Cold Plunge Guide: 8 Best Cold Plunge Tubs of 2024

Long before the likes of Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman endorsed it, and Wim Hof the "Ice Man" popularized the cold plunge in modern pop culture, cold water immersion had been a therapeutic practice in various cultures around the world for centuries.

Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt circa 3,500 BC, with Greek physician Hippocrates regarding it as a universal remedy. By the 18th century, even Scottish medical practitioners advocated for its benefits. The age-old practice remains relevant today with cold plunging increasingly gaining traction among athletes and wellness advocates. Look no farther than the advent of the brand Plunge for your best example of how the ritual has infiltrated everyday life.

While the idea of immersing oneself in icy waters may not appeal to everyone, both mental and physical health benefits abound—at least according to diehard cold plungers. I've been embracing contrast therapy with my own backyard sauna and know that if nothing else, one thing that is for certain: the euphoric rush of beta-endorphins delivered post-plunge, coupled with the willpower it demands, grant a sense of accomplishment in our modern, comfort-driven lifestyles.

In a similar vein to outdoor saunas and soaking in a wood fired hot tub, the cold plunge stands as a self-care ritual. In today's digital age, it offers an authentic connection to nature and a break from constant screen time. For those considering this therapeutic journey, now might be the right time to explore cold water therapy and invest in a personal cold plunge pool.

Read on below for a research-driven overview of this chilly activity, answers to key FAQs, and of course, a trustworthy list of the best ice bath and cold plunge tubs for at-home dips.

What Is a Cold Plunge?

A cold plunge is a style of cold water immersion therapy, which benefits the body and the mind. It involves submerging your entire body in chilled water for a few minutes. Cold plunges themselves come in a range of styles, from literall barrels of ice to techy all-in-one tubs with integrated chillers and water cleaning systems.

What Should the Water Temperature Be for a Cold Plunge?

“We recommend 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to start. But anything sub 60 degrees will do the trick. And then one minute to 90 seconds is kind of the minimum viable dose,” says Plunge co-founder Michael Garrett. "After you last this long, a lot of people are able to push through to the two or three minutes because the first minute is just way harder. Once that metabolism gets going you kind of settle in and then you can break through to the three minute mark.”

For a complete wellness route, add in a sauna. This circuit can look like: sauna for 10-15 mins, rest at room temp for 5 mins, cold plunge, rest for 5, repeat.

Are there health benefits of a cold plunge?

There isn’t a definitive answer to whether or not cryotherapy (the application of cold for therapeutic purposes; which includes cold water immersion, among others) is the cure-all many claim it to be. Yet there is a wide range of scientific evidence and personal anecdotes that back up plunging as a legitimate tool to improve your overall health. Consider this your disclaimer.

Physical benefits of cold plunges

Ice baths have long been used in sports medicine, and the majority of medical professionals and experts agree that there are real health benefits to cold plunge therapy, including post-workout muscle recovery and pain relief through a reduction in muscle soreness and decreased inflammation in the body as blood vessels constrict in cold water. (Though some research may suggest otherwise.)

Cold water exposure also alters the blood flow by temporarily redirecting circulation to the organs and away from the body’s peripherals. Evidence has shown that this improves circulation to deeper muscles and tissues (a good thing), improves metabolism and lowers the levels of the possibly detrimental stress hormone, cortisol (also a good thing), but can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which is not helpful to those with poor cardiovascular health. There is no definitive proof of the cold plunge as a miracle immune system booster or weight loss tool.

With this in mind, it is important to view cold water therapy as a component of well-being healthcare. If you have cardiovascular issues, cold exposure is not recommended. In general, it's always a good idea to cold plunge with a buddy and take things slow!

Mental benefits of cold plunges

Do cold plunges improve your mental health? The most notable effects occur immediately after a cold plunge when exposure to the cold temperatures trigger a metabolism boost and the release of dopamine, endorphins, norepinephrine. By regulating the stress response, blocking pain receptors, and influence dopamine levels, a cold plunge can boost your mood and leave you with a tranquil feeling of calm, like a “runner’s high.”

The shock of submerging in cold water also triggers a rush of noradrenaline in the body and brain in tandem with the beta-endorphins. When released, you experience a sudden burst of energy and sense of alertness that absolutely makes you feel alive and ready for action. There is plenty of evidence that shows what a positive impact breathing and meditation can have on the mind-body system. And a promising study has showed a reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in mood and anxiety through cold showers and cold water immersion, but it’s certainly no miracle drug.

Bottom line is, cold plunge therapy is not a singular solution to mental and physiological health problems. It can absolutely complement a healthy lifestyle and even enhance certain aspects of your life that contribute to feeling happier and more fit overall, yet there’s a lot more research to be done to prove that point. What is true are the undeniable health benefits of spending time outside and the intrinsic value of seeking out healthy stressors that make our body-mind more resilient and positioned for growth.

7 Best Cold Plunge Tubs & Ice Baths Available Now

Best Overall Cold Plunge Tub: Plunge All-In

Coldest Temperature: 37° F
Dimensions: 67 x 31.5 x 24 inches; 73 x 32.5 x 27 (XL model)
Tub Weight: 270 lbs (empty)
Tub Volume: 100 gallons
Setup: all-in-one design, smartphone controlled thermostat
Key Features: integrated chiller & water filtration system, 30% faster cooling system, free in-home delivery
Price: $8,990

The newest cold plunge tub from the reigning champion of cold water therapy, Plunge, and the most innovative design to date, the All-In integrates the brand's newly engineered water chilling unit and clean water circulation system into the tub itself. (With most cold plunge tubs, mechanics are housed outside the tub.) The new All-In can chill water down to 37 degrees Fahrenheit 30% faster than before, and clean water is circulated every 10 minutes. Best of all, with the Cold & Hot add-on, you can turn your cold plunge tub into a hot tub in just minutes with the Plunge smartphone app. The best of both worlds in one aesthetic package. (Read our Plunge All-In review. Use code "FMALLIN250" for $250 off your order)

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Best Ice Bath for Indoor and Outdoor Use: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro

Coldest Temperature: 32°F
Dimensions: 78 x 34 x 33 inches
Tub Weight: 345 lbs (empty)
Tub Volume: 150 gallons
Setup: all-in-one design, smartphone controlled thermostat
Key Features: Ultraviolet disinfection system, all-in-one design, digital control panel, includes ice generator and insulated lid
Price: $9,199 $8,899

When it comes to your wellness and recovery rituals, you want products you can rely on. The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is a self-cooling powerhouse that can be programmed to reach colder temperatures than any other on this list. It's also the top outdoor-rated tub, with built-in wheels for portability and a "military-grade" exterior with an extra durable coating to protect your investment against the elements. The industrial steel tub is self cleaning and delivers temps down to 32 for sustained periods of time. If it's trusted by the NBA, NFL, MLB and other leagues (and it is), you know it's good.

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Most Popular Cold Plunge: Plunge

Coldest Temperature: 39° F
Dimensions: 67 x 31.5 x 24 inches; 73 x 32.5 x 27" (XL model)
Tub Weight: 150 lbs (empty)
Tub Volume: 75 gallons
Setup: thermostat controlled, no plumbing required
Key Features: filtration, underwater light, included cover
Price: $4,990

This indoor-outdoor cold plunge tub is a popular choice for its versatility, easy set up, and durable design. The circulating water feature allows temperatures to plunge to as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit and stay cold while in use, and an insulate cover prevents it from warming up. Easy to plug in and fill with a garden hose, it requires no plumbing, includes filtration and sanitization systems, and has a clean, modern silhouette. Available in a standard size for $4,990 and XL for $6,990. And, if you're looking to complete your contrast-therapy set-up, check out the recently released Plunge Sauna, a sleek, plug-and-play hot box for relaxing or intensified work-outs.
(Use code "FIELDMAG" for $150 off your order)

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Best Budget Ice Bath: Ice Barrel 300

Coldest Temperature: 39° F
Dimensions: 35.5 inches wide x 30.5 high
Tub Weight: 61 lbs (empty)
Tub Volume: 77 gallons
Setup: Add water and ice, no electricity needed
Key Features: Insulated, UV resistant, comes with lid
Price: $1,199

Sometimes less tech is the best tech. Case in point: The Ice Barrel 300, a minimalist ice bath option made in the USA of recycled materials. With a squat design that's wider than it is tall, the sleek design makes for easy entry and exist and is suitable for users up to 6'2" and 250 lbs. The tub is insulated and comes with a UV-resistant lid, making this cold plunge especially well suited for warmer climates. Plus it's compatible with grocery store ice and electric chillers, features an efficient drainage system, and requires minimal maintenance. The Ice Barrel 300 is also small enough to fit through standard 31-inch doors, making it great for folks with minimal outdoor space. Though just 61 lbs when empty, the barrel will weigh more than 700 lbs when full, so make sure your plunge zone has sturdy support. (Use code "FIELDMAG10" for 10% off your order)

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Best Cold Plunge to Pair with a Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge

Coldest Temperature: 37° F (with Chiller)
Dimensions: 31.5 x 40.5 inches
Tub Weight: 250 lbs (empty)
Tub Volume: 130 gallons
Setup: fill with hose, no plumping or electricity required
Key Features: spruce with plastic liner and built-in bench; basic model is tub and steps only with option to add on cover, thermometer, chiller, and other upgrades also available
Price: $1,999+

Designed to be filled with cold water for a chilly dip in between sauna sessions, the Alaskan Cold Plunge tub has a durable plastic interior and beautiful spruce wood exterior for a rustic look. Plungers can opt for just the tub and step stool, which goes for $1,999, or choose to add an electric cold plunge chiller system in a full plunge kit for $4,699.
(Use Code "FIELD250" for $250 off orders $3,500+)

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Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub: Inergize Inflatable Cold Plunge Tub

Coldest Temperature: 37° F (can be heated to 105° F)
Dimensions: 43 x 20 x 30 inches
Tub Weight: 25 lbs
Tub Volume: 80 gallons
Setup: inflates in 15 mins, electricity required for cooling unit
Key Features: app-controlled temperature adjustment, packs into included duffel, built-in filter
Price: $4,790

Take your cold plunge to-go with the inflatable Inergize tub. At just 25 pounds, this might just be the most portable plunge tub on the market (though the chiller unit weighs an additional 60 lbs). Cold plungers can inflate and deflate the tub with an easy-to-use pump and drain using a garden hose. Its compact design means it's suitable for smaller spaces, while the 30-inch depth accommodates taller bodies. And once you're all done, it packs neatly into a duffel bag to bring to the next site or pack away in a closet. Pricing starts at $4,790 and includes the chiller unit—financing plans are available.
(Use Code "FIELDMAG150" for $150 off your order)

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Best Inflatable Upgrade: Redwood Outdoors Yukon Cold Plunge XL Deluxe Kit

Coldest Temperature: 37° F
Dimensions: 72.75 x 31.5 x 23.75 inches
Tub Weight: 35 lbs
Tub Volume: 155 gallons
Setup: no plumbing required, chiller requires electricity
Key Features: inflatable, portable plunge tub kit with included cover and heater/chiller unit, doubles as hot tub
Price: $4,699

The most cost efficient and portable option we’ve found, this inflatable option packs down into a backpack, is inflated in minutes like a bike tire, and available as stand alone tub from $899. For a more luxe option, opt for the XL Deluxe Kit for $4,699—this option comes with a high tech heater and chiller that circulates water and cools the temp rapidly (it can also turn your cold plunge into a hot tub!). Pacific Northwest-based Redwood Outdoors ship anyway in the U.S. (Use code "FIELD250" for $250 off your order)

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Best Wood Ofuro Ice Bath: Forest Cooperage Cedar Soaker Tub

Coldest Temperature: NA
Dimensions: 45 x 33 x 31 inches (Minimalist tub)
Tub Weight: 52 lbs
Tub Volume: NA
Setup: place and fill, no plumbing or electricity required
Key Features: vinyl cover included, option to purchase add-ons like heaters, chiller must be purchased separately
Price: $3,230

Inspired by traditional Japanese Ofuro soaking tubs, Forest Cooperage’s cedar soaking tubs can be used for hot or cold temperature baths. High-quality cedar is handcrafted into a coopered barrel design that is compatible for indoor or outdoor use. Add a chiller for ice baths or use an electric heater or wood fire to transform it into a hot tub. The Japanese-made tubs are available in three sizes: original, standard, and full. Cedar and insulated cover add-ons are available, too.

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Cold Plunge FAQs

How Much Do Cold Plunge Tubs Cost?

Cold plunge tubs can cost as little as as $200 if you opt for a DIY tub method of using a stock tank purchased at a hardware store. Though most made-to-plunge models are around $1,500-$10,000.

Does a Cold Plunge Have the Same Effects as a Cold Shower?

Yes and no. Most showers will drop to between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit at the coldest. Cold plunge tubs can get down to 32, depending on the model. While the purported benefits are similar, cold plunges are more immersive, and often more conducive to experiencing the mental benefits, if that's what you're after.

Should I Consult with My Doctor Before Cold Plunging?

Most medical experts say yes. A negative shock to the system is possible if cold water exposure triggers a heart arrhythmia that causes the heart rate to slow. If you have cardiovascular issues, it’s not recommended to do a cold plunge. You should also consider plunging with a buddy, especially when plunging outdoors in natural bodies of water, and take it slow if you're a beginner.

Do Cold Plunge Tubs Burn Fat?

That cold plunging for weight loss is a popular claim on social media, there is no confirmed scientific evidence that it actually works.