9 Best Cold Plunge Tubs of 2024

If you’ve ever jumped into a frozen lake or ran out of hot water mid-shower, you've probably felt the instant state of alertness and floods of endorphins that cold water brings. It’s uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it's the kind of uncomfortable that leaves you feeling alive and rejuvenated. Cold water immersion, a.k.a. taking an ice bath, isn’t new, but an increased focus on holistic health and wellness has brought attention to the subject, explains William B. Workman, M.D., head orthopedist for the Oakland Athletics and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Stanford University. “Celebrities and influencers have also endorsed the practice, contributing to the trend’s visibility, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase cold-plunge experiences and benefits, sparking interest.”

If you're looking to dive into cold plunge therapy to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation, the best cold plunges can be a smart addition to your at-home gym. Whether you do it first thing in the morning or after a particular grueling cardio or resistance training session, “scientific research supports the physical and mental health benefits [of cold plunging]” Workman says. From high-end, customizable options that look like spa furniture to more affordable, no-frills models, we’ve rounded up the best cold plunge tubs on the market today.

Our Top Cold Plunge Tub Pick

We chose the Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge as the best overall cold plunge tub because it sets the bar for all the essential features of a cold plunge: It offers hot and cold therapy, is designed for indoor and outdoor durability, has built-in self-cleaning measures, and can be controlled remotely by your smartphone.

Best Cold Plunge Tubs: At a Glance

Before diving into the details, scan through our top-pick cold plunges here.

• Best Cold Plunge Overall: Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge
• Best Outdoor Cold Plunge: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit
• Best DIY Cold Plunge: Ice Barrel 400
• Best Splurge Cold Plunge: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
• Best Cold Plunge for Multiple Users: AquaVoss Model 2
• Best Hot and Cold Plunge: NordicWave Viking Gen 2 Standard
• Best Budget Cold Plunge: Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge
• Best Cold Plunge for Tall People: The Plunge: Original Cold Tub
• Best Portable Cold Plunge: Inergize Cold Plunge Tub

Polar Monkeys

Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge

$7,100

Polar Monkeys

A best-of-both-worlds option, the Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge tub offers hot and cold therapy in a top-of-the-line silhouette that prioritizes comfort and efficiency.

If you're serious about cold therapy, the Polar Monkeys Cyber Plunge offers a premium plunge experience, combining advanced technology, sleek design, and unmatched performance. Whether you’re an athlete or someone looking to increase their mental toughness, the fully insulated stainless-steel tub’s spacious interior accommodates users of all body types and sizes. Keep in mind, that also means it takes up a lot of space: It has a 140-gallon capacity and a dry weight of 180 pounds, so you’re probably not moving this tub around once it’s set up.

The Cyber Plunge pairs with a 1.0-horsepower chiller (all you need is a standard 120V outlet) to bring the temperature down to 32°F or up to 107°F; that range is on the larger side of the models we tested, so you can rest assured that you’ll maximize the muscle-rejuvenating, inflammation-reducing benefits of this tub with every session. A built-in filtration system and pump keep your water clean and the noise level down as you relax.

What made the Cyber Plunge stand out to our testers was how well it delivers on all the essentials you’d expect from a cold plunge: comfortable seating that encourages full immersion; precise temperature control in either direction; and durable materials that can stand up to the elements.

Redwood Outdoors

Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit

$4,699

Redwood Outdoors

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Comes with a floating thermometer with an easy-to-read temperature display
• Compact footprint is good for small spaces
• Compatible with US household outlets

Cons

• Upgrading to chiller with heater costs another $1,000
• Only offers a one-year warranty
• Cover is not waterproof

The Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit allows you to appreciate the invigorating benefits of cold therapy in a rustic yet modern design that won’t disrupt a natural setting.

Turn your backyard into a wellness respite with the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit. Meticulously crafted from Scandinavian Thermowood, a type of wood that’s been treated with heat to increase durability and longevity, this tub cools down to a breath-snatching 37°F courtesy of a 0.75-horsepower chiller (if you upgrade to the deluxe chiller model, you can also heat the water to 104°F).

It’s the blend of craftsmanship and all-weather functionality that took this basic barrel to the next level in our testers’ opinions. A hard plastic liner is fitted to the wood, a built-in step doubles as a seat for full-body immersion, an insulated cover maintains chilly temperatures even in warmer weather, and a relief valve near the bottom quickly drains up to 130 gallons of water. Plus, the ability to control the chiller remotely makes it so you don’t have to spend a second more in the cold than necessary.

The vertical design and compact footprint also make this a great option for cold plungers with limited space. It fits neatly on a deck or even a balcony, as long as the structure can support the weight (the tub is 250 pounds when dry and increases to over 1,000 pounds when filled) and you have nearby access to a standard US household outlet for the chiller.

Ice Barrel

Ice Barrel 400

$2,000

Ice Barrel

What’s in a name? Everything you need to know about the Ice Barrel 400: Fill ‘er up with nearly 400 liters of water and ice, then dunk yourself up to your neck.

Flash back to high school: Did you ever line a trash can with a plastic bag and fill it with ice to recover from a tough football or basketball practice? The Ice Barrel 400 is a grown-up interpretation of that post-workout ritual.

Designed for those who appreciate a hands-on approach, this budget-friendly cold tub (compared to most other options, at least) offers an accessible way to experience the benefits of cold immersion at home. It couldn’t be more straightforward or practical: Crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials, the Ice Barrel 400 can be easily assembled in a backyard or garage (you’ll want to set it up somewhere where you can easily use the drain at the bottom). Its upright design not only saves space, but also maximizes immersion with a capacity of 105 gallons, allowing most users—including our 6'3'' tester— to submerge themselves up to their neck simply by kneeling (a full dunk is possible, but it’ll be cramped).

You’re not going to get any bells and whistles with the Ice Barrel. You’ll need your own hose to fill it, as well as your own ice. In our testing, it took 40 pounds of ice to bring the water down to 47°F (there’s no thermometer, either; we used a meat thermometer). That said, there’s really no need to overcomplicate cold plunges. The cheapest option—by 50 percent!—on our list, the Ice Barrel is a smart choice for anyone on a budget.

Sun Home

Sun Home Saunas Cold Plunge Pro

$10,499

Sun Home Saunas

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Caster wheels for portability
• UV- and weather-resistant exterior coating
• Underwater LED lighting

Cons

• Design is not comfortable for reclining
• At 345 pounds, the tub is heavy even with wheels
• No built-in seat for comfort

Not a DIY kinda guy? The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro does all the work for you—you just have to convince yourself to brave the cold.

It’s hard to consider submerging your body in frigid water a “luxury” experience, but if there’s any tub that can trick you into thinking that, it’s the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro. The company calls this a “plug and plunge” experience, meaning you’re paying for convenience over anything else—and the sleek, modern aesthetic almost makes this a statement piece.

The five-figure price tag might make you do a double take, but several features make it worth the investment for serious gym connoisseurs seeking an elevated recovery experience. For starters, the rapid cooling system uses an internally integrated 1-horsepower chiller to reach 32°F, the coldest of all the models we tested (it even creates ice)—which eliminates waiting around for the tub to fill or cool when you need it most. And user-friendly digital controls enable precise temperature adjustments, tailoring each session to your personal preference.

The Cold Plunge Pro is built for longevity, using industrial-grade stainless steel to maintain water temp and protect the tub from the elements (built-in caster wheels allow you to move it from indoors to outdoors or vice versa). Our testers did note that the metal wasn’t exactly comfortable seating, and the 6'5" length is deceiving: Because of the integrated chiller, the interior is only about four feet long and our tester couldn’t fully extend his legs. On the plus side, you don’t have to clean it when you’re done—the three-step filtration system ensures clean, clear water every time.

AquaVoss

AquaVoss Model 2

$13,995 $11,995

AquaVoss

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Combines two therapy pools in one
• 24 high velocity hydrotherapeutic massage jets
• LED lights for ambience

Cons

• Not portable or movable
• Only offers a one-year warranty
• Requires a lot of space

Misery loves company in AquaVoss Model 2, a premium model that allows multiple users to partake in post-workout contrast therapy.

Alternating between hot and cold tubs—causing your blood vessels to expand and then narrow, a protocol that’s been linked to improved circulation and reduced soreness—generally requires two tubs. Not so with the AquaVoss Model 2, which combines a two-person cold plunge with a four-person hot tub so you’re getting the most bang for your buck (and the significant square footage).

The cold plunge features an acclimation seat to help you ease into the icy depths, powered by a robust 1-horsepower chiller for precise temperature control. When it's time to warm up, sink into ergonomic seating while 24 high-velocity hydrotherapeutic massage jets work their magic on tired muscles. Crafted from a proprietary exterior paneling and lined with heavy-duty spray foam insulation, the AquaVoss Model 2 expertly maintains its temperatures, regardless of the elements outside.

The energy efficiency and quiet operation are standout features, too; the hot tub side has a circulation pump that runs the water through a filter and ozone cleaning system every three to four hours while the cold plunge side has a three-step system to keep it clean no matter who’s cycling through. It’s no doubt a splurge, but the price is a deal if you consider what it would cost to buy two separate high-tech tubs for the same purpose.

NordicWave

NordicWave Viking Gen 2 Standard

$6,999 $5,499

NordicWave

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Fits individuals up to 6'4" tall
• Foam insulated walls eliminate any "sweating" and keep water cold
• Sloped floor design for easy draining

Cons

• Looks cheap for the price
• Upgraded chiller costs $500 more
• Smaller capacity than other models

The NordicWave Viking Gen 2 cools down to 36°F and heats up to 104°F, offering two types of therapy in a space-saving footprint that would fit in almost any home.

The NordicWave Viking Gen 2 looks basic, with its barrel shape and plastic exterior, but it’s actually a two-in-one tub that makes hot and cold therapy more accessible to those with less space for at-home recovery tools. When empty, the tub is just 60 pounds—super easy to move around to best suit your square footage.

With a temperature range from 36°F to 104°F, the NordicWave Viking Gen 2 lets you seamlessly switch between ice-cold immersion for muscle recovery and a soothing hot soak for relaxation (although it will take a significant amount of time to heat or cool the tub). The quiet, energy-efficient filtration system ensures clean water every time, while the easy-to-use digital control panel gives you complete command over your experience.

You’ll want to set up this vertical tub outside so it can drain properly, but it’s designed for year-round use. The updated chiller doesn’t require winterization and has an increased flow rate for faster water circulation and temperature adjustments. Plus, it’s built with a UV-resistant shell and two inches of foam-insulated walls that help lower energy costs while maintaining your ideal temperatures, even in the most extreme weather.

Hydragun

Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge

$2,999

Hydragun

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Portable and compact
• Can be used as cold or hot tub
• Very durable

Cons

• Smallest capacity of the models on this list
• Chiller is noisy
• Upgraded chiller costs $1,000 more

With a sleek design and simple-to-use controls, the Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge is the perfect entry point into cold plunge therapy for those who want results without the premium price.

The Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge isn’t as cheap as, say, your bathtub and a few bags of ice, but with cold plunge costs stretching into five figures, this model rings up at a fraction of the price of its high-end competitors. It’s packed with features that rival more expensive tubs, but the inflatable design is lightweight (just 21 pounds without water), compact, and easy to set up in under 15 minutes, according to our testers.

Simplicity and efficiency dictate the entire design. Constructed from durable materials that our testers say easily support your weight, the tub stands up to repeated use, whether it’s set up indoors or outdoors. The 0.6-horsepower chiller brings the water temp down to a crisp 37°F, delivering the muscle recovery, inflammation reduction, and improved circulation you’d expect from a professional-grade plunge, minus the hefty investment. (You can upgrade to the 0.8-horsepower option for another $1,000, but the company only recommends that if you live somewhere where extreme temperatures are more frequent.)

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end tubs, the Hydragun Supertub doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. “No frills” isn’t a negative here; this is an ideal option for anyone with limited space or looking for portability.

Plunge

Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub

$5,990

Plunge

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Accommodates individuals up to 6’8”
• Designed for indoor or outdoor use
• Insulated cover, cell phone holder, hose filter, and skimmer net included

Cons

• Only offers a one-year warranty
• No heating capabilities
• Upgrading to more advanced chiller costs $1,500

The extra space that The Plunge: Original Cold Tub Plunge offers anyone with long limbs makes all the difference when it comes to getting comfortable being uncomfortable during cold therapy.

There’s nothing worse than pretzeling your limbs into a too-tiny tub while seeking relaxation or recovery. Designed like a bathtub, The Plunge stretches just over six feet in length, giving people up to 6'8'' ample room to stretch out while submerging all the way to their shoulders. You may not be able to breathe a sigh of relief in the frigid water, but at least your muscles won’t be cramping.

Sleek and minimalistic, The Plunge is crafted from high-end, durable materials and lends a decidedly modern aesthetic to any room. Choose from the classic or modern shape depending on your space (there’s no price difference); both have at least one slanted side, which our testers said allows for more comfortable reclining. You can also choose between the Standard and Pro chiller. The latter will up the price significantly, but you don’t need it. The Standard chiller still cools down to 39°F versus 37°F, and efficient insulation keeps it cold, inside or outside. You can also control it remotely via the smartphone app so the water is just right whenever you’re ready—whether that’s first thing in the morning or after your commute from work.

Inergize

Inergize Cold Plunge Tub

$2,999

Inergize

Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Remotely control the chiller’s temperature via the partner app
• Offers hot and cold temperatures
• Advanced filter means you don’t have to replace water for at least three months

Cons

• Inflating the tub requires an air pump
• Supposed to accommodate users up to 6’4”, but taller users might feel cramped
• Upgrading to hot and cold chiller is an extra $140

Portable and powerful, Inergize Cold Plunge Tub combines the luxury of professional-grade recovery with the convenience of a tub that’s easy to set up and move.

No space to permanently set up a cold tub? No worries. The Inergize Cold Plunge Tub inflates to a similar size to the other models on this list, but folds down to an easily stowable size and weighs just 25 pounds when drained. Unlike bulky, hard-to-transport models, this tub is lightweight yet durable, built with reinforced, puncture-resistant materials that can stand up to both the elements and frequent use.

The 0.8-horsepower chiller brings the temperature down to 37°F—that takes about 4 to 5 hours from fill up at 65°F ambient temperature. But it also heats up to 105°F, so you can tailor the usage to what your body needs post-workout. (Either way, you’ll need a grounded 120V/60 HZ power supply on a 15A circuit.) Using the included air pump, our testers were able to inflate the tub to capacity in about 10 minutes.

The padded support of the inflatable sides is more comfortable than most hardshell exteriors, our testers reported, and the tub can accommodate users up to 6'4''—although some taller users might feel a bit cramped. But with 30 inches of depth, you’ll be able to submerge fully without sending a wave of water over the edges.

These prices represent the pre-discount base costs—including chillers—for all the included models. Some tubs may offer upgrades and add-ons that will increase the price.

To make sure we’re recommending truly the best cold plunges on the market, we rounded up a team of certified personal trainers, marathoners, triathletes, weight lifters, and more to brave the bone-tingling cold water. They incorporated repeated sessions in each into their training, paying special attention to how comfortable the design of each tub was, how cold the water got and how long it took to get there, how easy it was to control the chiller, and how durable the tub seemed.

Our fitness testing goes beyond in-person experiences, and our team also took a deeper look at factors including size, materials, versatility, water capacity, warranty, and price point—and how much value users would get for their money. The ice baths that scored the highest in those categories are the ones we deemed “the best cold plunge tubs.” We stand behind every recommendation on this list, but it’s up to you to determine which is best for you.

Ice baths are often touted as a miracle cure for post-workout soreness, but there’s no real shortcut to bouncing back faster. They can, however, make you feel better after exercise—alongside other benefits.

The best cold plunge tubs aren’t cheap. Before you click “buy,” consider these features.

Cold water can shock the body, spiking your heart rate. That’s why “I recommend against cold plunging are individuals with certain health concerns such as circulatory issues, heart conditions or cold urticaria (allergic reaction to cold), as they may face health risks,” Workman says. “Cold exposure may not be safe for all pregnant women and should be approached cautiously, and older adults may also be more susceptible to cold-related complications.” You should talk to your doctor before making cold plunging a part of your wellness routine.

Your living situation might also determine whether or not you should own a cold plunge. Many take up a significant amount of space, and even smaller ones may need to be drained on the ground or require voltage unavailable in a condo or apartment. Make sure you have the infrastructure to support one of these tubs before you go through with purchasing.

William B. Workman, M.D., is the head orthopedist for the Oakland Athletics, as well as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Stanford University and an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert at DISC Sports & Spine Center.