We Researched & Tested The Best Cold Plunge Tubs — Here Are Our Top Picks

Cold water therapy has been a popular among athletes and the biohacker community for years (we're looking at you Huberman). But as more and more people become aware of the health benefits of cold water exposure, the longevity practice is quickly becoming mainstream.

As predicted in our 2023 wellness trends, the best cold plunge tubs and ice baths have made their way into spas, fitness studios, and now homes—making it easier than ever to access benefits like improved stress resilience, muscle recovery, and mood.

But how can you know what cold plunge tubs are worth the investment? We've watched over the last year as new products launched and existing designs received much-needed upgrades, such as longer tubs for talker folks or better filtration systems for cleaner water.

We recommend looking at a cold plunge tub as an investment into your well-being.

Prices for an ice bath start at $180 and increase up to $6,900 for a luxury build.

You can thank the Plunge for leading the charge in creating cold plunge tubs with a price point under $5,000. First seen on Shark Tank, the Plunge initially offered a single model but has since expanded their lineup, including a soon-to-be launched infrared sauna.

Our favorite part of Plunge is that it comes with a wide range of add-ons and features, yet the price point never gets above $8,000. You can opt for a regular or XL size, along with an optional optional heating element or a pro cooling system (which is ideal for those who live in warm environments).

And while yes, the sleek design does resemble a bathtub in look and size—albeit a super modern one—we think the brand's attention to detail shines through, from the durable reinforced metal base to the included accessories: a phone tablet, skimmer net, and insulated topper.

One of our tester's favorite perks of the Plunge was the free in-home delivery. Instead of ditching a crate at your door, the delivery team puts your tub exactly where you want it. Our tester chose their backyard, as their home didn't have a good space to support the 1000-pound weight of the filled tub.

They tackled the rest of set up on their own and dubbed it a "breeze", as it only required connecting the hoses between the tub and external chiller, filling with water, and plugging into a 110v outlet.

Although the Plunge has ozone sanitation to break down contaminants and a 20 micron filter to trap debris, it still requires about the same level of maintenance as a hot tub.

We suggest upgrading to the XL if you're taller than 6 foot to ensure you can fully submerge in the water.

Experts recommend spending at least 20 minutes outdoors to reap the the health benefits of nature—and what better way to do it than a dip in your cold plunge tub?

Inergize's ultra portable design packs down into a duffel that's similar in size to about a 105L hiking pack. Once you get to your preferred location, it only takes 15 minutes to fully install the tub.

Every Inergize tub ships free and comes with quick connect hoses, a hand debris net, a micron filter, and two covers (a fabric and inflatable one).

When deflated, the 25-pound tub fits into an oversized duffle that you can take on the trail for a quick refresh, as long as you have electricity access and a reliable water supply.

If you want your water to last the designated three to six months, then you'll need to replace the micron filter every month and sanitize the water weekly.

The tub's modular design is developed for portability, and it's about 30 inches deep.

The next-big-thing in the cold plunge world isn't actually cooling water down; it's heating H2O up for hydrotherapy. But where most brands will charge you up to $1,000 to add a heating component, Polar Monkeys includes it for free.

The rest of the Brainpod's design is relatively basic; hoses connect a powerful 0.6 HP heating and cooling chiller to adjust water temperature between 39° to 102° Fahrenheit.

Unlike Plunge, Polar Monkeys does not offer free set up for your tub.

Each tub of water can be safely treated and reused for up to three months following the brand's in-depth instructions on a regular maintenance routine (about $28 per month).

The Ice Barrel is the ultimate cold plunge tub for someone who wants to elevate their ice bath experience from a regular bathtub, but who doesn't want to commit to the maintenance of a glorified mini pool.

You simply fill the container with ice and water—that's all! The upright position is ideal for a quick dunk without laying horizontal, and the sturdy, non-toxic materials never feel cheap per our tester.

Plus, it comes with a tiny step stool to let you enter as gracefully as possible (well as smooth as someone entering an ice bath can really be).

The barrel only weigh 55 pounds when not filled with water, so rolling your bath in place should be a an easy process, per our tester.

Simply use the base to pick you ideal spot, add your barrel, and fill with ice water. The insulated cover will help keep water cool for up to three days before you'll either need to add more ice or dump it out.

Technically the Ice Barrel can be set used both indoors and outdoors—though we think the high water level makes it best suited for outdoor use.

Our tester loved that the Ice Barrel was small enough to tuck into the corner of the garage. Pro tip: Add epsom salts for even more ice bath benefits.

The brand offers a $130 maintenance kit for the Ice Barrel, which includes a few essential accessories, including an 8-ounce bottle of water stabilizer.

If you're on the taller side, stick with the Ice Barrel 400, which has a longer design that's best for taller folks (and can hold those up to 300 pounds).

A streamlined design comes with major perks; you won't need to replace the Ice Barrel anytime soon.

Renu's lineup of stylish cold plunge tubs is a luxury investment for those who care about aesthetics. Available in a range of minimalist base and deck colors, the sleek tub is handcrafted in California with a mission to be "always cold and clean."

Powerful enough to cool water to 36° Fahrenheit, the Cold Stoic 2.0 is fitted with a thermostat to easily control the temperature of your water.

Although the brand offers free curb-side delivery, you'll need some help to get the 350 pound crate to its final location. Prepare to call a Task Rabbit (or a moving company).

Features like the filtration system and ozone water purification system ensure the water stays fresh between uses (and keeps water maintenance relatively lowkey).

If the 5-year warranty didn't tip you off, this luxury cold water tank is meant to be around for awhile.

Cold plunge tubs can't go any cooler than 39° Fahrenheit because the water needs to stay in liquid form for the external chiller.

Odin's Ice Bath uses copper coils wrapped around the tub to cool the water down using a refrigerator compressor—so water can actually turn into ice without breaking the chiller.

While the brand also makes a traditional cold plunge design for $1500 cheaper—which won't require a refrigeration expert to install—we think this specialty ice bath design is worth the extra investment for those who want the water to get as cold as possible.

Odin's free shipping delivers the ice bath to your front door—but no further. Although the bath is small enough to fit through a standard doorway, it still weighs about 178 pounds—so make sure you have help at the ready.

This tub has all the bells and whistles; it's not only constructed with beautiful cedar wood and stainless steel, but the bath comes with a fully automated filtration and sanitation system that requires minimal upkeep.

Those over 6-foot can opt for the XL model for extra legroom, while couples hoping to share the tub can upgrade to a dual size.

The Morozko Forge Ice Bath comes recommended by biohacker Joe Rogan, who's spoken about this model specifically.

One huge benefit of the Morozko Ice Bath is that it can chill water as cool as 33 degrees Fahrenheit, yet it still promotes water circulation to mimic the feel of a natural body of water.

The brand charges a $1600 White Glove Delivery, so you can expect to sit back and relax as they set up your new investment.

The Morozko Force is self-cleaning with micro-filtration and ozone disinfection to keep the water fresh.

The Morozko Cold Plunge tub comes in three sizes available with either a 60-inch, 66-inch, or 72-inch length.

The Ice Pod Pro is a newer launch—and the affordable design fills a gap in the market for those who still want a high quality product but don't want to spend a fortune on a luxurious tub.

The portable pod is similar to many budget options, with a plastic legs around the tub and an inflated rim. However the actual materials differ from many affordable options thanks to a focus on quality.

The inner lining is made from a BPA-free waterproof lining, the insulation layer has sub-zero cooling technology, and the durable exterior is UV resistant.

If you've ever found yourself frustrated while pitching a tent, this one might be a bit complicated. It requires you to build a skeleton to hold up the plastic bath.

Otherwise setup is simple: add water and ice to get to your desired temperature.

Those who don't mind dumping and refilling the water regularly won't have to worry too much about maintenance.

You might think ice baths and cold plunge tubs are the same—but there are small nuances that make each different. An ice bath is exactly as it sounds; a bath of ice water. Cold plunge tubs use an external chiller to cool water down to 39°F, no ice necessary.

Cold plunge tubs are designed to support cooler temperatures that put your body into a temporary state of stress. While the cooling process varies by tub, most send water to an external chiller where it's cooled and pumped back into the tub.

By sending water to external chillers, cold plunge tubs create a natural water circulation.

When water is constantly moving, your body can't warm it up as effectively. As a result, you won't get the same thermal barrier protection in a cold plunge tub as you would in an ice bath of still water.

If you're skeptical about subjecting your body to freezing temperatures in the name of wellness, know there's actually some compelling evidence in its favor. "In simple terms, regular use will reduce inflammation and the body's reaction to stress. Putting your face—it doesn't even have to be the whole head—in will have an almost immediate effect," explains Harper. 

On the topic of stress, intentional cold exposure (as in a plunge pool) is a form of hormetic stressor. In layman's terms, this is the good kind of stress that actually helps your body to adapt and stay fit and healthy.

When you spend a short burst of time each day with an acute stressor like cold water, your body is taken out of homeostasis and your cells are activated to promote stress resilience, repair cellular damage (through processes like autophagy), repair DNA, reduce inflammation, and more.

In fact, some experts believe that missing out on hormetic stressors can actually hold you back. "Biologically, the lack of acute stressors prevents the intermittent episodes of cellular 'housecleaning' activities that slow aging," Elissa Epel, Ph.D., director of the University of California–San Francisco Aging, Metabolism and Emotion Center wrote in a 2020 research review1.

As for the mental benefits, Jono James, cold-water immersion expert and CEO of Odin Ice Baths shared that voluntarily placing yourself in uncomfortably cold temperatures can help build fortitude.

The are many proven benefits of an ice bath—and a few potential benefits of taking a cold plunge that still need to be explored further. Weight loss falls into the latter category.

A study published in Scientific Reports found stem cells subjected to cold temperatures formed brown fat that can increase calorie burn2. Research on mice shows similar results of brown fat activating in cold temperatures3. Data also suggests that ongoing cold exposure can help convert white fat into metabolically healthy beige or brown fa4t.

As functional medicine expert, Laura DeCesaris previously told mindbodygreen, "More data needs to be seen as to possible long-term metabolic impacts of cold immersion over time." She says sporadic sessions are unlikely to improve results—and it's important to remember that an increased metabolism won't lead to weight loss if appetite and calorie consumption also increases.

Experts previously told mindbodygreen that people with high blood pressure should skip cryotherapy. Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict, which increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Typically the body can compensate for this constriction, per longevity expert Seema Bonney, M.D., but it may be harder for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

For metabolic, energy, and mental health benefits, regularly soaking in a cold plunge tub can be an excellent way to invigorate the system and support overall well-being. A cold plunge can help with inflammation and act as a great start to the day or help you recover from a particularly strenuous workout. If you're in the market to invest in your health, consider taking home the Plunge for a top-of-the-line pick or try the slightly more affordable Polar Monkeys Inflatable.

3/1/23: We added additional FAQ, including who should not cold plunge and is a cold plunge worth it. We also included more information about the benefits of hot and cold therapy, along with resources to explore the best infrared saunas and sauna blankets.

3/6/23: After continued research on the best cold plunge tubs, our team added another affordable, foldable option to the list.

3/8/23: We added more information on how cold plunge tubs work and answered the common question, are ice baths good for you?

4/19/23: We checked the availability of each of these tubs, added the dimensions, and specified whether they were fit for indoor or outdoor use.

5/5/23: Our team added a new option to the buy guide that offers the best value for small spaces.

5/8/23: We added original photos and tester commentary for a handful of plunge tubs used by testers.