7 Best Alternatives to NZXT Kraken Z73 in 2026

Why look beyond NZXT Kraken Z73

The NZXT Kraken Z73 is a 360mm all-in-one (AIO) liquid CPU cooler known for its cooling performance and the customizable LCD screen on its pump block, which can display system information or custom images. While the Z73 maintains a strong position in the enthusiast PC component market, certain factors may lead builders to consider alternatives. The unit's price point, often exceeding $279.99, is a significant consideration, prompting a search for more budget-friendly options that do not compromise excessively on performance.

Furthermore, while the LCD screen is a unique selling point, some users may prefer a more subtle aesthetic or prioritize raw cooling efficiency over visual customization. The NZXT CAM software, while functional, has been a point of discussion within the community regarding its resource usage and interface, potentially influencing users to seek ecosystems with different software experiences. Innovations in pump technology, fan design, and radiator efficiency from competing brands also offer compelling reasons to explore other AIO solutions that might provide equivalent or superior thermal management, quieter operation, or specific compatibility advantages for certain cases and motherboards. Additionally, specific build themes or existing peripheral ecosystems (e.g., Corsair iCUE or Lian Li L-Connect) can drive decisions towards alternatives that offer more integrated control over lighting and fan profiles.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. NZXT Kraken Elite 360 — Integrated display and enhanced aesthetics

   The NZXT Kraken Elite 360 serves as an evolution of the Z73, retaining the signature LCD screen while enhancing its capabilities. It features a brighter, higher-resolution 2.36” LCD panel with a 640x640 resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate, offering improved clarity for system monitoring or personalized GIFs [NZXT Kraken Elite 360]. This model utilizes NZXT's F120Q Static Pressure fans, engineered for optimal airflow and static pressure, which can contribute to improved thermal performance over previous generations. The pump design has also seen refinements aimed at quieter operation and enhanced reliability, building upon the established performance of the Kraken series. It integrates seamlessly with NZXT CAM software for fan curves, pump speed, and display customization. For users already invested in the NZXT ecosystem or those who prioritize the visual customization aspect of the LCD screen, the Kraken Elite 360 offers a direct upgrade path with enhanced display fidelity and potentially improved cooling efficiency.

   Best for: Users seeking the most advanced LCD display on an AIO, existing NZXT ecosystem users, and premium aesthetic builds.

2. 2. Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT — Performance and RGB integration

   The Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT is a 360mm AIO liquid cooler designed for high-performance CPU cooling and extensive RGB customization. This cooler is equipped with three Corsair AF120 RGB ELITE fans, which utilize Fluid Dynamic Bearings and feature Corsair's AirGuide technology, optimized for directed airflow and static pressure [Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT]. The pump head incorporates 33 ultra-bright CAPELLIX RGB LEDs, allowing for intricate lighting effects customizable through Corsair's iCUE software. The iCUE ecosystem provides centralized control over fan speeds, pump performance, and synchronized RGB lighting across compatible Corsair components. Performance benchmarks often place the H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT among the top-tier AIOs for thermal dissipation, making it suitable for overclocked processors. Its robust software integration and focus on both performance and visual customization make it a strong contender for enthusiast builds.

   Best for: Enthusiasts prioritizing comprehensive RGB control, strong cooling performance, and integration within the Corsair iCUE ecosystem.

3. 3. Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360 — Visual flair and software ecosystem

   The Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360 combines high-performance cooling with a 2.88-inch LCD screen on the pump block, featuring a 480x480 resolution. This display can show system information, custom images, or videos, managed through Lian Li's L-Connect 3 software [Lian Li Galahad II LCD]. The cooler utilizes Lian Li UNI FAN SL-INF 120 fans, known for their daisy-chainable design that simplifies cable management and reduces clutter, while offering significant airflow and static pressure. The pump design is optimized for efficient coolant flow and quiet operation. The L-Connect 3 software provides granular control over fan speeds, pump speed, and RGB lighting, synchronizing with other Lian Li components. The Galahad II LCD 360 is positioned as a premium AIO cooler that competes directly with the Kraken Z73 and Elite 360 in terms of both cooling capability and integrated visual features, offering a distinct aesthetic and software experience.

   Best for: Users who desire an integrated LCD display, streamlined cable management with UNI FANs, and integration into the Lian Li L-Connect ecosystem.

4. 4. ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 — Raw performance focus

   The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 is widely recognized for its strong cooling performance and value proposition. It features a thick 38mm radiator, which provides a larger surface area for heat dissipation compared to standard 27mm or 30mm radiators. The cooler comes equipped with ARCTIC P12 PWM PST fans, optimized for static pressure and quiet operation across a broad RPM range. A distinguishing feature is the small VRM fan integrated into the pump block, designed to actively cool motherboard voltage regulator modules, which can be beneficial for overclocking or high-load scenarios. The Liquid Freezer II series emphasizes performance over extensive RGB lighting, offering a more understated aesthetic. While it lacks the customizable LCD screen of the Z73, its thermal performance frequently ranks at or near the top in independent reviews [ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360], making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing raw cooling power and acoustics.

   Best for: Performance-focused users, those prioritizing cooling efficiency and quiet operation, and builds without a strong emphasis on RGB lighting or an LCD display.

5. 5. DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT720 — Balanced performance and value

   The DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT720 is a 360mm AIO that delivers strong thermal performance at a competitive price point. It features DeepCool's 4th Gen Dual-Chamber Pump, designed for optimized hot and cold liquid channels to enhance heat dissipation. The cooler comes with three DeepCool FK120 fans, which are high-performance fluid dynamic bearing fans providing significant airflow and static pressure while maintaining relatively low noise levels. The pump block incorporates an infinity mirror aesthetic with multi-dimensional RGB lighting, offering a distinct visual appeal without the complexity of an LCD screen. The LT720 is compatible with major motherboard RGB synchronization software for lighting control. Independent testing often positions the LT720 as a high-performing cooler that can rival more expensive options, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking excellent thermal capabilities without the premium associated with an integrated display or extensive software ecosystems [DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT720].

   Best for: Value-conscious builders, users seeking strong cooling performance without an LCD display, and those who appreciate a clean, infinity-mirror aesthetic.

6. 6. Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core — Entry-level performance AIO

   The Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core represents an accessible entry point into 360mm AIO liquid cooling while still offering competent performance. This model is an evolution in Cooler Master's MasterLiquid series, designed to provide a balance of cooling efficiency and affordability. It features a new pump design that focuses on improved flow rates and reduced noise. The included SickleFlow 120 fans are engineered for a combination of airflow and static pressure, crucial for effective radiator cooling. The aesthetic is more understated, typically featuring basic RGB or ARGB lighting on the fans and pump block, which can be synchronized via motherboard software. While it doesn't boast the advanced LCD screen of the Kraken Z73, the MasterLiquid 360L Core is a practical alternative for users who require reliable 360mm AIO cooling without the premium features, focusing on core functionality and ease of installation. It offers a solid foundation for mid-to-high range gaming PCs [Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core].

   Best for: Budget-conscious builders, users seeking a reliable 360mm AIO without premium features, and those integrating into standard ARGB ecosystems.

7. 7. Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync — Synchronized RGB and reliable cooling

   The Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync is a 360mm AIO liquid cooler designed to offer effective CPU cooling with addressable RGB lighting. It features a high-performance pump and a large copper base plate for efficient heat transfer from the CPU. The three 120mm ARGB fans are optimized for static pressure and airflow, ensuring adequate heat dissipation from the radiator. A key selling point of the TH360 ARGB Sync is its compatibility with 5V ARGB headers on motherboards from major manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE, and ASRock, allowing for synchronized lighting effects across the entire system. This eliminates the need for additional software beyond the motherboard's own utility for RGB control. While it lacks an integrated LCD screen, its focus on reliable cooling and broad ARGB ecosystem compatibility makes it a viable alternative for users who prefer unified lighting control and a straightforward installation process [Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync].

   Best for: Users prioritizing motherboard-synchronized ARGB lighting, reliable cooling at a competitive price, and straightforward installation.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Selecting an alternative to the NZXT Kraken Z73 involves evaluating your primary needs for CPU cooling, aesthetics, and budget. Begin by assessing the CPU you intend to cool and whether you plan to overclock. For extreme overclocking or very high-TDP processors, raw cooling performance should be the priority. In such cases, options like the ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360, with its thicker radiator and dedicated VRM fan, or the DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT720, known for its strong thermal dissipation, might be more suitable, even if they lack an integrated display.

If visual customization and system aesthetics are paramount, and the LCD screen is a feature you value, consider the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 for its upgraded display or the Lian Li Galahad II LCD 360, which offers a competitive display and streamlined cable management through its UNI FAN ecosystem. These options provide similar visual appeal to the Z73 but with distinct software experiences and fan designs. If you have other Corsair peripherals, the Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT offers seamless integration and extensive RGB control through the iCUE software, ensuring a unified lighting scheme.

Budget constraints are another critical factor. The Kraken Z73 sits at a premium price point. Alternatives like the DeepCool Liquid Cooler LT720, Cooler Master MasterLiquid 360L Core, and Thermaltake TH360 ARGB Sync offer 360mm AIO cooling at significantly lower costs. While they may not feature an LCD screen, they provide sufficient cooling for most gaming and productivity systems and often include ARGB lighting controllable via motherboard software, which can be a more straightforward solution for many users. Ultimately, the decision should balance your CPU's cooling requirements, your aesthetic preferences (LCD screen vs. RGB lighting vs. minimalist design), and how much you are willing to invest in the cooling solution and its associated software ecosystem.