This Is the Best Cooler Money Can Buy (Options Start at $17)

Whether you’re toting food to a party, traveling with snacks and drinks, tailgating, or heading out on a camping trip, a good cooler that will keep everything cold for hours is a must. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank in order to get a great cooler that fits all of your needs. While a lot of high-end options can cost hundreds of dollars, there are plenty of great offerings at much lower prices, even in the $20 to $50 range. And if you’re looking for specific features like a freezer-style lid or a draining system to remove melted ice, we’ve included pricier options that we think are actually worth the investment.

Here is the best cooler for the money according to varying needs and budgets, along with deals you can’t pass up. For more savings, text DEALS to 57299 to get daily deal alerts.

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The Best Cooler for the Money

1. Coleman Portable Hard Cooler (Best Anywhere Cooler)
2. Mountainsmith’s The Sixer Cooler Bag (Best Small Cooler)
3. Coleman 28-Can Backpack Cooler (Best Backpack Cooler)
4. Packable Puffer 20-Can Cooler Bag (Best Lightweight Cooler)
5. Hydro Flask’s Insulated Lunch Box (Best Insulated Lunch Bag)
6. Coleman Portable Cooler (Best Beach Cooler)
7. Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler (Best Road Trip Cooler)
8. RTIC Soft 20-Can Cooler (Best Cooler for Camping)
9. Igloo BMX 52-Quart Cooler (Best Large Cooler)
10. Igloo EcoCool Roller Cooler (Best Cooler with Wheels)
11. RTIC Ultra-Light 52-Quart Hard Cooler (Best for Keeping Everything Cold)
12. Yeti Tundra 65 (Best Splurge Cooler)

 

1. Coleman Portable Hard Cooler

Small, lightweight, and easy to tote: you can take the Coleman Portable Hard Cooler ($17.29, Amazon) pretty much anywhere. It only holds nine quarts, so it’s best for small excursions, but it’ll easily fit between seats on a road trip and keep drinks cold at the beach. And it’s currently 14% off on Amazon, making it one of the lowest-priced coolers out there.

 

2. Mountainsmith’s The Sixer Cooler Bag

If you just need to keep a few items cold, Mountainsmith’s The Sixer Cooler Bag ($34.95, Amazon) holds up to six cans, just like the name suggests. The price also just dropped by 14% (on and off) within the last few days, so you can save around $5 if you catch the sale.

It’s easy to carry thanks to a convenient shoulder strap and also has extra pockets in the front and back. There’s a zippered mesh pocket on the inside to help you organize everything as you pack.

 

3. Coleman 28-Can Backpack Cooler

Heading out on a hike? The Coleman 28-Can Backpack Cooler ($34.99, Amazon) makes it convenient to carry plenty of drinks, plus your lunch, without lugging a heavy cooler behind you. The backpack has padded straps for comfortable carrying, plus a front pocket for additional storage. Based on Amazon’s history, the cooler goes on sale frequently, and you can usually score at least $5 off if you watch for sales.

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4. Packable Puffer 20-Can Cooler Bag

A great cooler doesn’t have to be bulky. The Packable Puffer 20-Can Cooler Bag ($39.99, Igloo) can hold up to 20 canned drinks and keep them cold for eight hours. The cooler is currently on sale for $15 off, so there’s a good chance you won’t have to pay full price. It’s also super light and easy to tote with two over-the-shoulder straps. As a bonus, it’s eco-friendly and made from recycled plastic bottles.

 

5. Hydro Flask’s Insulated Lunch Box

Hydro Flask’s Insulated Lunch Box ($44.95, Amazon) has two layers of insulation to keep your meal cold all day, plus interior pockets for storing utensils and an ice pack. It’s also super sturdy and heavy-duty, meaning you can take it on a hike or outing without opening it up at lunchtime to find a smashed sandwich. The lunch box has been up to 33% off in the past, so keep an eye out for sales on Amazon if you’re planning to purchase.

 

6. Coleman Portable Cooler

Don’t get bogged down in the sand on your next beach day. The Coleman Portable Cooler with Wheels ($64.99, Coleman) has heavy-duty wheels and a telescoping handle, making it one of the best for navigating a sandy beach. It holds up to 50 quarts (or 84 cans), with plenty of space for lunch and a few drinks for a day out.

The insulated lid and walls can retain ice for up to five days, and the lid can also double as a seat or four cup holders. This cooler hasn’t gone on sale on Amazon recently, but you can earn 15% off your purchase just by entering your email if you’re a first-time buyer from Coleman’s website.

 

7. Igloo BMX 25-Quart Cooler

If you’re planning a cross-country getaway, you’ll need plenty of snacks and drinks. The Igloo BMX 25-Quart Cooler ($114.99, Amazon) can hold everything you might want to bring. The cooler was at its lowest price in a while at $79.99, or at 30% off, in late 2022. But we’ve also seen it go on sale in early January.

It’s a little on the heavy side, which makes it great for packing into the trunk because it won’t tip over during travel. The cooler has sturdy, rubberized latches on top to lock in the cold.

 

 

8. RTIC Soft 20-Can Cooler

Keep drinks and food at your campsite cold for up to 24 hours with RTIC Soft 20-Can Cooler ($114.99, Amazon). If you need more storage, you can upgrade to a 30- or 40-can cooler. Both lightweight and durable, this heavy-duty option is easy to tote on a hike to a campsite. It’s also waterproof and floats, so it’s a good option for adventures on the water.

Though not currently on sale, Amazon has discounted the cooler up to 33% within the past month, so add it to your list and keep an eye on the price for the best deal.

 

9. Igloo EcoCool Roller Cooler

In the market for something heavy-duty but still easy to move? The Igloo EcoCool Roller Cooler ($139.95, REI) is one of the best money can buy. It’s great for a long camping trip or trek because it can retain ice for up to five days. The wheels are also mobile on all terrain, so no worries about wheeling it through the woods or on a trail. If you’re not already an REI member, you can join when you buy and earn a $30 bonus card.

 

10. Igloo BMX 52-Quart Cooler

Whatever you need to keep cold, you can fit it inside the Igloo BMX 52-Quart Cooler ($169.99, Amazon). Ice can last for four to five days, which should be plenty of time for camping, road trips, tailgates, and more. It’s also lightweight for its size, making it easier to tote and store. The best price we’ve seen on Amazon in a while is $113.99.

 

11. RTIC Ultra-Light 52-Quart Hard Cooler

The RTIC Ultra-Light 52-Quart Hard Cooler ($219.99, Amazon) was designed with fishing, boating, and camping in mind. It can retain ice for up to 10 days, double most other coolers. It also has heavy latches to keep it sealed and is even bear-resistant if you’re camping in an area with a lot of wildlife.

Though a bit on the pricey side, Amazon has offered discounts of up to 33% off in the past month for this cooler, so watch for price drops if it’s on your wish list.

 

12. Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler

If you don’t mind spending a couple hundred dollars for a top-notch cooler, try the Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler ($375, Yeti). It’s one of the pricier options available, but the quality is worth the cost if you need a truly heavy-duty cooler. Plus, Yeti is running a holiday promotion right now that’ll earn you free shipping and a free gift for orders over $200.

It’s a great all-purpose cooler that has just about every feature you could want. That includes a freezer-style lid, no-slip feet, tie-down slots, and a draining system for removing melted ice.