comparison
Beach Cooler Buying Guide: Hard vs Soft, Budget vs Premium
Your cooler choice makes or breaks a beach day. Here's how to pick the right one without overspending.
Soft vs Hard Coolers
Soft coolers win for the beach — lighter, easier to carry, fit under chairs. Hard coolers hold more ice but are a pain to haul across sand. For solo or couple beach trips, soft coolers are the move.
Our Top Pick
Yes, it carries a premium price. But this cooler outlasts three cheap coolers and keeps ice for 2+ days. The cost-per-beach-day math works out.
4.6
What Size Do You Need?
Solo: 12-can cooler. Couple: 18-can cooler. Family of 4: 30-can cooler. Always size up — you'll fill the space with snacks.
More Coolers & Drinkware to compare
12 verified picks — creator favorites first. No sponsored placements.
STANLEYCreator Favorite
Stanley All Day Madeleine Backpack Soft Cooler 20 Can Cooler with Handle and Shoulder Straps In
4.8
DALINDACreator Favorite
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JanSportCreator Favorite
JanSport Lunch Break Insulated Cooler Bag - Leakproof Picnic Tote
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MIYCOOCreator Favorite
MIYCOO Lunch Bag & Lunch Box for Men Women Double Deck - Leakproof Insulated Soft Large Adult L
4.6
STANLEYCreator Favorite
Stanley Adventure Outdoor Cooler | Heavy Duty Outdoor Camping Cooler with Easy Carry Handle | B
4.6
HulongoCreator Favorite
Hulongo Large Waterproof Insulated Cooler Backpack for Men & Women, Leak Proof Cooler Backpack
4.4
Carhartt
Carhartt Insulated Two Compartment Cooler, Durable Water Repellent Material W/Front Zippered Po
4.8
RTIC
RTIC Halftime Water Cooler Portable Carrier Container, Drink Beverage Dispenser, Stackable with
4.8