Best CPU coolers UK (2026)
Air and all-in-one liquid CPU coolers for AMD and Intel desktops. Ranked on cooling, noise, compatibility and fit, build and value. Compare all CPU coolers side by side
Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›
updated 25 Oct 2026 · ranked by score; ties by value and ageNew to CPU coolers? What they are and what to look for
A CPU cooler keeps the processor from overheating. Most are a metal heatsink with a fan; liquid coolers (AIOs) pump coolant to a radiator instead.
Do you need a CPU cooler? Needed if your processor doesn't come with a cooler, or if the one in the box is too loud. Faster processors need bigger coolers.
What to look for
- Support for your processor's socket
- A height that fits your case, or a radiator size the case can mount
- Low noise: a good tower air cooler is often quieter than a liquid cooler
Unsure about a word? Jargon explained
Our picks
The top 10 at a glance
| # | CPU coolers | Score | Verdict | UK price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 | 8.1 | verdict: buy | ~£59.99 |
| 2 | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE | 7.8 | verdict: buy | ~£25.41 |
| 3 | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO | 7.2 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£42 |
| 4 | DeepCool AK400 | 7.1 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£20.50 |
| 5 | ARCTIC Freezer 36 | 7.1 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£20.49 |
| 6 | DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL | 6.9 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£52.99 |
| 7 | ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 | 6.8 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£67.49 |
| 8 | Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE | 6.8 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£24.87 |
| 9 | NZXT Kraken Elite 360 | 6.8 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£279.95 |
| 10 | Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE | 6.8 | verdict: good, not the best | ~£15.95 |
~ typical UK price when researched.
- #1
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240
8.1/10verdict: buyThe ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 240 is for builders who want strong cooling from a 240 mm all-in-one liquid cooler. It suits Intel LGA1851 and LGA1700 systems as well as AMD AM5 and AM4 builds. It is best for people who have checked their case can take a 38 mm thick radiator.
AIO liquid, 240 mm radiatorIntel LGA1851 and LGA1700Radiator 277 × 120 × 38 mm~£59.99typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #2
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
7.8/10verdict: buyThe Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is for builders who want strong air cooling on a tight budget. It suits Intel and AMD desktop owners on current sockets who would rather not pay for liquid cooling. It asks for some patience at install time and a case with room for a 155 mm tower.
Dual-tower air coolerIntel 115X/1200/1700/1851155 mm~£25.41typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #3
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO
7.2/10verdict: good, not the bestThe Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 EVO suits builders who want top-tier air cooling for a high-end CPU without moving to liquid. It works best in a roomy case with low-profile memory. It is a poor match for compact builds or tall RAM kits.
Dual-tower air coolerIntel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851/2011/2066…157 mm~£42typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #4
DeepCool AK400
7.1/10verdict: good, not the bestThe DeepCool AK400 is for builders who want a low-cost air cooler for a mainstream Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits anyone who wants current socket support, including LGA1851 and AM5, without paying for a bigger tower or an AIO. It is a sensible pick for mid-range builds, and less so for chips that draw well above its 220 W rating.
Single-tower air coolerIntel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155155 mm totalUp to 220 W~£20.50typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #5
ARCTIC Freezer 36
7.1/10verdict: good, not the bestThe ARCTIC Freezer 36 is for builders who want a quiet, low-cost air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU. It suits mainstream and upper-mid-range chips rather than the hottest processors at sustained heavy loads. Buyers who want maximum air-cooling performance should look at what sits above it.
Single-tower air coolerIntel LGA1851 and LGA1700159 mm~£20.49typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #6
DeepCool AK620 DIGITAL
6.9/10verdict: good, not the bestThe AK620 DIGITAL is for builders who want a large dual-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop. It suits anyone who values strong cooling and a visible temperature or load readout in the case. It is best for people willing to set a custom fan curve to manage noise.
Dual-tower tower air cooler with six 6mm…Intel LGA2066/2011-v3/2011/1851/1700/1200/…162 mm overall260 W~£52.99typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #7
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
6.8/10verdict: good, not the bestThis is a 360 mm all-in-one cooler for people with a high-power AMD or Intel chip who want maximum cooling headroom. It suits builders who are happy to set a fan curve and fit a long radiator. It is a weaker choice for anyone who wants a quiet build with little setup.
AIO liquid, 360 mm radiatorAMD AM5, AM4Radiator 398~£67.49typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #8
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
6.8/10verdict: good, not the bestThe Phantom Spirit 120 SE is for builders who want a dual-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD desktop CPU on a modest budget. It suits mainstream and gaming systems, including Ryzen 7 7800X3D builds, where one owner reports around 65c under load. It is a less obvious choice for anyone who wants near-silent running under sustained heavy load.
Tower air coolerIntel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851154 mm280 W~£24.87typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #9
NZXT Kraken Elite 360
6.8/10verdict: good, not the bestThe NZXT Kraken Elite 360 is for builders who want a 360 mm AIO on a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits people who want low temperatures under heavy load and a simple install. It is less suited to buyers watching the budget closely.
Liquid AIO with 360 mm radiatorIntel LGA 1851, 1700, 1200, 115XRadiator 401 × 120 × 27 mm~£279.95typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
- #10
Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE
6.8/10verdict: good, not the bestThe Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE is for builders who want a low-cost single-tower air cooler for a current Intel or AMD platform. It suits mainstream CPUs in cases with enough height for a 148mm cooler. Owners mostly praise its value, quiet running and easy fitting.
Single-tower air coolerIntel 115x/1200/1700/1851148 mm~£15.95typical UK price when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)
Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details
Questions
Air cooler or AIO liquid cooler?
A good tower air cooler matches most 240mm AIOs, costs less and has no pump to fail. AIOs suit small cases with no room for a tall cooler, the hottest CPUs, or a cleaner look.
Will it fit my case?
Check the cooler's height against the case's maximum CPU cooler height. For an AIO, check the case supports the radiator size where you want to mount it.