The 7 Best Coolers of 2024
6/7
Best Water Cooler
Oyster Tempo
The Oyster Tempo can keep water (or any other beverage) cold for the entire day and is leakproof, perfect for parties or construction crews. Because it uses a single cold pack, there’s no need to make room for ice. That means more space for camping drinks and snacks.
If the price gives you sticker shock, consider that this cooler is made with an insulated container wall that helps the cooler reach freezing temperatures almost instantly. It’s also simple to fix and modify with easy-to-replace parts. It’s meant to last generations, not months!
Pros
- Easy to fix and modify
- No ice needed
- Leak-proof
- Made sustainably from recycled materials
Cons
- Heavy
- Pricey
7/7
Best Smart Cooler
Bodega Refrigerator and Portable Freezer
The feature that separates the Bodega Refrigerator and Portable Freezer from other powered coolers is the dual cooling zones: one acts as a fridge and one as a freezer. After setting up the divider and packing your cooler with drinks and food, simply use the app to control the temperature of each zone.
The cooler can be powered by solar energy, a home electrical outlet or your car’s power adapter. Customer reviews state the cooler was able to get to sub-zero temperatures in under an hour.
Pros
- Multiple power sources
- Dual cooling zones
- Can hold 41 cans
- Wi-Fi capabilities
Cons
- App setup can be difficult
What to Consider When Buying a Cooler
Two of the most important things to consider when buying a cooler are size and ice retention. Personal coolers are great for lone travelers, couples or anyone who might want to use them as a lunchbox, but party hosters might want to look for a larger vessel.
When it comes to ice retention, or keeping ice frozen for as long as possible, look for coolers with insulated seals and commercial-grade gaskets.
Types of Coolers
- Hard-sided coolers are made of hard materials like plastic. They’re generally more durable and have better ice retention, but the trade-off is that they’re heavier than other coolers.
- Soft-sided coolers are made of soft materials like fabric. They’re generally more lightweight and portable, though they’re not as durable and are not as good at keeping drinks cold as their hard-sided counterparts.
- Backpack coolers can be worn as a backpack for ease and convenience.
How We Found the Best Coolers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. Whether you’re looking to store the best tumblers while tailgating or need a fridge for camping, we aim to find the very best coolers for the occasion.
To find the best coolers, we considered all the different types—from fun floating coolers to durable Yeti coolers (and their numerous accessories). After reading reviews, comparing specs and even testing a few that were in the running, we were able to narrow down our list to the 10 best coolers out of the hundreds available.
