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10 Best Car Coolers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Dometic CFX3 100-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

Capacity: 100 Liters
Cooling Technology: VMSO3 compressor
Power Source: AC, car DC, solar panels
Portability: 65 pounds, tough handles
Durability: Impact resistant, rugged, strong, lightweight
Additional Features: Battery protection, digital display, app

Chosen by 1206 this week

Dometic CFX3 55-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer with ICE Maker, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

Capacity: 55 Liters
Cooling Technology: Temperatures as low as -7°F
Power Source: AC, DC, or solar
Portability: 47 pounds
Durability: High-density polyethylene construction
Additional Features: Ice maker, CFX3 app, battery protection

Dometic CFX3 35 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer - 36L - Powered by AC/DC or Solar Portable Refrigerator, Smokey Gray

Capacity: 36 Liters
Cooling Technology: VMSO3 compressor technology
Power Source: AC, DC, solar panels
Portability: 37 Pounds
Durability: Rugged with ExoFrame, aluminum handles
Additional Features: Dual-zone, temp control, battery protection

YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Big Wave Blue

Capacity: 6300.6 Milliliters
Cooling Technology: ColdCell insulation
Portability: Backpack style
Durability: DryHide shell fabric
Additional Features: MagShield magnetic closure, HitchPoint grid

EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator, 48QT(45L) Electric Cooler, 12V Fridge APP Control, 12V Cooler -4℉~68℉, Portable Freezer 12/24V DC 100-240V AC for Camping, Travel, Truck, Home

Capacity: 48 Quarts
Cooling Technology: variable frequency compressor, frost free
Power Source: 12/24V DC, 110/240V AC
Portability: 33 pounds, removable handle
Durability: stain-resistant materials, reinforced locks
Additional Features: App control, battery protection, dual zones

EUHOMY 12 Volt Refrigerator, 59QT(55L) Electric Cooler, 12V Fridge APP Control, 12V Cooler -4℉~68℉, Portable Freezer 12/24V DC 100-240V AC for Camping, Travel, Truck, Home

Capacity: 59 Quarts (55 Liters)
Cooling Technology: Advanced compressor, Frost Free
Power Source: 12V or 24V DC, AC power
Portability: Handle, 35.7 pounds
Durability: Frost Free, UL energy certified
Additional Features: App Control, Bluetooth, Dual-zone, Basket, Battery protection

YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler with MagShield Access, Charcoal

Capacity: 20 cans or 12 lbs of ice
Cooling Technology: ColdCell insulation
Portability: Backpack
Durability: High-density DryHide Shell
Additional Features: MAGSHIELD Access, kangaroo pocket

BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator 12V Car Fridge 30 Quart Portable Freezer Compressor Cooler Compressor Freezer, 12/24V DC 110~240V AC, -8℉~50℉ for Truck RV SUV (Black)

Capacity: 30 Quarts
Cooling Technology: Fast cooling, 32℉ in 15 minutes
Power Source: 12/24V DC, 110-240V AC
Portability: Portable, 24.26 lbs, shock-proof
Durability: Shock-proof, handles 30° inclination
Additional Features: 3-level battery protection, low noise

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler Desert Tan

Capacity: 45 Quarts
Cooling Technology: PermaFrost Insulation, FatWall design
Portability: Portable
Durability: Rotomolded Construction, Bear-Resistant
Additional Features: Heavy-duty T-Rex Lid Latches
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dometic CFX3 100-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Capacity
Cooling Technology
Power Source

Most important from
792 reviews

Capacity
The 100-liter capacity is spacious enough to store food and drinks for long trips, perfectly suited for group or family use.
Cooling Technology
The cooler delivers exceptional cooling with very low power consumption, using as little as 7 watts in standby and around 55-80 watts while running, making it highly efficient for extended off-grid use.
Power Source
The unit’s flexibility to run on multiple power sources—AC, 12-24V DC vehicle sockets, or solar panels—makes it adaptable to various outdoor and emergency scenarios.
Portability
While the cooler is heavy when fully loaded, the sturdy yet lightweight materials and tough handles balance portability with robustness.
Durability
Its rugged, tank-like build coupled with evacuated walls provides excellent insulation without adding unnecessary weight, ensuring durability in rough outdoor conditions.
Additional Features
Bluetooth app connectivity offers convenient remote monitoring and temperature adjustment from up to 30 feet away, enhancing usability especially during travel or camping.

The Dometic CFX3 100-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is a solid choice for anyone needing reliable cooling on the go, especially for camping, road trips, or outdoor activities. With a large 100-liter capacity, it offers plenty of space to store food and drinks for a group. Its advanced VMSO3 compressor cooling technology can keep contents chilled or frozen as low as –7 °F without needing ice, which is a big convenience. You can power it using AC outlets, car DC sockets, or solar panels, giving great flexibility depending on where you are. The built-in battery protection system helps avoid draining your vehicle’s battery, making it safer for extended use.

The cooler has a rugged design with strong yet lightweight materials and tough handles, so it can handle rough conditions without adding too much weight. The user-friendly digital display and app connectivity let you monitor and adjust settings remotely, which is handy when you’re busy or away from the cooler. It weighs about 65 pounds, so it’s not the easiest to carry by one person for long distances.

While it’s built to be durable, it is a premium product with a price to match, which may not suit casual or infrequent users. For those needing a dependable, efficient, and spacious cooler/freezer that works off multiple power sources and offers smart controls, this Dometic is a strong match.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,206
Capacity
Cooling Technology
Power Source

Most important from
792 reviews

Capacity
The 100-liter capacity is spacious enough to store food and drinks for long trips, perfectly suited for group or family use.
Cooling Technology
The cooler delivers exceptional cooling with very low power consumption, using as little as 7 watts in standby and around 55-80 watts while running, making it highly efficient for extended off-grid use.
Power Source
The unit’s flexibility to run on multiple power sources—AC, 12-24V DC vehicle sockets, or solar panels—makes it adaptable to various outdoor and emergency scenarios.
Portability
While the cooler is heavy when fully loaded, the sturdy yet lightweight materials and tough handles balance portability with robustness.
Durability
Its rugged, tank-like build coupled with evacuated walls provides excellent insulation without adding unnecessary weight, ensuring durability in rough outdoor conditions.
Additional Features
Bluetooth app connectivity offers convenient remote monitoring and temperature adjustment from up to 30 feet away, enhancing usability especially during travel or camping.
#2

Dometic CFX3 55-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer with ICE Maker, Powered by AC/DC or Solar

Rating
9.7
Cooling Technology
Durability
Additional Features

Most important from
792 reviews

Cooling Technology
Highly efficient with power and a significant upgrade from traditional ice coolers.
Durability
An exceptional cooler and freezer that blends durability with superior functionality.
Additional Features
The Bluetooth app control enables remote temperature monitoring and adjustment up to a distance of 30ft, which is handy while driving.

The Dometic CFX3 55-Liter Portable Refrigerator and Freezer is a versatile and powerful option for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable cooling. Its 55-liter capacity is ample for storing food and beverages for picnics, fishing trips, and camping. One standout feature is its unique ice maker, which can produce ice quickly without impacting the temperature of the cooler. This can be particularly useful in hot weather or remote locations.

The cooling technology is impressive, with the ability to reach temperatures as low as -7°F, ensuring that your items stay chilled or frozen as needed. Additionally, its low power consumption makes it an energy-efficient choice, capable of being powered by AC, DC, or solar sources. This flexibility is enhanced by a 3-stage dynamic battery protection system that prevents your vehicle battery from dying, which is a smart feature for extended trips.

The cooler's advanced technology includes the CFX3 app, allowing you to control and monitor temperatures via WiFi or Bluetooth, adding convenience to its usage. Durability is well-addressed with its high-density polyethylene construction and impact-resistant design, making it capable of withstanding rugged outdoor conditions. However, at 47 pounds, it is relatively heavy, and its size might make it less portable for some users. Transporting it might require a bit of effort, especially when fully loaded. The high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons facilitate easy usage, making it user-friendly even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Rating
9.7
Cooling Technology
Durability
Additional Features

Most important from
792 reviews

Cooling Technology
Highly efficient with power and a significant upgrade from traditional ice coolers.
Durability
An exceptional cooler and freezer that blends durability with superior functionality.
Additional Features
The Bluetooth app control enables remote temperature monitoring and adjustment up to a distance of 30ft, which is handy while driving.
#3

Dometic CFX3 35 Portable Refrigerator and Freezer - 36L - Powered by AC/DC or Solar Portable Refrigerator, Smokey Gray

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Cooling Technology
Power Source

Most important from
792 reviews

Capacity
The included divider helps organize contents efficiently, maximizing the versatile 36-liter capacity for extended trips.
Cooling Technology
The cooler delivers exceptional cooling with minimal power consumption, running quietly and efficiently even on 12V DC power.
Power Source
The unit’s energy draw is impressively low, enabling long runtimes on portable battery packs and solar setups.
Portability
Despite its solid build, the cooler remains relatively quiet, often running so silently it’s hard to tell it’s on.
Durability
Rugged construction ensures durability in rough outdoor conditions, making it a reliable companion for camping and travel.
Additional Features
Bluetooth connectivity allows convenient remote temperature monitoring and control, enhancing ease of use from a distance.

The Dometic CFX3 35 is a versatile portable refrigerator and freezer with a 36-liter capacity, making it a solid choice for camping, road trips, or any outdoor activity where keeping food and drinks cold is essential. Its standout feature is the powerful VMSO3 compressor technology, which can chill down to –7 °F without needing ice, so you get consistent cooling or freezing no matter the conditions. It offers dual-zone cooling with two compartments and independent temperature control, which is handy if you want to keep different items at separate temperatures.

This model supports multiple power sources, including AC, DC, and solar panels, making it flexible for use in vehicles, at campsites, or off-grid situations. It also features a 3-stage battery protection system to help prevent draining your vehicle's battery. The rugged construction with an ExoFrame and aluminum handles means it’s built to withstand rough handling and outdoor environments while remaining relatively lightweight for its class.

The user interface is friendly, with a high-resolution color display and soft-touch buttons, plus you can control the temperature remotely via an app using WiFi or Bluetooth, which adds convenience. The cooler also has an automatic defrost system, reducing maintenance hassle. While it weighs around 37 pounds and is not the lightest option for short trips or backpacking, and its single door design may limit quick access compared to models with multiple doors or drawers, its advanced features and build quality justify the typically higher price. For users who prioritize precise temperature control and rugged design over ultra-lightweight portability, the Dometic CFX3 35 is an excellent choice.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Cooling Technology
Power Source

Most important from
792 reviews

Capacity
The included divider helps organize contents efficiently, maximizing the versatile 36-liter capacity for extended trips.
Cooling Technology
The cooler delivers exceptional cooling with minimal power consumption, running quietly and efficiently even on 12V DC power.
Power Source
The unit’s energy draw is impressively low, enabling long runtimes on portable battery packs and solar setups.
Portability
Despite its solid build, the cooler remains relatively quiet, often running so silently it’s hard to tell it’s on.
Durability
Rugged construction ensures durability in rough outdoor conditions, making it a reliable companion for camping and travel.
Additional Features
Bluetooth connectivity allows convenient remote temperature monitoring and control, enhancing ease of use from a distance.

Buying Guide for the Best Car Coolers

Choosing the right car cooler can make your road trips, camping adventures, and long drives much more enjoyable by keeping your food and drinks fresh and cool. When selecting a car cooler, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main factors to keep in mind when shopping for a car cooler.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of space inside the cooler, usually measured in liters or quarts. This is important because it determines how much food and drink you can store. Small coolers (up to 20 liters) are great for solo travelers or short trips, medium coolers (20-40 liters) are suitable for small families or weekend getaways, and large coolers (over 40 liters) are ideal for extended trips or larger groups. Consider how much you typically need to store and choose a capacity that matches your needs.
Cooling TechnologyCar coolers use different cooling technologies, such as thermoelectric, compressor, or absorption. Thermoelectric coolers are lightweight and affordable but may struggle in very hot conditions. Compressor coolers are more powerful and can maintain lower temperatures, making them suitable for all climates. Absorption coolers are quiet and can run on multiple power sources but are less efficient. Think about the typical weather conditions you'll encounter and how important temperature control is for your needs.
Power SourceCar coolers can be powered by various sources, including 12V car outlets, 110V home outlets, or even solar panels. Some models offer dual power options, which can be very convenient. If you plan to use the cooler primarily in your car, a 12V option is essential. For versatility, look for models that can switch between power sources. Consider where and how you will use the cooler to determine the best power source for you.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to move the cooler around. This includes the weight of the cooler, the presence of wheels, and the design of the handles. Lightweight coolers are easier to carry but may have less capacity. Wheels and sturdy handles can make transporting a full cooler much easier. Think about how often you'll need to move the cooler and over what kind of terrain to choose the right level of portability.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the cooler can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions. Look for coolers made from high-quality materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal. Check for features like reinforced corners, sturdy latches, and strong hinges. If you plan to use the cooler in rugged environments or for outdoor activities, durability is crucial. Consider how and where you'll use the cooler to determine the level of durability you need.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your car cooler. These might include things like built-in cup holders, digital temperature displays, USB charging ports, or removable dividers. While not essential, these features can make your cooler more versatile and user-friendly. Think about which extra features would be most useful for your specific needs and preferences.

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