5 Best Coolers With Wheels, Tested and Reviewed
We've tested dozens of coolers over the years, these are the five worth your money.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
The best coolers with wheels make taking your favorite drinks and beverages on the go so much easier. Most importantly, they keep your items cold, even on summer's hottest days. While traditional coolers without wheels are good to have in your stash as well, coolers with wheels are ideal for hikes or beach days: You don't have to worry about getting tired from carrying your cooler or figuring out how to get a heavy cooler from your vehicle to your destination. The best models can handle dirt, sand, curbs and hills to make traveling seamless.
Here in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we know a thing or two about coolers. Since 2022, we've tested over 50 models, from totes to hard-sided versions. Most recently, we examined nine coolers with wheels and used more than 400 cans of sparkling water and over 200 pounds of ice to conduct the test. When curating this list of best coolers with wheels, we evaluated performance, ease of use and more. Our list includes picks from well-known brands like Yeti and Igloo and some versatile picks from Ninja and BrüMate.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- High capacity without taking up lots of space
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar models that offer more features
Capacity: 60 quarts | Dimensions: 23.7" x 20" x 20.5"| Can capacity: 95 | Accessories and features: Hard cooler basket (additional accessories sold separately)
Yeti coolers have been top performers in our tests time and time again, and the Roadie is no different. The sleek and stylish cooler comes in over seven colors, including neutrals, bright hues and pastels. The cooler has a basket perfect for holding snacks and other foods above your ice and drinks.
The long, expandable handle, in combination with the large, sturdy wheels, makes maneuvering this cooler simple. Even when filled to capacity (which made the cooler weight just over 100 pounds) — pulling and pushing was still easy and didn't feel strenuous on our backs. We also love that it's a 60-quart cooler, but it doesn't take up as much space as others tested due to its wheel design and handle placement, which makes the cooler space bigger and easier to clean. During testing, the Roadie also did well with temperature retention; after 72 hours, the temperature increased less than four degrees and still had lots of ice remaining.
This model is a favorite among testers as well as Director of the GH Kitchen Appliances Lab Nicole Papantoniou. "I love this cooler and have found it easy to roll around, especially at a park, thanks to the oversized rubber wheels. I've also been able to roll it down my outside stairs relatively easily. I like how securely it latches, too."
RELATED: The Best Coolers
Igloo Trailmate Journey Cooler
Pros
- Various features and accessories
- Inexpensive
- Sits high off of the ground
Cons
- No lock for lid
Capacity: 70 quarts | Dimensions: 34.6" x 19.7" x 23.6" | Can capacity: 117 | Accessories and features: Bottle opener, attachable fishing rod holders, butler's tray
Well-known brand Igloo scored well during testing with the Trailmate Journey cooler. The 70-quart model comes with various accessories, including a table that sits on the handle when extended and can be stored under the cooler lid. It also has a removable interior basket above the ice and an exterior storage area with a lid to store important items like keys and cards.
When it comes to temperature retention, this model excelled — the temperature rose a bit more than two degrees after 72 hours of testing. This model features a handle that extends from the side with the push of the trigger buttons. The cooler sits high from the ground, which makes packing less labor-intensive, and it has large wheels that make it easy to control and maneuver. When filled to capacity, we found the Trailmate Journey one of the easiest to move around — pushing and pulling was smooth. One thing to note is that it doesn't feature a lock like the other models tested; if tipped over, the contents can spill.
RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
Pros
- Fits over 100 cans of soda
- Easy to clean
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Heavy when filled to capacity
Capacity: 72 quarts | Dimensions: 18.75" x 18.25" x 18.75" | Can capacity: 111 | Accessories and features: Built-in cargo net, bottle opener
The Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler from RTIC is another model that received top scores for temperature retention during testing. When packed with chilled sodas and ice, the temperature only rose 2.1°F after 72 hours.
The large cooler from RTIC has a handle that lifts from the side and feels sturdy, even when filled, which says a lot for this 72-quart cooler. While the handles were indeed sturdy, controlling and maneuvering this large cooler took more effort than others tested, especially when moving in tight spaces.
We could fit 111 cans inside this cooler with no problem during testing. Though the interior is white, we didn't experience any staining during the cleanability test and found it easy to wash, rinse and drain. Take note: Since this cooler fits so much, it can get heavy when filled. While it is called Ultra-Light, when we filled it to capacity it weighed just over 120 pounds.
Pros
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Multi-functional
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Can be slightly tricky to control when pushing forward
Capacity: 55 quarts | Dimensions: 19.5" x 32.5" x 19.5"| Can capacity: 80 | Accessories and features: Removable drink tank and tap, foam seat top, bottle opening, basket
The BrüTank isn't like the other coolers on the list: This model from BrüMate has a 2.8-gallon removable tank with an exterior tap that can hold spiked punch, wine or anything you want to be dispensed. It comes in over 10 colors and both 35-quart and 55-quart sizes (we used the 55-quart version during testing).
The cooler also has a foam seat top, bottle opener and interior basket beside the tank. While we could fit 80 cans inside the BrüTank, it can only hold that many without the removable basket and tank. During testing, the temperature retention was great; the internal temperature rose less than two degrees after sitting for 72 hours. This model has a handle that lifts from the side and feels sturdy and durable even when the cooler is filled to capacity. The handles are comfortable when pushing and pulling, though we found the cooler slightly tricky to maneuver when moving it forward.
Kitchen Appliance Analyst Eva Bleyer has been testing this cooler in her personal life and has put it to good use. "It's been a great cooler; I've used it countless times over the last year. I've taken it on many road trips and even used it for my wedding and bridal shower in other states. It's easy to roll around and fits a good number of items. It fits nicely in the back of our Jeep, but I'm not too sure if it would fit as easily in a smaller car."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: BrüMate BrüTank 55-Quart Rolling Cooler
Ninja FrostVault Wheeled Cooler with Dry Zone
Pros
- Can store dry foods
- High capacity
Cons
- Large footprint
Capacity: 65 quarts | Dimensions: 36.6" x 17.3" x 18.8" | Can capacity: 84 | Accessories and features: Dry-zone drawer, two cup holders (additional accessories sold separately)
The original Ninja FrostVault won a Kitchen Gear Award for its versatility and convenient dry-zone drawer, which can store sides, buns, burger patties and more. The dry-zone drawer is located in the front of the cooler directly under the main cavity, which means the dry-zone stays cool when the main cooler compartment is filled with ice but is separate, so it keeps food from getting wet. This latest version also has wheels, solving one of the only problems testers saw when using the original.
The Ninja FrostVault with wheels was one of the top performers when it came to ice retention; compared to others, it had very little melting, and more than half of the ice remained solid in the cooler after three days. It also kept a consistent temperature during testing, increasing less than 1°F after 72 hours. The handle located on the side is sturdy and allows for control. Due to its size, this model can be slightly heavy, especially when filled to capacity. For those who want something smaller, it comes in 30-quart and 45-quart versions.
Other coolers with wheels to consider
- Yeti Tundra Haul: The Tundra Haul from Yeti has a 50-quart capacity and features a side handle. It performed well during testing: Plenty of ice remained in the cooler after three days, and there was little change when monitoring the internal temperature after 72 hours. This model is heavier, especially when filled with ice, so keep that in mind. The wheels are sturdy, and the handle is comfortable to hold and provides a nice grip when pushing and pulling the cooler. The length of the Yeti Roadie's handle made maneuvering easier compared to the Tundra, but both models were top performers in testing.
- Igloo Ecocool Latitude: This cooler from Igloo stood out for being so lightweight. Empty, the cooler was the lightest out of all the others tested despite having a 60-quart capacity. The cooler is easy to pull and maneuver, though we noted that the handle doesn't feel as stable and durable when filled with ice and sodas. That said, we believe it is a good cooler for the price, retailing for under $100. One thing to be aware of is the drain plug; be sure it is on tight before filling your cooler, as leaking can occur if not properly sealed.
- Coleman Pro: The Coleman Pro is another cooler with wheels to consider; this 55-quart model did well in retaining ice and keeping a consistent temperature over 72 hours. The wheels are large, and the cooler was easy to maneuver, though we did notice that the plastic surrounding the wheels was fragile. Overall, this cooler is sleek and simple for those not interested in extra features and accessories.
How we test coolers with wheels
Ease of use: When evaluating ease of use, we consider accessibility, locks, cleanability and transportability.
- Ease of transporting: Both the handles and wheels play a considerable role in how well the coolers move. We evaluate how comfortable each handle is to hold, its material, the size of the wheels and how easy each is to maneuver when empty and filled to capacity.
- Ease of cleaning: When performing cleaning tests, we spill Coca-Cola and add one halved onion into each cooler then check back in 24 hours. Once the time is up, we clean each and note if there is any odor retention or staining.
- Opening, locking and other features: Before we do any other tests, we look at how easy or difficult each cooler is to open and close. We also take note of locks, features like bottle openers and accessories that come with each cooler.
Performance: When testing performance, there are many factors that we consider, including the weight of each cooler, empty and full, as well as how well each holds its temperature and retains ice.
- Temperature management: We pack each cooler with 12-ounce sodas and ice, tracking the amount of ice added in pounds and the number of sodas that fit into each. Once filled to capacity, we take each cooler to the scale to see how much it weighs once filled. We insert thermocouples into refrigerated cans of sodas and then place them into each cooler to keep track of the temperature over 72 hours.
- Ice retention and draining: After 72 hours, we examine how much ice has remained in each cooler and take note of the final temperature inside. We also analyze each cooler to see if there was any leaking, and once the ice has melted, we take note of how easy each is to drain completely.
- Packability: When packing each cooler with ice and sodas, we note how easily each can be loaded. Depending on the interior design and layout of the cooler, some fit ice and cans much more easily than others. We fill each to capacity with 12-ounce soda cans to see if the number of sodas that fit into each cooler aligns with the amount that each company claims can fit inside.
What to look for when shopping for coolers with wheels
✔️ Size and capacity: Coolers with wheels come in various sizes but can go up to as much as 90 quarts. When shopping for coolers with wheels, brands usually list the average amount of cans and/or ice that can fit inside. Those numbers will vary depending on how you pack the cooler and how much ice is used. Also, if you're looking for a larger model, like the RTIC 72-Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler, take a look at the dimensions to ensure that you will have a place to store it in your home and a large enough vehicle to transport it.
✔️ Weight: Once you know what size you'll need, consider the cooler's weight. While some coolers may not seem very heavy when empty, you have to think about how much they would weigh when filled with ice and beverages. The cooler could double or triple in weight, depending on what you are storing. While a heavy cooler may not seem like a big deal because it has wheels, you will still need to lift it in some instances, so keep that in mind when shopping.
✔️ Wheels: A cooler must be durable since it has to endure sand, dirt, rocks, etc. We found that large and sturdy wheels are key when shopping for coolers. They give you much more control when maneuvering, which makes pulling less of a challenge, especially when filled.
✔️ Handles: Handles are an essential feature for coolers with wheels: Look for durable handles that are strong enough to pull the cooler even when filled to capacity. The size and length of the handle are also elements to consider, depending on your own height and size. Taller people with larger hands would need handles that are a decent length and relatively wide. Some handles are made of plastic which can get sweaty when pulling the cooler for a long time, but others have a cushion that helps you grip better, even when used for long periods.
✔️ Accessories and features: Coolers have come a long way over the years and do more than just keep your drinks cold. If you're entertaining or grilling, versatile coolers like the BrüMate BrüTank and Ninja FrostVault are ideal options. The BrüTank has an internal tank that can hold your spiked punch and dispense it outside the cooler with the external tap. Like others on this list, this model also comes with an internal basket and a built-in bottle opener. The Ninja FrostVault has another cool feature: a built-in dry storage drawer that can hold sandwiches, fruit, hot dog buns and more.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Raena Loper is a contributing analyst and writer for Good Housekeeping. She has tested a variety of products over the years including toaster ovens, air fryers and more. Raena conducted the latest round of cooler testing under the supervision of Kitchen Appliances Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou.
Nicole Papantoniou is the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab director and oversees all testing and content related to kitchen appliances. Nicole has been testing appliances and developing recipes for over 13 years.
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Readers Also Read
The Best School Lunchboxes
The Best Toilets
Dylan Dreyer Shares Rare Update on Sheinelle Jones
The Best Refrigerators
