Summer seems to be getting hotter with every year, but that should not stop you from spending quality time at the beach. Whether you are out on your own messing with the seagulls or having fun with family and friends, you need reliable coolers to meet all your hydration and snacking needs. Drawing from our experience, we can tell you that if you’re hitting the beach, there’s no better idea than carrying the best beach cooler with you. These coolers will allow you to enjoy the ultimate beach experience, where you can bask in the sun, and sand, and sip your favorite drink. 

Beach coolers, also called coolers or ice chests, are special containers designed to keep beverages and food items cold and fresh for an extended period when you are out having fun, especially at the beach. From snacks and sandwiches to condiments and cutlery, you can carry anything in these coolers. They are portable and convenient. Think of them as carrying a mini refrigerator in your hands or on your back. Beach coolers come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. There’s basically a cooler for everybody no matter what their requirements are. There’s one for everyone!

Our team discovered through hours of research the top-rated beach coolers just for you. We reviewed them based on their size, style, capacity, storage, insulation, portability, durability, and customer reviews. Keep in mind your needs as you explore our round-up of our expert-approved cooler picks.   

• 1
  Best for Small Group

  Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Cooler

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Make your day off at the beach even more enjoyable with the very reliable beach cooler from the Arctic Zone. Available in 8 exciting colors, this lightweight cooler is known for much more than its looks. You can easily pack 10 standard-sized cans with ice into the removable hardbody liner. It features an easy-access zipperless lid with a smart shelf, where you can pack your snacks and sandwiches separately from the drinks. The outer material is water and stain-resistant, making it easier to clean. It also deflects direct sunlight and aids high-performance insulation in keeping the contents cold and fresh. Drawing from our experience, the velcro closing lid and the padded shoulder straps are very convenient.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 8 x 12.25 x 12.25 inches
• Weight: 2.16lbs
• Capacity: 7.8 Liters
• Material: Poly Ripstop with 0.15mm Matte TPE exterior coating

2

Best Cooler Backpack

TOURIT 30 Cans Insulated Cooler Backpack

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From a barbecue in the park to a picnic at the seaside, this beach cooler will not disappoint you. It is a cooler but with all the good qualities of a standard backpack. Its incredibly well-insulated insides keep the food and drinks cold for up to 16 hours. With a capacity of holding up to 30 standard cans, it makes for an ideal partner for all sorts of outdoor activities. You can of course also throw in your food or snacks with the drinks and use it as a lunch backpack. Its stylish design, comfy shoulder straps, and multiple pockets, both zippered and mesh, make it one of the best beach coolers that check all the boxes you may want checked.

Key Specifications

• Dimension (LxWxH): 13 x 7.5 x 15.8 inches
• Weight: 1.1lbs
• Capacity: 28 Liters
• Material: 600D Polyester Oxford fabric and EPE foam

3

Best Spacious

Everlasting Comfort 54 Cans Backpack Cooler

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This cooler backpack takes things to the next level with its holding capacity, which is just so much more than the regular mini coolers. It gets the job done and lets you haul a large number of beverages, including a 12-pack, 8 water bottles, snacks, and sandwiches, and still have space for ice. That's not all. You can also store 2 bottles each on both sides inside the hidden bottle covers. Even though it claims to retain ice for 24 hours, it keeps everything cold and fresh for about 12 hours, which is quite impressive and sufficient for a beach trip. This is undoubtedly the best cooler for the beach for the whole family or large group. As indicated by our tests, its cushioned straps make this larger cooler a breeze to carry.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 13.38 x 8.66 x 17.71 inches
• Weight: 2.06lbs
• Capacity: 34 Liters
• Material: Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA)

4

Best for Travelling

TOURIT 46-Can Collapsible Cooler Bag

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Wherever you go for your next adventure in the great outdoors, take this TOURIT cooler bag as your trustworthy companion. Whether it is a picnic at the park or a day at the beach, camping or a fishing trip, or even work, this beach cooler bag can keep things cold and fresh reliably for up to 12 hours. It can hold up to 46 cans in its leakproof insulated compartment. There's a separate compartment for keeping the snacks so that they don't get wet. This is a collapsible bag equipped with two mesh pockets on either side, a front pocket, and an adjustable elastic rope on the top to hold towels and sheets. Our team discovered through using this product that it is quite comfy to carry, thanks to the padded handle and shoulder straps. 

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 16.1 x 10.2 x 11.8 inches
• Weight: 1.7lbs
• Capacity: 31.98 liters 
• Material: Oxford cloth, Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA)

5

Best Cooler with Wheels

Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 (50+10) Can Rolling Cooler

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The Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is known to be amongst the best in business and after putting it to the test we can see why. It is a cooler with a large capacity that doesn't weigh a ton. The ease of carrying it from one place to another is made even easier with a set of wheels. You can haul up to 100 lbs of food and drinks, thanks to its expandable, extra-wide base. This wheeled cooler has one main insulated compartment and an extra insulated compartment on the front which you can use to store your snacks and sandwiches. This beach cooler with wheels comes with a zippered front pocket and two large mesh side pockets so that you can pack all the required items together. Based on our firsthand experience, we can say that it holds a lot and is easy to wheel around on various surfaces.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 14.75 x 15.5 x 19 inches
• Weight: 6.8lbs
• Capacity: 45.36 liters
• Material: 112T Poly Ripstop

6

Best Durable

SPARTER Backpack Cooler

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Pop a cold one with your buddies or by yourself wherever you go with the SPARTER Backpack Cooler in tow. It has a large storage capacity with two insulated compartments and multiple pockets. It can accommodate up to 20 cans with ice in the main compartment, which has a thickened insulation foam to keep your food and beverages colder for longer. Depending on the temperature outside, it can easily keep the ice from melting anywhere between 6 to 12 hours. Being made with high-density nylon, it can withstand rough use like no other, making it one of the best coolers for the beach. When we trialed this product, we discovered that using a reusable ice pack works better than using ice.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 10.5 x 7.5 x 17 inches
• Weight: 1.13lbs
• Capacity: 21.01 liters
• Material: Nylon

7

Best Collapsible

Maelstrom Soft Cooler Bag

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Use it for lunch at work, a beach picnic, or for very long car trips, this beach cooler will satisfy all your needs. Whether you want to keep things cold or warm, this cooler will do it all with its 5-layered insulation design. After conducting experiments with it, we can say that it keeps food and drinks fresh for 8 to 10 hours with ease. Its double-decker design allows you to store fruits and any other food items in the foil-insulated top compartment. Equipped with both zippered and mesh pockets, it ensures that you can carry everything you need in one place. The versatility and capacity of this soft-side cooler make it the best cooler for beach.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 15.35 x 10.63 x 4.33 inches
• Weight: 1.98lbs 
• Capacity: 27 liters
• Material: Polyester

8

Best for Daily Use

iknoe Large Cooler Bag

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This cute beach bag might be small, but it will go a long way. It has everything you can ask for in a cooler for beach. It is lightweight, portable, and can keep the food and drinks cold and fresh for up to 6 hours. The zippers are durable, and so is its fabric. There is an internal mesh pocket that you can use to store an ice pack or even your cutlery and tissues. You can also use it as your work lunchbox, thanks to the thick EPE foam that also helps keep food fresh and warm for longer by preserving its heat. Through our practical knowledge, we can say that it does a great job as a beach cooler on a budget.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.4 x 6.7 x 11.8 inches
• Weight: 0.66lbs
• Capacity: 15 liters
• Material: Oxford Polyester

9

Best Leakproof

EVERFUN Insulated Beach Cooler Bag

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Cute and compact, that's how we will describe this small beach cooler from EVERFUN. However, you must not be deceived by its small size as it has quite some spacious interiors. The dual compartments are convenient for storing wet and dry items separately. You can fit about 24 cans without ice in the bigger compartment, while the top compartment can be used to keep your fruits and snacks. True to its claims, the 5-layered thick insulation keeps the ice intact for up to 20 hours and ensures everything stays fresh for longer than usual. Made with soft collapsible material, you can easily fold it for compact storage. Now, it might not be the Yeti beach cooler, but our investigation demonstrated that it gets the job done.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 12 x 9.5 x 10 inches
• Weight: 1.17lbs
• Capacity: 18.7 liters
• Material: Nylon

10

Best Aesthetic

Scothen Backpack Cooler

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Looks like a backpack and is worn like a backpack, but it's not a backpack. This is, in fact, a 36-can beach cooler from Scothen. Available in 10 different and attractive color combinations, it comes with 12 self-absorbent ice packs which help keep your foods and drink fresh and cold for an easy eight hours. Thanks to the dual compartments, you can conveniently store your water, beverages, and lunch separately. There are extra pockets for storing snacks, condiments, and cutlery. You also get one zippered anti-theft pocket for storing your mobile and other valuables, and a very special tissue pocket. This multitude of features clearly makes it the best beach cooler bag and a must-have.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.5 x 13.78 x 16.54 inches
• Weight: 1.54lbs 
• Capacity: 36 liters
• Material: Nylon, Leather, Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA)

11

Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Soft Beach Cooler

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Add some vibrant glam to your day out at the beach with this Lilly Pulitzer beach cooler. You can keep things casual and carry 10 to 15 cans or make it fancier with two large bottles of champagne or wine. You can also slide in water bottles and snacks because it is that spacious. This cute beach cooler only has one compartment with a wide opening that makes it easier to add or remove things. The insulated interior as well as the stylish exterior are easy to clean and only need wiping with a damp cloth. Our findings show that this beach cooler is installed with high-quality metal hardware, including the zippers.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 10 x 10 x 12 inches
• Weight: 0.95lbs
• Capacity: 19.47 liters
• Material: Canvas

12

Lanedo Soft Pack Cooler

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Now you can keep your cold drinks and beers super chilled while looking uber chic with the Lanedo Soft Pack Cooler. A must-have for all your beach parties and get-togethers, this cooler can store 34 cans or 20 bottles at a time to keep you hydrated on the go. It has a minimalist rectangular design that is quite thoughtful if you look at the spacious interiors, two-way waterproof zippers, sturdy construction, and multiple mesh pockets. This is the best beach ice chest which promises to keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours with its 5-layer insulated design.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 13 x 8.5 inches
• Weight: 2.4lbs
• Capacity: 5.9 liters
• Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyethylene (PE), Waterproof 600D Oxford cloth

13

Lanedo 20 Can Soft Cooler

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Enjoying a warm slice of pizza with a chilled can of beer seems like the ideal thing to do at the beach. And you can make this wish come true with this beach cooler that acts as a lunch bag, perfect for a day out in the sun. The dual compartments allow you to keep your food and drinks separately. The bigger compartment is good for storing about 20 standard-sized cans while the top compartment is ideal for storing pizza, meat, and sandwiches. Available in 3 beautiful colors, it is the best cooler bag for beach and also ideal for road trips. After trying out this product, we can vouch for its tear-resistant material which adds to its overall durability.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 1.25 x 10.22 x 12.59 inches
• Weight: 2.2lbs
• Capacity: 9.46 liters
• Material: Polyurethane (PU), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polypropylene (PP)

Beach coolers are a must if you want to spend a lot of time playing and enjoying the company of the waves and the hot sun. But here are a few things you need to keep in mind before you buy one. 

Buying the best beach cooler is no rocket science, but that doesn't stop the feeling of being overwhelmed. But, you don't have to worry anymore since we are here to ease your stress. Here are a few factors that you must consider before buying a beach cooler to find the right one for your needs:

Capacity 

Your favorite beach coolers come in various shapes and sizes. Consider the size that will fit your needs. A large cooler is best for bigger groups and longer outings while a small cooler is ideal for small groups of people and smaller trips. Ascertain how many cans or bottles it can fit along with how many pounds of ice. 

Insulation

Look for coolers that offer excellent insulation and ensure that your drinks, snacks, and other food items remain cold and fresh for longer. Insulated materials like thick foam or high-quality polyurethane maintain the cold temperatures for longer.  

Construction

There are mainly two types of beach coolers, namely hard-sided coolers and soft-sided coolers. Hard-sided coolers, like the Yeti Hopper Flip, have a hard body, offer better insulation, and are more durable. They are ideal for when you need them for a large number of people or an extended period. 

Soft-sided coolers, on the other hand, have softer walls that are usually foldable. They are lightweight, incredibly portable, and less expensive. They might not be as durable as hard-sided coolers but they are durable enough to get the job done. These are best for short trips and journeys.

Portability

You don't want to be stuck with a beach cooler that you cannot move with ease. Even the most perfect beach coolers have a certain weight which only increases when you load them with foods and beverages. So, pick a cooler that you can carry comfortably to your spot on the beach. You can opt for a cooler with wheels if it is large and heavy. 

Additional Features

Size, capacity, and portability are significant, but not everything. You must look for some extra features like dual compartments, multiple pockets, integrated bottle openers, and cup holders. Pick a cooler with a higher ice retention to ensure your drinks are kept cold throughout the day. Similarly, look for leakproof coolers that not only have a leakproof body but also waterproof zippers.

Durability

Opt for high-quality durable material that can withstand the rigors of regular use. It is best to pick beach coolers with stain-resistant materials that are also UV-resistant.

Customer Reviews

Make sure to read the customer reviews and feedback on various online shopping platforms, blogs, and forums. This will help you find the ideal beach cooler based on your preferences, needs, and requirements.

Conclusion

A trip to the beach can solve most of your problems as soon as you step foot in the sand, feel the warm sun against your skin, and taste the refreshingly salty breeze. But, a day out to the beach is incomplete without some chilled drinks and refreshments, which is why you must invest in the best beach coolers. These coolers are your all-weather companions. They especially come in handy during warmer days when a chilled beer or cold drink is the only thing that can bring you relief from the heat. Since there's a plethora of beach coolers available in the market today, our handpicked recommendations and detailed buying guide will help you make the right choice.