10 Best Beach Coolers With Wheels To Buy In 2024

Which Is The Best Rolling Cooler?

Beach coolers are the best. They make a day at the beach a lot more pleasurable. I mean, they let you have cold drinks and snacks in the sun. There is nothing better.

In the same way, there’s nothing much worse than getting a cooling disappointment that melts ice and leaves you sipping a lukewarm beverage. This is why we have made this list of 15 of the top wheeled coolers in the market and their specifications.

If you are planning a trip to the beach and you are overwhelmed by the availability of so many coolers, and afraid you might make the wrong choice, this is the list for you. Different specs make each wheeled cooler suited to a specific purpose.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Wheeled Cooler

Insulation or Cold retention: This refers to the ability of a cooler to keep things cold.  How long do you expect your trip to last? What is the expected temperature range? Generally, we want a cooler with the best insulation possible.

It must have top-notch technology to keep the interior cold, because it will be used outdoors, in the sun. For great insulation, cooler wall and lid thickness and the insulation material are the two main criteria to look into. Most coolers use foam insulation. They determine the cooler’s ice retention capacity.

Portability or Ease of movement: The beach is full of loose sand. Dragging or lifting a cooler filled with food and drinks on a hot day in the shifting sand is no one’s idea of a good time.

This is especially difficult if you have a large group and need a big cooler. You not only want a cooler that’s easy to lift, but you also want a cooler with high-quality wheels. I say high-quality wheels because not all wheels will work on the beach. If the wheel is too small in diameter or if the material is not good enough, it can simply be swallowed up by the sand.

This poses a navigation challenge as it leads to dragging rather than rolling the cooler on the beach sand. The best wheels should be large enough and made out of durable materials e.g. plastic or rubber of high quality. Wide recessed wheels can take on different types of terrain.

Size: This is a tricky one because dimensions are not always what they seem. There is the external size of the cooler and the interior capacity, which is even more important. It is important to note capacity has little or no effect on the performance of these coolers.

The performance is largely determined by the insulation. Some coolers with large capacities may or may not have good performance.  The capacity of coolers varies.

Coolers with wheels come in different designs. They may be hard coolers i.e. made of hard plastic exteriors or soft coolers made of soft plastic, polyester, and nylon fabrics.

The make does not affect size although it may affect capacity. You may come across a large hard plastic cooler with a smaller capacity whilst a soft cooler may slightly expand to increase capacity. Some smaller coolers may also have additional storage spaces. So, capacity is usually but not necessarily affected by size.

Accessories: Most of us are suckers for extra features and utilities. Many well-known cooler manufacturers have added features such as drains, trays, cup holders, dry storage, etc. as accessories to their beach coolers, we will examine some of such in this list.

Mobile phone holders on a cooler? You’ve got to love it. There are even some with so many tech add-ons that you probably won’t need anything extra for your beach party.

Durability: There is no point in getting a beach cooler if you have to get another one next summer. Although durability highly depends on how well you care for your cooler, it is well known that some products just last longer due to better materials, inbuilt safety, sturdy build, etc.

Cleaning: Drains, removable lining, easy clean lids, antimicrobial lining; these are some of the features that may give you an idea of how easy it will be to clean your cooler.

I am particularly fond of coolers with drains because there is so much wrong with water accumulating at the bottom of your beach cooler. Now that you have an idea of what to look for, let’s get right to it.

1. YETI Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler

Yeti is a reliable name in the cooling industry. They make a wide range of very tough coolers and the tundra haul is a beauty. This fantastic cooler combines great cooling capacity with portability.

It is a very tough product with durable materials. It has strong, puncture-resistant wheels and the base is nonslip so you’ll be all good on smooth surfaces. The towing handle is retractable and is made of strong aluminum with comfortable grips. It also has additional side handles for lifting.

The Yeti Tundra was made with a curved design to protect your heels when pulling or towing. True to its name, this cooler’s insulation and ice retention are ensured by extra thick permafrost insulation in the walls and lids.

Freezer-grade gasket circles the lid to make it airtight when cold, keeping the cold air in and the heat out. So it keeps your food and drinks insulated for days. Weight is 37 lbs when empty.

It can hold up to 45 cans of beverage or 50 pounds of ice. A lot of thought was put into making this heavy-duty cooler user-friendly. The Yeti Tundra Haul gives you a nice combination of great ice retention and durability in a package that is portable.

A little costly but it’s a price you’d be glad you paid in the long run. It doesn’t have many extra features but with its heavy-duty latches, military-grade handles, and strong hinges, this is a premium brand!

Points:

• Durable, heavy-duty, high-quality materials.
• Tough non-slip stand.
• No accessory features.
• Airtight seal, great insulation, and ice retention.
• Medium capacity can handle a small group.
• High-quality wheels.
• A bit pricey but worth it.

2. Coleman Xtreme Series Wheeled Cooler

The Coleman Xtreme series coolers come in different sizes ranging from 28 to 120 quarts. These are hard plastic, ultra-ice-retention coolers. The Coleman 50-quart Xtreme 5 is one of this series that is wheeled for portability.

It is designed to handle hot temperatures up to 90°F/32°C. With its foam-insulated lid and walls, it can store ice for up to 5 days and keep your food, beverages, and ice packs cool throughout your beach trip. Though its framework may look imposing, this wonderful rolling cooler is easy to move.

This is mainly due to the telescoping handle and wheels that are rugged, allowing for hassle-free movement. The wheel is made of strong plastic material, so it will be fine for most terrains.

It’s also fitted with side handles to lift it when necessary. There are four exterior cup holders molded into the lid, which means it can be used as a picnic table on the beach.

The easy-clean top makes spills easy to clean with a wipe, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess. It has a spacious interior that can hold 50 quarts/37 liters, and approximately 70 cans of beverage. Generally, this is an impressive wheeled cooler for a group or family day at the beach.

Points:

• Large capacity but no internal compartments.
• Great for hot weather.
• Does not have UV protection.
• Strong, heavy-duty wheels.
• Sturdy build.
• 4 built-in cup holders.
• Can double as a beach table or seat if you like.
• Strong telescoping handle.
• Has a drain spout.

3. Igloo Glide Pro 110 Quart Ice Chest Wheeled Cooler

The Igloo Glide Pro 110 is a portable large ice chest on wheels. Due to its impressive capacity of 110 quarts i.e. 168 cans of beverage, it is a fantastic choice for large groups.

It is safe in the summer sun with its UV inhibitors and infrared technology which protect the cooler against sun damage. The thick eco-friendly Ultratherm foam in the body and lid provides a 5-day ice retention performance. It has telescoping handles which make for easy hauling. It also has cushion grips on the towing handle.

There is a threaded drain plug that allows drainage without the need to flip it, which is an immense convenience considering the size of the cooler. The stainless steel hinges and impact-resistant lid closures give it a sturdy build.

With all these features, the wide and rugged Igloo Glide Pro still maintains an impressive empty weight of 25.4 lbs. The cooler’s unique slip and lock telescopic handle provides for an interesting four-wheel wagon-like design.

The pulling mechanism is very comfortable and eases the ice chest’s transportation. This wagon-like design also distributes and balances its weight, meaning you don’t have to worry about bearing the weight of all the food you store.

For a cooler with a large capacity, this makes it extremely easy to move and is a huge selling point.

Points:

• Large capacity.
• Four-wheel wagon design which makes it very portable.
• UV protection.
• Great overall build. 5-day ice retention capacity.
• Eco-Friendly insulation.
• Built-in drain.
• Surprisingly lightweight when empty.

4. Coleman 40 QT Performance Wheeled Cooler

This wheeled cooler has great cold retention and wheels that are great on sand. It also has molded handles that comfortably allow lifting into your car as easy as bringing it out of your car.

With package dimensions of 21 × 16.5 × 13inches, item dimensions of 14.5 × 22.68 × 16.75, a self-weight of 8 pounds, and a 40-quart capacity, this cooler can take up to 59 cans of beverage.

The Coleman 40 QT Performance Wheeled Cooler can keep food cold for up to 3 days. This cooler also has a rustproof, leak-resistant drain that makes emptying excess water easy to avoid bacterial odors. It is durable and perfect for a summer day on the beach with a small group.

If a larger size appeals to you, check out the Coleman 60 Quart Performance Wheeled Cooler. It is large enough to hold 94 cans of beverage and keeps food cold for up to 4 days.

Heavy-duty wheels and long telescoping handles. Like the 50-quart Coleman Xtreme 5, it has 4 cup holders molded into the lid, perfect for a sit-around.

Points:

• Medium capacity.
• Wheels are good for a sandy beach.
• Inbuilt rustproof drain.
• Easy to lift.
• 3-day ice retention.
• No accessory features.
• Not great for long trips or large groups.
• No UV protection.

5. Igloo Ice Cube Maxcold Roller Wheeler

This cooler has a capacity of 70 quarts or 110 cans of beverage. It is fitted with telescoping handles for pulling or pushing as well as molded side handles for lifting.

The smooth, durable, all-terrain wheels are ideal for day trips to the beach. The igloo ice cube has both a recessed drain plug for easy emptying of melted ice and a lid with 2 cup holders which can double as a small picnic table.

The exceptional thing is that it can retain ice for up to 5 days. The Igloo ice cube max cold roller may not be readily available as this model is not currently being made.

A very close alternative is number 7 which is smaller but just as good. It is lightweight, with an empty weight of 21.5 lbs. Made of high-quality hard plastic and deep foam.

Points: 

• Ice retention for up to 5 days.
• Large capacity.
• Attractive compact design.
• Lightweight.
• Easy clean.
• All-terrain wheels.
• 2 cup holders on the lid.
• Recessed drain plug.
• However, it may not be readily available.

6. Coleman 16-quart Personal Wheeled Cooler

This small yet impressive Coleman might just be the best budget cooler out there. It provides a convenient way to keep your food and beverages cold if you do not need large amounts of refreshments.

It is sleek and lightweight, with an empty weight of 1.12 ounces. Capacity is 16 qt, i.e. about 22 cans of beverage. As for the height, a 2-liter bottle can be placed upright in it, no problem. It has telescoping handles for towing, additional molded handles for lifting, and recessed wheels that roll smoothly.

Towing this cooler may be tricky due to its small size and small wheels. However, it is impressive that they made them work on the personal wheeled cooler. It can retain cold for up to 2 days. I’d say it is great for personal or a couple of days at the beach.

Points: 

• Small capacity.
• 2-day ice retention.
• Sleek and lightweight.
• Good wheels and towing handles.
• But may pose a towing challenge in the sand.
• Perfect for individual beach days, but not very suitable for groups.

7. Igloo latitude 62 rollers wheeled cool box

This cooler has a 58 liters capacity, meaning it can hold about 90 beverage cans. It possesses great insulation; and up to 5 days of ice retention. This is possible because of its eco-friendly ultra-therm padding and cool riser technology which lifts it above the surface it’s on, reducing contact with the warm sand.

There are 4 integrated cup holders on the lid. It has a capacity dimensions of 21.65 × 20.51 × 19.76 inches, an item dimensions of 21.65 × 17.72 × 20.87 inches, and can support up to a weight of 13.625 pounds

It has smooth wheels, telescoping handles for towing, and molded side handles for lifting. The handles and wheels stay out of the way when not in use, making the overall build rather sleek.

Points:

• Sleek design.
• Large capacity.
• 5 days ice retention.
• Cool riser technology.
• 4 integrated cup holders.
• No drains, no other attachments.

8. Rubbermaid 60 Qt Wheeled Ice Chest

Rubbermaid is a reliable, well-known brand. Their 60qt ice chest has all-terrain large-diameter rubber wheels. It possesses retractable towing and side swing handles with comfort grips.

Its 60qt or 57 liters capacity means it can hold up to 82 cans of beverage plus ice. It has a front drain attached for easy drainage of spills or melted ice. A hinged split lid gives easy access to food and drinks without completely opening the cooler, thus reducing the outflow of cold air.

This contributes to its superior thermal retention. The inner liner is easy to clean with microbial protection. It has 4 built-in cup holders, 2 on each of the split lids, and can double as a picnic table. Weight 14lbs 12oz

Points: 

• Large capacity
• Hinged split lid
• Easy clean liner
• Antimicrobial protection.
• High-quality all-terrain wheels, 4 cupholders.

9. Igloo Trailmate Journey 70-Quart

This heavy-duty cooler holds up to 70 qt, meaning it can keep up to 112 beverage cans. Due to its large smooth-ride wheels and aluminum parts built for all terrains, from your car to the beach dunes, this cooler is a great choice for long trips for family or large groups.

It has ultratherm insulation technology built into the body and lids. It also features cool riser technology to reduce surface contact and cold loss. Horizontal locking telescoping handles make pulling 50% easier.

The butler tray accessory is included in this model to serve up drinks and snacks away from the sandy beach. When not in use, these trays fit conveniently under the lid of the cooler.

The Igloo trailmate journey caters to your non-food-related beach needs with its dry storage, storage pocket, and mobile device stand where you can keep things like your phones, keys, wallet, sunscreen sunglasses, etc safely away from the sand and saltwater.

It also has bottle openers, cup holders, suspended interior cup holders, and accessory holders that can also be used as additional support for beach umbrellas, tie-down loops for strapping in other picnic items, and so on.

What’s more, it has up to 4 days of ice retention performance. Its threaded drain plug makes spilled and melted ice easy to get rid of. It’s the ultimate beach picnic machine.

Points: 

• Large capacity
• Cool riser technology
• Drain and plug
• Easy-clean
• Tons of useful features and accessories
• Up to 4 days of ice retention
• Horizontal towing handles
• High-quality wheels
• Durable material.

10. Coleman 42-Can Soft Wheeled Cooler

If hard plastic doesn’t appeal to you, this is one soft cooler you would enjoy. The Coleman 42-can cooler as its name implies has just enough storage capacity for up to 42 cans of beverage.

The build is impressive with a zippered soft fabric exterior compartment and an inner removable plastic liner for easy cleaning and flexible packing. The outer compartment has heat-welded seams to prevent leakage.

Inside, it has a flexible antimicrobial liner that repels bad odor, mold, mildew, and fungus growth. The strong FDA-approved material and sewing stitch used give rise to its leak-free and tough anti-rip and tear properties.

There are lots of accessory features such as a dry storage pouch, front zippered pockets, two-sided mesh pockets, and lid bungees for additional storage space.

It has soft side handles for lifting, a strong telescoping handle, and durable wheels all of which give it good portability. The wheels are a bit small in diameter which may pose some challenges on sandy beaches, however, it can simply be carried on using the handles.

Stands allow it to rise above the sandy floor which reduces dirt and contact heat absorption. It is easy to move and store. The outer compartment is insulated with an ice-preserving interior liner. Without the plastic liner, ice substitutes can still be used with the cooler.

Points: 

• Compact.
• Soft and lightweight
• Medium capacity
• Antimicrobial lining
• Telescoping handles.
• Small but durable wheels.
• Strong materials and good seal.
• Lots of additional zippered dry storage spaces.

Other Worthy Mentions

1. Coolest Cooler Premium Ice Chest Wheeled Cooler with Bluetooth Speaker

True to its name, the coolest cooler ice chest may be the coolest cooler we’ve seen yet. If you are looking for sophistication, ease, gadgets, and all-around fun, this is the cooler for you. It has a capacity of 60 quarts or 57 liters i.e. up to 40 cans of beverage.

This wheeled cooler is made with sturdy plastic material to withstand its weight and add-ons. It has two wide-diameter wheels that will have no problem at all tackling the sand. The wheels have a stainless steel axle and the handle is made of telescoping aluminum.

All hinges are stainless steel, eliminating rusting concerns and ensuring durability. The Coolest Cooler also features a built-in USB charger so that you can charge up your devices when you are on the beach.

It has an LED light on the lid to help you find your favorite drink if it’s dark and a bottle opener that has a magnetic cap catcher.

Even more impressive is the fact that it can connect to your smartphone or music device via an outdoor Bluetooth-enabled speaker. The Bluetooth speaker has dual drivers and a resonator plate. The speaker is also removable so that you can separate it from the cooler.

The Bluetooth speaker can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. Don’t worry, these accessories are completely spill-proof. There are 4 built-in plates so that you do not have to carry paper plates, a removable cutting board, a ceramic knife, and a corkscrew.

All of these things make it easier for you to prepare a picnic lunch or dinner when you are out on the beach, hanging out with family or friends. It has a built-in blender. The blender is powered by a rechargeable battery.

This can be used to crush ice and make cocktails, smoothies, or other icy treats regardless of where you are. This means snow cones and smoothies on the beach. With this cooler on wheels, you can take your party anywhere.

The solar panel lid will help you harness the beach sun to make treats and listen to your favorite tunes. It’s like an engineer married a chef and they gave birth to a cooler baby.

If you are concerned about how heavy this cooler maybe with all of its unique features, it is surprisingly light. The wheels make transportation easier, but if you do have to lift it, it weighs less than 40 pounds. It measures 24 x 19 x 17 inches. It can hold ice for up to 3 days.

Points: 

• Large capacity
• Ultimate party cooler featuring speakers
• A blender
• Wheels
• Built-in plate
• USB charging, etc.
• Not readily available, expensive, wide-diameter high-quality all-terrain wheels.
• 3-day ice retention capacity.
• Optional solar panel lid with USB charger.
• Splash proof.
• Ideal for large groups

2. Coleman Ice Chest wheeled cooler

The Coleman Ice Chest comes in a few different sizes, but the one with wheels is a 65-quart capacity cooler. That means you are set to carry about 101 cans of beverage.

Capacity is large enough for medium-sized groups. It has a strong telescoping hauling handle. While this cooler is specifically made to hold food and drinks, it can double as a seat, being able to hold 250lbs on the lid when closed.

It boasts a compact, low-profile footprint. This is a reprieve for users, especially when putting it in and taking it out of the car. Another notable advantage of this cooler with wheels is its cooling prowess.

The manufacturer claims that it can keep your food items and drinks cool for four days even when exposed to high temperatures of 90 Fahrenheit. Which is a plus for beach trips. The cooler also boasts an array of accessories.

Points:

• Large capacity
• Large-diameter wheels for any terrain
• Affordable
• Compact and lightweight
• Sturdy build
• Up to 4 days of ice retention

3. RovR Wheeled Camping Rolling Cooler

This unit is of 60-quart, 45-pound capacity, meaning it can hold about 40 cans of beverages. It has a very high cooling performance. A very attractive feature of the RovR Wheeled Camping Rolling Cooler is the sections that make it easy to organize its contents.

It has a removable dry goods basket. It also has a fantastic cooling capacity of up to 7-10 days. This is a truly heavy-duty machine, made of outer hard plastic and thick layers of insulating foam in the walls and lids. It also has an airtight gasket around the lid to help retain cold air.

It is quite bulky, although this bulkiness is compensated by its top-performing cooling functions. The wheels are made of strong materials that can handle sandy beaches and rough terrains.

It also has a wide diameter and easy-rolling tires which leads to higher sand mobility. It comes with a tough handle. It can also be attached to a bike using anchor points.

If you like, you can also buy their additional attachments such as the dual cup holder and prepping board, which are useful features. RovR Wheeled Camping Rolling Cooler is great for a family or small groups.

It is a versatile piece and was built to stand the test of time. It is however quite bulky, empty weight is 45lbs (20.41kg) and may be a bit pricey compared to other coolers of similar sizes. I like to think we are paying for the insulation performance.

Overall, this is the wheeled cooler with the ability to tackle difficult terrains while keeping in perfect shape. Dimensions: 27 x 22 x 21in (69 x 56 x 53cm)

Points: 

• Durable
• Heavy-duty and bulky
• Medium capacity
• 7-10 days ice retention capacity
• High-quality puncture-resistant versatile wheels
• No UV protection
• Expensive
• Sectioned interior
• Several accessories but some are at extra cost

4. Pelican Products ProGear Elite wheeled cooler

On beach sands, the mobility of wheels may be impeded. The Pelican Products ProGear Elite is up to the task with its large heavy-duty wheels. ProGear Elite engineering is very masterful.

The model is heavily constructed, a rugged build with durability in mind. The stainless steel walls reinforced corners, and the thick walls with 2 inches of polyurethane insulation will keep your supplies ice-cold even in the harsh summer sun. The unit is built for convenience, easy transportation, and storage.

This rolling beach cooler comes with an extendable towing handle that can be set at your preferred pulling height. With the non-skid feet, the unit can be placed at rest with no fear of slipping. This unit comes with a drain with a plug attached which makes for easy cleaning

Points:

• Heavy-duty but still convenient.
• Perfect wheels for beach sand
• Durable
• Stainless steel walls, drain.
• Non-Skid feet.
• No UV protection.
• Not many accessories.

5. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze 60 Can Collapsible Rolling Cooler 

The Arctic Zone Titan is an impressive and sophisticated cooler. Although not quite as all-inclusive as the coolest cooler, it has many great accessory features.

Apart from its main cooling compartment, you get an insulated front storage compartment for extra snacks or drinks. There’s a high-performing insulated barrier that reflects radiant heat instead of absorbing it.

There is a superFoam of 3 layers thick in a coldblock triple layer, included to help prevent your cooler and content from the conductive heat coming from the ground on a hot day. The presence of leak-proof Microban lining protects your content against stains and bacterial odors and helps to make your cooler clean.

It has a bunch of side pockets, a removable all-terrain cart, straps, a detachable bottle opener, etc. For easy transport and storage, the cooler itself can be detached from the wheeled section.

Cool, right? Also, you can use a bunch of the gadgets, e.g. the all-terrain cart independently to move the beach chairs, or your bags, etc. Talk about a cooler built for convenience.

The external dimensions are 14.75 x 15.5 x 19 inches and this model can carry up to 100 pounds of ice and food. You can also add water bottles or other things since it fits a lot of stuff.

Points: 

• Useful accessory gadgets.
• All-terrain cart.
• Large capacity.
• Easy to store.
• Strong wheels.
• Two cooling compartments (main and front storage)

It is important to take care of your wheeled coolers after use. This is the only way to get the best and longest use out of them. Cooler care involves:

• Taking out the stains
• Cleaning it out after use
• Unclogging the wheels
• Make sure the insides are dry pending the next beach day
• A good storage trick is to keep it upside down in a cool and dry place

So, there you have it. An assortment of different wheeled coolers for your convenience. No more beach days cut short by hunger or thirst. No more lukewarm drinks on the beach. No more embarrassing episodes of lifting the cooler with “your knees, not your back”.

There are so many of them at various prices. No matter which one you pick, it will serve its designed purpose. You get a wheeled cooler, you get a wheeled cooler, and everybody gets a wheeled cooler!