Reviews of the 8 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper
8 Best Coolers Like Yeti:
The Ultimate Review
Remember the first time you saw a Yeti Cooler? Maybe you wondered why Yeti Coolers are so expensive compared to other high-end ice boxes. Which is exactly why we’re providing you with the Ultimate 8 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper.
Why These Yeti Like Coolers Made the Cut
These 8 Coolers Like Yeti had to pass a number of tests to make it into this list. After all, Yeti Coolers are superb. Our comprehensive tents for each of the following are based on qualities such as durability, construction, price, and ice retention.
Here’s a handy outline:
#1 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: RTIC Extreme Coolers
RTIC says their brand is Half the Price of a Yeti Cooler and Holds More Ice. Whoa, that’s bold. Just how true is this statement?
How RTIC Coolers are Different
- It’s tricky to compare ice retention to a “T”, as the Yeti Tundras have slightly smaller capacities when compared by number.
- However, RTIC Coolers may hold ice longer slightly longer.
How They’re Similar
If you take a glance at an RTIC 65 vs a Yeti Tundra 65, you’ll see almost identical features. This includes:
- Rope handles, roto-molded construction, and commercial-grade insulation.
Another similarity is that they’re certified bear-proof.
However, Yeti recently sued RTIC for basically copying their coolers and directly attacking them. As a result, RTIC must redesign their coolers and pay Yeti a large amount of money.
>>Read More Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
#2 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: K2 Coolers Summit Cooler
K2 Coolers are another great set of Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper. In the K2 vs Yeti challenge, it’s obvious that K2 and Yeti brands are both loved by their users.
How K2 Coolers and Yeti Coolers Are Alike
The K2 Summit 90 and the Yeti Roadie 20 both have sturdy, rotomolded constructions.
- Yeti Coolers and K2 Coolers are both durable, and they keep ice cold for a respectable amount of time.
- Robust polyethylene insulation boosts these ice chests into the “top-tier” category, giving the coolers’ their signature insulation.
How They’re Different
Yeti Coolers are a bit more durable. Considering whether or not you put a lot of stress on your coolers can be helpful when making a decision.
- However, the K2 Summit 20 has a padded shoulder strap for easier carrying, whereas the Yeti Roadie 20 does not.
- Also, the K2 Coolers 20 costs almost a hundred dollars less than the Yeti Roadie. (On average.)
- Yeti only offers a five year warranty, and it’s limited.
- In contrast, K2 Coolers come with a seven year warranty that covers everything. If you want one of the best coolers like Yeti but cheaper, K2 offers Yeti a run for its money.
>>Read More K2 Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
#3 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers
Why Pelican Coolers are Better
We can’t say enough good things about Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers. When you look at Pelican Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, it’s obvious that Pelicans are better.
- They have great insulation and hold ice longer than their Yeti counterparts.
- They’re also very easy to use, with a convenient button to open and close the lid and pinch-free handles that allow weight to be evenly distributed when carrying.
Why Yeti Coolers Are Worse
The Yeti’s lid has a pesky tendency to snap shut when open, like so many other large ice coolers.
In contrast, Pelican Coolers feature hard plastic latches that are easier to snap into place and especially easy to open – all you have to do is push a button. This really comes in handy in freezing temperatures, when you don’t want to take your gloves off.
You’ll save enough dough by choosing the Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler 35 over the Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler to buy an extra accessory.
>>Read More Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
#4 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: Engel Deep Blue Cooler
The Engel Deep Blue Cooler is hardcore like a Yeti Cooler, but it’s much more cost effective. Engel Coolers were the first modern roto-molded cooler in the U.S. market. (Take that, Yeti.)
While you’ll need to purchase a Yeti bottle opener, Engel Deep Blue Coolers come with built-in bottle openers. This isn’t a life changing extra, but it’s still pretty nifty.
How Engel Compares to Yeti
We deem these excellent high-end coolers to be at about the same level of quality.
They both have built-in features for fishermen, are very durable, and have about the same ice retention. (Ice retention is always up for debate, as many factors impact it.)
The Yeti has a five year warranty, whereas the Engel only has a three year warranty.
Despite the difference in warranties, an Engel 19 Quart can be as low as 1/5 the cost of a Yeti Roadie 20.
To really see the two cooler brands duke it out, take a look at our in-depth comparison of Engel Coolers vs Yeti Coolers.
>>Click Here for Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
#5 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: Grizzly Coolers
Grizzly Coolers are great coolers, but some outdoors people disagree about whether or not they’re comparable.
However, we’re mentioning them because you need to know that buying a Grizzly is a decision that should be based on how often you’ll have the opportunity to refill ice.
But don’t let that turn you off – we found a sweet video that really showcases this best cooler like Yeti’s strengths:
This Best Cooler Like Yeti Has Worse Ice Retention Than Yeti
When examining Grizzly Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, you’ll see that Yetis are stronger and have better ice retention. But keep reading – this doesn’t mean Grizzly Coolers aren’t the best fit for your individual needs.
The big thing you need to be aware of is that Grizzly Coolers have the worst ice retention in comparison to other popular coolers. One “Five Day Ice Challenge” video shows a major Grizzly ice retention fail.
Just How Similar Are They?
Both coolers: are certified bear-proof by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Additionally, they’re both roto-molded and feature rope handles.
However, Grizzly Coolers are a little less durable. For example, their latches or more likely to break.
Grizzly’s Warranty is Better than Yeti’s
One benefit of Grizzly Coolers is that their warranty is seven years, while Yeti Coolers’ warranty is only five years.
Tips for How to Decide if Grizzly Coolers Are Best for You
In conclusion, yes – Grizzly coolers are awesome and you should consider buying one. They wouldn’t be our first recommendation if you won’t have access to ice, but if you are only going on short trips, that’s just fine.
A Grizzly 20 Quart is only a little cheaper than a Yeti Roadie 20. You know what they say, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
>> Click Here for Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
Go to the Top
The Top Three Soft Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper
#1 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: The Polar Bear Coolers 24 Pack
The Outdoor Gear Lab, a reputable a source for the world’s best gear, has declared the Polar Bear 24 Pack “the best bang for the buck” when compared to the Yeti Hopper 30.
The Polar Bear 24 Pack is at least half the price of a Yeti Hopper 30.
Polar Bear and Yeti Comparison
This soft sided cooler is a little smaller than a Yeti Hopper 30. It can hold ice for 24+ hours.
Even after the Outdoor Gear Lab hauled the Polar Bear around from the back of a truck, it was still intact – it just looked well-loved and not as pretty as the Yeti after the same treatment.
Polar Bear 24’s Construction & Ease of Use
We love the ability to position the corners of the bag down so that it’s shaped like a cube, and therefore easier to pack.
Other great features of the Polar Bear soft cooler include:
- Adjustable pad on the shoulder cap
- Small outer pocket
- Bottle opener built into the zipper
Yeti Hoppers are Stronger and Colder – But Here’s Why That Isn’t a Dealbreaker
Overall, the Yeti Hopper 30 is more durable and holds ice longer. Its ice retention makes it the best beach cooler.
But this isn’t a deal breaker for us. A Polar Bear Pack soft cooler is excellent for:
- Overnight camping trips
- Picnics
- A day spent on the road.
For more reviews of the Yeti Hopper 30, listen to what verified owners have to say. But if you want to save yourself from spending a large sum of money, skip that and consider one of the soft Yeti like coolers but cheaper that’s included in this review.
>>Click Here for Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
#2 Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: IceMule Pro Cooler
This soft cooler is much cheaper than a Yeti cooler, and it’s an incredible option. It differs from the Yeti Hopper in that it features a padded, ventilated backpack arrangement rather than a handle and strap to wear over the shoulder. This makes the IceMule Pro easier to carry around.
While the Yeti Hopper 30 may keep beverages cold for multiple days, the Ice Mule Pro can be counted on to maintain a satisfactory temperature for at least twenty four hours, and up to forty eight hours.
The IceMule Pro Is Pretty Dang Convenient to Use
The IceMule Pro is easy to fill up and empty. The wide mouth roll top facilitates smooth sailing when putting ice and the stuff you want to keep cold in your cooler. A convenient feature is a screw vent air valve which allows you to expel excess air to minimize the size of the load.
We think the inclusion of “mule” in the name is fitting because this little cooler just won’t break down, even after being thrown around, carried and used for long hiking trips..
An IceMule Pro’s price tag is refreshingly low when compared to the price of a Yeti Hopper 30. For a more in depth review of the IceMule Pro, see The Best Backpack Cooler Reviews: Staff Favorites
>>Click Here for Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
#3 Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper: AO Coolers 24 Pack Canvas Cooler
The final Yeti alternative on our list is the AO Cooler 24 Pack Canvas Cooler which reminds us of the Polar Bear Cooler, with its zip top and shoulder bag style. If you’re looking for a soft cooler to take to ball games, picnics, or the beach, this might be the soft cooler for you, as it’s best suited for short trips like these.
It keeps ice cold for up to twenty-four hours, which is definitely respectable.
The AO is easier to fill up than the Yeti Hopper, due to the supple material from which it’s made. It features a shoulder strap, carry handles, and an external pocket.
Tips for Deciding If the AO is Right for You
The AO is user-friendly, as it’s easy to carry and can easily be folded up and tucked away when empty. However, it can be difficult to zip shut when it’s full, and if tipped over, it has the inclination to leak.
In terms of durability, the AO isn’t something to be used for extra long trips. The plastic on the straps may snap if the cooler is thrown around or stepped on. Also, the material isn’t as high quality as Yeti Hoppers.
Where Are You Headed? This Tells Whether the AO is Meant for You
In our opinion, the AO Cooler 24 Pack Canvas Cooler is a fabulous cooler like Yeti but cheaper – much, much cheaper.
Although we don’t recommend getting the AO if you’re tough on coolers or take trips into the back country, it’s great for other things. For example: picnics, overnight trips, or even just bringing lunch to your deer blind.
So, if you’re on the market for a simple soft cooler for relatively gentle day trips, this is the cooler for you.
It isn’t worth the thick stack of cash you’d shell out for a Yeti Hopper, if you don’t intend to take it on rough or lengthy trips.
>> Click Here for Owner Reviews & Amazon Deals
Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper
Whether you want a rigid cooler or a soft one, there are lots of cooler alternatives to Yeti on the market today.
To be most satisfied with your purchase, make sure to consider what the primary function of your cooler will be.
Do you want a hardcore cooler with a maximum capacity that you can take on long camping expeditions? You might be happiest with a Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler.
But if you’re just looking for something to take on day trips to the park, an AO Soft Cooler will work well for you.
We get why Yeti-owners are so proud of their coolers, because they’re pretty damn cool. But also expensive!
Use the money you save to buy another piece of outdoor gear you’ve had your eye on. (Or, you know, beer.) Take advantage of the reviews above to find the most cost effective Yeti alternative for you. Happy Trails!
Why stop here? Poke around the rest of Chuggie’s Blog for cooler, hammock, and tent reviews. Readers who read “Best Yeti Cooler Alternatives” also liked:
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Tags: Best Coolers Like Yeti But Cheaper, AO Coolers, Beach Coolers, Engel Coolers, Grizzly Coolers, Polar Bear Coolers, RTIC Coolers, Best Yeti Alternatives, Yeti Like Coolers, Yeti Roadie, Yeti Knock Offs, Soft Coolers, Rigid Coolers, Yeti Hopper
