Making a cold plunge part of your wellness routine can offer a slew of potential benefits, such as decreased inflammation and boosted mood. Physical therapist Karena Wu, PT, DPT, says that it can also help with exercise recovery and neuromuscular function. Additionally, Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, also a physical therapist, says that through a cross-adaptation of the stress response, cold plunges can be potentially helpful for relieving mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
To find the best cold plunges on the market, we spoke with Wu and Beall to better understand the health benefits of cold plunge pools and how to use one safely. We also asked them who should avoid using a cold plunge. We then tested 13 highly ranked cold plunge tubs from reputable brands for 540 hours. Ultimately, our top picks received high scores for ease of setup, ease of use, design, and value. We also had an emergency physician from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, how to safely use cold plunge tubs, and the best way to evaluate them.
Cold Plunge Safety
While the potential benefits of using a cold plunge may seem wonderful, it’s important to realize that it isn’t a suitable wellness program for everyone. As a result, physicians should be consulted before implementing a cold exposure regimen. People with some conditions, including poor circulation, cardiovascular diseases, and blood pressure issues, should be wary of cold plunging.
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Key Specs
Size: 52 x 28 x 24 inches | Capacity: 60 gallons | Temp Range: 37–108℉ | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor and sheltered outdoor spaces | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for the cold plunge fanatic who wants something easy to break down and take on the go.
Why We Love It
Hydragun’s Supertub Cold Plunge earns the top spot for its excellent temperature regulation and versatility for different body shapes and sizes, working well for people as tall as 6 feet 8 inches. Compared to other models we tested, this inflatable cold plunge is easy to set up, with helpful step-by-step instructions and an automatic air pump. The connected chilling system can regulate and hold the same temperature for as long as you want, so you never have to wait for it to cool down.
We also appreciate the accessories this option comes with, specifically a net for daily cleaning, an anti-slip mat to keep it in place, and an inflatable cover that’s super easy to take on and off. It also comes with straps that make it easy to move around, and the compressor has handles and wheels to make transport and storage painless.
Potential Flaws
- The app is clunky to use, hard to navigate, and doesn’t offer much in the way of instructions.
Most Valuable Insight
“The pool and lid blew up easily, and the step-by-step instructions were simple to follow. Basically, it just involved filling the pool with water, chilling it, and using the water balancing kit before things were ready to go.” —Riddley Schirm, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs:
Size: 36 x 36 x 30 inches | Capacity: 92.5 gallons | Temp Range: -4–102℉ | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who It’s For
Best for beginners who want to experience the health benefits of cold plunges without a large financial commitment.
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for a cold plunge experience without the high price tag, we recommend Lifepro’s Allevachill Recovery Ice Tub. It’s compact, easy to set up, and comes with a carry bag for portability. This all-weather, inflatable tub is easy to fill and drain, and comes with a cover to keep dirt and debris out. We found it durable and sturdy enough to leave set up, and since it doesn’t take up a lot of room, it didn’t overwhelm the space or stick out.
Despite it’s compact size, the tub easily accommodated one of our testers who is 6 feet 3 inches. We especially liked how easy it was to setup, and the included neck support cushion that helped us relax. This product gets the job done at a fair price, and helped us realize you don’t need to spend thousands to get the mood and energy boosting benefits of a cold plunge.
Potential Flaws
- Since the temperature can’t be controlled or preset, we had to purchase ice each time we wanted to use the tub, requiring some preplanning.
Most Valuable Insight
“This is a very simple cold plunge but it lives up to all of the health benefits it says it would. I noticed less inflammation, increased energy, mood boost, etc.” — Taylor Calta, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 31 x 42 inches | Capacity: 105 gallons | Temp Range: Not applicable | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 4/5
Who It’s For
Best for taller folks who are sick of plunges that don’t let them go neck-deep.
Why We Love It
Designed to accommodate people as tall as 6 feet 6 inches and as heavy as 300 pounds, Ice Barrel’s 400 Cold Plunge is ideal for the tallest people seeking cold therapy. It demands minimal assembly—to use it, simply fill it with water and ice. Unlike other plunges, this choice is designed to let taller people squat down to get icy water up to their necks.
We appreciate that this barrel comes with a step ladder, which makes it easier to get in and out. The tub weighs as much as 930 pounds when full, which makes it stable and durable. It also features an insulated lid, and when you’re ready to get rid of dirty water, you can attach a hose to the drain and easily empty the water into a sink or onto your lawn.
Potential Flaws
- Because the barrel is so tall and has a relatively small circumference, it can be difficult to get out of. Luckily, the included step stool can help, but it’s not the best option for older adults or those with mobility issues.
- There is no port to connect an external chiller, so it requires a lot of ice to keep chilled.
Most Valuable Insight
“You do not need to hire a plumber to help you install this product. When you’re filling it up with water, just remember to leave a good bit of space to account for the volume of you and the ice you add. You may need to drain it some after each use to account for the water added from the melted ice.” —John Somerall, Verywell Fit product tester
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Spacious despite the smaller size
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Insulation and cover help retain cold
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Features shelf on sides and bottom, allowing you to rest your arms and sit comfortably
Key Specs
Size: 35.5 x 30.5 inches | Capacity: 77 gallons | Temp Range: Not applicable | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Best for people who are tight on space but still want a higher-quality ice bath.
Why We Love It
With a smaller footprint than other ice baths, the Ice Barrel 300 is great for people who don’t have the luxury of endless space. While smaller in stature, it can still accommodate people up to 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and we found it durable and spacious enough for us. It also features a shelf on the bottom for seating and shelves on either side for resting your arms.
The 300 model doesn’t come with a chiller, though it is compatible with certain chillers if you want to purchase one separately. Importantly, even on hotter days of testing without a chiller, the cover and insulation were still able to keep the temperature inside the tub consistent for about 48 hours.
Potential Flaws
- No chiller is included, so you need to purchase one separately or pay the extra cost of store-bought ice.
Most Valuable Insight
“It’s comfortable to be in; I can be almost fully submerged, unlike other options. It also doesn’t take up much space—a HUGE benefit.” —Ashley Craiger, Verywell Fit product tester
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No ice required
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Useful accessories included, like an underwater light
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Substantially and durably built
Key Specs
Size: 67 x 31.5 x 24 inches | Capacity: 75 gallons | Temp Range: Low of 39℉; high range not listed | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Best for someone who’s ready to invest in a stylish, durable ice plunge tub.
Why We Love It
While larger than other options on our list, The Plunge has a sleek design that makes it a pleasant addition to any space. With an included chiller and filter, there’s no need to add ice to it, and we also appreciate that it has additional features like an underwater light for late-night plunging.
Built for both indoor and outdoor use, it’s made from acrylic and fiberglass for durability, and it includes a durable, insulated cover. This option is not portable, but that’s part of the benefit—the sleek design is durable, weighing 150 pounds when empty, and highly spacious.
Potential Flaws
- More heavy-duty than other options, this was involved and complex to set up. Fortunately, the instructions are very clear and helpful.
- Unless you’re willing to pay to keep it running all the time, it will need time to cool down after being turned on. It took us a couple of hours to achieve our desired temperature.
Most Valuable Insight
“The Plunge is VERY expensive, but if you want to invest in a top-of-the-line cold plunge, I think this is your best bet. You get what you pay with this one, so if you want to splurge, I 1000% recommend The Plunge.” —Michelle Parente, commerce editor and Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 53.3 x 31.5 x 24 inches (Edge Tub), 62.75 x 36.5 x 24.3125 inches (XL Edge Tub) | Capacity: 80 gallons (Edge Tub), 130 gallons (XL Edge Tub) | Temp Range: 37–104℉ | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Who It’s For
Best for people who don’t want to constantly add or drain water from their cold plunge tub to keep it sanitary.
Why We Love It
Edge Theory Labs’ Tub Elite features a two-step filtration system and comes with an oxidizer, a sanitizer, test strips, and replacement 20-micron filters for added cleanliness. It also includes a pump that allows you to inflate it in just 15 minutes. With a high-end filtration system, this option alleviates the headaches of constantly changing the water in your cold plunge.
We like that this option is controlled via an app, which allows us to turn it on ahead of time to make sure it’s ready to go when we want to plunge. In terms of efficiency, it can deflate to fit into a backpack, and the lid features locking buckles that require an entry code, making it a safer choice for people with kids.
Potential Flaws
- The tub needs to be controlled via an app, and it can only be connected to one phone at a time, making it difficult if multiple plungers are using it.
- The instructions are not particularly detailed.
Most Valuable Insight
“As a parent of two small toddlers, this is a great option when considering child safety because the tub has a durable cover with four locking buckles, which you can set to any two-digit code you want. The chiller also has a child-lock feature on it to prevent any tampering. The filtration system allows me to save time and money by keeping the same water in the tub.” —Janice Desenberg, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 76.75 x 31.5 x 28.75 inches | Capacity: 100 gallons | Temp Range: 37–103℉ | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for the cold plunge pro who’s looking for maximum temperature control and never wants to wait for the water to get cold.
Why We Love It
For a more technologically advanced plunging experience, Plunge’s All-In is our top pick. Unlike other options on our list, it comes with a built-in chiller and it has app connectivity that is super easy to use, enabling us to have it ready whenever we want. The built-in chiller keeps it at our desired temperature, and app-controlled jets circulate the water to keep it cold and clean. The app also offers control of a built-in light and provides reminders for changing the filter, deep cleaning, and winterizing.
Larger in size, this can accommodate a range of body sizes, enabling users to submerge their entire bodies into the cold completely. We found that being able to prepare the tub for a plunge via the app made us use it more.
Potential Flaws
- It requires a lot of space; it’s about the size of a bathtub.
- The higher price point is limiting in terms of who can afford it.
- At 270 pounds when empty, it’s heavy, and moving it yourself may require hiring experts.
Most Valuable Insight
“The Plunge All-In is definitely a splurge pick, but the performance, design, and community behind The Plunge brand and this product make the ice bath a must-buy if it’s within your budget and fits with your lifestyle.” —John Somerall, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs:
Size: 32 x 29 inches | Capacity: 79 gallons | Temp Range: Not applicable | Indoor/Outdoor: Can be used both indoors and outdoors | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Best for users who are new to the cold plunge experience and want a tub that is easy to set up and easy to use.
Why We Love It
The 15-minute set-up and ease of use of Saunabox’s PlungeBox Pro makes it a solid option for anyone just starting out with cold plunges. During testing, we found it easy to set up by one person, and emptying and cleaning the tub were easy due to it’s light weight. The hexagonol shape provides more advanced insulation than an inflatable option due to the foam panels inserted in zippered pockets. And if you want faster chilling and colder temperatures, the tub is compatible with a water chiller that can be purchased separately.
The Plungebox comes with a fitted lid, a tarp cover, carrying case, and a hand pump. We found it very stable and balanced when it was full, and it was large enough to comfortably submerge to our neck and shoulders. We even appreciated the inflatable rim that acted as a nice cushion for our head and neck. We also liked that it only took about 10 minutes to chill after adding ice, making it ready to use quickly.
Potential Flaws
- Since the temperature can’t be controlled or preset, we had to purchase ice each time we wanted to use the tub, requiring some preplanning.
- During our test, we noted the fitted lid just sits on top, and the tarp cover is not very large so they may not be very secure.
Most Valuable Insight
“My favorite thing was how easy it was to setup and empty/clean. At first I questioned the need for something as portable as this, because it’s not like you’ll be traveling with it, but in terms of cleaning it and moving it around, the lightness of the plunge really helps.” — Robert Tutton, Verywell Fit product tester
Cold Plunge Tubs We Also Tested
We tested 13 cold plunge tubs, but only eight met our highly rigorous standards to be included in this article. These two options had features that we liked, but they weren’t impressive enough to secure a spot on our top picks list.
- Ice Pod: Once set up, it provides a nice cold plunge experience. However, it’s hard to inflate the tub with its included pump. Plus, while it’s more of a budget option, we found that we had to use such a substantial amount of ice that it ended up being pricier than other, more expensive picks.
- Sun Home Cold Plunge: We appreciate that this option works for people as tall as 6 feet 8 inches, but we are unimpressed by the cover’s inability to fit properly and the fact that it took a day to cool down to 60 degrees.
What We’ve Updated
- Since our initial tests, we have continued to test cold plunge tubs in the real world to collect additional information on their performance. We have also added four additional products to our testing.
- Based on the most recent test results, we updated our Best Budget choice and added a Best for Beginners choice.
What to Look for When Shopping for Cold Plunge Tubs
- Size and Capacity: Cold plunges come in multiple sizes to accommodate different height and weight requirements. Beall says you want to be able to fit your whole body comfortably in the tub while keeping your head out of the water. With this in mind, taller people should consider barrel options or more spacious tubs for easier submersion. Do be aware that higher gallon capacities will also take more ice to fully cool, or require more energy to keep chilled for options that use a chiller.
- Material: Depending on whether your cold plunge uses a chiller or is relying on ice to stay cool, different materials will be more suited to your needs. We like durable materials like acrylic, fiberglass, and reinforced metal. For options that don’t include a chiller, materials that provide insulation will be of the utmost importance.
- Temperature Control: Less technologically advanced cold plunges simply require water and ice, offering less control for users over the temperature. Pricier options with a chiller will offer more precise control, with some models even featuring an app with a dial to set the temperature to the user’s exact degree preference. Beall suggests a temperature of 53 degrees Fahrenheit for an optimal cold plunge experience.
- Features: Depending on your budget, there are excellent features to be enjoyed with a cold plunge, such as a chiller and an app to control the exact temperature remotely. Some models also include bonuses like a built-in light for night plunging, jets to circulate the water to keep it clean and cold, a ladder for taller options like a barrel, and insulated covers to keep the water cool and clean when not in use.
- Warranty: Because they can be pricey, it’s worth investing in a cold plunge that includes a warranty. Some models feature lengthier warranties, so be sure to find something that makes you feel your purchase is protected.
How We Tested the Cold Plunge Tubs
To find the best cold plunge tubs, six testers tested 13 different models for a total of 540 hours. Ultimately, we narrowed our picks down to the eight best ice baths from highly reputable brands based on the following key criteria.
- Ease of Setup: Considering the larger nature and oftentimes higher weights of the cold plunges that we tested, we assessed how many sets of hands were necessary to set them up. We also noted whether assembly was quick and easy or time-consuming, and we considered whether additional plumbing was required to install the tub or if we just had to fill it with water and plug it in.
- Ease of Use: When it came time to use the cold plunge, we paid attention to whether it was ready to go or if it required a cool-down period. For models that needed time to cool down, we were sure to record how long this period was. We also noted how often we needed to refill the tubs and how difficult this process was. Lastly, when the tub had special features, like an underwater light or a self-cleaning filter, we tried all features and noted whether they worked properly and were easy to use.
- Design: With a wide range of sizes available, we measured how much space the cold plunges took up, noting whether the models were suitable for people with limited space. We also addressed whether the cold plunge came with a cover or other accessories and whether these features improved the overall experience. Lastly, we noted how our bodies fit into the cold plunges and whether we were able to fully submerge ourselves in them.
- Value: After testing each cold plunge, we noted whether it was worth its price or if we would only purchase it when on sale.
Our Experts
We spoke with experts to better understand the physical and mental benefits of cold plunging and how to use a cold plunge tub safely. As physical therapists, the two experts we spoke with were particularly helpful in clarifying the benefits of cold plunging for athletes seeking recovery. Our picks for testing were our own, but expert input definitely helped us make our final choices.
- Karena Wu, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, CKTP, CPI, FAAOMPT, board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India
- Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Tribeca Physical Therapy
Benefits of Using a Cold Plunge Tub
Sitting in a cold tub will do a lot more than just earn you strange looks and likes on a social media post. Some benefits include:
- Inflammation Management: Wu says that a cold plunge tub can help reduce swelling and pain, which will, in turn, assist with recovery.
- Immune Health: Wu also notes that exposure to cold can enhance the immune system by jump-starting your body’s stress response—not unlike NAD supplementation. It does this by increasing the metabolic rate and spiking plasma concentrations of catecholamines, a type of neurohormone that’s crucial for the body’s response to stress.
- Mood: Wu says that using a cold plunge can improve mood and mental acuity and reduce stress. When exposed to the cold, emotion-regulating hormones, including plasma noradrenaline, beta-endorphin, and synaptic noradrenaline, may be released.
- Recovery After Exercise: Beall says that the decrease in intramuscular temperature and metabolism during cold exposure can limit hypoxic stress and generate reactive oxygen species, resulting in boosted recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I cold plunge for optimal benefits?
Wu suggests using a cold plunge two or three times per week, but not much more as the body will need to recover after using one.
How long should I stay in a cold plunge tub?
According to Wu, times ranging from two to three minutes are ideal. Beall recommends starting slow and building up to no more than five or 10 minutes.
Are there any health conditions that make it unsafe to cold plunge?
According to Beall, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, venous stasis, cold agglutinin disease, sensory defects, and certain cognitive deficits should be cautious when considering cold plunging. Always talk to your primary care physician before starting cold exposure therapy.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Jack Byram is a freelance writer covering all things health and wellness for Verywell Fit since 2023. He graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in English. As an exercise and health-optimizing fanatic, Jack has experimented extensively with cold plunging in the past as a means of improving mental and physical health and improving the quality of his sleep.
As someone who used to fill a bathtub with five bags of ice and frozen water bottles, Jack can appreciate how far cold plunging technology has come for ease of use. He has conducted extensive research to better understand how cold exposure works for the body and was excited to speak directly with experts for this article to understand what exactly makes cold plunging a healthy habit.
