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Best cold plunge tubs of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
No longer reserved for pro athletes and celebrities, cold water immersion therapy is increasingly accessible, with a wide variety of at-home cold plunge tubs to choose from. With cold plunge benefits ranging from improved mood to a reduction of metabolic disease risk and reduced muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise, it’s no wonder cold plunging has become so popular in recent years. With the wide range of cold plunge pools, barrels, and bins available today, you don’t have to live by a body of water or wait for cold winter weather to give it a try.
We researched some of the best cold water immersion tubs on the market to fit any budget, space and style. If you’re ready to take the plunge, keep reading for the best cold exposure tub to help you speed up your recovery, boost your mood and enhance your overall health and wellness this year.
Cold plunge tub overview
While anyone can fill their home bathtub up with water and ice, special cold plunge tubs make it easier and more convenient to experience routine cold immersion therapy. Whether you’re looking to better manage stress in your life, ease soreness or reduce inflammation, a cold plunge tub could help.
A January 2023 review found that athletes could reduce muscle soreness and speed up their recovery from fatigue by doing cold water plunges immediately after exercise. When it comes to getting a mood boost, the research is less clear, but small studies have shown the potential benefit of routinely shocking your system with chilly water.
One small study found that those who spent 20 minutes in 56-degree water had significant reductions in tension, anger, depression, fatigue and confusion and a significant increase in vigor and esteem-related affect from their baselines compared to the control group who did not participate in the cold water immersion.
Most cold water therapy recommendations are to stay submerged in water that’s 55 to 40 degrees for one to five minutes, working your way up to ten minutes as you become used to it.
How we chose the best cold plunge tubs
To choose the best at-home cold plunge tubs, we researched over a dozen popular options and evaluated function, size, space requirements, efficiency, and overall value.
- Functions: The options that tubs for cold water immersion therapy have are seemingly endless, with built-in chillers, heaters, UV sanitation systems, insulation, lights and more.
- Size: While most tubs have a size limit, we chose a variety of tubs that are the most inclusive, allowing room for people of all sizes to explore the benefits of cold water therapy.
- Space requirements: Not everyone has extra space to dedicate to a large cold water tub, so many of our options are either portable, have a small footprint, or can be set up indoors or outdoors so you can easily fit them into your current living situation.
- Efficiency: From insulated tubs that hold ice for longer than a few hours to chillers and heaters that take just minutes to hours to get the water right where you need to be, you don’t have all day to wait for the temperature to be just right.
- Overall value: Most cold water tubs are an investment, so you want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. While there are budget-friendly, lower-cost options, we kept overall value in mind when selecting the best models.
Top cold plunge tubs
- Best for the outdoors: Ice Barrel 300
- Best splurge: The Cold Stoic 2.0
- Best for a budget: The Ice Pod
- Best for hot or cold: The Edge Tub Elite
- Best for limited maintenance: The Plunge
Best for the outdoors: Ice Barrel 300
About the Ice Barrel 300
The Ice Barrel 300 is a cost-effective option that’s perfect for small spaces, patios, or home gyms. With just a 35.5” diameter and a height of 30.5”, it will fit through standard 31-inch doorways and can be stepped into by most without needing a step stool. There’s a drain on the bottom to easily remove and replace the water, which is recommended to be replaced every four weeks, as long as a water stabilizer is used to keep the water clear and clean.
With insulated walls and a lid, you can use ice to lower the water temperature and keep it down or attach a chiller with the quick-connect port. The cost is $1,199.99, and the Ice Barrel comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Why we like it
- Space-saving with a 35.5” diameter
- Can use ice or attach a chiller
- Can also be used for indoor space
What to consider
To keep water clean, may need to use a water stabilizer chemical
Best splurge: The Cold Stoic 2.0
About The Cold Stoic 2.0
For aesthetics and function, The Cold Stoic 2.0 is a cold plunge pool you can feel good about splurging on. The sleek design is fully customizable with various base colors and wood grain tops to choose from, and it’s fully weatherproof for indoor or outdoor use. The included high-flow chiller and filtration system keeps the water cold and clean by filtering 20 gallons per minute through the 50-micron filter. It also includes a UV ozone generator to keep water free from bacteria, viruses and metals. All of these features come at an investment of $9,699.99.
Why we like it
- Sleek customizable appearance with six base colors and four wood top designs
- Efficient water chiller gets water down to 36 degrees
- Filtration system and UV sanitation for clean water
What to consider
- Large footprint with a length of 70”
- Expensive
Best for a budget: The Ice Pod
About The Ice Pod
If you’re new to cold plunges, you might not want to make a large investment. The Ice Pod costs only $128 and is a highly-rated cold plunge barrel that gets to low temperatures using ice. The pod is insulated to stay cold for 24 hours, and the temps can be brought back down by adding additional ice. To stay clean, they recommend changing the water every three to four days or using their water maintenance pack, which includes cleaners and disinfectants.
The pod comes with a waterproof cover to keep it clean and has the option to purchase an insulated lid to keep the water cooler even longer. Assembly takes just 15 minutes, and the water can easily be drained when you’re ready to change it by opening the valve and connecting a hose if the pod is inside.
Why we like it
- Lost cost for beginners
- Highly inclusive, equipped for people up to 6’9” and 320 pounds
What to consider
- You’ll need to add ice every time you use it
- No filtration system; must use chemicals to clean or change water every three to four days.
Best for hot or cold: The Edge Tub Elite
About The Edge Tub Elite
The Edge Tub Elite can cool water down to 37 degrees or heat it up to 105 degrees in as little as three hours, letting you experience the best of both worlds with one tub. The setup is simple, and you can keep it in a permanent spot or easily disassemble and transport it as needed.
Place the tub indoors or outdoors under a covered shelter. And don’t worry about draining and refilling the water. The two-step filtration and non-chlorine sanitizer keep the water clean. The standard size is made for people up to 6’3”, but if you’re taller, you can upgrade to the XL, which can comfortably fit someone up to 7’. The standard Edge Tube Elite costs $5,490.
Why we like it
- Heats up to 105 degrees and chills down to 37 degrees within 3 hours
- Filtration and sanitation systems included
- Can easily be taken down and set up with no required tools, backpack included
What to consider
Large footprint with a length of 63”
Best for limited maintenance: The Plunge
- Ozone sanitation and 20-micron filter for consistently clean water
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Chiller and insulated cover included
About The Plunge
For a cold water bath, anytime you need it, The Plunge can reach temperatures of 39 degrees with the included chiller and insulated cover. You don’t have to worry about adding chemicals or frequently changing the water, either. The 20-micron filtration system and ozone sanitation system keep the water clean and crystal clear.
The tub can be kept indoors or outdoors if you have access to a 110v plug and a hose to fill it up. Regarding aesthetics, we like this option's sleek white tub with minimal writing and compact black chiller. The price is $4,990, making this tub an investment, but overall, it is excellent value for cold plunge therapy.
Why we like it
- Built-in sanitation and filtration
- Can be set up indoors or outdoors
- Comes with a chiller and insulated cover
What to consider
- Large footprint with a width of 67 inches
- Not easily moveable
How to choose a cold plunge tub
There’s no right or wrong way to purchase cold plunge tub, and the best tub for one person may not work best for you. Consider the size, features and your budget before purchasing one of your own.
- Size: Cold immersion therapy can be done in everything from a barrel to a dedicated cold plunge pool. If you have a large patio with the space, a larger model may work. If you’re limited and need something to fit in the corner of your bathroom or balcony, you may need a more compact model or one that can be taken down and stored as needed. Decide what style you have the space for and what will work best for your height and size.
- Features: Are you looking for a model that has its own chiller, or are you okay with adding ice to the tub every time you want to use it? Do you want a model that doesn’t need to be drained frequently to stay clean? Then you’ll want one with a built-in filter system. They also come with various other features like lights and various designs.
- Budget: Cold immersion therapy isn’t only reserved for people with large budgets and incomes. While they can cost $10,000 or more, you can also buy a cold plunge ice tub that’s just as effective for closer to $100.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top cold plunge tubs. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best option for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Is an at-home cold plunge tub worth the cost?
Depending on your budget, an at-home cold plunge tub can cost as little as $100 or as much as $10,000 or more. Depending on the benefits you feel, how often you use it and your budget, a cold-plunge tub can absolutely be worth the investment.
How big of a tub do I need for a cold plunge?
You’ll want something large enough to immerse yourself up to your neck. If it’s a barrel that’s taller than it is wide, a 55-gallon barrel would work for most people under six feet, while a 70-gallon barrel would work for someone six feet or slightly taller. For bath-style tubs, a 100 to 150-gallon tub will be best for most people.
Can I DIY a cold plunge tub?
Yes, you can easily make your own cold plunge tub by purchasing a barrel tub or filling your own bathtub with cold water. Then, add enough ice to bring the temperature down to 40 to 50 degrees, usually a 3:1 water-to-ice ratio.
References
ankouskaya, A., Williamson, R., Stacey, C., Totman, J. J., & Massey, H. (2023). Short-Term Head-Out Whole-Body Cold-Water Immersion Facilitates Positive Affect and Increases Interaction between Large-Scale Brain Networks. Biology, 12(2), 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12020211 Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/2/211
Esperland, D., de Weerd, L., & Mercer, J. B. (2022). Health effects of voluntary exposure to cold water - a continuing subject of debate. International journal of circumpolar health, 81(1), 2111789. https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2022.2111789 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518606/
Xiao, F., Kabachkova, A. V., Jiao, L., Zhao, H., & Kapilevich, L. V. (2023). Effects of cold water immersion after exercise on fatigue recovery and exercise performance--meta analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 14, 1006512. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1006512 Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1006512/full
Yankouskaya, A., Williamson, R., Stacey, C., Totman, J. J., & Massey, H. (2023). Short-Term Head-Out Whole-Body Cold-Water Immersion Facilitates Positive Affect and Increases Interaction between Large-Scale Brain Networks. Biology, 12(2), 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12020211 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9953392/
