Nothing ruins a good day outside like warm beer and soggy sandwiches. But, there’s a solution: a great cooler. The best coolers are tough, reliable, and thoughtfully designed with durable exteriors, leak-resistant lids, and smart compartments that make packing and cleanup feel effortless. But with so many options on the market, it’s not always obvious which ones are worth hauling along.
From rugged rotomolded tanks built for serious adventures to lightweight soft-sided bags perfect for picnics and park days, today’s coolers come in more sizes, shapes, and insulation levels than ever. Some prioritize portability, while others opt for all-in-one multi-day ice retention — and a few even have extra features like built-in cutting boards, gel packs, cup holders, and off-road wheels.
To help you find the best fit for your camping trips, tailgates, game days, fishing excursions, or long-haul road trips, I tested a wide range of top-rated coolers across styles, sizes, and price points. Below are the ones that impressed me the most.
How I tested
I split my cooler testing into two parts. First, I spent an afternoon in my backyard evaluating each model for design, build quality, and ease of use, assessing how smoothly the zippers opened, how comfortable the straps felt, and how intuitive the closure systems were. I paid attention to the materials, layout, and small details that impact day-to-day usability.
Then, to really put the insulation to the test, I took the full lineup on a group camping trip. The forecast hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect setting for an ice retention showdown. I packed each cooler with ice, left them in direct sun, and checked in periodically throughout the day to see how long they kept things cold. I gathered audio feedback from three friends, who shared their thoughts on how each cooler looked, felt, and performed.
The group and I evaluated each model based on:
- Cooling performance: True to its name, a cooler must keep content cold. I assessed how long the ice lasted in the heat and if the contents stayed cold.
- Comfort and carry: I noted overall weight, balance, and how portable it felt. I considered whether the straps were soft or stiff and if the handles dug in during long walks. I also looked for additional design features that would make it more comfortable to carry, including padded grips, backpack straps, and wheels.
- Usability: Similarly important, I looked at how easy each one was to open, close, and pack. I also considered the closure and how well it worked. For example, with a zipper system, I opened and closed it repeatedly to see if anything got caught. But I also looked out for coolers with magnetic closure and latching mechanisms to assess which performed best.
- Quality: I considered whether the materials felt sturdy, durable, and built to last. I checked zippers, buckles, stitching, seams, plastic components, and hardware, including latches and hinges.
- Features and extras: I also looked out for any additional smart design touches, such as a built-in bottle opener, separate dry compartments, stash pockets, or drink holders. I tested each feature to see if they were a must-have.
- Style: A cooler must keep your drinks and snacks cold, but it should also look the part. I considered shape, color, texture, and overall look when selecting this list.
In the UK? The IndyBest team has also found the best cool bags and ice boxes
Why you can trust IndyBest U.S. reviews
As an outdoor gear tester with nearly a decade of experience, Rachel Cavanaugh has reviewed everything from the best camping tents to the bug sprays. Beyond her work, Rachel spends a lot of time camping, hiking, and simply enjoying the outdoors, so she has a personal interest in finding the coolers that actually work — both for her own benefit and yours. Much like the rest of us, she does not enjoy a warm pop or soggy sandwiches,
The best coolers for 2025 are:
- Best overall — Magellan Outdoors Pro explore icebox 25Q: $149.99, Academy.com
- Best budget cooler — Coleman classic 52-quart marine hard cooler: $54.99, Coleman.com
- Best backpack cooler — Yeti hopper M12: $275, Yeti.com
- Best tote bag cooler — Thermos icon cooler tote: $119.99, Thermos.com
Magellan Outdoors Pro explore icebox 25Q
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Best: Cooler overall
Weight: 21.4lbs
Capacity: 25qt
Material: Plastic with stainless steel
Portability: Handles
Why we love it
- Removable lid opens from both sides
- Sturdy build with premium details
- Internal divider doubles as a cutting board
Take note
- Heavier than some models in this size range
This cooler impressed us across the board with its solid construction, excellent cold retention, and thoughtful features. One especially clever detail is the dual-hinge lid, which opens from either side to make packing and access easier in tight spaces — a design the group and I had never seen before. Inside, a removable divider doubles as a cutting board, and on the exterior, a stainless-steel bottle opener is built right into the wall.
The anti-skid feet prevent it from sliding around, the side drain plug is well-built with a metal chain, and the tight refrigeration-style seal helped it retain ice for hours, even in direct sun.
Overall, Magellan Outdoors Pro’s explore icebox 25Q is a well-rounded, high-performing cooler that did a fantastic job keeping our drinks cold, delivering excellent value for the price.
Buy now £149.99, Academy.com
Coleman classic 52-quart marine hard cooler
Best: Budget cooler
Weight: 9.75lbs
Capacity: 52qt (80 cans)
Material: Plastic with stainless steel
Portability: Handles
Why we love it
- Swing-up side handles
- Built-in cup holders
- UV- and rust-resistant materials
Take note
- Doesn’t retain ice as long as premium models
This is your classic cooler — the kind you grew up with and still see at every tailgate or fishing dock. It doesn’t boast high-end insulation or rugged rotomolding, but it nails the basics at a wallet-friendly price. It holds up to 80 cans, and importantly, keeps them cold. It also boasts practical features like an antimicrobial liner, UV-rated coating, and a seat-supporting lid that can hold up to 250 pounds.
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The stainless steel hardware helps prevent rust while the swing-up handles make it easier to transport. For casual weekends, road trips, boat days, or other adventures, the Coleman classic is a solid, affordable choice that has stood the test of time.
Buy now £54.99, Coleman.com
Hydro Flask game day bundle
Best: Picnic cooler
Weight: 2.75lbs
Capacity: 20l
Material: Polyester
Portability: Crossbody strap, and carry handle
Why we love it
- Compact and lightweight
- Top opens wide for easy packing
- Includes insulated tumblers
Take note
- Price higher with the drinkware
Built for laid-back afternoons outdoors, this ultra-portable bundle from Hydro Flask is the picnic lover’s weekend staple. The 20-liter carry-out soft cooler is compact enough to tote across a park but spacious enough to hold up to 38 cans (without ice).
The wide-zip opening makes it easy to load up snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, while its lightweight insulation and molded base keep everything cool and stable.
The whole thing is wrapped in water-resistant recycled fabric, and it has an exterior stash pocket and removable crossbody strap.
The game day bundle comes with a 20-ounce tumbler and a 12-ounce cooler cup. But, if you’re not into the extras, you can purchase the cooler separately for $89.95 (Hydroflask.com).
Buy now £117.35, Hydroflask.com
RTIC road trip cooler
Best: Cooler for a road trip
Weight: 4.1lbs
Capacity: 16qt
Material: Plastic with closed-cell foam
Portability: Shoulder strap
Why we love it
- Slim, compact shape
- Cools drinks fast
- Built-in cargo net for small items
Take note
- Smaller capacity fits only 12 cans
Designed specifically for auto compatibility, RTIC’s 16qt road trip cooler lives up to its name. With a slim, upright shape, it fits perfectly behind car seats or in the center console area so you can grab a drink without hoisting a bulky cooler or digging through a cluttered backseat.
It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and chills beverages exceptionally well. I accidentally left a batch of sodas out in the sun (which got piping hot), and the cooler impressed us by bringing them back to an ice-cold chill in just 15 minutes.
Whether you’re driving cross-country, heading out for a weekend excursion, or just keeping drinks cold between rest stops, this road trip companion will provide reliable cooling, along with a little style, wherever the drive takes you.
Buy now £99.00, Rticoutdoors.com
Yeti hopper M12
Best: Backpack cooler
Weight: 4lbs 8oz
Capacity: 12l
Material: Dryhide shell with coldcell foam
Portability: Backpack
Why we love it
- Exceptional ice retention for a soft cooler
- Comfortable carry with padded straps
- Smooth magnetic closure system
Take note
- Pricier than some
- Slightly stiffer than some soft-shells
When it comes to backpack coolers, the Yeti hopper M12 is the clear winner in any contest. Its slender, tapered shape and padded backpack straps make it comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded with drinks and ice. Beyond its ergonomics, it keeps drinks cold for a staggeringly long time. After testing, I left it in my basement without unpacking it, and the ice managed to stay chilled for three days.
The magshield closure system lets you seal it shut effortlessly, and it also rolls down and buckles for extra leak protection. It has a front pocket for stashing smaller items and a webbing grid to clip on accessories. Plus, like most Yeti products, it's ultra-stylish.
If you want a comfortable backpack cooler with long-lasting ice retention in a rugged-chic design, this should be your go-to adventure cooler.
Buy now £275.00, Yeti.com
Thermos icon cooler tote
Best: Tote bag cooler
Weight: 4.8lbs
Capacity: 22l
Material: Polyester with foam insulation
Portability: Tote bag
Why we love it
- Tote-style design is easy to carry
- Water-resistant exterior
- Sleek and stylish look
Take note
- Doesn’t stay cold quite as long
The Thermos icon tote stood out for one big reason: it doesn’t look or feel like a cooler. Instead of being a bulky piece of outdoor gear, this tote offers cooling capabilities in the form of a sleek, stylish bag that you’d be happy to carry to a picnic or patio hangout.
During testing, it held up reasonably well in 95-degree Faranheit heat, though the black colorway may have caused it to warm up faster than some others. The molded base adds extra durability, and the outer fabric felt tough, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
My friends and I liked having the choice between top handles or a shoulder strap, and the zipper was smooth and easy to open. One person noted the magnetic flap over the zipper added just enough coverage to make it feel neat and finished. If you want something that chills your beverages and won’t look out of place at a picnic or on your porch, this is it.
Buy now £119.99, Thermos.com
OtterBox lunch cooler
Best: Lunch box
Weight: 1.59lbs
Capacity: 25l
Material: Water-repellent fabric
Portability: Built-in handles and removable shoulder strap
Why we love it
- Room for six cans
- Comes with gel ice pack
- Flexible and comfortable shoulder strap
Take note
- Works best when pre-chilled
Designed for everyday use, whether you’re commuting to work, heading to school, or out driving around town, the OtterBox lunch cooler is an excellent choice for single meals and quick outings.
Nailing that middle ground between soft-sided portability and real cold-holding performance, it’s compact enough to stash on a passenger seat but still fits a full lunch or up to six cans with ice. The included gel ice pack is a nice touch that adds to its cooling abilities.
I liked the dual carry options: sturdy built-in handles and an optional shoulder strap that clips on when needed. The water-resistant zipper seals things up tight, and the whole thing feels easy to clean.
If you’re seeking a lunch-sized cooler that’s lightweight and durable, you will love this choice.
Buy now £49.99, Otterbox.com
RovR rollr 45 wheeled cooler
Best: Wheeled cooler
Weight: 28lbs
Capacity: 43l
Material: Hard-sided plastic
Portability: Wheels
Why we love it
- Grippy oversized off-road wheels
- Buttery smooth telescoping handle
- Tons of cool extras
Take note
- Heavier option
- Pricier investment, especially if you purchase the add-ons
If I could give this cooler more stars, I would. RovR’s rollr 45 was a serious contender for best overall, and honestly, it might still be my personal favorite — but it was just a little too heavy and expensive to take the top spot. That said, it crushed every category I tested.
The oversized inflatable wheels glided over everything (I hauled up and down stairs, across the deck, and over bumpy grass), while the telescoping T-handle makes towing genuinely smooth, even when it’s fully loaded.
The latches seal tight with soft, satisfying clicks, and the dry storage bin inside keeps food from getting soggy. There are also tons of optional accessories, from drink holders to a cutting board, which makes it feel more like a picnic base camp than just a cooler.
I got the coral color — which a neighbor complimented as I wheeled it to the porch — but it comes in a bunch of other colorful shades too.
Anyone seeking an ultra-durable, feature-packed wheeled cooler that’s rugged enough for any terrain will find this one hard to beat.
Buy now £274.99, Rovrproducts.com
Titan by Arctic Zone 60 wheeled cooler
Best: Budget wheeled cooler
Weight: 6.75lbs
Capacity: 40qt
Material: Water-resistant soft shell with foam
Portablity: Wheels
Why we love it
- Super easy zipperless closure
- Detaches from rolling cart
- Good ice retention for the price
Take note
- Not ideal for multi-day hauls
Another five-star winner, the Titan 60 is another cooler that I seriously considered for best overall — not because it’s flashy but because it’s so versatile, lightweight, and functional for the price.
Throughout the testing sessions, it consistently impressed with how cold it kept drinks, even without the heavy-duty latches or buckles you’d expect. The zipperless lid snaps closed in seconds, so you don’t have to deal with zipping and unzipping or messing with thick latches.
It has a removable interior tray that helps keep things organized, and the wheels, while not as robust as the RovR, get the job done just fine.
I especially love that you can detach the whole thing from the wheeled cart, effectively giving you two coolers in one — or roll it through a park, then pop it off and sling it over your shoulder. If you’re looking for an affordable rolling cooler that outperforms other coolers in its class, the Titan 60 fits the bill.
Buy now £79.99, Arcticzone.com
Stanley all day Julienne 10-can cooler
Best: Mini cooler
Weight: 1.19 lbs
Material: Recycled polyester with insulated interior
Closure system: Zippered wide-open hinge top
Why we love it
- Chic, compact design
- Lightweight
- Perfect for shorter excursions
Take note
- Doesn’t hold temp as long as larger coolers
Stanley’s all-day Julienne 10-can cooler won me over the second I unboxed it, and not just because it’s stylish but because it’s genuinely functional.
The structured, zippered top pops open wide like a classic doctor’s bag, holding its shape and making it easy to grab items without a fuss. It fits about 10 cans, keeps things decently cold, and includes useful extras like a bottle pouch, front zip pocket, and detachable shoulder strap.
I tested the cream version with the pink-and-white checkered lining, but it also comes in fun colors like fuchsia, seafoam, lilac, and others that stay true to Stanley’s chic, design-forward vibe.
It’s full of subtle style details like embroidered logos on the strap and smooth matte hardware — and it performs well too. For light snacks, drinks, or lunch at the park, this is a wonderful day cooler.
Buy now £100.00, Stanley1913.com
Camco pop-up cooler
Best: Collapsible cooler
Weight: 1lb
Material: Fabric exterior with PVC lining and wire frame
Closure system: Zippered lid with insulated top hatch
Why we love it
- Collapses flat for easy storage
- Built-in bottle opener
- Convenient top hatch access
Take note
- Small capacity, so it's best for short outings
At the lower price point, I didn’t expect to be as impressed with Camco’s pop-up cooler as I was, but it turned out to be one of my favorites.
Designed for RV life, it’s super lightweight and collapses completely flat, making it easy to stash in a trunk or cabinet. Yet once it’s popped open, it holds its shape and can fit a 12-pack with ice.
The top hatch lets you grab a drink without opening the full lid, and the built-in bottle opener is a nice bonus. If you’re tight on space but still want cold drinks on hand, this one strikes a fantastic balance between portability and performance.
Buy now £40.99, Amazon.com
What is the best cooler?
If I could recommend just one cooler to cover nearly every scenario, it would be the Magellan Outdoors Pro explore icebox 25Q. It impressed my group and me with its smart dual-opening lid, sturdy construction, and excellent ice retention that held up even in blazing heat.
For people on a budget, the Coleman classic is a dependable standby — no frills but reliable, spacious, and wallet-friendly.
And if you want to invest in a premium option that feels rugged yet refined, the RovR rollr 45 wheeled cooler stands out for its versatility, smooth-rolling mobility, and extra design flourishes.
