Best Budget Compact Refrigerators Under $150

TL;DR: The Igloo Mini Fridge offers a solid 2.6 cu ft of space, Ultratherm® insulation that keeps ice for up to five days, and rugged transport features for $149.99.

What really sets this model apart is its Ultratherm® insulation, which the manufacturer says holds ice for up to five days in typical outdoor conditions. Inside, the fridge provides 2.6 cu ft of storage and can hold 188 12‑oz cans, making it a practical choice for snacks and drinks on a camping trip.

At 39.2 lb, the Igloo is heavier than the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge (29.81 lb) and the Arctic Chef ACFR335 (30.0 lb), but it matches the Whynter BR‑062WS (39.5 lb). Its 2.6 cu ft capacity is a notch below the Arctic Chef’s 3.2 cu ft and the Euhomy Mini Fridge’s 3.2 cu ft, yet it dwarfs the Cooluli Mini Fridge White’s 0.14 cu ft. So you get a mid‑size fridge that leans toward durability rather than ultra‑light portability.

Reviewers consistently highlight the ice‑retention claim, noting that the cooler stays cold through multi‑day outings without needing frequent refreezing. The reinforced swing‑up handles with tie‑down loops and dual snap‑fit latches make transport easy and secure, earning praise. Some users do point out that the $149.99 price tag sits at the higher end of the sub‑$150 segment, but most agree the added insulation and rugged features justify the cost.

Technically, the unit uses a fan‑free compressor and static cooling, helping keep noise down. The adjustable thermostat lets you set temperatures between 32 °F and 50 °F, and a separate freezer compartment includes an ice tray and a drip tray for added convenience.

Best for: Campers, tailgaters, or small office spaces that need reliable cooling and long‑term ice retention.

Avoid if: You’re on a tight budget or need the lightest possible unit for frequent moving.

TL;DR: The Midea WHS‑65LB1 offers a 1.6 cu ft counter‑depth fridge with a separate freezer, reversible door and ENERGY STAR efficiency for $119.99, making it a solid fit for tight spaces.

The unit’s most distinctive spec is its combined 1.6 cu ft storage—1.4 cu ft for fresh items and 0.2 cu ft freezer—packed into a compact 449.6 mm depth, 492.8 mm height and 472.4 mm width. A six‑level mechanical thermostat lets you dial the temperature between 28.4 °F and 35.6 °F (Celsius values not provided), while the manual‑defrost freezer keeps the system simple and inexpensive. At ≤42 dB the fridge runs quietly enough for dorm rooms or open‑plan offices, and its ENERGY STAR certification translates to an annual energy use of 207 kWh.

Compared with the nine other mini‑fridges in this roundup, the Midea sits in the middle of the size spectrum: it’s smaller than the Sweetcrispy’s 3.2 cu ft total capacity and the Arctic Chef’s 3.2 cu ft, yet larger than the Cooluli Mini’s 0.14 cu ft. Its weight of 32.6 lb makes it heavier than the Upstreman (29.81 lb) but lighter than the Sweetcrispy (43.2 lb) and Euhomy (41.89 lb). Noise‑wise, the Midea’s ≤42 dB is a touch louder than the 38 dB reported by Upstreman, Sweetcrispy, Euhomy and Arctic Chef. Energy consumption is comparable to the Upstreman’s 204 kWh/yr and slightly lower than Sweetcrispy’s 210 kWh/yr.

User feedback repeatedly praises the fridge’s notable small‑space storage and quiet operation, noting that the reversible door and counter‑depth design help it slip into cramped corners. Reviewers also like the ENERGY STAR badge and the low annual electricity draw. The main complaints focus on the manual defrost requirement, which adds a periodic maintenance step, and the limited overall capacity that can feel tight for larger grocery trips. Reviewers also cite the single wire shelf and lack of adjustable interior shelving as constraints for taller bottles.

Technical details round out the picture: the appliance includes a 2 L bottle rack, a 6‑level thermostat, and a R600A compressor running on 115 V at 60 Hz. Midea backs the unit with a full 1‑year warranty and a 2‑year compressor guarantee, underscoring confidence in durability for budget‑focused buyers.

Best for: Space‑constrained users such as college students, small‑apartment dwellers, or office break‑room setups who need a reliable, energy‑efficient fridge under $150.

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range or need a larger capacity and auto‑defrost feature.

TL;DR: The Arctic Chef ACFR335 offers a 3.2 cu ft compressor‑cooled compartment, a sleek black stainless‑steel finish, and a 30 lb footprint for under $150, making it a solid pick for tight spaces.

This compact fridge packs a 3.2 cu ft capacity into a 18.0 in depth, 33.0 in height, and 19.0 in width package that weighs just 30.0 lb. Its compressor cooling keeps temperatures steady even in hotter rooms, and the built‑in can/bottle holder adds convenience for drinks. Adjustable feet let you level it on uneven floors, while the reversible door gives flexibility for placement.

Compared with the nine other models in this roundup, the ACFR335 is lighter than the Igloo Mini Fridge (39.2 lb) and the Whynter BR‑062WS (39.5 lb), yet only a few pounds heavier than the ultra‑light Cooluli Mini Fridge (5.1 lb). Its 3.2 cu ft volume matches the Euhomy and Sweetcrispy mini fridges, both of which list the same total capacity, but it outpaces the Upstreman’s 1.7 cu ft offering. In height, it stands taller than the Upstreman (19.3 in) and the Cooluli (about 16.3 in), giving you a bit more vertical storage without sacrificing floor space.

Reviewers consistently praise the reliable compressor system, noting that it “maintains consistent temperatures” and works well in dorm rooms or small offices. Users also like the slide‑out shelves and the built‑in can/bottle holder, which make everyday access easy. The main criticism is the modest 3.2 cu ft total space – several reviewers mention it feels tight for families or anyone needing a larger freezer section. Additionally, those who want more customization note the lack of adjustable shelves or a built‑in ice maker.

Best for: Students, office workers, RV owners, or anyone needing a reliable, space‑saving fridge with consistent cooling.

Avoid if: You have a large household, need extensive frozen storage, or want customizable shelving and an ice maker.

TL;DR: The Euhomy Mini Fridge offers a roomy 3.2 cu ft interior, 7 temperature settings and a quiet 38 dB operation for $139.99, but its premium price and 41.89 lb weight make it a heavier, costlier choice.

The standout spec is the 3.2 cu ft total capacity, split between a 0.3 cu ft micro‑freezer and a 2.9 cu ft refrigerated section, giving you enough space for drinks, snacks and frozen treats. You can fine‑tune the temperature across seven positions, and the reversible hinges let you flip the door to suit tight spaces.

Compared with the other nine models, the Euhomy sits on the heavier side—its 41.89 lb weight outweighs the Cooluli 20 L Mini Fridge (about 13.7 lb) and the Upstreman 1.7 cu ft unit (around 29.8 lb). It’s also pricier than the budget‑friendly Cooluli Mini Fridge White at $54.99, while matching the price tier of the Whynter BR‑062WS. In contrast, the Arctic Chef and Igloo models are lighter and sit at similar price points, making the Euhomy a more solid‑built but less portable option.

Reviewers frequently praise the quiet 38 dB operation and the removable glass shelf, noting the fridge stays cool without rattling in dorm rooms or home offices. They highlight the 0.66 kWh per day energy draw as reasonable for a unit this size, though some users point out the $139.99 price tag as a notable investment.

The fridge runs on 0.66 kWh per day, and its adjustable feet help level it on uneven floors. The reversible hinges and a built‑in drip tray add practical convenience for varied layouts. Manufacturers list temperature ranges as 23–41 °F for the freezer and 25–44 °F for the refrigerator; Celsius equivalents aren’t provided in the specs.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $139.99

TL;DR: The Cooluli Mini Fridge White cools 35–40°F below ambient, warms to 149°F, holds 4 L, weighs 5.1 lb and costs $54.99, making it a lightweight, budget‑friendly option for travel and desk use.

This compact cooler uses Cooluli’s EcoMax™ thermoelectric system, delivering a temperature drop of 35–40°F (20–22°C) below ambient and a maximum warming temperature of 149°F (65°C). Its 4‑liter (0.14 cu ft.) interior fits a few drinks or skincare products, and the unit measures 7.6" × 10.8" × 10.25" (exterior) while weighing just 5.1 lb.

At $54.99 the fridge sits well below the $150 ceiling for this roundup. It’s lighter than the Frigidaire Mini Personal Fridge Black (7.0 lb) and dramatically lighter than the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge (29.81 lb). However, its 4‑liter capacity is smaller than most rivals, which range from 1.7 cu ft. up to 3.2 cu ft., so storage space is a trade‑off for the lower price and portability.

Reviewers consistently praise the portable design and the inclusion of AC, 12 V car, and USB power cords, noting the ease of moving the unit between a dorm room, office, or car. The quiet, frost‑free operation and lack of refrigerants earn eco‑friendly kudos, while users flag the limited cooling range as insufficient for freezing or deep chilling needs.

Power input options include 100‑120 V AC, 12 V DC (5 A) and a USB minimum 2 A, and the system caps at 40 W. The EcoMax thermoelectric technology eliminates compressors, delivering quiet operation and a compressor‑free, frost‑free experience. Cooluli backs the fridge with a one‑year limited warranty.

Best for: Travelers, students, office workers, and skincare enthusiasts who need a compact, low‑cost cooler/warmer that fits on a desk or in a car.

Avoid if: You require deep freezing, large storage capacity, or precise temperature control for extensive food storage.

TL;DR: The Upstreman 1.7 cu ft Mini Fridge packs a quiet 38 dB operation, reversible door and 0.5 kWh daily energy use into a compact 18.9 × 17.7 × 19.3‑inch footprint for under $150.

The fridge’s most eye‑catching spec is its tiny footprint—just 18.9 in wide, 17.7 in deep and 19.3 in tall—while still delivering 1.7 cu ft of total storage (1.5 cu ft fresh food, 0.2 cu ft freezer). It runs at a whisper‑quiet 38 dB and only draws 0.5 kWh per day, translating to an annual 204 kWh electricity bill.

Compared with the nine other models in this roundup, the Upstreman is lighter than the Sweetcrispy (43.2 lb), Euhomy (≈41.9 lb) and Whynter (39.5 lb), and only a shade heavier than the Arctic Chef (30.0 lb). Its capacity is smaller than the 3.2 cu ft units from Sweetcrispy, Euhomy and Arctic Chef, but matches the freezer size of the Midea WHS‑65LB1 (0.2 cu ft). Energy use sits just below Sweetcrispy’s 210 kWh/year and Midea’s 207 kWh/year, while noise level aligns with the 38 dB figures reported for Sweetcrispy and Euhomy.

Reviewers consistently praise the fridge’s quiet operation and space‑saving dimensions, noting it fits easily on dorm desks or bedside tables. The reversible door and two removable glass shelves earn extra marks for flexibility. The most common complaints revolve around the modest 1.7 cu ft total capacity and the need for manual defrost, which some users find inconvenient for frequent use.

Additional technical details include five adjustable temperature settings covering 33.8 °F – 46.4 °F, crisper drawers for produce, an included ice tray, and an eco‑friendly R600a refrigerant. The unit runs on 110 V with a 65 W draw and carries a 1‑year warranty.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Cooluli 20 L Mini Fridge Black offers a compact 0.7 cu ft thermoelectric cooler with dual AC/DC power, digital touch controls, and a sleek glass front for under‑$150.

This model’s standout feature is its EcoMax™ thermoelectric system that runs on 12 V DC or 110‑120 V AC, drawing a maximum of 50 W. The unit can cool 35–40 °F below ambient and also warm up to 149 °F, all while staying frost‑free and quiet.

Compared with the other nine entries in the roundup, the Cooluli Black is notably lighter at about 13.67 lb, while the Euhomy, Whynter, Sweetcrispy, Arctic Chef, Igloo and Midea models all tip the scales above 30 lb. Its capacity is modest next to the Euhomy’s 3.2 cu ft total volume, but its exterior depth of 352.43 mm and height of 412.75 mm keep it among the most space‑saving options, shorter than the Arctic Chef’s 33 in height. It also weighs more than the tiny Cooluli Mini Fridge White, which is only 5.1 lb.

Users repeatedly praise the fridge’s quiet operation and the convenience of being able to power it from a car outlet while traveling or camping. The digital touch panel and tempered glass front earn marks for modern styling. However, reviewers note the absence of a freezer compartment, interior lighting, and adjustable legs, and some express disappointment that the cooling depth of only 35–40 °F below ambient may not meet deep‑freeze expectations.

Technical details round out the picture: the temperature range spans 16 °F to 149 °F, the unit's ADA‑compliant, and it offers frost‑free operation without a compressor. The warranty's a standard 1‑year limited coverage, and the fridge’s build combines an aluminum/ABS body with a tempered glass front for durability.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Sweetcrispy Mini Fridge offers a roomy 3.2 cu ft interior, a dedicated 0.3 cu ft freezer, and quiet 38 dB operation for $134.85, but its 43.2 lb weight makes it less portable than many rivals.

The standout spec is the total capacity of 3.2 cu ft, paired with a separate 0.3 cu ft freezer compartment and five temperature levels ranging from 33.8 °F to 44 °F for refrigeration and 23 °F to 35 °F for the freezer. Two adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, and a door compartment add flexibility for snacks, drinks, and small leftovers.

Compared with the other nine models, Sweetcrispy's among the taller options at 31.5 in high, while the Upstreman sits at 19.3 in. Its depth of 17.7 in matches the Upstreman, but it's significantly heavier than the Cooluli 20 L (≈13.7 lb) and the lightweight Cooluli Mini Fridge White (≈5.1 lb). The total capacity matches the Euhomy Mini Fridge, yet Sweetcrispy’s weight of 43.2 lb exceeds the Euhomy’s 41.9 lb, making it one of the bulkier choices in the sub‑$150 segment.

Reviewers consistently praise the fridge’s quiet operation—38 dB's low enough for dorm rooms or open‑plan offices—and its solid 4.3/5 rating from 1,177 users. Users also note the compact footprint despite the larger interior volume, which fits well on a bedroom nightstand. The main complaints revolve around the unit’s heft, which can be a hassle during moves, and the freezer’s modest 0.3 cu ft size, which limits bulk frozen items.

Energy use sits at 210 kWh per year, translating to about 0.41 kWh each day, and Sweetcrispy backs the appliance with a 1‑year manufacturer warranty. These figures place it in the mid‑range for power consumption among its peers.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Frigidaire Mini Personal Fridge Black costs $54.97, weighs 7.0 lb, holds 15 cans in a 0.35 cu ft compartment, and runs on AC or 12 V DC, making it a budget‑friendly portable cooler.

This fridge’s most eye‑catching spec is its 0.35 cu ft (10 L) interior that can store up to 15 cans, while the manual‑defrost unit stays lightweight at just 7.0 lb. Dual power options—an AC cord and a 12‑V car adapter—let you plug it into a wall outlet or a vehicle, a feature most of the other nine models don’t list.

Compared with the other contenders, the Frigidaire is lighter than every model except the Cooluli Mini Fridge White, which tips the scales at 5.1 lb. It also out‑sizes the Cooluli White’s 0.14 cu ft capacity, yet it’s far smaller than the Upstreman’s 1.7 cu ft, Sweetcrispy’s 3.2 cu ft, and the Arctic Chef’s 3.2 cu ft units. Its price sits comfortably under $150, placing it in the budget tier where the Cooluli 20‑L model and the Euhomy model cost more.

Reviewers appreciate the fridge’s portability and the convenience of a built‑in locking latch, noting that the 7.0‑lb weight makes it easy to move between a dorm desk, a car trunk, or a backyard party. However, users frequently point out the limited 0.35 cu ft space and the absence of a freezer compartment, which keeps it strictly a beverage‑chiller. The 3.8‑star rating from 6,176 reviews reflects mixed feelings, with many praising the price and dual‑power flexibility while wishing for more storage.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget who need a portable cooler for drinks and snacks.

Avoid if: You need a freezer, larger storage capacity, or precise temperature‑control settings.

TL;DR: At $140.30, the Whynter BR-062WS earns a 4.2‑star rating from over 4,000 reviewers, delivering a lockable glass door and quiet operation for tight spaces.

Whynter’s BR-062WS sits at the bottom of our ten‑product budget roundup, priced just under $150 and carrying a 4.2‑out‑of‑5 rating based on 4,092 reviews. It’s the most affordable option from the Whynter brand in this list, and its rank reflects a solid but not standout performance compared with its peers.

Users consistently praise the unit’s compact footprint that slips onto countertops or into small nooks without crowding the area. Reviewers highlight the stainless‑steel trimmed tempered glass door with a factory‑installed lock for its visual appeal and child‑proof security. Reviewers also note the fridge runs quietly, making it suitable for offices, game rooms, or patios, and they appreciate an adjustable thermostat that lets them fine‑tune cooling for different drinks. Reviewers mention energy‑efficient R600a compression as a plus for power‑savvy households. On the downside, owners point out that a single metal wire shelf limits how they can organize cans and bottles, and the lack of built‑in LED lighting or specialty modes feels dated. Some buyers have run into slightly different dimensions across sellers, which can make placement planning a bit tricky, and the total capacity is lower than larger Whynter models, reducing its usefulness for big gatherings.

In the context of the roundup, the BR-062WS offers a respectable blend of price and reliability, but its feature set trails the higher‑ranked competitors that provide more shelving, larger capacities, or additional conveniences. If you’re comfortable with a modestly sized, lockable cooler and value quiet operation above extra bells and whistles, this model remains a viable choice.

Best for: Compact spaces where a lockable, quiet beverage cooler is more important than large capacity.