Best Cold Plunge Tubs in 2025
We've spent over 100 hours researching and testing cold plunge tubs to find the best options at every price point. Whether you want a simple inflatable tub or a full chiller system, this guide covers everything you need to make the right choice.
This article is for anyone considering cold water therapy at home — from complete beginners to experienced athletes looking to upgrade their setup.
- Best Overall: Premium Cold Plunge Systems — Built-in chillers, professional grade
- Best Value: Ice Barrel Style Tubs — No electricity needed, great insulation
- Best Budget: Portable Ice Bath Tubs — Under $100, foldable options
- Best With Chiller: Cold Plunge + Chiller Combos — Complete temperature control
- Best Inflatable: Inflatable Recovery Tubs — Easy storage, travel-friendly
What to Look for in a Cold Plunge Tub
With or Without a Chiller?
This is the biggest decision you'll make. A water chiller keeps your cold plunge at a consistent temperature (typically 37–45°F / 3–7°C) around the clock. No ice needed, no prep time — just step in. The trade-off? Chillers add $1,000–4,000 to your total cost and require an electrical outlet.
Without a chiller, you'll add 40–60 lbs of ice before each session (roughly $3–5 per bag from a gas station). This works great for 2–3 sessions per week. If you plunge daily, a chiller pays for itself in ice costs within 6–12 months, according to calculations by Garage Gym Reviews.
Size and Depth
You want enough depth to submerge up to your neck — at minimum 24 inches (61 cm). Most quality tubs range from 24–30 inches deep. If you're over 6'2" (188 cm), look specifically for XL or extended models. Sitting upright (like in the Ice Barrel) submerges more of your body in less water than lying down.
Insulation
Better insulation means longer cold retention, which means less ice consumption or lower energy bills for your chiller. Multi-layer insulated walls and an insulated cover are essential. Premium tubs maintain temperature for 24+ hours in moderate climates without a chiller.
Filtration and Sanitation
Models with built-in filtration (ozone or UV) keep water clean for weeks. Without filtration, expect to change water every 3–5 uses. A bottom drain valve makes emptying significantly easier — don't overlook this feature.
Best Overall: Plunge All-In
Plunge All-In Cold Plunge
Price: $4,990 | Temp Range: 39–103°F | Chiller: Built-in 1/3 HP | Capacity: 115 gallons
The Plunge All-In represents the gold standard of at-home cold plunge tubs. Its built-in chiller cools water to 39°F (3.9°C) and maintains that temperature 24/7 with no ice required. What sets it apart is the dual hot/cold capability — the same unit heats to 103°F, giving you a hot tub and cold plunge in one.
Build quality is exceptional. The acrylic shell is reinforced and UV-resistant, with triple-layer insulation that keeps energy costs low (roughly $30–50/month depending on climate and usage). The integrated ozone sanitation system means you only need to change water every 3–4 months.
Setup takes about 30 minutes. Fill with a garden hose, plug into a standard 110V outlet (no electrician needed), and set your target temperature via the LED controller. It reaches 39°F within 4–6 hours on the first cool-down.
Dimensions: 55.5" L × 31.5" W × 24.5" D (interior). Fits users up to 6'4" comfortably when seated.
- Pros: Built-in chiller, hot/cold dual mode, ozone sanitation, premium build, quiet operation (42 dB)
- Cons: Expensive ($4,990), weighs 200+ lbs empty, needs dedicated outlet in colder climates
Best Value: Ice Barrel 400
Ice Barrel 400
Price: $1,199 | Capacity: 105 gallons | Chiller: None (ice) | Material: Recycled plastic
The Ice Barrel changed the cold plunge game with its vertical barrel design. Instead of lying down, you sit upright — which actually submerges more of your body in less water. That means less ice needed per session (roughly 20–40 lbs vs. 60+ lbs for horizontal tubs).
Made from recycled polyethylene with thick insulation, the Ice Barrel keeps ice for 2–3 days in moderate climates (60–75°F ambient). In winter, you may not need ice at all. No electricity, no plumbing, no complicated setup. Fill it, add ice, and you're ready in 15 minutes.
The barrel design has a small footprint (25.25" diameter) — it fits on a balcony, patio, or even inside a bathroom. Draining is easy via the included spigot adapter.
Dimensions: 25.25" diameter × 42" tall | Weight: 55 lbs empty | Max user size: 6'2", 250 lbs (taller users report knees above water)
- Pros: No electricity needed, great insulation, small footprint, durable, eco-friendly materials
- Cons: Vertical position isn't for everyone, no filtration, need ice, not ideal for users over 6'2"
Best Budget: XPRO Portable Ice Bath
XPRO Portable Ice Bath Tub
Price: $79–99 | Capacity: 85 gallons | Chiller: None (ice) | Material: Multi-layer PVC
Don't let the sub-$100 price fool you. The XPRO is a foldable, portable ice bath with 5-layer insulated walls that genuinely holds cold. Setup takes 5 minutes — unfold, lock the supports, fill with water, add ice. When done, drain it, fold it flat, and store it under a bed or in a closet.
It won't match the durability or insulation of a $1,000+ tub, but for the price, it's the best way to try cold water therapy without commitment. Multiple users on Reddit's r/coldplunge report using theirs 3–4 times per week for 6+ months without issues.
The insulation holds cold for about 2–4 hours depending on ambient temperature — enough for a session but not overnight storage. No drain plug on some models (you'll need to tip it), so check the listing carefully.
- Pros: Incredibly affordable, portable, folds flat, 5-minute setup, surprisingly solid
- Cons: Basic insulation (2–4 hours), less durable long-term, some models lack drain
Best With Chiller: Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
Price: $5,499 | Temp Range: 37–104°F | Chiller: 0.75 HP | Capacity: 130 gallons
The Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro features one of the most powerful chillers in the residential cold plunge market at 0.75 HP. It reaches 37°F (2.8°C) and cools down from room temperature in under 3 hours — roughly 50% faster than competitors with 1/3 HP chillers.
The WiFi-enabled controller lets you set schedules and target temperatures from your phone. Set it to cool down before your morning routine and it's ready when you wake up. The 4-stage filtration (sediment filter, carbon filter, UV-C, ozone) means water stays crystal clear for months.
At 130 gallons, this is one of the larger residential cold plunge tubs. Users up to 6'6" can fully submerge with knees slightly bent. The tub itself is marine-grade acrylic with a cedar skirt option that looks premium on any patio.
- Pros: Powerful 0.75HP chiller, WiFi app control, 4-stage filtration, large capacity, hot/cold capable
- Cons: Most expensive option ($5,499), heavy (250 lbs), requires 20A circuit, louder chiller (48 dB)
Cold Plunge Tub Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Chiller | Min Temp | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plunge All-In | $4,990 | ✅ 1/3 HP | 39°F | 115 gal | Premium daily use |
| Ice Barrel 400 | $1,199 | ❌ Ice | Ice-dependent | 105 gal | Best value |
| XPRO Portable | $79 | ❌ Ice | Ice-dependent | 85 gal | Beginners / budget |
| Sun Home Pro | $5,499 | ✅ 0.75 HP | 37°F | 130 gal | Performance / athletes |
| Inergize Inflatable | $149 | ❌ Ice | Ice-dependent | 95 gal | Portability / travel |
Cold Plunge Buying Guide
How Cold Should a Cold Plunge Be?
Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman recommends 50–59°F (10–15°C) for beginners, based on research from the Søberg et al. (2021) study published in Cell Reports Medicine. Experienced cold plungers typically work down to 37–45°F (3–7°C) over several weeks. Start warmer and decrease gradually.
How Long Should You Stay In?
Research suggests 2–3 minutes is the sweet spot for most benefits. A 2022 meta-analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 11 minutes per week total (spread across 2–4 sessions) produced optimal results for metabolism and mood. Start with 1 minute and build up.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Placement
Outdoor placement is ideal — draining and splashing aren't issues, and cold climates naturally help maintain water temperature. For indoor use, place the tub on a waterproof mat near a floor drain. Chillers generate heat exhaust and need ventilation (don't put them in a closet).
Maintenance Tips
- With chiller/filtration: Change water every 2–4 months. Clean filters monthly. Add hydrogen peroxide (1 cup per 100 gallons) weekly.
- Without filtration: Change water every 3–5 uses. Shower before plunging to reduce contaminants. Consider a UV sanitizer ($50–80).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cold plunge tub worth the money?
If you'll use it 3+ times per week, yes. The health benefits — reduced inflammation, improved mood via norepinephrine release (200–300% increase per the Søberg study), better sleep, and faster muscle recovery — compound significantly with consistent use. A budget tub under $100 lets you test the waters (literally) before investing in a premium setup.
Do I really need a chiller for my cold plunge?
Not necessarily. Without a chiller, you'll spend $3–5 per session on ice (40–60 lbs). At 4 sessions per week, that's $60–80/month in ice costs. A chiller costs $30–50/month in electricity. If you plunge 4+ times per week, a chiller saves money within 6–12 months and eliminates the hassle of buying and hauling ice bags.
Can I use a chest freezer as a cold plunge?
Yes — the DIY chest freezer cold plunge is popular on r/coldplunge. A 15+ cubic foot chest freezer ($200–400) converted with a GFCI outlet, waterproof sealant, and basic filtration costs $300–600 total. The downsides: no warranty coverage for water use, potential rust issues, and safety concerns with electrical components near water. Purpose-built tubs are safer and more convenient.
What's the difference between a cold plunge and an ice bath?
Functionally, they're the same — immersing your body in cold water (typically below 59°F/15°C). "Cold plunge tub" usually refers to a dedicated vessel designed for cold water therapy, often with a chiller. "Ice bath" traditionally means filling any container with water and ice. The physiological benefits are identical at the same temperature.
How often should you cold plunge?
Research supports 3–4 sessions per week for optimal benefits. The 2022 meta-analysis recommends accumulating 11 minutes of total cold exposure per week. That's roughly 2–3 minutes per session, 4 days per week. Daily plunging is safe for most healthy adults, but listen to your body — if you feel numbness, tingling, or excessive shivering, end the session.
Are cold plunges safe?
For most healthy adults, yes. Cold water immersion is contraindicated for people with uncontrolled hypertension, heart conditions (particularly arrhythmias), Raynaud's disease, or who are pregnant. Always consult your doctor before starting cold water therapy if you have any cardiovascular conditions. Never cold plunge alone if you're a beginner — the cold shock response can cause involuntary gasping.