Best CPU Coolers 2026: Top Picks Reviewed

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 Pro keeps showing up at the top of every expert list, and after reading why, I totally get it. With a jaw-dropping average rating of 9.50, it’s like the overachieving student who somehow also manages to be the star athlete. This cooler doesn’t just whisper sweet nothings to your CPU; it serenades it with a symphony of icy performance and whisper-quiet operation.

After sifting through reviews from Tom's Guide, RTINGS, and CNET, the expert consensus was surprising—this cooler pairs exceptional thermal management with a price tag that doesn’t make you want to cry into your wallet. In this roundup, I've wrangled together eight contenders, each bringing something special to the table. From the value-packed Noctua NH-D15 G2 to the sleek and flashy NZXT Kraken Z73, these coolers are here to keep your system chill while you do all the heavy lifting. Let’s get to it!