Best Reviewed Coolers under $225 of 2023

Overview

Decoder analyzed more than 36,208 reviews to find which coolers under $225 are loved by shoppers, and which ones standout based on the following important qualities:

  • Ice Retention
  • Weight
  • Insulation
  • Ease Of Cleaning
  • Wheels

Read more about what factors to consider when shopping for coolers in our buyer's guide.

Results (26)

Best Overall

1

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for small trips and can hold a lot of drinks and food. Ice retention is good but the ice melts quickly.

Rank based on 1,367 reviews

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Also Great

2

Bottom Line

This cooler is a good choice for short-term use or for extra storage space. It's lightweight and easy to transport, but it doesn't keep items cold for long in hot weather.

Rank based on 2,485 reviews

Budget Pick

3

Bottom Line

A great cooler for those who want something that will retain ice for long periods of time and is easy to carry.

Rank based on 1,244 reviews

Premium Choice

4

Bottom Line

This cooler is perfect for those who need an extra fridge in their kitchen. It's lightweight and durable, with great ice retention. However, the drain plug leaks, so be sure to check that before using it.

Rank based on 1,907 reviews

5

Bottom Line

Perfect for those who need to pack a lot of food and drinks for an outing, with great ice retention to keep things cold.

Rank based on 3,458 reviews

6

Bottom Line

A good cooler for picnics or long walks, with great ice retention and good insulation. However, it is not the best at keeping things cold in really hot weather.

Rank based on 2,251 reviews

7

Bottom Line

This cooler is perfect for those who need to keep their food and drinks cold for extended periods of time. The top tray is also great for items that don't need to be iced.

Rank based on 4,919 reviews

8

Bottom Line

This cooler is a great choice for larger groups, with excellent ice retention and good insulation. However, a few reviewers found that it didn't keep their drinks as cold as they would have liked.

Rank based on 1,323 reviews

9

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a good-sized cooler that will hold ice well, even in hot weather, this is a great option.

Rank based on 1,304 reviews

10

Bottom Line

This cooler is perfect for days spent in the sun, with great ice retention and top-notch insulation. The capacity is large enough to fit everything you need, but it can feel heavy when full.

Rank based on 1,823 reviews

11

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a large, affordable cooler for short-term use, this is a great option. However, it's not as good as more expensive coolers for long-term use.

Rank based on 1,042 reviews

12

Bottom Line

A good quality, lightweight cooler that is comfortable to wear and does a great job of retaining ice.

Rank based on 382 reviews

13

Bottom Line

This cooler is perfect for fishing trips or camping, with great ice retention and insulation. However, the wheels can be difficult to move around without wheels - especially when it's fully loaded.

Rank based on 1,962 reviews

14

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for packing a lunch or picnic. It has good capacity and wonderful ice retention. However, it can be heavy when filled and isn't the best at keeping things frozen without ice packs.

Rank based on 788 reviews

15

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for keeping things cold for days, but is difficult to move when full.

Rank based on 2,211 reviews

16

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for long hikes and picnics, with good ice retention to keep food cold. It's lightweight and easy to carry, but doesn't have a hood pocket.

Rank based on 1,817 reviews

17

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for those who need long-lasting ice retention, but it's heavy and difficult to move without the wheels.

Rank based on 1,975 reviews

18

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a good cooler for short-term use. It's easy to pack and clean, and has good ice retention. However, the wheels are difficult to transport without wheels and the drain pipe is slightly faulty but fixable.

Rank based on 1,345 reviews

19

Bottom Line

This cooler is a good choice for those looking for a lightweight and roomy option. However, it is not insulated well enough to keep ice for long periods of time in hot weather.

Rank based on 1,289 reviews

20

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for short periods of time and is easy to clean. However, it can be a bit heavy when loaded and isn't the best option for long-term ice retention.

Rank based on 245 reviews

21

Bottom Line

Perfect for short-term use, this cooler has good ice retention and is easy to clean. However, it's not ideal for carrying heavier items or for long-term storage.

Rank based on 259 reviews

22

Bottom Line

Great for long days in the sun or on the water, this cooler will keep your drinks cold for a long time. The back strap makes it easy to carry, but it may not be long enough for bigger homies.

Rank based on 259 reviews

23

Bottom Line

This is a good cooler for those who need ice retention capabilities, decent insulation, and a manageable size.

Rank based on 227 reviews

24

Bottom Line

This cooler is great for keeping ice all day long. It's roomy and efficient with space, and lightweight and easy to carry with built-in handles. However, the wheels are a bit loose and may fall off after extended use.

Rank based on 37 reviews

25

Bottom Line

The Coleman Xtreme Cooler is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and lightweight option for their ice retention needs.

Rank based on 184 reviews

26

This backpack cooler is large enough to hold 36 cans, has an insulated compartment for food and drinks, and comes with a number of pockets for storage. It's perfect for picnics, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Rank based on 105 reviews

Buyer's Guide


Written By

Decoder

Oct. 4, 20222 3:02 p.m. PT

Decoder is a product recommendation engine that eliminates the guesswork of online shopping and finds the perfect product for your needs.

Planning to buy a cooler?

When it comes to choosing a cooler, keep the following in mind:

Capacity

The capacity of a cooler will determine how much food and drink it can hold. If you are planning on using it for large gatherings or long trips, choose a model with a higher capacity.

Ice Retention

A cooler's ability to keep ice frozen is important for keeping food and drinks cold. Look for a model with good ice retention capabilities, so you won't have to worry about everything melting.

Insulation

A well-insulated cooler will keep contents cold for longer periods of time. This is especially important if you are planning on using the cooler in hot weather.

Weight

The weight of a cooler will determine how easy it is to transport. If you are planning on taking it on long hikes or camping trips, choose a model that is lightweight and easy to carry.

Wheels

Some coolers come with wheels, which can be helpful for transporting it over long distances. If you think you'll be doing a lot of walking with your cooler, choose a model with wheels.

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