The Best Cold Plunge Tubs of 2025, Tested and Expert-Reviewed

Why We Like It

Our top tub for cold plunges is easy to use and feature-rich enough to satisfy anyone from first-time plungers to experienced enthusiasts. If you are on the hunt to find the best cold plunge on the market, look no further than our top pick, Sun Home’s Cold Plunge Pro. “I want this tub to live at my house, absolutely,” our tester says.

This tub design gives you ample room to lay down, soak, and relax on your days off from the gym, and the ergonomic design helps keep you comfortable (or as comfy as you can be when sitting in near-freezing water). The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is about 14 inches longer than the previous model, making it ideal for taller athletes. So, our team gave this one a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics. 

This cold tub cools water temperatures down to 32 degrees, too, which is lower than most other competitors, like the Nordic Wave Viking that “only” goes down to 35 degrees. And the stainless steel build helps keep the temperature cold. That’s why our tester recommends this model for people who, erm…like a challenge. “To crank it down to the lowest settings (which I did!), you’ve got to have a bit of a pain-chasing attitude. But this is amazing for the mental challenge!” We also love the built-in self-priming system for circulation and sanitation, so we gave it a 5 out of 5 for conveniences, too.

Our team did have to give the portability and footprint a 3.5 out of 5. The frame is 345 pounds and it’s about 6 feet, 6 inches long, so moving this one around isn’t exactly convenient. “This is easily the heaviest tub I’ve ever used,” our tester says, recommending the Nordic Wave Viking, Sun Home Yukon, or Redwood Outdoors Alaskan if you need something more portable.

While we’re impressed with this tub’s quality, we did have to give it a 3 out of 5 for cost. This tub costs $10,499, making it one of the most expensive on this list.

Read our full Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro Review.

Why We Like It

If you’re living in a small home but still want a cold plunge under your own roof, this pick’s ability to squeeze into narrow spaces will come in handy, similar to some of the best compact exercise equipment. The Nordic Wave Viking includes everything you need to start plunging in a compact, barrel-shaped package. 

Even with the steps added on, it still fits on a small patio with ease, thanks to its 41-inch (3.41-foot) height and 36-inch (3-foot) width. “This tub is a barrel design so the footprint doesn’t take up a ton of space,” according to our tester, who gives it a 4 out of 5 for size and portability. “It also only weighs about 60 pounds and the separate chiller is 55 pounds, so you could move this around if needed.”

Our testers had no issue setting up the tub without a premium service, so we gave the delivery and set up a 5 out of 5, too. “Getting this tub in place and working was seamless,” one tester says. “It only took about 10 minutes to set it up and adding water took about a half hour.” So, if you’re someone who doesn’t have a ton of tools and isn’t comfortable putting pieces together, this process is a breeze. 

There’s no need for special components here either; this plunge conveniently uses a standard home outlet. Note: It may trip the breaker if you’re cooling aggressively or have other devices plugged into the same outlet, some reviews say. The stainless steel material and 2-inch insulation helps keep water cold at temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, helping you save on energy usage. (If you need a model that gets even colder, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro gets right down to freezing.)

Unfortunately, though, this isn’t a lie-down kind of tub, hence the space-friendly design. For ergonomics we give it a 4 out of 5 because our tester felt a little cramped. “I’m 6 feet tall and I had to squat in order to get the water above my shoulders,” they say. “There’s no seat inside so you have to just sit in place.”

[Related: Nordic Wave Discount Code]

Why We Like It

For those who want a cold water therapy experience indoors, we recommend the Plunge. This cold plunge is among the most popular for a reason: You can use it indoors, it’s fully insulated, has a built-in filtration system, and it connects to the Plunge app, so you can schedule your cold plunges. We gave our overall experience with this tub a 5 out of 5.

This tub is a pretty standard size but since it’s a reclined design, it does take up about 5 feet, 6 inches of length. We did give the footprint a 4 out of 5, though, as it may not work for taller athletes (our tester is about 5 feet, 10 inches). However, the Plunge does make an XL version at a slightly higher cost.

We particularly like the use of acrylic to construct the tub, giving it a 5 out of 5 for durability. This material feels comfortable on your skin compared to metal or plastic and won’t rust or wear. “I personally think this is one of the best-looking options on the market,” says Jake Herod, Barbend’s expert product tester. “I used to take a ton of ice baths in my football days and this looks way better than the tin cans we had to use back then.”

While it’s recommended that you use a dedicated 20 amp breaker, you can still use a standard 110v outlet — just make sure nothing else is drawing power from the same outlet. You don’t need special plumbing either, saving you time and money. 

This tub comes with a variety of accessories, too, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for conveniences. It has underwater lighting, an insulated cover, a cell phone holder, and even a rubber ducky, so you never have to plunge alone. 

All of these features do come at a price, though — this is one of the more expensive plunges on this list with costs starting at $5,990. “You have to be prepared to spend a chunk of change for this plunge,” says Herod, giving a 3.5 out of 5 for cost.

Read our full Plunge Cold Plunge Review.

Why We Like It

This inflatable cold plunge from Sun Home marries the technology and dimensions of a high-end plunge with the convenience of an inflatable pool. “This is easily one of the most portable tubs I’ve seen,” our tester says.

Unlike most other options, this is a portable ice bath that comes with a carrying case, so you can take it on a trip or use it in your home alongside your best portable home gym. Its footprint and portability both earned a 5 out of 5 from our tester, a certified personal trainer.

The tub itself is 15 pounds, so packing it up is no issue, and you get a handheld portable pump. One downside, though, is that the external chiller is 88 pounds. “Even with the chiller, it’s not that hard to move around,” our tester says. “You might want to grab a friend if you can’t lift that much weight, but for many users, it can probably be a one-person job.” If you want less total weight when empty, the Ice Barrel 400 tops out at 55 pounds, but doesn’t compact for easier transport.

For durability, our tester gives this tub a 5 out of 5, despite that it’s an inflatable tub. “For an inflatable tub, this one is incredibly durable. It holds the shape really well and the sides don’t sink if I put my weight down,” they said. “Multiple different testers have tried it out and the shape has stayed the same.”

This inflatable plunge is just over 6 feet long, so even taller athletes (up to 6’8”) can comfortably submerge their bodies. We give it a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics. “I can completely extend my body in the tub,” our tester says. “The sides are comfortable enough to keep my arms resting above the water, too.” Sun Home also offers this cold plunge in a vertical orientation for an even smaller footprint.

For overall value, we gave this one a 4 out of 5. This tub costs $4,999, which is pretty comparable to other options on the market. Using Sun Home Saunas discount codes, though, we’ve been able to nab a better deal.

Why We Like It

Sometimes, getting back to basics is the best way to go. An ice bath — where you simply fill a tub up with water, add ice, and hop in — can help improve your post-workout recovery. The Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge pairs modern technology with tradition, thanks to its combination of classic aesthetics and modern design. “I can definitely see this as part of my daily recovery routine,” one of our testers says.

The Alaskan Cold Plunge design harkens back to the origins of cold plunges with its simple yet elegant barrel shape connoting a fun rustic vibe, much like a traditional sauna. We have to give it a 3.5 out of 5 for conveniences, though, since we do think an automated chiller is more convenient than this basic ice bathtub. If you opt for a chiller on this model, the $3,700 price increase does place this pick in company (cost-wise) with the Sun Home Cold Plunge and Nordic Wave Viking Gen 2.

We like that it includes wooden steps to get into the tub. “I also like that there’s a built-in seat in here,” says Jake Herod, Barbend’s expert product tester, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics. “Not every single cold plunge that resembles a barrel like this has that. So, it just adds to your comfort during those icy plunges.”

The design also has a small footprint, which is great for tight spaces, earning a 5 out of 5 for footprint. The steps do add some size to one side, though they can be moved if you want to stow them away when you’re not using the tub. “Moving it around is a little finicky because I had to tilt it and rotate it on its side,” one of our testers says. “But once you get the hang of it, it’s not that bad.”

Redwood’s plunge requires assembly, which can be tricky, according to Herod. For setup, we gave this one a 3 out of 5. Although our tester received his plunge tub pre-assembled, he recommends watching the instructional videos and hiring a professional if it’s out of your wheelhouse. 

Read our full Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge Review.

Why We Like It

Cold plunges can be major investments, similar to the best power racks and home gyms, in terms of actual dollars. As such, finding an affordable profile can be excellent for washing away those muscle aches without straining your bank account. At less than $1,200 for the tub alone, the Plunge Air can be a great option for athletes on a budget.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, rates the value at 4 out of 5. “I do like its compatibility with Plunge’s Evolve chiller, but the tub itself is excellent on its own. It’s very durable for an inflatable cold plunge, and I’ve yet to see any major issues with maintenance or upkeep.”

The weather-resistant tub material scores a 3.75 out of 5 for durability, too. In testing, we found that the walls were stable enough to bear some weight when getting in and out of the plunge, but we feel it’s (naturally) less stable than a ceramic or steel tub. If you need a more rigid base to support your entry and exit, we recommend something like the Ice Barrel 400 or original Plunge.

Given this tub’s inflatable makeup, the Plunge Air scores a perfect 5 out of 5 for portability. “Plunge gives you everything you need for a travel-friendly recovery setup,” says our tester. “The included backpack easily fits the tub as well as the accompanying pump.”

The Plunge Air measures 61 inches long by 32 inches wide. While our testers had no issues with the interior dimensions, we do recommend taking your height into consideration prior to purchase. The 61-inch length may be too short for taller athletes, and unlike other Plunge offerings, the Air is not available in XL sizing.

Lastly, adding a Plunge chiller unit to your bundle can help with temperature management, but does jack the price up to as much as $5,490, depending on your chiller of choice and whether you need heating capabilities. Thankfully, though, we’ve found some Plunge discount codes to help keep this profile worthy of its “affordable” moniker.

Why We Like It

Most plunge pools shouldn’t be used outside in the winter, as their pipes can freeze up. But this product’s ability to heat up, combined with the durable acrylic construction, means it can stay outside all year long, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for convenience. 

The Polar Monkeys Brainpod 2.0 can heat up to 107 degrees and chill to 32 degrees, so you get a hot tub and cold plunge in one. “The hot and cold option is a little pricier,” according to Jake Herod, our expert product tester, who gives this tub a 4 out of 5 for price. “I still think this is a good value, though, since it’s on par with other hot/cold options.” We have been able to locate some Polar Monkeys discount codes, too, to help you save some coin on your cold plunge experience.

Getting the tub ready is super simple even without a service. “There’s basically no setting up required,” our tester says, giving the delivery and setup a 4 out of 5. “The company does have explanation videos on the website, too, for those who need a little extra help.” 

Filling the tub took us about 20 to 30 minutes, but our water pressure wasn’t too great. The website promises about a 15-minute total set-up time. “Maybe my favorite part of the setup is that you don’t need special plumbing or electrical outlets. If you’ve got a standard 110V outlet, you’re good to go.”

The Hot and Cold Plunge Pro comes with a chlorine-free sanitation kit and a 20 micron filter. Plus you can buy an insulated tub cover to keep your water as clean as possible. Draining the tub is simple, too, so our testers give the cleaning and draining a 4 out of 5.

“This tub is incredibly solid, despite that it’s relatively lightweight compared to other cold plunges,” our tester says, giving the durability a 5 out of 5. “It held its shape just fine and even the hose and attached pieces felt high quality.”

Read our full Polar Monkeys Cold Plunge Review.

Why We Like It

The Cold Life plunge has a vertical barrel design, making it ideal for those who don’t have a ton of free floor space. This one is super durable, too, our tester says. “There are no pieces that feel flimsy or weak,” they note, giving the durability a 4 out of 5. “It isn’t a plunge that will break down.”

However, this one isn’t a small plunge at all, nor is it particularly light. “This thing is BIG. Definitely grab a friend to move it.,” notes our testers, who recommend placing the tub on solid ground, similar to any large piece of gear like the best home saunas. For footprint and portability, this tub earns a 3 out of 5. If you need a barrel style that’s only a bit clunky but still doable with one person, we recommend the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan plunge. 

Luckily, though, this Cold Life tub is super simple to set up, earning a 5 out of 5 in that category. After timing the process, our testers said the entire set up only took about 30 minutes. “There’s barely any set up here,” our tester states. “It took about five minutes to connect the cords of the chiller and only about 30 minutes to fill and cool the water.” The hosing is standard for these products, our tester says. “This hose feels like the same model that Polar Monkeys use.”

This plunge can also work for taller athletes, according to our testers who gave the ergonomics a 4 out of 5. “This one is actually pretty deep and could probably work for larger and taller athletes, too,” they add. “Shorter athletes will need the strength to hoist themselves out of the tub, though.” So, athletes with pre-existing upper-body injuries or conditions may want a reclined pick, instead. 

Why We Like It

If you’re tight on space or need a portable option, the Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge’s included pump only needs about 10 minutes to get your tub ready. Compared to other inflatable tubs, the Supertub has held its shape remarkably well in our trials, and with the military-grade vinyl exterior providing the shell, our tester, a certified personal trainer, doesn’t see that changing anytime soon whether trying to cold plunge before or after your workout.

“I’ve tried out so many inflatable tubs that quickly lose their shape, but I even put my full body weight on the sides of this thing and it hasn’t budged at all,” they say. Even after filling it, emptying it, and moving it around our gym, it has kept its shape and been surprisingly sturdy. “It feels very sturdy leaning on the sides to help you get in and out,” another one of our testers says.

After charging up the included electric pump, it takes about 10 minutes to inflate, then another 10 minutes to fill with water. Delivery and setup garnered a 4.5 out of 5, narrowly missing out on a perfect score because of the $400 flat shipping fee across the United States.

That shipping cost is not a minor addition considering you’ll already be dropping $2,999 or $3,999, depending on the chiller size you choose. “Hydragun says that if you live in moderate temperatures, the 0.6 HP chiller will be plenty strong,” our tester says, rating its value 4 out of 5. “But if you are going to use it outside in high temperatures, the 0.8 HP is a safer bet.”

The tub itself has a 60-gallon capacity, which was fine for most of our team, but one of our testers (who’s about 6 feet tall) felt a little cramped. Since the Hydragun Supertub may be a bit small for those over 6 feet, we score its ergonomics 2 out of 5. If you’re on the taller side, we recommend the Ice Barrel 400.

Why We Like It

For taller athletes, not every cold plunge will work. After all, if you want to truly cold plunge, you need to be able to dunk your whole body into the cold water. But that’s not a problem with the Ice Barrel 400. This one works for athletes up to 6 feet, 6 inches tall, making it an amazing choice for taller recovery enthusiasts. Plus, the barrel design takes up less floor space. 

Still, the overall footprint earns a 3.5 out of 5, with the deduction because it’s only 31 inches wide. If you need a wider tub, we recommend the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan model, which measures 37 inches in diameter.

“This barrel is really easy to drain and I like that it’s made of recycled materials,” our tester says. “But I do wish there was some more insulation so the tub could actually hold the temperature for longer.” As a result, we have to give the durability and construction a 3.5 out of 5. For a model that will keep the water cold for a whole day, we recommend the Plunge.

Without any water, this unit is actually pretty portable, as it only weighs about 55 pounds. But with even just 80 gallons of liquid, it’s about 750 pounds, according to our testers. So, make sure that you put your plunge on a surface that can withstand the weight.

For ergonomics, we give this tub a 4 out of 5 because it’s a pretty subjective subject. Some athletes may prefer to lie down while they plunge, which isn’t a possibility here. However, some think it’s easier to breathe in the upright design. “Shorter athletes may have trouble getting in and out of the tub, which is worth noting,” our tester says. “The stool helps, though.”

For overall value, we have to give this product a 3 out of 5. Unlike other higher-priced plunges, this one does not come with a chiller. So, essentially, you have to pay $1,199 for a standard ice barrel. That being said, we do like the durability and overall construction and footprint (especially the recycled materials this puppy is made out of). So, if you’re a taller athlete looking for a full-body plunge, this is a good pick.

Read our full Ice Barrel Cold Plunge Review.

Why We Like It

This ice pod is not only portable and foldable, but you can set it up in only a few minutes. And better yet, The Cold Pod available on Amazon Prime, so you can get it delivered within just a few days alongside some of the best treadmills on Amazon if you’re really trying to build out your premium at-home training center

The ice bath itself comes in one color — black — and might not be the largest, but it does pack in some other key selling points. The round, freestanding design can fit indoors, since it stands only 2 feet, 6 inches tall and 3 feet wide, so our team gives this pick a 4.5 out of 5 for size and portability. One of our testers, who’s 5 feet, 4 inches, had no trouble with how short this model is. But another teammate, who’s 6 feet, 7 inches, “had to really crouch and struggled to get out. And that’s without the tub even being totally full.”

Taller athletes might want to opt for the Ice Barrel 400, and athletes needing a slightly wider entry point may choose the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan.

This ice bath tub is made with multiple layers of waterproof and tear-resistant materials, including a PVC inner layer, nylon outer layer, and pearl foam insulation middle layer. We give the durability and construction a 4.5 out of 5 because we also like that it includes a layer of insulation for use in cold or hot water.

At only $229.99, we give the overall value a 4 out of 5. It doesn’t have any tech capabilities or automatic cooling, but for a super simple DIY cold plunge, it’s a great value pick. Easily available on Amazon, this product offers ease of use, portability, and simple accessibility for most people. It’s also the least expensive pick on this list, so it’s great if you want to try cold plunging but don’t want to drop thousands of dollars quite yet. “No expertise required,” one of our testers says. “Just unbox and get freezing within 10 minutes.”

Why We Like It

Yes, cold plunges are a form of muscle recovery for athletes but they can also be a luxurious relaxation method (while soothing sore muscles, of course). For athletes who want a top-tier plunge experience, we recommend the Plunge All-In.

This indoor-friendly tub cools all the way to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a two-degree improvement over previous Plunge models. We also like this unit indoors, as it’s 30% quieter than other Plunge tubs. For size and portability, our team gives this one a 4 out of 5. It’s longer than most other cold plunges, making it suitable for taller athletes. 

“I also like the slanted design that makes getting into and out of the tub an easier process, overall,” notes our tester in reference to their 4-out-of-5 ergonomics rating. “This was the most like a ‘standard’ bathroom tub that I’ve been in which brings a level of comfort when you’re doing something as uncomfortable as cold plunging. 

It is difficult to move around, though, once it’s in place, but with such an easy set-up, we think that’s OK. Just triple-check your measurements and needs before you secure it somewhere. “I’m actually bummed that my current living situation can house this unit,” adds our tester.

For durability, our team gives the Plunge All-In a 5 out of 5. This one is designed for outdoor and indoor use, so you don’t have to worry about the materials breaking down. It also has an easy set-up — all you have to do is plug it in. 

This is a pricier tub, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for cost. As only a cold plunge, this unit starts at $11,990 and goes up if you decide to add a heater. While this is a pricey plunge, it does have a pretty effortless maintenance system (all you do is change the filter). If you need a cheaper option, we recommend the Nordic Wave Viking or original Plunge. Then again, the Plunge All-In also involves no set up, which you won’t find with many other options.

Why We Like It

Like the best rowing machines, power racks, and more, most cold plunges certainly aren’t cheap. And while this isn’t the most budget-friendly plunge on this list, our team does think it’s the best value purchase. This unit costs $549, a fraction of other plunge prices, is portable and inflatable, yet large enough to comfortably fit most athletes up to six feet, seven inches tall.

Given the inflatable design, our testers gave this unit a 5 out of 5 rating for portability. “I like the convenience of the inflatable design, and the included backpack makes on-the-go recovery a breeze,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer.

Unlike some other inflatable cold plunges, this Nordik tub one is plenty durable, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. It’s not as durable as a ceramic cold plunge, but the military-grade PVC can still withstand plenty of use. “What loses points in this category, though, is this tub’s tendency to buckle at the midpoint once filled with water,” says our tester. “This buckling leaves some of the water uncovered by the lid, leaving room for dust, bugs, and other debris to enter your tub.”

Nordik Recovery also offers two chiller options if you’d prefer to manage your water temperatures more efficiently. That said, though, adding a Standard or Premium chiller can elevate your total cost by $950 or $1,450, respectively. Still, the total price is lower than other cold plunge tubs we’ve tested, even with the included chiller. If you’re debating between ordering a cold plunge versus a sauna for your home recovery setup, this price point does leave you more room to get both without extending your budget past its breaking point.