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Have you ever forgotten to bring a Bluetooth speaker with you to the beach or to a picnic, simply because you have so many things to think about and carry with you? Luckily, there’s an easy way to prevent this from happening again. You just need a cooler with Bluetooth speakers. Yes, those things really exist. And they are incredibly convenient. Just think about it – if there’s one thing that’s impossible to forget when going to a picnic, it’s the cooler. So, isn’t it perfectly natural to install the speakers inside it?
Our article on 6 best coolers with Bluetooth speakers in 2024 is here to help you find the perfect cooler for your needs. We will discuss the most important features to look for in a cooler with Bluetooth speakers, analyze their advantages over regular coolers and regular outdoor Bluetooth speakers, talk about the prices, and present to you our selection of 6 best coolers with Bluetooth speakers.
Table of Contents
- Best Coolers with Bluetooth Speakers – Comparison Table
- 6 Best Coolers with Bluetooth Speakers in 2022
- 1. Best Overall – KoolMAX TUNES2GO Bluetooth Speaker
- 2. Best Cheap Cooler Bag with Bluetooth Speakers – Bud Light Portable Travel Cooler
- 3. Best Cooler Bag with Bluetooth Speakers Under $100 – Super Real #1 Cooler Bag with Speakers
- 4. Best Backpack Cooler with Bluetooth Speakers – Super Real Business Backpack Cooler with Speakers
- 5. Best Cooler with Bluetooth Speakers Under $200 – Recoil CA-3 Audio Cooler
- 6. Coolbox The Entertainment Cooler
- FAQs
Best Coolers with Bluetooth Speakers – Comparison Table
| Coolers with Bluetooth Speakers | Rating | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| KoolMAX TUNES2GO | 4.0 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Bud Light | 4.2 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Super Real #1 | 4.6 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Super Real Business Backpack Cooler | 4.3 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
| Recoil CA-3 | 4.6 | Check Amazon | Read Review |
| Coolbox The Entertainment Cooler | 4.1 | Check Amazon Check Walmart | Read Review |
Like always, we did some research and found the most popular and highest-rated coolers with built-in speakers. Then, we tested them, compared them against each other, analyzed their features, their capacities, their speakers, their prices, and finally, we made a list of our favorite coolers with Bluetooth speakers in 2021. The following devices are our top picks.
6 Best Coolers with Bluetooth Speakers in 2022
1. Best Overall – KoolMAX TUNES2GO Bluetooth Speaker
KoolMAX TUNES2GO is one of the most popular, highest-rated, and most versatile coolers with Bluetooth speakers on the market.
Things we like
The cooler comes with a remote, DC adapter, manual, and a warranty card.
KoolMAX TUNES2GO features a simple suitcase design. It’s boxy and has plastic carrying handles on the left and right sides. There’s also a telescoping handle on the back and wheels on the bottom. Each carrying handle has a bottle opener. The lid has a special weather-resistant compartment for tablets and phones. On the inner side of the lid, there’s a built-in LED flashlight.
The capacity of the storage is 40 US quarts – you can put up to 48 beer cans or 28 bottles inside. TUNES2GO will keep the ice frozen for up to 72h. When it melts, there’s a convenient water drain cap on the bottom.
The speakers and control panel are located on the front. The control panel is protected with a plastic cover and each input has a dedicated rubberized cover for additional protection. On the control panel, you will find all the buttons (playback controls, Bluetooth pairing, volume controls), as well as all the inputs. TUNES2GO houses numerous inputs including USB input, SD card slot, two AUX inputs, two mic inputs (6.35mm and XLR), USB powerbank output (for charging phones), and 12V/5A DC power output. The number of available inputs and playback options is one of the best things about this cooler.
You can play the music from your phone via Bluetooth or you can connect any audio source with analog AUX output. You can also play the music directly from an SD card or from a USB stick (only WMA and MP3 files). The speaker also has an FM tuner. What surprised us the most were those two mic inputs (XLR and 6.35mm). So, you can even use this thing for karaoke parties. The mics are not included in the package.
The cooler has a rechargeable battery that is supposed to provide 16 hours of playtime (50% volume). However, the playtime is somewhat shorter (up to 12h).
TUNES2GO has 4 drivers – two 6.5in woofers and two 2in tweeters. The peak power output is 350W. The speaker can get very loud. The sound is somewhat bassy. The mids are fairly clear but not very detailed. The highs are a bit dull and lack some sparkle. If you don’t like the sound, you can play with the EQ button and shift between 6 EQ presets (pop, rock, country, jazz bass, normal).
Things we don’t like
The speaker is not waterproof. It’s not IPX certified at all so you should be careful around pools.
The sound gets distorted at high volumes (above 70%).
The included remote looks quite cheap and it’s not perfectly responsive.
2. Best Cheap Cooler Bag with Bluetooth Speakers – Bud Light Portable Travel Cooler
Bud Light Cooler comes in a form of cooler bag and it’s much more compact than the previous TUNES2GO cooler. It is a perfect choice for short trips and small gatherings (2-3 people).
Things we like
Bud Light cooler is a soft cooler bag with a heat-sealed lining on the inside and a nice fabric finish with the Bud Light logo on the front side. It comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so you can carry it around with ease. The cooler is 15.5in long, 10in tall, and 3in deep. It is advertised that it can fit 24 cans, but it can actually fit much less (10-12).
On the front side, there’s a small zippered pocket. When you open it, you will find a tiny Velcro compartment with a controller box. This controller box has a button/switch that you have to flip in order to turn the speakers on and initiate pairing.
When it comes to connections, you can either use Bluetooth or AUX connection (AUX input is located on the controller box). The cooler appears in your list of available Bluetooth devices as Gabba Cooler. The pairing is fast and the connection quality is satisfying.
The battery is also built inside that controller box. It’s not extremely durable but it can deliver up to 6 hours of playtime, while the recharging takes up to 3 hours.
The cooler has two tiny speakers, located on the front side. They won’t blow you away, but they are good enough for some quiet background music. The bass practically doesn’t exist. There’s a nice balance between mids and highs. The vocals are clear and articulate.
Things we don’t like
There are no dedicated buttons on the controller box. If you want to adjust the volume or control the playback, you have to use your phone.
Even though the pictures suggest that you can put some ice inside, this cooler doesn’t hold ice. It’s not lined with waterproof lining and, if you fill it with ice, it will melt fairly quickly and it will leak out. You should use this cooler for dry goods or get ice packs for your drinks – don’t fill it with ice.
3. Best Cooler Bag with Bluetooth Speakers Under $100 – Super Real #1 Cooler Bag with Speakers
The #1 cooler bag with speakers is somewhat larger than the previously reviewed Bud Light. It’s also more durable and it’s much more versatile. It’s a great choice for the beach, picnics, parties, camping, and many other outdoor activities.
Things we like
The cooler comes with a micro USB cable, shoulder strap, a short user manual, and a warranty card.
The bag is lightweight. It has a waterproof lining on the inside and a nice fabric finish on the outside. On the front, there’s a removable zippered pocket with built-in Bluetooth speakers. It is advertised that the bag can hold 12 cans of beer (12oz x12).
Even though the inside is lined with waterproof lining and is supposed to hold ice, it’s probably smarter to use the bag for dry goods or to buy some ice packs.
Below the speakers, there’s a rubber flap protecting the connections (inputs and outputs). When you remove the flap, you will see the power switch, a USB powerbank output (for charging phones), AUX input, micro USB input for charging the battery, and four LED battery status indicators.
When it comes to available connections, you can choose between Bluetooth and AUX connection. The Bluetooth connection delivers an average performance – the pairing is simple and the range is 30ft.
The built-in battery delivers up to 8 hours of playtime and it can also charge your phone, which is always a handy extra feature.
The cooler houses two tiny weather-resistant speakers. The speakers are removable. The sound is not great and it’s not very loud but it’s good enough for some nice background music.
Things we don’t like
The cooler (and the speakers) are not fully waterproof so be extra careful with it, especially when taking it to the beach or to the pool.
There are no dedicated playback or volume buttons on the cooler. You have to use your phone to control everything.
4. Best Backpack Cooler with Bluetooth Speakers – Super Real Business Backpack Cooler with Speakers
The next product on our list of 6 best coolers with Bluetooth speakers in 2021 is practically the same thing as the previous cooler. The only difference is that it comes in the form of a backpack. It’s also a great choice for all kinds of smaller outdoor events.
Things we like
The backpack comes with a micro USB charging port, user manual, and a warranty card.
Like the previous cooler bag, this Super Real cooler backpack is compact and easily portable. The inside is lined with waterproof fabric and the outside has a nice fabric finish. The backpack feels quite durable. On the front side of the backpack, there’s a zippered compartment inside of which, you can find a completely removable speaker. The backpack can hold 10-15 cans of beer, depending on your creativity.
Since the lining on the inside is waterproof, the backpack is supposed to hold ice, but you should probably avoid using ice (ice life is not very long). Instead, you can use the backpack for dry goods or you can buy some ice packs.
The part where the speakers are installed is completely removable. Each speaker has a peak power output of 10W. Below the speakers, there’s a rubber flap protecting some inputs and power switch. The speaker compartment features one USB powerbank port. You will also find one AUX input and a micro USB port for charging the battery.
The Bluetooth connection works as advertised. The pairing is simple and the speakers are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The range is standard (up to 30ft unobstructed).
The built-in battery delivers up to 8 hours of playtime. Also, it can charge your phone thanks to the USB powerbank port. The recharge takes 3-4 hours.
The speakers are small so don’t expect some crazy bass. They are good enough for some background music and that’s it. The mids are nicely balanced and fairly detailed. The vocals are clear and articulate.
Things we don’t like
The backpack is not fully waterproof so be careful around water. The speakers can definitely withstand a few drops and splashes but they are not IPX certified.
There are no dedicated control buttons – you have to use your phone to control everything.
5. Best Cooler with Bluetooth Speakers Under $200 – Recoil CA-3 Audio Cooler
Recoil CA-3 is also a large boxy cooler with Bluetooth speakers and with many extra features. It is a great choice for all kinds of large outdoor gatherings. Recoil Audio Cooler is our favorite cooler with Bluetooth speakers under $200.
Things we like
Recoil cooler has a more ordinary shape than other coolers on our list. It’s a regular box with insulated lid and walls. The cooler has wheels on the bottom and a strong molded-in handle, which makes the transportation much easier.
The cooler has a capacity of 41 quarts. It can fit up to 48 standard 12oz cans (it can be more or less than that depending on the amount of ice). The cooler also has a separate snack compartment. The ice life extends well over 48 hours. When it melts down, you can use the drain cap on the bottom to remove the water. According to the product specs, all the components are IPX5 certified (water-resistant).
Unlike other boxy coolers with Bluetooth speakers, this thing has a speaker and all the controls on the right panel, not on the front. At the top, there’s a circular control panel with playback, volume, and pairing controls. Below, there’s a rubber flap covering the inputs/outputs. You have one AUX input, one AUX output (for connecting an external speaker or another cooler with speakers), two USB powerbank ports, and a micro USB charging port.
The speaker features Bluetooth 4.0. The pairing is fast, the connection is stable, and the range is 30ft. If you want to connect a source with a 3.5mm audio output, there’s one AUX input.
The battery is pretty good. It can deliver 8 hours of playtime at moderate volumes and it’s pretty loud, even at 40% volume.
The cooler has one 6.5in (60W RMS) speaker. The sound is quite loud and it’s pretty bassy. The lower midrange is somewhat muffled because of the strong bass. If you want to make a party, you can always connect another speaker or another cooler with Bluetooth speakers through the AUX output.
Things we don’t like
The cooler is not fully waterproof so you should still be careful around pools.
6. Coolbox The Entertainment Cooler
Coolbox is one of those large and chunky coolers that look like toolboxes. It has quite a few extra features and connections, and it’s a good choice for tailgating and large outdoor events.
Things we like
The cooler is boxy and quite rugged. It has strong carrying handles on the left, right, and top panels. It also has a telescoping handle on the right end and wheels on the left end, which makes the transportation much easier, even when fully loaded.
The box is large enough to fit 22 standard 12oz cans (assuming that the ice-can ratio is 2-1). You can put even more if you don’t use that much ice. The cooler can keep ice for more than 72 hours.
The cooler is quite feature-rich. Except for the cooling capabilities and built-in Bluetooth speakers, this thing has so many extra features.
On the front side, you will see two large speakers on the left and right ends, and a large water-resistant phone compartment in the middle. At the top, above the phone compartment, there’s a series of inputs and controls, protected with a transparent plastic cover.
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Under the cover, there’s the ON/OFF switch, two USB powerbank ports for charging phones and tablets, AUX input for connecting wired audio sources, an LED display, and three control buttons for setting the clock and selecting the mode. Right next to the control panel, there’s a bottle opener and a charging port.
The Bluetooth connection works like a charm. The pairing starts when you turn on the speaker. The range is satisfying (approx. 30ft).
The cooler houses two 20W speakers. The bass reproduction is not amazing but the mids and highs are quite detailed and balanced. Also, the speaker can get very loud.
Things we don’t like
The battery life is not great. You will get approx. 4 hours at 50% volume.
The LED clock display is not backlit and it’s impossible to see in the dark.
There are no dedicated track/volume buttons.
The phone compartment on the front is not fully waterproof.
This was our selection of best coolers with Bluetooth speakers in 2021. Hopefully, it helped you learn a few things about coolers with Bluetooth speakers and maybe even find the perfect cooler for your needs. If you want to find out more or if you need some guidelines to help you with your search, we recommend you to go through our FAQ section. If you want to share your experience with coolers with Bluetooth speakers, feel free to leave a comment.
FAQs
Q: What is the best cooler with Bluetooth speakers in 2021?
A: Well, according to Amazon and various other e-commerce platforms, TUNES2GO, the #1 Cooler, and Bud Light cooler, are top 3 coolers with Bluetooth speakers on the market. However, none of these coolers has to be the perfect option for you. There are so many factors to consider (storage size, speaker size, price, ice life, battery life, etc.) so there cannot be only one answer to this question. You should set your priorities and look for a cooler with Bluetooth speakers that meets all or at least most of your requirements. You can find quite a few great choices in our list of 6 best coolers with Bluetooth speakers in 2021.
Q: What features to look for in a cooler with Bluetooth speaker?
A: Since you are buying a 2-in-1 device, you have to consider both – the cooler specs and the speaker specs.
The cooler part is somewhat easier. You have to consider the size of the storage (small/medium/large) and the advertised ice life (24h, 40h, 60h, 80h, etc.). You can also check the materials the cooler is made of and the cooler type (backpack cooler, bag cooler, or a classic cooler box).
The Bluetooth speaker part is a bit harder since there are more features to consider. The most important is, of course, the sound quality. You can’t really expect an audiophile-grade sound or anything close to those standards, but you can still find something loud and engaging. Since you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker, you should check the Bluetooth specs (BT version, connection quality and reliability, connection range, additional Bluetooth features, etc.). Also, you have to pay attention to the battery life, ease of use (controls), and additional features. Some coolers have powerbank ports so you can use them to charge phones, and some have additional audio inputs (AUX, RCA, guitar amp input, etc.).
In the end, or rather before you even start your search, it’s important to determine the budget and set the limits. Our article on 6 best coolers with Bluetooth speakers has something to offer for every budget. You just have to set your limits and go through our list.
Q: How do you add speakers to a cooler?
A: If you want to install Bluetooth speakers inside a cooler, there’s a bunch of DIY video tutorials on YouTube. However, there’s an easier way – you can just buy a cooler with Bluetooth speakers. After all, they’re not crazy expensive. Well, most of them are not. So, instead of going through all the hassle of finding the right materials, speakers, wires, batteries, and all the tools, you can sit in your chair, relax, and go through our list of 6 best coolers with Bluetooth speakers in 2021.
Q: Do You really need a cooler with Bluetooth speakers?
A: It depends. If you want something large and loud for an outdoor party, you should probably look for a separate Bluetooth speaker. If you are just looking for something convenient for picnics, for the beach, or for smaller outdoor gatherings, buying a cooler with Bluetooth speakers is a viable solution.
Q: Is it better to have a separate cooler and Bluetooth speaker?
A: If you only care about the sound, then yes. A dedicated Bluetooth speaker will definitely sound better than the same-priced cooler with Bluetooth speakers. In some cases, even a much cheaper speaker (like a $100 Bluetooth speaker) will sound better than a $300 cooler with Bluetooth speakers.
Hello, my name is James Longman.
I’m a writer and editor at AudioReputation. I disassembled my first portable AM/FM radio when I was only 8. At the age of 11, I burned the circuit board on my old boombox cassette player. I’m not going to explain how but it was reckless and stupid.
Since then, I have become much more careful around radios, boomboxes, and other audio devices (at least, I like to think so) but I have never lost the passion for audio equipment. Throughout 20 years of my professional career, I’ve been working for various audio equipment manufacturers and even started building speakers on my own in my little workshop.
I love the work we do here at AudioReputation. Testing, comparing, and evaluating all kinds of audio devices (speakers, soundbars, headphones, home theater systems, etc.) is something I truly enjoy. I try to be unbiased and give you my honest opinion on every piece of equipment I test. Still, you should take my reviews with a pinch of salt and always be just a little bit skeptical. The fact that I liked some speaker or soundbar doesn’t mean that you are going to love it. If you have the opportunity, you should test it/hear it before buying it.