The Best Coolers of 2023: Perfect for Road Trips, Beach Vacations, Soccer Games, and More

Best Overall

Coleman 60 Quart Wheeled Cooler

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At less than $50, this cooler is a quality piece without the price tag. It holds up to 47 cans, meaning it can work for a family or a large group, and best of all: It's on wheels! Reviewers rave about the size, saying it can hold up to four full watermelons, as well as the durability, claiming it keeps food and beverages cold for up to five days, no problem. Others say it's the perfect size for a camping trip or beach day, too.

What We Like

• Affordable
• On wheels
• "Massive" in size

What We Don't Like

• Not as sturdy as more heavy duty coolers

This cooler measures 23 x 18 x 18 inches and weighs 11.4 pounds empty. It holds up to 47 cans with 30 lbs of ice.

Best Heavy Duty

Igloo IMX 70 Cooler

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This big cooler belongs at tailgates, parties, and every other get-together you've got on the calendar. It hauls all your cans and bags of ice—and then some. Reviewers say it holds up to the 7-day ice-cold promise, with some using it for up to 10 days with no melting. Plus, it's made for a day outdoors with built-in UV inhibitors that prevent sun damage. One note: It's heavy—25 lbs, even on it's own—so be sure to have an extra set of hands on deck when transporting this cooler from point A to point B.

What We Like

• Great quality
• Features add-ons like a wire basket and self-draining cupholders
• Keeps cold for 7-plus days

What We Don't Like

• Large and bulky
• Heavy

This cooler measures 36 x 20.7 x 20.3 inches with a capacity of 70 quarts, 70 liters. It holds and weighs 25.8 lbs empty.

Best Soft

Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler

4.2

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This soft-sided cooler is a crowd-favorite, and it's now available in a "new and improved" model this year. Made in a tote-bag style, it can be carried over the shoulder via the cushioned, removable strap and is a great option that's super easy to pack, unpack, and clean. Reviewers love this soft cooler because it's lightweight and easy to carry but don't worry: They say it's heavy-duty, too.

What We Like

• Lightweight
• Available in 4 colors
• Improved model with better zipper, according to reviews

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

This cooler measures 25 x 12 x 17.5 inches and weighs 7 lbs empty. It fits a full case of your go-to drink.

Best Backpack

IceMule Classic Insulated Backpack Cooler Bag

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Sometimes, a backpack cooler is a must when your hands are needed for hauling extra beach chairs and gear. This cooler can maintain ice-like temperatures for 24 hours, so it's a perfect day bag to pack for a beach or camping trip—it even floats! Best part: It's lightweight and collapsible so when it's empty, you can fold it up, throw it in another bag, and have one less thing to carry at the end of the day.

What We Like

• Affordable
• Easy to carry
• Waterproof
• Available in 10 colors and prints

What We Don't Like

• Limited in size
• Lightweight

This cooler is available five sizes—from the mini (9 liters) to the large (20 liters). It weights just over 1 lb empty.

Best with Wheels

YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler

4.6

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When you need to haul cool stuff and want to do it in style, this wheeled cooler by Texas-based brand Yeti is a great option. It's pricey but durable and reliable. With this mid-size 45-can cooler and a 5-year warranty, you may never need to buy another. Reviewers rave about the innovative design and noticeable, high quality build from the latches to the wheels and insulated interior.

What We Like

• Heavy-duty
• On wheels!
• 5-year warranty
• Manufactured in Texas

What We Don't Like

• Expensive
• Bulky

This cooler measures 18.6 x 19.5 x 28.3 inches and weighs 37 lbs empty.

Best for One Person

Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Soft Beach Cooler with Adjustable/Removable Strap and Double Zipper Close

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Looking for a cute cooler for one person? We found the perfect one from one of our favorite Southern brands, Lilly Pulitzer. This handheld cooler comes in four color ways—from pink and green to a more gender neutral blue—and is travel friendly with an adjustable shoulder strap and top handle. It's tall enough to fit a bottle of Champagne and, according to reviews, is also perfect for packing lunch, snacks, and a couple drinks on the go.

What We Like

• Affordable
• Cute print
• Insulated and well-made
• Easy to clean
• Petite size

What We Don't Like

• Small size
• Maintains ice-like temperatures for a limited time

This cooler measures 10 x 10 x 12 inches and weighs 14.6 ounces. It holds a bottle of Champagne or wine.

Best for Small Groups

RTIC Outdoors 30-Can Backpack

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If you always wish you could throw your cooler on your back and hit the road, this is the pick for you. It's a tough option that can carry up to 30 cans in one go. In fact, this cooler is a favorite among the Southern Living staff, as multiple editors have used this style for soccer games, camping trips, and days at the beach. All agree: It's "not a bear to carry" and keeps drinks ICE COLD! Only complaint? Some say the zipper can be a pain in the you know what, and that it holds slightly fewer cans that label claims. Still, all say they'd purchase it again, no question.

What We Like

• Well-made
• Keeps drinks ice-cold
• Easy to carry and clean
• Available in 11 colors

What We Don't Like

• Zipper can be a pain to open and close
• Fits fewer drinks than it claims, so size up if needed

The 30-can cooler measures 17.13 x 13.78 x 12.8 inches and weighs 6 lbs empty, but this cooler is available in a number of sizes—from the 12-can mini to the 40-can large.

Most Stylish

Swig Life Cooli Family Cooler Bag

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If you want a cooler that's as cute as it is functional, this may be the style for you. It's designed with families in mind, so it's easy to pack, easy to store, and easy to carry with soft sides that fold up when not in use and adjustable padded straps that extend up to 48 inches. Available in 11 adorable prints (like polka dots, camo, and leopard), it fits up to 8 bottles of wine of 36 slim cans.

What We Like

• Available in 11 fun prints
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Keeps drinks cool for up to 48 hours

What We Don't Like

• Prices vary greatly by color
• Some reviewers complain about the durability of the zipper

This bag measures 19.5 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches.

Best Throwback

Igloo Retro Picnic Basket Cooler

4.2

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BUY IT: $49.99; target.com

We can't resist a retro throwback, and this cooler is just that. Modeled after Igloo's best-selling cooler of the 90s, this picnic-style ice chest is a sturdy, mid-size cooler worth the hype. It's ideal for tossing in the back of a pickup truck or SUV for a weekend away or a day at the ballpark. When packed, it can hold up to 36 cans, or enough drinks and snacks for a group of four for a three-day weekend. Trust us: One Southern Living editor owns this one, and has put it to the test.

What We Like

• Retro design
• Lightweight yet durable
• Great mid-size cooler
• Available in three colors (pink, yellow, and turquoise)

What We Don't Like

• Bulky to carry for one person

This cooler measures 13.12 x 19.79 x 12.88 inches and weighs 5.5 lbs empty.

Best for Road Trips

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

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This lighter-weight Yeti is super versatile and easy to transport. It's tall enough for wine bottles and can fit behind the passenger's seat of a car. Available in five colors from hot pink to classic navy, reviewers rave that this cooler keeps their drinks cold for beach trips, lake trips, and short-distance drives. Only complaint? The short strap can be difficult to carry.

What We Like

• Well-made
• Compact in size, yet tall enough to fit wine bottles
• Available in 5 colors
• Manufactured in Texas
• 5-year warranty

What We Don't Like

• Expensive
• Limited size not ideal for large parties

This cooler measures 14x7.5x16.5 inches and weighs 12.8 lbs empty. It holds 24 cans.