Every Prime Day, I find myself surprised by the random categories that seem to be prominently featured. You always expect a headphone deal or some other discounted tech. But you might not anticipate seeing heavily discounted coolers. I’m the lead tester for our guide to the Best Coolers, which means my entire apartment would be completely overrun if I didn’t have my colleagues taking up space in their basements, garages, and camper vans to help me test them out. We’ve been testing our top picks for years and are always evaluating new options. Our old standbys and recent favorites are both on sale for Amazon Prime Day. Find our top picks below.
Be sure to check our list of the Absolute Best Prime Day deals for more can’t-miss discounts, or come hang out at our live blog where we’re sharing real-time commentary and lots of bad jokes.
Yeti Hopper Flip 18 for $225 ($75 off)
Yeti’s rotomolded cooler deals keep going out of stock, but we still like its other offerings. This Hopper Flip isn’t so big that it’s unwieldy, but it still has more room than your average small cooler. It’s the perfect companion for a boat or bike, but you can also lug it with you to the beach or backyard.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Cooler for $215 ($24 off)
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Photograph: Martin Cizmar
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Our favorite Yeti dupe is usually affordable in comparison, but $215 is a steal. Some colors are even less expensive, but the stock is fluctuating. This isn’t the very best deal we’ve seen, but it comes close. Like the Yeti, the RTIC is heavy even when empty; however. it does a really good job at retaining ice for over a day (we’re working on getting specific numbers with our testing methodology). The inside is also pretty roomy.
Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler for $250 ($50 off)
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Photograph: Louryn Strampe
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Ninja
FrostVault Wheeled Cooler
This cooler is unique because it has a little drawer in the bottom that can keep items cool and dry simultaneously. It has chunky wheels, a short handle, and a roomy interior to boot. I don’t love the drain plug, but I do love being able to pack fresh fruit, pastries, and cheese without fretting over them becoming soggy.
RovR KeepR Caddy With Ice Bucket for $127 ($23 off)
RovR
KeepR Caddy with Ice Bucket
Our favorite cooler tote is a chic way to have some drinks and snacks in style. You can tote around your drinks and have fresh ice in the middle that lasts for hours. It’s pretty comfortable and works perfectly as a mobile cocktail bar, but if ice retention and food storage is your goal, you’ll want something a little less totelike.
Igloo KoolTunes Retro Bluetooth Boombox Cooler for $84 ($56 off)
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Igloo
KoolTunes Bluetooth Boombox Cooler
I mean … look at it. Simply behold it. This retro cooler is neither an excellent cooler nor an excellent Bluetooth speaker, but it’s still the perfect beach companion. There’s room for a lunch for you and your companion, and you can use the cooler to play music so you don’t need a separate speaker. Does it sound amazing? No. Does it look ridiculously cool? Absolutely. Don’t take it camping and you’ll be just fine—it regularly keeps my beach-cuterie cold for as long as I need it to.
Igloo Retro Picnic Basket Cooler for $47 ($20 off)
Photograph: Louryn Strampe
Igloo
Retro Picnic Basket Cooler
My other personal favorite cooler is this picnic-style basket, which is simple and lightweight. It’s never going to hold ice for as long as the Yeti or RTIC, but if you’re trying to take some cute Instagram pics and don’t need your sandwich to remain edible for the next week, this little basket will serve you perfectly well. And everyone at the beach will stop to talk to you about it, which may be a blessing or a curse.
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