5 Best Coolers With Wheels for Beach Days, Picnics, and Road Trips
Keep your food and drinks perfectly chilled with these top-rated, easy-to-maneuver coolers.
Tested by Raena LoperFashion Commerce EditorExpert consulted: Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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With a great cooler with wheels, you can transport your favorite drinks and picnic essentials with ease, knowing your beverages will stay cold, even on the hottest days. The best models can traverse dirt, sand, curbs, and hills.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Yeti Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler
- Best value: Igloo Trailmate Journey Cooler
- Best high-capacity: RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, our kitchen product experts, including Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou, have tested over 50 coolers since 2022, from totes to traditional hard-sided models. To find the best wheeled coolers, we tested nine models with over 400 cans of sparkling water and over 200 pounds of ice. Here’s what we recommend.
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- High capacity without taking up lots of space
- Comes in several colors
Cons
- Fewer accessories than similar-priced models
BEST FOR: People seeking a spacious cooler designed for travel
Yeti coolers have consistently been top performers in Lab tests. We love that, despite its 60-quart capacity, the Roadie has a smaller footprint than others we tested because its handle is positioned on the back of the cooler rather than the side. This design also allows it to have a wider interior than others because its wheels are located on the back, too, and don’t bulge into the cooler’s interior. The interior is level and wide with more storage space that’s also easier to clean. During testing, the Roadie showed excellent temperature retention; after 72 hours, the temperature increased by less than 4°F, and there was still plenty of ice remaining.
The cooler is easy to maneuver over various terrain types thanks to the long, extendable handle and large, sturdy wheels. Even when full (and weighing over 100 pounds), it was easy to pull and push around our office without excessive effort.
This sleek cooler comes in four timeless colors. It has a basket to hold dry food above your ice and drinks, but fewer accessories than other options on our list.
This model is a favorite of Papantoniou’s: “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,” she says.
| Capacity | 60 qt. |
| Dimensions | 23.7" x 20" x 20.5" |
| Can capacity | 95 |
| Accessories and features | Hard cooler basket (additional accessories sold separately) |
Pros
- Includees helpful accessories
- Very easy to manuver when full
- Sits high off of the ground
Cons
- No lock for lid
BEST FOR: Those looking for a fully equipped cooler for beach days, picnics, and camping
Igloo’s 70-quart Trailmate Journey cooler comes with several handy accessories, including a table that attaches to the handle and stows under the cooler lid for transit. It also has a removable interior basket that sits above the ice and an enclosed exterior storage space for valuables like keys and cards. The handle extends from the side with the push of the trigger buttons.
During testing, the temperature rose just over 2°F after 72 hours, which is better than some pricier options. The cooler sits high off the ground, which makes it easier to pack, and its large wheels are easy to control. In fact, when full, the Trailmate Journey was one of the easiest coolers to move. One thing to note is that it doesn't have a lock like the other models tested; if tipped over, the contents can spill.
| Capacity | 70 qt. |
| Dimensions | 34.6" x 19.7" x 23.6" |
| Can capacity | 117 |
| Accessories and features | Bottle opener, attachable fishing rod holders, butler's tray |
Pros
- Fits over 100 cans of soda
- Easy to clean
- Keeps food cold
Cons
- Heavy when filled to capacity
BEST FOR: Frequent entertainers who want a large cooler to keep drinks cold during backyard gatherings
The Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler from RTIC weighs just over 34 pounds empty, which is on par with similarly sized coolers. Though it might not be as ultra-light as you’d imagine, it earned top scores for temperature retention during testing. When packed with chilled sodas and ice, the temperature rose only 2.1°F over 72 hours.
The sturdy handle lifts from the side and feels secure, even when the cooler is full, which says a lot for a large 72-quart cooler. While the handles were indeed sturdy, the cooler required more effort to control and maneuver than others tested, especially in tight spaces.
We fit 111 cans inside this cooler with no problem. Though the interior is white, it didn’t stain during the cleanability test, and we found it easy to wash, rinse, and drain. Take note: Since this cooler fits so much, it can get heavy. It weighed over 120 pounds when fully loaded.
| Capacity | 72 qt. |
| Dimensions | 18.75" x 18.25" x 18.75" |
| Can capacity | 111 |
| Accessories and features | Built-in cargo net, bottle opener |
Pros
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Includes drink tank
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Can be tricky to control when pushing forward
BEST FOR: Hosts looking for a cooler with multiple functions
The BrüTank has a feature others don’t: a 2.8-gallon removable tank with an exterior tap that can dispense lemonade, wine, or whatever you want. It comes in nine colors and 20-, 35-, and 55-quart sizes (we tested the 55-quart version).
The cooler has a foam seat top, a bottle opener, and an interior basket. While we could fit 80 cans inside the BrüTank, that’s only possible without the basket and tank.
During testing, the internal temperature rose by less than 2°F after sitting for 72 hours. The handle lifts from the side and feels sturdy and durable even when the cooler is full. The handles are comfortable, though we found the cooler slightly harder to push forward.
Kitchen Lab Reviews Analyst Eva Bleyer has been testing this cooler for over a year. "It's 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 sure if it would fit as easily in a smaller car."
| Capacity | 55 qt. |
| Dimensions | 19.5" x 32.5" x 19.5" |
| Can capacity | 80 |
| Accessories and features | Removable drink tank and tap, foam seat top, bottle opener, basket |
Pros
- Can store dry foods
- High capacity
- Keeps ice solid
Cons
- Large footprint
BEST FOR: Those who want a cooler that keeps drinks cold while storing dry items
The original Ninja FrostVault won a Kitchen Award for its versatility and convenient “dry zone” drawer, which can store sides, buns, burger patties, and other necessities. The dry zone drawer sits under the main cavity, so it stays cool when the main cooler compartment is filled with ice while keeping everything dry. This latest version also has wheels, solving one of the only problems testers reported with the original.
The Ninja FrostVault with wheels was one of the top performers in ice retention, with more than half of the ice remaining solid in the cooler after three days. It also maintained a consistent temperature during testing, increasing by less than 1°F after 72 hours. The side handle is sturdy and allows for comfortable control. Due to its large size, this cooler requires more space than others and can be heavy, especially when full. If you want something smaller, it also comes in 30-quart and 45-quart versions.
| Capacity | 65 qt. |
| 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) |
Other coolers with wheels to consider
- Coleman Pro: This 55-quart model maintained a consistent temperature for 72 hours. The large wheels are easy to maneuver, but the plastic surrounding them is fragile.
- Igloo Tag Along Too Spinner: This cute, compact, and lightweight cooler is great for small grocery hauls.
- Rovr RollR Wheeled Cooler: This small cooler features big rubber wheels for handling difficult terrain.
- Yeti Tundra Haul: During testing, plenty of ice remained in this cooler after three days, and it maintained temperature well. However, we found the Yeti Roadie's longer handle easier to maneuver.
How we test coolers with wheels
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, including Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou, have tested more than 50 coolers over the past four years. After running each product through our Lab tests, we take them home to gather long-term feedback.
✔️ Ease of use: When evaluating ease of use, we consider accessibility, locks, cleanability, and transportability.
✔️ Ease of transporting: We evaluate how comfortable the handles are and their material, as well as wheel size and how easy the cooler is to maneuver when empty and full.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: We spill Coca-Cola and place an onion half in each cooler, then check back in 24 hours. We clean the cooler and note any odor retention or staining.
✔️ Features: We look at how easy each cooler is to open and close. We also note locks and accessories such as bottle openers, baskets, and tables.
✔️ Temperature management: We pack each cooler with 12-ounce cans and ice, tracking the amount of ice and the number of sodas that fit. Once filled to capacity, we weigh it. We then insert thermocouples (precise thermometers) into refrigerated sodas and place them in coolers to track temperatures over 72 hours.
✔️ Ice retention and draining: After 72 hours, we examine how much ice remains in each cooler and note the final internal temperature. We also check for leaks, and once the ice melts, we assess how easily it drains.
✔️ Packability: We assess how easy each cooler is to load. We fill it with 12-ounce cans to see if the number matches the one advertised by the brand.
What to look for when shopping for coolers with wheels
✔️ Size and capacity: Coolers with wheels can be as small as 20 quarts and as large as 90. Most brands list the average number of cans and/or amount of ice that fit inside. However, those numbers depend on how you pack the cooler and how much ice you use. Also, if you're looking for a larger model, like the RTIC Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler, check the dimensions to ensure you have enough space in your home and car.
✔️ Weight: Once you’ve chosen a size, consider the cooler's weight. Even if a cooler is not very heavy when empty, ice and drinks add weight quickly. And though the wheels can help with transit, you still might need to lift it at times.
✔️ Wheels: A cooler must be durable to endure sand, dirt, rocks, and uneven terrain. Large, sturdy wheels give you more control.
✔️ Handles: Handles are an essential feature for coolers with wheels: Look for durable handles that are strong enough to pull the full cooler. Taller people with larger hands will prefer a longer, relatively wide handle. Plastic handles can get sweaty when pulling for a long time, but cushioned handles can help you get a better grip.
✔️ Accessories and features: If you're entertaining or grilling, you may want more versatile features, such as an internal basket, a built-in bottle opener, or a removable drink tank.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lizzy Briskin is a contributing analyst and writer in the GH Kitchen Lab. She tests all kitchen-related gear, including cookware, icemakers, and knives. She always keeps a cooler in her car for emergency grocery runs and beach trips.
Nicole Papantoniou is the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab director and oversees all testing and content related to kitchen appliances. She has been testing appliances and developing recipes for over 13 years.
Raena Loper is a former contributing analyst and writer for Good Housekeeping. She tested a variety of products in the Kitchen Lab, including air fryers. Loper conducted the latest round of cooler testing under Papantoniou's supervision.
Raena Loper is the Fashion Commerce Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers emerging fashion trends, style recommendations, and more. Raena is a graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned dual degrees in fashion studies along with gender, sexuality, and women's studies. She was previously the Assistant Style Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine, where she worked on Oprah’s Favorite Things and O List. During her 10+ years in the editorial industry, she worked as an Updates Editor and Product Analyst for Good Housekeeping and Forbes, where she tested everything from BBQ grills and air fryers to self-tanners and sunscreen. Follow Raena on Instagram @raenaloper
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
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