Looking for a new hard or soft cooler to take on your next outdoor adventure?
We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best small coolers on the market – hard and soft coolers alike. You’re sure to find one that fits your needs!
No matter what kind of outdoor activity you have planned, a hard or soft cooler is an essential piece of gear. Make sure you pick up one of our top-rated small coolers before your next trip.
How We Pick The Best Small Coolers
Trying to find the best small cooler on the market can be tough. With all of the different brands and models available, how can you be sure you're choosing the right one?
It's hard to know what to look for when choosing a small cooler. You want something that is going to keep your food and drinks ice frozen, but you also don't want something that is too big or bulky.
We did all of the research for you and found the best small coolers on the market today. After reading and analyzing thousands of customer reviews we found the best small coolers - both hard and soft cooler alike.
Read on to see our top shelf picks!
Best Small Cooler - Hard Cooler
Top Shelf Features
Looking for tough, job-site approved hard coolers that can hold all your lunchtime goodies and after-work drinks? Check out the Igloo Playmate 7 Qt Hard Sided Cooler!
This rugged spin on the classic Playmate features a durable hard sided design with plenty of room to store everything you need for a long day on the job.
The iconic tent-top design ensures easy access to your food and drinks, while the tough exterior can withstand any bumps or bruises that come your way.
Whether you're working hard or playing hard, the Igloo Playmate 7 Qt Hard Sided Cooler is perfect for keeping your beverages cold and your food fresh.
Top Shelf Details
These small coolers are convenient to use and transport. The push button lid design makes it easy to open and close with one hand, and the lid swings open to either side for easy access to contents.
The secure lid helps prevent spills, and the molded-in handle makes it easy to carry.
Whether you're headed to the beach, the park, or on a camping trip, this cooler is a great choice for keeping your food and drink cold.
So go ahead and take on the day - with the Igloo Playmate by your side, you're ready for anything!
Top Shelf Features
Looking for an indestructible cooler that will keep your food and drinks ice cold for hours on end? Look no further than the CAMP-ZERO 10.6 Qt. Cooler.
This premium cooler is made with rotomolded construction for durability, and features a secure locking system, textured lid, and two molded-in cup holders.
The enhanced wall thickness and freezer grade gasket provide superior ice retention, while the bear-resistant design (when used with appropriate locks) gives you peace of mind when camping in grizzly country.
Top Shelf Details
The CAMP-ZERO 10 is a top shelf pick! With molded-in tie down channels and a folding aluminum comfort grip handle, this cooler is secure and easy to carry.
It also has non-marring feet to protect surfaces. Plus, it holds up to 12 cans or 10 liters, so you can keep your drinks freezing cold all day long.
So whether you're hiking, camping, or just spending time outdoors, the CAMP-ZERO 10 is the ideal cooler for any adventure.
Top Shelf Features
The Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler is built to last, with a heavy-duty blow-molded construction that can take a beating.
It also features extra-thick foam walls and an insulated lid that work together to provide four days of ice retention at 90°F. And for added security, the lid has two durable, rubberized T-latches that will keep it firmly in place.
The Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks nice and cold.
Top Shelf Details
This tough little cooler is perfect for days spent outdoors, whether you're tailgating, camping, or just hanging out at the beach.
It features a triple-point grab handle with stainless steel reinforcement and rubber grip for easy carrying, and a threaded drain plug that lets you hook up to a water hose for easy draining.
Plus, the stylish design is sure to turn heads. So grab an Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler and hit the road!
Top Shelf Features
Coleman's 5 Quart FlipLid Personal Cooler is the perfect size for bringing lunch to work or heading out on a picnic.
The insulated design keeps your food and drinks fresh and cold, while the bail handle makes it easy to carry.
Plus, the FlipLid hinged lid doubles as a tray with molded beverage holders - perfect for enjoying a meal or snack on the go.
When you're done, the EZ-Clean top wipes clean so you're ready for your next adventure.
Top Shelf Details
The durable Coleman FlipLid Personal Cooler can hold up to 6 cans, making it perfect for keeping your food and beverages cold.
The FlipLid is designed with reversible hinges so it can double as a mini tray table, and the bail handle makes it easy to carry with one hand.
Plus, it's made in the USA!
Top Shelf Features
With nearly 40,000 ratings and reviews, it's clear that this cooler is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
The Titan Cooler features Deep Freeze high performance insulation with a radiant heat barrier that reflect heat rather than absorbing it.
This means your food and drinks will stay colder for longer. The patented "flip open" Zipperless lid allows for quick access to your food and drinks, and the FDA compliant HardBody liner with removable SmartShelf ensures that your food stays fresh.
So whether you're heading out on a camping trip or hosting a backyard barbecue, the Arctic Zone Titan Cooler is the perfect way to keep your food and drinks cold all day long.
Top Shelf Details
It features an Ultra Safe leak proof, easy clean interior lining, so you can always keep your food and drinks fresh.
The Rhino-Tech water and stain resistant, wipe clean exterior is abrasion and puncture resistant and will not crack over time.
The adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad ensures maximum comfort when carrying, even when fully loaded.
Best Small Cooler - Soft Cooler
Top Shelf Features
This tough and durable soft cooler comes with an easy access lid and a removable, adjustable, padded shoulder strap, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
This soft cooler also has multiple exterior pockets, perfect for storing all your essential items.
The deep freeze high performance insulation ensures that your ice will stay cold for longer, while the ColdBlock base protects against the heat from the ground.
Top Shelf Details
This top-of-the-line soft cooler features Deep Freeze high performance insulation, a leak proof, easy clean lining, and a durable, stain and water resistant Rhino-Tech exterior.
The Triple layer Cold Block base ensures that your food and drinks stay cold, while the compression molded base provides added support.
So whether you're headed to the beach or on a long hike, the Arctic Zone Titan Soft Cooler is the perfect choice to keep your food and drinks icy cold.
Top Shelf Features
The Yeti Hopper Flip soft cooler features ColdCell insulation, a closed-cell foam that offers superior cold-holding capabilities, keeping your food and drinks ice frozen for hours.
The Yeti soft cooler has a capacity of up to 12 cans plus ice, so you can bring along plenty of refreshments for your next outing.
The Yeti cooler also features a 100% leakproof HydroLok zipper and high-density fabric that withstands punctures and UV rays, making it durable enough to take with you anywhere.
Plus, its DryHide shell is waterproof and resistant to punctures and abrasions, so this portable cooler will hold up against anything you encounter on your adventures.
Top Shelf Details
This small cooler is made with high-quality materials and features state-of-the-art insulation to keep your ice packs and other items cold for longer.
Plus, it comes with a handy MOLLE bottle opener so you can enjoy a refreshing beverage anytime, anywhere.
And the MOLLE Zinger Bottle Opener keeps your multitools or bottle openers within arm's reach.
Top Shelf Features
The Carhartt Deluxe Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag is perfect for bringing your meals with you to work or the job site.
The main compartment on this soft sided cooler is insulated to keep your food cold, and it's spacious enough to fit a 6-pack.
The top dome has a separate insulated compartment, so you can keep your food organized and protected.
Top Shelf Details
The soft sided cooler bag also has a front zippered compartment that's great for storing utensils and condiments.
Plus, it's built to last with heavy-duty water-repellent material, YKK zippers, metal hardware, triple-needle stitching, and an ID tag.
Make lunchtime easy with the Carhartt Deluxe Insulated Lunch Small Cooler Bag.
Top Shelf Features
The Coleman 16 Can Soft Cooler is leak-proof, so you don't have to worry about melted ice ruining your picnic.
The heat-welded seams prevent any leaks, and the multiple pockets are perfect for storing dry goods and other gear.
The adjustable comfort shoulder straps and large side handles make it easy to carry, even when it's fully loaded.
Top Shelf Details
The liner is treated with antimicrobials to prevent mold, mildew, and odors, and it's removable for quick cleanups.
Plus, you can fold, roll, or collapse the soft cooler for easy storage.
So next time you're heading out for a day of fun in the sun, make sure to bring along the Coleman 16 Can Soft Cooler.
Top Shelf Features
Looking for a backpack cooler that will make your outdoor activities even more enjoyable? Look no further than the TOURIT Backpack Cooler!
This cooler has been designed with comfort and portability in mind, so you can easily carry it with you on all your adventures.
The padded shoulder straps and rear make it comfortable to wear, while the stylish design means it can also be used as a lunch backpack or daily pack.
The insulated backpack cooler is perfect for keeping your drinks cool on hot days, whether you're at the beach or on a hike.
Top Shelf Details
Made of durable, waterproof fabric, this backpack is lightweight and easy to carry.
The main compartment is roomy enough to store all your food and drinks, while the front pockets are great for holding utensils, napkins, and other items.
The mesh side pockets are perfect for holding water bottles or other beverages, and the beer opener on the strap comes in handy for those impromptu picnics!
With this handy cooler, you can enjoy the perfect day out with your family and friends, safe in the knowledge that your drinks will stay refreshingly cold.
Which Hard or Soft Cooler Is Right For You
So, which cooler is the best for you?
Whether you need a small personal cooler for the beach, a camp trip, or for your work lunch, we’ve got you covered.
We hope this article has helped make your decision easier to find the cooler that fits your needs.
Click to check the price on the best small cooler for you and start enjoying those outdoor activities even more!
Top Shelf Summary
Hard Coolers
- The Classic - Igloo 7 Qt Hardsided Playmate
- Top Shelf - CAMP-ZERO 10 | 10.6 Qt. Cooler
- Consumer Favorite - Igloo BMX 25 Quart Cooler
- The Minimalist - Coleman FlipLid Personal Cooler
- Highly Rated - Arctic Zone Titan Hard Cooler
Soft Coolers
- Most Versatile - Arctic Zone Titan Soft Cooler
- Splurge Worthy - YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler
- Consumer Favorite - Carhartt Deluxe Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
- The Original - Coleman 16 Can Soft Cooler
- Best Backpack Cooler - TOURIT Cooler Backpack 30 Cans Lightweight Insulated Backpack Cooler
Best Cooler FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best coolers:
Are there coolers that don’t need ice?
There are a few different types of coolers that don't need ice. A passive cooler, for example, is a container made from an insulating material, such as foam or fiberglass, that is designed to keep things cold without external power or cooling mechanisms.
Thermoelectric coolers use semiconductor materials to create a temperature differential between the two sides of the device. This differential can be used to cool objects by drawing heat out of them using a fan or pump.
And finally, evaporative coolers use water to lower the air temperature around them.
Do Igloo coolers keep things cold?
Yes, Igloo coolers do keep things cold. They work by using a foam insulation that traps air and keeps the cold inside.
The foam is also covered in a waterproof material, so your items will be safe from the elements. Additionally, most Igloo coolers have built-in handles and wheels for easy transport.
How long do soft coolers stay cold?
It really depends on the size of the cooler and how cold the environment is that it's in. In general, though, soft coolers should stay cold for around 12 hours.
If you're looking to keep your food or drinks cold for an extended period of time, you may want to consider investing in a hard sided cooler instead.
Is an Igloo cooler as good as a Yeti cooler?
There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on what you need a cooler for and how much you're willing to spend.
Igloo is a well-known, affordable brand of cooler that is often compared to the more expensive Yeti cooler. Both brands have their fans and both have some drawbacks.
Igloo coolers are cheaper than Yeti coolers, but they are not as durable or thermally efficient. YETI coolers have thicker walls, which means they keep ice frozen for longer periods of time.
They are also easier to clean because the interior surfaces are smooth (no grooves for food or dirt to get stuck in).
Is a soft or hard sided cooler better?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, in general, a hard sided cooler will keep things colder for longer periods of time than a soft sided cooler.
This is because the hard sides create a tighter seal and help to prevent heat transfer from the outside environment into the cooler. That said, if you are looking for a cooler that is easy to transport and lightweight, then a soft sided cooler may be a better option for you.
Additionally, soft sided coolers are often less expensive than hard sided coolers. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and what you plan to use the cooler for.
How long will ice stay frozen in an Igloo cooler?
The ice will stay frozen in an Igloo cooler for about 2-3 days.
Igloo coolers are made with high-quality insulation materials that help keep the cold in and the heat out. This means that the ice will stay frozen for a good amount of time - about 2-3 days.
However, if the cooler is opened frequently or if it's placed in direct sunlight, the ice will start to melt faster.
How do you keep food cold for three days camping?
You can keep food cold for three days camping by packing it in a cooler with ice packs.
If you're going to be cooking or eating anything that needs to be kept cold, you'll need a cooler. Put your food in the cooler, and fill up the empty spaces with ice packs or frozen water bottles.
The colder the food is, the slower it will spoil. So make sure to pack plenty of ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep everything nice and chilly.
Are cooler bags better than coolers?
There is no definitive answer to this question since there are a variety of opinions on the matter. Some people believe that cooler bags are better because they keep food colder for a longer period of time. Others believe that coolers are better because they have more insulation and can hold more food.
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you are looking for in a cooler or cooler bag. If you need something that will keep your food cold for an extended period of time, then a cooler is probably your best option.
If you only need something to keep your food cold for a short period of time, then a cooler bag might be better suited for your needs.
How long does an Igloo last?
Igloo coolers are designed to last for many years. They are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques that ensure long-lasting use.
Igloo coolers are perfect for a variety of activities, including camping, fishing, boating, and tailgating. They are also ideal for keeping food and drinks cold at home or in the office.
