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.

Now we're sharing our absolute favorite cold plunge tubs and ice baths on the market to channel your inner Wim Hoff for the ultimate at-home polar plunge.

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

While you can always opt for free ways to explore cold water therapy—like a cold shower or dip in a lake—these tubs offer a few perks:

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

Prices for a cold plunge tub start at $3,790 and increase up to $30,000 for some models, like BlueCube. Our most expensive selection is just under $13,000. (But you do not need to spend that much!)

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.

We tested it: Read our full breakdown of the Plunge here.

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.

The external chiller then cooled water to their desired temperature. Pro tip: The chiller only drops the water temperature by 1 to 2 degrees per hour. If that feels too slow, we suggest upgrading to the pro chiller, which is at least three times faster.

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.

Upkeep will cost about $190 for six months (or about $32 per month), but that includes a monthly filter replacement and chemicals required to monitor pH, alkalinity, and sanitation levels.

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

Our tester was 5'11 and felt comfortable lounging, however they felt anyone taller might have felt like the Plunge was a tight squeeze when fully horizontal.

The Plunge is made from a combination of acrylic and fiberglas with a reinforced metal base for added durability. We felt the materials were sturdy enough for regular outdoor use—even on hot sunny days or much chillier temperatures (like when our tester received the Plunge).

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.

Despite an ultra versatile design, the Inergize cools water from 65° to 37° Fahrenheit in less than 5 hours; this cooling power or HP is actually higher than the Plunge—which explains the price point.

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.

Although you'll only need one person to complete the installation, expect to put in a little legwork—or should we say armwork—to inflate the tub with the dual action hand pump.

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.

Unlike other brands, Inergize does not offer a curated kit of filter replacements and water sanitization solutions. However the brand's maintenance guide includes links to preferred products with clear instructions.

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

Inergize reviews show those up to 250 pounds and 6-foot-4-inches tall can fit (though submersion may be harder).

Expect your tub to last longer if you're keeping it one place; the wear-and-tear of moving around constantly puts natural stress on the materials and external chiller.

The next-big-thing in the cold plunge world isn't actually cooling water down; it's heating H2O up for hot 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.

It's a basic yet aesthetic design that offers great value at less than $3800.

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

You'll need to handle getting the 140-pound to your desired location from the delivery crate.

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).

There's no built-in filter to help keep the water clean between use, so it's essential to understand how to sanitize water using chemicals.

The Brainpod is the same length as the original Plunge, which is ideal for those who are 6 foot and under.

Still deciding between the Plunge and Polar Monkeys? Check out this full brand comparison of Plunge vs Polar Monkeys.

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).

We tested it: Read our full review here.

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.

Best used in fresh water, the stabilizer helps keep water sanitized for up to 45 days.

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).

If you're shorter or rounder, check out the new design: the Ice Barrel 300. Its larger opening is better suited to heavier folks.

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

As long as you use the included UV and water-resistant cover, you can expect the recycled plastic to stick around for a lifetime.

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.

What's more, the energy-efficient tub also has a super insulated design that can keep water temperatures below 60° Fahrenheit for up to 24 hours once the tub is turned off.

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).

Luckily, the chiller is already contained and attached, so you'll just need to plug into a standard 110V outlet to get started.

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

You'll need to replace the filter every month and test the water to ensure it's up to par. Thankfully, an enclosed lid and active purification means maintenance is relatively simple.

Renu upgraded its cold plunge tub design to have a larger water tank, so it could fit a wider array of body sizes. In fact, it's one of the longest tanks on our list.

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

Crafted for indoor and outdoor use, Renu tubs are constructed with quality materials, all selected for their ability to withstand harsh conditions and UV rays.

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.

Just note: Only the Plunge pool comes with an optional heating element (up to 107°F), an upgrade that's currently free.

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.

We suggest calling the movers and refrigeration experts at the same time to streamline the process.

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.

You can even add a UV sanitizer for $750 for even less maintenance.

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.

If you're purchasing for a commercial space—like a spa or gym—we suggest investing in the pro model for another $2,000, which increases the power of the chiller to ensure it's up to the strain of consistent use throughout the day.

With proper care—including cedar wood staining every six months—you should expect your Odin to be around for the long haul.

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.

If you've learned anything to so far, this combination of high flow rate and ultra low temps is a rare technological feat for cold plunge tubs.

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 hardest part will be picking a spot with a 110V outlet; luckily it can be indoors or outside.

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

Just expect to clean and replace your filter, depending on how heavily you use the tub.

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

The 72-inch is similar to the Renu Therapy option, which fits those up to 6 foot 7 inches tall.

Another investment option, the Morozko Force is meant to to last. It's constructed with a durable cedar frame with ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) protection for improved safety.

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.

Other differentiators for the Ice Pod Pro include a water flow pump—which circulates water to prevent your body heat from warming the water or the ice from freezing solid—and a floating thermometer to monitor the temperature to reach the perfect 50 to 59 degree Fahrenheit range.

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 struggle to follow instructions should go with the Pro model; it comes with an insulated lid that keeps water cool between uses for fewer setups.

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

But if water bills are expensive and you plan to plunge often, we'd recommend that you do some independent research on how to keep the water fresh (you'll find great inspo above).

Per the brand, this portable tub should fit a wide range of bodies. While it looks small in photos, it holds a whopping 79 gallons of water (despite the frame weighing less than 7 pounds).

As mentioned, this design is way sturdier than anything you'd find on Amazon. However it still costs less than $200—so you shouldn't expect this purchase to last forever.

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.

The benefit of the latter is that you can often determine the exact temperature of the water, which should be less than 10°C," per cold therapy expert Mark Harper, M.D., Ph.D. (Note: 10°C is 50°F.)

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.

If you want a more affordable option, you'll likely have to settle for an ice bath, which uses still (rather than flowing) water . Many baths require you to fill with ice and water with insulated constructions that can keep the water cool up—sometimes up to 3 days.

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.

While our list has both ice baths and cold plunge tubs—as the former tends to be more affordable—those hoping to maximize their cold plunge experience should focus on options with a higher water flow rate.

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. 

Here's why you might want to add a cold plunge tub to your routine:

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.

Additionally, shocking your body with a switch between hot and cold extremes can also improve your health, as longevity expert and Harvard geneticist David Sinclair, Ph.D., explains on the mbg podcast. "Sauna protects you against heart disease if you do it regularly, and cold plunges are increasingly thought to be helpful. What [they do] is activate the production of brown fat, which exists mostly in your back. Brown fat puts out signals that increase your metabolism," he explains. 

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.

"You're purposely putting yourself in quite a bit of pain because the ice bath is not a pleasant experience, but because you're choosing to do it, it gives you a sense of empowerment. Since it's a choice, it also means you're more resilient to things that are out of your control because you're choosing to put yourself in this uncomfortable position," he shares.

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.

RELATED: Ice Barrel Review + The Health Benefits

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.

RELATED: The Best At-Home Cold Therapy Machines For Muscle Relief and Recovery

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.

Want other ways to invest in your health? Explore the benefits of hot and cold therapy, and check out or picks for the best infrared saunas and infrared sauna blankets.

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.

Additional reporting by Merrell Readman.