Best CPU Cooler: Liquid and Air Coolers of 2026
Today, we’re going to tell you all you need to know to find the best CPU cooler, liquid or air, for your needs. This includes our top picks for both liquid and air coolers, as well as a detailed rundown on all you need to know in order to buy the right choice for you.
Do I need a CPU Cooler?
The short answer is a loud and clear YES, you need a cooler. The long answer is YES, you need a cooler, but be careful which one you install for your PC build.
You don’t need to be an expert in order to read through this article and pick the right cooler- our buying guide will teach you everything you need to know, and we already used our expertise to vet these picks for you.
But enough of that. Let’s dive into it!
How We Evaluated These Best CPU Cooler Picks
Every cooler in this guide was assessed against a consistent set of performance criteria rather than manufacturer spec sheets alone. Here is what we weighted in our evaluation:
- Thermal performance under load: We compared temperature delta results (CPU temperature above ambient) under a sustained full-CPU load, referencing standardized benchmark data from trusted hardware reviewers including GamersNexus and Hardware Unboxed where in-house testing data was supplemented.
- Noise levels: We looked at both stock-speed noise figures and noise-normalized thermal results, because a cooler that runs cold by running its fans at full blast all day is not a practical daily driver for most users.
- Installation difficulty: Ease of mounting, quality of the included bracket hardware, and whether the required socket brackets for AM5, LGA1700, and LGA1851 are included in the box were all factored in.
- RAM and case compatibility: Cooler height, heatsink overhang over DIMM slots, and radiator sizing relative to common ATX, mATX, and ITX cases were all considered.
- Price-to-performance: We compared thermal performance per dollar across each category, not just raw cooling numbers, to make sure each pick earns its place at its price point.
Spec-sheet figures like quoted RPM ranges and maximum dB ratings are included for reference, but they are not the primary basis for any recommendation in this guide.
Best CPU Air Cooler
#1. Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
Type: Air Cooler | Heatsink Height: 155 mm | Fan RPM: 400 – 1550 | Estimated Noise Level: Up to 25.6 dB | Socket Compatibility: AMD AM4, AM5; Intel LGA1200, LGA1700, LGA1851 | Lighting: N/A
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is our pick for the best budget CPU cooler in the air category for 2025, and it has genuinely redefined what “budget” means in this category. For a price that used to buy you a basic single-tower cooler, you now get a dual-tower, dual-fan heatsink that benchmark testing consistently places within a few degrees of coolers costing significantly more — including many 240mm AIOs.
The six copper heatpipes and twin 120mm fans keep noise impressively low under typical workloads. Thermalright also includes up-to-date mounting hardware for AM5, LGA1700, and LGA1851 in the box, which removes a frustrating compatibility hurdle that plagued older budget picks. The main things to watch: confirm your case has enough interior height for 155mm, and check whether the heatsink overhangs your first DIMM slot on tighter motherboard layouts.
If you want to step up slightly, the Thermalright Assassin Spirit V2 is another strong option in the same value tier worth considering.
Verdict: The Best Budget CPU Air Cooler
#2. Noctua NH-D15 G2
Type: Air Cooler | Heatsink Height: 168 mm | Fan RPM: 300-1500 RPM | Estimated Noise Level: Up to 24.6 dB | Socket Compatibility: AMD AM4, AM5; Intel LGA1700, LGA1851 (verify specific variant for older sockets) | Lighting: N/A
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 is the current flagship air cooler and our pick for the best CPU cooler in the air category overall. Noctua overhauled the proven NH-D15 design for this generation: the heatpipe layout is revised, the base contact plate has been redesigned for better performance on modern Intel and AMD IHS geometries, and the result is measurably better thermals than its predecessor across virtually every test condition.
In real-world benchmark testing, the NH-D15 G2 consistently matches or outperforms 280mm AIOs and in some noise-normalized scenarios trades within a degree or two of 360mm liquid coolers — at lower noise levels than either. For Ryzen 9, Core i7, and Core i9 builds where you want flagship cooling without liquid, this is the best CPU cooler to get in the air segment.
The same caveats from the original apply: this is a big cooler, and at 168mm tall it absolutely requires a spacious mid-tower or full-tower case. The heatsink can also conflict with tall RAM on some boards, though Noctua includes an offset fan mount option to help with clearance. If it fits in your build, it is hard to beat at any price.
Verdict: The Best CPU Air Cooler / Best CPU Cooler For Gaming
#3. Noctua NH-L9i
Type: Air Cooler | Heatsink Height: 37 mm | Fan RPM: 600-2500 RPM | Estimated Noise Level: 14.8-23.6 dB | Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA115x only (Intel-focused variant — for AMD AM4/AM5 builds, see the Noctua NH-L9a instead) | Lighting: N/A
Last but not least for our air cooler lineup is the Noctua NH-L9i. This one isn’t really a high-performance option, but rather the ideal choice of best CPU cooler for those builds that are super space-constrained. If you can’t afford or can’t fit an AIO liquid cooler inside of your build, this is the next best option.
One important note before you buy: the NH-L9i is an Intel-only cooler, designed specifically for LGA1700, LGA1200, and LGA115x sockets. If you are on an AMD platform — AM4 or AM5 — you need the Noctua NH-L9a, which is the AMD-specific counterpart. The two are not interchangeable, so double-check your socket before ordering.
In addition to being small, it runs fairly cool and quiet. It’s much cooler than the similarly low-profile Intel stock cooler, anyhow, which should still give some nice headroom on Core i3/i5 chips. The price is pretty reasonable for a quality low-profile option from Noctua.
Verdict: Best Low Profile CPU Air Cooler (Intel)
Best CPU Liquid Cooler
#1. Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240
Type: Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 240 mm | Fan RPM: 200-1700 RPM | Estimated Noise Level: Up to 22.5 dB | Socket Compatibility: AMD AM4, AM5; Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200, LGA115x | Lighting: N/A (RGB variant available separately)
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 240 is our pick for the best CPU cooler in the budget AIO liquid category for 2025. The Liquid Freezer line has become a consistent top performer in benchmark testing, with the 240mm model delivering thermal results that beat many competing 280mm options — an impressive achievement at its price point.
One distinctive feature is the small integrated fan on the pump head, which directs airflow toward VRM and memory components on the motherboard. This is genuinely useful for high-load workloads on boards with limited passive cooling around the socket area. Arctic includes current mounting hardware for AM5 and LGA1700/LGA1851 in the box, and installation is straightforward.
If you specifically want RGB, Arctic also offers an RGB variant of the Liquid Freezer III. If you are primarily after performance per dollar, the base model is the buy.
Verdict: Best Budget CPU Liquid Cooler
#2. Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360
Type: Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 360 mm | Fan RPM: 200-1700 RPM | Estimated Noise Level: Up to 22.5 dB | Socket Compatibility: AMD AM4, AM5; Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200, LGA115x | Lighting: N/A (RGB variant available separately)
The Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 is our top AIO pick and one of the best CPU cooler options available today, liquid or air. The 360mm radiator gives it the thermal headroom to handle even the most demanding modern CPUs — Ryzen 9 7950X, Core i9-14900K, Core i9-13900K — without pushing its three fans to uncomfortable noise levels.
In comparative benchmark testing, it consistently lands at or near the top of 360mm AIO charts on a noise-normalized basis, meaning it achieves its excellent temperatures while keeping acoustic output genuinely reasonable. Arctic’s choice to skip elaborate RGB on the base model and instead invest in pump and fan engineering pays off in the results.
The main real-world constraint is case compatibility. A 360mm radiator requires three 120mm fan slots in a row, which typically means a full-size front mount or a generous top mount. Confirm your case supports 360mm before purchasing. If it does, this best CPU cooler pick is an exceptional choice for any high-TDP build.
Verdict: Best CPU Liquid Cooler / Best Liquid Cooler For Gaming
#3. NZXT Kraken 360 Elite
Type: Liquid Cooler | Radiator Size: 360 mm | Fan RPM: 500-1800 RPM | Estimated Noise Level: Up to 36 dB | Socket Compatibility: AMD AM4, AM5; Intel LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200, LGA115x | Lighting: RGB
The NZXT Kraken 360 Elite is our pick for the best CPU cooler in the premium RGB AIO category. Where the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 wins on pure performance-per-dollar, the Kraken 360 Elite wins on aesthetics and software polish. The headline feature is its large circular LCD screen on the pump head, which can display CPU temperatures, custom images, animated GIFs, or system stats — a genuinely impressive visual centerpiece for a windowed build.
Thermal performance is strong at this radiator size, and the NZXT CAM software gives you detailed control over fan curves, lighting, and monitoring in one clean interface. Socket support covers current platforms including AM5 and LGA1851, with the required brackets included.
The honest caveat: you are paying a premium specifically for the display and the NZXT ecosystem experience. If aesthetics are not a priority, our Arctic pick delivers better raw value. But if you want your build to look as good as it performs, the Kraken 360 Elite earns its spot at the top of the premium AIO category.
Verdict: Best RGB CPU Liquid Cooler
How to Choose the Best CPU Cooler for Your Build
Picking a cooler category is one thing — making sure the best CPU cooler you choose actually fits and performs well in your specific build is another. Here is a practical framework for matching a cooler to your setup.
Match cooler class to your CPU’s heat output
- Entry-level and midrange CPUs (65W TDP and under) — A good single-tower air cooler or any 240mm AIO will handle these chips comfortably. You do not need to spend more than necessary here.
- Mainstream enthusiast CPUs (Ryzen 7, Core i7, chips with 65–125W TDP) — A strong dual-tower air cooler like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE or a 240mm AIO is the right starting point. A 280mm or 360mm AIO gives you extra thermal headroom if you plan to push the CPU hard or run sustained workloads.
- High-TDP flagship CPUs (Ryzen 9, Core i9, chips over 125W TDP) — These chips genuinely benefit from a top-tier dual-tower air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 G2, or a 280mm to 360mm AIO. A basic 120mm or 240mm cooler will struggle to keep temperatures in check under full load on these platforms.
- Overclocking — If you are pushing frequencies beyond stock, step up at least one class from what the base TDP suggests.
Compatibility checklist before you buy
- Cooler height clearance: Measure the maximum CPU cooler height your case supports (listed in case specs as “CPU cooler clearance”) and compare it to the cooler’s heatsink height. Add a few millimeters of margin.
- RAM clearance: Tall RAM with high-profile heatspreaders can conflict with the first fan or heatsink fin stack on large air coolers. Check whether the cooler you are considering has offset fan mounting options or known RAM clearance figures.
- Radiator mount support: For AIOs, confirm your case has a compatible radiator mounting location (front, top, or side) at the radiator size you want — 240mm, 280mm, or 360mm. Not all cases support all sizes at all locations.
- Socket support: Verify the cooler explicitly supports your socket — AM5, LGA1700, or LGA1851 for current platforms. Many older cooler SKUs require a separately purchased upgrade kit for newer sockets, or do not support them at all. Always check the manufacturer’s official socket compatibility list, not just the box copy.
- Mounting hardware included: Confirm the required mounting bracket for your socket is included in the box. Some coolers ship with a universal bracket kit; others sell platform-specific brackets separately. This is especially common with older air cooler models that predate AM5 and LGA1700.
Buying The Best CPU Cooler For You
In this section, we’re going to walk you through all the need-to-know info there is around buying the best CPU cooler for your needs.
What is the difference between air and liquid CPU cooling?
Air cooling uses a fan and heatsink attached directly to the CPU to cool the CPU. The heatsink takes the excess heat generated by the CPU, and the fan disperses that heat. As long as this is being done properly, this will prevent the CPU from overheating or thermal throttling, which can inhibit performance or damage hardware in severe circumstances.
Liquid cooling still uses a fan or two, but trades out the heatsink for a radiator attached to one of the fan slots of the case. The fan is attached to this radiator, and liquid runs through and from this radiator to the CPU. This liquid, like the heatsink for an air cooler, carries the heat. The fan and radiator then serve to get rid of that heat as it’s generated. This is an equally valid method of preventing overheating and thermal throttling and is particularly popular among enthusiasts.
Is liquid CPU cooling better than air cooling?
In some ways yes, and others, no. We’ll break it down into some simple pros and cons.
Air Cooling Pros
- Cheaper
- Can accomplish the same or better results than an AIO/closed loop liquid cooler
Air Cooling Cons
- Higher noise levels
- More likely to have compatibility issues with SFF PCs and motherboards
Liquid Cooling Pros
- Accomplishes great thermals at lower noise levels- fans don’t need to be pushed as hard on liquid cooling setups
- With custom loop* setups, can accomplish the best thermal results
- Better compatibility with many SFF PCs, since radiators use pre-existing fan slots
Liquid Cooling Cons
- More expensive than air all-around, especially for raw performance
*A custom loop setup is a custom liquid cooling setup, and a bit out of the scale of this article, since you can’t exactly buy them as a singular product. Custom loops can achieve the best cooling performance on the market, but not by a huge margin- they’re usually made for the fun of it or to show off, not as a practical cooling solution.
How does fan RPM contribute to performance?
The faster the fan is spinning, the cooler the heatsink/radiator will be…but also, the louder it will be. High fan RPMs are great for thermals, but not so great for user experience. This works out in favor of liquid cooling setups, since the sheer amount of cooling mass (liquid) keeps baseline temperatures lower, requiring less fan speed to achieve good results. When shopping for the best CPU cooler, pay close attention to noise-normalized performance figures rather than just raw RPM specs.
How do heatsink and radiator size correlate to performance?
There is a point of diminishing returns (especially where radiators are concerned- 280 mm seems to be the sweet spot), but in general, larger means better. This is because more thermal mass is available to disperse heat with- as long as that dispersion comes with a decent fan or two, you’ll get better results. This is why the best CPU cooler options, air or liquid, come with two or more fans and larger heatsinks/radiators. Independent testing from sources like GamersNexus consistently confirms that radiator and heatsink surface area are among the strongest predictors of real-world cooling performance.
How do I know what noise levels are acceptable?
Aside from personal preference, here are some common sounds and where they rank in terms of decibels (dB) generated. (Note that the ranges displayed in our spec sheets correspond to fan RPM and corresponding noise- especially with liquid coolers, turning down fan RPM to reduce noise without overly hurting cooling performance is an option!)
- 0-10 dB – Ambient noise
- 10 dB – Breathing and rustling leaves
- 20 dB – Distant whispers
- 30-40 dB – Soft rain
Things don’t really start getting loud until you exceed this range, and fortunately all of the coolers we’ve listed fall within it. Add in some sound on your speakers or especially your headphones, and any noises your coolers make should be virtually inaudible in regular use. Some PC cases are also well-built for quiet operation, which further reduces the likelihood of your coolers interrupting your experience.
What to know about RGB on your best CPU cooler
RGB lighting refers to LEDs that can cycle through multiple colors. Some RGB coolers are limited to certain patterns and color palettes, but the ones that we’ve selected in this article have a full range of color and are also customizable with the appropriate software and fan controllers. There are two main implementations to think about when it comes to coolers, though:
- On-Fan RGB: The cooling fans double as RGB fans- this one is much more visually-striking. The NZXT Kraken 360 Elite uses this method.
- On-Shroud RGB: The shroud that covers your CPU in an AIO setup is RGB, usually an RGB company logo or display. Much more subtle, but may be preferred by some users.
Parting Words
And that’s it! We hope you found that article informative, and that it’ll help you make an informed buying decision when choosing the best CPU cooler for your build. Even if you didn’t buy anything, we hope we taught you a few things about coolers for you to carry onward. If you have any lingering questions, leave a comment below and let us know- we’ll be happy to help!