10 Best Cold Plunge Tubs (2023): Which Brand Provides The Ultimate Chill
Best Cold Plunge Overall
Cold Plunge
- Pacific Cold Plunge Kit
Alaskan Cold Plunge Kit
Yukon Cold Plunge XL Deluxe Kit
Yukon Cold Plunge Kit
Yukon Cold Plunge Tub XL
Yukon Cold Plunge Tub
Deluxe Cold Plunge Dual Chiller + Heater
Cold Plunge Chiller
Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
10 Best Cold Plunge Tubs (2023): Which Brand Provides The Ultimate Chill?
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updated October 13, 2023
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Although cold water immersion therapy dates all the way back to Ancient Greece 1 , it’s been a recent trend in the health and wellness industry. And for good reason, too. Ice bath benefits include reduced inflammation, immune system support, stress management, and even the potential for reducing body fat and weight loss.
However, researchers admit that there are still many unknowns about cold water therapy, and there is more research needed around many of the potential health benefits.
That said, our team of expert product testers (including the founder of Garage Gym Reviews, Coop Mitchell) wanted to hop on the cold plunge train. We personally tested several of these ourselves and researched dozens more to see which one delivers the best cold plunge tub experience. We also consulted with Dr. Mike Masi, a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), to assess the merit of this recovery method.
Best Cold Plunge Tub
- Best Cold Plunge Tub Overall:Cold Plunge
- Best Cold Plunge For Small Spaces:Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
- Best Splurge Cold Plunge:Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
- Best Vertical Cold Plunge:Nordic Wave Viking Tub
- Best Hot And Cold Plunge:Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
- Best Inflatable Cold Plunge:Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub
- Best DIY Cold Plunge:Tuff Stuff Stock Tank
- Best Cold Plunge For Tall People:Ice Barrel 400
- Best Insulated Cold Plunge:Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0
- Best Customizable Cold Plunge:Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub
Best Cold Plunge Tub Overall: The Cold Plunge
Good for: Anyone who wants to submerge in cold water as part of a weekly routine
Best Cold Plunge Overall
The Cold Plunge
Product Highlights
- Indoor or outdoor ice bath
- Chiller system for regulated temperatures
- Filtration and sanitation systems
- No plumbing required
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Eliminates the hassle of traditional ice baths
- No cleanup or setup to do after initial assembly
- Allows you to fine-tune temperature
- Provides full-body immersion for most body sizes and heights
- Less time-consuming than traditional ice bath
- Decently aesthetic; would look nice in a backyard or dedicated gym space
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Free shipping and in-home delivery for lower 48
- 0% APR financing available through Affirm and Klarna
- Insulated cover, cell phone holder, hose filter, and skimmer net included
- 30 days to return for full refund
Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires electricity
- No heating capabilities on base model
- Only a 1-year warranty
- Extended warranty/product protection costs extra
- Shipping is costly for Hawaii and Alaska, and in-home delivery isn’t available
- Currently has an 8-week lead time
- Consumer must pay shipping fees if returning the tub
Bottom Line
The Cold Plunge is a user-friendly cold-immersion therapy tool that’s easy to clean and maintain. The $5,000 price tag may just be too much for many people.
The Plunge, sometimes called The Cold Plunge, is our top pick for the best cold plunge tub on the market right now because it’s spacious, does not require plumbing, uses standard 110-volt power, and can be used indoors or outdoors.
It’s about 150 pounds dry and 1,000 pounds when filled with water. Although it’s not the heaviest we’ve tested, we still like the fact Cold Plunge provides you with free in-home delivery.
Coop enjoyed his testing experience and notes, “Honestly, if you plan on taking consistent ice baths, this is by far the ideal option, even though it has a costly price point.”
Coop thinks this is the ideal option because the chiller can cool water down to 39 degrees. There is no need to go out for ice every time you want to take an ice bath.
The other things you can expect include:
- A cell phone holder so you can practice your Wim Hof Method breathwork
- No plumbing required: It’s designed to be self contained once you fill it from a garden hose or other water source
- Circular filtration to keep water quality top notch since you don’t need to have new water coming in
- An ozone sanitation system which is an oxidizer 2 that breaks down common water contaminants
- A 20 micron filter pulls out hair, skin cells, and other debris out of the water
- An insulated cover and fully insulated tub to keep water cool and regulate energy usage
While the OG Cold Plunge model is designed to just cool, if you’re interested in a tank that can both heat and cool, the brand has you covered with three different models with the dual action temperatures: Cold Plunge Pro, The Hot and Cold Plunge, and the The Hot and Cold Plunge Pro XL.
You can read more about our hands-on experience with the original model in the Cold Plunge review.
| Price | $4,990 |
| Footprint | 67” L x 31.5” W x 24” H |
| Temperature range | 39-103 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Features | 20 micron filter, underwater light, circular filtration, cell phone holder, ozone sanitation system, insulated tub and cover, drain |
| Water capacity | About 100 gallons |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Cold Plunge For Small Spaces: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan
Good for: People seeking a solid wooden barrel for outdoor cold therapy sessions
Best For Small Spaces
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub
Product Highlights
- Vertical cold plunge tank
- Classic looking wood exterior
- Indoor or outdoor use
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy draining
- Does not require power or plumbing
- Built-in seat
Cons
- Base price doesn’t include chiller
- Cover is additional $99
- Some assembly required
Bottom Line
Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub offers a vertical option for folks who’d rather sit upright versus lay down and pretend to relax while submerged in cold water. The Scandinavian spruce wood exterior gives The Alaskan a classic spa look and feel for your cold plunge sessions. It’s worth noting the base price does not include a chiller but it can be added for an additional cost.
The Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Tub is an aesthetically pleasing vertical tank that will fit snugly in a small place. While it could certainly be used indoors, it’s ideal for outdoor use because it does not require power and doesn’t take up a whole lot of room in your yard or on your deck.
The interior is a plastic liner fitted to the spruce wood exterior. You’ll have to assemble the exterior spruce barrel portion, but the liner comes fully assembled. Additionally, our tester Jake, who has used the Outdoor Alaskan, says, “It has a built-in seat, which is an added perk.”
The dry weight of the Alaskan is 250 pounds with a 130-gallon capacity. That means with the tank filled, this vertical tub weighs over 1,300 pounds. It also has an easy-to-use drainage system with a relief valve near the bottom of the tank.
It’s also worth noting that the base price reflects the cost of the tub only, which means you’ll have to bring your own ice to drastically drop the water temperature. The cover is an additional $99, and the cold plunge chiller unit will cost you an additional $2,699.
| Price | $1,999 base price |
| Footprint | 37” L (diameter) x 40.5” H |
| Temperature range | N/A |
| Features | Drain, hard plastic liner |
| Water capacity | About 130 gallons |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Splurge Cold Plunge: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Good for: Folks seeking a sleek tub with a chiller integrated into the design
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Product Highlights
- High-end cold plunge tub
- Temperatures down to 37.5 degrees Fahrenheit
- Powerful chiller
- Chiller integrated into tub design
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Quiet chiller motor
- Built-in circulation and sanitation systems
- LED for nighttime use
Cons
Bottom Line
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is a sleek, high-end cold plunge option that can be used indoors or outdoors. It has a powerful chiller that can cool water down to 37.5 degrees in a matter of minutes. While it has a modern look with the chiller integrated into the design, the price point is over $8,000.
If you want to splurge on a cold plunge tub, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro might be for you. While we have not yet tested the Sun Home, we will be testing it at our Springfield warehouse very soon.
What you can expect is a fast cooldown process that the brand claims can bring water down to 37.5 degrees in just a matter of minutes. It also features an integrated chiller that is not separate from the footprint—it’s all in one. While the design looks sleek, the all-in-one integration will be heavier.
The footprint also looks a lot bigger than the tub itself. While the entire unit is 64 inches long, the tub will only give you about 42 inches of legroom, which is shorter than the Cold Plunge we picked for best overall ice bath.
One cool bonus feature we like is the underwater light for a true spa-like feel or for use at night.
The Sun Home tub is 245 pounds dry and about 900 pounds when filled with water and the water capacity is about 79 gallons. It’s worth noting that the water capacity was not originally listed as a spec on the website, but we reached out to customer service via live chat to find out and they got back to us later in an email and updated the website.
| Price | $8,099 |
| Footprint | 64” L x 34” W x 33” H |
| Temperature range | 37.5 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Features | Dual hydro jets, built-in self priming system, LED lighting, WiFi enabled, insulated tub |
| Water capacity | 79 gallons |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Best Vertical Cold Plunge: Nordic Wave Viking Tub
Good for: People who would prefer to sit upright versus recline in a cold tub
Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge
Product Highlights
- Vertical cold plunge tank
- 95-gallon capacity
- Temperatures down to 38 degrees
- Chiller and filtration system
- Includes lid and step stool
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Three color options
- Upright sitting position
- 2”-thick insulation
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Requires 120-volt power
Bottom Line
The Viking Cold Plunge from Nordic Wave is a vertical cold tub option that allows you to sit in an upright position. It also comes with a chiller and filtration system. Between the 0.75 horsepower chiller and the 2-inch-thick insulated walls, you can regulate temperatures of the 95-gallon tank as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Nordic Wave Viking ice bath tub features a vertical design, which is different from the many bathtub-like plunges we’ve tested and researched. The vertical design allows you to sit in an upright position versus reclining or lying down. Some folks prefer the sitting position during a cold plunge because you’re not exactly relaxing in chilling waters. Ultimately, it’s a personal preference.
We like the fact the Nordic Wave has a built-in seat and a sloped floor for easy draining. It also comes standard with the tub, lid, chiller, and a step stool for dropping into the vertical tub.
The Viking has a 95-gallon water capacity and can accommodate folks over 6 feet tall. The vertical tub has 2-inch insulation and a heavy, insulated lid to keep the temperature regulated while not in use.
It’s worth noting that specs below list the overall footprint, which includes the chiller and step stool. The tub alone is 36 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 41 inches tall. It weighs 60 pounds, the tub cover weighs 16 pounds, and the chiller weighs an additional 55 pounds.
Plus, it comes in three different colors: white, blue, and black to fit with your style.
| Price | $5,999 |
| Footprint | 84” L x 40” W x 41” H |
| Temperature range | Goes as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Features | Chiller system, insulated tub, step stool |
| Water capacity | 95 gallons |
| Warranty | 5-year on tub, 2-year on chiller |
Best Hot And Cold Plunge: Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
Good for: Anyone who plans to take advantage of both hot and cold water therapy
Best Hot and Cold
Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0
Product Highlights
- Cold therapy tub and chiller
- Temperatures as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit
- 0.6 horsepower chiller and filtration system
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides filtered water
- Three color options
- Upgrade available to have hot and cold water
Cons
- Heavy
- Small footprint and water capacity
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 is a fairly small cold plunge tub option. While the website doesn’t indicate how many gallons of water it takes to fill the tank, the website does provide the weight with and without water, so we estimate it has a 55-gallon capacity.
The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 can heat and cool, if you want it to. It has the ability to heat and cool a temperature range that goes from 39 degrees to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’d rather stick with just cooling, the price drops from $4,380 to $3,990 which is a $390 difference.
Although our product testers have used this cold plunge tub, we still find it odd that the website doesn’t disclose the water capacity. We based our 55-gallon estimation on the weight of the tub (140 pounds) and the weight filled with water (600 pounds), which are two specs you can find on the website.
With that information plus the weight of one gallon of water (8.34 pounds), that’s how we estimated about 55 gallons. Jake, one of our expert product testers, thinks that capacity is about right, though, noting that it wasn’t much bigger than your average bathtub.
One thing Jake points out about his experience with the Polar Monkeys is the fact the 0.6 horsepower motor is going to take up a decent amount of space in addition to the tub. However, he did like the fact the drain port has two options: You can either drain the tub by unscrewing that cap or you can attach your garden hose to the drain outlet and drain away from the tub and chiller.
| Price | $4,380 (without heating, base price is $3,990) |
| Footprint | 67” L x 31.5” W x 22.8” H |
| Temperature range | 39 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Features | Built-in filtration system and pump, hoses, drain valve, |
| Water capacity | 55 gallons (not confirmed by Polar Monkeys) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Inflatable Cold Plunge: Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub
Good for: People who want a lighter, portable ice bath option
Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge XL Deluxe Kit
Product Highlights
- Inflatable cold plunge tub kit
- Pump to inflate the tub included
- Deluxe chiller and heater combo
- Packable and portable
- Backpack carrying case comes included
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Straightforward installation
- Portable design
Cons
- Pricey
- Not insulated
- Changing water frequently is recommended
Bottom Line
The Redwood Outdoors inflatable Yukon cold plunge kit is a packable solution to bringing a cold with you on-the-go. It’s easy to inflate the tub with the pump that comes with the purchase. The main drawback to the inflatable design is the brand recommends changing the water frequently due to the fact that leaving water in the tub for 48 hours at a time can lead the tub to bulge and change shape through the center of the tub.
The Redwood Outdoors Yukon Tub is an inflatable option if you’re thinking about carting your cold plunge around from your house to the gym or from a friend’s house to the lake house.
It can be inflated in 10 minutes with the complementary hand pump that comes with the tub. It’s also fairly easy to drain, deflate, and pack up in the backpack that comes with the tub, too. The dry weight is 30 pounds and it has a 120-gallon water capacity.
GGR expert product tester and leader reviewer at Garage Gym Reviews Everything, Lindsay Scheele, says, “The inflatable tub actually made for a comfortable neck support as I leaned back into a reclined position. That said, I wouldn’t trust it to sit on the side by any means.”
The base price of $899 reflects the tub and soft cover and doesn’t include the chiller system. If you’re interested in regulating the temperature with a more sophisticated system than just adding ice, you’ll have the ability to purchase the brand’s chiller system for an additional $2,599.
Overall, Lindsay enjoyed her experience with Yukon cold plunge tub and gave it a 3.8-out-of-5-star rating. While she appreciates that the tub is roomy and she could fully stretch out her legs, the inflatable design has one major disadvantage: It requires frequent draining.
The brand recommends changing the water frequently (or draining completely) because the inflatable design can lose its shape and bulge through the middle if water stays in the tub for more than 48 hours. While the tub is meant to be packable, we still think this is a lot of water changing and upkeep.
| Price | $899 (chiller is an additional $2,599) |
| Footprint | 59” L x 31.5” W x 32.75” H |
| Temperature range | Goes as low as 37 degrees Fahrenheit (with chiller) |
| Features | Carrying bag, air pump, tub cover |
| Water capacity | 120 gallons |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Best DIY Cold Plunge: Tuff Stuff Stock Tank
Good for: Folks on a budget or anyone who just want to give cold therapy a try
Tuff Stuff Super-Duty Oval Stock Tank
Product Highlights
- Utility stock tank
- Can be used as a cold plunge tub
- 110 gallons
- Made from sturdy low-density polyethylene
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable cold tub
- UV, heat, cold, and crack resistant
- Plug for easy draining
- No BPA
Cons
- No temperature regulation
- No insulation
Bottom Line
While a utility stock tank is most often used for gardening or farming, we see no problem using it as a cold plunge tub. The tank has a 110-gallon capacity, it’s made from sturdy low-density polyethylene (which is UV, heat, cold, and crack resistant), and it has a plug for easy draining. It might not offer temperature regulation or a ton of insulation, but it could be a great cold therapy hack for budget-conscious folks.
If you’re someone who wants to experience an ice bath, but you’d rather not spend thousands of dollars on fancy cooling systems or use your own bath tub, you may just need a good-old-fashion DIY option.
If that’s the case, why not pick up a Tuff Stuff oversized stock tank from Tractor Supply? (As you might know from Coop’s infamous suggestions, some of the best home gym flooring options also come from Tractor Supply.)
GGR head of content and USA Weightlifting L-1 coach, Kate Meier has personally used the stock tank method, keeping the Tuff Stuff tank outside her large home gym where her entire weightlifting team trains. The tub can fit two grown adults, as long as they don’t mind being in close quarters with each other.
While a stock tank does not offer temperature control, it has similar functionality as The Ice Barrel just without a protective cover.
“We fill the tub with hose water and throw in bags of ice or a collection of frozen water bottles we keep in the gym freezer,” Kate says. “To keep the tub sanitary between uses, we put epsom salt in the water and cover it with a tarp. However, we still drain it after just a few plunges.”
The Tuff Stuff tank is made from sturdy low-density polyethylene (which holds up to UV rays, heat, and cold) and has a plug for easy drainage. All for just over $100.
| Price | $109.99 |
| Footprint | 53” L x 36” W x 20” H |
| Temperature range | N/A |
| Features | Drain plug |
| Water capacity | 110 gallons |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Best Cold Plunge For Tall People: Ice Barrel 400
Good for: Tall folks who want a vertical ice bath experience
Best For Tall People
Ice Barrel
Product Highlights
- Cold therapy tub for full body immersion
- Includes: Ice barrel, lid, barrel stand, protective UV cover, and step stool
- Holds 105 gallons of water
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made in USA
- Available in two colors: black and desert tan
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult to get in and out of
- Refill with 40-100 lbs of ice very 1-3 days
Although the Ice Barrel 400 has a smaller footprint than other cold plunge tubs we’ve tested, it’s still a viable option for tall folks up to 6 feet and 6 inches and has a 300-pound weight capacity.
It does not require electricity and can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s also made from recycled low density polyethylene materials and it’s non-toxic, BPA-free, and non-porous.
It’s much lighter than other ice baths on the market, weighing in at 55 pounds when empty and 930 pounds when full with the 105-gallon capacity. The downside to the smaller and lighter design is the fact it still needs ice to achieve really cold temperatures.
Because it’s not equipped with electricity and a chiller, Coop Mitchell, the founder of Garage Gym Reviews who has personally used the Ice Barrel, says “It’s practical for someone who wants to take ice baths and doesn’t mind using actual ice. Plus, it’s not double walled for insulation.”
That said, Coop does like the fact that the Ice Barrel can be stored outside and puts you in a great position during use. For anyone who prefers the seated position versus the reclined position, the barrel shape will be in your favor.
Read more about Coop’s thoughts in the Ice Barrel review.
| Price | $1,199.99 |
| Footprint | 31” L (diameter) x 42” H |
| Temperature range | N/A |
| Features | Insulated barrel, drain |
| Water capacity | 105 gallons |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Best Insulated Cold Plunge Tub: Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0
Good for: Anyone looking for superior insulation to keep energy costs low
Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0
Product Highlights
- Sleek cold therapy tub
- Superior insulation
- Integrated water chiller
- Built-in filtration system
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Insulation Indoor or outdoor use
- Made in the USA
- Standard 110 volt power
Cons
- Heavy
- Super expensive
- 6-10 week lead time
Bottom Line
The Renu Cold Stoic 2.0 is a high-end cold therapy unit that can be installed indoors or outdoors. It not only features superior insulation to keep water cold, the 1/4 horsepower chiller lets you regulate the temperature of your choice, all the way down to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (brrr!). Plus, the insulation works well enough that Renu Therapy’s tests indicated that water stays below 60 degrees even 24 hours after being unplugged.
The Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 is our top pick for best insulation on a cold tub because even when it’s unplugged, the insulation keeps the water below 60 degrees. Plus, when it’s plugged in and running the 0.25 horsepower chiller, you can bring the temperature down to 36 degrees, which is the coldest we’ve tested so far.
Expert product tester, Lindsay Scheele, notes that she “Tested three different cold plunges on the same day (that were all set to the same temperature) and this one seemed the coldest by far even though all the temperature readouts were the same.”
However, this high-quality insulation is going to cost you. This is the most expensive cold plunge tub we’ve tested at nearly $10,000. While there are financing options through Affirm, this price is not for the faint of heart. However, you will notice at checkout that you’ll be asked to check a box for residential or commercial use, so we think commercial gyms, spas, and wellness centers are more likely to make this hefty purchase.
Overall Lindsay rates the Cold Stoic tub at 4-out-of-5 stars, but when it comes to value, she gave it 2.5 stars because of the ultra-expensive price tag. “While the website says it has advanced filtration and an ozone purification system for keeping the water clean, I don’t know how much more value this tub offers over comparable tubs at half the price,” says Lindsay.
However, Lindsay appreciates the aesthetics of the cold tub with the built-in chiller integrated into the footprint and design. There are vents on two sides of the Renu tank to allow the chiller to vent, but otherwise it’s extremely sleek looking.
Lindsay mentions in her Renu therapy cold stoic review that as sleek at it is, she was surprised about the lack of legroom. While the footprint is quite spacious, the tub does not span its entire length. “At 5 feet and 4 inches tall, I had to cross my legs or keep them slightly bent while stretched out—otherwise I would hit the walls,” says Lindsay.
It’s also worth noting the Cold Stoic tub is 350 pounds dry and about 1,145 pounds when filled and can be stored indoors or outdoors. You’ll have six tank colors to choose from and four wood options for the top decking and the step stool.
| Price | $9,699.99 |
| Footprint | 70” L x 33” W x 35″ H |
| Temperature range | 36 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Features | Insulated tub, UV-protected frame, filtration and purification system, extra side vent |
| Water capacity | 95 gallons |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Best Customizable Cold Plunge: Inergize Cold And Hot Plunge Tub
Good for: Anyone looking for portability as well as both hot and cold therapy