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

Why We Like It

If you’re looking to improve your post-workout recovery with the best ice bath around, look no further than the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge. In addition to its simple yet refined setup, our one tester appreciates the classic wooden aesthetic that gives each dip a bit of style. “I can definitely see this as part of my daily recovery routine,” they add.

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 you fill with a garden hose. 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, making it easy for people who need a little extra assistance 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. 

Good for: Those wanting an outdoor-ready cold plunge with a sleek, traditional aesthetic and convenient barrel design.

Read our full Redwood Alaskan Cold Plunge Review.

Why We Like It

Looking to plunge in the lap of luxury? The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro offers a spacious interior with an abundance of intuitive features designed to make every session a comfortable, albeit chilled, experience. “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, and the company notes that the cold plunge can accommodate users up to 6 feet, 7 inches and 250 pounds. While we love the fit for taller athletes, 250 pounds feels a bit limiting. So, our team gave this one a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics. 

While there are no heating features to speak of, this cold tub cools water temperatures down to 32 degrees — one of the coldest ranges we’ve seen in testing. 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 sanitation system, 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 requires planning and assistance, especially if you have mobility issues or different abilities. “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.

Good for: Those wanting a durable, high-quality cold plunge capable of reaching (literal) freezing temperatures.

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 Gen 2 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.” Many people will be able to reposition this tub if needed, especially with assistance.

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. “It only took about 10 minutes to set it up and adding water took about a half hour,” one tester says. So, even if you’re someone who doesn’t have a ton of tools and isn’t comfortable putting pieces together, this process is straightforward. 

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 tub’s space-saving design means it’s not suited for lying down. For ergonomics we give it a 4 out of 5 because our tester felt a little cramped. “I’m 6’4″ tall and I did feel a little cramped inside,” they say. “There was not a lot of leg room for my liking.” This may not be comfortable or sustainable for some folks, especially if you have chronic pain in your lower body or an injury that makes it hard to stand or crouch.

Good for: Athletes interested in cold water immersion therapy without the available space for a traditional cold plunge setup.

[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 and felt her knees poking above the surface of the water). However, the company claims it fits users up to 6 feet, 8 inches on the product page, and the Plunge does make an XL version at a slightly higher cost. If you’re in need of extra water coverage, we recommend a higher capacity tub like the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro or aforementioned Plunge XL.

We particularly like the use of acrylic to construct the tub, giving it a 5 out of 5 for durability. This material may feel comfortable on your skin (especially 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 for DIY cold plunges.”

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.

Good for: People who prefer to take their ice baths indoors.

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 get some assistance if lifting 88 pounds is challenging, though some users may find it manageable on their own. 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 the fact 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 feet, 8 inches) 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 $5,099, which is pretty comparable to other options on the market, yet still is on the high end of other inflatable baths. Using Sun Home Saunas discount codes, though, we’ve been able to nab a better deal.

Good for: Individuals that want to take their cold plunge protocols with them during travel.

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, either because you weigh over 250 pounds or your mobility requires extra support, 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. If the classic Plunge, at 67 inches, fits athletes up to 6 feet, 8 inches, it stands to reason that the 61-inch length of the Plunge Air may be too short for athletes over 6 feet, 2 inches. 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.

Good for: Value-minded athletes wanting a high-quality ice bath with starting costs below $2,000.

Why We Like It

Yes, cold plunges can be a great form of muscle recovery for athletes, but not everyone has the interior space (and accommodating water drainage) to comfortably house an interior tub. Thankfully, though, many cold plunges can feel right at home in outdoor settings. For those that prefer to soak up the chills and a bit of sunshine, we recommend the rugged, outdoor-ready Desert Plunge.

It may look like an oversized cooler (and in a sense, that’s exactly what it is), but the Desert Plunge features elite tech and spacious specs. The cold plunge cools down to 39 degrees Fahrenheit, which is on par with other luxury chiller models. Plus, while rated for the outdoors, you can use the Desert Plunge inside, as well. However, it’s recommended to keep it under a covered structure to shield it from the elements.

What sets the Desert Plunge apart and makes it a top-tier experience is the spaciousness of the tub, even for taller users. For that, we score it a 5 out of 5 for size. At nearly 4 feet long, there’s plenty of leg room, even if you’re 6’8″ or over. The width is over 24 inches, which feels like plenty for broad-shouldered athletes, and the 23.875″ depth ensures you can sink down low to your chin, if you dare. Or, invite a friend to join the fun. 

“This ice bath could fit me and a few friends, thanks to its size,” says our tester. We would caution shorter users that they may need a stepstool to enter and exit the cold plunge; the exterior is 32″ high, so it may not be as accessible if you’re shorter or have mobility issues.

However, this extra room does come at a portability cost. The weight without water is 225 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest tubs we tested. For that, we score portability a 3 out of 5. The footprint is also worth considering, to ensure you have enough space for the tub and the chiller, plus the recommended 12 inches behind the tub for hose and connections. We score the footprint a 3 out of 5 as well. For a more compact cold plunge, we like the Nordic Wave Viking Gen 2.

While this is a luxury tub, it’s one of the more affordable options on the market (especially compared to our best luxury cold plunge pick, the Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro). It’s by no means cheap, at nearly $4,000, but it is frequently on sale. We score it a 4 out of 5 for the cost, because we think the extra space, the chiller, and the childproof lid are value adds. “I absolutely think this is worth the price tag,” says our tester. “The roomy design makes this a great value.” That said, if you’re on a tighter budget, we recommend the Plunge Air, which starts at $1,190.

Good for: Individuals wanting a spacious, outdoor-rated cold water immersion therapy experience.

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.

The brand also offers stylized tubs for a more artistic aesthetic within your space. These ice baths do cost extra, though, so keep this in mind when finalizing your order.

Getting the tub ready is super simple even without a service. “There’s basically no setting up required,” our tester says, giving the assembly a 4 out of 5. “The company does have explanation videos on the website, too, for those who need a little extra help.” Another simple setup cold plunges is the Ice Barrel 400.

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.”

Good for: People that want a cold plunge tub for cold water and hot water immersion therapy.

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, especially with the added steps, nor is it particularly light. “This thing is BIG,” notes our testers, who recommend assistance when setting up and moving the tub. We also 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 tub that’s easier to manage solo, the Redwood Outdoors Alaskan plunge is a more portable option.

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 that don’t mind sitting crouched for full submersion,” they add. “Shorter athletes will need the strength to hoist themselves out of the tub, though.” Individuals with limited upper-body strength or mobility may prefer a reclined option for easier access.

Good for: Athletes interested in a vertical body positioning during cold plunge therapy sessions.

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 over 6 feet tall, we recommend the Ice Barrel 400.

Good for: People wanting a lightweight, collapsible cold plunge that doesn’t take up a constant swath of floor space.

Why We Like It

For athletes over 6 feet, 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 and may not be accommodating to athletes who weigh over 250 pounds. 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 original Plunge or Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro.

Without any water, this unit only weighs about 55 pounds (although some people may still prefer having assistance when moving the unit). 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 $1,199.99 for a standard ice barrel.

Good for: Taller individuals wanting a vertical cold plunge orientation for more effective submersion and comfort.

Read our full Ice Barrel Cold Plunge Review.

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 starts at $1,392, a fraction of other plunge prices, is portable and inflatable, yet large enough to comfortably fit most athletes up to 6 feet, 7 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 is plenty durable, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in this category. It’s not as durable as a ceramic cold plunge like the 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.” If you want a more airtight cover, consider the Ice Barrel 400 or Plunge Air.

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 $2,318 or $4,173, respectively. Still, we appreciate the versatile ordering options and tub-only availability, so we score the value at 4.5 out of 5. 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.

Good for: Cold plunge buyers wanting the most bang for their buck.