If you're into long beach days, family picnics at the park, weekend car camping with the dogs, or really anything that involves eating and drinking outdoors, you're no doubt familiar with the Yeti brand. There’s no denying that Yeti makes some of the world’s best coolers. They’re also among the most expensive. Still, they’ve developed a diehard following of buyers willing to “buy once, cry once,” assuming that $400 cooler might be the last they ever need to purchase. But, if you’re looking for solid alternatives with the same rock-solid cooling technology and near-bullletproof construction, these are the best coolers like Yeti but cheaper.
RTIC 45 QT Hard Cooler
With incredible durability and ice retention, rotomolded coolers have long been the industry standard, especially among premium brands like Yeti. The problem is that they’re also notoriously bulky and heavy. RTIC is upending that idea with a unique injected-molded design that uses closed-cell foam insulation. The result is a design that’s 30% lighter and more portable while still promising 10-day ice retention. The best part? They're significantly cheaper.
Moosejaw Ice Fort 55-Quart Rolling Hard Cooler
Moosejaw jumped into the cooler game this year with the all-new Ice Fort line. The 55-Quart is its flagship cooler packed full of features that make it another of the best coolers like Yeti. The rotomolded construction features 3.5 inches of insulation, designed to keep everything ice-cold for more than five days (assuming a 1:1 can-to-ice ratio). This largest model also adds a padded aluminum handle to make moving all your favorite beverages (or ice cream or hamburgers or bacon or ...) from A to B effortless. The best part? Again: It's significantly cheaper than a comparable Yeti cooler at just under $300.
LAKA 30 Cooler
Of course, not everyone needs a massive 50- or 60-quart cooler worthy of a sport fisherman. LAKA is an under-the-radar brand that develops more modest coolers designed to run with Yeti. The LAKA 30 is a just-right size with a thick-walled, rotomolded construction and an integrated thermal foam barrier designed to keep ice frozen for more than a week. The smooth-rolling rubber wheels make getting this cooler from the trunk to the water (or the beach or the campsite) a snap, and dual cupholders provide a convenient place to stow your drink when you get there.
Grizzly 60 Hard Cooler
Grizzly has been a go-to brand among hunters for years. Its beefy rotomolded coolers are made of LLDPE plastic for extreme durability and ice retention. Every side is pressure-injected with as much as two inches of Ecomate polyurethane foam for unbeatable cooling. They’re also made in the USA and eco-friendly with no ozone depletion or VOC off-gassing potential. Plus, as the name implies, this is a bear-proof cooler and, with two lock holes, nearly theft-proof too.
OtterBox Trooper 20 Soft Cooler
OtterBox is best known for its legendary smartphone cases. But, you might not know that the brand also makes premium coolers that give Yeti a run for its money. The soft-sided Trooper 20 is smaller than most on this list, making it far more lightweight and portable — perfect as a compact car cooler. Smart insulation ensures up to three days of ice retention (assuming you know how to properly pack your cooler) for plenty of cans with ice. Plus, the large-mouth opening makes loading and unloading this cooler a snap.
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 55Q Premium Ice Chest
Arctic Zone’s Titan Deep Freeze Ice Chest Cooler is a Yeti-worthy competitor in every way. The seamless, rotomolded design maximizes ice retention with a freezer-grade, 360-degree rubber gasket and corrosion-resistant T-latches for an ultra-tight seal. The 55-quart model is also bear-resistant and keeps ice for up to eight days. It’s also effortless to clean with a built-in, antimicrobial Microban protective layer inside and out.
Canyon Coolers Outfitter 55 Rotomolded Cooler
Another Yeti competitor, Canyon Coolers’ entire lineup of rotomolded coolers offers many of the same features at a more affordable price. This 55-quart model holds up to 56 cans of beer, kombucha, or your best hard seltzer, keeping them ice-cold for up to nine days. The straightforward design integrates EZ cam latches, an air-tight seal, built-in rope handles, and a fast-action drain plug. What’s more, the boxy, straight-wall design eliminates the awkward shapes and cutouts common in other coolers (even Yeti's), so it’s easier to stack and pack in your vehicle.
Orca Coolers 40-Quart Hard Cooler
Orca Coolers’ rotomolded ice boxes look similar to Yeti coolers in almost every way. The chunky design boasts several inches of insulation for maximum ice and cold retention of up to 10 days. An integrated lid gasket and cheeky "whale's tail" rubber latches create a perfect seal to keep cold in and heat out. Dual flex-grip handles provide easy portage, while a built-in cargo net attachment offers additional storage for bottle openers, must-have kitchen accessories, and other essentials.
Pelican 50-Quart Elite Cooler
Of all the competitors on the market, Pelican is the most Yeti-esque alternative. Its industry-leading coolers boast two inches of polyurethane insulation and a 360-degree freezer-grade gasket for extreme ice retention. With over-molded handles, three-inch locking latches, and a reinforced lockable hasp, the durability and security are second to none. We also dig the built-in stainless steel bottle opener and self-draining cup holders in the lid. With Pelican’s lifetime guarantee, it may be the last cooler you ever need or have to buy.
Coleman Xtreme 5-Day Rolling Cooler
Having to move a cooler is the most frustrating part of owning one. That's why God invented rolling/wheeled coolers. Coleman alleviates that headache with its Xtreme 5-Day Rolling Cooler. Heavy-duty wheels make it a snap for rolling over almost any terrain. Inside, the 50-quart capacity holds up to 84 cans, while extra wall insulation ensures they stay cold for nearly a week, even in 90-degree heat. We especially love that the entire build weighs just 12 pounds empty.
Igloo BMX 52-Quart Hard Cooler
Like Coleman, Igloo has a long-standing history as a go-to cooler brand for tailgating, concerts, and weekend camping at the lake. Its premium BMX line boasts many of the same features as Yeti at a fraction of the price. The 52-Quart model is plenty large enough for most outdoor events and promises to keep drinks ice cold for five days in up to 90-degree heat. We especially like the addition of comfort grip handles, risers to keep it elevated off the ground, and tie-down loops to secure it in transit.
If you need an over-the-top, next-level cooler like a Yeti (but better) — one with built-in speakers, one that plugs in, or a cork-insulated alternative — check out our roundup of the best luxury coolers.
