The 8 Best Cold Plunge Tubs of 2024, Tested & Approved

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.