two people, so that’s less you have to put on the boat. An included dry goods basket makes it easy to keep dry foods from getting wet.

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