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10 Best Coolers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler, Wild Vine Red

Capacity: 5.6 Liters
Ice Retention Time: hours
Portability: 2.93 Kilograms
Durability: Waterproof DryHide fabric, UV resistant
Insulation Type: ColdCell closed-cell foam insulation
Ease of Cleaning: Resists stains, odors; needs drying

Chosen by 1107 this week

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler with MagShield Access, Big Wave Blue

Capacity: 30 (implied by model name)
Insulation: ColdCell closed-cell foam polyurethane
Portability: Portable, Foldable
Durability: DryHide shell, puncture and UV resistant
Additional Features: MagShield seal, HitchPoint grid, Easy load

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler, Sandstone Pink

Capacity: 9,100 Milliliters
Insulation: Polyurethane Foam, 3 inches thick
Portability: 23 pounds empty
Durability: Rotomolded, Bear-Resistant, Durable Plastic
Additional Features: Dry goods basket, Rubber latches

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler, Rescue Red

Capacity: 58 Pounds
Insulation: Up to 3 inches PermaFrost
Portability: Portable, 29 Pounds
Durability: Rotomolded, T-Rex Lid, Bear-Resistant
Additional Features: Dry Goods Basket

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Charcoal

Capacity: 20 cans or 12 pounds
Insulation: ColdCell Insulation
Portability: Portable
Durability: DryHide Shell
Additional Features: MagShield Access, Kangaroo Pocket

YETI Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler, White

Capacity: 1078.5 Cubic Inches
Portability: Wheeled, retractable handle, LipGrip handles
Durability: Polyethylene body, non-slip feet, puncture wheels
Ease of Cleaning: Simple materials and design

YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler with DoubleDuty Shoulder Strap, Charcoal

Capacity: 2 Liters
Insulation: Polyethylene
Portability: Shoulder Strap, LipGrip handles
Durability: High-quality HDPE
Additional Features: BearFoot feet, wine-friendly packing

YETI Hopper Flip 8 Portable Cooler, Charcoal

Capacity: 8 Liters
Insulation: ColdCell Insulation, closed-cell foam
Portability: 2.8 lbs
Durability: 100% leakproof zipper, high-density fabric
Additional Features: Waterproof, puncture and UV resistant

YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler, Navy

Capacity: 55 Pounds
Insulation: Polyurethane Foam
Portability: Wheeled
Durability: Plastic
Additional Features: Solid navy color, Box package

Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler, Rescue Red

Capacity: 1400 Cubic Inches
Ice Retention Time: 3 inches PermaFrost insulation, FatWall
Portability: 9 Kilograms
Durability: Rotomolded, rubber latches, bear-resistant
Insulation Type: PermaFrost insulation
Ease of Cleaning: Dry goods basket, smooth surfaces
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler, Wild Vine Red

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,107
Capacity
Ice Retention Time
Portability

Most important from
2502 reviews

Capacity
Although it’s smaller in size, it fits a good amount of items for day trips without feeling cramped.
Ice Retention Time
This soft cooler keeps food and drinks ice cold with an airtight seal zipper that prevents spills effectively.
Portability
Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to carry with a comfortable shoulder strap, ideal for solo adventures.
Durability
Its tough construction withstands scrapes and drops, proving it’s built to handle rough outdoor use.
Ease of Cleaning
The zipper can be stiff initially but using the provided lubricant makes it much easier to operate.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a high-quality portable soft cooler designed for outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable ice retention and durability. It holds about 16 cans plus ice, which suits solo trips or short outings well, though it’s smaller compared to larger coolers. Its ColdCell insulation, made from closed-cell foam, does a great job keeping ice frozen longer than typical soft coolers, so your drinks and food stay cold for hours. The cooler is made with tough DryHide fabric that is waterproof and resistant to punctures and UV rays, making it sturdy enough for rough conditions like hiking or fishing. The leakproof HydroLok zipper adds peace of mind that no spills will ruin your gear.

In terms of portability, it weighs just under 6.5 pounds and has a compact size that’s easy to carry, ideal for personal use but less so if you need to pack for a group. Cleaning is straightforward since the materials are designed to resist stains and odors, but as a soft cooler, it takes a bit more care to dry properly inside after use. The 5.6-liter capacity can feel limited if you want to store more items or ice for longer trips. This cooler excels in durability and ice retention for its size, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged, easy-to-carry cooler for day trips or personal adventures.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,107
Capacity
Ice Retention Time
Portability

Most important from
2502 reviews

Capacity
Although it’s smaller in size, it fits a good amount of items for day trips without feeling cramped.
Ice Retention Time
This soft cooler keeps food and drinks ice cold with an airtight seal zipper that prevents spills effectively.
Portability
Lightweight and compact, it’s easy to carry with a comfortable shoulder strap, ideal for solo adventures.
Durability
Its tough construction withstands scrapes and drops, proving it’s built to handle rough outdoor use.
Ease of Cleaning
The zipper can be stiff initially but using the provided lubricant makes it much easier to operate.
#2

YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler with MagShield Access, Big Wave Blue

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
584 reviews

Capacity
Perfect size—not too big or too small—ideal for picnics and day trips.
Insulation
Thick, well-made material effectively preserves ice and keeps contents cold during transport.
Portability
The shoulder strap adds great convenience for hands-free carrying.
Durability
Durable construction stands up well to regular outdoor use.
Additional Features
The magnetic closure makes opening and closing effortless while keeping the cold locked in.

The YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler is designed for those who need a tough and reliable cooler for camping and outdoor adventures. Its capacity is suitable for keeping a moderate amount of food and drinks cool, making it perfect for small groups or day trips. The cooler uses ColdCell insulation with closed-cell foam and polyurethane material, which provides excellent cold retention to keep your items icy for many hours. One of its standout features is the MagShield Access—a magnetic seal that makes opening and closing the cooler easy while maintaining a strong, leak-resistant closure. This helps prevent spills and keeps the cold air inside.

The cooler’s DryHide shell is made from high-density fabric that resists punctures and UV damage, adding to its durability in rough outdoor conditions. It’s also water-resistant and foldable, which enhances portability and storage convenience. The HitchPoint grid system lets you attach extra gear like dry bags or tools, adding useful customization options. On the downside, the M30 is not the largest cooler, so it may not be ideal for extended trips or larger groups needing more capacity. While it’s water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, so care should be taken in very wet conditions. Also, soft coolers generally don’t cool as long as hard-sided models.

For campers or outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged, easy-to-carry soft cooler with strong insulation and smart features, the YETI Hopper M30 represents a solid choice.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
584 reviews

Capacity
Perfect size—not too big or too small—ideal for picnics and day trips.
Insulation
Thick, well-made material effectively preserves ice and keeps contents cold during transport.
Portability
The shoulder strap adds great convenience for hands-free carrying.
Durability
Durable construction stands up well to regular outdoor use.
Additional Features
The magnetic closure makes opening and closing effortless while keeping the cold locked in.
#3

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler, Sandstone Pink

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
4616 reviews

Capacity
Its size perfectly suits a small group outing, comfortably holding enough for three people throughout the day.
Insulation
It keeps ice frozen and drinks cold for up to 48 hours, even under direct sunlight.
Portability
Carry handles, both rope and built-in, provide convenient and sturdy options for transport.
Durability
The cooler’s build quality is exceptional, reflecting the premium standards expected from YETI products.
Additional Features
The included dry goods basket is a valuable addition for organizing items and keeping them dry.

The YETI Tundra 45 cooler is a strong choice for anyone needing a rugged and reliable cooler for outdoor adventures like camping, fishing, or picnics. It holds about 26 cans with ice, offering a practical size that’s neither too small nor overly bulky. One of its standout features is excellent insulation—up to 3 inches of thick foam keeps ice frozen longer than many alternatives. This means your food and drinks stay cold for extended periods, which is great for trips lasting several days.

The cooler is built tough with rotomolded construction, making it virtually indestructible and bear-resistant. This durability makes it suitable for rough environments, but it also makes the cooler relatively heavy at 23 pounds empty, which may affect portability for some users. The heavy-duty rubber latches are a smart addition, preventing common issues like broken latches.

You also get a dry goods basket included, helping keep items organized and separate from ice. While it’s not the lightest option, the Tundra 45’s combination of capacity, insulation, and durability makes it ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable cooler that can take a beating and keep contents cold for a long time.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Insulation
Portability

Most important from
4616 reviews

Capacity
Its size perfectly suits a small group outing, comfortably holding enough for three people throughout the day.
Insulation
It keeps ice frozen and drinks cold for up to 48 hours, even under direct sunlight.
Portability
Carry handles, both rope and built-in, provide convenient and sturdy options for transport.
Durability
The cooler’s build quality is exceptional, reflecting the premium standards expected from YETI products.
Additional Features
The included dry goods basket is a valuable addition for organizing items and keeping them dry.

Buying Guide for the Best Coolers

When choosing a cooler, you want to make sure you're buying one that will keep your food and drinks cold for as long as you need, whether it's for a picnic, camping trip, or backyard BBQ. It's important to look at how much space you need, how easy the cooler is to transport, and how long it will keep your things cold. Think about what activities you use the cooler for most, and that will help point you to the best fit.
CapacityCapacity refers to how much the cooler can hold, usually measured in quarts or liters. This is important because it determines if you'll have enough space for your food and drinks. Small coolers under 20 quarts are best for solo use or short trips, medium ones between 20-50 quarts suit families or a small group for a day out, and large coolers over 50 quarts are ideal for bigger groups or longer stays. Choose your cooler size based on the number of people and length of time you'll spend without access to other refrigeration.
Ice Retention TimeIce retention time is how long the cooler can keep ice or cold packs frozen before they melt. This matters if you want to keep food safe or drinks cold over multiple days, especially for camping or travel. Short-retention coolers (less than 24 hours) are fine for day trips, mid-range (2-3 days) suit weekend getaways, and high-performance coolers (4 days or more) are best for longer adventures. Pick your ice retention based on how long you'll be away from home or a freezer.
PortabilityPortability includes features that make it easy to move the cooler, like handles, wheels, and weight. If you'll be carrying your cooler solo for short distances, a lightweight model with a shoulder strap works. For heavier, larger coolers, wheels and sturdy handles are essential, especially if you'll move it over rough terrain. If you mainly stay in one place, portability isn't as big a concern.
DurabilityDurability reflects how well the cooler stands up to wear and tear, weather, drops, and being loaded or sat on. Basic models work for light use or gentle environments, while premium rugged coolers with thick walls and strong latches withstand tough conditions, abuse, and long-term outdoor use. Consider how rough you'll be with your cooler and pick a level of durability that matches.
Insulation TypeInsulation type is what keeps the cold in, and can range from basic foam (adequate for day trips), to thick injected foam or pressure-injected walls (better for long ice retention). Higher-end coolers often have superior insulation, but can be heavier. If keeping things cold for extra-long is important for your usage, opt for better insulation; for quick set-and-go, basic insulation is enough.
Ease of CleaningEase of cleaning means how simple it is to wipe down and remove spills, stains, or odors from the cooler. Some coolers have smooth interiors and drain plugs for easy cleaning, while others may have corners or textures that trap messes. If you expect lots of use or messy situations, prioritize a cooler that's quick and convenient to clean.

FAQ