12 Best Cold Plunge Tubs of 2024, Tested and Expert-Reviewed

People have been using cold water immersion for centuries, as it’s been said to promote speedy muscle recovery, mental health benefits, and increased energy, thanks to the waves of norepinephrine your body can release with each plunge. (1) While you can DIY a cold plunge with as little as a garbage bag, some ice, and water, many prefer a more concrete pool or tub for their cold water immersion.

But you no longer need a frozen body of water for an ice bath. Now, more than ever, there are a ton of at-home cold plunge tubs available to buy. To make your search more simple, our team of expert product testers put 19 tubs to the test to help narrow down the absolute best cold plunges on the market.

The 12 Best Cold Plunges of 2024

• Best Cold Plunge Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
• Best Cold Plunge for Small Spaces: Nordic Wave Viking
• Best Indoor Cold Plunge: Plunge
• Best Portable Cold Plunge: Sun Home Cold Plunge
• Best Outdoor Cold Plunge: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge
• Best Hot and Cold Plunge: Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
• Best Cold Plunge Barrel: Cold Life Plunge
• Best Budget Cold Plunge: Redwood Yukon Cold Plunge Tub
• Best Inflatable Cold Plunge: Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge
• Best Cold Plunge for Taller People: Ice Barrel 400
• Best Cold Plunge on Amazon: The Cold Pod
• Best Luxury Cold Plunge: Plunge All-In
• Best Cold Plunge for the Money: Nordik Recovery Ice Bath

Best Cold Plunges Video Review

Follow along with Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, as he dives into all of the details of our top-rated cold plunges — and decide for yourself which is the best for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo_x4kH-xdI

Best Cold Plunge Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro

Pros

Cools down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit

Stainless steel build helps keep temperature low 

Has built-in wheels for portability

Cons

Not budget-friendly

Can’t be heated

Our top tub for cold plunges is easy to use and feature-rich enough to satisfy anyone from first-time plungers to experienced enthusiasts. If you are on the hunt to find the best cold plunge on the market, look no further than our top pick, Sun Home’s Cold Plunge Pro. “I want this tub to live at my house, absolutely,” our tester says.

This tub design gives you ample room to lay down, soak, and relax on your days off from the gym, and the ergonomic design helps keep you comfortable (or as comfy as you can be when sitting in near-freezing water). The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is about 14 inches longer than the previous model, making it ideal for taller athletes. So, our team gave this one a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics.  

This cold tub cools down to 32 degrees, too, which is lower than most other cold plunge competitors, like the Nordic Wave Viking that “only” goes down to 38 degrees. And the stainless steel build helps keep the temperature cold. That’s why our tester recommends this model for people who, erm…like a challenge. “To crank it down to the lowest settings (which I did!), you’ve got to have a bit of a pain-chasing attitude. But this is amazing for the mental challenge!” We also love the built-in self-priming system for circulation and sanitation, so we gave it a 5 out of 5 for conveniences, too. 

You can use this tub either indoors or outdoors, so it’s plenty versatile, as the tub coating can withstand harsh weather. And the chiller is super quiet, so you don’t have to worry about the tub noise keeping you awake. 

Our team did have to give the portability and footprint a 3.5 out of 5. The frame is 345 pounds and it’s about six and a half feet long, so moving this one around isn’t exactly convenient. Even when our team tried to move the older, smaller model our testers had trouble moving the tub. “I wouldn’t recommend moving this bath up any flights of stairs,” they say. “We had to keep it ground level.” So, unless you have a freight elevator, it’s best to keep this model on the ground floor. “This is easily the heaviest tub I’ve ever used,” our tester says, recommending the Nordic Wave Viking, Sun Home Yukon, or Redwood Outdoors Alaskan if you need something more portable.

While we’re impressed with this tub’s quality, we did have to give it a 3 out of 5 for cost. This tub costs $8,899, making it one of the most expensive on this list. There are definitely cheaper options but if you have the budget and like a tub that can reach super low water temperatures and stay frosty, this is an excellent choice.

Read our full Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Review.

Best Cold Plunge for Small Spaces: Nordic Wave Viking

Pros

Saves space with barrel design

Can submerge full body

It has a sloped inner design for easy drainage.

Cons

Can’t lay down in tub

Step stool takes up extra space

Can’t plunge only waist down

If you’re living in a small home but still want a cold plunge under your own roof, this pick’s ability to squeeze into narrow spaces will come in handy. The Nordic Wave Viking includes everything you need to start plunging in a compact barrel-shaped package. 

Even with the steps added on, it still fits on a small patio with ease, thanks to its 41 in (3.41 ft) height and 36 in (three foot) depth. Thanks to its space-friendly design, we give this tub a 4 out of 5 for portability. “This tub is a barrel design so the footprint doesn’t take up a ton of space,” according to our tester, who gives it a 4 out of 5 for size and portability. “It also only weighs about 60 pounds and the separate chiller is 55 pounds, so you could move this around if needed.” You can also plug it in far from an outlet, our tester says. “They’ll send an additional 10′ power cable, so you have a lot of flexibility with where you put this one.”

Our testers had no issue setting up the tub without a premium service, so we gave the delivery and set up a 5 out of 5. “Getting this tub in place and working was seamless,” one tester says. “It only took about 10 minutes to set it up and adding water took about a half hour.” So, if you’re someone who doesn’t have a ton of tools and isn’t comfortable putting pieces together, this process is a breeze. 

There’s no need for special components here either; this plunge conveniently uses a standard home outlet. Note: It may trip the breaker if you’re cooling aggressively or have other devices plugged into the same outlet, some reviews say. The stainless steel material and two-inch insulation helps keep water cold at temperatures as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit, helping you save on energy usage. (If you need a model that gets even colder, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro gets right down to freezing.)

We gave the durability a 4.5 out of 5, as it’s made with a heavy duty plastic that’s thick and can hold up for a long time. It also won’t change shape like some inflatable options. “All of the components and parts feel and look premium,” our tester says, having used the tub for a two-minute plunge. 

Unfortunately, though, this isn’t a lie-down kind of tub, hence the space-friendly design. For ergonomics we give it a 4 out of 5 because our tester felt a little cramped. “I’m six feet tall and I had to squat in order to get the water above my shoulders,” they say. “There’s no seat inside so you have to just sit in place.” If you want to be able to fully lie down, classic bathtub style, we recommend the Plunge. But for athletes short on space who don’t need to lay down for their plunge, this high-quality pick is a good choice.

Best Indoor Cold Plunge: Plunge

Pros

Suitable for indoor use

Has built-in filter, underwater light, and app connection

Can buy in XL size

Has free curbside delivery or upgrade to in-home delivery

Cons

Very pricey

Doesn’t come with plunge cover

Can find larger water capacities

For those who want a cold plunge experience indoors, we recommend the Plunge. This plunge is among the most popular for a reason: You can use it indoors, fully insulated, has a built-in filtration system, and it connects to the Plunge app, so you can schedule your cold plunges. We gave our overall experience with this tub a 5 out of 5.

This tub is a pretty standard size but since it’s a reclined design, it does take up about 5 and a half feet of length. We did give the footprint a 4 out of 5, though, as it may not work for taller athletes (our tester is about 5 feet, 10 inches). However, the Plunge does make an XL version at a slightly higher cost. Still, it only holds 75 gallons; Redwood Outdoors Alaskan and Sun Home Cold Plunge can accommodate a lot more water.

We particularly like the use of acrylic to construct the tub, giving it a 5 out of 5 for durability. This material feels comfortable on your skin compared to metal or plastic and won’t rust or wear. “I personally think this is one of the best-looking options on the market,” says Jake Herod, Barbend’s expert product tester. “I used to take a ton of ice baths in my football days and this looks way better than the tin cans we had to use back then.” Plus, “you can easily fill and drain this one with your hose, and the water will keep at 39 degrees for a whole day. A big bonus.”

Want a closer look at The Plunge Cold Plunge? Take a look at our personal tester’s video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_by-C_Sxj4k

You can take a plunge at dusk with the underwater lighting or hop in at dawn as an invigorating way to start your day. While it’s recommended that you use a dedicated 20 amp breaker, you can still use a standard 110v outlet — just make sure nothing else is drawing power from the same outlet. You don’t need special plumbing either, saving you time and money. 

This tub comes with a variety of accessories, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for conveniences. It has underwater lighting, an insulated cover, a cell phone holder, and even a rubber ducky, so you never have to plunge alone. 

All of these features do come at a price, though — this is one of the more expensive plunges on this list. “You have to be prepared to spend a chunk of change for this plunge,” says Herod, giving a 3.5 out of 5 for cost. This tub is $4,990, which is pricier than many of the other options on this list (Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0, for example, comes in a couple thousand dollars cheaper.) However, if you want a five-star plunge experience, we totally recommend the investment.

Read our full Plunge Cold Plunge Review.

Best Portable Cold Plunge: Sun Home Cold Plunge

Pros

Portable and weighs only 15 pounds 

Controllable on your phone from anywhere

Can heat to 104 degrees Fahrenheit

Cons

Pricey considering it’s inflatable

Tub is light but chiller is heavy

Many tubs can hold more water

Cold plunge tubs or barrels aren’t the only options on the market. You can find portable, inflatable options, too — and they’re a lot more high-tech than a kiddie pool filled with ice. This inflatable cold plunge from Sun Home marries the technology and dimensions of a high-end plunge with the convenience of an inflatable pool. “This is easily one of the most portable tubs I’ve seen,” our tester says.

Sun Home’s Cold Plunge has a built-in circulation pump for the best water quality and a built-in sanitation system. Unlike most other options, this is a portable ice bath that comes with a carry case, so you can take it on a trip or use it in your home. Its footprint and portability both earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester, a certified personal trainer.

The tub itself is 15 pounds, so packing it up is no issue, and you get a hand-held portable pump. One downside, though, is that the chiller is 88 pounds. “Even with the chiller, it’s not that hard to move around,” our tester says. “You might want to grab a friend if you can’t lift that much weight, but for many users, it can probably be a one-person job.” (The Ice Barrel 400 tops out at 55 pounds if you want less total weight when empty.) Plus, if you want to travel with your tub but can’t take the chiller, you can just fill it with your own ice, giving this product a lot of versatility.

For durability, our tester gives this tub a 5 out of 5, despite that it’s an inflatable tub. “For an inflatable tub, this one is incredibly durable. It holds the shape really well and the sides don’t sink if I put my weight down,” they said. “Multiple different testers have tried it out and the shape has stayed the same.”

This inflatable plunge is just over 6 feet long, so even taller athletes (up to 6’8”) can comfortably submerge their bodies, so we give it a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics. “I can completely extend my body in the tub,” our tester says. “The sides are comfortable enough to keep my arms resting above the water, too.”  

This option even doubles as a cold plunge and hot tub, cooling to 37.5 degrees or heating to 104 degrees. Plus, you get plenty of high-tech capabilities, including a mobile app, so you can control your plunge from anywhere. However, we do give this one a 2 out of 5 for built-in conveniences, since there aren’t any cell phone or water bottle holders, which you can find with some other products. 

For overall value, we gave this one a 4 out of 5. This tub costs $4,399, which is pretty comparable to other options on the market. We also give the company’s customer service a 4 out of 5, as we thought the live chat was easy to use and they were quick to respond.

Best Outdoor Cold Plunge: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge 

Pros

Compact design works well outdoors

Resists rot and fungus, and provides insulation

Compatible with a regular house plug

Cons

Pricey with chiller

Only comes in horizontal design

Have to assemble this cold plunge yourself

Sometimes getting back to basics is the best way to go. An ice bath — like the ones in the good ol’ days where you would simply fill a tub up with water, add ice, and hop in — can help improve your post-workout recovery. The Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge pairs modern technology with tradition, thanks to its combination of classic aesthetics and modern design. “I can definitely see this as part of my daily recovery routine,” one of our testers says.

The Alaskan Cold Plunge design harkens back to the origins of cold plunges with its simple yet elegant barrel shape connoting a fun rustic vibe, much like a traditional sauna. We have to give it a 3.5 out of 5 for conveniences, though. Although we named this the best ice bathtub (and for those who want to chill their own tubs, it’s a good choice), we do think an automated chiller is more convenient. If you opt for a chiller on this model, the Nordic Wave Viking and Sun Home Cold Plunge (both of which have chillers) will come in at similar price points. But if you’re looking to save a couple thousand and don’t mind manually lugging that ice, the Redwood sans chiller is a steal.

We like that it includes wooden steps to get into the tub. “I also like that there’s a built-in seat in here,” says Jake Herod, Barbend’s expert product tester, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics. “Not every single cold plunge that resembles a barrel like this has that. So, it just adds to your comfort during those icy plunges.”

The design also has a small footprint, which is great for tight spaces, earning a 5 out of 5 for footprint. The steps do add some size to one side, though they can be moved if you want to stow them away when you’re not using the tub. “Moving it around is a little finicky because I had to tilt it and rotate it on its side,” one of our testers says. “But once you get the hang of it, it’s not that bad.” Portability earns a 3 out of 5. If you need something that’s more easily moveable, we recommend the Sun Home Cold Plunge.

Redwood’s plunge requires assembly, which can be tricky, according to Herod. For setup, we gave this one a 3 out of 5. Although our tester received his plunge tub pre-assembled, he recommends watching the instructional videos and hiring a professional if it’s out of your wheelhouse. 

For the tub alone, this one is a great price, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for value, as it’s only $1,999. We also like that you can customize your purchase as much as you’d like to fit your budget. You can add a chiller, wooden tub cover, a deluxe chiller and heater, floating thermometer, or waterproof chiller cover. However, all of these increase the total price. 

Check out our full video review of the Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRfdLm_jDoM

This cold plunge’s barrel shape is aesthetically pleasing and functional, with a space-saving design that can fit in most spaces. Its material is resistant to rot and fungus, provides insulation, and pairs the look of classic homemade cold plunges with modern amenities.

Read our full Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge Review.

Best Hot and Cold Plunge: Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0

Pros

Doubles as a hot tub

Has its own temperature control and filtration system

Can fit users up to six feet, two inches tall

Cons

There are taller plunges available

Heavy tub

Most plunge pools shouldn’t be used outside in the winter, as their pipes can freeze up. But this product’s ability to heat up, combined with the durable acrylic construction, means it can stay outside all year long, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for convenience. 

The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 can heat up to 102 degrees and chill to 39 degrees, so you get a hot tub and cold plunge in one. “The hot and cold option is a little pricier,” according to Jake Herod, our expert product tester, who gives this tub a 4 out of 5 for price. “I still think this is a good value, though, since it’s cheaper than other hot/cold options.”

Getting the tub ready is super simple even without a service. “There’s basically no setting up required,” our tester says, giving the delivery and setup a 4 out of 5. “The company does have explanation videos on the website, too, for those who need a little extra help.” Filling the tub took us about 20 to 30 minutes, but our water pressure wasn’t too great. The website promises about a 15-minute total set-up time. “Maybe my favorite part of set-up is that you don’t ned special plumbing. If you’ve got a standard 110V outlet, you’re good to go.”

The Hot and Cold Plunge Pro comes with a chlorine-free sanitation kit and a 20 micron filter. Plus you can buy an insulated tub cover to keep your water as clean as possible. Draining the tub is simple, too, so our testers give the cleaning and draining a 4 out of 5.  

“This tub is incredibly solid, despite that it’s relatively lightweight compared to other cold plunges,” our tester says, giving the durability a 5 out of 5. “It held its shape just fine and even the hose and attached pieces felt high quality.”

We really like how this one product can go from a cold plunge for recovery in the morning to a hot tub for relaxation in the evening. For all of these cool features, you will have to spend a good bit of money, though — this product costs $3,990. If you need a cheaper tub, our favorite budget option is the Redwood Yukon Cold Plunge Tub. However, we still give the value a 4.5 out of 5 because this is a lot cheaper than other comparable tubs, which are around $5,000.

Read our full Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Review.

Best Cold Plunge Barrel: Cold Life Plunge

Pros

Space-saving barrel design

Comes with a lid, step stool, filter, and skimmie net

You get a one year warranty 

Cons

Doesn’t include a chiller

Have to crouch to fully submerge 

The steps take up additional floor space

The Cold Life plunge has a vertical barrel design, making it ideal for those who don’t have a ton of free floor space. This one is super durable, too, our tester says. “There are no pieces that feel flimsy or weak,” our tester says, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. “It isn’t a plunge that will break down.” And while “durable” doesn’t always translate to “pretty,” our tester enthuses that “this barrel is sleek and modern and definitely looks like it should be featured in one of those avant garde children’s playsets.”

However, this one isn’t a small plunge at all, nor is it particularly light. “This thing is BIG. Definitely grab a friend to move it.” If you need a barrel style that’s only a bit clunky but still doable with one person, we recommend the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan plunge. For this model, be sure to place the tub on the ground or a deck that’s structurally sound, our testers recommend. For footprint and portability, this tub earned a 3 out of 5. 

Luckily, though, this tub is super simple to set up, earning a 5 out of 5 in that category. After timing the process, our testers said the entire set up only took about 30 minutes. “There’s barely any set up here,” our tester said. “It took about five minutes to connect the cords of the chiller and only about 30 minutes to fill and cool the water.” The hosing is standard for these products, our testers says. “This hose feels like the same model that Polar Monkeys use.”

This plunge can also work for taller athletes, according to our testers who gave the ergonomics a 4 out of 5. “This one is actually pretty deep and could probably work for larger and taller athletes, too,” our tester said. “Shorter athletes will need the strength to hoist themselves out of the tub, though.” So, athletes with pre-existing upper-body injuries or conditions may want a reclined pick instead. 

Draining and cleaning the tub is super intuitive, so our testers gave this category a 4.5 out of 5, too. This barrel has a spout on the bottom where you both fill and drain the tub. You can also purchase a maintenance kit from the company.

For overall value, we had to dock this one a little bit. The $4,995 price tag is pretty high considering there is no chiller included. This one is well-insulated, so the water should stay pretty cold for a while. But paying nearly $5,000 for an ice bath seems a little steep.

Best Budget Cold Plunge: Redwood Yukon Cold Plunge Tub

Pros

Affordable and mobile option

Can transport in backpack

Can be purchased without chiller to save

Cons

Not as high-tech as others

Without chiller, need to manually chill

No filter included

Affordability is certainly relative, but even the most simple cold plunge will likely run you at least a grand. The Yukon is the best budget-friendly cold plunge tub, starting out at only about $899. Our team gave this plunge a 4 out of 5 for overall value. “There are some other cheap cold plunges out there at a similar price,” our tester says. “But the others are usually smaller in size or there’s no option for a hot tub.”

To use it as an ice bath, all you have to do is add ice and water, and you’re ready to jump in (though you have to track the temperature yourself with a thermometer). If you do want to add an automatic chiller, you can select either the basic chiller or the more advanced deluxe chiller and heater for an added cost. 

Taking this cold plunge on the go is easy, too, so we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for conveniences. It only weighs 30 pounds and comes with a backpack carrying bag, air pump, and cover to keep it insulated. This means you can plunge easily on the road. “We also like that you can connect the tub to wifi and control the temperature from your phone,” our tester says. “This is only an option for more expensive tubs, usually. Remember that you’ll also be manually blowing up the insulated walls with an air pump kind of like an air pump for a pedal bike. But it’s all still easily moveable.”

The Yukon doesn’t take up much space either, earning a 5 out of 5 for portability. “This tub is definitely small enough to fold into a backpack and you only need one person to move it around,” our tester says. “Unfortunately the chiller is harder to move but if you’re traveling, you can just buy a bag of ice and add it to the tub.” 

Unfortunately, we have to give this tub a 2.75 out of 5 for durability. “Since we set this tub up in our testing center, it has started to droop due to the weight of the water,” our tester said. “I don’t think this one can withstand any type of harsh weather at all.” This isn’t ideal but if you’re able to keep your tub indoors and don’t mind draining it relatively often, the savings may be worthwhile. If you need more durability, you’ll pay a bit more for the Sun Home Cold Plunge, but the extra cost will get you both portability and durability.

Read our full Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge Tub Review.

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge: HydraGun Supertub Cold Plunge

Pros

Takes only 10 minutes to inflate

Can choose between two chillers 

Made of durable, military-grade vinyl

Cons

Chiller is noisy

Too short for athletes over six foot

$400 flat shipping rate in the U.S.

If you’re tight on space or need a portable option, the Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge’s included pump only needs about ten minutes to get your tub ready. Compared to other inflatable tubs, the Supertub has held its shape remarkably well. And with the military-grade vinyl exterior providing the shell, our tester, a certified personal trainer, doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.

“I’ve tried out so many inflatable tubs that quickly lose their shape, but I even put my full body weight on the sides of this thing and it hasn’t budged at all,” they say. Even after filling it, emptying it, and moving it around our gym, it has kept its shape and been surprisingly sturdy. “It feels very sturdy leaning on the sides to help you get in and out,” another one of our testers says. “Much more like an actual wall than something you’d normally think of when you think ‘inflatable.’ It held my weight well when I leaned back, too. I felt really secure.”

Its footprint and portability both earn a 5 out of 5 from our team, so we think it would be a great option if you need to set it up each time you use it or have to frequently move inside or outside. “Without any water in it, it’s only 21 pounds,” one tester adds. “Plus, the chiller hose itself is pretty long and it has wheels.”

After charging up the included electric pump, it takes about 10 minutes to inflate, then another 10 minutes to fill with water. Delivery and setup garnered a 4.5 out of 5, narrowly missing out on a perfect score because of the $400 flat shipping fee across the U.S. 

That shipping cost is not a minor addition considering you’ll already be dropping $2,999 or $3,999, depending on the chiller size you choose. “Hydragun says that if you live in moderate temperatures, the 0.6 HP chiller will be plenty strong,” our tester says, rating its value 4 out of 5. “But if you are going to use it outside in high temperatures, the 0.8 HP is a safer bet.”

The tub itself has a 60-gallon capacity, which was fine for most of our team, but one of our testers (who’s about 6 feet tall) felt a little cramped. Since the Hydragun Supertub may be a bit small for those over 6 feet, we score its ergonomics 2 out of 5. If you’re on the taller side, we recommend the Ice Barrel 400.

Best Cold Plunge for Taller People: Ice Barrel 400

Pros

Fits athletes up to six foot, six inches

Barrel-shaped design saves space

Comes with step stool and lid

Cons

Doesn’t come with a chiller

Can’t lay down

Need to fill with ice yourself

For taller athletes, not every cold plunge will work. After all, if you want to truly cold plunge, you need to be able to dunk your whole body into the cold water. But that’s not a problem with the Ice Barrel 400. This one works for athletes up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall, making it an amazing choice for taller recovery enthusiasts. Plus, the barrel design takes up less floor space. 

Still, the overall footprint earns a 3.5 out of 5, with the deduction because it’s only 31 inches wide. If you need a wider tub, we recommend the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan model, which goes up to 37 inches.

“This barrel is really easy to drain and I like that it’s made of recycled materials,” our tester says. “But I do wish there was some more insulation so the tub could actually hold the temperature for longer.” As a result, we have to give the durability and construction a 3.5 out of 5. For a model that will keep the water cold for a whole day, we recommend the Plunge. To help out your Ice Barrel, our testers says, “You can help the barrel get a little more UV protection with a UV protectant spray. Not something I want to have to do, sure, but if the footprint fits because you’re taller, that’s a good hack for you.”

Without any water, this unit is actually pretty portable, as it only weighs about 55 pounds. But with even just 80 gallons of liquid, it’s about 750 pounds, according to our testers. So, make sure that you put your plunge on a surface that can withstand the weight.

For ergonomics, we give this tub a 4 out of 5 because it’s a pretty subjective subject. Some athletes may prefer to lie down while they plunge, which isn’t a possibility here. However, some think it’s easier to breathe in the upright design. “Shorter athletes may have trouble getting in and out of the tub, which is worth noting,” our tester says. “The stool helps, though.” The HydraGun Supertub Cold Plunge is only 24 inches tall for those searching for a shorter option.

Check out what Jake Herod, NASM-CNC had to say about the Ice Barrel 400 Cold Plunge as he takes a dip in our full video review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lXNBFjHDDg

For overall value, we have to give this product a 3 out of 5. Unlike other higher-priced plunges, this one does not come with a chiller. So, essentially, you have to pay $1,199 for a standard ice barrel. And while our tester does live in Florida, we wish the tub were better insulated in order to keep the water colder for longer. 

That being said, we do like the durability and overall construction and footprint (especially the recycled materials this puppy is made out of). So, if you’re a taller athlete looking for a full-body plunge, this is a good pick.

Read our full Ice Barrel Cold Plunge Review.

Best Cold Plunge on Amazon: The Cold Pod

Pros

Can buy this product through Amazon Prime

Compact design

Hundreds of dollars cheaper than other options

Cons

Need to manually chill

Smaller than other plunges on this list

Not too comfortable

This ice pod is not only portable and foldable, but you can set it up in only a few minutes. And better yet, The Cold Pod available on Amazon Prime, so you can get it delivered within just a few days. 

The ice bath itself comes in one color — black — and might not be the largest, but it does pack in some other key selling points. The round, freestanding design can fit indoors, since it stands only two and a half feet tall and three feet wide, so our team gives this pick a 4.5 out of 5 for size and portability. One of our testers, who’s 5’4″, had no trouble with how short this model is. But another teammate, who’s 6’7″, “had to really crouch and struggled to get out. And that’s without the tub even being totally full.”

So, for larger or taller athletes, it may be tough to submerge your whole body, due to the barrel design and height. Taller athletes might want to opt for the Ice Barrel 400, and athletes needing a slightly wider entry point may choose the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan.

But the versatility (and price) here is not to be beat. You may even be able to put this plunge in your tub. But, “Before you buy this Amazon tub, be sure to measure your own shower or tub and compare it to the product specs to make sure it fits properly,” Jake Herod, our expert product tester, recommends. 

This ice bath tub is made with multiple layers of waterproof and tear-resistant materials, including a PVC inner layer, nylon outer layer, and pearl foam insulation middle layer. We give the durability and construction a 4.5 out of 5 because we also like that it includes a layer of insulation for use in cold or hot water.

At only $159.99, we give the overall value a 4 out of 5. It doesn’t have any tech capabilities or automatic cooling but for a super simple DIY cold plunge, it’s a great value pick. Easily available on Amazon, this product offers ease of use, portability, and simple accessibility for most people. It’s also the least expensive pick on this list, so it’s great if you want to try cold plunging but don’t want to drop thousands of dollars quite yet. “No expertise required,” one of our testers says. “Just unbox and get freezing within 10 minutes.”

Best Luxury Cold Plunge: Plunge All-In

Pros

High-end quality and design

Can be used indoors

Quick, easy maintenance

Ample legroom 

Cons

Not budget-friendly

Larger than other tubs

Some tubs get colder

Yes, cold plunges are a form of recovery for athletes but they can also be a luxurious relaxation method (while soothing sore muscles, of course). For athletes who want a top-tier plunge experience, we recommend the Plunge All-In.

This indoor-friendly tub cools all the way to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a two-degree improvement over previous Plunge models. We also like this unit indoors, as it’s 30% quieter than other Plunge tubs. For size and portability, our team gives this one a 4 out of 5. It’s longer than most other cold plunges, making it suitable for taller athletes. It is difficult to move around, though, once it’s in place, but with such an easy set-up, we think that’s OK. Just triple-check your measurements and needs before you secure it somewhere.

For durability, our team gives the Plunge All-In a 5 out of 5. This one is designed for outdoor and indoor use, so you don’t have to worry about the materials breaking down. It also has an easy set-up — all you have to do is plug it in. 

This is a pricier tub, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for cost. As only a cold plunge, this unit costs $8,490 but that price does go up if you decide to add a heater. While this is a pricey plunge, it does have a pretty effortless maintenance system (all you do is change the filter). If you need a cheaper option, we recommend the Redwood Yukon or Nordic Wave Viking. Then again, the Plunge All-In also involves no set up, which you won’t find with many other options.

Best Cold Plunge for the Money: Nordik Recovery Ice Bath

Pros

Budget-friendly

Portable and inflatable

Available with chiller

Cons

Pricier with chiller

Not as durable as other units

Most cold plunges certainly aren’t cheap. And while this isn’t the most budget-friendly plunge on this list, our team does think it’s the best value purchase. This unit costs $599, a fraction of other plunge prices, is portable and inflatable, yet large enough to comfortably fit most athletes up to six feet, seven inches tall.

Given the inflatable design, our testers gave this unit a 5 out of 5 rating for portability. It’s easy to maneuver and you can easily fit it into the carry backpack for on-the-go cold plunges.

Unlike some other inflatable cold plunges, this Nordik tub one is plenty durable, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. It’s not as durable as a ceramic cold plunge but the military-grade PVC can still withstand plenty of use.

This unit doesn’t come with a chiller at the cheaper price tag but for $1,599 you can buy a chiller, too. Though, that does drag up the price. Without the chiller, you do have the fill the tub with ice to bring down the temperature. However, the chiller can cool the water to 37 degrees, which is standard. And if you opt for the premium chiller, you can even heat the water to more than 100 degrees.

Our testers gave the tech a 4 out of 5 rating, too. If you decide to go with a chiller, you can control the temperature from your phone with the Nordik Recovery app. You can even set your temperature ahead of time, so the water is cool (or hot) when you’re ready to recover.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Cold Plunges

There are a lot of cold plunge tubs and ice baths on the market, which means there are also a lot of statements claiming each one is the absolute best. Our team of expert product testers, including personal trainers and athletes, tried out 19 different cold plunge tubs to help get a well-rounded idea of what’s on the market. 

Footprint and Volume

Some cold tubs are bigger than others, and some people may have more room than others. We also took body size into consideration — a tub that may work great for our 5’10” tester may not be the best for a 6’4” athlete. Volume is another factor we considered, as it can determine how deep the water hits your body when you sit or lay down.

Material Durability

We’ve included both lasting builds with customizable base and deck options, as well as plastic ice bath tubs that may cost less and are more portable but probably won’t last as long.

Features

You can find products with accessories, technologies, and features, as well as more basic options. While there are those who may be looking for a fully customizable, automated cooling system, others customers may want a simple ice bath that keeps electricity costs low — we’ve tested and included both high-tech and no-tech options on this list.

Customer Reviews

We made sure to test and promote products that seem to satisfy most customers. All of the products we pick have pretty glowing reviews and, after trying different plunges for themselves, our testers agree.

Price

We were dedicated to finding plunge tubs that had the best bang for your buck without compromising effectiveness. No matter your price point, there’s an option (even cheap cold plunges) for you on this list.

Setup and Installation

Not everyone is comfortable setting up their own plunge. We picked units that either offer a setup service or don’t require much installation on your part.

Repeated Plunging

Our testers tried these cold plunges dozens of times to get an idea of how well the unit cools and how long it’s able to stay cold. We also made sure testers of different sizes tried each tub, so we could note which are/aren’t compatible for taller folks.

Benefits of Cold Plunges and Ice Baths

Cold plunges and ice baths have been around for years in different varieties. They’ve been used in ancient rituals but more recently, the focus is athletic recovery. The cold plunge process has been shown to benefit your mood, immune system, recovery, and weight loss. The many cold plunge benefits begin on a small scale but can have a big effect. 

• Mood Enhancement and Mental Clarity: When you submerge your body in cold water, you stimulate the cold receptors in your brain. According to some research, this may have a positive affect on your mental health. (7) Over time, this may be able to help increase your body’s ability to handle stress, according to Joseph Tedesco, DPT, CSCS.
• Improved Immunity: Cold temperatures in water can boost white blood cell count over time. As a result, there are claims that suggest those who consistently plunge may have a higher chance of avoiding sickness. (1) Daily cold immersion may also help increase plasma levels of your immune cells. (8) However, more research in this area is needed.
• Physical Recovery: Exposing your body to cold water immersion less than six hours after your workout may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. But some research shows there’s not much benefit 24 hours or later post-workout. (9)
• Weight Loss: Plunging may help increase brown fat tissue activity, increasing your metabolism and allowing you to burn more calories and encouraging your body to begin the fat-burning process. (5) Other studies have shown that subjects exposed to “cold stress” underwater had an 80 percent increase in their metabolism (that means they burned more calories). (6) 

Risks and Side Effects of Cold Plunging

Since we’re talking about all the potential benefits, we should mention that everything has a bit of risk, and cold plunges are no exception. Some of the potential side effects that you may notice, aside from the obvious shivering and chattering of teeth, include a sudden, rapid increase in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Before you do your first cold plunge, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider, recommends Joseph Tedesco, DPT, CSCS. They can help you best determine your optimal temperature and treatment time.

How Much Do Cold Plunges Cost?

Cold plunges, which use chillers to cool down the water (like a reverse hot tub), are generally quite pricey and considered a luxury recovery tool. That said, most companies offer some sort of financing, so the price can be broken up over installments, depending on your credit.

Best Cold Plunge Overall	Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro	Starting at $9,899
Best Cold Plunge for Small Spaces	Nordic Wave Viking	$4,999
Best Indoor Cold Plunge	Plunge	Starting at $5,990
Best Portable Cold Plunge	Sun Home Cold Plunge	$4,599
Best Ice Bath Cold Plunge	Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge	Starting at $1,999
Best Hot and Cold Plunge	Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0	Starting at $2,990
Best Cold Plunge Barrel	Cold Life Plunge	$6,749
Best Budget Cold Plunge	Redwood Yukon Cold Plunge Tub	Starting at $899
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge	Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge	Starting at $2,999
Best Cold Plunge for Taller People	Ice Barrel 400	$1,199
Best Cold Plunge on Amazon	The Cold Pod	$159.99
Best Luxury Cold Plunge	Plunge All-In	$7,641.50
Best Cold Plunge for the Money	Nordik Recovery Ice Bath	Starting at $599

How to Pick the Best Cold Plunge or Ice Bath for You

Cold plunges come in many shapes and sizes. It’s important to weigh your individual needs — like space, features, and price — before diving into the buying process.

Space

Everyone is working with different-sized spaces for their cold plunge. Some may be cold plunging within the confines of their shower, while others may have a large outdoor space. Before you decide which plunge pool is right for you, consider the amount of space you are working with, make your measurements, and weigh them against the different options available on the market before buying a pool you just “think” will fit in your space.

Features

The many tubs, tanks, and pools also come with varying features. If you only have the time to plunge when the sun goes down, you might want a tub with extra underwater lighting. Early birds who prefer to plunge in the AM may love an automated cooling system to get things moving quickly.

Others may not want to deal with something high-tech, preferring to just have a barrel for an ice bath for muscle recovery. Consider the features you want to prioritize before hitting the market to make sure you’re able to find a pool that will suit all of your tech needs (or lack thereof).

Price and Warranty

Price is often a huge deciding factor for many customers. You may be able to dish out thousands of dollars, or you might find solitude in more affordable options — we’re talking price tags less than $100. Before purchasing your first plunge tub, determine what budget works for you, and find out what types of cold plunges fall into that price range before biting off more than you can chew.

Another bonus? Many companies offer a multi-year warranty in case you experience any issues with your tub. So, read the fine print carefully before you buy and browse customer reviews for more first-person insight. 

Purpose

While one cold plunge may be perfect for one athlete, it may be totally wrong for another. Think about your personal needs. Athletes who like to sit in a tub may want a horizontally-oriented plunge, whereas those who want to fully lay down would prefer a bathtub shape.

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Those who travel often may want a tub they can take on-the-go. In that case, a smaller, portable ice bath option is definitely the best choice. Or, consider where you plan to place your plunge. While all of these tubs can work indoors or out, the wooden options are a little more weather-resistant.

Maintenance 

Unlike some simpler recovery equipment (like massage guns or foam rollers), cold plunges require maintenance, which may affect which tub you choose. Your tub needs to be cleaned and the filter needs to be replaced every so often. If cleaning a huge tub doesn’t fit into your schedule, a smaller plunge may be ideal. Or, if you don’t want to replace the filter too often, read the product info of different products to get an idea of the timeline.

Insulation and Material

Although they’re pricier, stainless steel and ceramic tubs are generally the highest-quality options. These materials last long and offer good insulation, helping keep your water cold for longer. With that said, wood tubs are a solid option, too.

Water Capacity

Different tubs can hold different amounts, and some of these picks can hold more than 100 gallons of water. So, before you choose a tub with a large water capacity, consider whether you can keep it near a water source. Also, be sure that your space can support all the weight.

Cold Plunge FAQs

References

1. Baijze, G. A. (2016, Sept.). The Effects of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Plos One. Retrieved Dec. 7 2021, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0161749
2. Pointon, M., & Duffield, R. (2012). Cold water immersion recovery after simulated collision sport exercise. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 44(2), 206–216. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e31822b0977
3. Daniel Rojas-Valverde, Carlos D. Gómez-Carmona, Jose M. Oliva-Lozano, Sergio J. Ibáñez, Jose Pino-Ortega. (2020) uarter’s external workload demands of basketball referees during a European youth congested-fixture tournament. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport 20:3, pages 432-444.
4. Bleakley, C. M., & Davison, G. W. (2010). What is the biochemical and physiological rationale for using cold-water immersion in sports recovery? A systematic review. British journal of sports medicine, 44(3), 179–187. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2009.065565
5. van der Lans, A. A. J. J., Hoeks, J., Brans, B., Vijgen, G. H. E. J., Visser, M. G. W., Vosselman, M. J., Hanseon, J., Jörgensen, J. A., Wun, J., Mottaghy, F. M., Schrauwen, P., & van Marken Lichtenbelt, W. D. (2013, July). Cold acclimation recruits human brown fat and increases nonshivering thermogenesis. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Retrieved Dec. 7 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3726172/
6. Ouellet, V., Labbé, S. M., Blondin, D. P., Phoenix, S., Guérin, B., Haman, F., Turcotte, E. E., Richard, D., & Carpentier, A. C. (2012, Winter). Brown adipose tissue oxidative metabolism contributes to energy expenditure during acute cold exposure in humans. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Retrieved Dec. 7 2021, from https://www.jci.org/articles/view/60433
7. Shevchuk NA. Adapted cold shower as a potential treatment for depression. Med Hypotheses. 2008;70(5):995-1001. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.04.052. Epub 2007 Nov 13. PMID: 17993252.
8. Shevchuk NA, Radoja S. Possible stimulation of anti-tumor immunity using repeated cold stress: a hypothesis. Infect Agent Cancer. 2007 Nov 13;2:20. doi: 10.1186/1750-9378-2-20. PMID: 17999770; PMCID: PMC2211456.
9. Dupuy O, Douzi W, Theurot D, Bosquet L, Dugué B. An Evidence-Based Approach for Choosing Post-exercise Recovery Techniques to Reduce Markers of Muscle Damage, Soreness, Fatigue, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol. 2018 Apr 26;9:403. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00403. PMID: 29755363; PMCID: PMC5932411.