Best Liquid Cough Syrups of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Liquid cough syrups are a popular over-the-counter medication for relieving coughs and cold symptoms. They come in a variety of flavors and formulas, with some containing alcohol and others being alcohol-free. Many liquid cough syrups contain active ingredients such as dextromethorphan or guaifenesin, which work to suppress coughs or break up mucus in the respiratory system. Some also include additional ingredients like honey or menthol for added soothing effects. Liquid cough syrups are easy to administer, making them a convenient option for those seeking relief from cough and cold symptoms.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid Cover #TOP 1
Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max Cover #TOP 2
Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels Cover #TOP 3
Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Liquid Cough Syrups

Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid

RGT-186
Orange
5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid Cover
Delsym 12 Hour Cough Medicine for Adults, Powerful Relief for 12 Hours, Cough Suppressant Liquid with Extended-Release Dextromethorphan, Orange Flavor, 5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid, also known as Delsym Cough Suppressant, is a reliable and effective solution for soothing coughs. With its orange flavor, this cough syrup provides a pleasant taste while effectively suppressing your cough. The packaging may vary, ensuring that you receive the product in the most convenient and practical packaging available. Delsym Cough Suppressant is a trusted brand in the cough syrup category, known for its quality and effectiveness. Whether you are dealing with a persistent cough or simply need relief from occasional coughing, Delsym Cough Suppressant is the ideal choice. Its liquid form makes it easy to administer, providing quick relief from coughing and allowing you to get back to your day without interruption.

What We Like
Long-lasting 12-hour relief
Highly effective cough suppressant
No prescription required
Compatible with other medicines
Kid-approved flavors
#TOP 2

Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max

300318739181
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max Cover
Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max (8 fl. oz. Bottle), Cough Suppressant & Expectorant, Raspberry Flavor

Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max is a maximum-strength cough syrup that provides non-drowsy control and relief for coughs and chest congestion. With its expectorant formula, it helps to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. This raspberry flavored cough syrup is not only fast-acting but also suitable for both adults and children 12 years and over. The non-drowsy formula ensures that you can take it during the day without feeling sleepy. With Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max, you can experience fast and effective cough relief, allowing you to get back to your daily activities without interruption.

What We Like
Fast cough relief
Reduces chest congestion
No drowsiness
Easy to use
Effective for persistent cough
#TOP 3

Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels

300318739129
Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels Cover
Robitussin 8 Hour Liqui-gels Cough, Adult Formula - 20 count Liqui-Gels

Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels is a non-drowsy cough medicine that reduces the urge to cough. The liquid-filled capsules containing dextromethorphan provide up to 8 hours of relief and are portable and easy to take. It is formulated for adults and children aged 12 years and older. The recommended dosage is two capsules every six to eight hours as needed.

What We Like
Fast-acting relief
Long-lasting cough control
Easy to swallow
No drowsiness
Convenient for travel

Amazon Basic Care 12 Hour Cough DM Syrup

Amazon Basic Care
Orange
5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Amazon Basic Care 12 Hour Cough DM Syrup Cover
Amazon Basic Care 12 Hour Cough DM Syrup, Extended-Release Dextromethorphan, Orange Flavor Liquid Medicine, 5 fl oz (Pack of 1)

Amazon Basic Care Cough Syrup is an orange flavored cough medicine that provides relief from cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation. It contains dextromethorphan polistirex, a cough suppressant, which helps to suppress the impulse to cough and allows you to get a good night's sleep. With its extended-release formula, this cough syrup provides 12 hours of relief, allowing you to go about your day without the discomfort of a cough. It is gluten and alcohol-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Amazon Basic Care Cough Syrup is a reliable and effective solution for cough relief.

What We Like
Comparable to name brands
Affordable price
Fast cough relief
No drowsiness
Pleasant taste
#TOP 5

Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough Syrup, Raspberry Flavor, 8 Fl Oz x 2

60000000138634
Green
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough Syrup, Raspberry Flavor, 8 Fl Oz x 2 Cover
Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM Max, Cough Suppressant and Expectorant, Raspberry Flavor, 8 Fl Oz x 2

This product includes two 8 fl oz bottles of Robitussin Adult Maximum Strength Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM Max, Non-Drowsy Cough Suppressant and Expectorant, Raspberry Flavor. It is a non-drowsy cough suppressant and expectorant that provides quick cough relief and chest congestion relief. This cough syrup is suitable for adults and children over 12 years old, and its raspberry flavor makes it easy to take.

What We Like
Effective congestion relief
Easy-to-open packaging
No chemical aftertaste
Fair price for two bottles
Includes measuring cup

Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM, Berry Flavor - 8 Fl Oz

300318718186
8 Fl Oz
Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM, Berry Flavor - 8 Fl Oz Cover
Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM Max, Adult Formula, Berry Flavor - 8 Fl Oz Bottle

The Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM is a cough suppressant that provides quick relief for coughs and other symptoms of upper respiratory allergies. It comes in a great-tasting berry flavor and is formulated to help you sleep by controlling your impulse to cough. Take 20 mL every six hours, preferably before bed.

What We Like
Effective cough relief
Reduces wheezing
Affordable price
Easy returns
Informative purchase experience
#TOP 7

Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM

300318757185
8 Fl Oz
Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM Cover
Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM, Cough Suppressant and Expectorant, Raspberry Flavor - 8 Fl Oz Bottle

Robitussin Cough DM is a non-drowsy cough medicine that effectively controls and relieves frequent cough while also thinning mucus to alleviate chest congestion. With its easy-to-measure liquid form, this raspberry flavored expectorant provides fast relief for adults and children 12 years and older. The non-drowsy formula ensures that it relieves symptoms without slowing you down, allowing you to go about your day without interruption. Whether you're struggling with a persistent cough or chest congestion, Robitussin Cough DM has got you covered.

What We Like
Effective for cough relief
Great value for money
Quick delivery
Works fast

Zarbee's Baby Day & Night Cough Syrup

Zarbee's Baby Day & Night Cough Syrup Cover
Zarbee’s Baby Day & Night Cough Medicine & Syrup Value Pack with Organic Agave + Zinc for Immune Support, Natural Grape Daytime & Chamomile Nighttime, Baby Cough Medicine, 2 x 2 fl oz

Zarbee's Cough Syrup is a convenient day and night solution for your child's cough relief. This value pack includes daytime syrup in a natural grape flavor and nighttime syrup with a soothing agave taste. Both formulas feature organic agave, which helps to ease coughs and comfort your child's dry throat. The nighttime syrup also contains chamomile to promote relaxation before bed, making it easier for your little one to sleep. Plus, with no harmful additives and gluten-free ingredients, you can feel confident in giving this to your child. Suitable for babies 6 months and older.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Day & night options
Soothes dry throat
Promotes better sleep
Pediatrician recommended
#TOP 9

GoodMeds Cough Relief Softgels 15mg DXM

GoodMeds
120 Count
GoodMeds Cough Relief Softgels 15mg DXM Cover
GoodMeds Cough Relief for Adults Softgels Dextromethorphan HBr (DXM) 15mg 8Hour, Non-Drowsy, Long-Lasting Bronchial Suppressant for Dry Cough and Chest Congestion (120 Count)

GoodMeds Cough Relief offers a strong dose of Dextromethorphan, helping you reduce coughing caused by dry throat irritation or flu symptoms. With up to 8 hours of chest congestion control, it supports you throughout the day without needing frequent doses. This product is a cost-effective alternative to well-known brands like Robotussin DM, giving you the same trusted ingredients for less. Plus, the non-drowsy formula lets you stay alert and active, making it a great choice for daytime use, work, or travel. Say goodbye to sticky syrups, as these softgels provide a clean and easy way to manage your cough and congestion.

What We Like
Effective cough suppressant
Long-lasting 8-hour relief
Affordable generic alternative
Non-drowsy formula
#TOP 10

Robitussin DM Max Day & Night Cough Relief

60000000203184
Mixed Format
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Robitussin DM Max Day & Night Cough Relief Cover
Robitussin DM Max Cough Plus Chest Congestion and Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM, Adult Formulas - 2 x 8 Fl Oz Bottles

The Robitussin DM Max Cough offers a convenient two-bottle set designed to tackle cough and chest congestion both day and night. During the day, the cough plus chest congestion formula helps ease your cough and clear chest congestion, so you can stay active and comfortable. At night, the maximum strength formula includes an antihistamine to reduce runny nose and sneezing, along with a cough suppressant to help you get restful sleep. Both liquids come in easy-to-measure bottles, making it simple to take the right dose when you need it. This combination gives you effective relief around the clock.

What We Like
Day and night formulas
Relieves cough and congestion
Antihistamine for runny nose
Easy liquid dosing
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is best syrup for cough?

Dabur has been a trusted name in India in the market of healthcare products. This cough syrup by the brand is a great choice to give you instant relief. It is made from a blend of natural ingredients like tulsi, mulethi, sunthi, pippali, shait, mint, honey and more to make you feel better in no time.

2. What is the best liquid medicine for dry cough?

The OTC expectorant drug is guaifenesin, with popular brand names including Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion. Combination medications are available that contain both cough expectorants and suppressants, and are often effective treatments to alleviate symptoms of dry cough.

3. What is the liquid in cough syrup?

Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives.

Editor's Notes

During our liquid cough syrup research, we found 24 liquid cough syrup products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 176,581 customer reviews through our big data system to write the liquid cough syrups list. We found that most customers choose liquid cough syrups with an average price of $15.59.

The liquid cough syrups are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of liquid cough syrups, including Delsym, Robitussin, Zarbee's, GoodMeds. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.