In the world of coolers, two main giants exist – RTIC and YETI. As things are, each of these rival companies is trying to prove to buyers why it is a better option than the other. But where does the truth lie? Clearly, both have gone pretty far in their marketing claims in a bid to outdo each other. So, here is a guide to buying coolers from these popular brands.

About YETI Coolers

YETI has been a dominating influence in the cooler market, despite the fact that the company was started in 2006 in Austin, Texas. The company has earned the respect of many consumers by making coolers that can withstand rough outdoor conditions with their long ice life, varied shapes and sizes and the physical capacity to handle the rough outdoors.

 

At the moment, you can buy soft-sided and hard-sided coolers from this company. Also, in line with the trends being established by its close rival, RTIC, the company is also broadening its product line to increase its impact on the industry. That is why the company has recently ventured into drinkware you can use to keep your drinks hot or cold.

About RTIC Coolers

RTIC is even younger than YETI, having been formed in 2014. However, the company hit the ground running with its coolers, becoming a serious competitor to YETI and its line of products.

 

In fact, it seems that the company purposely seeks to compete against YETI, making products that have very similar features, but better prices. Not surprisingly, the company has even been in a legal tussle with YETI over the design of some of its products. At the moment, the company is selling hard-sided coolers, soft-sided coolers, and drinkware.

RTIC and YETI Comparison

Product Size Options

Although RTIC would like the world to know it is a better alternative to YETI, its collection of coolers is yet to meet the size ranges YETI has to offer.

Ice Life

As far as ice life goes, there are many parallels between YETI AND ARTIC cooler performance and portability, since the latter brand seeks to emulate the former in all possible ways. However, RTIC seems to have a slight edge when it comes to ice life when similar-sized models are compared.

Reputation

YETI has been around for much longer, which means it has a stronger reputation in the market. The fact that RTIC has earned a reputation as the brand trying to imitate YETI has made it the least reputable of these two popular cooler brands.

Design Options

If you care about aesthetics as you shop for a cooler, then YETI will have a lot more options for you. The company offers more color choices and there are many customization options available to buyers.

Durability

YETI is known for its high-quality products, and RTIC tries to live up to these standards in every way. For this reason, the two brands compare when it comes to durability. With all their products, you will get a product made of premium quality materials that can give you a great life of service.

 

Generally speaking, the two cooler brands are quite similar, and they target the same markets with products that offer similar features. However, RTIC promises better prices on its products, despite a quality and a product line similar to that of YETI coolers. Although RTIC loses out on things like reputation and design options to YETI, it is a slightly better option in the areas buyers care the most about such as ice life and pricing.