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Best Overall Cold Plunge Tub
Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub
ProsCan be used as a cold and hot tubBeautiful, Euro-minimalist designHigh-quality plumber and chillerUsed by professional athletesGood for indoor or outdoor useConsRequires significant investmentThis is the latest plunge that I currently have in my backyard, and that Aaron Judge told Men’s Health that it’s one of the six items he can’t live without. The Cold Plunge is what one graduates to once they’re a frequent and dedicated ice bath user. It’s pricey, but it’s got everything needed for year-round cold plunges at home. We’re talking a high-quality plumber and chiller and a level of versatility that allows you to change the water into a steamy hot tub if you so choose. Plus, the sleek, Euro-minimalist spa-inspired design will elevate the look of whatever room or backyard space you put this one in.
The tub comes with a filter that you attach to your hose and solutions you can add to purify the water and protect the plunge’s inner mechanics. Once you’ve filled up the tub, which can take some time depending on your water flow, you only need to change the water out every three or four weeks.
In our experience cold plunging in this tub, we found it spacious in depth and length, yet easy to get into. The sides are easy to hold onto if you can’t bear your hands in the frigid temps, too. Plus, it is secure and reliable for indoor and outdoor use. Available upgrades include an XL-sized model for users over six feet tall and a Pro option that’s built for 100°F+ climates and heavy usage for frequent (read: daily) ice baths.
Read More: Our Chat With Plunge Co-Founder Ryan Duey
TypeStandardDimensions (L x W x H)66-5/8″ x 31-1/2″ x 26″Weight (Unfilled)144 lbsWater Capacity105 gallonsPower Needs120V 15A circuitBuilt-in ChillerYes (heater optional)Best Value Cold Plunge Tub
Rubbermaid Stock Tank, 100-gallon
ProsUnder $250Fast, free shipping when in-stockAvailable in larger stock sizesEasy-to-drain spout on the bottomLong lifespan and easy to moveConsNo comfort featuresNot a spa-like designMaybe you value function over flashy good looks. You want a tub that just gets the job done. If the aesthetics of your ice bath tub aren’t a consideration, all you need is a good, sturdy stock tank. Typically spotted on farms, this Rubbermaid Stock Tank is a popular choice for DIY cold plunge enthusiasts. The all-business design is incredibly affordable, durable, and easy to get in and out of. All you have to do is fill this bad boy up with ice water and hop in.
It’s big enough for single-person use and deep enough for the water to reach up to the neck. Best of all is that it has a drain at the bottom for easy emptying. This is the kind of tub we used every morning after PT when I did a week-long bootcamp with Navy SEALs.
The only sacrifice you make by choosing this ice bath is there’s no comfortable place to sit. So unlike the more premium models on this list, don’t plan on getting a luxurious “spa-like” experience with this thing. But then again, who said ice baths were supposed to be comfortable?
TypeStandardDimensions (L x W x H)53″ x 31″ x 25″Weight (Unfilled)34.6 lbsWater Capacity100 gallonsPower ConsumptionN/ABuilt-in ChillerNoAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Cold Plunge Tub for First Timers
The Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub
ProsInflatable designExcellent value for what you payEasy to set up and drainComes with thermal coverFoam insulation to help keep cold inPadded ring is added for comfortConsSome might want an ice bath with more spaceNot as sturdy as a hard plastic or metal ice bathNo built-in chillerThe cold plunge movement has birthed many different ice bath designs. At just $100, The Cold Pod has seemed to crack the code on the most efficient and cost effective ice bath design with its Ice Bath Tub model. The inflatable ice bath holds up to 85 gallons and is made with a PVC inner liner, a nylon outer layer, and a middle insulation of pearl foam to keep the the water from losing that chill.
The result is a cost-effective insulation ice bath that caters to all types of individuals, but especially to first timers (since it’s easy to use and affordable). The tub takes up less than 30 square inches, making it attractive to set up in backyards or training facilities. There’s a drain tap for easy breakdown, as well as padding around the ring of the ice bath for added comfort. Did we mention you also get a thermal cover to throw over the top when it’s not in use?
If you want an ice bath with more room to move, you can upgrade to the larger Athletes XL model. The larger version costs more, but only by $40 (and right now it’s only $20 more since it’s on sale). For all other purposes, The Cold Pod hits our mark for a great intro ice bath, as well as a solid choice for anyone who’s looking for a value-driven pick that also saves on space.
TypeInflatableDimensions (L x W x H)29.5″ x 29.5″ x 29.5″Weight (Unfilled)11 lbsWater Capacity88 gallonsPower ConsumptionN/ABuilt-in ChillerNoEasiest To Use Cold Plunge Tub
Ice Barrel 300
ProsEasy to transport, setup, and useNew design mades it much easier to step intoSturdy recycled plastic buildInsulation with polyurethane foamComes with thermal coverBuilt-in seatConsExpensive if you don’t plan on using it a lotNo chillerIce Barrel has been at the forefront of making cost-friendly ice baths that are also sturdy and portable. The original Ice Barrel 400 we reviewed was quite impressive, as it featured a fun design that literally looked like a barrel that you step down into. The Ice Barrel 400 has cosigns from all types of athletes out there—UFC star Michael Chandler noted how useful his Ice Barrel 400 is for him in his 2023 interview with us.
The one knock on the Ice Barrel 400? Well, the design was hard to get into (you needed an actual step to get up into it). The company heard those qualms, and then, released a brand new Ice Barrel 300 model. So far, this new design has solidified the Ice Barrel 300 as one our of favorite cold plunge baths.
For starters, the Ice Barrel 3oo is made with the same strong recycled plastic and insulated with polyurethane foam that’s used in the 400. However, the 300 has a friendlier design to step into, as it’s essentially the 400 but shorter. The design of the 300 means it holds less water (77 gallons compared to the 400’s 105 gallon capacity), but it still provides enough space for most guys to sit down and submerge up to the neck. The Ice Barrel 300 also has a small seat built in for a more comfortable plunging experience. And just like the Ice Barrel 400, the 300 still features an easy draining function and comes with a thermal top.
The downside of buying an Ice Barrel? They cost around $1,000, so it’s a significant investment compared to something as value-driven as an inflatable ice bath (like The Cold Pod). However, the Ice Barrel is made with more durable materials and offers a more comfortable design. You can set up an Ice Barrel in your backyard and leave it exposed to the elements and it’ll fair just fine, whereas an inflatable ice bath requires you to set it up and break it down more frequently to avoid punctures and tears. Nonetheless, the Ice Barrel is still much more affordable than an ice bath with a built-in chiller. (Speaking of chillers, Ice Barrel plans to release an attachable chiller for the 300 at some point, but for now the 300 still needs to be filled with ice.)
The verdict: If you are committed to plunging on a regular basis, then the Ice Barrel 300 is an awesome ice bath model that’s easy to use and will last a long time.
TypeStandardDimensions (L x W x H)35.5″ x 35.5″ x 30.5″Weight (Unfilled)61 lbsWater Capacity77 gallonsPower ConsumptionN/ABuilt-in ChillerNoAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Premium Cold Plunge Tub
Renu Therapy The Cold Stoic 3.0
ProsRetains temperature extremely wellGreat for year-around useHandsome, custom-look aestheticEasy to get intoA top luxury pick in the cold plunge tub market, Renu Therapy has basically taken the ice bath and turned it into a spa-like experience with The Cold Stoic 3.0. This cold plunge has its own chiller and plumbing, making it a controlled experience for year-round use that can make the cold plunging even easier at home. We love the low-profile aesthetic of this model, in particular.
Sink it in a cut-out in your deck or position it right off the patio—either way, it integrates seamlessly in design and functionality. It’s the closest thing to a custom-built ice bath or plunge pool, wherever it’s installed in your home or backyard patio setup. It just looks great in person. That may be why people like Mark Wahlberg, Shaq, and MLB star Bryce Harper have them in their backyard.
Also included is an insulated cover to retain temperature and the option to choose from several fine deck woods, like California Redwood and Pacific Cedar. This version also comes with programmable lighting for night time plunges. At nearly $10,000, it’s one of the most expensive cold plunges for recovery that we’ve ever seen. But, if only the best will do, this one is definitely worth the splurge.
TypeStandardDimensions (L x W x H)70” x 33” x 35″Weight (Unfilled)350 lbsWater Capacity95 gallonsPower Requirements120V 15A CircuitBuilt-in ChillerYesMost Compact Cold Plunge Tub
Polar Recovery Ice Bath Tub Pro Bundle
ProsSturdy for an inflatable designAffordableExtremely portableUnlike cheap inflatable tubs that are prone to popping or thin water tanks that flop over when you try to get in or out, this best-selling cold plunge is incredibly stable and well-structured. It’s also surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to reposition wherever you need it when empty.
We have left this tub outside through the toughest East Coast winters, and it’s remained perfectly intact without so much as a surface-level tear. For under $100 delivered, you won’t get a built-in chiller or automatic inflation feature, but the durability makes it a reliable investment for anyone seeking an affordable ice bath tub solution.
Draining the water tank is simple, too—just turn the tap and unplug the drain at the bottom of the tub. After that, rinsing the tub and replacing the water is all that’s needed to keep it in clean, working order. Water stabilizers or a UV purifier can also be used to keep the water clean for longer periods, although we haven’t tried that yet.
TypeInflatableDimensions (L x W x H)31.5″ x 31.5″ x 27.6″Weight (Unfilled)6 lbsWater Capacity98 gallonsPower ConsumptionN/ABuilt-in ChillerNoAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
What Is the Ideal Temperature for an Ice Bath?”There is no currently agreed-on temperature for optimal results,” explained Dr. Malek. Most tubs range from about 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit, with 40 degrees being a commonly accepted average.
How Long Should You Stay in an Ice Bath?Although there isn’t currently an agreed-upon temperature for optimal results, most research is in agreement about a 5-15 minute rule for cold plunging, with 10 minutes being the average, according to Dr. Malek.
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Are Ice Bath Tubs Worth the Investment?You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from taking ice baths. While they have been shown to help with recovery, there are also other potential benefits we mentioned earlier that cold water therapy can provide. If you’re on the fence about investing in an ice bath, go for one of the low cost methods we suggested. If anything, you can also go the old school route and fill your bath tub at home with ice.
Make sure to continue to read up and educate yourself on the benefits of cold water therapy and ice baths. There’s new and exciting research coming out all the time, so as positive findings come out more innovative ice baths will be continue to be developed.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
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